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The Hellion Club #3.5
Making Spirits Bright
Can a ghostly matchmaker lead a reluctant couple to happiness?
When a recently deceased scapegrace of a gentleman is desperate to earn himself a position in the afterlife as a Ghost of Christmas Present, he's forced to play matchmaker for two resistant people to prove his worth...
As a young woman, Elizabeth Burkhart fell victim to an unscrupulous man. But as wicked as he was, her family was much worse. Abandoning her daughter, Lillian, to the less than tender mercies of the child's father was the only way to save her life. Now, years later, reunited with her child and trying to put the pieces back together, Elizabeth recognizes that something is missing. That, despite the wonder of her having her daughter with her again, her life isn't complete. Then a chance encounter with a handsome man gives her hope... until she finds out he has an unfortunate connection to her painful past.
Oliver Weston, Marquess of Whittendon, is a second son of a second son who never expected to inherit a title. Raised in America, he doesn't fit into the new aristocratic world that he's been thrust into. The loneliness and emptiness of his existence is weighing on him... until the most miraculous thing happens. The most fascinating woman he's ever met walks into a gaming hell and turns his entire existence upside down. And, then, she vanishes.
But with a little ghostly interference and a huge leap of faith, happiness might be just around the corner for both of them.
(Note: This short story was first published as part of the Dragonblade 2020 holiday collection, O Night Divine.)
When a recently deceased scapegrace of a gentleman is desperate to earn himself a position in the afterlife as a Ghost of Christmas Present, he's forced to play matchmaker for two resistant people to prove his worth...
As a young woman, Elizabeth Burkhart fell victim to an unscrupulous man. But as wicked as he was, her family was much worse. Abandoning her daughter, Lillian, to the less than tender mercies of the child's father was the only way to save her life. Now, years later, reunited with her child and trying to put the pieces back together, Elizabeth recognizes that something is missing. That, despite the wonder of her having her daughter with her again, her life isn't complete. Then a chance encounter with a handsome man gives her hope... until she finds out he has an unfortunate connection to her painful past.
Oliver Weston, Marquess of Whittendon, is a second son of a second son who never expected to inherit a title. Raised in America, he doesn't fit into the new aristocratic world that he's been thrust into. The loneliness and emptiness of his existence is weighing on him... until the most miraculous thing happens. The most fascinating woman he's ever met walks into a gaming hell and turns his entire existence upside down. And, then, she vanishes.
But with a little ghostly interference and a huge leap of faith, happiness might be just around the corner for both of them.
(Note: This short story was first published as part of the Dragonblade 2020 holiday collection, O Night Divine.)
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2020
61 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Chasity Bowlin
142 books526 followersUSA Today Best Selling author and Winner of the 2019 Romance Through the Ages Award for Georgian/Regency Romance, Chasity Bowlin is the author multiple bestselling historical romance novels, both independently and with Dragonblade Publishing. She lives in central Kentucky with her husband and their menagerie of animals. She loves writing, loves traveling and enjoys incorporating tidbits of her actual vacations into her books. She is an avid Anglophile, loving all things British, but specifically all things Regency.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 20, 2021
A lovely HEA short story. Enjoyed main characters and Burney too. 4☆
November 22, 2022
Burney, a friendly male ghost, is trying to bring together Elizabeth Burkhart, an unmarried lady, who has a daughter, and the Marquess of Whittendon, an American who has just inherited. Of course there is a HEA. Even though this was a short read, I loved it. Loved the characters, especially the Dowager Duchess of Templeton. I think she saw Burney as well, but just ignored him. 4☆
December 26, 2022
Wow just wow! I remember barefoot in Hyde park from a long time ago. I never knew the story of the mother. Life is desperately hard for women in this age and the men are for the most part allowed to walk away scot free!
Elizabeth was ruined and bore a daughter she placed her daughter in the hands of her grandmother so she wouldn’t starve to death! Hey daughter still had issues and strives to have a relationship with her now that she is married and will have a family not her own!
Elizabeth is a companion and is constantly whispered about and would be shunned if not for the formidable Dowager Templeton!
Oliver is an American Marquess and absolutely smitten by Elizabeth love at first sight! With a little help from Burney whose assignment is to get these two to the altar and a HEA.
This is a very short read filled with humor. I would love to read a story about Burney sister and other characters! Bravo!
Elizabeth was ruined and bore a daughter she placed her daughter in the hands of her grandmother so she wouldn’t starve to death! Hey daughter still had issues and strives to have a relationship with her now that she is married and will have a family not her own!
Elizabeth is a companion and is constantly whispered about and would be shunned if not for the formidable Dowager Templeton!
Oliver is an American Marquess and absolutely smitten by Elizabeth love at first sight! With a little help from Burney whose assignment is to get these two to the altar and a HEA.
This is a very short read filled with humor. I would love to read a story about Burney sister and other characters! Bravo!
December 16, 2023
A story about a woman who "fell from grace" many years prior to the start of this story. Her now adult daughter has married a viscount raising her status and forging her spot in society. At a party the original woman is visited by a ghost who leads her a man in gambling hell. He's an Earl and an American. A second son of a second son who inherited the title and lands after tragedy struck the English family. The two meet and instantly fall in love and the ghost/spirit gains acceptance or whatever.
I didn't feel any chemistry between the couple and the story fell short for me. It was okay but only okay.
I didn't feel any chemistry between the couple and the story fell short for me. It was okay but only okay.
July 27, 2022
4.25 STARS
I purchased this as a multi-author bundle called O'Night Devine.
Enjoyable read that had a small feel of It's A Wonderful Life. The Angel is nothing like the one in the movie. We are left with questions about how the Spirit died. If he was able to help his sister. These will be answered in books the author will be writing. There isn't a cliffhanger for our H/h. Some of the character's have been in other stories I've read by this author and I've enjoyed them.
This is a clean story with no kisses. They get their HEA after only a couple days. (ljb)
I purchased this as a multi-author bundle called O'Night Devine.
Enjoyable read that had a small feel of It's A Wonderful Life. The Angel is nothing like the one in the movie. We are left with questions about how the Spirit died. If he was able to help his sister. These will be answered in books the author will be writing. There isn't a cliffhanger for our H/h. Some of the character's have been in other stories I've read by this author and I've enjoyed them.
This is a clean story with no kisses. They get their HEA after only a couple days. (ljb)
June 26, 2023
Seemed unfinished
It was great to read more about the Dowager Duchess of Templeton. She may be my favorite character from this author. However, I kept waiting for Burney to get on with the assignment that was important to him than Elizabeth and Oliver. It was mentioned more than once that there was a personal reason he wanted to be a Christmas ghost (nice nod to Mr. Dickens, by the way). Yet the story just ends with Burney going into the house of a man I don’t remember being in any Hellion Club book. It’s clear Burney doesn’t like Thomas, but it’s not clear why.
It was great to read more about the Dowager Duchess of Templeton. She may be my favorite character from this author. However, I kept waiting for Burney to get on with the assignment that was important to him than Elizabeth and Oliver. It was mentioned more than once that there was a personal reason he wanted to be a Christmas ghost (nice nod to Mr. Dickens, by the way). Yet the story just ends with Burney going into the house of a man I don’t remember being in any Hellion Club book. It’s clear Burney doesn’t like Thomas, but it’s not clear why.
July 25, 2022
One of my favourite authors I’m glad that she decided to give Elizabeth a happy ending of her own. The way this linked with a previous book allowed another character to appear in a supportive role. I would love to hear of a follow up novel as to how Burney helped his sister gain happiness
Enjoyed the book I would recommend to fans of regency romance.
Enjoyed the book I would recommend to fans of regency romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2023
love this so much
I was so sad when the character who is the spirit died in an an earlier book.
I was equally happy to see him again redeeming himself in this short but very sweet Xmas story.
No sex scenes in This one but full of love and warm fuzzy feelings.
Yay. Happy endings for everyone.
Highly recommend
I was so sad when the character who is the spirit died in an an earlier book.
I was equally happy to see him again redeeming himself in this short but very sweet Xmas story.
No sex scenes in This one but full of love and warm fuzzy feelings.
Yay. Happy endings for everyone.
Highly recommend
October 31, 2022
Nice little story
It was short and sweet. I love the idea of a ghostly guide leading the two principles to true love. My only complaint is that it's too short. The story feels stunted as if it ends far too quickly. I would love to see a retelling in a longer format.
It was short and sweet. I love the idea of a ghostly guide leading the two principles to true love. My only complaint is that it's too short. The story feels stunted as if it ends far too quickly. I would love to see a retelling in a longer format.
November 23, 2022
Wonderful short story
This is a short read and I really enjoyed the characters. I was surprised the depth of the characters in a short story. It moved quickly and it was a happy story with a happy ending.
This is a short read and I really enjoyed the characters. I was surprised the depth of the characters in a short story. It moved quickly and it was a happy story with a happy ending.
December 30, 2024
Awesome!
This is a sweet and heartwarming story. A spirit from the afterlife brings together two lonely and hurting souls. I loved that Elizabeth found a forever love after being used so viciously.
This is a sweet and heartwarming story. A spirit from the afterlife brings together two lonely and hurting souls. I loved that Elizabeth found a forever love after being used so viciously.
January 23, 2025
Very short story in which Elizabeth (Lilly’s mother) gets her own HEA. Oliver has unexpectedly inherited the title Marquess of Whittendon having spent most of his life in America.
With the “help” of the now ghostly Burney these two lonely people are able to find love.
With the “help” of the now ghostly Burney these two lonely people are able to find love.
June 23, 2025
adorable , and bringing about a well needed HEA
Bringing Burney back as a spirit was inspired. He needs happiness. He tried so hard in life without guidance to make things good and fight those evils but lost. Read Barefoot in Hyde Park! This was a quick and cute read.
Bringing Burney back as a spirit was inspired. He needs happiness. He tried so hard in life without guidance to make things good and fight those evils but lost. Read Barefoot in Hyde Park! This was a quick and cute read.
August 4, 2022
Cute & Quick Read!
Love this cute story of Love at first sight & devil may care attitude. Also loved the Dowager Duchess too!
Love this cute story of Love at first sight & devil may care attitude. Also loved the Dowager Duchess too!
September 26, 2022
Unexpected
I loved Burney in Hellion 3 and was sorry when he died. Happy to see him in this novella unburdened and happy.
I loved Burney in Hellion 3 and was sorry when he died. Happy to see him in this novella unburdened and happy.
December 19, 2022
Great short Christmas story
It was well written. A page turner. It's a Christmas story and short and sweet about finding love with a little help from a spirit.
It was well written. A page turner. It's a Christmas story and short and sweet about finding love with a little help from a spirit.
January 29, 2023
Bright
This was a sweet short story! I thoroughly enjoy Charisy's writing. The characters are engaging and interesting. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
This was a sweet short story! I thoroughly enjoy Charisy's writing. The characters are engaging and interesting. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
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February 28, 2023This ghost wasn’t very good at his job
July 14, 2023
It was cute but there was hardly there there
April 11, 2025
A Wonderful Novella.
I enjoyed reading this Novella.
I read this in "O Night Divine" by Various Authors.
I enjoyed reading this Novella.
I read this in "O Night Divine" by Various Authors.
December 11, 2025
It was ok for a quick holiday read. Felt a bit rushed at the end.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews