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Ghosts #1
Spirited Away
Cursed to roam his estate for all eternity, medieval knight Tristan de Barre, who was murdered in 1292, must convince beautiful forensic archaeologist Andi Monroe, who is escavating the remains of his keep, to help him break the spell. Original.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2007
13 people are currently reading
863 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Miles
27 books532 followersCindy Miles is the best-selling author of twelve novels, one anthology and three short stories. She also writes as Elle Jasper, and grew up on the salt marshes of the Vernon River in Savannah, Georgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 14, 2011
A very easy 'holiday read.' Though as usual with an American author, some things about England and it's customs, she got jarringly wrong. Cream in your tea anyone?!! Not in England! Milk or lemon usually! And the well-trained butler calling the heroine 'Lady' he would have called her Miss, especially as she was supposed to be employed by his employer, and therefore an equal to him - and not above him in station. And yes, the english language and american language do have their differences.
However, aside from those and a few other little stand out niggly errors, it was a lovely fantasy romance. It was her first novel, so hopefully she may have ironed out these niggles in her second and subsequent books. As long as you are willing to suspend disbelief, it kept me turning the pages to the satisfactory end. Very enjoyable, and for pure escapism - I will read her others.
However, aside from those and a few other little stand out niggly errors, it was a lovely fantasy romance. It was her first novel, so hopefully she may have ironed out these niggles in her second and subsequent books. As long as you are willing to suspend disbelief, it kept me turning the pages to the satisfactory end. Very enjoyable, and for pure escapism - I will read her others.
November 5, 2015
Warning: this book contains high levels of swoonworthy accents.
September 17, 2023
This is the probably the 4th or 5th time I have read this book and it is one of my favorites!! If you love ghosts, romance and a strong hunky man then this is for you! Never realized it was part of a series until like my 3rd times reading it. Now I own then all...on to book 2!!
June 17, 2018
3.5* (rounded up for GR)
This was an enjoyable read. Tristan and his knights were murdered (and cursed) in 1292. Fast forward to present day. Andi, a forensic archaeologist, is tasked with excavating a skeleton and weaponry buried underneath a tree that goes uprooted by a storm. What ensues next is a nice mystery. If you like your romance clean, with some paranormal, I would recommend this one.
I will use this book for the time-travel square for Ripped Bodice Bingo. (It fits, kind of- it IS shelved 13 times as time travel on GR).
This was an enjoyable read. Tristan and his knights were murdered (and cursed) in 1292. Fast forward to present day. Andi, a forensic archaeologist, is tasked with excavating a skeleton and weaponry buried underneath a tree that goes uprooted by a storm. What ensues next is a nice mystery. If you like your romance clean, with some paranormal, I would recommend this one.
I will use this book for the time-travel square for Ripped Bodice Bingo. (It fits, kind of- it IS shelved 13 times as time travel on GR).
July 13, 2023
I don't read pastel cover romance novels.
Until my fiancé begged me to read this, stating it was one of his favorite books, especially in the romance genre.
I take his recommendations seriously.
...
AND I LOVED THIS.
Okay, I could live without the main characters drooling over each other, but that's just my own personal preference. (Take a shot every time you read the word 'virile'). But the main character is loveable, the love interest is likeable, and the side characters are amazing! My least favorite part was the villain, but... I guess having a good villain isn't the point of a romance novel. Either way, honestly? Highly recommend!
Until my fiancé begged me to read this, stating it was one of his favorite books, especially in the romance genre.
I take his recommendations seriously.
...
AND I LOVED THIS.
Okay, I could live without the main characters drooling over each other, but that's just my own personal preference. (Take a shot every time you read the word 'virile'). But the main character is loveable, the love interest is likeable, and the side characters are amazing! My least favorite part was the villain, but... I guess having a good villain isn't the point of a romance novel. Either way, honestly? Highly recommend!
January 11, 2011
What a fun story, love the idea of it and it worked.
Tristian de Barre and his men were murdered in 1292 and they were cursed by their murderer to roam their home Dreadmoor Keep for all eternity. That was until archaeologist Andi Monroe turned up to excavate a find where an ancient tree had recently fallen in a storm. She has been fascinated for years about the legend of Dragonhawk and his men who had disappeared without a trace. She had actually been there 12 years ago and had been saved by a ghost?, she wasn’t sure what she had seen but she had held the memory of the gorgeous warrior she had seen all these years.
Tristian was falling in love with this beautiful mortal and was finding it hard to handle his feelings as he could not keep away from her. Should he share his story with her, will she be able to help him and his men? He has his trusty man servant Jameison, whose family has looked after him and his men all these centuries and now he has Andi, was she sent here for a reason?
I loved Tristian and I love Andi.
Tristian de Barre and his men were murdered in 1292 and they were cursed by their murderer to roam their home Dreadmoor Keep for all eternity. That was until archaeologist Andi Monroe turned up to excavate a find where an ancient tree had recently fallen in a storm. She has been fascinated for years about the legend of Dragonhawk and his men who had disappeared without a trace. She had actually been there 12 years ago and had been saved by a ghost?, she wasn’t sure what she had seen but she had held the memory of the gorgeous warrior she had seen all these years.
Tristian was falling in love with this beautiful mortal and was finding it hard to handle his feelings as he could not keep away from her. Should he share his story with her, will she be able to help him and his men? He has his trusty man servant Jameison, whose family has looked after him and his men all these centuries and now he has Andi, was she sent here for a reason?
I loved Tristian and I love Andi.
February 24, 2010
Tristan de Barre is a ghost haunting Dreadmoor Castle. Andi is an archaeologist who has been sent to unearth some bones discovered on the property.
This book caught my attention because when I saw it out of the corner of my eye, I thought it had something to do with The Wizard of Oz and it was Dorothy and the Tin Man on the cover. Then I read the description and thought it could be cute, so I checked it out.
Essentially, it was cute, but I had some problems with it. Tristan can make himself visible and can appear to be sitting in a chair but can't open a door or catch something before it falls. He can also wear modern clothes and knows how to watch television and talk on the phone but still uses phrases from when he was alive hundreds of years ago. I don't know, there just seemed to be inconsistencies. Overall, I cannot say I would recommend it, unless you are a reader who adores ghost/mortal romances and can handle the parts that don't make sense.
This book caught my attention because when I saw it out of the corner of my eye, I thought it had something to do with The Wizard of Oz and it was Dorothy and the Tin Man on the cover. Then I read the description and thought it could be cute, so I checked it out.
Essentially, it was cute, but I had some problems with it. Tristan can make himself visible and can appear to be sitting in a chair but can't open a door or catch something before it falls. He can also wear modern clothes and knows how to watch television and talk on the phone but still uses phrases from when he was alive hundreds of years ago. I don't know, there just seemed to be inconsistencies. Overall, I cannot say I would recommend it, unless you are a reader who adores ghost/mortal romances and can handle the parts that don't make sense.
August 29, 2015
This is 3.5 stars, just because it was so much fun to read!
Dragonhawk, Lord of Dreadmoor Tristan de Barre (see! Looooved the name) might be a ghost, but that doesn't stop him from being swoon-worthy enough for Dr. Andrea Monroe to fall for. Or me either, for that matter, LOL. :)
I liked the characters very well, the dead as well as the living. The chemistry and interaction between Andrea & Tristan varies from light & flirty to swoony and pretty damn hot. All with absolutely no touching. Well, not really. But the man had no problem with his words. Nooooo.
There was a thing or two that made me snicker ('chunks of muscles' being the main culprit) but most was well done. The story was interesting enough to keep me engaged. Reading this made me smile a lot, grin at the characters, and get a bit heated at some of Tristan's wooing of his lady. I enjoyed it so much more than I expected. :)
Dragonhawk, Lord of Dreadmoor Tristan de Barre (see! Looooved the name) might be a ghost, but that doesn't stop him from being swoon-worthy enough for Dr. Andrea Monroe to fall for. Or me either, for that matter, LOL. :)
I liked the characters very well, the dead as well as the living. The chemistry and interaction between Andrea & Tristan varies from light & flirty to swoony and pretty damn hot. All with absolutely no touching. Well, not really. But the man had no problem with his words. Nooooo.
There was a thing or two that made me snicker ('chunks of muscles' being the main culprit) but most was well done. The story was interesting enough to keep me engaged. Reading this made me smile a lot, grin at the characters, and get a bit heated at some of Tristan's wooing of his lady. I enjoyed it so much more than I expected. :)
November 18, 2009
I would have enjoyed this book if I hadn't read Lyn Kurland's Stardust of Yesterday. I haven't checked the publication dates, but I believe Kurland's cam first. Every step of this book was copied from Stardust. From the medieval knight being killed in his own castle and a spell placed over him to never be able to leave, to the ancient butler whose family has always worked for the ghostly lord. The garrison of ghosts, the woman getting angry at the lord and running to a large city and getting mugged by hirelings of the bad guy...I was reading a bad version of Stardust...
My problem is that I read so many books, that I forget which bad ones I've read and don't realize until I'm too far into the book to stop reading. It's like a train wreck. Hopefully, twice is enough and I will smarten up and not read this one again.
My problem is that I read so many books, that I forget which bad ones I've read and don't realize until I'm too far into the book to stop reading. It's like a train wreck. Hopefully, twice is enough and I will smarten up and not read this one again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2010
Andi is an archeologist contacted to help dig up some remains and medieval weapons at an estate in England. Tristan De Barre and a bunch of is friends were murdered by their foster father and cursed to be ghosts on his land. To never touch, eat, sleep, etc. He can manifest in front of people and as long as they don't touch him, they'd never know he was a ghost. Well, Andi finds out. Unrequited love thing going on. Very sweet romantic story. A little unbelievable ending. And way, way, way too much use of wench with your favorite medieval adjective in front of it. But overall, a cute, fluffy book.
February 10, 2013
I found the book fast paced, humorous, and emotional at times. I loved the medieval curse on the knights and I'm hoping that I'll see some of the others with their own books. The hero and heroine were very likable for their part, their needing and chemistry was entertaining but I found that I needed a little more, and I understood the frustration that both had for the lack of physical contact. My favorite character was the butler Jameson, with a close second the young knight Jason.
May 17, 2010
This is excellent! All the English history of the 12th century is wonderful and lots of handsome knights who are also ghosts.... the love story is funny and engaging.
May 5, 2014
I loved it! It was a page turner for me. feel good romance. If it makes you smile, read it! yes, ok, I'm a sap.
August 11, 2014
A fun read. Nothing to take serious. Just for pure enjoyment.
March 5, 2025
This is a very clean romance. There are no OW or OM. There is no rape or sexual assault of any kind. There are a few murders (one at the very beginning) and a few in the last quarter of the book. They are not graphic. There is a little assault, but it ends abruptly. There is no theft, PTSD, burning, or anything else, really. The main characters can't even touch each other until the VERY end of the book, and even then, they only kiss. There is a "sex scene" in the epilogue, but even that wasn't graphic at all. This can easily be read by teens and would probably bore the daylights out of them.
This story was very bland. There was no action, suspense, drama, comedy...anything. For almost the first half of the book, the MMC was actually kind of a jerk to the FMC, and she still was swooning over him. It actually didn't make any sense. It was insta-lust on her part, and she was fawning over him even though he kept telling her off. Then, at the halfway mark, he all of a sudden was head over heels and confessing his undying love. It was too easy and quick. There was no work or reward for anything. Understandable, I guess, since it was the first woman he'd seen in 700 years. Understandable but not enjoyable.
Think about what makes a really good fantasy book. The world, the magic, the characters- sure, the plot matters, but if you don't feel like you're in the make-believe world, then the whole thing falls through. Since this is a historical book, it needs to FEEL like the historical parts are believable, and they just weren't. She was supposed to be an archaeologist, and she barely did anything. They were supposed to be knights, but all they did was joust. She was supposed to be in England but the accents kept sounding Scottish. The guys have been dead for 700 years but there is no backstory about that at all. You never hear what it was like for them to watch time fly by or how people reacted to them being ghosts or what they did to pass the time, or anything. Just the whole thing felt like a whim instead of a well-thought-out plan.
The plot was flimsy at best and didn't go anywhere. It was so blaringly obvious and not in a "hey the author left great bread crumbs" but in a "can you please hurry up and go ___ because there's no story here." but it takes forever for anything to happen and then the FMC has the gall to be shocked when it does. Sigh. I bought a three pack of this author's books at a used bookstore but I'll probably toss the other two.
I recommend this book for people who like calm, clean reads with no stakes involved.
This story was very bland. There was no action, suspense, drama, comedy...anything. For almost the first half of the book, the MMC was actually kind of a jerk to the FMC, and she still was swooning over him. It actually didn't make any sense. It was insta-lust on her part, and she was fawning over him even though he kept telling her off. Then, at the halfway mark, he all of a sudden was head over heels and confessing his undying love. It was too easy and quick. There was no work or reward for anything. Understandable, I guess, since it was the first woman he'd seen in 700 years. Understandable but not enjoyable.
Think about what makes a really good fantasy book. The world, the magic, the characters- sure, the plot matters, but if you don't feel like you're in the make-believe world, then the whole thing falls through. Since this is a historical book, it needs to FEEL like the historical parts are believable, and they just weren't. She was supposed to be an archaeologist, and she barely did anything. They were supposed to be knights, but all they did was joust. She was supposed to be in England but the accents kept sounding Scottish. The guys have been dead for 700 years but there is no backstory about that at all. You never hear what it was like for them to watch time fly by or how people reacted to them being ghosts or what they did to pass the time, or anything. Just the whole thing felt like a whim instead of a well-thought-out plan.
The plot was flimsy at best and didn't go anywhere. It was so blaringly obvious and not in a "hey the author left great bread crumbs" but in a "can you please hurry up and go ___ because there's no story here." but it takes forever for anything to happen and then the FMC has the gall to be shocked when it does. Sigh. I bought a three pack of this author's books at a used bookstore but I'll probably toss the other two.
I recommend this book for people who like calm, clean reads with no stakes involved.
July 15, 2018
Archaeologist Andrea "Andi" Monroe is excited when she's given the opportunity to excavate at the infamous Dreadmoor Castle, where the legend of the medieval knight, Dragonhawk, has long fascinated historians. Dragonhawk and fourteen of his knights vanished from the castle in the thirteenth century, never to be seen nor heard from again. That is, not seen nor heard except by those familiar with the castle. Unknown to the outside world, Tristan de Barre and his men still haunt the castle where they were betrayed and killed. Andi knows nothing of the haunting; she's simply thrilled to uncover the bones and artifacts that were revealed when a large tree was uprooted.
While living and working at the castle, Andi eventually meets the aloof Lord of Dreadmoor, a man who never gets close enough to even shake her hand. She finds his behavior odd, but it isn't until she stumbles and nearly passes through him that she realizes the truth--he's a ghost. Andi is convinced the secret to the curse that has held the knights here can be found, if only she looks hard enough. In the meantime, the more time she spends with Tristan, the more attracted she becomes. Too bad he's dead. For Tristan's part, he is quickly becoming enamored of the smart and determined Andrea, even though he knows they have no future together.
When Andi's mentor, Kirk, begins behaving in an odd manner, demanding to see the cache of swords she uncovered, she is taken aback. However, she chalks it up to the stress he's under. Even when some of Tristan's knights swear that Kirk is Erik, the man who murdered and cursed them, Andi doesn't believe it. Instead, she focuses on lifting the curse that will free the man she's come to love, no matter the cost to herself.
As far as paranormal romances go, this was stellar. Characters were delightful, from Tristan and Andrea to the knights and Tristan's stuffy butler. There was mystery and intrigue surrounding the romance, which added depth to the story.
While living and working at the castle, Andi eventually meets the aloof Lord of Dreadmoor, a man who never gets close enough to even shake her hand. She finds his behavior odd, but it isn't until she stumbles and nearly passes through him that she realizes the truth--he's a ghost. Andi is convinced the secret to the curse that has held the knights here can be found, if only she looks hard enough. In the meantime, the more time she spends with Tristan, the more attracted she becomes. Too bad he's dead. For Tristan's part, he is quickly becoming enamored of the smart and determined Andrea, even though he knows they have no future together.
When Andi's mentor, Kirk, begins behaving in an odd manner, demanding to see the cache of swords she uncovered, she is taken aback. However, she chalks it up to the stress he's under. Even when some of Tristan's knights swear that Kirk is Erik, the man who murdered and cursed them, Andi doesn't believe it. Instead, she focuses on lifting the curse that will free the man she's come to love, no matter the cost to herself.
As far as paranormal romances go, this was stellar. Characters were delightful, from Tristan and Andrea to the knights and Tristan's stuffy butler. There was mystery and intrigue surrounding the romance, which added depth to the story.
September 3, 2020
If you’ve been following me, you probably saw my social media search for this book. I read it forever ago and have thought about it multiple times over the years, but could never find it again. I remembered a little bit of the plot, but not enough for Google to ever figure out what I was talking about. 😂 A few months ago, someone on Instagram recommended the OSRBC Facebook group to me and I *knew* these ladies would have my answer-and they did! Not only did I *finally* figure out the book title, but I also found out the author wrote two other ghost books. So, on to the juicy book details...
Tristan, is a medieval knight, known in legend as Dragonhawk, who is cursed to remain tied to his castle as a ghost for all time. Tristan is joined by his ghostly legion of nights, who were cursed to share the same fate. Enter Andi, a vivacious archaeologist, who is called to investigate a skeleton that has been found on the castle grounds. Andi also happened to have snuck onto the castle grounds a decade before and run into a ghostly Tristan, who she has dreamed about ever since. Will they fall in love? Will Andi be able to solve the curse?
This is the best kind of fun magic and the reread was just as good as the first time. Yes, there are gaping plot holes, like Tristan can sit on real chairs but he can’t hold a phone? But WHO CARES?! And yes, they only have sex at the *very* end but that does not mean that the tension is not 💯. MOST IMPORTANTLY: it’s no longer in print so run to get it RIGHT now-I saw one copy on Amazon and a couple on eBay! 🎊
Tristan, is a medieval knight, known in legend as Dragonhawk, who is cursed to remain tied to his castle as a ghost for all time. Tristan is joined by his ghostly legion of nights, who were cursed to share the same fate. Enter Andi, a vivacious archaeologist, who is called to investigate a skeleton that has been found on the castle grounds. Andi also happened to have snuck onto the castle grounds a decade before and run into a ghostly Tristan, who she has dreamed about ever since. Will they fall in love? Will Andi be able to solve the curse?
This is the best kind of fun magic and the reread was just as good as the first time. Yes, there are gaping plot holes, like Tristan can sit on real chairs but he can’t hold a phone? But WHO CARES?! And yes, they only have sex at the *very* end but that does not mean that the tension is not 💯. MOST IMPORTANTLY: it’s no longer in print so run to get it RIGHT now-I saw one copy on Amazon and a couple on eBay! 🎊
August 12, 2017
An archaeologist might be more inclined to fall for the ghost of a 13th Century knight than other women, follow his every barked command and enjoy being called "Wench". And may she enjoy a life with him being so powerful and forceful.
It was sweet when she thanked him and his garrison for their bravery and strength back then that made the present possible. And a lot of the characters, such as Jameson, Heath, Kate and Jason were passing charming.
The constraints of love for and with the non-corporeal was at times poignant.
The mystery was intricate, with all the guessing about identities of medieval skeletons and the spirit that only communicated with Andi, but still a little thin. As much as the reader could deduce, one wonders why Andi didn't sooner.
The dialogue was fun. atmosphere consistent and conclusion inevitable.
I found this book in my local library.
It was a quick, enjoyable read, especially for historical fiction aficionados.
It was sweet when she thanked him and his garrison for their bravery and strength back then that made the present possible. And a lot of the characters, such as Jameson, Heath, Kate and Jason were passing charming.
The constraints of love for and with the non-corporeal was at times poignant.
The mystery was intricate, with all the guessing about identities of medieval skeletons and the spirit that only communicated with Andi, but still a little thin. As much as the reader could deduce, one wonders why Andi didn't sooner.
The dialogue was fun. atmosphere consistent and conclusion inevitable.
I found this book in my local library.
It was a quick, enjoyable read, especially for historical fiction aficionados.
June 16, 2022
Delightful
Such a delicious , witty, and sweet read. Andrea Monroe is an archeologist and get her wish to work at Dreadmoor the home of the fable knight dragon hawk . With the legend that dragon hawk and his 14 knights just disappeared. With a tree over turned with remains she is called in to investigate. While there she remembers her knight who saved her when she snuck on the grounds years ago.
When she meets the Lord of Dreadmoor. She thinks it her knight those eyes she knows them from any where. The Lord of Dreadmoor denies it and she know there is something strange afoot especially when she hears a voice whispering to her and once again her hand go thru Lord Tristan. With a curse to figure out and more strange events she falls for her knight all over again. Funny , sweet a must read. ,
Such a delicious , witty, and sweet read. Andrea Monroe is an archeologist and get her wish to work at Dreadmoor the home of the fable knight dragon hawk . With the legend that dragon hawk and his 14 knights just disappeared. With a tree over turned with remains she is called in to investigate. While there she remembers her knight who saved her when she snuck on the grounds years ago.
When she meets the Lord of Dreadmoor. She thinks it her knight those eyes she knows them from any where. The Lord of Dreadmoor denies it and she know there is something strange afoot especially when she hears a voice whispering to her and once again her hand go thru Lord Tristan. With a curse to figure out and more strange events she falls for her knight all over again. Funny , sweet a must read. ,
March 13, 2021
I read this book after the 3rd in the series, which didn't matter really, except that I felt her writing was a bit more polished in Highland Knight than this one. I was a bit ambivalent about this story. I liked the writing mostly and really the idea of it, but I felt there were some missed opportunities and it went on a bit too long. Also it felt a lot like the 3rd book in basic structure, which I found a bit disappointing .Both "ghosts" are 700 years old, both surrounded by ghosts of their men, both have a woman who for whatever reason is the "right" person to break the curse (I actually thought they might go somewhere with Andi being adopted having a connection but nope), both cursed by someone (the only plus in this story is that you know why from the beginning - here the mystery is more what to do about it, which I preferred). But like Highland Knight, I felt it just went on way too long in the middle. Highland Knight became a little repetitive in their daily routine but I felt more of a connection between the two characters, as well as between the heroine and the knights there (maybe because they had an hour a day to actually touch?). I did like Andi A LOT better than Amelia in Highland Knight. And while I really liked Tristan in this book, I did like Ethan a lot better in Highland Knight.
Also, some reviewers have mentioned this book is similar to Stardust of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland (just finished reading that one myself about 2 years after reading this book). And yes, there are A LOT of similarities between the two: cursed ghost, has a ghost best friend and ghostly entourage, there's an old butler, American girl inherits the castle. And Kurland's book came first. Having read other ghost romances I would argue they both are also very similar to Highlander in Her Bed by Allie MacKay (which seems to have come out after Kurland's but before Miles') and the ghost is tied to a bed, not a castle - that one is worth a read, too. It's funny that when I first reviewed this book I thought it dragged in some places. After reading Kurland's version at 350 pages, I think that one had even more spots of drag. I think whichever you read first - this book or Stardust - might be the one you prefer more simply because you read one first and the other just seems too similar. I'm torn still as I definitely enjoyed the quick chemistry in this book while I felt that Kurland's book took a while to get to the chemistry. But once Kurland's book got going, I felt like overall I enjoyed it more and had fewer "issues" with the plot.
You don't get to really see the really strong chemistry in this book until more than halfway through (yes she thinks he's hot before then but not enough for me). And then we get all the angst and we love each other but can't really be together but it just kind of dragged the story down with a little too much.
But I loved the dialogue in this one as well as Highland Knight. She writes good dialogue and does a great job of making you feel the tension and desire of the characters -- it just goes on a bit too much and gets a little repetitive. I also hated what felt like to me as a huge plot hole near the end (see spoiler below) which just bothered me.
Although I agree with others that there was some repetition in the dialogue, I loved the dialogue for the most part and the banter between them. His using certain phrases repeatedly didn't really bother me -- such as saying she was "passing beautiful" and then maybe "passing lovely." We all have repetitive phrases we just use. His keeping his accent for 700 years didn't bother me either as it was mentioned many times (too many?) that they really didn't get visitors or interact much with the outside world. It did seem silly though that having watched TV he didn't know more about modern things but that didn't distract me too much.
And this is where I'm ambivalent - she does a great job of pulling you in and building the tension and suspense and then it kind of goes on too much and leads to a bit of a letdown, almost rushed conclusion. I realize the tension does give way when there is a resolution but I just felt like I needed something more.
All that said, overall I still enjoyed the book and her ideas and overall her writing style. And for me this was a very quick read but I did find myself skimming a bit in the second half. So far, my favorite work is her novella A Christmas Spirit -- not too short but not too long. There is something about her writing that pulls me in and keeps me going so I will likely try the other ghost romances she's written.
SPOILER
One thing that really bothered me was the Erik character didn't make sense. The author explains very clearly that Tristan and his men are trapped physically (not just their spirits), meaning their bodies aren't buried anywhere rotting (making way for them to materialize in full alive form later). That's fine. BUT Erik was very clearly killed and buried and his spirit becomes trapped and tied to the tree he's buried under. Again. His spirit is released and he inhabits Andi's mentor. Ok, I'm with her up to this point. But then somehow Andi recites a verse and Erik becomes a flesh and blood breathing man. Um, how? He's actually a ghost (unlike Tristan and his men who are physically made immaterial but still essentially alive). Not explained at all - just happens. And it would not be a huge deal except Erik is a central character the plot and it's just kind of thrown in there.
Also, some reviewers have mentioned this book is similar to Stardust of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland (just finished reading that one myself about 2 years after reading this book). And yes, there are A LOT of similarities between the two: cursed ghost, has a ghost best friend and ghostly entourage, there's an old butler, American girl inherits the castle. And Kurland's book came first. Having read other ghost romances I would argue they both are also very similar to Highlander in Her Bed by Allie MacKay (which seems to have come out after Kurland's but before Miles') and the ghost is tied to a bed, not a castle - that one is worth a read, too. It's funny that when I first reviewed this book I thought it dragged in some places. After reading Kurland's version at 350 pages, I think that one had even more spots of drag. I think whichever you read first - this book or Stardust - might be the one you prefer more simply because you read one first and the other just seems too similar. I'm torn still as I definitely enjoyed the quick chemistry in this book while I felt that Kurland's book took a while to get to the chemistry. But once Kurland's book got going, I felt like overall I enjoyed it more and had fewer "issues" with the plot.
You don't get to really see the really strong chemistry in this book until more than halfway through (yes she thinks he's hot before then but not enough for me). And then we get all the angst and we love each other but can't really be together but it just kind of dragged the story down with a little too much.
But I loved the dialogue in this one as well as Highland Knight. She writes good dialogue and does a great job of making you feel the tension and desire of the characters -- it just goes on a bit too much and gets a little repetitive. I also hated what felt like to me as a huge plot hole near the end (see spoiler below) which just bothered me.
Although I agree with others that there was some repetition in the dialogue, I loved the dialogue for the most part and the banter between them. His using certain phrases repeatedly didn't really bother me -- such as saying she was "passing beautiful" and then maybe "passing lovely." We all have repetitive phrases we just use. His keeping his accent for 700 years didn't bother me either as it was mentioned many times (too many?) that they really didn't get visitors or interact much with the outside world. It did seem silly though that having watched TV he didn't know more about modern things but that didn't distract me too much.
And this is where I'm ambivalent - she does a great job of pulling you in and building the tension and suspense and then it kind of goes on too much and leads to a bit of a letdown, almost rushed conclusion. I realize the tension does give way when there is a resolution but I just felt like I needed something more.
All that said, overall I still enjoyed the book and her ideas and overall her writing style. And for me this was a very quick read but I did find myself skimming a bit in the second half. So far, my favorite work is her novella A Christmas Spirit -- not too short but not too long. There is something about her writing that pulls me in and keeps me going so I will likely try the other ghost romances she's written.
SPOILER
One thing that really bothered me was the Erik character didn't make sense. The author explains very clearly that Tristan and his men are trapped physically (not just their spirits), meaning their bodies aren't buried anywhere rotting (making way for them to materialize in full alive form later). That's fine. BUT Erik was very clearly killed and buried and his spirit becomes trapped and tied to the tree he's buried under. Again. His spirit is released and he inhabits Andi's mentor. Ok, I'm with her up to this point. But then somehow Andi recites a verse and Erik becomes a flesh and blood breathing man. Um, how? He's actually a ghost (unlike Tristan and his men who are physically made immaterial but still essentially alive). Not explained at all - just happens. And it would not be a huge deal except Erik is a central character the plot and it's just kind of thrown in there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2017
This story has romance, history, archaeology, mystery, and some mega-hot knights. How could a girl not love it?! Great characters and story. There was a bit of head-hopping, which is why it's not 5 stars. Plenty of intrigue and I'll admit, I cried toward the end. I normally don't go for paranormal stories, but there's something about a knight and archaeologist that gets me every time.
May 5, 2017
4.5 stars
June 7, 2017
Wow, this was an unsusual book for me to read.
I loved Tristan and his knights.
A very enjoyable read!
I loved Tristan and his knights.
A very enjoyable read!
December 31, 2017
Absolutely loved it! Wonderful storytelling and heartwarming, full of feeling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2018
Such a fun sweet story.
October 7, 2018
This was a wonderful sort of time travel book. Loved every page!
June 14, 2020
It was ok. Fun and exciting sometimes. I couldn't bring myself to finish the book
July 28, 2024
Don't worry guys, the worked out the whole ghost thing.
January 9, 2025
Since a chance encounter with a ghostly knight in the younger years, the heroine has eagerly awaited the chance to explore the castle grounds that captivated her for so long. Now, she's got her chance. After a bad storm and an uprooted tree, bones were discovered at the base and the heroine is called in to excavate the site and document the findings. She is to be the only one on location which she thinks is odd but the castle owner is a reclusive man so it makes sense he doesn't want a lot of people wandering around his property. Little does she know that the master of the house is indeed a ghost. Not just any sort of ghost.
He's got a consciousness and the ability to chance appearances to hide the suit of armor he was murdered in. But he still has no body and as such can't feel or touch. He knows its dangerous to have this woman under foot as any encounter could lead to his secret being revealed but the hero is lonely. It's been 700 years since his murder and though he has his fellow knights and the aging butler who he watched grow from a small lad, he can't leave the grounds and so life or in his case death, has become a sad affair.
The chance to speak with this enchanting woman is all too good to pass up. She is smart, beautiful and possesses a marvelous sense of humor. She tempts him life nothing else in his world can and it's painful to know he can never be the man she needs. The heroine is on one hand enraptured by the discovery of bones and swords under the tree but she is in equal measure captivated by the lord of the castle. He is a giant of a man and his accent is to die for. But he acts like she has the plague, not even offering to help her up from a fall. It doesn't take long for her to discover the truth and though the idea that this larger than life man could be a ghost is shocking, she is just as excited to know about the paranormal.
Life at the castle is grand. She makes friends with the knights also murdered with the hero, and she enjoys everything the property and the company have to offer. Including the growing affections between herself and the hero. But she is haunted by another spirit, one without true form and whom only she can hear.
It leads her to clue after clue, trying to direct her towards something she's not quite sure what. But whatever it is, it will save the hero. Now, an old enemy has resurrected into the body of her mentor and father figure and with each passing step she gets closer and closer to solving the riddle. But that means she's closer to losing the hero and the idea is tearing her apart.
I was surprised by this book. I will honest and say I expected a throw any read. Something I could read on auto pilot and still get the gist of. But, I actually found I was enjoying myself. I appreciated the actual forbidden/ impossible love between the hero and heroine. It was not like other ghostly romance novel as the hero didn't suddenly have a corporal body and in fact, almost 90% of the book was the hero and heroine having zero psychical contact, instead, they focused heavily of the growing love and affections.
I found the characters to be interesting but rather predictable. Though I didn't do mind it as I was enjoying the overall story. I felt the drama and the angst between the hero and heroine because of the restrictions of their romance but I could have stood for even more drama. There was humor and the butler in particular was a constant source of dry witty comments and that prickly affection he bestrode on everyone around him. All and all, I thought this was good showing.
So far, what I've read from this author seems to be all middle of the rating scale sort of books. Nothing horrible but nothing spectacular either. I'm still waiting to be wowed by a ghostly romance and will see if this series can deliver.
He's got a consciousness and the ability to chance appearances to hide the suit of armor he was murdered in. But he still has no body and as such can't feel or touch. He knows its dangerous to have this woman under foot as any encounter could lead to his secret being revealed but the hero is lonely. It's been 700 years since his murder and though he has his fellow knights and the aging butler who he watched grow from a small lad, he can't leave the grounds and so life or in his case death, has become a sad affair.
The chance to speak with this enchanting woman is all too good to pass up. She is smart, beautiful and possesses a marvelous sense of humor. She tempts him life nothing else in his world can and it's painful to know he can never be the man she needs. The heroine is on one hand enraptured by the discovery of bones and swords under the tree but she is in equal measure captivated by the lord of the castle. He is a giant of a man and his accent is to die for. But he acts like she has the plague, not even offering to help her up from a fall. It doesn't take long for her to discover the truth and though the idea that this larger than life man could be a ghost is shocking, she is just as excited to know about the paranormal.
Life at the castle is grand. She makes friends with the knights also murdered with the hero, and she enjoys everything the property and the company have to offer. Including the growing affections between herself and the hero. But she is haunted by another spirit, one without true form and whom only she can hear.
It leads her to clue after clue, trying to direct her towards something she's not quite sure what. But whatever it is, it will save the hero. Now, an old enemy has resurrected into the body of her mentor and father figure and with each passing step she gets closer and closer to solving the riddle. But that means she's closer to losing the hero and the idea is tearing her apart.
I was surprised by this book. I will honest and say I expected a throw any read. Something I could read on auto pilot and still get the gist of. But, I actually found I was enjoying myself. I appreciated the actual forbidden/ impossible love between the hero and heroine. It was not like other ghostly romance novel as the hero didn't suddenly have a corporal body and in fact, almost 90% of the book was the hero and heroine having zero psychical contact, instead, they focused heavily of the growing love and affections.
I found the characters to be interesting but rather predictable. Though I didn't do mind it as I was enjoying the overall story. I felt the drama and the angst between the hero and heroine because of the restrictions of their romance but I could have stood for even more drama. There was humor and the butler in particular was a constant source of dry witty comments and that prickly affection he bestrode on everyone around him. All and all, I thought this was good showing.
So far, what I've read from this author seems to be all middle of the rating scale sort of books. Nothing horrible but nothing spectacular either. I'm still waiting to be wowed by a ghostly romance and will see if this series can deliver.
August 7, 2009
Andrea Monroe, a forensic archaeologist has dreamed about her mysterious medieval knight who saved her from a fall, while she was trespassing on grounds of Dreadmoor Keep in Northern England. Beside the colour of his eyes, his voice and his chain mail, she remembers the fact that she stumbled right through him. Was her medieval knight real or just a figment in her imagination? Now a skeleton and collection of medieval weapons have been discovers under an oak on Dreadmoor Keep and the Lord of Dreadmoor has specifically asks for Andi.
Tristan de Barre, Lord of Dreadmoor and his fourteen knights has been murdered and cursed by his foster father Erik de Sabre in 1292. They have lived in their ghostly state for hundreds of years, but they hope that the buried weapons, which belong to them, will give answers to break the curse. Tristan couldn’t believe his eyes the moment Dr. Andrea Monroe arrives at his estate, the very same woman he saved many years ago. Andrea is unaware that he is a seven hundred year old ghost and wants to keep it that way. But the more time Tristan spends in Andi’s company, the more he yearns to touch her.
When Andi finally learns the truth about whom and what he really is, she is determined to stay and break the curse. But what if she succeeds in breaking the curse, will she lose the man she began to love?
Spirited Away by Cindy Miles is a fantastic novel to read. It’s a novel full with great characters, romance and a fine doses humour. I found myself smiling a couple of times during this novel and it really makes me believe that love can overcome any obstacle in life.
Main characters Tristan and Andrea are both strong and determined individuals. There is a huge attraction and a lot of heat between Andi and Tristan, without even being able to touch each other, but you could feel the warm sparkles flying around.
Tristan de Barre has been murdered and cursed by a man he loved and trusted. Along with his fourteen knights he’s been in ghostly state for seven hundred years. But now there is a little hope, when they discover a skeleton and several weapons under a fallen oak and the only one to help them is forensic archaeologist Dr. Andrea Monroe. Andi cannot believe her eyes when the current Lord of Dreadmoor specifically asks for her to investigate and collect the skeleton and buried weapons they found. Years ago when she was trespassing on the ground of Dreadmoor, she stumbled and was saved by a medieval knight. Ever since that moment he’s been in her dreams and she wants to find out what happened to him.
There are some very great secondary characters in this novel and they all play a huge role. It seems that Dreadmoor Castle is full of ghosts, the fourteen knights who died with Tristan seven hundred years ago. And they all want to help Andi to succeed and break the curse, so they are finally free. But the ghost of Eric de Sabre is also there and will do anything to prevent the curse from breaking.
I cannot wait to read more books by Cindy Miles, she has a fabulous writing style and I love ghost stories.
Tristan de Barre, Lord of Dreadmoor and his fourteen knights has been murdered and cursed by his foster father Erik de Sabre in 1292. They have lived in their ghostly state for hundreds of years, but they hope that the buried weapons, which belong to them, will give answers to break the curse. Tristan couldn’t believe his eyes the moment Dr. Andrea Monroe arrives at his estate, the very same woman he saved many years ago. Andrea is unaware that he is a seven hundred year old ghost and wants to keep it that way. But the more time Tristan spends in Andi’s company, the more he yearns to touch her.
When Andi finally learns the truth about whom and what he really is, she is determined to stay and break the curse. But what if she succeeds in breaking the curse, will she lose the man she began to love?
Spirited Away by Cindy Miles is a fantastic novel to read. It’s a novel full with great characters, romance and a fine doses humour. I found myself smiling a couple of times during this novel and it really makes me believe that love can overcome any obstacle in life.
Main characters Tristan and Andrea are both strong and determined individuals. There is a huge attraction and a lot of heat between Andi and Tristan, without even being able to touch each other, but you could feel the warm sparkles flying around.
Tristan de Barre has been murdered and cursed by a man he loved and trusted. Along with his fourteen knights he’s been in ghostly state for seven hundred years. But now there is a little hope, when they discover a skeleton and several weapons under a fallen oak and the only one to help them is forensic archaeologist Dr. Andrea Monroe. Andi cannot believe her eyes when the current Lord of Dreadmoor specifically asks for her to investigate and collect the skeleton and buried weapons they found. Years ago when she was trespassing on the ground of Dreadmoor, she stumbled and was saved by a medieval knight. Ever since that moment he’s been in her dreams and she wants to find out what happened to him.
There are some very great secondary characters in this novel and they all play a huge role. It seems that Dreadmoor Castle is full of ghosts, the fourteen knights who died with Tristan seven hundred years ago. And they all want to help Andi to succeed and break the curse, so they are finally free. But the ghost of Eric de Sabre is also there and will do anything to prevent the curse from breaking.
I cannot wait to read more books by Cindy Miles, she has a fabulous writing style and I love ghost stories.
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