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Goode Girls #1.5
Making Merry
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
There’s no room at the Inn...
Sprightly Victorian spinster Vanessa Latimer is stranded for the holidays in the Scottish Highlands by a relentless winter blizzard. She takes refuge at a centuries-old inn where the only available room is haunted by the ghost of a warrior who fell at Culloden Moor.
One who refuses to give up his side of the bed.
Johnathan de Lohr awakens to find a siren bathing in the chamber of sorrows that keeps his restless spirit imprisoned. Though he’s the ghost, John knows that the captivating woman will be the one to haunt him.
Unless they can figure out a way to set his tormented soul free.
Please note: This novella is also connected to The Victorian Rebels Series
Previously published in the anthology, A Very Highland Christmas.
There’s no room at the Inn...
Sprightly Victorian spinster Vanessa Latimer is stranded for the holidays in the Scottish Highlands by a relentless winter blizzard. She takes refuge at a centuries-old inn where the only available room is haunted by the ghost of a warrior who fell at Culloden Moor.
One who refuses to give up his side of the bed.
Johnathan de Lohr awakens to find a siren bathing in the chamber of sorrows that keeps his restless spirit imprisoned. Though he’s the ghost, John knows that the captivating woman will be the one to haunt him.
Unless they can figure out a way to set his tormented soul free.
Please note: This novella is also connected to The Victorian Rebels Series
Previously published in the anthology, A Very Highland Christmas.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2020
307 people are currently reading
1226 people want to read
About the author
Kerrigan Byrne
71 books5,025 followersIf you're anything like me, the best night is one spent with a brawny highlander, a mysterious werewolf, a conflicted vampire, or a hot-headed Irishman. My stories span the spectrum of romantic fiction from historical, to paranormal, to romantic suspense. But I can always promise my readers one thing: memorable and sexy Celtic heroes who are guaranteed to heat your blood before they steal your heart. Lose yourself in the enchanted Celtic Isles, you never know who, or what, will find you...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
April 29, 2022
He’d only had to die and wait a century and a half to meet her. It had been worth it.
Miss Vanessa Latimer is stranded in the Scottish highlands and she has no choice but to stay at the nearby inn. The only room available is the one haunted by a man who died at Culloden moor. When she has an encounter with the restless soul, Vanessa is more elated than frightened. Suddenly one night is enough to fall in love… but both know it could never be for he had lived and died in the past.
This one is a novella so I can’t judge it fairly. It is shorter which results in instant attraction and insta-love. It all happened in one night so of course their feelings for each other were a bit too quick but I can’t really complain. I love time-traveling romance books or just the idea of a love that transcends time so I was excited to read this one. I know it isn’t a time travel romance and the hero is a ghost but of course I was still interested because I wanted to read a touching romance. Since it all happened very quickly, I wasn’t sold on their love for each other. But then again, it is a novella so perhaps for a novella this was a good one. Did not care too much for either the hero/heroine as well. The way things were wrapped off was too happy. I mean yes, happily ever after is a requirement for a romance book but to be honest I feel like I would have liked this so much better if John’s soul was just put to rest and the heroine went on with her life. But that is the side of me that sometimes likes sad books talking. Another part of me is satisfied with the ending although I still think it makes no sense a man would be born without a soul. But nothing has to make sense since this is a ghost romance. One has to turn off the logical side of the brain when reading this. It is light and short so it won’t be too hard to just enjoy it for what it was. Anyway, I am not sure I am a fan of novellas since they don’t really do it for me. I need time to be invested in the story. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t remarkable either. Perhaps if it had been a full length novel, it would have been so much better and much more emotionally rewarding.
Some Quotes:
“I can feel your heart beating.” “Really?” he murmured. Because he could only feel it breaking.
“Will you do something for me, Vanessa?” “Anything.” He slid the ring that belonged on his pinky onto her ring finger. “Return this ring to Lioncross Abbey for me. Perhaps it can put me to final rest.” She curled her fingers into a fist. “Perhaps, if I keep the ring with me, I’ll keep you, too,” she slurred, half asleep. “You could be my ghost. You could haunt me.”
He couldn’t decide what would be worse, dying before his time and missing what might have been. Or existing past his death and learning what he was still missing.
Miss Vanessa Latimer is stranded in the Scottish highlands and she has no choice but to stay at the nearby inn. The only room available is the one haunted by a man who died at Culloden moor. When she has an encounter with the restless soul, Vanessa is more elated than frightened. Suddenly one night is enough to fall in love… but both know it could never be for he had lived and died in the past.
This one is a novella so I can’t judge it fairly. It is shorter which results in instant attraction and insta-love. It all happened in one night so of course their feelings for each other were a bit too quick but I can’t really complain. I love time-traveling romance books or just the idea of a love that transcends time so I was excited to read this one. I know it isn’t a time travel romance and the hero is a ghost but of course I was still interested because I wanted to read a touching romance. Since it all happened very quickly, I wasn’t sold on their love for each other. But then again, it is a novella so perhaps for a novella this was a good one. Did not care too much for either the hero/heroine as well. The way things were wrapped off was too happy. I mean yes, happily ever after is a requirement for a romance book but to be honest I feel like I would have liked this so much better if John’s soul was just put to rest and the heroine went on with her life. But that is the side of me that sometimes likes sad books talking. Another part of me is satisfied with the ending although I still think it makes no sense a man would be born without a soul. But nothing has to make sense since this is a ghost romance. One has to turn off the logical side of the brain when reading this. It is light and short so it won’t be too hard to just enjoy it for what it was. Anyway, I am not sure I am a fan of novellas since they don’t really do it for me. I need time to be invested in the story. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t remarkable either. Perhaps if it had been a full length novel, it would have been so much better and much more emotionally rewarding.
Some Quotes:
“I can feel your heart beating.” “Really?” he murmured. Because he could only feel it breaking.
“Will you do something for me, Vanessa?” “Anything.” He slid the ring that belonged on his pinky onto her ring finger. “Return this ring to Lioncross Abbey for me. Perhaps it can put me to final rest.” She curled her fingers into a fist. “Perhaps, if I keep the ring with me, I’ll keep you, too,” she slurred, half asleep. “You could be my ghost. You could haunt me.”
He couldn’t decide what would be worse, dying before his time and missing what might have been. Or existing past his death and learning what he was still missing.
November 19, 2020
Such a satisfying listen for so small a package…
It is no secret that I’m a SERIOUSLY big fan of Kerrigan Byrne and her historical romances. I’ve even questioned my loyalty at times, worrying that I’m wearing rose coloured glasses. But, no, it seems that it doesn’t matter what she writes, it just works for me. For example … The Earl of Christmas Past. See, I’m not normally a huge fan of ghostly romances. I mean, how the heck can I be satisfied, when one in the couple, is untouchable? Well, fellow readers, Kerrigan Byrne has all the answers and I was left very, very satisfied.
This is a really short listen that was surprisingly satisfying. Maybe, surprisingly is a bit harsh a term. It’s just that a couple of hours of listening doesn’t normally give me enough storyline to engage with the characters to believe in their HEA. In this case, the storyline flowed beautifully, the characters were developed enough to ‘get’ them, and their connection, while impulsive, worked well.
Honestly, if you’ve never tried an audiobook and you’re a fan of historical romances, this would be a fantastic introduction. For starters, it’s done with dual narration which means you don’t have to listen to a male narrator ‘do’ a female or vice versa. Secondly, we are treated to one of the best male narrators in romance, Shane East. Holy Shamoly! That bloke has a very sexy English accent, and I could listen to him for hours and hours and hours. Stella Hunter is no slouch and brings her characters to life and is extremely easy to listen to.
Honestly, I can't tell you how Vanessa (I'm guessing she's the connection) is connected to the Victorian Rebels Series or for that matter, the Goode Girls. But, that's a good thing for readers/listeners who have not experienced either of those series'. I'm about to revisit Sir Carlton Morley and Prudence Goode (A Dark and Stormy Knight, #7 Victorian Rebels / Seducing a Stranger, #1 Goode Girls), so hopefully, that will jog my memory. 😉
If you’re a fan of historical romances with a touch of paranormal and looking for a Christmas treat to get into the spirit of the holidays, I highly recommend giving The Earl of Christmas Past a try.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced audio copy of this story.
It is no secret that I’m a SERIOUSLY big fan of Kerrigan Byrne and her historical romances. I’ve even questioned my loyalty at times, worrying that I’m wearing rose coloured glasses. But, no, it seems that it doesn’t matter what she writes, it just works for me. For example … The Earl of Christmas Past. See, I’m not normally a huge fan of ghostly romances. I mean, how the heck can I be satisfied, when one in the couple, is untouchable? Well, fellow readers, Kerrigan Byrne has all the answers and I was left very, very satisfied.
This is a really short listen that was surprisingly satisfying. Maybe, surprisingly is a bit harsh a term. It’s just that a couple of hours of listening doesn’t normally give me enough storyline to engage with the characters to believe in their HEA. In this case, the storyline flowed beautifully, the characters were developed enough to ‘get’ them, and their connection, while impulsive, worked well.
Honestly, if you’ve never tried an audiobook and you’re a fan of historical romances, this would be a fantastic introduction. For starters, it’s done with dual narration which means you don’t have to listen to a male narrator ‘do’ a female or vice versa. Secondly, we are treated to one of the best male narrators in romance, Shane East. Holy Shamoly! That bloke has a very sexy English accent, and I could listen to him for hours and hours and hours. Stella Hunter is no slouch and brings her characters to life and is extremely easy to listen to.
Honestly, I can't tell you how Vanessa (I'm guessing she's the connection) is connected to the Victorian Rebels Series or for that matter, the Goode Girls. But, that's a good thing for readers/listeners who have not experienced either of those series'. I'm about to revisit Sir Carlton Morley and Prudence Goode (A Dark and Stormy Knight, #7 Victorian Rebels / Seducing a Stranger, #1 Goode Girls), so hopefully, that will jog my memory. 😉
If you’re a fan of historical romances with a touch of paranormal and looking for a Christmas treat to get into the spirit of the holidays, I highly recommend giving The Earl of Christmas Past a try.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced audio copy of this story.
December 16, 2020
3.5 stars!
This was a pretty good novella about Vanessa Latimer getting stuck in a snowstorm in the Scottish Highlands. She ends up getting the last room at an old inn, but this room has been haunted for years.
During solstice, Vanessa meets the ghost of Johnathan de Lohr. John is an English captain and Earl that was killed in the battle of Culloden Moor, and the sparks and chemistry happen!
Was this a bit unbelievable? Totally!
Did a enjoy it? You bet!
I thought the mystery of why John haunts this room in the inn was interesting. I liked how that was done and resolved, along with the whole "falling in love with a ghost" plot.
It worked well enough for a short story set during Christmas time.
This was a pretty good novella about Vanessa Latimer getting stuck in a snowstorm in the Scottish Highlands. She ends up getting the last room at an old inn, but this room has been haunted for years.
During solstice, Vanessa meets the ghost of Johnathan de Lohr. John is an English captain and Earl that was killed in the battle of Culloden Moor, and the sparks and chemistry happen!
Was this a bit unbelievable? Totally!
Did a enjoy it? You bet!
I thought the mystery of why John haunts this room in the inn was interesting. I liked how that was done and resolved, along with the whole "falling in love with a ghost" plot.
It worked well enough for a short story set during Christmas time.
December 14, 2020
Well, pretty darn good. No surprises really. Love with a ghost (and corporeal enough to have sex too). And then the ghost possessed the empty soulless vessel who was always waiting for him. That's been clearly intended since Vanessa mentioned the modern man.
I MAY check out more by this author after all!
I MAY check out more by this author after all!
December 12, 2020
don’t ask me why, but I was convinced that the ghost in this story is gonna be a metaphor of some sort for a guy who is like a recluse or something… I know, I know… don’t judge, I have no idea what I waa thinking ;) because it’s definitely a ghost ghost :) since this is a novella I can’t really talk to you about the details so I won’t spoil you anything, so I will say this… it’s a historical romance with a sprinkle of christmas magic to give you a happy ending :) and what I am confirming every time I read one of her books, Kerrigan Byrne is an author that I apparently can’t rate less than 5 stars and I don’t care :) her writing just brings me such joy, even though more often than not her stories include very serious topics… but each of them gives me a wonderful ending and I am here for it :)
XOXO
A
XOXO
A
December 5, 2021
I can ALWAYS count on Kerrigan to give me that “Good-good.” This book was short, and left me wanting so much more. I recently started reading ghost romances, and I really love them if done well, and surprise, Kerrigan DID NOT disappoint.
I love how all the books connects the characters together. This is about Vanessa, who is Veronica’s younger sister from book six in The Victorian Rebels series. This is a forced proximity with a ghost...let that sink in. The scene where Johnathan is “awakened” by the bathtub scene is scorching hot. It’s all in the details in how KB even describes the water dripping from her body against the backdrop of the light, and the umm..effect this had on Johnathan’s, shall we say..member. I was fascinated with this story, and how Johnathan was a warrior who fell at Culloden moor. I love the chemistry between this ghostly hero, and alluring “siren.” However will Johnathan’s tormented soul gain freedom as a man again. You must read or listen (audio narration in this book is LIFE) to find out!
“He made a deep appreciative sound in his throat that plucked a chord inside of her that vibrated deep. Deeper than church bells, bag pipes or the crescendo of the most tragic opera..deeper in the recesses of her body and soul than she dared contemplate right now.”
Just an example of KB’s stellar, magical writing skills. I am her biggest Fangirl...or one of them anyway. Releases 12/1 on audio, and kindle.
I love how all the books connects the characters together. This is about Vanessa, who is Veronica’s younger sister from book six in The Victorian Rebels series. This is a forced proximity with a ghost...let that sink in. The scene where Johnathan is “awakened” by the bathtub scene is scorching hot. It’s all in the details in how KB even describes the water dripping from her body against the backdrop of the light, and the umm..effect this had on Johnathan’s, shall we say..member. I was fascinated with this story, and how Johnathan was a warrior who fell at Culloden moor. I love the chemistry between this ghostly hero, and alluring “siren.” However will Johnathan’s tormented soul gain freedom as a man again. You must read or listen (audio narration in this book is LIFE) to find out!
“He made a deep appreciative sound in his throat that plucked a chord inside of her that vibrated deep. Deeper than church bells, bag pipes or the crescendo of the most tragic opera..deeper in the recesses of her body and soul than she dared contemplate right now.”
Just an example of KB’s stellar, magical writing skills. I am her biggest Fangirl...or one of them anyway. Releases 12/1 on audio, and kindle.
February 2, 2022
4 Ghostly Stars
Honestly, I wasn't sure how I would feel about a ghost materializing enough to have a one-night stand with a live woman, but hearing it narrated by Shane East and Stella Hunter was a treat, they brought something extra to the table to make it a truly enjoyable listen.
Vanessa, our heroine is deemed unsuitable for marriage given her independent nature and unwillingness to sit back and just do a husband's bidding. Jonathan, is her ghostly love interest and our hero who died years ago but is stuck haunting a room at a Scottish Inn until Vanessa stumbles in and frees his soul from it's earthly tether to the Inn.
I really can’t say much more without giving to much away but needless to say if you’re a fan of Kerrigan Byrne you’ll definitely enjoy this novella.
Honestly, I wasn't sure how I would feel about a ghost materializing enough to have a one-night stand with a live woman, but hearing it narrated by Shane East and Stella Hunter was a treat, they brought something extra to the table to make it a truly enjoyable listen.
Vanessa, our heroine is deemed unsuitable for marriage given her independent nature and unwillingness to sit back and just do a husband's bidding. Jonathan, is her ghostly love interest and our hero who died years ago but is stuck haunting a room at a Scottish Inn until Vanessa stumbles in and frees his soul from it's earthly tether to the Inn.
I really can’t say much more without giving to much away but needless to say if you’re a fan of Kerrigan Byrne you’ll definitely enjoy this novella.
May 24, 2024
⭐⭐💫
2½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Ghost romance.
Some sweet moments.
Not set in London.
Somewhat interesting main characters.
➖ What I disliked:
Anachronistic.
Too rushed.
(Even for a novella/short story.)
The relationship moves very fast and there is barely any romance/romantic build-up and the chemistry is rushed and unconvincing.
Too much of insta-lust and insta-love.
Very thin plot.
Because the story is rushed there is hardly any time for the main characters to get to know each other.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice.
(Tall and big and muscular hero …. And a petite/short and small/”delicate” heroine and it is also harped on too much about the size difference.)
Plot-holes.
Rather abrupt ending.
The main characters needed more depth.
2½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Ghost romance.
Some sweet moments.
Not set in London.
Somewhat interesting main characters.
➖ What I disliked:
Anachronistic.
Too rushed.
(Even for a novella/short story.)
The relationship moves very fast and there is barely any romance/romantic build-up and the chemistry is rushed and unconvincing.
Too much of insta-lust and insta-love.
Very thin plot.
Because the story is rushed there is hardly any time for the main characters to get to know each other.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice.
(Tall and big and muscular hero …. And a petite/short and small/”delicate” heroine and it is also harped on too much about the size difference.)
Plot-holes.
Rather abrupt ending.
The main characters needed more depth.
December 18, 2023
**re-read 12/18/2023 **
You know this was somehow better than I ever remember it being. And my memory is pretty damn good. Shane East and Stella Hunter really brought this book to life, and I loved it just as much this time as I did the first time around.
I do believe Making Merry should become one of those yearly traditions because I really don't want to go two years again without getting me some ghost dick.
**original review 08/25/2021 **
First, huge shout out to the ladies at Audibly Addicted for dedicating a whole episode of their podcast to ghost dick and all that entails. Of course, that piqued my curiosity but when I found out it was narrated by Shane East and Stella Hunter, I was one-clicking this baby so quick. More than that though we got Scottish Stella and Angry Shane which is just the icing on top of an already delicious cake.
Victorian spinster Vanessa Latimer is stranded in the Scottish Highlands for the holidays. She was left on the side of the road by her driver but luckily the proprietor's wife of an old inn takes pity on her and accepts her payment for the night. With it being so last minute the only room available is the room that is inhabited by a ghost. Victoria figures if the room comes with a hot bath, a fire and warm food she can handle anything, even a ghost.
Johnathan de Lohr awakens after some time to find a beautiful woman in his chamber bathing and while he might be dead, he isn't blind, and the woman is utterly captivating. He hasn't been with a woman in close to 150 years, but he is immediately pulled to this woman.
After quite the fright from Johnathan, Victoria is taking it in that she is speaking with a ghost. As their night goes on both realize that the pull, they are feeling for one another is much more than just the ghostly magic around the room. How can anything come of it though when Johnathan is dead, and Victoria deserves so much more out of life than she has been given?
While I fully standby the fact that historical romances aren't generally my thing, I do think I need more highland and Scottish historical romances in my life because I could totally see myself falling down the delicious wormhole of the world that Kerrigan Byrne has created.
You know this was somehow better than I ever remember it being. And my memory is pretty damn good. Shane East and Stella Hunter really brought this book to life, and I loved it just as much this time as I did the first time around.
I do believe Making Merry should become one of those yearly traditions because I really don't want to go two years again without getting me some ghost dick.
**original review 08/25/2021 **
First, huge shout out to the ladies at Audibly Addicted for dedicating a whole episode of their podcast to ghost dick and all that entails. Of course, that piqued my curiosity but when I found out it was narrated by Shane East and Stella Hunter, I was one-clicking this baby so quick. More than that though we got Scottish Stella and Angry Shane which is just the icing on top of an already delicious cake.
Victorian spinster Vanessa Latimer is stranded in the Scottish Highlands for the holidays. She was left on the side of the road by her driver but luckily the proprietor's wife of an old inn takes pity on her and accepts her payment for the night. With it being so last minute the only room available is the room that is inhabited by a ghost. Victoria figures if the room comes with a hot bath, a fire and warm food she can handle anything, even a ghost.
Johnathan de Lohr awakens after some time to find a beautiful woman in his chamber bathing and while he might be dead, he isn't blind, and the woman is utterly captivating. He hasn't been with a woman in close to 150 years, but he is immediately pulled to this woman.
After quite the fright from Johnathan, Victoria is taking it in that she is speaking with a ghost. As their night goes on both realize that the pull, they are feeling for one another is much more than just the ghostly magic around the room. How can anything come of it though when Johnathan is dead, and Victoria deserves so much more out of life than she has been given?
While I fully standby the fact that historical romances aren't generally my thing, I do think I need more highland and Scottish historical romances in my life because I could totally see myself falling down the delicious wormhole of the world that Kerrigan Byrne has created.
December 16, 2022
Excuse me how am I just finding out TODAY that Kerrigan Byrne wrote a devastatingly horny ghost holiday novella?? It was EXCELLENT and SO SEXY
May 13, 2023
Sitting in between the Goode Girls series and Victorian Rebels this is a ghost story with a difference. Wildly improbable, a treat!
June 26, 2021
Absolutely loved this book to bits!
You see ghost romance are always my weakness and this book was done fanatastically.
Loved the heroine and hero.
I wish it was a bit more long.
Safe and recommended.
You see ghost romance are always my weakness and this book was done fanatastically.
Loved the heroine and hero.
I wish it was a bit more long.
Safe and recommended.
January 22, 2021
The relationship happens super fast in this read and there are no surprises. It made for a light and easy read (as long as you leave reality firmly at the door).
Acquired via KU.
Acquired via KU.
February 6, 2023
Short and very spicy!
November 26, 2020
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Earl of Christmas Past is a holiday novella...with a paranormal twist! This novella fits in both the Victorian Rebels series and the upcoming Goode Girls series. It can most definitely be read as a standalone!
Vanessa Latimer is snowbound in Scotland. She finds shelter at an inn, only to discover that her room is haunted by a ghost. Johnathan de Lohr has been dead for 150 years, but he has no idea why he is stuck as a ghost on this plane of existence. Vanessa and John's connection is instant and their relationship develops rather quickly, but the author does a great job showing us that Vanessa and John are basically fated to be together. Also...these two burn up the sheets together 🔥
At first, I wasn't too sure how it would all work out, especially since this is a novella. But I was pleasantly surprised with how the HEA unfolded. And I am also satisfied with the length of the story. It all worked out superbly and now I'm gonna need Kerrigan Byrne to write more paranormal historical romances 👀
The Earl of Christmas Past is a holiday novella...with a paranormal twist! This novella fits in both the Victorian Rebels series and the upcoming Goode Girls series. It can most definitely be read as a standalone!
Vanessa Latimer is snowbound in Scotland. She finds shelter at an inn, only to discover that her room is haunted by a ghost. Johnathan de Lohr has been dead for 150 years, but he has no idea why he is stuck as a ghost on this plane of existence. Vanessa and John's connection is instant and their relationship develops rather quickly, but the author does a great job showing us that Vanessa and John are basically fated to be together. Also...these two burn up the sheets together 🔥
At first, I wasn't too sure how it would all work out, especially since this is a novella. But I was pleasantly surprised with how the HEA unfolded. And I am also satisfied with the length of the story. It all worked out superbly and now I'm gonna need Kerrigan Byrne to write more paranormal historical romances 👀
May 24, 2023
I didn't know this was a thing. That being said, I was a bit confused by the ending, which felt too rushed. I know, I know, it's a novella; it's supposed to be short and quick, but it could do with cutting in some pages of introspection for a more enhanced ending..
👻👻👻
👻👻👻
May 3, 2022
Vanessa Latimer is travelling to Scotland when a blizzard took hold. There is an accident with the carriage, so she sets out to find an inn. I had to laugh when she got to the inn and found Johnathan de Lohr, a ghost, in her room. She talks of things like photographs, cameras, and things he had never heard of (he died over a hundred years ago).
Omg, I nearly cried at the end of this story. I won't give away the ending. It was so lovely. A short story, and so incredible. 5☆
Omg, I nearly cried at the end of this story. I won't give away the ending. It was so lovely. A short story, and so incredible. 5☆
April 22, 2022
Phenomenal novella! John was 🔥. The story was interesting and ended just how I hoped.
November 24, 2020
The Earl of Christmas Past by Kerrigan Bryne: 5-Stars A paranormal tale about Vanessa Latimer, an independent woman, who is trapped at the Balthazar Inn during a blizzard on the Solstice. The Inn is packed and the innkeeper is forced to lend her the only room not occupied - the one haunted by the ghost of an English officer, Johnathan de Lohr, who perished at the Battle of Culloden 150 years ago. Some Solstice magic is afoot and it is long overdue.
December 4, 2020
You all know Kerrigan Byrne is my favorite, so if she’s putting out a new book/novella (anything really 😆) then I’m reading it! Her latest release is a holiday novella called The Earl of Christmas Past! ❄️ This has ties (very loose ties which I mention at the end) to both her Victorian Rebels and Goode Girls series but you can definitely read this on it’s own too.
It’s winter solstice in the year 1891 and the heroine is Vanessa, who loves adventure and is currently in the Scottish Highlands to do some winter photography around Loch Ness. But a winter blizzard blows through and she ends up needing a room at a centuries-old inn she stops at. The only room left is one said to be haunted by a ghost....but the night is cold, her clothes are frozen and a toasty room with a hot bath, warm food and a bed sound good enough to her. While bathing, the spirit/ghost Jonathan appears to Vanessa and he is so surprised she isn’t afraid or spooked by him. But of course Vanessa loves mysteries & adventures too much and is more curious about Jonathan than afraid. Jonathan was an Earl who died fighting during the battle of Culloden and has been imprisoned at the inn for the past 150 years. These 2 have a connection right away and it was fun being swept up into their story that is filled with a little bit of wintery magic! Kerrigan Byrne always delivers on an amazing story with all the sizzle & scorch! 🔥
❄️This novella was also previously published in the anthology A Very Highland Christmas. So I love information/researching/knowing things, so if you’re like me and want to know how this story connects to the other 2 series’ well here ya go....the heroine, Vanessa, is connected to characters in The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo (VR book 6) — Vanessa’s sister is Veronica, a character we meet who is a sister-in-law to the heroine in that book. And Vanessa also has a bit of a past connection to Honoria Goode — a side character we met in A Dark & Stormy Knight (VR book 7)/which has been renamed to Seducing a Stranger (Goode Girls book 1) and we will see more of Honoria in Courting Trouble (Goode Girls book 2). ❄️ I feel like soon (possibly already 🤣) we are going to need a master chart/map of how all these characters interconnect! Lol but I absolutely love it and can’t wait for more!
It’s winter solstice in the year 1891 and the heroine is Vanessa, who loves adventure and is currently in the Scottish Highlands to do some winter photography around Loch Ness. But a winter blizzard blows through and she ends up needing a room at a centuries-old inn she stops at. The only room left is one said to be haunted by a ghost....but the night is cold, her clothes are frozen and a toasty room with a hot bath, warm food and a bed sound good enough to her. While bathing, the spirit/ghost Jonathan appears to Vanessa and he is so surprised she isn’t afraid or spooked by him. But of course Vanessa loves mysteries & adventures too much and is more curious about Jonathan than afraid. Jonathan was an Earl who died fighting during the battle of Culloden and has been imprisoned at the inn for the past 150 years. These 2 have a connection right away and it was fun being swept up into their story that is filled with a little bit of wintery magic! Kerrigan Byrne always delivers on an amazing story with all the sizzle & scorch! 🔥
❄️This novella was also previously published in the anthology A Very Highland Christmas. So I love information/researching/knowing things, so if you’re like me and want to know how this story connects to the other 2 series’ well here ya go....the heroine, Vanessa, is connected to characters in The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo (VR book 6) — Vanessa’s sister is Veronica, a character we meet who is a sister-in-law to the heroine in that book. And Vanessa also has a bit of a past connection to Honoria Goode — a side character we met in A Dark & Stormy Knight (VR book 7)/which has been renamed to Seducing a Stranger (Goode Girls book 1) and we will see more of Honoria in Courting Trouble (Goode Girls book 2). ❄️ I feel like soon (possibly already 🤣) we are going to need a master chart/map of how all these characters interconnect! Lol but I absolutely love it and can’t wait for more!
December 1, 2021
2021 Holiday season re-read: This novella is just as enchanting the second time around! It’s a beautiful story of passion and true soulmate love. And even though I knew how it was going to end (don’t read any spoilers!), the ending still took my breath away and left me with a huge smile on my face. Highly recommended!
(It looks like there’s been a title change; the story was originally titled The Earl of Christmas Past but is now called Making Merry)
*** original review ***
Ten stars - a story to read again and again. And oh, that ending ❤️
(It looks like there’s been a title change; the story was originally titled The Earl of Christmas Past but is now called Making Merry)
*** original review ***
Ten stars - a story to read again and again. And oh, that ending ❤️
April 4, 2024
Prch Amz Jan 24, 2021
4.25 Stars
While there was some areas I would have liked to have gotten More this was fast paced and very satisfying.
Very different from her other books in that there is a 'Supernatural' element in the romance.
It was intriguing and there is a mystery as to 'Why'
It was hot and steamy and Oh so Well Written!
I really enjoyed it.
4.25 Stars
While there was some areas I would have liked to have gotten More this was fast paced and very satisfying.
Very different from her other books in that there is a 'Supernatural' element in the romance.
It was intriguing and there is a mystery as to 'Why'
It was hot and steamy and Oh so Well Written!
I really enjoyed it.
December 5, 2022
3.5 Stars.
This is a paranormal romance and that's not my go-to genre, so I don't have much reference for comparison. I enjoyed the story though! It is a quick and well-written read. I would have rated it higher, but the explanation for the HEA is wrapped up rather quickly leaving me a bit confused.
Free on KU!
This is a paranormal romance and that's not my go-to genre, so I don't have much reference for comparison. I enjoyed the story though! It is a quick and well-written read. I would have rated it higher, but the explanation for the HEA is wrapped up rather quickly leaving me a bit confused.
Free on KU!
December 23, 2022
1891 in the Highlands, Vanessa Latimer is stranded for the holidays in the Scottish Highlands. Whilst bathing, she encounters the ghost of Johnathan de Lohr, a warrior. Grab your earbuds, and curl up by the fire for this decedent holiday listen.
If you are looking for a steamy holiday listen, Making Merry is a delightful tale where a tarnished lady meets a 150-year-old ghost while visiting the Scottish Highlands hoping to capture a photo of the Loch Ness. The story isn’t overly complicated, but the author brought the characters and their story to life.
If you are wondering how a ghost and lady could have a heated evening or even a happily ever after, I assure you dear listener Byrne has worked her magic. I felt deeply for Vanessa and all that was done to her and was delighted to learn more about Johnathan.
Told in duet style and performed by Stella Hunter and Shane East, listeners are in for a treat. It’s the perfect listen by the fire as you wrap holiday presents.
While the story seems to fall into two series, I can assure you it must be a companion series and works as a standalone. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
If you are looking for a steamy holiday listen, Making Merry is a delightful tale where a tarnished lady meets a 150-year-old ghost while visiting the Scottish Highlands hoping to capture a photo of the Loch Ness. The story isn’t overly complicated, but the author brought the characters and their story to life.
If you are wondering how a ghost and lady could have a heated evening or even a happily ever after, I assure you dear listener Byrne has worked her magic. I felt deeply for Vanessa and all that was done to her and was delighted to learn more about Johnathan.
Told in duet style and performed by Stella Hunter and Shane East, listeners are in for a treat. It’s the perfect listen by the fire as you wrap holiday presents.
While the story seems to fall into two series, I can assure you it must be a companion series and works as a standalone. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
May 11, 2022
This was a sweet novella. I confess I shed a few tears in the end.
December 1, 2020
I should really stop being so surprised that when I sit down to read (or listen) to a KB book that I’m going to swoon and fall madly in love by the end. Her story-telling is out of this world. Most of the time, somewhere in the middle, I usually find myself saying “how in the world is she going to wrap up a story like this!!??” This Christmas novella was the perfect afternoon treat to get me in the holiday spirit. I guarantee I’ll be giving this one a re-read this holiday and probably every one after. ❤️
November 20, 2020
She’d only known him one night. And that was all it took to fall.
If you’re in the mood for a quick Christmas read then The Earl of Christmas Past is just what you need!
I’ll admit, ghost stories aren’t usually my thing, but a Kerrigan Byrne book most definitely is. I was sucked in almost immediately and very intrigued with the idea of a ghost haunting, especially one such as handsome as the Earl.
Finding a ghost in her lodging room wasn’t exactly what Venessa had planned but when one is traveling alone for the holidays, you won’t hear her complaining about the added excitement. And of course after hearing his story she wants nothing more than to help him.
Let me tell you, I could feel the sparks, between these two, through the pages. My heart even got a bit of a squeeze a time or two.
While this is technically 1.5 in the Goode Girls series, it can be read as a standalone. But I recommend reading the series though. Kerrigan is a wizard when it comes to historical romances.
If you’re in the mood for a quick Christmas read then The Earl of Christmas Past is just what you need!
I’ll admit, ghost stories aren’t usually my thing, but a Kerrigan Byrne book most definitely is. I was sucked in almost immediately and very intrigued with the idea of a ghost haunting, especially one such as handsome as the Earl.
Finding a ghost in her lodging room wasn’t exactly what Venessa had planned but when one is traveling alone for the holidays, you won’t hear her complaining about the added excitement. And of course after hearing his story she wants nothing more than to help him.
Let me tell you, I could feel the sparks, between these two, through the pages. My heart even got a bit of a squeeze a time or two.
While this is technically 1.5 in the Goode Girls series, it can be read as a standalone. But I recommend reading the series though. Kerrigan is a wizard when it comes to historical romances.
April 22, 2022
It was a nice read. I did not expect the ending to happen in such a way for them to be together. . It's a paranormal romance so it will be far-fetched anyway. Writing is good as always, but something is missing, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. It could be the lack of angst. Anyway, if you're a KB fan, definitely give this one a try.
November 23, 2020
I recieved a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Vanessa Latimer is an outsider from her family and is spending the holidays in Scotland where she is stranded during a snowstorm at an inn where the only room available is haunted by a ghost named "Carrie". It turns out "Carrie" is actually Jonathan De Lohr, a British earl and soldier who died over a hundred years ago in the battle of Culloden, whose soul is stuck in this inn that he never visited while he was alive. Vanessa can see Jonathan and they spend time during the snowstorm learning things about each other and developing feelings knowing they can never be together. This novella has everything we love that Kerrigan writes while adding in a little magic to give "ghostly" Jonathan and Vanessa their happily ever after.
I basically adore everything Kerrigan writes. She does not let me down, and this is no different. It had all the elements that I love along with her signature flawed characters and an ending that you didn't expect. After reading Katheryn Leveque's story, I had a soft spot for Jonathan and wanted so badly for him to get a happy ending after knowing how badly he suffered at the battle of Culloden. Vanessa had suffered at the hand of a terrible man who used her love for him as a weapon to humiliate her. Jonathan was sweet and caring, accepting all Vanessa's flaws, and allowing her to be herself. They were each others perfect match in every way. Their love story was sweet and a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying read.
Give this novella a shot if you want a short and quick read that gives you all the feels.
Vanessa Latimer is an outsider from her family and is spending the holidays in Scotland where she is stranded during a snowstorm at an inn where the only room available is haunted by a ghost named "Carrie". It turns out "Carrie" is actually Jonathan De Lohr, a British earl and soldier who died over a hundred years ago in the battle of Culloden, whose soul is stuck in this inn that he never visited while he was alive. Vanessa can see Jonathan and they spend time during the snowstorm learning things about each other and developing feelings knowing they can never be together. This novella has everything we love that Kerrigan writes while adding in a little magic to give "ghostly" Jonathan and Vanessa their happily ever after.
I basically adore everything Kerrigan writes. She does not let me down, and this is no different. It had all the elements that I love along with her signature flawed characters and an ending that you didn't expect. After reading Katheryn Leveque's story, I had a soft spot for Jonathan and wanted so badly for him to get a happy ending after knowing how badly he suffered at the battle of Culloden. Vanessa had suffered at the hand of a terrible man who used her love for him as a weapon to humiliate her. Jonathan was sweet and caring, accepting all Vanessa's flaws, and allowing her to be herself. They were each others perfect match in every way. Their love story was sweet and a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying read.
Give this novella a shot if you want a short and quick read that gives you all the feels.
April 14, 2022
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