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Haunted Hearts
Cordelia Manor
His inheritance may lead to his death, unless a magical caretaker can save them both.
Evan inherits a mysterious manor house that's filled with restless spirits and Cary is the manor’s magical caretaker charged with managing them.
When the two meet, they unwittingly become the target of one of the manor’s most vengeful ghosts.
Despite the dangers, a passionate and deep love blossoms between them. Will that love be enough to protect them as they unravel Cordelia Manor’s secrets, or will the past repeat itself, destroying them and all they’ve built together?
Cordelia Manor is part of the Haunted Hearts series.
Haunted Hearts is an Own-Voices Paranormal Romance Series about love and the things go boo in the night. Join us on our romantic journeys over 10 books from some of your favorite authors! Be sure to read the entire series so you don’t miss a moment of falling in love, or sometimes falling into a happily ever after-life! Each book is a standalone but why not read them all? Everyone deserves the HEA!
Evan inherits a mysterious manor house that's filled with restless spirits and Cary is the manor’s magical caretaker charged with managing them.
When the two meet, they unwittingly become the target of one of the manor’s most vengeful ghosts.
Despite the dangers, a passionate and deep love blossoms between them. Will that love be enough to protect them as they unravel Cordelia Manor’s secrets, or will the past repeat itself, destroying them and all they’ve built together?
Cordelia Manor is part of the Haunted Hearts series.
Haunted Hearts is an Own-Voices Paranormal Romance Series about love and the things go boo in the night. Join us on our romantic journeys over 10 books from some of your favorite authors! Be sure to read the entire series so you don’t miss a moment of falling in love, or sometimes falling into a happily ever after-life! Each book is a standalone but why not read them all? Everyone deserves the HEA!
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2024
2 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Adam J. Ridley
12 books100 followersAdam J. Ridley is the pen name used by Blake Allwood for his urban fantasy and fantasy novels.
I, Blake/Adam, travel full time with my husband and two dogs in a forty-foot motor home, constantly looking for inspiration in the towns we find ourselves in.
I’ve loved fantasy all my life, and after several years of writing romance, finally took the time to try my hand at a romantic urban fantasy.
The Witch Brothers Saga is my debut series. Next year, I’ll release a Selkie series and possible my first science fiction, superhero novel as well.
Thanks for joining me on this journey and I look forward to reading your reviews on the Witch Brothers Saga.
I, Blake/Adam, travel full time with my husband and two dogs in a forty-foot motor home, constantly looking for inspiration in the towns we find ourselves in.
I’ve loved fantasy all my life, and after several years of writing romance, finally took the time to try my hand at a romantic urban fantasy.
The Witch Brothers Saga is my debut series. Next year, I’ll release a Selkie series and possible my first science fiction, superhero novel as well.
Thanks for joining me on this journey and I look forward to reading your reviews on the Witch Brothers Saga.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 28, 2024
When I saw the CW page, I was like, “tf did I just get myself into”?! And what happened next…(Because if everyone else can do clickbait, so can I.)
I mean, totally heed the CWs, but also they weren’t really an issue? Like, I get why they were there, but they weren’t really front-and-center like I would’ve thought they’d be? The story was absolutely phenomenal and not as dark and heavy as I let my brain believe it was going to be.
There was light and joy and so much good cheese and found family and the love… the love was so fucking GOOD. The best kind of story-focused slow burn with hella great spice and a fantastic amount of ease and intrigue that kept things going strong until the end. My entire being is invested in this world and I am definitely going to read every single scrap of it I can get my grubby little grabby hands on.
AND THE HEALING…I just wanna squish these two (affectionately). And the satellite characters, too! Roy, I’m coming for your story, bb (and everyone else)!!🥺🫶
5/5. I guess I could gripe about a few places where repetitive phrasing caught my attention, but this was an ARC, so it could very well disappear before the final MS goes live, as with everything else that editing catches. So. There’s really no point. This was another OV banger, and it GAVE. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series and I feel like this was the year we all won the book lottery. We need more OV rep like this. It had everything a good queer romance should have and then some. Onward to another hit. I have a new author to add to my favs list!
**[I received an ARC from the author. All ratings, reviews, and opinions are my own.]**
I mean, totally heed the CWs, but also they weren’t really an issue? Like, I get why they were there, but they weren’t really front-and-center like I would’ve thought they’d be? The story was absolutely phenomenal and not as dark and heavy as I let my brain believe it was going to be.
There was light and joy and so much good cheese and found family and the love… the love was so fucking GOOD. The best kind of story-focused slow burn with hella great spice and a fantastic amount of ease and intrigue that kept things going strong until the end. My entire being is invested in this world and I am definitely going to read every single scrap of it I can get my grubby little grabby hands on.
AND THE HEALING…I just wanna squish these two (affectionately). And the satellite characters, too! Roy, I’m coming for your story, bb (and everyone else)!!🥺🫶
5/5. I guess I could gripe about a few places where repetitive phrasing caught my attention, but this was an ARC, so it could very well disappear before the final MS goes live, as with everything else that editing catches. So. There’s really no point. This was another OV banger, and it GAVE. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series and I feel like this was the year we all won the book lottery. We need more OV rep like this. It had everything a good queer romance should have and then some. Onward to another hit. I have a new author to add to my favs list!
**[I received an ARC from the author. All ratings, reviews, and opinions are my own.]**
November 17, 2024
You always know there is going to be fun, when someone inherits a manor house and this story did not disappoint. Evan inheriting the manor came just at the right time and he used this to escape his ex. Meeting Cary, the magical caretaker of the place. Evan gets more than the manor, he gets a found family.
I loved this story with its blend of romance, fantasy and a mystery. You follow Evan as he makes decisions on what he is going to do with the manor and his life and whilst he doubted himself just like him bringing life back into the hotel, he was doing the same to himself. But he could not do this by himself. Cary was not only a caretaker for the manor, he was there to help Evan and I really liked that the romance was not rushed, watching them get to know each other and seeing that moment when they connected.
Seeing Evan learning more about his family history, helped fill in the gaps in the mystery of the Manor and its spirit guests. His connection with Cary's coven had me smiling and I was glad that Evan had folk in his corner, fighting for him.
Adam J Riley is a new to me author and I am glad that I had the privilege to read this story and with the teaser in the epilogue I am looking forward to seeing what comes next to Cordelia Manor
I loved this story with its blend of romance, fantasy and a mystery. You follow Evan as he makes decisions on what he is going to do with the manor and his life and whilst he doubted himself just like him bringing life back into the hotel, he was doing the same to himself. But he could not do this by himself. Cary was not only a caretaker for the manor, he was there to help Evan and I really liked that the romance was not rushed, watching them get to know each other and seeing that moment when they connected.
Seeing Evan learning more about his family history, helped fill in the gaps in the mystery of the Manor and its spirit guests. His connection with Cary's coven had me smiling and I was glad that Evan had folk in his corner, fighting for him.
Adam J Riley is a new to me author and I am glad that I had the privilege to read this story and with the teaser in the epilogue I am looking forward to seeing what comes next to Cordelia Manor
October 27, 2024
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Y’all, if a ghost wants to kill me….I’m out! Don’t care how cute the caretaker is. Okay, maybe I would take him with me.
Cary and Evan are made of sterner stuff. Granted Evan doesn’t have a lot of choices. He’s broke and the manor he inherited doesn’t come with money. And he’s got Cary, a witch on his side. Sweet, kind Cary.
The bitter ancestral ghost that inhabits the manor is determined to destroy all love. Except it’s possible love is the answer.
It’s a wild story of ghostly hauntings, witchcraft, and the creation of a beautiful family. It was super engaging and a pleasure to watch their relationship build into a gorgeous love story.
Y’all, if a ghost wants to kill me….I’m out! Don’t care how cute the caretaker is. Okay, maybe I would take him with me.
Cary and Evan are made of sterner stuff. Granted Evan doesn’t have a lot of choices. He’s broke and the manor he inherited doesn’t come with money. And he’s got Cary, a witch on his side. Sweet, kind Cary.
The bitter ancestral ghost that inhabits the manor is determined to destroy all love. Except it’s possible love is the answer.
It’s a wild story of ghostly hauntings, witchcraft, and the creation of a beautiful family. It was super engaging and a pleasure to watch their relationship build into a gorgeous love story.
October 19, 2024
Cordelia Manor is the ninth book in the Haunted Hearts series.
It deals with the haunted house trope, but gives it a twist.
Evan, after a rather bitter breakup, discovers that he has inherited a manor house, as he has nothing to bind him, he is going to take possession of it. The house, which has been a former hotel and restaurant, is inhabited by ghosts. One of them is a bigoted ghost.
To welcome him, there is Cary, who is part of a coven that tries to keep the ghosts under control.
The love story between the two is mixed with the investigation of Evan's family, which is a bit of a mystery to him, and the setting up of the hotel, because somehow Evan has to make a living.
I quite liked the book, it's not as dark as I thought it would be. Very enjoyable.
It deals with the haunted house trope, but gives it a twist.
Evan, after a rather bitter breakup, discovers that he has inherited a manor house, as he has nothing to bind him, he is going to take possession of it. The house, which has been a former hotel and restaurant, is inhabited by ghosts. One of them is a bigoted ghost.
To welcome him, there is Cary, who is part of a coven that tries to keep the ghosts under control.
The love story between the two is mixed with the investigation of Evan's family, which is a bit of a mystery to him, and the setting up of the hotel, because somehow Evan has to make a living.
I quite liked the book, it's not as dark as I thought it would be. Very enjoyable.
October 24, 2024
I received this as an ARC for my honest opinion. Cordelia Manor by Adam J Ridley was such a coming home and of age tale. Evan inherits a manor and encounters Cary, the caretaker. Evan learns along the journey to stand up for what he believes in and not to cower from fear because of who he is. Evan learns that love and family are the most important things in life even if its found family. He lives his life out and is proud with Cary. It shows that even if your biological family doesn’t accept you for who you are you can create your own support network and family. It was such a fabulous and fun read. The story is a lot of personal notes for me when it comes to found family and coming out. I recommend reading to all my friends.
July 28, 2025
The manor
I am kind if sad I dud not read this book sooner. I am a big fan of thus author. I guess better late than never. Thus book is a 5/5 for me. This paranormal love story is about Evan and Cary. Even inherits a haunted house converted into a hotel. Cary is a witch that watches over the property. Evan is attacked by an evil ghost the first time he visits the property. Of course he dies not believe in the paranormal. But he soon learns to believe and Cary is there to support him. But the two men will need a lot help to battle the evil ghost that stays in the hotel.
I am kind if sad I dud not read this book sooner. I am a big fan of thus author. I guess better late than never. Thus book is a 5/5 for me. This paranormal love story is about Evan and Cary. Even inherits a haunted house converted into a hotel. Cary is a witch that watches over the property. Evan is attacked by an evil ghost the first time he visits the property. Of course he dies not believe in the paranormal. But he soon learns to believe and Cary is there to support him. But the two men will need a lot help to battle the evil ghost that stays in the hotel.
October 27, 2024
What a fabulous ghost story, and I loved the excellent haunted house vibes. I think the author was so successful in pulling off the creepy and scary atmosphere, which is rare to find. I also really enjoyed the romance side of the plot, Cary and Evan have such a lovely connection which was an excellent juxtaposition to the nightmare happening around them at Cordelia Manor. This was excellent all around, an engaging couple, and intense plot, and a really satisfying and exciting ending. I’m loving this series!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 25, 2024
There’s a nice blend here of mystery, intrigue, and peril (haunted house, family history) as well as romance and character development. I liked both Evan and Cary as characters, and felt for Evan, who inherits much more than he bargains for in both the haunted manor and its caretaker. The story deserves to be experienced on its own terms, and the characters well worth getting to know: all in all, an enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 23, 2024
Evan inherits an old manor house with plenty of uninvited visitors. One who is very violent, and wants to get rid of Evan. Cary the caretaker is a witch who has been trying to get rid of the ghosts. This was so much fun read with plenty of danger and family history being revealed throughout the story
October 25, 2024
The plot was original and enjoyable. It has some wonderful found family and hurt/comfort. Cary helping Evan heal from his losses and the damage caused by a toxic ex was lovely, and in turn Evan helps Cary with some self-esteem and self-worth. It was not as dark or scary as I expected (which was good for me!).
October 22, 2024
Oh my goodness this one pulled me in and wouldn’t let me go! I loved every second of it and want more :)
I fell in love with the cast and the found family of Cordelia Manor.
This was my first story by this author and won’t be my last! I am so excited to dive into more of his works.
October 11, 2024
Fun, interesting read. I quite enjoyed the story. The characters were decently written and the overall plot was pretty good.
October 27, 2024
AN ENGROSSING AND GOOD READ!
It was a story that was both interesting and lovely. Great characters that stood out, and I enjoyed Evan and Cary very much. Definitely recommend it!
It was a story that was both interesting and lovely. Great characters that stood out, and I enjoyed Evan and Cary very much. Definitely recommend it!
December 31, 2024
LIKE with most stories, whether generated through fiction or film, when someone inherits a grand manor house, it’s almost guaranteed that this place has some generational or historical mystery, secret and/or tragedy attached to it; Adam J. Ridley’s Cordelia Manor, part of “Haunted Hearts,” the own-voices gay paranormal romance series, is no exception. And boy, does this haunting tale deliver. It delves into the classic “haunted house” setup yet introduces an unexpected queer twist that refreshes the narrative and invites a deeper exploration of its eerie elements.
The story is a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of romance, homoeroticism, and atmospheric paranormal fantasy, including witchcraft, haunting sounds and sensations, and, of course, ghosts.
But for me, the most compelling story element is Ridley’s contemporary queer take on the trope of familial/generational secrets: the dark and troubled past. More specifically, a gay love story from the past that was the bane of a resentful, bitter man, which led to inevitable tragedy—one that must be brought to light and somehow rectified in the present, with these two men, Evan and Cary.
Read the full review at @www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca/blog
The story is a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of romance, homoeroticism, and atmospheric paranormal fantasy, including witchcraft, haunting sounds and sensations, and, of course, ghosts.
But for me, the most compelling story element is Ridley’s contemporary queer take on the trope of familial/generational secrets: the dark and troubled past. More specifically, a gay love story from the past that was the bane of a resentful, bitter man, which led to inevitable tragedy—one that must be brought to light and somehow rectified in the present, with these two men, Evan and Cary.
Read the full review at @www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca/blog
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews