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Manderley Academy #3
Spirited
Musician.
Heartbreaker.
Murderer.
Dorien Valencourt is in deep shit.
His cheeky grin and stormy eyes won’t help him this time.
But I will.
I’ve found love in the darkness.
Three broken muses possess me,
Mind, body, and soul.
I won’t give them up for anything,
Especially not for a witch with a blackened heart.
In a school ruled by shadows and secrets,
I’ll shine a light in the darkest places.
We’ll expose a long-buried violation,
And force a villain to confront her sins.
If only our secrets don’t devour us all.
With Titus and Ivan at my side,
we’ll free Dorien from his cage.
We’ll drag these skeletons into the daylight.
The ghost of Manderley will have her revenge.
A dark mystery unfolds around musician Faye de Winter in the final book of this gripping gothic college reverse harem bully romance by USA TODAY best-selling author Steffanie Holmes. Proceed with caution – this tale of three spoiled rich boys with unsettling secrets and the girl who refuses to put up with their shit contains dark themes, a creepy house, a smoldering second-chance romance, college angst, cruel bullies and swoon-worthy sex.
Heartbreaker.
Murderer.
Dorien Valencourt is in deep shit.
His cheeky grin and stormy eyes won’t help him this time.
But I will.
I’ve found love in the darkness.
Three broken muses possess me,
Mind, body, and soul.
I won’t give them up for anything,
Especially not for a witch with a blackened heart.
In a school ruled by shadows and secrets,
I’ll shine a light in the darkest places.
We’ll expose a long-buried violation,
And force a villain to confront her sins.
If only our secrets don’t devour us all.
With Titus and Ivan at my side,
we’ll free Dorien from his cage.
We’ll drag these skeletons into the daylight.
The ghost of Manderley will have her revenge.
A dark mystery unfolds around musician Faye de Winter in the final book of this gripping gothic college reverse harem bully romance by USA TODAY best-selling author Steffanie Holmes. Proceed with caution – this tale of three spoiled rich boys with unsettling secrets and the girl who refuses to put up with their shit contains dark themes, a creepy house, a smoldering second-chance romance, college angst, cruel bullies and swoon-worthy sex.
356 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2021
92 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Steffanie Holmes
93 books1,387 followersSteffanie Holmes is the author of steamy historical and paranormal romance. Her books feature clever, witty heroines, wild shifters, cunning witches and alpha males who get what they want.
Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. She loves to explore historical settings and ancient conceptions of love and possession. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters.
Steffanie lives in New Zealand with her husband and a horde of cantankerous cats. Learn more about Steffanie at her website: www.steffanieholmes.com. She also writes dark science fiction under the name S C Green.
Want to be informed when the next Steffanie Holmes paranormal romance story goes live? Sign up for the mailing list! http://eepurl.com/ZrowD
Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. She loves to explore historical settings and ancient conceptions of love and possession. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters.
Steffanie lives in New Zealand with her husband and a horde of cantankerous cats. Learn more about Steffanie at her website: www.steffanieholmes.com. She also writes dark science fiction under the name S C Green.
Want to be informed when the next Steffanie Holmes paranormal romance story goes live? Sign up for the mailing list! http://eepurl.com/ZrowD
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 9, 2021
Spirited: a reverse harem academy romance (Manderley Academy Book 3) Kindle Edition
by Steffanie Holmes (Author)
Ms. Holmes has once again turned a tired trope on its head. Her writing invokes the feeling of reading in a leather wing back chair in the library of the scariest house in town. One can even hear the minor chords on an ancient pipe organ, feel the darkness of thick, rich purple velvet curtains as they block out the light. One can even smell the Earl Grey tea steeping in a teacup.
Like most of Ms. Holmes's body of work, the Manderley Academy series is a treat for the book nerds' souls. Poe, Bronte, Ann Radcliff, and even LeRoux appear in the story, or at least their names or the names of their characters. If it isn't Dorien being named for Oscar Wilde's best bad boy – Dorien Grey, it someone slinking around the music school and it secret passages like the famous Phantom of the Opera.
But there is so much more in this book. At the heart, it is about family. Family who hate each others and families that have gone through the long slog of history and and back only to be brought closer. Tied deeply in that, is what love really means. Whether if it the love of a daughter and a mother, the love of a soul mate or love of a sister, Spirited has it. Also extremely well portrayed the darker side of 'love' with a sex pest and a pervert.
A true Gothic that is centered on Manderley Academy – a old, twisted building literally littered with tunnels and peepholes. A smaller version of the Paris Opera House that the Phantom Haunted.
Ms. Holmes has a very cinematic eye. For instance the description of a California McMansion - “I gazed up at the Danvers' California estate through the trees, all garish Greco-Roman columns and gaudy carvings – a modern Barbie dreamhouse” Most readers can identify the kind of bubblegum horror that would be. The exact opposite of the Academy.
Real life horror makes an appearance in a Jonestown inspired nightmare.
The plotting was excruciatingly perfect, a slow clicking of an ancient watch being wound almost to exploding. The reader, meaning me, wants to skip ahead but just can't quit the read. And I'm glad I didn't – the climax is amazing! Somehow combing multiple Gothic classics with a Bette-Davis level of melodrama!
In the name of Poe, Bronte, Leroux, Jackson and Gilman and so many other authors, I recommend it to anyone who loves the genre
5 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Spirited-rever...
by Steffanie Holmes (Author)
Ms. Holmes has once again turned a tired trope on its head. Her writing invokes the feeling of reading in a leather wing back chair in the library of the scariest house in town. One can even hear the minor chords on an ancient pipe organ, feel the darkness of thick, rich purple velvet curtains as they block out the light. One can even smell the Earl Grey tea steeping in a teacup.
Like most of Ms. Holmes's body of work, the Manderley Academy series is a treat for the book nerds' souls. Poe, Bronte, Ann Radcliff, and even LeRoux appear in the story, or at least their names or the names of their characters. If it isn't Dorien being named for Oscar Wilde's best bad boy – Dorien Grey, it someone slinking around the music school and it secret passages like the famous Phantom of the Opera.
But there is so much more in this book. At the heart, it is about family. Family who hate each others and families that have gone through the long slog of history and and back only to be brought closer. Tied deeply in that, is what love really means. Whether if it the love of a daughter and a mother, the love of a soul mate or love of a sister, Spirited has it. Also extremely well portrayed the darker side of 'love' with a sex pest and a pervert.
A true Gothic that is centered on Manderley Academy – a old, twisted building literally littered with tunnels and peepholes. A smaller version of the Paris Opera House that the Phantom Haunted.
Ms. Holmes has a very cinematic eye. For instance the description of a California McMansion - “I gazed up at the Danvers' California estate through the trees, all garish Greco-Roman columns and gaudy carvings – a modern Barbie dreamhouse” Most readers can identify the kind of bubblegum horror that would be. The exact opposite of the Academy.
Real life horror makes an appearance in a Jonestown inspired nightmare.
The plotting was excruciatingly perfect, a slow clicking of an ancient watch being wound almost to exploding. The reader, meaning me, wants to skip ahead but just can't quit the read. And I'm glad I didn't – the climax is amazing! Somehow combing multiple Gothic classics with a Bette-Davis level of melodrama!
In the name of Poe, Bronte, Leroux, Jackson and Gilman and so many other authors, I recommend it to anyone who loves the genre
5 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Spirited-rever...
April 16, 2023
At least it didn't get any worse. Steffanie Holmes throws anything into this series hoping something will stick and it gets messy.
July 19, 2021
Spirited
Wow, this book is the final book in a dark, sexy and mysterious series. Faye De Winter attended a prestigious Manderly Academy. She met three talented and tortured men, Dorien, Ivan and Titus. Faye is bullied and is a servant within the Academy. She eventually develops feeling for all three men.
There are secrets within the walls of Manderly. A woman died at Manderly. Madame Usher hates Faye. Faye’s precious violin is destroyed. Did Faye’s father leave she and her mother for Madame Usher? He left years ago and has not been heard from. Who is haunting Faye?
Now, Dorien’s ‘fiancé’, Heather is found dead and Dorien is in police custody charged with murder. Faye is kicked out of the Academy.
Faye is done with secrets. She and her men are going to figure out what is going on at Manderly.
This is a hot reverse harem with so much going on that you will not be able to put it down. It is hot, hot, hot, steamy! There are multiple mysteries to solve and the wrapping up is exciting and unexpected. Faye finds out about the woman killed at Manderly. She discovers information about her father. Madame Usher is a nasty woman and, well you need to read to find out what happen to her. You won’t want to miss this book.
There is a good surprise at the end of the book.
Wow, this book is the final book in a dark, sexy and mysterious series. Faye De Winter attended a prestigious Manderly Academy. She met three talented and tortured men, Dorien, Ivan and Titus. Faye is bullied and is a servant within the Academy. She eventually develops feeling for all three men.
There are secrets within the walls of Manderly. A woman died at Manderly. Madame Usher hates Faye. Faye’s precious violin is destroyed. Did Faye’s father leave she and her mother for Madame Usher? He left years ago and has not been heard from. Who is haunting Faye?
Now, Dorien’s ‘fiancé’, Heather is found dead and Dorien is in police custody charged with murder. Faye is kicked out of the Academy.
Faye is done with secrets. She and her men are going to figure out what is going on at Manderly.
This is a hot reverse harem with so much going on that you will not be able to put it down. It is hot, hot, hot, steamy! There are multiple mysteries to solve and the wrapping up is exciting and unexpected. Faye finds out about the woman killed at Manderly. She discovers information about her father. Madame Usher is a nasty woman and, well you need to read to find out what happen to her. You won’t want to miss this book.
There is a good surprise at the end of the book.
September 21, 2021
The finale to the Manderley academy series is as dark and haunting as could be expected, and then some more. The horrors, violence, torture, and mind games reach a new level, dare I say mastery even, while being softened by steamy scenes and raw emotions, some of them really on the top of the positive spectrum. The sharp contrast between the mundane family life with boring daily tasks and basic family bonds switches places with the actions of a psychopath, violent scenes with gory details and descriptions that enhance the feelings of chills running down the spine to the maximum. The bond to the characters is strong, and especially for me as a musician are Faye, Dorian, Titus, Ivan, Elena, and even some of the other characters like soulmates in some sense. It feels very realistic that after everything we have experienced with them, everything we lived through, we don't get answers to all our questions, but so is life. And from every disaster, sparks of life come again like a phoenix, and that's what in the end of this series gave me a lot of strength and courage.
July 2, 2021
Faye de Winter is determined to find out who actually killed the girl Dorien is in jail for for murdering, but the more she digs into the history of Manderley the more questions she will have to answer. I have been fascinated by these characters since the first book. They are well written, of course, but they are also unique, and compelling and I think they are realistic in their reactions when confronted with some very bizarre, and even frightening discoveries. The interactions between Faye, Dorien, Titus, and Ivan were intense, sexy, sizzling hot, and enthralling. There is plenty of suspense, mystery, some thrilling action, and some ominous secrets that could put all their lives in jeopardy. Unexpected and surprising twists in the plot kept me completely engrossed until the very last page. I loved this book, and think it's a fantastic conclusion to this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 3, 2021
Ridiculously Convoluted.
A good story usually consists of three dimensional characters working their way through a well developed plot. In this case, the author deviates from that formula by throwing everything and anything into the story hoping that something will create an effective narrative. Insane antagonists, arson, murder, money laundering, crime syndicates, multiple poisonings, crooked cops, eviscerations, religious cults, liars, cheats, and extortionists. Let’s not forget about the ghosts. Nothing like some supernatural shenanigans to add a little “gothic” flair. The actions and dialogue of the main characters is erratic, overly dramatic and, at times, completely ludicrous. The story is ridiculously convoluted right up until the end. Sometimes less is more and, in the case of “Manderley Academy,” fewer twists and turns would have been a huge improvement.
A good story usually consists of three dimensional characters working their way through a well developed plot. In this case, the author deviates from that formula by throwing everything and anything into the story hoping that something will create an effective narrative. Insane antagonists, arson, murder, money laundering, crime syndicates, multiple poisonings, crooked cops, eviscerations, religious cults, liars, cheats, and extortionists. Let’s not forget about the ghosts. Nothing like some supernatural shenanigans to add a little “gothic” flair. The actions and dialogue of the main characters is erratic, overly dramatic and, at times, completely ludicrous. The story is ridiculously convoluted right up until the end. Sometimes less is more and, in the case of “Manderley Academy,” fewer twists and turns would have been a huge improvement.
July 13, 2021
I am not one to read series all the way thru but I did with this one. Steffanie had me in her grips, she cranked up the steam, suspense and my sleuthing skills with each book and hit the crescendo perfectly with this final installment. I am talking all hell broke loose, all the shocking secrets came to light, and I swear my jaw was dropped for a better part of my reading of this. I loved how Ivan, Titus, Dorian, and Faye grew - this group of young adults were put thru so much, only to have more put on them and instead of breaking it made them ten times stronger. I loved how Steffanie left a little bit of mystery involving Ivan’s sister and kind of left it open for me to decide how her part went down. She wrapped it up perfectly and I love how she wrote the epilogue. This series is another hit and I am already staking out my next read by this author.
March 16, 2022
I can feel a lot while reading. I can cry. I can laugh out loud. I can have the adrenaline rushing through my veins. But it doesn't happen often that a book leaves me with chills. Not the wrong kind. The right kind. The kind you want to enjoy with your eyes closed. The kind telling you that you have just finished an amazingly great book. This book did that. This book gave me chills, chills I felt long after I finished the book already.
The previous two books contained quite a lot of elements, were action packed, were danger packed and were closing the net around our heroes, putting them into an almost hopeless position. Holmes therefore had a lot of work to do in this book. The storylines had to be connected in some way and almost everything also had to be resolved. Almost. Because these kind of stories never answer all your questions. It wouldn't be fitting.
Of course, the true end, and the solution, I saw coming ever since I started this story. This is not a Rebecca retelling. It's an original story in every possible way, but this series DOES honor Rebecca's atmosphere. It captured the soul of the story, the part that made people care about it so much. And it kept the most vital part of the ending. If you know nothing about the original story, allow yourself to be surprised. If you do know how the original goes, you also know the fate of Manderley.
However, even though there are still some questions left unanswered and even though Manderley couldn't outrun its fate eventually, the characters are in a far better place than they've ever been before. Yes, it's clear they all have scars and memories and in their own way they're all haunted by ghosts from the past. But in all the dark and danger and pain, they also found something precious, something that will help them live again: Love. Raw, beautiful, honest and unconditional love.
The previous two books contained quite a lot of elements, were action packed, were danger packed and were closing the net around our heroes, putting them into an almost hopeless position. Holmes therefore had a lot of work to do in this book. The storylines had to be connected in some way and almost everything also had to be resolved. Almost. Because these kind of stories never answer all your questions. It wouldn't be fitting.
Of course, the true end, and the solution, I saw coming ever since I started this story. This is not a Rebecca retelling. It's an original story in every possible way, but this series DOES honor Rebecca's atmosphere. It captured the soul of the story, the part that made people care about it so much. And it kept the most vital part of the ending. If you know nothing about the original story, allow yourself to be surprised. If you do know how the original goes, you also know the fate of Manderley.
However, even though there are still some questions left unanswered and even though Manderley couldn't outrun its fate eventually, the characters are in a far better place than they've ever been before. Yes, it's clear they all have scars and memories and in their own way they're all haunted by ghosts from the past. But in all the dark and danger and pain, they also found something precious, something that will help them live again: Love. Raw, beautiful, honest and unconditional love.
October 13, 2021
3.5*
Bruh. Just when I thought everything's coming to a conclusion, another problem freaking pops like a mushroom. I thought at like 87%, everything will die down... but NOPE another twisted thing happened, so yeah. I love how unpredictable it was! ALL THOSE TWISTS AND EXCITEMENT!
.
.
‼️‼️tiny spoiler‼️‼️
.
.
.
well, it aint perfect, lots of typos throughout the series
also, i mean some things are too far-fetched even though this contain paranormal stuff. Like Clare suddenly being able to touch things because there's no way they could have escaped without the impossible hence Clare 🤷♀️
still, it was a really good series with the mystery and the unexpecteds
not really a fan of the "alone time" too much in general (not just this book, i mean literally the detailed description aint for me... dont ask, i also dk why i read romance when i dont like those lol) so i skip those parts, but i do like reading how their relationships develop throughout the series
the unanswered mysteries are actually satisfying, i do believe those unsaid answers are better buried with the academy
Bruh. Just when I thought everything's coming to a conclusion, another problem freaking pops like a mushroom. I thought at like 87%, everything will die down... but NOPE another twisted thing happened, so yeah. I love how unpredictable it was! ALL THOSE TWISTS AND EXCITEMENT!
.
.
‼️‼️tiny spoiler‼️‼️
.
.
.
well, it aint perfect, lots of typos throughout the series
also, i mean some things are too far-fetched even though this contain paranormal stuff. Like Clare suddenly being able to touch things because there's no way they could have escaped without the impossible hence Clare 🤷♀️
still, it was a really good series with the mystery and the unexpecteds
not really a fan of the "alone time" too much in general (not just this book, i mean literally the detailed description aint for me... dont ask, i also dk why i read romance when i dont like those lol) so i skip those parts, but i do like reading how their relationships develop throughout the series
the unanswered mysteries are actually satisfying, i do believe those unsaid answers are better buried with the academy
June 1, 2023
I don't think I'll ever get over how beautifully everything is described in this series. Normally, descriptions of buildings and sounds kind of bore me when they get a little wordy; but every word felt like it carried an emotion. When the music is described, you can really hear it, and it's remarkable.
I came into this because I love romance & ghosts and walked away with an adoration for the mystery of it all. I loved all of the twists & turns and I couldn't put the series down until I knew EVERY secret. It would have consumed me.
The romance did fall a little flat for me. I don't know if it's because insta-love/insta-lust isn't something I'm normally interested in or because the plot was just so much more captivating. This isn't to say that it's NOT GOOD, it just wasn't for me. I'm a slow-burn girlie.
My ratings aren't based on "quality", but how much I enjoyed a series. I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed being wrapped up in this haunting mystery from beginning to end.
I came into this because I love romance & ghosts and walked away with an adoration for the mystery of it all. I loved all of the twists & turns and I couldn't put the series down until I knew EVERY secret. It would have consumed me.
The romance did fall a little flat for me. I don't know if it's because insta-love/insta-lust isn't something I'm normally interested in or because the plot was just so much more captivating. This isn't to say that it's NOT GOOD, it just wasn't for me. I'm a slow-burn girlie.
My ratings aren't based on "quality", but how much I enjoyed a series. I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed being wrapped up in this haunting mystery from beginning to end.
January 3, 2026
I don’t even have the words to sum up how much I LOVED this series. Mystery within mystery within secrets. It was full of twists and turns right up until the end. I shed a tear or five million before the epilogue as I wasn’t expecting the resolution.
I still have so many questions, and will be starting a petition for some spin offs:
- Elena & Ivan’s childhood
- Madame & Donovan smut
- A Harrison & Victor fantasy (which tbf I may write as a fan fic)
What is clear is that Holmes has done a significant amount of contextual research around the classical music landscape. As an orchestral violinist myself, I was initially concerned before starting Ghosted that the music references may be superficial. But it was glorious to find out within the first few chapters that I was entirely wrong on that front. I can confirm that Paganini’s Caprices ARE in fact practically impossible!
All in all a really enjoyable series, and Spirited was a wild ride to say the least, but the best ones are!
I still have so many questions, and will be starting a petition for some spin offs:
- Elena & Ivan’s childhood
- Madame & Donovan smut
- A Harrison & Victor fantasy (which tbf I may write as a fan fic)
What is clear is that Holmes has done a significant amount of contextual research around the classical music landscape. As an orchestral violinist myself, I was initially concerned before starting Ghosted that the music references may be superficial. But it was glorious to find out within the first few chapters that I was entirely wrong on that front. I can confirm that Paganini’s Caprices ARE in fact practically impossible!
All in all a really enjoyable series, and Spirited was a wild ride to say the least, but the best ones are!
June 9, 2022
DNF at about 60%… I’ve been trying for months to get back into this story but have only found myself brutally skim reading as it’s not for me. What I read would unfortunately only be 1 star, but giving 2 as I haven’t finished.
The story and plot feel lost to the ‘mystery’ and the romantic scenes are placed into the story with no real flow between events which makes me feel uncomfortable to read them as the rest of the story was very much YA IMO with some paranormal and darker elements, then BAM, smut. I don’t feel the chemistry between the characters. There was too much happening with not enough answers which really annoyed me because the writing itself is so wordy, seeming like it was to add to the suspense, I kept forgetting who’s POV I was reading and what the situation was.
I’ll update this review if I end up finishing but I don’t seem that happening.
The story and plot feel lost to the ‘mystery’ and the romantic scenes are placed into the story with no real flow between events which makes me feel uncomfortable to read them as the rest of the story was very much YA IMO with some paranormal and darker elements, then BAM, smut. I don’t feel the chemistry between the characters. There was too much happening with not enough answers which really annoyed me because the writing itself is so wordy, seeming like it was to add to the suspense, I kept forgetting who’s POV I was reading and what the situation was.
I’ll update this review if I end up finishing but I don’t seem that happening.
April 15, 2023
A fun adventure through a gothic mansion – ghosts, poison, secret passages and all.
I think the cult thing and the bigger Manderley story could have been stretched over another book or two – this book was all-action without enough lulls to just take a breath as all the plot points got tied up. Still a good book, though.
I liked how it all tied together in the end. I’m still not sure that I like Elena, especially how she manipulates Ivan…
Another twisted adventure with classical music living side-by-side with Metal, Faye getting to keep all three her broken muses, swoon-worthy sex, and awesome revenge. Did I mention that the explosive fire scene was my favourite?
A great end to an interesting and enjoyable series.
Trigger warning: mental illness, drug abuse, almost-rape, creepy old men.
I think the cult thing and the bigger Manderley story could have been stretched over another book or two – this book was all-action without enough lulls to just take a breath as all the plot points got tied up. Still a good book, though.
I liked how it all tied together in the end. I’m still not sure that I like Elena, especially how she manipulates Ivan…
Another twisted adventure with classical music living side-by-side with Metal, Faye getting to keep all three her broken muses, swoon-worthy sex, and awesome revenge. Did I mention that the explosive fire scene was my favourite?
A great end to an interesting and enjoyable series.
Trigger warning: mental illness, drug abuse, almost-rape, creepy old men.
June 30, 2021
Wow. Great wrap-up to the series. The book starts right where the last one left off (if you can remember back that far, lol). Dorien has been arrested for Heather's murder, Faye and Titus are both gone from Manderley Academy, leaving only Ivan, Elena, and Aroha still attending. Ivan refuses to leave Elena and she still insists that she is going to marry Master Radcliffe. Ugh. Titus and Faye decide that they are going to figure out whether there is really a "ghost" in the walls of Manderley. What they find will change everything.
Lots going on in this one as Steffanie wraps up all her loose ends to bring us to a stunning conclusion. Enjoy. I was given an advanced copy of this book by Booksprout. My review is voluntary.
Lots going on in this one as Steffanie wraps up all her loose ends to bring us to a stunning conclusion. Enjoy. I was given an advanced copy of this book by Booksprout. My review is voluntary.
July 7, 2021
Once again Steffanie Holmes has given the reader an epic ending that ties all loose ends up.
The mystery within the walls, the lies, poisoning and so much more had my heart beating a hard pounding withing its chamber. Yet, the strength and courage within Faye amazed me. Her love for Dorian, Titus and Ivan is one of epic proportions. Steffanie really knows how to engage her readers with some of the most amazing characters, a gothic setting along with the music to match. She paints such a vibrant picture.
It was a pleasure to have read this series and I look forward to so much more. A more dedicated fan I could not be. Thank you for shining in your darkness and bringing us over to the dark side with you.
The mystery within the walls, the lies, poisoning and so much more had my heart beating a hard pounding withing its chamber. Yet, the strength and courage within Faye amazed me. Her love for Dorian, Titus and Ivan is one of epic proportions. Steffanie really knows how to engage her readers with some of the most amazing characters, a gothic setting along with the music to match. She paints such a vibrant picture.
It was a pleasure to have read this series and I look forward to so much more. A more dedicated fan I could not be. Thank you for shining in your darkness and bringing us over to the dark side with you.
July 7, 2021
They have been searching for answers, but with all the lies and deception wrapped around the truth, can they unravel them? What about Dorien, did he really do what he has been accused of? Will Madame Usher's influence, stop justice from been served? I loved the fascinating twists and turns, to this great series, it had plenty of mystery, lies, and deception for Faye, Dorien, Titus and Ivan to sort through, lucky they are determine for answers. I loved the passion between them, the dangers they faced, and how understanding they are to each other.
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.
February 23, 2022
As much as I liked the Nevermore Bookshop series,this one was a disappointment. The plot seems messy. There were so much mysteries. It was confusing. And the relationship between Dorrien and Ivan is confusing too. Dorrien called him his brother and fucked him the next. What's going on?? In RH I think the main focus should be on heroine and her harem not the new couple who started having feelings for each other. And doesn't it gets messy,for example if Faye and Ivan would be in fire ,who would've he saved? There were so many typos. I give the 2 stars for the story,was intriguing but then again the author had thrown so much messy plots.
August 2, 2021
Steffanie almost caught me in the end of the serie... But I discover the mistery behind the Manderley Mansion... hehe...
But it was really surprising how she makes the Claire spirit be in peace and with company... I liked of how Muses became in the end too. Wow... I'm trying don't give spoilers, but it's hard... So if you are curious and like a good reading, please read this serie and I'm sure you will like so much.
I've sent a lot of time reading and I didn't note the hours passing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But it was really surprising how she makes the Claire spirit be in peace and with company... I liked of how Muses became in the end too. Wow... I'm trying don't give spoilers, but it's hard... So if you are curious and like a good reading, please read this serie and I'm sure you will like so much.
I've sent a lot of time reading and I didn't note the hours passing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2022
Spirited - 3 Stars
I had to force myself to finish this one, as it was all a bit much. This is the second series I have read from this author, and this story made me realize she puts so much emphasis on the mystery and suspense that the romance portion suffers. I cannot quite put my finger on it, but the author's stories are always missing something, and they are let down by that.
Ultimately, this collection has helped me realize I am done with this author. She can write well and she is unique, but the missing element of the romance leaves me wanting, and not in a good way.
I had to force myself to finish this one, as it was all a bit much. This is the second series I have read from this author, and this story made me realize she puts so much emphasis on the mystery and suspense that the romance portion suffers. I cannot quite put my finger on it, but the author's stories are always missing something, and they are let down by that.
Ultimately, this collection has helped me realize I am done with this author. She can write well and she is unique, but the missing element of the romance leaves me wanting, and not in a good way.
August 18, 2023
I can not help it, but Steffanie Holmes also belongs to one of my favorite writers.. One of the things that I love is that I keep getting supprised with the turn of events.. Although I have noticed that the ending between this series and the other that I have read are In a way the same.. but als the story line.. 'they are stuck in the situation that they are in and need to find a way out' I Find the path of seeking answer and looking for the way out quite interesting, as it make me keep on reading because I want to know the secrets and all the pieces of the puzzle that will come together.
July 4, 2021
Wow what a brilliant ending
Steffanie has done it again with the conclusion of another brilliant dark and twisted series. Concluding Faye, Dorian, Ivan and Titus’ story of murder, poisoning, betrayal, lies, bloodshed and all round weirdness - throw in a little baroque classic music and a twinge of heavy metal to the intrigue - classic Steffanie stuff! Highly recommend this series if you love dark and twisted with hot lads and steamy sexiness. Solid 5.5 star read.
Steffanie has done it again with the conclusion of another brilliant dark and twisted series. Concluding Faye, Dorian, Ivan and Titus’ story of murder, poisoning, betrayal, lies, bloodshed and all round weirdness - throw in a little baroque classic music and a twinge of heavy metal to the intrigue - classic Steffanie stuff! Highly recommend this series if you love dark and twisted with hot lads and steamy sexiness. Solid 5.5 star read.
July 17, 2021
Dorian is accused of murder or is he being set up? A ghost says that the walls talk in Manderley Manor. Really? How on earth can walls talk? Unless someone is in there. Faye and her gorgeous guys are in deep trouble in this final book. Will they all survive? Who dies? Dead bodies. Fire. The stench of death. A wicked witch. A ruined finger. This story was absolutely amazing. What a way to finish up a brilliant series. Many kudos to the author.
August 9, 2021
Spirited is the gripping conclusion to the Manderley Academy series. It's a lot of craziness, some of which might better have been edited out, but this series is riveting, and all is revealed in this final book. If murder, mystery, and gothic romance is your thing, this series has it all and then some! Highly recommended.
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.
February 14, 2022
Spirited, the third book of the Manderley Academy series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). I enjoyed book one, but after reading the blurb for book two, I felt comfortable skipping Haunted because I was more interested in the overall plot than a side trip. Spirited did a fine job of filling in blanks and I was happy to find I not only guessed some things correctly, but the writer was able to toss in a few things I didn't expect.
June 29, 2021
Wow, what a read. This book moves along at the perfect speed for the flow of the story making for an enjoyable read. It has interesting and unique characters that you will love no matter what they do. You feel like you kow them personally and you want to be there for them. This book needs to be read, you will not be sorry that you did.
July 10, 2021
Loved it
This whole series kept me engrossed from start to finish. I love gothic horror and classical music, so the Bad Boys of Baroque were just a delight, although I keep picturing Ivan as a slightly older version of Draco Malfoy !!
Phenomenal amount of research must have gone into this trilogy. And thank you Steffanie for the Spotify playlist.
This whole series kept me engrossed from start to finish. I love gothic horror and classical music, so the Bad Boys of Baroque were just a delight, although I keep picturing Ivan as a slightly older version of Draco Malfoy !!
Phenomenal amount of research must have gone into this trilogy. And thank you Steffanie for the Spotify playlist.
July 13, 2021
“Spirited” finally answers some of the questions from the previous installments. Did Dorien kill Heather? This tale has more action, drama, and suspense making this the best installment in this trilogy. This trilogy would have been better served as one less wordy book instead of three slow-paced tales.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review
July 15, 2021
I have been waiting to read Spirited for awhile and I was not disappointed! I was sad this series was coming to a conclusion but Steffanie Holmes did it justice!
She wrote a wonderfully messed up world with characters I loved!!
Read if you can now!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She wrote a wonderfully messed up world with characters I loved!!
Read if you can now!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2021
This was a great way to end the series. Just when Faye and her Broken Muses think they have it figured out, there was another twist to the story. This book kept me on the edge of my seat for sure. Not to mention the sexy, steamy scenes.
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 29, 2022
Amazing end to an a amazing series
I really loved this series from the beginning to the end. I have found a new author to obsess over. Faye and her muses are amazing with Titus being my most favorite of them all. This book wasn't to dark but it had its dark moments with so many twist
I really loved this series from the beginning to the end. I have found a new author to obsess over. Faye and her muses are amazing with Titus being my most favorite of them all. This book wasn't to dark but it had its dark moments with so many twist
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