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Vacancy #2
The Wayward Deed
Lorelei Fischer has finally settled into her new life at enchanted bed and breakfast Moonlit Shores Manor, and besides that teeny tiny attempt on her life—which, by the way, she survived—things are going great. Hiding the fact she's human from the charmed folk is second nature, even if the fae who glamoured her has suddenly gone missing, and her job managing the front desk is a breeze, even if her succubus coworker is swamped with a mysterious side hustle.
It’s only with the arrival of a suspicious guest who may be hunting humans that Lorelei begins to worry winter at Moonlit Shores Manor might be more perilous than fall. It would be nice if Conrad, who’s supposed to own the place, would talk to her—nice for a couple reasons, really—but it seems everyone around the manor has new secrets to keep, and it’s going to take a lot of work to make that broody warlock open up about any of his.
But with a rogue cupid committing random acts of love all over the manor, a predatory popstar checking in and throwing a surprise show, and an evil entity trapped up in the attic, Lorelei barely has enough time to worry about anything else, including that prophesy about someone trying to kill her during a blizzard. Oh, and the deed is still missing…
It’s only with the arrival of a suspicious guest who may be hunting humans that Lorelei begins to worry winter at Moonlit Shores Manor might be more perilous than fall. It would be nice if Conrad, who’s supposed to own the place, would talk to her—nice for a couple reasons, really—but it seems everyone around the manor has new secrets to keep, and it’s going to take a lot of work to make that broody warlock open up about any of his.
But with a rogue cupid committing random acts of love all over the manor, a predatory popstar checking in and throwing a surprise show, and an evil entity trapped up in the attic, Lorelei barely has enough time to worry about anything else, including that prophesy about someone trying to kill her during a blizzard. Oh, and the deed is still missing…
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2021
66 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
A.K. Caggiano
23 books1,793 followersAshley is an indie author who likes to write silly little stories that hopefully bring readers joy. She likes cats, guacamole, feminism, and the internet.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 22, 2021
The type of story I need during these difficult times.
I don't want to say a lot about it, but I can tell you that I read most of it with a smile on my face and at some moments laughed out loud. The characters are funny, sweet, and each with his or her own quirks. I'd love to see more of the interactions between Ziah and Ren, and I would definitely want to see more scenes with Conrad in them.
Things are getting more and more complicated for everyone at the Manor, but they are also getting more and more interesting for us readers. The book ends with a cliffhanger, which I don't usually like, because now I am dying to know what is going to happen next, and I have to wait to find out.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone who wants to read something that will lighten their mood and leave a smile on their face.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I don't want to say a lot about it, but I can tell you that I read most of it with a smile on my face and at some moments laughed out loud. The characters are funny, sweet, and each with his or her own quirks. I'd love to see more of the interactions between Ziah and Ren, and I would definitely want to see more scenes with Conrad in them.
Things are getting more and more complicated for everyone at the Manor, but they are also getting more and more interesting for us readers. The book ends with a cliffhanger, which I don't usually like, because now I am dying to know what is going to happen next, and I have to wait to find out.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone who wants to read something that will lighten their mood and leave a smile on their face.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2021
„The Wayward Deed“ is the second instalment in the UF “Vacancy Trilogy” by A.K. Caggiano urban fantasy series. This paranormal urban fantasy series, centers in Lorelei Fisher, a barista whose artist’s dreams died after leaving art school, and who wandering in search for some place to pass the night came cross Moonlit Shores Manor. After a somehow bumpy start, Lorelei became the receptionist of the very a very ‘magical’ Manor, home to all kind of creatures, from shifters to Fae.
Lorelei has adapted to her new ‘job’ and being the ‘odd human out’, fully accomplished to hide in plain sight with the help of Fae glamour. Managing Moonlit Shore Manor seems to be her dream job, despite the succubus co-worker, after all everyone has one supernatural or not suc* co-worker 😉. But all dreams end, so does the peaceful intermezzo as a new guest comes into the B&B, a warlock specialized in hunting… humans! Her boss is hiding secrets, the guests are breaking havoc all over the place, from cupid randomly targeting couples, the popstar with the impromptu show to the attic evil ghost. Add a death prophesy, a warlock hunter and a missing deed into the mix and Lorelei’s dream just turn into a middle-key nightmare.
“The Wayward Deed” is a fun and enjoyable read, fast-paced and twisted, with good descriptions, interesting characters, with a fine dose of humor on top. A very entertaining story, with both witty and whimsical situations, with echoes of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Though the Looking Glass’ with a much more credible story and relatable characters.
Lorelei has adapted to her new ‘job’ and being the ‘odd human out’, fully accomplished to hide in plain sight with the help of Fae glamour. Managing Moonlit Shore Manor seems to be her dream job, despite the succubus co-worker, after all everyone has one supernatural or not suc* co-worker 😉. But all dreams end, so does the peaceful intermezzo as a new guest comes into the B&B, a warlock specialized in hunting… humans! Her boss is hiding secrets, the guests are breaking havoc all over the place, from cupid randomly targeting couples, the popstar with the impromptu show to the attic evil ghost. Add a death prophesy, a warlock hunter and a missing deed into the mix and Lorelei’s dream just turn into a middle-key nightmare.
“The Wayward Deed” is a fun and enjoyable read, fast-paced and twisted, with good descriptions, interesting characters, with a fine dose of humor on top. A very entertaining story, with both witty and whimsical situations, with echoes of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Though the Looking Glass’ with a much more credible story and relatable characters.
June 10, 2023
A cozy fantastical read!
This is the second book in the Vacancy series and I loved it so much! I love the story, the characters, the magical shenanigans. It’s cozy but with some high stakes. Just sucks you in.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator is fantastic! A very smooth listen. Would def recommend.
This is the second book in the Vacancy series and I loved it so much! I love the story, the characters, the magical shenanigans. It’s cozy but with some high stakes. Just sucks you in.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator is fantastic! A very smooth listen. Would def recommend.
June 5, 2025
A bit slow in pacing but for cozy fantasy it’s alright. Stakes are upped for book 3!
February 23, 2024
Oh, Where has all the consent gone?
This installment had a decent story, bad romance and an awful message. This book managed to simultaneously ruin cupids, incubi, and even certain scenes in Shrek 2 for me. I'm side eyeing all of these stories and tropes that I once enjoyed because they were fantasy and nothing harmful was intended but now they feel dated and wrong. It is time for the fantasy genre to get with the times. Physical intimacy coerced through magical means is rape.
I kept reading, hoping that this would be addressed and was disappointed. Sadly, my case of the ick was here to stay and this book was pretty much ruined for me.
Between the FMC apologizing to the MMC's rapist multiple times (FMC even apologizes for ruining the rapist's "relationship"), the cupid in residence roofieing unsuspecting guests left and right with lust and the rapist being given the chance to redeem herself because "her daddy made her do it", I was pretty sick and tired of this book. It felt like because the rapist happened to be female, she was treated like a potential victim too and was given every benefit of the doubt by the FMC up until this particular revelation. I still don't think it absolves her actions and I hope she is not a big part of the next book.
This installment had a decent story, bad romance and an awful message. This book managed to simultaneously ruin cupids, incubi, and even certain scenes in Shrek 2 for me. I'm side eyeing all of these stories and tropes that I once enjoyed because they were fantasy and nothing harmful was intended but now they feel dated and wrong. It is time for the fantasy genre to get with the times. Physical intimacy coerced through magical means is rape.
I kept reading, hoping that this would be addressed and was disappointed. Sadly, my case of the ick was here to stay and this book was pretty much ruined for me.
Between the FMC apologizing to the MMC's rapist multiple times (FMC even apologizes for ruining the rapist's "relationship"), the cupid in residence roofieing unsuspecting guests left and right with lust and the rapist being given the chance to redeem herself because "her daddy made her do it", I was pretty sick and tired of this book. It felt like because the rapist happened to be female, she was treated like a potential victim too and was given every benefit of the doubt by the FMC up until this particular revelation. I still don't think it absolves her actions and I hope she is not a big part of the next book.
January 14, 2024
The first book is this series was fun and low key and very cozy. Then BAM, the second book came in and took the plot by the reins! Holy moly I could not put the second book down. There were still cozy moments, but really this book got into the plot of the story way more. No longer was it just a book of episodic moments with lore and the characters of the manor. Those were still there but more in the background. And each episode really played into the over arching plot way more this time. And because of this I would say I loved the second book even more than the first!
On to the third book, though super sad that the they have not created the audio version. As a nursing mama I have been listening more and more to the audio versions of books. And this narrator is so great!
On to the third book, though super sad that the they have not created the audio version. As a nursing mama I have been listening more and more to the audio versions of books. And this narrator is so great!
January 4, 2022
Brilliant sequel in this amazing fantasy adventure series. The second of 3 books . This was just as exciting as the first and just as mysterious. Lorelei is supposed to be the only human amongst many magical creatures at a magical environment, a hotel, that has its own secrets.
You would think that, as we are led to believe, that as she has no magic in her she would be “ out of place” . But this is far from the case. Without giving anything away , she is an integral part of the establishment with her “ humanism “ that the rest would be lost without her.
Such an enjoyable read and I am so looking forward to the concluding book.
Well worth my time.
You would think that, as we are led to believe, that as she has no magic in her she would be “ out of place” . But this is far from the case. Without giving anything away , she is an integral part of the establishment with her “ humanism “ that the rest would be lost without her.
Such an enjoyable read and I am so looking forward to the concluding book.
Well worth my time.
June 2, 2021
This book is filled with adorable characters who are keeping many secrets. Lorelei is also keeping a secret, she is human and hiding that fact from the fairies. The book is so intriguing that I could not put it down. I just really loved this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2023
The Wayward Deed by AK Caggiano
📜🧚🔮📚
Synopsis:
Life is finally starting to get back to normal for Lorelei Fischer, if “normal” means that no one is actively trying to kill her right this very second. But the secrets being kept under the ever-changing roof of Moonlit Shores Manor are starting to add up, and there is still a homicidal warlock on the loose and that pesky prophecy about her attempted murder. But life goes on! The Manor is busy as always, the guests are still magical and the deed is still missing. Plus it’s getting harder to deny the feelings she’s developed for the surly warlock Conrad, especially now that he is starting to open up, just a little. Lorelei doesn’t have time to figure him out between investigating a possible human hunter in the inn, wrangling an overzealous cupid, and trying to keep the teenage werewolf out of trouble. But the weather is getting colder, and the threat of evils return is hanging over them like a creepy urn in a forgotten corner of an attic.
Rating: you guessed it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: SPOILER WARNING
Book 2 is, in my opinion, even better than the first! Lorelei has settled into her place at the manor, and the found family she is adopted into is so heartwarming. The stakes are also getting so much higher in book 2! I could not pull myself away from the story.
Lorelei is the kind of FMC that makes it difficult to decide if you would rather be her friend, or just be HER. The smoldering romantic tension between Lorelei and Conrad is so deliciously well written that I often found myself smiling like a huge dork. Caggiano is the queen of giggle-worthy slow-burn romance, but the thing I think I love most about this book is the worldbuilding. History, prophesy, and myth are expertly brought together to create a truly vibrant setting and world (and universe, but that’s a story for another time). This book also addresses some huge real-world issues in the relative safety of a fantasy setting, and I really enjoyed it. The moment that I finished book 2, I grabbed book 3 and started reading. This is a story that you simply cant get enough of.
Also! The AUDIOBOOK!?!?! Ellen Quay continues this series and her performance is seriously incredible. The narration is excellent, the banter is even more giggle-inducing, the evil is more acute and the story sings. An absolute must-listen!
📜🧚🔮📚
Synopsis:
Life is finally starting to get back to normal for Lorelei Fischer, if “normal” means that no one is actively trying to kill her right this very second. But the secrets being kept under the ever-changing roof of Moonlit Shores Manor are starting to add up, and there is still a homicidal warlock on the loose and that pesky prophecy about her attempted murder. But life goes on! The Manor is busy as always, the guests are still magical and the deed is still missing. Plus it’s getting harder to deny the feelings she’s developed for the surly warlock Conrad, especially now that he is starting to open up, just a little. Lorelei doesn’t have time to figure him out between investigating a possible human hunter in the inn, wrangling an overzealous cupid, and trying to keep the teenage werewolf out of trouble. But the weather is getting colder, and the threat of evils return is hanging over them like a creepy urn in a forgotten corner of an attic.
Rating: you guessed it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: SPOILER WARNING
Book 2 is, in my opinion, even better than the first! Lorelei has settled into her place at the manor, and the found family she is adopted into is so heartwarming. The stakes are also getting so much higher in book 2! I could not pull myself away from the story.
Lorelei is the kind of FMC that makes it difficult to decide if you would rather be her friend, or just be HER. The smoldering romantic tension between Lorelei and Conrad is so deliciously well written that I often found myself smiling like a huge dork. Caggiano is the queen of giggle-worthy slow-burn romance, but the thing I think I love most about this book is the worldbuilding. History, prophesy, and myth are expertly brought together to create a truly vibrant setting and world (and universe, but that’s a story for another time). This book also addresses some huge real-world issues in the relative safety of a fantasy setting, and I really enjoyed it. The moment that I finished book 2, I grabbed book 3 and started reading. This is a story that you simply cant get enough of.
Also! The AUDIOBOOK!?!?! Ellen Quay continues this series and her performance is seriously incredible. The narration is excellent, the banter is even more giggle-inducing, the evil is more acute and the story sings. An absolute must-listen!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
An entertaining follow up to the first book and I really enjoyed the audiobook narrator. I did prefer this book over the first but I still found the story a little more wandering than I usually prefer. Still, I enjoyed exploring more about the characters and world. Unfortunately, I struggled with the romantic chemistry between the Lorelei and her love interest, I have mixed feelings about it but either way I'm rooting for them. We still don't get that much romance in this book in my opinion.
I'm still not certain why Lorelei left her family and wedding behind and hoped we get a little more of that in this book. I do like we get a little more history about Conrad. I wanted to learn more about the Manor and how it came to existence after this book. The ending was ok, I liked it but I didn't feel like it was super impactful or memorable for me. If you're looking for a huge cliffhanger, you won't find it here but we do leave with some loose ends that will likely be addressed in the next book.
3.4 out of 5 rating for me!
(An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. I leave this review voluntarily and I was not compensated in any other way.)
I'm still not certain why Lorelei left her family and wedding behind and hoped we get a little more of that in this book. I do like we get a little more history about Conrad. I wanted to learn more about the Manor and how it came to existence after this book. The ending was ok, I liked it but I didn't feel like it was super impactful or memorable for me. If you're looking for a huge cliffhanger, you won't find it here but we do leave with some loose ends that will likely be addressed in the next book.
3.4 out of 5 rating for me!
(An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. I leave this review voluntarily and I was not compensated in any other way.)
October 14, 2025
For the second tome of a trilogy, there was a great balance of mystery, revelations, tension and stakes that made me fly through the book and want to read the final installment of the trilogy.
Overall, I still adore the vibes of this book - an adult urban fantasy with a touch or fairy tale (mesmerizing and disquieting), a bit à la Alice in Wonderland (I loved the episode with the fairies inside the manor, or the moment through the mirror with Bridgette, as examples of this).
On the other hand, there is an almost cosy feel to the story, what with the manor, the group of coworkers and friends whom Lorelei gets to know a bit better and who unite against adversity. I enjoyed discovering more of Hanna and Ando, Conrad, Ziah, and yes, even Bridgette - interesting discoveries going on here.
Stakes are pretty well set and managed too, keeping me interested throughout and leaving the story in a perfect place for the finale to come…
Overall, I still adore the vibes of this book - an adult urban fantasy with a touch or fairy tale (mesmerizing and disquieting), a bit à la Alice in Wonderland (I loved the episode with the fairies inside the manor, or the moment through the mirror with Bridgette, as examples of this).
On the other hand, there is an almost cosy feel to the story, what with the manor, the group of coworkers and friends whom Lorelei gets to know a bit better and who unite against adversity. I enjoyed discovering more of Hanna and Ando, Conrad, Ziah, and yes, even Bridgette - interesting discoveries going on here.
Stakes are pretty well set and managed too, keeping me interested throughout and leaving the story in a perfect place for the finale to come…
June 2, 2023
I loved getting questions answered to the ones I had during the first book. I have more questions and have no doubt that they will be answered in the final installment. And the easter eggs.
Lorelie has a knack for finding herself in trouble (which I love the action of it). I also love when Conrad is trying to protect her. But really I enjoy every time they are together. And this book did not disappoint in their time together at all. So many
I feel so bad for Conrad. Especially when he found out what was going- and the way he found out. I want to give him a hug, especially in one of his flannel shirts.
The found family in this series is beautiful. And I loved the fun twist of there being a cupid running loose.
Excited for the next book!
Lorelie has a knack for finding herself in trouble (which I love the action of it). I also love when Conrad is trying to protect her. But really I enjoy every time they are together. And this book did not disappoint in their time together at all. So many
I feel so bad for Conrad. Especially when he found out what was going- and the way he found out. I want to give him a hug, especially in one of his flannel shirts.
The found family in this series is beautiful. And I loved the fun twist of there being a cupid running loose.
Excited for the next book!
May 28, 2025
This was a nice read but unfortunately I didn’t enjoy it as much as book 1. It took me more time to finish this one.
One thing that bothered me so much was Bridgette because I thought she would be just a book 1 thing but she goes around until the end of this book. I absolutely hate what she did to Conrad, there’s something so wrong about it that I don’t feel like the author took the proper time to address it.
Unfortunately Lorelei and Conrad didn’t excite me as a couple so much in this one.
One thing that bothered me so much was Bridgette because I thought she would be just a book 1 thing but she goes around until the end of this book. I absolutely hate what she did to Conrad, there’s something so wrong about it that I don’t feel like the author took the proper time to address it.
Unfortunately Lorelei and Conrad didn’t excite me as a couple so much in this one.
September 11, 2024
Again a bit too drawn out
Again a bit too drawn out…and so much unexplained. And so much having nothing to do with anything else. Just a random jumble of mundane events and then a few splashes of something big that also make no sense.
Also, the romance? Blech. Conrad is no prize. He’s just an immature young guy who is seriously confused and obviously messed up from his parents’ deaths and his brother’s craziness.
Again a bit too drawn out…and so much unexplained. And so much having nothing to do with anything else. Just a random jumble of mundane events and then a few splashes of something big that also make no sense.
Also, the romance? Blech. Conrad is no prize. He’s just an immature young guy who is seriously confused and obviously messed up from his parents’ deaths and his brother’s craziness.
January 4, 2025
Weary of this series
I usually devour Caggiano's work, but this one was hard to get through. I liked that it was creative and unique, but it honestly dragged. Despite the nonstop action, I was bored. I wanted more between Lore and Conrad. More time together. More banter. I feel like I would have enjoyed this story another time, but I guess I'm still chasing the feelings that Throne in the Dark gave me.
I usually devour Caggiano's work, but this one was hard to get through. I liked that it was creative and unique, but it honestly dragged. Despite the nonstop action, I was bored. I wanted more between Lore and Conrad. More time together. More banter. I feel like I would have enjoyed this story another time, but I guess I'm still chasing the feelings that Throne in the Dark gave me.
June 6, 2021
Another enjoyable adventure in this series. Poor Lorelei has so much going on on, though at least she survived the attempt on her life. As expected nothing can ever go as she wants or plans. So many fun characters within the story keeping you pulled into the world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2021
A very intriguing story with a great female lead who I found to be likable and believable. The author crafted a very interesting world with mystery and suspense. The danger seemed real and kept me glued to the pages of the book.
I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2025
Fantastic Read
This book was so much better than I had even expected. It didn't fall prey to being a slow middle book in a trilogy where nothing happens. So much of book one was setting up plot points, and book two really connected so many of them in such a fluid way. It was a fun, fast read that has me looking forward to the third book in the series.
This book was so much better than I had even expected. It didn't fall prey to being a slow middle book in a trilogy where nothing happens. So much of book one was setting up plot points, and book two really connected so many of them in such a fluid way. It was a fun, fast read that has me looking forward to the third book in the series.
May 30, 2021
With Lorelei settling into her job after the attempt on her life, she handles her position with grace and poise as new problems begin to appear even as some old ones still new to be solved.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2024
The Wayward Deed is the sequel to The Weary Traveler, and I would definitely say that I liked this one a lot better. I think I preferred this one to the first one because I felt like I understood the vibe of the series a bit better so I was able to just read it and enjoy the kind of chaos of the series rather than searching for a overarching plot. The first book I went into completely blind and I wasn't sure what to expect, so it took me a bit to get into it, but this one I just found myself enjoying it all the way through. I love AK Caggiano's style of writing; her books are so much fun and fill me with so much joy while reading them, and she had become a must-read author for me. This book does have a lot of random stuff going on in it, but it's just so much fun. I love the characters, and I'm happy that I gave this series a chance.
October 28, 2024
Loving this series!
It’s so fun and I love the world!
I adore the characters so much.
Things are definitely getting more intense and that ending! Gah! Can’t wait for the next book!
It’s so fun and I love the world!
I adore the characters so much.
Things are definitely getting more intense and that ending! Gah! Can’t wait for the next book!
January 3, 2025
GIVE MY GIRL LORELEI A BREAK DAMM
January 21, 2025
nearly a 3.5 but it was a good time so rounding up
May 7, 2025
just lovely
April 22, 2024
Full review at The Willful Inheritor.
August 11, 2024
Not as good as her other series.
February 24, 2024
I originally read this title as "The Wayward Dead" and was sort of disappointed we were just looking for a piece of paper instead. The second book in a series where everything progresses. I started having a hard time suspending belief that Lorelei is fooling anyone with her secrets. Conrad was sort of annoying because he just doesn't do very much. I want him to be more ambitious and more straight forward about everything. I very much enjoyed the cupid's presence. The humor that evolved out of that character is reminiscent of A.K. Caggiano's other books. Overall, it's a fun read but nothing earth shattering. Only one more left in the series so I continued on.
August 7, 2025
I am actually devouring this series, it’s mad
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews