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Ghosts and Reincarnation #3
Penmort Castle
Cash Fraser is planning revenge and to get it he needs the perfect woman. So he hires her. Abigail Butler has lost nearly everything in her life and she’s about to lose the home she loves.
Cash meets Abby, who is posing as a paid escort, and the minute he does he knows he’s willing to pay for more than Abby being his pretend girlfriend. A lot more. Abby needs the money or the last thing that links her to her dead family and husband will be gone. The deal is struck but both Cash and Abby get more than they bargained for.
Cash realises very quickly that Abby isn’t what she seems and while he changes strategies, Abby discovers that Cash’s legacy, Penmort Castle, is like all the tales say – very, very haunted. Making matters worse, the ghost in residence wants her dead.
Abby’s found herself in the battle of her life so she enlists Mrs. Truman, her nosy neighbour; Jenny, her no-nonsense friend; Cassandra McNabb, white witch and clairvoyant with a penchant for wearing scarves (and lots of them); and Angus McPherson, dyed-in-the-wool Scot (which means he hunts ghosts in a kilt) to fight the vicious ghost who has vowed that she will rest at nothing to kill the true, abiding love of the master of Penmort.
Cash meets Abby, who is posing as a paid escort, and the minute he does he knows he’s willing to pay for more than Abby being his pretend girlfriend. A lot more. Abby needs the money or the last thing that links her to her dead family and husband will be gone. The deal is struck but both Cash and Abby get more than they bargained for.
Cash realises very quickly that Abby isn’t what she seems and while he changes strategies, Abby discovers that Cash’s legacy, Penmort Castle, is like all the tales say – very, very haunted. Making matters worse, the ghost in residence wants her dead.
Abby’s found herself in the battle of her life so she enlists Mrs. Truman, her nosy neighbour; Jenny, her no-nonsense friend; Cassandra McNabb, white witch and clairvoyant with a penchant for wearing scarves (and lots of them); and Angus McPherson, dyed-in-the-wool Scot (which means he hunts ghosts in a kilt) to fight the vicious ghost who has vowed that she will rest at nothing to kill the true, abiding love of the master of Penmort.
498 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2011
452 people are currently reading
4121 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Ashley
144 books39.6k followersKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 754 reviews
September 24, 2017
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
The first thing you should know is PENMORT CASTLE by Kristen Ashley is PNR-lite.
So if you're purely a speculative fiction reader and need creatures on every other page to enjoy a book, you should probably just move along.
BUT. If you do occasionally read straight-up contemporary romance or romantic suspense--excellent palate cleansers both, in my humble opinion--you're good to go.
Maybe.
You see . . . Kristen Ashley (KA) isn't for everyone. Those of us (and we are LEGION) who love KA, really love her. Make-our-significant-others-angry-b/c-refuse-to-put-down-the-book love her.
But those of you who don't love her want to kill her books with fire. 🔥🔥🔥
How do you know which one you'll be?
Well . . . do you:
1. Like OTT alpha males?
I'm talking alpha males who do things that under any other (non-KA) circumstances would be unforgivable, but through some bizarre combination of extenuating circumstances and insight into character behavior (b/c excellently written POVs) is, in fact, forgivable?
2. Like truly unique and adorable heroines who are capable but not militant? Who appreciate rather than resent when a man opens her door?
Actually, that's all you need to ask yourself: do you get angry when a man opens a door for you?
If yes, run far, far away. If no, and especially if you think it's a lovely gesture, then get to one-clicking (b/c indie author = CHEAP).
Abigail Butler has endured an astounding amount of loss in her adult life.
First she lost her mother to cancer, then her father followed a year later. A year after that, her sole remaining grandparent died, and then . . . her husband whom she desperately loved was killed in a car accident.
That was four years ago, and for the last year she's been living in the family home she inherited from her grandmother in England.
The family home that is a money pit.
The family home she refuses to lose like she's lost her family.
BUT.
Money pits are expensive and Abby is broke.
*whispers* This is where the KA-ness starts to shine.
Abby's best friend overhears one of her husband's work colleagues lamenting a family situation: his uncle, whom he hates, is in dire straights financially and trying to foist one of his (not blood-related) stepdaughters on him to marry.
This work colleague (Cash Fraser) is quite the catch and has women constantly throwing themselves at him, so he can't cool his uncle's heels by bringing 'round a girlfriend, b/c a "girlfriend" would have expectations.
"But what if," BFF says to herself, "he paid an escort to pretend to be his girlfriend? Abby could do that! And Cash is LOADED, so he could pay her enough to get her back on solid ground! YES. I must make this happen!"
And she does.
This is where you say to yourself, "KA-ness sounds an awful lot like convoluted ridiculousness," and ordinarily I'd agree. BUT. KA makes it work.
Beyond that, her characters are bloody fantastic. Meet Abby:
Jenny:
Mrs. Truman:
Angus:
And that brings me to the paranormal element. Cash is the rightful heir of Penmort Castle and Penmort Castle is haunted by a malicious ghost who is determined to kill the true love of the rightful heir. And she's done it. Five times, not counting the first when she was still alive.
Ghosty she-bitch, indeed. *winks*
SO. If you haven't already tried Kristen Ashley and you haven't been scared off by my earlier qualifications, I recommend you do so. Sooner rather than laters, baby. Fall is the best time for ghosts. Highly recommended.
10/22/15: Every bit as awesome as I remember. Maybe even 4.5 stars. Full RTC (for real this time).
10/19/15: Buddy (Re)Read with Robin and Joanita !
B/c KA. Also b/c I'm an enabler. #cantstopwontstop.
The first thing you should know is PENMORT CASTLE by Kristen Ashley is PNR-lite.
So if you're purely a speculative fiction reader and need creatures on every other page to enjoy a book, you should probably just move along.
BUT. If you do occasionally read straight-up contemporary romance or romantic suspense--excellent palate cleansers both, in my humble opinion--you're good to go.
Maybe.
You see . . . Kristen Ashley (KA) isn't for everyone. Those of us (and we are LEGION) who love KA, really love her. Make-our-significant-others-angry-b/c-refuse-to-put-down-the-book love her.
But those of you who don't love her want to kill her books with fire. 🔥🔥🔥
How do you know which one you'll be?
Well . . . do you:
1. Like OTT alpha males?
I'm talking alpha males who do things that under any other (non-KA) circumstances would be unforgivable, but through some bizarre combination of extenuating circumstances and insight into character behavior (b/c excellently written POVs) is, in fact, forgivable?
2. Like truly unique and adorable heroines who are capable but not militant? Who appreciate rather than resent when a man opens her door?
Actually, that's all you need to ask yourself: do you get angry when a man opens a door for you?
If yes, run far, far away. If no, and especially if you think it's a lovely gesture, then get to one-clicking (b/c indie author = CHEAP).
Abigail Butler has endured an astounding amount of loss in her adult life.
First she lost her mother to cancer, then her father followed a year later. A year after that, her sole remaining grandparent died, and then . . . her husband whom she desperately loved was killed in a car accident.
That was four years ago, and for the last year she's been living in the family home she inherited from her grandmother in England.
The family home that is a money pit.
The family home she refuses to lose like she's lost her family.
BUT.
Money pits are expensive and Abby is broke.
*whispers* This is where the KA-ness starts to shine.
Abby's best friend overhears one of her husband's work colleagues lamenting a family situation: his uncle, whom he hates, is in dire straights financially and trying to foist one of his (not blood-related) stepdaughters on him to marry.
This work colleague (Cash Fraser) is quite the catch and has women constantly throwing themselves at him, so he can't cool his uncle's heels by bringing 'round a girlfriend, b/c a "girlfriend" would have expectations.
"But what if," BFF says to herself, "he paid an escort to pretend to be his girlfriend? Abby could do that! And Cash is LOADED, so he could pay her enough to get her back on solid ground! YES. I must make this happen!"
And she does.
This is where you say to yourself, "KA-ness sounds an awful lot like convoluted ridiculousness," and ordinarily I'd agree. BUT. KA makes it work.
Beyond that, her characters are bloody fantastic. Meet Abby:
Abby kept her hair down but blew it sleek to frame her face and she’d done her makeup in what she referred to in her wide array of makeup looks (an array she’d once enumerated to Ben while he nearly choked himself laughing even though she was not being funny) as “Smoky Evening”.
Jenny:
“Have you slept with him?”
Abby’s mouth dropped open.
“Don’t give me that look,” Jenny warned. “He’s hot. I was in your shoes, I’d sleep with him,” she announced baldly. “How long did you wait?”
“It happened Thursday,” Abby answered.
“You were always slow,” Jenny remarked.
Mrs. Truman:
“I don’t think it’s that easy to get rid of a ghost,” Abby told the older woman.
“I didn’t say it’d be easy,” Mrs. Truman noted, waving the remains of her donut again. “I just said we’d sort something out.” She leaned forward and took a sip of coffee before sitting back and saying, “I know a few people. I’ll make some calls.”
Angus:
“What’s going on?”
“I know what’s no’ going on,” Angus cut in impatiently, “and that’s the fact that no ghosty she-bitch is being hurtled over the side of the tower straight to the depths of hell. That’s what’s no’ going on.”
And that brings me to the paranormal element. Cash is the rightful heir of Penmort Castle and Penmort Castle is haunted by a malicious ghost who is determined to kill the true love of the rightful heir. And she's done it. Five times, not counting the first when she was still alive.
Ghosty she-bitch, indeed. *winks*
SO. If you haven't already tried Kristen Ashley and you haven't been scared off by my earlier qualifications, I recommend you do so. Sooner rather than laters, baby. Fall is the best time for ghosts. Highly recommended.
10/22/15: Every bit as awesome as I remember. Maybe even 4.5 stars. Full RTC (for real this time).
10/19/15: Buddy (Re)Read with Robin and Joanita !
B/c KA. Also b/c I'm an enabler. #cantstopwontstop.
September 23, 2014
4.5 stars
I started reading KA back in 2011 and have enjoyed most of her books. She is usually a 4 or 5 star read and never less than a 3. I put this one off for a while as I am not big into the whole "Ghosts and Reincarnations" element in books. I ended up really liking it.
Connor "Cash" Fraser (OK, you had me at the Fraser) is your typical alpha male. Tall, handsome, successful. His use of the "F" word was there in abundance. Everytime he used it Abigail knew she was in trouble.
Loved where it was set. Stayed in Bristol for a night this summer and visited Bath on a previous occasion.
The PNR is relevant to the book but it is not there all the time and it is quite funny and not really that scary.
And, as with most KA books, we get our Epilogue which always leave me with a happy feeling.
BTW, the word "fuck" was mentioned 168 times in the book. Not bad, not bad at all.
I started reading KA back in 2011 and have enjoyed most of her books. She is usually a 4 or 5 star read and never less than a 3. I put this one off for a while as I am not big into the whole "Ghosts and Reincarnations" element in books. I ended up really liking it.
Cash Fraser is planning revenge and to get it he needs the perfect woman. So he hires her. Abigail Butler has lost nearly everything in her life and she’s about to lose the home she loves.
“I don’t give a fuck about whatever fucking rules you have. That was you that you just gave me. I wanted it, you gave it, I took it and I’m not fucking giving it back.”
“They were simply meant to be. He understood this was a ludicrously romantic notion. And he didn’t give a fuck.”
Connor "Cash" Fraser (OK, you had me at the Fraser) is your typical alpha male. Tall, handsome, successful. His use of the "F" word was there in abundance. Everytime he used it Abigail knew she was in trouble.
“Last night, I thought we were going to begin.”
“Begin what?”
She let out a soft sigh and said,
“You know, begin”
His voice held a smile when he replied,
“We did, Abby. Couldn’t you tell?”
She pulled his pillow to her chest and whispered,
“Not really.”
“Then you weren’t paying much attention” he muttered.”
Loved where it was set. Stayed in Bristol for a night this summer and visited Bath on a previous occasion.
The PNR is relevant to the book but it is not there all the time and it is quite funny and not really that scary.
And, as with most KA books, we get our Epilogue which always leave me with a happy feeling.
"I want you to usher in the era of the FRASERs. Your grandfather deserves that."
BTW, the word "fuck" was mentioned 168 times in the book. Not bad, not bad at all.
July 2, 2018
Just because a GIF of David Gandy can never be wrong, and as per my status while reading this book and all books in this series - regardless of any descriptions, the picture in my head is going to be David Gandy!
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Contemporary Paranormal Romance
Series : - First in the series. Although technically, they can be read as stand alone, as the main characters do not cross over, but some secondary characters do.
Writing - Third person Dual POV
Main Characters : Cash Fraser is planning revenge. He hates his Uncle, for stealing his birthright, and due to a new found fame, that he also hates, he needs the perfect woman to help make his revenge all the better.
Abigail Butler, has lost everything, and is struggling. She needs money and her and her friend decide she should pose as a paid escort.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author? - Yes
Rating - 5 stars after a re read (upgraded from 4)
★Review★
I have to say, ages ago, when I first discovered KA, this was a series I kept till last, after I devoured everything else! I was just not sure how I would like it.
But, I gave it a go, and enjoyed the entire series.
This book is 5 stars. And it is typical KA, it just happens to have a Ghost Witch from hell. As you do!
With the typical KA cast of excellent yet insane secondary characters, it was a fun read.
Yet this book (and this entire series) more so than a lot of her other books, has its more sad and poignant moments and even had me tearing up at one point!
So, if you are unsure about this series, due to the Ghost and more paranormal aspects, then give it a go. It is all that is great about KA, it just happens to have a ghost!
“Some folks believe. Some folks need to see to believe. Some folks need their loved ones hurled off the top of a castle by a spirit-bitch-from-hell to believe.”
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Contemporary Paranormal Romance
Series : - First in the series. Although technically, they can be read as stand alone, as the main characters do not cross over, but some secondary characters do.
Writing - Third person Dual POV
Main Characters : Cash Fraser is planning revenge. He hates his Uncle, for stealing his birthright, and due to a new found fame, that he also hates, he needs the perfect woman to help make his revenge all the better.
Abigail Butler, has lost everything, and is struggling. She needs money and her and her friend decide she should pose as a paid escort.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author? - Yes
Rating - 5 stars after a re read (upgraded from 4)
★Review★
I have to say, ages ago, when I first discovered KA, this was a series I kept till last, after I devoured everything else! I was just not sure how I would like it.
But, I gave it a go, and enjoyed the entire series.
This book is 5 stars. And it is typical KA, it just happens to have a Ghost Witch from hell. As you do!
With the typical KA cast of excellent yet insane secondary characters, it was a fun read.
Yet this book (and this entire series) more so than a lot of her other books, has its more sad and poignant moments and even had me tearing up at one point!
So, if you are unsure about this series, due to the Ghost and more paranormal aspects, then give it a go. It is all that is great about KA, it just happens to have a ghost!
“Some folks believe. Some folks need to see to believe. Some folks need their loved ones hurled off the top of a castle by a spirit-bitch-from-hell to believe.”
January 14, 2023
2nd read, Sept. 2021 — 3.5 stars
1st read, Feb. 2021 — 3.5 stars
im adding these National Trust properties the first three books are based on to my Places to Visit in the UK After Covid19 list.
any mention of one of my favorite shows ever, Supernatural, is always appreciated. read this book if you like aforementioned TV show. that is to say, you should read this if you like romance that involves family drama and a group of un(likely) self-proclaimed ghostbusters getting rid of a jealous mean bitch of a ghost. i promise its not scary. its wholly entertaining.
dont read this book if youre uncomfortable with a heroine who had a dead husband whom she loved or who loved her just as much if not more, and whom she already had a happy marriage with. the hero is NOT second best, but the circumstance does make me doubt a tiny bit. anyway, Abby Craden is doing a damn fiiinnneee job narrating these British/Scottish accented heroes.
im enjoying the series so far and lovin the heck outta the audiobooks. thank u, next. the binge must go on. lessgo!!! 💃
(read as an audiobook)
1st read, Feb. 2021 — 3.5 stars
im adding these National Trust properties the first three books are based on to my Places to Visit in the UK After Covid19 list.
any mention of one of my favorite shows ever, Supernatural, is always appreciated. read this book if you like aforementioned TV show. that is to say, you should read this if you like romance that involves family drama and a group of un(likely) self-proclaimed ghostbusters getting rid of a jealous mean bitch of a ghost. i promise its not scary. its wholly entertaining.
dont read this book if youre uncomfortable with a heroine who had a dead husband whom she loved or who loved her just as much if not more, and whom she already had a happy marriage with. the hero is NOT second best, but the circumstance does make me doubt a tiny bit. anyway, Abby Craden is doing a damn fiiinnneee job narrating these British/Scottish accented heroes.
im enjoying the series so far and lovin the heck outta the audiobooks. thank u, next. the binge must go on. lessgo!!! 💃
(read as an audiobook)
September 19, 2015
3.5 Stars
June 8, 2023
3.5 Stars (Originally Read 12/29/2018)
3 Stars (Re-Read 6/8/2023)
Overall Opinion: It seem like I'm actually similar in my GR friends for once! I had put this series off because of the whole "ghosts and reincarnation" aspect. I am a Kristen Ashley fan, but I wasn't too sure about going that far with her (and also since I haven't had much success with pnr in the past). But! After big success in the fantasy series, and especially The Golden Dynasty, I thought I needed to give it a try. I'm glad I did. The pnr aspect isn't too overwhelming, and I thought that it was more focused on the romance tbh! Just what I like! Am I going to put this in my favorites shelf? No (mainly because of the H and the epilogue). But...I'm glad I gave it a shot, I enjoyed it, and I'll definitely be looking into the other books in the series.
Re-Read Note: I find myself in a book funk lately and thought I'd give KA a shot to get me out of it with one of the other books of hers that I enjoyed (and not one of the 4ish that I re-read all the time). This was enjoyable, but I don't think it helped my funk. Either the funk is effecting how I enjoyed it or I just didn't enjoy it as much this time 'round. It was just alright. I didn't get emotional or really all that invested. I lowered my rating -- but please don't get me wrong! I didn't hate it or anything! I think I'm just hard to please these days or something 🙄🙈
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Abby and Cash's story. As a way to fully pull off his act of revenge on his horrible uncle, Cash hires the down-on-her-luck Abby to be his pretend girlfriend. After their initial meeting, he realizes instantly that he wants more from her than just an act and propositions her for more. Abby is living in her family home that has slowly killed her savings and is in constant need for repair, so she feels like she cannot refuse the large sum Cash is offering. The more time they spend together, the harder it is to remember that it's all an act and they fall in love. There is also the dangerous fact that there is a ghost out to get Abby. There are some funny moments, some great side characters, some sexy times, and some suspenseful paranormal scenes...and they get a HEA.
POV: This alternated between Abby's POV and focusing on Cash in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings (though later upon reflection they claim it came fast).
H rating: 3 stars. Cash. I liked him, but I also wanted to shake him at times to get him to realize his feelings sooner -- and he could definitely be a jerk to the h!
h rating: 4 stars. Abby. She was kinda kookie, but I liked her.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes, but mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had a cute epilogue with what I would call a HEA ending . I don't feel like this was quite up to par with other KA epilogues, but I still felt pretty good with the ending.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
3 Stars (Re-Read 6/8/2023)
Overall Opinion: It seem like I'm actually similar in my GR friends for once! I had put this series off because of the whole "ghosts and reincarnation" aspect. I am a Kristen Ashley fan, but I wasn't too sure about going that far with her (and also since I haven't had much success with pnr in the past). But! After big success in the fantasy series, and especially The Golden Dynasty, I thought I needed to give it a try. I'm glad I did. The pnr aspect isn't too overwhelming, and I thought that it was more focused on the romance tbh! Just what I like! Am I going to put this in my favorites shelf? No (mainly because of the H and the epilogue). But...I'm glad I gave it a shot, I enjoyed it, and I'll definitely be looking into the other books in the series.
Re-Read Note: I find myself in a book funk lately and thought I'd give KA a shot to get me out of it with one of the other books of hers that I enjoyed (and not one of the 4ish that I re-read all the time). This was enjoyable, but I don't think it helped my funk. Either the funk is effecting how I enjoyed it or I just didn't enjoy it as much this time 'round. It was just alright. I didn't get emotional or really all that invested. I lowered my rating -- but please don't get me wrong! I didn't hate it or anything! I think I'm just hard to please these days or something 🙄🙈
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Abby and Cash's story. As a way to fully pull off his act of revenge on his horrible uncle, Cash hires the down-on-her-luck Abby to be his pretend girlfriend. After their initial meeting, he realizes instantly that he wants more from her than just an act and propositions her for more. Abby is living in her family home that has slowly killed her savings and is in constant need for repair, so she feels like she cannot refuse the large sum Cash is offering. The more time they spend together, the harder it is to remember that it's all an act and they fall in love. There is also the dangerous fact that there is a ghost out to get Abby. There are some funny moments, some great side characters, some sexy times, and some suspenseful paranormal scenes...and they get a HEA.
POV: This alternated between Abby's POV and focusing on Cash in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings (though later upon reflection they claim it came fast).
H rating: 3 stars. Cash. I liked him, but I also wanted to shake him at times to get him to realize his feelings sooner -- and he could definitely be a jerk to the h!
h rating: 4 stars. Abby. She was kinda kookie, but I liked her.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes, but mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had a cute epilogue with what I would call a HEA ending . I don't feel like this was quite up to par with other KA epilogues, but I still felt pretty good with the ending.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
November 17, 2015
"Some folks believe. Some folks need to see to believe. Some folks need their loved ones hurled off the top of a castle by a spirit-bitch-from-hell to believe."
Penmort Castle is the first book in the Ghosts and Reincarnation Series. I originally read this book in 2014 and for some reason, at that time, I wasn't crazy about this book. Recently, I read a review of a friend that did a re-read of a book she wasn't that crazy about her first read to then turn around and fall in love with the book. At first, I thought it was a silly notion to re-read a book that you didn't love. Now, I can honestly say it was a fantastic idea! Because the second time around, I enjoyed every second of this read! I wonder how many other books are on my shelf that I need to go back and re-read? As our reading personalities shift (and change and grow), it is natural for our likes and dislikes change over time!
Abby is a widower that is desperate for money in order to save her house from falling apart. With the help of her best friend, she is able to wrangle herself into the position of "escort" to a wealthy socialite.
Cash believes Abby is the perfect actress to portray his girlfriend. His uncle wants him to marry his step cousin. If he does marry his step cousin, he will inadvertently secure his uncle's position in the family and in turn help his uncle remain as heir to Penmort Castle.
The stage is set. Scared and sweet Abby takes on rich and pompous Cash. As you may have suspected, these two fall in love and it is indeed HOT and sweet. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Cash in action. As soon as he figures out who Abby is, he decides he doesn't care about her past but wants to be in her future. Throw in a dash of gifts and whispered sweet nothings and your heart will melt!
"They were simply meant to be.
He understood this was a ludicrously romantic notion."
Add in a cooky neighbor, a great best friend, the tenderness of a lost love, some ghosts, and you have a winning read! Cash is as a strong willed, intelligent, alpha male who takes care of Abby in all the important ways a man can care for his woman. (wink-wink)
“I want you so attached you can’t imagine a life without me. I don’t give a fuck if that’s selfish, that’s what I want because, Abby, you must know, I already can’t imagine life without you.”
Overall, Penmort Castle was an excellent read. Told in multiple POV, it had action, romance, and passionate sex. The paranormal element was a bit over the top and yet, as always, KA seems to make it work! I highly recommend this read to any and all KA lovers!
~Original read August 23, 2014
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Penmort Castle is the first book in the Ghosts and Reincarnation Series. I originally read this book in 2014 and for some reason, at that time, I wasn't crazy about this book. Recently, I read a review of a friend that did a re-read of a book she wasn't that crazy about her first read to then turn around and fall in love with the book. At first, I thought it was a silly notion to re-read a book that you didn't love. Now, I can honestly say it was a fantastic idea! Because the second time around, I enjoyed every second of this read! I wonder how many other books are on my shelf that I need to go back and re-read? As our reading personalities shift (and change and grow), it is natural for our likes and dislikes change over time!
Abby is a widower that is desperate for money in order to save her house from falling apart. With the help of her best friend, she is able to wrangle herself into the position of "escort" to a wealthy socialite.
Cash believes Abby is the perfect actress to portray his girlfriend. His uncle wants him to marry his step cousin. If he does marry his step cousin, he will inadvertently secure his uncle's position in the family and in turn help his uncle remain as heir to Penmort Castle.
The stage is set. Scared and sweet Abby takes on rich and pompous Cash. As you may have suspected, these two fall in love and it is indeed HOT and sweet. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Cash in action. As soon as he figures out who Abby is, he decides he doesn't care about her past but wants to be in her future. Throw in a dash of gifts and whispered sweet nothings and your heart will melt!
"They were simply meant to be.
He understood this was a ludicrously romantic notion."
Add in a cooky neighbor, a great best friend, the tenderness of a lost love, some ghosts, and you have a winning read! Cash is as a strong willed, intelligent, alpha male who takes care of Abby in all the important ways a man can care for his woman. (wink-wink)
“I want you so attached you can’t imagine a life without me. I don’t give a fuck if that’s selfish, that’s what I want because, Abby, you must know, I already can’t imagine life without you.”
Overall, Penmort Castle was an excellent read. Told in multiple POV, it had action, romance, and passionate sex. The paranormal element was a bit over the top and yet, as always, KA seems to make it work! I highly recommend this read to any and all KA lovers!
~Original read August 23, 2014
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
November 23, 2014
5 Haunted Stars.
The Penmort Castle is haunted. Everyone knows that a female ghost that once loved the Master of the Castle haunts it. And she only kills the woman the Master love, because well… she is a bad, psychotic and jealous ghost.
Cash, as the “bastard” and only son as the last heir is the rightful Master, but after his father died in suspicious conditions the title have gone to his uncle. Now, years later and with vengeance in his mind, Cash, a self-made multimillionaire wants what belongs to him back. He wants the castle. Which means he’s probably going to make a bitchy ghost who is in love with him (and all the others heirs before him) very happy!
For his vengeance he needs Abby. So he contracts her to be his pretending girlfriend for a few weeks. Full of financial problems Abby has no other choice but to accept.
And that’s the thing about pretending: sometimes if starts to feel awful real. And nice.
But between deadly ghosts with killer instincts, opportunistic relatives and a whole lot of drama… this is going to be a bumpy ride!
Rating: 5 Stars.
Storyline: Mix ghosts and horror legends + hot alpha male + nice heroine + quirk sense of humor + steam and sweet romance and what will he have? Kristen Ashley awesomeness wrapped in a book. Yep, that’s basically it.
Writing Style: Third person. Dual POV. Heartwarming, funny and addictive.
Character Development: I loved, LOVED Cash. He’s now probably on my Kristen Ashley’s Book Boyfriends top. Yes, I have a list just for her. (And don’t you worry Lee. Nobody will ever top you!). He was the prime example of a KA alpha-male, and she is probably the queen of them all. Abby was also good. She was sweet and fierce and loyal. For the first time I didn’t like the best-friend. At all. Jenny was nosy and caused troubles that otherwise wouldn’t exist. The rest of the gang was awesome as ever. I loved, LOVED Mrs. Truman. Best British old lady ever written!
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
The Penmort Castle is haunted. Everyone knows that a female ghost that once loved the Master of the Castle haunts it. And she only kills the woman the Master love, because well… she is a bad, psychotic and jealous ghost.
Cash, as the “bastard” and only son as the last heir is the rightful Master, but after his father died in suspicious conditions the title have gone to his uncle. Now, years later and with vengeance in his mind, Cash, a self-made multimillionaire wants what belongs to him back. He wants the castle. Which means he’s probably going to make a bitchy ghost who is in love with him (and all the others heirs before him) very happy!
For his vengeance he needs Abby. So he contracts her to be his pretending girlfriend for a few weeks. Full of financial problems Abby has no other choice but to accept.
And that’s the thing about pretending: sometimes if starts to feel awful real. And nice.
But between deadly ghosts with killer instincts, opportunistic relatives and a whole lot of drama… this is going to be a bumpy ride!
Rating: 5 Stars.
Storyline: Mix ghosts and horror legends + hot alpha male + nice heroine + quirk sense of humor + steam and sweet romance and what will he have? Kristen Ashley awesomeness wrapped in a book. Yep, that’s basically it.
Writing Style: Third person. Dual POV. Heartwarming, funny and addictive.
Character Development: I loved, LOVED Cash. He’s now probably on my Kristen Ashley’s Book Boyfriends top. Yes, I have a list just for her. (And don’t you worry Lee. Nobody will ever top you!). He was the prime example of a KA alpha-male, and she is probably the queen of them all. Abby was also good. She was sweet and fierce and loyal. For the first time I didn’t like the best-friend. At all. Jenny was nosy and caused troubles that otherwise wouldn’t exist. The rest of the gang was awesome as ever. I loved, LOVED Mrs. Truman. Best British old lady ever written!
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
October 29, 2015
http://melissa413readsalot.blogspot.c...
Okay, where do I begin :) So you can read from the blurb that Cash hires Abby as an escort to get some revenge on his uncle. Abby isn't really an escort she just needs money because she's in way over her head and in debt trying to restore her grandmother's home so she can live there.
But Cash adds another proposition to their proposal that she can't turn down, it's a ton of money that will pay off everything and then some. So.... Abby goes a long with this even though she is terrified... at first anyway :)
Right from the start Cash is calling her and telling her what she's going to do for that day or that night. Eventually all of that leads to....
One day when he comes to pick up Abby, her nosy next door neighbor Mrs. Truman comes over and gives him the third degree and later on invites them and Abby's best friend Jenny and her husband to dinner. They are mortified as she is set in her ways and seems crazy as a loon. I didn't like her at first, but then after that night when they all had dinner with her, I fell in love. She's freaking funny as hell.
Upon entering Mrs. Truman's house the night of her party.
"Take off your coats. Give me that wine," she ordered then, for some demented reason, she shouted, "Marco!"
When everyone stood around waiting and nothing happened for a few moments, Jenny leaned toward Abby and asked under her breath, "Are we supposed to say "Polo?"
Abby felt a hysterical giggle start welling up inside her that she managed to tamp down when a young, dark-headed man wearing a white shirt and black trousers appeared.
And of course when Abby and Cash walk back over to her house there is more of this.
Sooo, moving on. Cash takes Abby to visit his relatives at Penmort Castle. This castle is his by right, but some stuff happened that I can't tell you and his uncle, wife and her kids live there. He hates his uncle and all for good reason, but Cash has a plan in place to take over the castle and live there.
There is a story about Penmort Castle. There is an evil spirit named Vivianna Wainwright that killed herself and cursed the place. She kills any woman that comes to the castle that is a true love of the master of the home. It's funny how she never killed Cash's aunt Nicola.. hmmmm....
While they are at the castle, Abby is attacked by Vivianna in the bathroom. The first attempt on Abby's life.
Anyway.. more of this ensues...
Abby tells Jenny about the ghost who in turn tells so and so and so on down the line. Before you know it, there is a whole crew involved in getting rid of the ghost, a witch named Cassandra, a lovely Scottish man who's name I forgot since I didn't write it down, and two of Cash's cousins.
I enjoyed their little talk on the different ways to get rid of a spirit because the author mentions one of my favorite shows in the book, Supernatural! :)
"The first, you find it's mortal remains and burn them," Cassandra replied. "I've seen that on TV, Abbey told her, and she had. That show with two hot brothers, one sensitive, one wise-cracking, both running around burning bones and shooting spirits with shotguns loaded with salt.
Abby doesn't want to tell Cash because she knows he won't believe her, but after they all go over and attempt the first attack, she has to tell him. I mean she's all bruised up and what not. Annnnnnnd, he doesn't believe her.
Finallyyyyy, she talks him into believing and they head out to stay the weekend at the castle and work on new things with the ghost.
Cassandra brings in some ghosts of the families to help them in this battle, which is sweet and sad. She also enlists Abby's cat Zee against Abby's wishes, but he's a huge help and a cutie to boot :)
There is a big show down with the humans and ghosts and they all win, but I won't tell you how they did it or who all was there to help. Some other things were uncovered and settled as well.
Even though I wanted to smack Abby and Cash many times I really did enjoy this book. I loved all of the characters but the one old uncle. They were all well played out in the story, even if you wanted to smack them too, but I digress :)
I'm so glad my crazy GR friends turned me on to this book :) I might not should have used those exact terms but still :) I'm very happen with it and look forward to more of this authors work!
Okay, where do I begin :) So you can read from the blurb that Cash hires Abby as an escort to get some revenge on his uncle. Abby isn't really an escort she just needs money because she's in way over her head and in debt trying to restore her grandmother's home so she can live there.
But Cash adds another proposition to their proposal that she can't turn down, it's a ton of money that will pay off everything and then some. So.... Abby goes a long with this even though she is terrified... at first anyway :)
Right from the start Cash is calling her and telling her what she's going to do for that day or that night. Eventually all of that leads to....
One day when he comes to pick up Abby, her nosy next door neighbor Mrs. Truman comes over and gives him the third degree and later on invites them and Abby's best friend Jenny and her husband to dinner. They are mortified as she is set in her ways and seems crazy as a loon. I didn't like her at first, but then after that night when they all had dinner with her, I fell in love. She's freaking funny as hell.
Upon entering Mrs. Truman's house the night of her party.
"Take off your coats. Give me that wine," she ordered then, for some demented reason, she shouted, "Marco!"
When everyone stood around waiting and nothing happened for a few moments, Jenny leaned toward Abby and asked under her breath, "Are we supposed to say "Polo?"
Abby felt a hysterical giggle start welling up inside her that she managed to tamp down when a young, dark-headed man wearing a white shirt and black trousers appeared.
And of course when Abby and Cash walk back over to her house there is more of this.
Sooo, moving on. Cash takes Abby to visit his relatives at Penmort Castle. This castle is his by right, but some stuff happened that I can't tell you and his uncle, wife and her kids live there. He hates his uncle and all for good reason, but Cash has a plan in place to take over the castle and live there.
There is a story about Penmort Castle. There is an evil spirit named Vivianna Wainwright that killed herself and cursed the place. She kills any woman that comes to the castle that is a true love of the master of the home. It's funny how she never killed Cash's aunt Nicola.. hmmmm....
While they are at the castle, Abby is attacked by Vivianna in the bathroom. The first attempt on Abby's life.
Anyway.. more of this ensues...
Abby tells Jenny about the ghost who in turn tells so and so and so on down the line. Before you know it, there is a whole crew involved in getting rid of the ghost, a witch named Cassandra, a lovely Scottish man who's name I forgot since I didn't write it down, and two of Cash's cousins.
I enjoyed their little talk on the different ways to get rid of a spirit because the author mentions one of my favorite shows in the book, Supernatural! :)
"The first, you find it's mortal remains and burn them," Cassandra replied. "I've seen that on TV, Abbey told her, and she had. That show with two hot brothers, one sensitive, one wise-cracking, both running around burning bones and shooting spirits with shotguns loaded with salt.
Abby doesn't want to tell Cash because she knows he won't believe her, but after they all go over and attempt the first attack, she has to tell him. I mean she's all bruised up and what not. Annnnnnnd, he doesn't believe her.
Finallyyyyy, she talks him into believing and they head out to stay the weekend at the castle and work on new things with the ghost.
Cassandra brings in some ghosts of the families to help them in this battle, which is sweet and sad. She also enlists Abby's cat Zee against Abby's wishes, but he's a huge help and a cutie to boot :)
There is a big show down with the humans and ghosts and they all win, but I won't tell you how they did it or who all was there to help. Some other things were uncovered and settled as well.
Even though I wanted to smack Abby and Cash many times I really did enjoy this book. I loved all of the characters but the one old uncle. They were all well played out in the story, even if you wanted to smack them too, but I digress :)
I'm so glad my crazy GR friends turned me on to this book :) I might not should have used those exact terms but still :) I'm very happen with it and look forward to more of this authors work!
February 24, 2017
Alright, though a bit predictable. The characters Conner Ewan “Cash” Fraser (how old was he?) and Abigail Butler (38) was cute together. Cash was hot, smart and commanding, while Abby was adorable, kind and gives everyone love. To be honest though, the ghost story? I didn't feel it. It didn't feel like this book was a paranormal romance book, but it was still an alright read.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance
Series: - Series, Book One
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Conner Ewan “Cash” Fraser
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5/3 stars.
“Some folks believe. Some folds need to see to believe. Some folds need their loved ones hurled off the top of a castle by a spirit-bitch-from-hell to believe.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance
Series: - Series, Book One
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Conner Ewan “Cash” Fraser
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5/3 stars.
October 25, 2015
Why? Cuz it is October and something haunty is required.
Also....cuz My Enabler Jessica and fellow KA lover Joanita said they would buddy read it with me.
3.5 Castle Chic Stars
Broken Characters, I totally love them and KA seems to love to write about them. Add in a murderous ghost in a castle, a curse and some funny side characters and you can see why I enjoyed this book so much.
The Premise:
Cash needs an uncomplicated arrangement with a woman to let his Uncle know he is not going to marry one of his Step-Cousin’s just to have a familial Castle back in his line. Abby needs some money to restore her Grandmother’s dilapidated house and the only thing of her family she feels she has to hold on to. So Abby pretends to be a high priced Escort to help Cash out. What could possibly go wrong???
This isn’t by any means a scary book. It has some trippy moments and there is a ghost but on my creep factor it is about a 2. It is a love story with a ghost in it for the most part. A ghost that knows Abby is Cash’s true love and wants to kill her.
Cash is a typical KA alpha hero. He decided what he wanted from the moment he met Abby and he is going to get it from her no matter what. Abby on the other hand is a bit lonely and widowed and doesn’t believe that she can ever find anything close to what she had with her husband. She has a lot of guilt over feeling something for the charismatic, charming and oh-so-bossy Cash.
Even though I really like the romance of this book it is also the side characters that totally make the story. Mrs. Truman was my absolute favorite. She is the cantankerous old lady that lives next door and apparently she has adopted Abigail unbeknownst to her. She is really a force of nature and all her time on page was fantastic.
Do not argue with your elders. But the way she looks after Abby and inserts herself into her life is really quite cute and I enjoyed all of it.
The only downfalls to the story as most KA stories is that she is really huge on details and extras. Extra details about the Castle, the décor of a house, outfits, shoes, throw pillows. She does this in a lot of her books which is how some of them end up so long. Sometimes I get a little bored with some of the detailing but I can totally imagine the entire setting so I think he mission is accomplished.
If you have never read a KA book well I think so far her heroes in this series are less Alpha than in some of the others and more tolerable so it might be a good place to start.
#impromptubuddyreadsforlife #imighthaveaproblem #KAjustgetsme
Also....cuz My Enabler Jessica and fellow KA lover Joanita said they would buddy read it with me.
3.5 Castle Chic Stars
Broken Characters, I totally love them and KA seems to love to write about them. Add in a murderous ghost in a castle, a curse and some funny side characters and you can see why I enjoyed this book so much.
The Premise:
Cash needs an uncomplicated arrangement with a woman to let his Uncle know he is not going to marry one of his Step-Cousin’s just to have a familial Castle back in his line. Abby needs some money to restore her Grandmother’s dilapidated house and the only thing of her family she feels she has to hold on to. So Abby pretends to be a high priced Escort to help Cash out. What could possibly go wrong???
This isn’t by any means a scary book. It has some trippy moments and there is a ghost but on my creep factor it is about a 2. It is a love story with a ghost in it for the most part. A ghost that knows Abby is Cash’s true love and wants to kill her.
Cash is a typical KA alpha hero. He decided what he wanted from the moment he met Abby and he is going to get it from her no matter what. Abby on the other hand is a bit lonely and widowed and doesn’t believe that she can ever find anything close to what she had with her husband. She has a lot of guilt over feeling something for the charismatic, charming and oh-so-bossy Cash.
“There will never be another Ben. I’ll never have that again. Most women don’t get that kind of love even once in their life. I had it and now it’s gone and it hurts every day. Even after all this time it hurts every single day.
Even though I really like the romance of this book it is also the side characters that totally make the story. Mrs. Truman was my absolute favorite. She is the cantankerous old lady that lives next door and apparently she has adopted Abigail unbeknownst to her. She is really a force of nature and all her time on page was fantastic.
“Tell your man I won’t take any last minute excuses. I don’t care if he’s got fancy schmancy friends. If Marlon Brando himself asks him to dinner, he’s going to say no. Understood?”
“I think Marlon Brando is dead, Mrs. Truman,” Jenny, now standing (or, more accurately, huddling, protection in numbers as it were) beside Abby, informed the old woman.
“Is not,” Mrs. Truman shot back.
“I think he is,” Jenny, unwisely, pressed.
“He is not!” Mrs. Truman snapped loudly and Abby could hear Cash chuckling in her ear so she knew he could hear every word. “I would have heard,” Mrs. Truman went on.
“Maybe I’m wrong,” Jenny mumbled toward Abby (and Abby’s phone), and Cash’s chuckle became laughter.
Do not argue with your elders. But the way she looks after Abby and inserts herself into her life is really quite cute and I enjoyed all of it.
The only downfalls to the story as most KA stories is that she is really huge on details and extras. Extra details about the Castle, the décor of a house, outfits, shoes, throw pillows. She does this in a lot of her books which is how some of them end up so long. Sometimes I get a little bored with some of the detailing but I can totally imagine the entire setting so I think he mission is accomplished.
If you have never read a KA book well I think so far her heroes in this series are less Alpha than in some of the others and more tolerable so it might be a good place to start.
#impromptubuddyreadsforlife #imighthaveaproblem #KAjustgetsme
March 31, 2014
I don’t know why I have to write long review for books with which I have issues!!!??? Strange, no? *wink*
I have several pet peeves: food, wine and fashion in novels.
Sometimes when I read about a dinner date at an Italian restaurant, I keep rolling my eyes and sighing continuously. Maybe because I live in Italy and know what is eaten in a restaurant here…
You just don’t drink a merlot with a sole-fish alla mugnaia!!! It is just not done!!!
You don’t eat garlic bread with pasta!!! And, besides, I wouldn’t eat garlic on a date, if you know what I mean!!!
Let’s talk about fashion… men’s fashion… *double sigh*
…the navy suit with the deep lilac, expertly-tailored shirt and expensive tie…
--------------------------------
He was wearing a pair of dark brown suit trousers, a dress shirt the colour of which was an attractive blend between dandelion yellow and burnt orange that had a subtle sheen,…
--------------------------------
…wearing a charcoal grey suit, a forest green shirt and a great tie which made her wonder (somewhat frantically but also not for the first time) if he just had good taste in clothing or if he had a personal shopper.
--------------------------------
…wearing one of his impeccably tailored suits, this one black with a shirt of deep grey and a fantastic black tie with a grey and red pattern on it.
Let’s talk now women’s fashion… slightly better bust still… *sigh*
She wore the antique dress with a pair of sheer, black stockings with a seam up the back and her own black velvet, high-heeled shoes that had a rounded, closed toe, bare sides and an intricately designed heel made of a multitude of slender, velvet bands leading up and into a delicate ankle strap.
--------------------------------
Abby wore a pair of red pumps with satin-covered, pencil-thin, four-inch heels, pointed toes covered
entirely with bugle beads and complicated, thin, beaded ankle straps.
I don’t get it… this obsession with heels…
It was vintage ‘40’s, made of aubergine, silk crepe. It had a bloused, boat-neck bodice that fell gracefully to a slim, body-hugging waist that had a three inch band of intricately-designed black beading. The straight skirt came to just below the knee and had a slit up the back. It had short, loose sleeves and an elegant drape that exposed Abby’s back to just above her bra strap.
--------------------------------
A soft fawn colour with a fitted skirt, the hem brushed her knees and it had slits up each side. One of the reasons she bought the suit was that the jacket fit like it was made for her, had a nipped-in waist and a succession of smart, intricate pleats falling from her waist at the back. She wore this with a shiny, cream satin blouse that she always unbuttoned just one button below professional, as she did today. She’d put on her mocha suede high-heeled boots, matching wide belt and you could see a hint of flesh-coloured fishnet stockings covering her knees between the top of the boots and the hem of the skirt.
Ok, ok, ok… IT’S SO NOT OK THAT IT’S NOT EVEN FUNNY!!!
I don’t know if you noticed but a huge number of words have been spend at describing dresses, shoes, boots, shirts and every other fashion accessory you can think of!!! It was waaaayyyyy to much!!!!
Besides the only impression I got from all this describing was that both of them have a really twisted fashion taste (I think a personal shopper will get a fit of giggles if he read this book)!!!
Closing the painful fashion issue, I have other problems with this book…
Abby… OMG, OMG, OMG!!!! I think that I would commit suicide if I were only slightly similar to her!!! She has only one redeeming quality: she’s not a bitch and she’s rather sweet. Otherwise she’s completely useless!!!! Yes, she knows how to cook too… but she has the brain power of a 3 years old!!! She’s obsessed with fashion and make up – for God’s sake she has titles for her make-ups: “Edgy Professional”, “Sophisticated Casual”, “Smoky Evening”, just to mention some of them!!!!
So, Abby is completely broke (but she has designer shoes, boots clothes, jewellery, make up, etc…) and she pretends to be high priced escort/w*hore in order to get money to restore her grandmother’s house.
How clever is that, uh?
Veeerrrryyyyy clever!!!
No?
Poor baby, she didn’t have any other option.
No?
I’ll stop here, or I’ll start yelling…
Let’s get on Cash...
He hadn’t asked to look like Hugh Hefner with five escorts dripping off his arms.; International Hot Guy Extraordinaire, Fabulously Rich and Famous … Cash… ehm…
Putting aside his hideous taste in clothes, he could have come as a hot guy, but… he just came out as a overbearing, arrogant, ass!!!
Let’s see some of his “performances”…
“I paid for you, Abby, I’ll do whatever the fuck I want,”
--------------------------------
“Now, darling,” his voice rumbled roughly against her neck, “that was worth a diamond bracelet.”
Her body went still at his words but he didn’t notice, or worse, didn’t care.
He pulled away, exited the bed, leaned over and tugged her dress down. Then he grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet at the side of the bed.
Her legs were shaky, not only from her climax but also her emotion. Her head tilted back to look at him and when her eyes caught his, his were still cold.
And that coldness froze the heat right out of her, chilling her to her core.
“Fix your hair,” he ordered. “I’ll meet you at the door.”
Ok, as I said, she’s not the smartest woman, but still… even a 3 years old deserve respect!
But, and there is a but, she’s perfect for him! She’s so air-brained that she compliments his arrogance and dominating behaviour. She’s his perfect sub, even if they’re not into kink!
Shall we talk about the ghost, Vivianna?
A woman, dark hair, beautiful, pale face, her long hair streaming as if caught in a fierce wind and her old-fashioned violet dress floating in tatters around her. Her expression was filled with blatant, frightening, evil hatred.
As you can see, not even the ghost can escape fashion!!! *gag*
Is her aim to make us afraid? Ohhhhh.. she’s soooo scary that my bloomers are trembling!!!
Ok, so not to drag this torment longer than necessary, let’s say that I didn’t like the book and finished it here!
I have several pet peeves: food, wine and fashion in novels.
Sometimes when I read about a dinner date at an Italian restaurant, I keep rolling my eyes and sighing continuously. Maybe because I live in Italy and know what is eaten in a restaurant here…
You just don’t drink a merlot with a sole-fish alla mugnaia!!! It is just not done!!!
You don’t eat garlic bread with pasta!!! And, besides, I wouldn’t eat garlic on a date, if you know what I mean!!!
Let’s talk about fashion… men’s fashion… *double sigh*
…the navy suit with the deep lilac, expertly-tailored shirt and expensive tie…
--------------------------------
He was wearing a pair of dark brown suit trousers, a dress shirt the colour of which was an attractive blend between dandelion yellow and burnt orange that had a subtle sheen,…
--------------------------------
…wearing a charcoal grey suit, a forest green shirt and a great tie which made her wonder (somewhat frantically but also not for the first time) if he just had good taste in clothing or if he had a personal shopper.
--------------------------------
…wearing one of his impeccably tailored suits, this one black with a shirt of deep grey and a fantastic black tie with a grey and red pattern on it.
Let’s talk now women’s fashion… slightly better bust still… *sigh*
She wore the antique dress with a pair of sheer, black stockings with a seam up the back and her own black velvet, high-heeled shoes that had a rounded, closed toe, bare sides and an intricately designed heel made of a multitude of slender, velvet bands leading up and into a delicate ankle strap.
--------------------------------
Abby wore a pair of red pumps with satin-covered, pencil-thin, four-inch heels, pointed toes covered
entirely with bugle beads and complicated, thin, beaded ankle straps.
I don’t get it… this obsession with heels…
It was vintage ‘40’s, made of aubergine, silk crepe. It had a bloused, boat-neck bodice that fell gracefully to a slim, body-hugging waist that had a three inch band of intricately-designed black beading. The straight skirt came to just below the knee and had a slit up the back. It had short, loose sleeves and an elegant drape that exposed Abby’s back to just above her bra strap.
--------------------------------
A soft fawn colour with a fitted skirt, the hem brushed her knees and it had slits up each side. One of the reasons she bought the suit was that the jacket fit like it was made for her, had a nipped-in waist and a succession of smart, intricate pleats falling from her waist at the back. She wore this with a shiny, cream satin blouse that she always unbuttoned just one button below professional, as she did today. She’d put on her mocha suede high-heeled boots, matching wide belt and you could see a hint of flesh-coloured fishnet stockings covering her knees between the top of the boots and the hem of the skirt.
Ok, ok, ok… IT’S SO NOT OK THAT IT’S NOT EVEN FUNNY!!!
I don’t know if you noticed but a huge number of words have been spend at describing dresses, shoes, boots, shirts and every other fashion accessory you can think of!!! It was waaaayyyyy to much!!!!
Besides the only impression I got from all this describing was that both of them have a really twisted fashion taste (I think a personal shopper will get a fit of giggles if he read this book)!!!
Closing the painful fashion issue, I have other problems with this book…
Abby… OMG, OMG, OMG!!!! I think that I would commit suicide if I were only slightly similar to her!!! She has only one redeeming quality: she’s not a bitch and she’s rather sweet. Otherwise she’s completely useless!!!! Yes, she knows how to cook too… but she has the brain power of a 3 years old!!! She’s obsessed with fashion and make up – for God’s sake she has titles for her make-ups: “Edgy Professional”, “Sophisticated Casual”, “Smoky Evening”, just to mention some of them!!!!
So, Abby is completely broke (but she has designer shoes, boots clothes, jewellery, make up, etc…) and she pretends to be high priced escort/w*hore in order to get money to restore her grandmother’s house.
How clever is that, uh?
Veeerrrryyyyy clever!!!
No?
Poor baby, she didn’t have any other option.
No?
I’ll stop here, or I’ll start yelling…
Let’s get on Cash...
He hadn’t asked to look like Hugh Hefner with five escorts dripping off his arms.; International Hot Guy Extraordinaire, Fabulously Rich and Famous … Cash… ehm…
Putting aside his hideous taste in clothes, he could have come as a hot guy, but… he just came out as a overbearing, arrogant, ass!!!
Let’s see some of his “performances”…
“I paid for you, Abby, I’ll do whatever the fuck I want,”
--------------------------------
“Now, darling,” his voice rumbled roughly against her neck, “that was worth a diamond bracelet.”
Her body went still at his words but he didn’t notice, or worse, didn’t care.
He pulled away, exited the bed, leaned over and tugged her dress down. Then he grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet at the side of the bed.
Her legs were shaky, not only from her climax but also her emotion. Her head tilted back to look at him and when her eyes caught his, his were still cold.
And that coldness froze the heat right out of her, chilling her to her core.
“Fix your hair,” he ordered. “I’ll meet you at the door.”
Ok, as I said, she’s not the smartest woman, but still… even a 3 years old deserve respect!
But, and there is a but, she’s perfect for him! She’s so air-brained that she compliments his arrogance and dominating behaviour. She’s his perfect sub, even if they’re not into kink!
Shall we talk about the ghost, Vivianna?
A woman, dark hair, beautiful, pale face, her long hair streaming as if caught in a fierce wind and her old-fashioned violet dress floating in tatters around her. Her expression was filled with blatant, frightening, evil hatred.
As you can see, not even the ghost can escape fashion!!! *gag*
Is her aim to make us afraid? Ohhhhh.. she’s soooo scary that my bloomers are trembling!!!
Ok, so not to drag this torment longer than necessary, let’s say that I didn’t like the book and finished it here!
November 8, 2014
Warning! I am riding the post-KA high right now, so this is going to be a bit of a gush fest!
This book had me hooked immediately! It’s all the things that KA does so well – heart pounding, swoon-tastic romance, a touch of fantasy and a bit of the OTT hilarity that I so love in the Rock Chick series. Add in strong characters, including a kickass, gorgeous Alpha of course, and this book was pure WIN!
Cash and Abby meet when he hires her to be his pretend girlfriend for a month. He is under the misapprehension that she is a paid escort, when in fact she is a widow with financial problems. So they make their deal, and then before they part from their first meeting they have a ‘moment’ which hints at the chemistry to come.
Things progress in the manner which we have come to expect from a Kristen Ashley book – there is lots of banter, intrusive friends and neighbours, and a slightly crazy heroine who, against her every intention, finds herself falling for the big, strong, bossy Alpha - not that I blame her at all – holy freaking hotness! I love Cash Fraser! “Famous, Super-Sexy, International Industrial Spy Hunter”, he’s even got a Scottish brogue *dreamy sigh*. But Abby has lost almost everybody in her life, and has promised herself that she would remain faithful to her dead husband. She feels overwhelming guilt when she starts to fall for Cash, and does everything she can to try and fight it. But Cash knows that he wants Abby and, of course, has no intention of letting her get away.
“I don’t give a fuck about whatever fucking rules you have. That was you that you just gave me. I wanted it, you gave it, I took it and I’m not fucking giving it back.”
The love story moves quickly and is full of swoon and lots of steamy moments. It doesn’t take long for their deal to be history, and for Cash to move Abby into his place (hahaha – KA gold!). They have some pretty serious obstacles to overcome as they both struggle with Abby’s refusal to let go of the past, and Cash has some issues of his own. And there are some brilliantly intense scenes between them as they try to work things out.
“Stop lying to yourself and stop hiding from me. It’s not only not over, you don’t even fucking want it to be over.”
*shivers*
About a third of the way into the book (when the romance is already burning hot and strong), we are introduced to the ghost part of the story. Cash’s ancestral home (castle) is haunted by a ghost who kills off the true love of the current master of the house, and she makes herself known to Abby when Cash brings her for her first visit. Abby’s friends immediately mount a ‘Ghostbusting’ team to come in and deal with the malevolent spirit. Intro to Angus Macpherson, a kilt-wearing Scotsman from a long line of ghost hunters – and he’s freaking hilarious!
“Some folks believe. Some folks need to see to believe. Some folks need their loved ones hurled off the top of a castle by a spirit-bitch-from-hell to believe.”
The ghost storyline is minor in comparison to the romance, but it is intertwined nicely with the rest of the story, and all culminates in a big showdown which had me holding my breath and screeching out loud, before making me laugh, cry and swoon.
“I want you so attached you can’t imagine a life without me. I don’t give a fuck if that’s selfish, that’s what I want because, Abby, you must know, I already can’t imagine life without you.”
As always, the full cast of characters play a huge part of the action. Particular shout outs to Kieran and Jenny, and Mrs Truman had me laughing out loud on multiple occasions – but never more than “Don’t make me come up there!”. The story was told in multiple POVs, which I LOVE!!! I always love the guy POV in a romance story, but getting inside the head of a KA Alpha is something really special – there’s just something about seeing such a big, tough badass fall, and fall hard.
“They were simply meant to be.
He understood this was a ludicrously romantic notion.
And he didn’t give a fuck.”
I loved this book! It was a beautifully romantic story with a touch of the ridiculous that KA pulls off so brilliantly! And there’s even an epilogue :) I’m really excited to go on with the rest of this series.
5 sensational stars.
This book had me hooked immediately! It’s all the things that KA does so well – heart pounding, swoon-tastic romance, a touch of fantasy and a bit of the OTT hilarity that I so love in the Rock Chick series. Add in strong characters, including a kickass, gorgeous Alpha of course, and this book was pure WIN!
Cash and Abby meet when he hires her to be his pretend girlfriend for a month. He is under the misapprehension that she is a paid escort, when in fact she is a widow with financial problems. So they make their deal, and then before they part from their first meeting they have a ‘moment’ which hints at the chemistry to come.
Things progress in the manner which we have come to expect from a Kristen Ashley book – there is lots of banter, intrusive friends and neighbours, and a slightly crazy heroine who, against her every intention, finds herself falling for the big, strong, bossy Alpha - not that I blame her at all – holy freaking hotness! I love Cash Fraser! “Famous, Super-Sexy, International Industrial Spy Hunter”, he’s even got a Scottish brogue *dreamy sigh*. But Abby has lost almost everybody in her life, and has promised herself that she would remain faithful to her dead husband. She feels overwhelming guilt when she starts to fall for Cash, and does everything she can to try and fight it. But Cash knows that he wants Abby and, of course, has no intention of letting her get away.
“I don’t give a fuck about whatever fucking rules you have. That was you that you just gave me. I wanted it, you gave it, I took it and I’m not fucking giving it back.”
The love story moves quickly and is full of swoon and lots of steamy moments. It doesn’t take long for their deal to be history, and for Cash to move Abby into his place (hahaha – KA gold!). They have some pretty serious obstacles to overcome as they both struggle with Abby’s refusal to let go of the past, and Cash has some issues of his own. And there are some brilliantly intense scenes between them as they try to work things out.
“Stop lying to yourself and stop hiding from me. It’s not only not over, you don’t even fucking want it to be over.”
*shivers*
About a third of the way into the book (when the romance is already burning hot and strong), we are introduced to the ghost part of the story. Cash’s ancestral home (castle) is haunted by a ghost who kills off the true love of the current master of the house, and she makes herself known to Abby when Cash brings her for her first visit. Abby’s friends immediately mount a ‘Ghostbusting’ team to come in and deal with the malevolent spirit. Intro to Angus Macpherson, a kilt-wearing Scotsman from a long line of ghost hunters – and he’s freaking hilarious!
“Some folks believe. Some folks need to see to believe. Some folks need their loved ones hurled off the top of a castle by a spirit-bitch-from-hell to believe.”
The ghost storyline is minor in comparison to the romance, but it is intertwined nicely with the rest of the story, and all culminates in a big showdown which had me holding my breath and screeching out loud, before making me laugh, cry and swoon.
“I want you so attached you can’t imagine a life without me. I don’t give a fuck if that’s selfish, that’s what I want because, Abby, you must know, I already can’t imagine life without you.”
As always, the full cast of characters play a huge part of the action. Particular shout outs to Kieran and Jenny, and Mrs Truman had me laughing out loud on multiple occasions – but never more than “Don’t make me come up there!”. The story was told in multiple POVs, which I LOVE!!! I always love the guy POV in a romance story, but getting inside the head of a KA Alpha is something really special – there’s just something about seeing such a big, tough badass fall, and fall hard.
“They were simply meant to be.
He understood this was a ludicrously romantic notion.
And he didn’t give a fuck.”
I loved this book! It was a beautifully romantic story with a touch of the ridiculous that KA pulls off so brilliantly! And there’s even an epilogue :) I’m really excited to go on with the rest of this series.
5 sensational stars.
November 22, 2015
Penmort Castle is the first book in Kristen Ashley’s Ghosts and Reincarnation series, though the books are not related and can be read as standalone novels.
I really enjoyed this story, especially the fact that it actually was a ghost haunting Penmort Castle and not just someone trying to scare people away, as too many ‘ghost’ stories turn out to be. I thought the ending was sweet, poignant, and very healing, and Cash Frazer is your typical, demanding, super sexy Kristen Ashley male!
I’m looking forward to reading more of the series!
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If you're a Kristen Ashley addict, or just interested in checking her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!
June 24, 2012
I did enjoy this one, much more than I anticipated, but I think having read virtually all of Kristen Ashley’s wonderful contemporary romances has somewhat diminished my ability to truly enjoy this style of haunted house story line from her.
Basic synopsis – Cash hires Abby to pose as his pretend lover to help deal with his inheritance issues with Penmort Castle, his ancestral seat. Abby is a widow and has lost her entire family in recent years, Cash is a serial monogamist. Their coming together and their love story really is beautifully told and they truly do have enough issues between them to flesh out a full contemporary romance without all the hocus pocus stuff. It all seemed a tad extraneous.
And the paranormal element in this story really took it from the sublime to the ridiculous and then onto the downright preposterous. I know this is the whole point to this series but the amazing romance between Cash and Abby and the whole haunted house thing really wasn’t a good fit for me. I would much rather there had been a Scooby-Doo style henchman hiding under a dodgy ghost costume than the wailing banshee we actually ended up with although I confess to a little chuckle at all the veiled Winchester Brothers references.
Don’t get me wrong, I do love a good paranormal romance but that usually involves at least one of the main protagonists being a vampire or a shifter or an immortal of some form and takes place in an urban fantasy world. This was kind of like expecting to find the ghost of Elvis Presley knocking back a Fat Tire at Bubba’s in Carnal. The ghost was just an out an out villain and there was no eerie haunting to scare me which is what I want in a haunted house story.
Other than the hokey supernatural elements, there was a lot to enjoy in this story. I really liked Cash and Abby and their journey together. Cash is just glorious and right from the getgo put me in mind of Paisley’s most gorgeous son.
The Lovely Cash
I loved the way he loved Abby, his fierce protectiveness, his realisation of his developing feelings and his eventual declaration. Abby is a sweetheart, emotionally vulnerable but very earnest and in no way she could she carry off the cold-hearted prostitute moniker she tried to label herself with.
As with all KA books, we have a wonderful host of secondary characters – I had a particular fondness for Abby’s cantankerous old mare of a neighbour, Mrs Truman. Scene stealer or what??
Mrs Truman
Also, we have an absolute caricature of a Scotsman in Angus McPherson. I truly expected him at any minute to launch into “Hoots, Mon, there’s a moose loose aboot this hoose!” He’s a ghost buster with a ‘glamour cloak’ to help protect him against things that go bump in the night (did I mention the preposterous?) and he sure ain’t no Sam or Dean!!
Angus McPherson
But, all in all, an enjoyable read. I would much rather it had just been straight forward contemporary romance/suspense but I probably will go on to eventually read the rest of the series.
So 3 stars – Pretty Woman with things that go bump in the night!
Basic synopsis – Cash hires Abby to pose as his pretend lover to help deal with his inheritance issues with Penmort Castle, his ancestral seat. Abby is a widow and has lost her entire family in recent years, Cash is a serial monogamist. Their coming together and their love story really is beautifully told and they truly do have enough issues between them to flesh out a full contemporary romance without all the hocus pocus stuff. It all seemed a tad extraneous.
And the paranormal element in this story really took it from the sublime to the ridiculous and then onto the downright preposterous. I know this is the whole point to this series but the amazing romance between Cash and Abby and the whole haunted house thing really wasn’t a good fit for me. I would much rather there had been a Scooby-Doo style henchman hiding under a dodgy ghost costume than the wailing banshee we actually ended up with although I confess to a little chuckle at all the veiled Winchester Brothers references.
Don’t get me wrong, I do love a good paranormal romance but that usually involves at least one of the main protagonists being a vampire or a shifter or an immortal of some form and takes place in an urban fantasy world. This was kind of like expecting to find the ghost of Elvis Presley knocking back a Fat Tire at Bubba’s in Carnal. The ghost was just an out an out villain and there was no eerie haunting to scare me which is what I want in a haunted house story.
Other than the hokey supernatural elements, there was a lot to enjoy in this story. I really liked Cash and Abby and their journey together. Cash is just glorious and right from the getgo put me in mind of Paisley’s most gorgeous son.
The Lovely Cash
I loved the way he loved Abby, his fierce protectiveness, his realisation of his developing feelings and his eventual declaration. Abby is a sweetheart, emotionally vulnerable but very earnest and in no way she could she carry off the cold-hearted prostitute moniker she tried to label herself with.
As with all KA books, we have a wonderful host of secondary characters – I had a particular fondness for Abby’s cantankerous old mare of a neighbour, Mrs Truman. Scene stealer or what??
Mrs Truman
Also, we have an absolute caricature of a Scotsman in Angus McPherson. I truly expected him at any minute to launch into “Hoots, Mon, there’s a moose loose aboot this hoose!” He’s a ghost buster with a ‘glamour cloak’ to help protect him against things that go bump in the night (did I mention the preposterous?) and he sure ain’t no Sam or Dean!!
Angus McPherson
But, all in all, an enjoyable read. I would much rather it had just been straight forward contemporary romance/suspense but I probably will go on to eventually read the rest of the series.
So 3 stars – Pretty Woman with things that go bump in the night!
March 8, 2020
Spoilers ahead
Now I usually like to write a detailed review but this book was so long I'm tiredddddd
This was a pretty interesting and at times cute and funny pnr with typical KA mcs. The bossy, foul mouthed Alpha hero and the quirky,cute heroine with of course, gorgeous hair. The h acted like a stereotypical blonde(no offense to blondes everywhere) and was a weak willed, little bit ditzy and very emotional person. During her moments of loss her best friend propped her up and even at present she still acted like a damsel in distress, usually this behavior annoys mebut she was so immature and dumb she was cute(go figure)
The H was a bossy Alpha male with all it usually entails including a very active sexual past but he too was cute, I liked them as individuals and as a couple. I also enjoyed the plot and the great secondary characters, had this been cut by about 30-40% and her ex mentioned a bit less I'd have loved it. It was wordy and overly descriptive as hell leaving me wading through pages to get to the main idea. I skimmed quite a bit but nevertheless a relatively enjoyable read
No cheating
H thought the h was, I guess an escort? Without the sex. He hired her to act as his girlfriend but offered her $200,000 to sleep with him too.
No condoms mentioned(grrrrr)
There're brief mentions that the H had lots of ladies previously
The h had loved her dead husband and we get quite a bit of references to him which is a pet peeve of mine so it irked me endlessly.
The H's stepcousin fancied herself in love with him and kissed him when the h walked in. He wasn't interested in her as she was a bitch BUT at the end she'd changed and was their close friend and he said if she'd acted like that previously he'd have been tempted. It was a brief sentence but I wanted to go in and bitch slap him for that bullshit thought
Typical KA where the H ruled and the h gave in
The dead ex returned as a ghost to help them and the h told him she loved him (he's dead but still girl shut up)
Now I usually like to write a detailed review but this book was so long I'm tiredddddd
This was a pretty interesting and at times cute and funny pnr with typical KA mcs. The bossy, foul mouthed Alpha hero and the quirky,cute heroine with of course, gorgeous hair. The h acted like a stereotypical blonde(no offense to blondes everywhere) and was a weak willed, little bit ditzy and very emotional person. During her moments of loss her best friend propped her up and even at present she still acted like a damsel in distress, usually this behavior annoys mebut she was so immature and dumb she was cute(go figure)
The H was a bossy Alpha male with all it usually entails including a very active sexual past but he too was cute, I liked them as individuals and as a couple. I also enjoyed the plot and the great secondary characters, had this been cut by about 30-40% and her ex mentioned a bit less I'd have loved it. It was wordy and overly descriptive as hell leaving me wading through pages to get to the main idea. I skimmed quite a bit but nevertheless a relatively enjoyable read
No cheating
H thought the h was, I guess an escort? Without the sex. He hired her to act as his girlfriend but offered her $200,000 to sleep with him too.
No condoms mentioned(grrrrr)
There're brief mentions that the H had lots of ladies previously
The h had loved her dead husband and we get quite a bit of references to him which is a pet peeve of mine so it irked me endlessly.
The H's stepcousin fancied herself in love with him and kissed him when the h walked in. He wasn't interested in her as she was a bitch BUT at the end she'd changed and was their close friend and he said if she'd acted like that previously he'd have been tempted. It was a brief sentence but I wanted to go in and bitch slap him for that bullshit thought
Typical KA where the H ruled and the h gave in
The dead ex returned as a ghost to help them and the h told him she loved him (he's dead but still girl shut up)
December 2, 2013
4.5 STARS!!!! LOVED IT!!!!!
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I have yet to be disappointed by a Kristen Ashley book. Here is yet another example. Cash Fraser and Abigail Butler meet and the sparks fly as usual. This story is packed with romance, sexual tension, a stubborn alpha male and loads and drama!!! Abby is a widow suffering the loss of a once in a life-time love, finding herself in financial trouble trying to hold onto a money-pit family home; one she won’t part with for sentimental reasons.
So she sets her sights on a one-time job to solve her financial troubles. Taking her best friend, Jenny’s advice, she sells herself as a high paid escort for a short-term job to none other than the notorious Cash Fraser. But little did she know, she would not excel in her job as a paid escort. She in fact, would fail terribly. But … she would find something else quite different than she was expecting in her new, fake relationship with Cash. And he in her…
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”I don’t give a fuck about whatever fucking rules you have. That was you that you just gave me. I wanted it. You gave it. I took it and I’m not fucking giving it back.” -Cash
I loved this storyline. Even the paranormal twist that linked Cash’s interest in Penmort Castle. Him, being the heir of the Penmort master, and her being his apparent one-true-love. Even though the story got a bit nuts at the end, with lots of supernatural silliness going on, I still found myself glued to the book, and waiting with bated breath for what was coming next!!!
I loved the mishmash of characters, Jenny and Kiernan, Abby’s best friends, Mrs. Truman, the nosy neighbor, Cassandra McNabb, the clairvoyant witch, and of course the notorious ghost hunter Angus McPherson!!!!
But what drew me to this story the most was the relationship between Cash and Abby. This fucking Scot was one of the most controlling, pigheaded but sexy and irresistible guys you’ll ever come across. A bit of a workaholic, but who the hell cares. He even takes Abby on his business trips!!! Annnnnddddd…. he gives her cashmere robes and silk fucking night gowns!!!! Just for the hell of it!!!!! And did I mention he was SCOTTISH!!!!! That’s it for me… I’m done.
The story however, did get a little confusing at the end. Lots of visiting ghosts and grudge baring vendettas going on… but in the end tons of excitement, sexual tension, and flat out romance!!! And a HEA epilogue as well. What’s not to like???!!!!!
4.5 STARS!!!!!
My pics…
Connor (Cash) Ewan Fraser
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Abigail Butler
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I have yet to be disappointed by a Kristen Ashley book. Here is yet another example. Cash Fraser and Abigail Butler meet and the sparks fly as usual. This story is packed with romance, sexual tension, a stubborn alpha male and loads and drama!!! Abby is a widow suffering the loss of a once in a life-time love, finding herself in financial trouble trying to hold onto a money-pit family home; one she won’t part with for sentimental reasons.
So she sets her sights on a one-time job to solve her financial troubles. Taking her best friend, Jenny’s advice, she sells herself as a high paid escort for a short-term job to none other than the notorious Cash Fraser. But little did she know, she would not excel in her job as a paid escort. She in fact, would fail terribly. But … she would find something else quite different than she was expecting in her new, fake relationship with Cash. And he in her…
”I don’t give a fuck about whatever fucking rules you have. That was you that you just gave me. I wanted it. You gave it. I took it and I’m not fucking giving it back.” -Cash
I loved this storyline. Even the paranormal twist that linked Cash’s interest in Penmort Castle. Him, being the heir of the Penmort master, and her being his apparent one-true-love. Even though the story got a bit nuts at the end, with lots of supernatural silliness going on, I still found myself glued to the book, and waiting with bated breath for what was coming next!!!
I loved the mishmash of characters, Jenny and Kiernan, Abby’s best friends, Mrs. Truman, the nosy neighbor, Cassandra McNabb, the clairvoyant witch, and of course the notorious ghost hunter Angus McPherson!!!!
But what drew me to this story the most was the relationship between Cash and Abby. This fucking Scot was one of the most controlling, pigheaded but sexy and irresistible guys you’ll ever come across. A bit of a workaholic, but who the hell cares. He even takes Abby on his business trips!!! Annnnnddddd…. he gives her cashmere robes and silk fucking night gowns!!!! Just for the hell of it!!!!! And did I mention he was SCOTTISH!!!!! That’s it for me… I’m done.
The story however, did get a little confusing at the end. Lots of visiting ghosts and grudge baring vendettas going on… but in the end tons of excitement, sexual tension, and flat out romance!!! And a HEA epilogue as well. What’s not to like???!!!!!
4.5 STARS!!!!!
My pics…
Connor (Cash) Ewan Fraser
Abigail Butler
September 18, 2023
Reread September 18, 2023
I thought this story was hilarious this time. I still love it, and my previous reviews still apply. Happy reading!
Reread Review February 8, 2017
Well, that was a fun reread. Cash says the f word a lot and Abby is an idiot. Looking at my original review, I was a bit annoyed by a certain thing, but it didn't bother me much this time. I enjoyed this story and I like the characters. I think I'll continue with a reread of this series. Slowly. Happy reading!
Original Review April 2014
Well, this is another good read from KA. Let's face it all her books are good reads. Cash is just... what can you say. Totally alpha, and I loved it. Abby is... quirky and just sweet and so likeable. Plus she has great taste in clothes. This book has a whole cast of wonderful and likeable characters. Vivianna, the ghost, is crazy! She added a nice edge to the story. However, I decided to just let it go and enjoy the story. It really was a good story. Very funny at times, very sad at times too. Abby and Cash are both very likeable characters and I am exceedingly happy for them both to find their HEA together. Happy reading!
I thought this story was hilarious this time. I still love it, and my previous reviews still apply. Happy reading!
Reread Review February 8, 2017
Well, that was a fun reread. Cash says the f word a lot and Abby is an idiot. Looking at my original review, I was a bit annoyed by a certain thing, but it didn't bother me much this time. I enjoyed this story and I like the characters. I think I'll continue with a reread of this series. Slowly. Happy reading!
Original Review April 2014
Well, this is another good read from KA. Let's face it all her books are good reads. Cash is just... what can you say. Totally alpha, and I loved it. Abby is... quirky and just sweet and so likeable. Plus she has great taste in clothes. This book has a whole cast of wonderful and likeable characters. Vivianna, the ghost, is crazy! She added a nice edge to the story. However, I decided to just let it go and enjoy the story. It really was a good story. Very funny at times, very sad at times too. Abby and Cash are both very likeable characters and I am exceedingly happy for them both to find their HEA together. Happy reading!
April 27, 2017
An Audio Review
Do you want to read something funny? Too bad if you didn't because I'm going to tell you anyways. When I was a kid, my best friend and I watched Cagney and Lacey, Charlie's Angels, T.J. Hooker and Hunter. I loved cop drama and dreamed of being a cop, having a sexy partner who always had my back and saved me from the low-lives. Now, in one of those shows (I can't for the life of me remember which one), my best friend and I watched in wide-eyed fascination as one of the female characters went undercover...as a lady of the night. Yep, we're talking street walker. Short skirts, hair out to there and high heels was their get up with a cut up straw for a cigarette (it was the 80's after all). We decided, because their outfits were cool, that we would pretend to be undercover street walkers too. So, there we are, strutting around the back yard walking on our toes, winking at all the Joes, and our gun tucked into the back of our skirts. I still remember my Mum asking me what we were doing, and I remember telling her we were undercover, and I couldn't tell her because it would break my cover. Those were the days...
Anyways, you're all probably wondering what the hell that lovely little step back in time has to do with Penmort Castle? Well, when Abby decides to be Cash's paid arm candy (for looks purposes ONLY), all of my childhood memories came flooding back in.
Penmort Castle takes us into the lives of Cash and Abby. Cash is highly successful, rich and extremely good looking. He could have his choice of any woman to be his arm candy, but he's not looking for a relationship. If he asked any of the women he knows, they would drive him bonkers trying to get more than just a temporary arrangement. He decides it would be safer to hire someone who would be professional and KNOW that there wouldn't be any more than what he was paying for. Then Abby walks into the bar...
Abby is a widower (of 4 years, I think???) with a huge amount of debt that accumulated when she tried to make her deceased Grandmother's house livable. She had inherited the home, and with her husband deceased, decided that she would move to England (from America) and live in the house. Well, everything that could go wrong does and she can't afford all her bills. When her best friend Jenny, tells her of this fabulous job as an escort (without the bumping uglies), Abby thinks this could be the answer to her problems. Then she meets Cash...
The audio was great. The narrator, Abby Craden, does a fabulous job. I will admit, that her Scottish burr for Cash was a little hard to understand at first. I think Abby Craden has one of the most believable male talking voices, ever. I mean, she can really talk low, and to do it continuously must be really hard. Her American, English and South African accents were amazing too. I definitely recommend Abby Craden's he for audio narration.
Penmort Castle has a touch of Paranormal but it's not OTT. If anything, it adds a little humour and suspense to the story. With a motley crew of friends, ghost hunters and witches, they must fight the evil ghost haunting the castle.
I've read Penmort Castle but this was my first time listening. I thoroughly enjoyed the audio and I'm definitely going back for more in this series, in the future.
Do you want to read something funny? Too bad if you didn't because I'm going to tell you anyways. When I was a kid, my best friend and I watched Cagney and Lacey, Charlie's Angels, T.J. Hooker and Hunter. I loved cop drama and dreamed of being a cop, having a sexy partner who always had my back and saved me from the low-lives. Now, in one of those shows (I can't for the life of me remember which one), my best friend and I watched in wide-eyed fascination as one of the female characters went undercover...as a lady of the night. Yep, we're talking street walker. Short skirts, hair out to there and high heels was their get up with a cut up straw for a cigarette (it was the 80's after all). We decided, because their outfits were cool, that we would pretend to be undercover street walkers too. So, there we are, strutting around the back yard walking on our toes, winking at all the Joes, and our gun tucked into the back of our skirts. I still remember my Mum asking me what we were doing, and I remember telling her we were undercover, and I couldn't tell her because it would break my cover. Those were the days...
Anyways, you're all probably wondering what the hell that lovely little step back in time has to do with Penmort Castle? Well, when Abby decides to be Cash's paid arm candy (for looks purposes ONLY), all of my childhood memories came flooding back in.
Penmort Castle takes us into the lives of Cash and Abby. Cash is highly successful, rich and extremely good looking. He could have his choice of any woman to be his arm candy, but he's not looking for a relationship. If he asked any of the women he knows, they would drive him bonkers trying to get more than just a temporary arrangement. He decides it would be safer to hire someone who would be professional and KNOW that there wouldn't be any more than what he was paying for. Then Abby walks into the bar...
Abby is a widower (of 4 years, I think???) with a huge amount of debt that accumulated when she tried to make her deceased Grandmother's house livable. She had inherited the home, and with her husband deceased, decided that she would move to England (from America) and live in the house. Well, everything that could go wrong does and she can't afford all her bills. When her best friend Jenny, tells her of this fabulous job as an escort (without the bumping uglies), Abby thinks this could be the answer to her problems. Then she meets Cash...
The audio was great. The narrator, Abby Craden, does a fabulous job. I will admit, that her Scottish burr for Cash was a little hard to understand at first. I think Abby Craden has one of the most believable male talking voices, ever. I mean, she can really talk low, and to do it continuously must be really hard. Her American, English and South African accents were amazing too. I definitely recommend Abby Craden's he for audio narration.
Penmort Castle has a touch of Paranormal but it's not OTT. If anything, it adds a little humour and suspense to the story. With a motley crew of friends, ghost hunters and witches, they must fight the evil ghost haunting the castle.
I've read Penmort Castle but this was my first time listening. I thoroughly enjoyed the audio and I'm definitely going back for more in this series, in the future.
July 10, 2024
Cash Fraser believes he is making a deal with a professional escort, the plan is simple really all she has to do is pretend she is his girlfriend and be seen spending time with him. It all ends with a week at Penmort Castle and Cash gets his revenge. However he did not plan on Abigail Butler, she is stunningly beautiful and Cash quickly realizes there is a lot more to her than being an escort.
Abby figures going on a few dates and acting like Cash's girlfriend will be worth the money in order to fix her Grandmother's home. It is just pretend and she never has done anything like this before, but when Cash wants to add sex to the mix Abby doesn't know what to do.
Wowza, not sure why I did not pick this one up earlier. Normally ghost stories are not in my wheel house but loved this one, thought it was fantastic. Cash is pure alpha and Abby is a force, she is trying so hard to guard her feelings with Cash it is a downhill battle. Exceptional reading.
Abby figures going on a few dates and acting like Cash's girlfriend will be worth the money in order to fix her Grandmother's home. It is just pretend and she never has done anything like this before, but when Cash wants to add sex to the mix Abby doesn't know what to do.
Wowza, not sure why I did not pick this one up earlier. Normally ghost stories are not in my wheel house but loved this one, thought it was fantastic. Cash is pure alpha and Abby is a force, she is trying so hard to guard her feelings with Cash it is a downhill battle. Exceptional reading.
March 25, 2015
This was a strange read :S I actually had nothing against ghost, was looking forward to some eerie stuff in here, but I read it and don't really know what I got XD Cash and Abby were great, the stars go to them, but the story is kind of silly, especially the ending, the last 100 pages were packed with the "anti-ghost action", running here, running there, thrown around the room, being in mid air, some more ghosts, reunion with lost family, gaaah just too much of everything. Maybe KA spoiled me with her other works, but this one didn't hold me at all. I just read it to be finished with it lool. 3 stars are for Abby and Cash and their romance <3
October 3, 2025
✨ 4.5 Ghostly Stars ✨
Another fantastic KA read!!! Loved this book, great H&h, quirky secondary characters and great storyline. I Don't know why held off reading this series!! I'm excited and looking forward to reading the rest of books in the series!!!
Read Dates:
April 2013
4/07/2017
2/27/2018
9/29/2025
Another fantastic KA read!!! Loved this book, great H&h, quirky secondary characters and great storyline. I Don't know why held off reading this series!! I'm excited and looking forward to reading the rest of books in the series!!!
Read Dates:
April 2013
4/07/2017
2/27/2018
9/29/2025
March 3, 2023
3rd time read and still love it!
This is my 3rd time reading this book and I still love the paranormal ghost story between Cash Fraser and Abby Butler. They meet when Abby agrees to be Cahs's pretend girlfriend while Cash attends his uncle's wedding anniversary party. I love how the story reveals the characters of Abby and Cash not to mention all the secondary characters who were equally interesting and amusing.
This is my 3rd time reading this book and I still love the paranormal ghost story between Cash Fraser and Abby Butler. They meet when Abby agrees to be Cahs's pretend girlfriend while Cash attends his uncle's wedding anniversary party. I love how the story reveals the characters of Abby and Cash not to mention all the secondary characters who were equally interesting and amusing.
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March 16, 2012
4.5 Stars
This was a really excellent read until about 75% of the way through the book. Up to this point I would have given it 10 Stars, if I could. Then, the story dropped off a bit.
This book is really better than you think it will be from the blurb. You think it is going to be filled with all things paranormal or supernatural, but it really isn't. It is a ghost story, or a haunted castle story, but this really isn't prevalent until about 75% of the book. It is primarily the story of a relationship.
Abby needs money. She is a widow and has inherited an old home from her grandmother. The home is in poor repair, but she can't part with it. Too many memories. Her friend Jenny, overhears a famous, rich man, discussing his need for someone to pose as his girlfriend for a period and thinks of Abby. The rest, so said, is history.
You think the story is predictable, and it is to some degree, but Kristen Ashley has a way of developing characters that make them truly extraordinary. I personally think, this book shows a polish to the character development I've not seen in her other stories. We've all commented about the "lack of polish" and the editing issues, this one doesn't have these problems. Like she took her time and let this one slowly develop.
Cash [our rich, famous, lovely H] is rather elegant [and Scottish!!], in a very masculine way. He isn't over the top with his aggression or his alpha characterization, like we have experienced with some of her other characters. We enjoy them, but they can be a bit much at times.
I really enjoyed this book. I think it would rank at my fourth of KA's books:
1 -- The Golden Trail
2 -- At Peace
3 -- Sweet Dreams and now
4 --Penmort Castle
If you are new to Kristen Ashley, an existing fan or maybe not, give it a go, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. One of my opening comments about this book "I think this book is a KA "best kept secret"" -- I still feel this way. Really very nice.
Happy Reading!
This was a really excellent read until about 75% of the way through the book. Up to this point I would have given it 10 Stars, if I could. Then, the story dropped off a bit.
This book is really better than you think it will be from the blurb. You think it is going to be filled with all things paranormal or supernatural, but it really isn't. It is a ghost story, or a haunted castle story, but this really isn't prevalent until about 75% of the book. It is primarily the story of a relationship.
Abby needs money. She is a widow and has inherited an old home from her grandmother. The home is in poor repair, but she can't part with it. Too many memories. Her friend Jenny, overhears a famous, rich man, discussing his need for someone to pose as his girlfriend for a period and thinks of Abby. The rest, so said, is history.
You think the story is predictable, and it is to some degree, but Kristen Ashley has a way of developing characters that make them truly extraordinary. I personally think, this book shows a polish to the character development I've not seen in her other stories. We've all commented about the "lack of polish" and the editing issues, this one doesn't have these problems. Like she took her time and let this one slowly develop.
Cash [our rich, famous, lovely H] is rather elegant [and Scottish!!], in a very masculine way. He isn't over the top with his aggression or his alpha characterization, like we have experienced with some of her other characters. We enjoy them, but they can be a bit much at times.
I really enjoyed this book. I think it would rank at my fourth of KA's books:
1 -- The Golden Trail
2 -- At Peace
3 -- Sweet Dreams and now
4 --Penmort Castle
If you are new to Kristen Ashley, an existing fan or maybe not, give it a go, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. One of my opening comments about this book "I think this book is a KA "best kept secret"" -- I still feel this way. Really very nice.
Happy Reading!
March 16, 2012
I love the first 25% (getting to know the characters), next 25% there was a little lull, but still good, then it went crazy for me, not good crazy, ridiculous crazy. It just didn't work, the whole ghost, seances, bringing people back from the dead, it just felt really random. I felt the climax was a joke and chaotic. Take into account paranormal isn't my thing.
The only reason I stuck with it and didn't give up is because it was KA book and I really liked the main characters at the beginning. The attraction between the two and the way they came together was pure KA, grabs you immediately and gets you excited. I have to say Cash did work too much, I would have put an end to workaholic ways. Also his bossiness I felt was a little demeaning towards Abby even though she did have her moments of rebellion.
I love the Pretty Women theme, since Abby was suppose to be a paid escort to Cash, I think that was another reason I was so into it in the beginning. Oh well, you win some you lose some, but Kristen Ashley is still my favorite author right now.
The only reason I stuck with it and didn't give up is because it was KA book and I really liked the main characters at the beginning. The attraction between the two and the way they came together was pure KA, grabs you immediately and gets you excited. I have to say Cash did work too much, I would have put an end to workaholic ways. Also his bossiness I felt was a little demeaning towards Abby even though she did have her moments of rebellion.
I love the Pretty Women theme, since Abby was suppose to be a paid escort to Cash, I think that was another reason I was so into it in the beginning. Oh well, you win some you lose some, but Kristen Ashley is still my favorite author right now.
September 23, 2022
Penmort Castle is the third book in the Ghosts and Reincarnation series. I was really blown away by this book. The first two books were okay, but I had issues with them and they just didn't quite feel completely KA to me. But in Penmort Castle, if you love the classic KA style and want a great gothic atmospheric romance, then you need to pick this one up. Its stellar amazing. I just couldn't put this one down.
So the small gist of the story is that the hero has a plan for revenge and needs a woman to pose as his girlfriend for it to work. The woman he hires is so much more and they enter a unique relationship one neither of them expected. But as emotions between them become more real and it no longer becomes a fake relationship but very tangible, there is a ghost trying to destroy them and a killer on the loose...
I think what I enjoyed the most from this book is that the hero is so likeable, I just was so entertained by him and he is a classic KA hero, so if you love that style, then you will adore him. He is such an alpha and its amazing. I really enjoyed the gothic atmospheric vibe to the story. It was phenomenal and then we have some fun side characters and plenty of spicy times in all the best ways that KA does it well all the feels. I honestly couldn't put this one down and its a book that you will want to stay up all night reading because it is just that good! I really couldn't get enough of this one and I was so drawn into all the aspects of this story. I am hoping the last two books in the series are even better than this one but we shall see!
So the small gist of the story is that the hero has a plan for revenge and needs a woman to pose as his girlfriend for it to work. The woman he hires is so much more and they enter a unique relationship one neither of them expected. But as emotions between them become more real and it no longer becomes a fake relationship but very tangible, there is a ghost trying to destroy them and a killer on the loose...
I think what I enjoyed the most from this book is that the hero is so likeable, I just was so entertained by him and he is a classic KA hero, so if you love that style, then you will adore him. He is such an alpha and its amazing. I really enjoyed the gothic atmospheric vibe to the story. It was phenomenal and then we have some fun side characters and plenty of spicy times in all the best ways that KA does it well all the feels. I honestly couldn't put this one down and its a book that you will want to stay up all night reading because it is just that good! I really couldn't get enough of this one and I was so drawn into all the aspects of this story. I am hoping the last two books in the series are even better than this one but we shall see!
October 24, 2019
I love Cash he is HOT, bossy and moody.
I love Abby she's nutty and funny and they are great together, I love their relationship.
Loved all the gang especially Mrs Truman she's hilarious the things she come's out with made me laugh out loud.
Penmort Castle has got everything you need for a great read romance, suspense, laughs and a few sad moments.
Can't wait to read the rest of this series Kristen Ashley NEVER disappoints.
The surname Beaumaris is also a village on the island where I live.
I love Abby she's nutty and funny and they are great together, I love their relationship.
Loved all the gang especially Mrs Truman she's hilarious the things she come's out with made me laugh out loud.
Penmort Castle has got everything you need for a great read romance, suspense, laughs and a few sad moments.
Can't wait to read the rest of this series Kristen Ashley NEVER disappoints.
The surname Beaumaris is also a village on the island where I live.
September 8, 2016
DNF AT 40%
This book was so bad...I can't even...
This book was so bad...I can't even...
June 6, 2019
One thing I do like about KA is she isn’t afraid to have an older heroine and she takes the time to explore her stories although I suspect sometimes it’s just so she can write more sex scenes.
The essential premise of this story is Pretty Woman on steroids, the setting: England. Enjoyable story but it’s hard to put aside the one glaring fact that the heroine is essentially a prostitute. When the H and h first meet he offers her $50,000 in sterling to play pretend girlfriend. When he sees her in all her KA heroine awesomeness he tells her he wants it to be a sexual relationship as well. She holds on to her morals until he eventually ups the ante to $200,000. I guess that’s the cutoff point where you can transition from pretend GF to whore, but perhaps I’m being harsh.
The h is a widow still mourning the love of her life as well as the death of the rest of her family. There is no cancer, no little brother that needs eye or ear surgery, no bad sister that needs to be rescued from trouble she most likely deserves. Essentially she needs to renovate some bathrooms in the historical house she inherited from her grandmother sooooo her BF pimps her out. HP trope alert needed! The H, a driven self-made 007 type, needs her to foil his uncle’s plan to marry the H off to one of his stepdaughters. The uncle also happens to be the one that killed the H’s father off and robbed him of the castle and his birthright.
The heroine shows very few of the idiosyncrasies of a KA heroine other than her detailed makeup for specific situations that include Smoky Evening, Sophisticated Casual, Carefree Splendour and, my personal favorite, Castle Chic. The Escort Service ickiness is dispensed with pretty quickly as the H and h are incredibly attracted to each other although she does get enough money to fix one of her bathrooms. The hero is probably the bossiest hero ever, and despite everyone talking how adorable and scatty the heroine is I just didn’t get it from the heroine.
An evil uncle, an evil wannabe OW with some personality, a whacked out, totally evil, homicidal and corporeal ghost round out an okay story that barely scrapes to three stars.
The essential premise of this story is Pretty Woman on steroids, the setting: England. Enjoyable story but it’s hard to put aside the one glaring fact that the heroine is essentially a prostitute. When the H and h first meet he offers her $50,000 in sterling to play pretend girlfriend. When he sees her in all her KA heroine awesomeness he tells her he wants it to be a sexual relationship as well. She holds on to her morals until he eventually ups the ante to $200,000. I guess that’s the cutoff point where you can transition from pretend GF to whore, but perhaps I’m being harsh.
The h is a widow still mourning the love of her life as well as the death of the rest of her family. There is no cancer, no little brother that needs eye or ear surgery, no bad sister that needs to be rescued from trouble she most likely deserves. Essentially she needs to renovate some bathrooms in the historical house she inherited from her grandmother sooooo her BF pimps her out. HP trope alert needed! The H, a driven self-made 007 type, needs her to foil his uncle’s plan to marry the H off to one of his stepdaughters. The uncle also happens to be the one that killed the H’s father off and robbed him of the castle and his birthright.
The heroine shows very few of the idiosyncrasies of a KA heroine other than her detailed makeup for specific situations that include Smoky Evening, Sophisticated Casual, Carefree Splendour and, my personal favorite, Castle Chic. The Escort Service ickiness is dispensed with pretty quickly as the H and h are incredibly attracted to each other although she does get enough money to fix one of her bathrooms. The hero is probably the bossiest hero ever, and despite everyone talking how adorable and scatty the heroine is I just didn’t get it from the heroine.
An evil uncle, an evil wannabe OW with some personality, a whacked out, totally evil, homicidal and corporeal ghost round out an okay story that barely scrapes to three stars.
January 31, 2013
"But you know,” she said softly, “you know something your young man doesn’t. You know that even these fights, that hurt so much they make you cry, are something to be cherished."
Another great book by KA!
I wasn't sure about what to expect with this series but I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by how KA has addressed this ghost story.
In fact, the story is centered on Cash and Abby relationship and the "supernatural" part of the story per se is relatively short and at least three quarters of the book can be read like a contemporary romance.
Cash was hot as hell and Abby was a sensitive, strong and funny heroine. Angus was perhaps a little too caricatural but Mrs. Truman was absolutely hilarious and I really enjoyed all the secondary characters.
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