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Gambling Ghosts #2
A Viking Ghost for Valentine's Day
To feed her three children, Widow Abigail Jenkins takes the only job available in Sunset Cove: night cleaner in the notorious, haunted tea-house. She figures the wild, supernatural rumors about the place are pure fiction. After all, ghosts don’t exist.
Eric Eklund a sexy spirit from Sweden is over a thousand years old. Having missed his chance at Valhalla, the Viking spends his time roaming the world and gambling. That is until he sees Abby whose feisty earthly-spirit turns his ghostly world upside down.
When the two meet sparks fly, but their romance is interrupted by a poltergeist hunting children.
What happens when you mix a naughty, Viking ghost built like a Norse god, a strong woman who suffers no fools and a nasty poltergeist? Answer: another fun, Gambling Ghost story.
A Viking Ghost for Valentine’s is a lighthearted novella filled with love, laughter and just enough ghouliness to thrill and chill you to the bone.
Eric Eklund a sexy spirit from Sweden is over a thousand years old. Having missed his chance at Valhalla, the Viking spends his time roaming the world and gambling. That is until he sees Abby whose feisty earthly-spirit turns his ghostly world upside down.
When the two meet sparks fly, but their romance is interrupted by a poltergeist hunting children.
What happens when you mix a naughty, Viking ghost built like a Norse god, a strong woman who suffers no fools and a nasty poltergeist? Answer: another fun, Gambling Ghost story.
A Viking Ghost for Valentine’s is a lighthearted novella filled with love, laughter and just enough ghouliness to thrill and chill you to the bone.
121 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2017
24 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Jo-Ann Carson
38 books369 followersJo-Ann Carson
~A little bit of magic~
Jo-Ann Carson is an award-winning author who loves the magic of storytelling. She writes evocative settings, strong characters, and fast-paced plots. Her current project, Fangsters, is a six book, urban fantasy series about a sorceress blackmailed into running an academy for delinquent, teenage vampires.
To date, Jo-Ann Carson has published 37 stories. Her latest series are: Fangsters, the Dial Witch Trilogy, The Perfect Brew Trilogy, the Ghost & Abby Mysteries, and the Gambling Ghosts Novellas.
A firm believer in the magic of our everyday lives, Jo-Ann loves watching sunrises, walking the beaches with her poodle near her home in the Pacific Northwest, and reading books by a crackling wood fire. You can find more about her on her website.
Website / Goodreads / BookBub / Facebook / Pinterest
~A little bit of magic~
Jo-Ann Carson is an award-winning author who loves the magic of storytelling. She writes evocative settings, strong characters, and fast-paced plots. Her current project, Fangsters, is a six book, urban fantasy series about a sorceress blackmailed into running an academy for delinquent, teenage vampires.
To date, Jo-Ann Carson has published 37 stories. Her latest series are: Fangsters, the Dial Witch Trilogy, The Perfect Brew Trilogy, the Ghost & Abby Mysteries, and the Gambling Ghosts Novellas.
A firm believer in the magic of our everyday lives, Jo-Ann loves watching sunrises, walking the beaches with her poodle near her home in the Pacific Northwest, and reading books by a crackling wood fire. You can find more about her on her website.
Website / Goodreads / BookBub / Facebook / Pinterest
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
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February 6, 2017
RATING 3.5 STARS
A Viking Ghost for Valentine’s Day is book two in the Gambling Ghosts Series by Jo-Ann Carson. This is my first book by Ms. Carson.
Abigail Jenkins lost her husband to cancer and is now trying to make ends meet while raising her three children, the youngest of which has health issues. She has moved to Sunset Cove in hopes of finding a decent job but the only one she could find is that of a cleaner at night in the local tea house that is well known for it’s supernatural goings on. But Abby needs this job. Her kids are hungry. And, she doesn’t believe in ghosts.
“Things happened in this house, things that were far from ordinary. Of all the haunted houses in all the world, why did this one pick me?”
Eric Eklund, also known as Dodger because of his ability to dodge the light, is a Viking ghost well over one thousand years old. He’s from Sweden but roams freely wherever he wishes to go. He likes Sunset Cove and the tea house is a place where ghosts congregate for nightly poker games.
The first time Eric sees Abby, he is drawn to her. He senses her strength. He follows her home and sees what the situation is that she is dealing with and tries to help her in little ways.
Abby is forbidden to enter a particular room in the tea house but she hears strange goings on in there. It isn’t long before she figures out just who is in there. She accepts the existence of the house’s co-habitants very well I have to say. In particular, Eric. They are drawn to each other. But, a ghost-human relationship just doesn’t go well. There is always that pesky problem of the ghost not being in a solid form.
There is an evil poltergeist lurking in Sunset Cove that feeds on the life force of children. And, he has set his sights on Abby’s children. How will Eric and Abby protect her children? He is a very powerful poltergeist.
I chose this book because first, that cover. “sigh” And because I thought it would be a good Valentine’s Day themed read. From the synopsis and from the cover, I somehow assumed there would be a little more heat involved. So I was disappointed about that. There is no sexy content what-so-ever. It was a cute story, though. I didn’t really feel like I got the closure I wanted at the end. The author does state that this couple might have to be revisited in a later book to see if this particular event happens so I was a bit unhappy about that. All in all, it was a short, cute, entertaining book.
A Viking Ghost for Valentine’s Day is book two in the Gambling Ghosts Series by Jo-Ann Carson. This is my first book by Ms. Carson.
Abigail Jenkins lost her husband to cancer and is now trying to make ends meet while raising her three children, the youngest of which has health issues. She has moved to Sunset Cove in hopes of finding a decent job but the only one she could find is that of a cleaner at night in the local tea house that is well known for it’s supernatural goings on. But Abby needs this job. Her kids are hungry. And, she doesn’t believe in ghosts.
“Things happened in this house, things that were far from ordinary. Of all the haunted houses in all the world, why did this one pick me?”
Eric Eklund, also known as Dodger because of his ability to dodge the light, is a Viking ghost well over one thousand years old. He’s from Sweden but roams freely wherever he wishes to go. He likes Sunset Cove and the tea house is a place where ghosts congregate for nightly poker games.
The first time Eric sees Abby, he is drawn to her. He senses her strength. He follows her home and sees what the situation is that she is dealing with and tries to help her in little ways.
Abby is forbidden to enter a particular room in the tea house but she hears strange goings on in there. It isn’t long before she figures out just who is in there. She accepts the existence of the house’s co-habitants very well I have to say. In particular, Eric. They are drawn to each other. But, a ghost-human relationship just doesn’t go well. There is always that pesky problem of the ghost not being in a solid form.
There is an evil poltergeist lurking in Sunset Cove that feeds on the life force of children. And, he has set his sights on Abby’s children. How will Eric and Abby protect her children? He is a very powerful poltergeist.
I chose this book because first, that cover. “sigh” And because I thought it would be a good Valentine’s Day themed read. From the synopsis and from the cover, I somehow assumed there would be a little more heat involved. So I was disappointed about that. There is no sexy content what-so-ever. It was a cute story, though. I didn’t really feel like I got the closure I wanted at the end. The author does state that this couple might have to be revisited in a later book to see if this particular event happens so I was a bit unhappy about that. All in all, it was a short, cute, entertaining book.
January 17, 2017
Abigail is a widow raising her three children by herself. She takes a job cleaning a teahouse for Madam Azalea, a physic. Eric is a Viking ghost who has missed his chance at his eternal reward and is stuck on earth. Eric and his ghost pals have been meeting at the teahouse once a week to play poker. Abby, alone in the teahouse, hears strange noises and realizes she is not alone. Eric has noticed Abby at the teahouse and is very taken with her. She is the picture of his ideal woman. Zane is a police officer being used by an evil poltergeist to help get to Abby's children. When Eric realizes that the poltergeist is coming around Abby and her kids he knows he has to help. What will Eric do and what will happen when Zane's conscience gets the better of him? Can there be a happy ending for Abby and Eric? A quick read that will be hard to put down. Both of the books in this series so far are well written and very enjoyable. I had to pre-order the 3rd book in the story.
February 9, 2018
Great characters who are completely believable. The interactions are in keeping with other books in the series. Our heroine Abby is a warm feisty widow who’s struggling to raise her kids. Eric the sexy Viking ghost takes the little family under his protective care. Azalea is back as the proprietor of the hunted tea house, the ultimate mother hen who tells it like it is. Abby gets to the bottom of the latest haunting/poltergeist manifestation to save the day with Eric’s loving help.
I read books out of order but each stands alone nicely.
I read books out of order but each stands alone nicely.
September 30, 2020
This is a cute little ghost story. The characters are a bit one dimensional as is the world they live in. I wish the author had spent a bit more time on character and world building. It just seemed a bit rushed to me. I did like the idea of a viking ghost falling in love with a human but it just needed more substance.
April 14, 2017
Popcorn book. Meaning entertaining but not griping. I didn't feel emotionally invested in the characters. There were some dropped close quotes that were important bc depending on the location would change the meaning. And there is no HEA bc the hero has no body. He doesn't even manifest to physically interact any more than blow wind at the fmc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2017
Excellent novella!
This series is really good. I'm reading them in order and I think that is the way to do it. This story has an HEA, BUT a tiny, tiny cliffhanger. It's not bad though! I highly recommend this series!
This series is really good. I'm reading them in order and I think that is the way to do it. This story has an HEA, BUT a tiny, tiny cliffhanger. It's not bad though! I highly recommend this series!
February 10, 2018
Valentine Viking
Really enjoyed this book. A whole new take on mystery and haunting. I like this series. Looking forward to next one!
Really enjoyed this book. A whole new take on mystery and haunting. I like this series. Looking forward to next one!
February 5, 2018
Great book
I read the first one in this series and now this one. Both were wonderful. Can't wait to read book 3 :)
I read the first one in this series and now this one. Both were wonderful. Can't wait to read book 3 :)
February 18, 2017
Loved the setting and characters in this story. A haunted teahouse with a forbidden room is brilliant and irresistible (as feisty widower Abby Jenkins discovers from page 1) but it's the characters who shine even brighter: all-seeing Azalea; bad-breathed and equally bad-tempered Valkyrie Brunhilde; mysterious Lilith the cat; and (of course!) sexy Swedish ghost Eric Eklund.
Loved the humor as well. Ever wonder what the grand-loser of a gambling ghosts poker game must do? You'll find out when you read "A Viking Ghost for Valentine's Day" and be highly entertained the entire time because as Ms. Carson writes "Being dead had never been so lively."
Loved the humor as well. Ever wonder what the grand-loser of a gambling ghosts poker game must do? You'll find out when you read "A Viking Ghost for Valentine's Day" and be highly entertained the entire time because as Ms. Carson writes "Being dead had never been so lively."
August 29, 2017
widow Abigail Jenkins takes the only job available in Sunset Cove: night cleaner in the notorious, haunted tea-house. She figures the wild, supernatural rumors about the place are pure fiction. After all, ghosts don’t exist.
Eric Eklund a sexy spirit from Sweden is over a thousand years old.
A lovely story as a Ghost falls for a human and helps her overcome the bad one that means her and her children harm
Eric Eklund a sexy spirit from Sweden is over a thousand years old.
A lovely story as a Ghost falls for a human and helps her overcome the bad one that means her and her children harm
February 2, 2017
Another quick read, but I liked this story so much. Some characters continue from the first book, "A Highland Ghost For Christmas", so you get a little more information on the setting. Characters are well developed, and the story could have had more to it, but a sweet story nonetheless .
Read
February 2, 2017A Viking Ghost for Valentine’s Day
It must be every woman’s fantasy to meet a handsome, sexy man whose velvety voice makes ‘butterflies dance in her belly.’ But when he turns out to be a thousand year old Viking ghost, things get complicated. Add Azalea, a mind-reading landlady, a threatening poltergeist and a corrupt policeman you have a great story - part fantasy, part intrigue, but definitely a romance. I loved the interaction between Abby, our curvaceous heroine, who didn’t believe in ghosts and Eric, the Viking spirit, whose manly scent mixed with the odor of wood smoke gets her attention even before his eyes caress her body…
It must be every woman’s fantasy to meet a handsome, sexy man whose velvety voice makes ‘butterflies dance in her belly.’ But when he turns out to be a thousand year old Viking ghost, things get complicated. Add Azalea, a mind-reading landlady, a threatening poltergeist and a corrupt policeman you have a great story - part fantasy, part intrigue, but definitely a romance. I loved the interaction between Abby, our curvaceous heroine, who didn’t believe in ghosts and Eric, the Viking spirit, whose manly scent mixed with the odor of wood smoke gets her attention even before his eyes caress her body…
February 15, 2017
When Abby takes a job in the new town she doesn’t expect much but cleaning the haunted tearoom brings plenty of action into her life. Not only is something evil out to destroy her family but a ghostly gambling ring is making her work a noisy affair.
This is a very readable and amusing novella although I feel it was too short to explore any real romance or emotional issues. The storyline and setting were unusual and interesting and if the book was longer it would be brilliant. It has set the path for a good series, however.
This is a very readable and amusing novella although I feel it was too short to explore any real romance or emotional issues. The storyline and setting were unusual and interesting and if the book was longer it would be brilliant. It has set the path for a good series, however.
October 13, 2017
A warm mystery cozy set in the Pacific Northwest? Sign me up!
Abby, a tired, but compassionate mother of three, who'd do anything to support her childern, including taking janitorial work at a haunted tea house, meets a handsome Scandinavian man with a manly-man scent of wood smoke and a sexy voice. The only problem? He's a viking ghost!
For a fast, short romp of a story, Jo-Ann Carson packs a lot of humour, mystery and adventure into her romantic tale. I definitely recommend this short story.
Abby, a tired, but compassionate mother of three, who'd do anything to support her childern, including taking janitorial work at a haunted tea house, meets a handsome Scandinavian man with a manly-man scent of wood smoke and a sexy voice. The only problem? He's a viking ghost!
For a fast, short romp of a story, Jo-Ann Carson packs a lot of humour, mystery and adventure into her romantic tale. I definitely recommend this short story.
January 18, 2017
Great
I love the Gambling Ghost series and Eric and Abby's story in A Viking for Valentine's Day was wonderful. Eric the Viking ghost and Abby, the widowed single mom, meet at the haunted Teahouse and together they try to solve the mystery of a poltergeist to save innocent children. The romance and suspenseful intrigue was great and I so wish for them to find a way to be together. Maybe in the next book, I can't wait to read Jo-Ann's next story.
I love the Gambling Ghost series and Eric and Abby's story in A Viking for Valentine's Day was wonderful. Eric the Viking ghost and Abby, the widowed single mom, meet at the haunted Teahouse and together they try to solve the mystery of a poltergeist to save innocent children. The romance and suspenseful intrigue was great and I so wish for them to find a way to be together. Maybe in the next book, I can't wait to read Jo-Ann's next story.
July 13, 2017
Another Cute Ghost Story
I like these ghost stories. They are not very long, but the storyline does not feel rushed. The characters just keep you interested. This one is a little darker than the previous story, what with an evil poltergeist that wants others to suffer. Not sure if there will be a happily ever after between a ghost and a mortal but so far it is looking great.
I like these ghost stories. They are not very long, but the storyline does not feel rushed. The characters just keep you interested. This one is a little darker than the previous story, what with an evil poltergeist that wants others to suffer. Not sure if there will be a happily ever after between a ghost and a mortal but so far it is looking great.
November 19, 2017
Ghosts and Humans
A mystical tea house and a night janitor who meets a Viking there. Of course, the Viking is a ghost but the janitor is a human woman, who ends up catching the eye of the ghost.
There are children involved and there is also a poltergeist that makes an appearance. You need to read how this story wraps up and to find out what the future holds for the woman and the Viking.
A mystical tea house and a night janitor who meets a Viking there. Of course, the Viking is a ghost but the janitor is a human woman, who ends up catching the eye of the ghost.
There are children involved and there is also a poltergeist that makes an appearance. You need to read how this story wraps up and to find out what the future holds for the woman and the Viking.
February 24, 2018
Quirky, sweet, sexy and fun all rolled up into one story. I am enjoying this series of novellas about gambling loving ghost and the women that happen to stumble upon the teahouse they call home. I really like Erik who takes this little family into his protection. You can't help but love him.
If you have an hour or two to curl up with a book give this series a try. I am hooked. On to the next one, all about a Pirate!
If you have an hour or two to curl up with a book give this series a try. I am hooked. On to the next one, all about a Pirate!
October 29, 2023
How about a hunky Viking to walk you home from your late night job? Would you mind if only you could see him because he's a thousand year old Viking ghost? Abby doesn't mind because she's counting on his help with the poltergeist. This book is jam-packed with fanciful elements parked in a fantastic romantic novella.
February 6, 2017
Loved this
What a fun, quirky quick read! First you get a widow with three kids add a Viking ghost and an evil poltergeist. Mix together and you get a surprising and enjoyable story. Well worth your time and money.
What a fun, quirky quick read! First you get a widow with three kids add a Viking ghost and an evil poltergeist. Mix together and you get a surprising and enjoyable story. Well worth your time and money.
February 1, 2017
Add this to your reading list
Join Abby on her adventures in the tea house. In the tea house she meets a good ghost and a bad ghost, there a sweet story and a happily for now ending.
Join Abby on her adventures in the tea house. In the tea house she meets a good ghost and a bad ghost, there a sweet story and a happily for now ending.
June 3, 2017
Great short story!
I really enjoyed this book. I am really hoping she writes a continuation on this one. I would love to know where she would go with them. If she does I'm buying it.
I really enjoyed this book. I am really hoping she writes a continuation on this one. I would love to know where she would go with them. If she does I'm buying it.
March 28, 2017
I am all for it
A Wonderful Warm Loving story. No sex but you will not miss it. It makes you want your own consider ghost. I loved the story.
A Wonderful Warm Loving story. No sex but you will not miss it. It makes you want your own consider ghost. I loved the story.
March 28, 2017
I love Viking's
Cute book. A great beach read. Read both in one day. I really like the different characters. A really fun book.
Cute book. A great beach read. Read both in one day. I really like the different characters. A really fun book.
February 14, 2021
I really enjoyed the first book in this series - the banter between the ghost and the woman - even though I wasn't happy about the ending and who that heroine ended up with. However, that first story was very well written soo I was looking forward to this and hopefully a better ending. I'd have to give this one 2.5 stars because while it had a lot of potential it was just disappointing on so many levels. First, there isn't much banter between these two as in the first book. A lot of the interactions between them just seem a bit stilted and while he's a hot Viking apparently I really didn't feel much chemistry between them.
Second, this book isn't a cliffhanger per se but it kind of abruptly ends with some questions as to where they go from here, which annoyingly is another series. This story is part of the Gambling Ghosts series but it really is a kind of prequel for a completely different series genre called A Ghost & Abby Mystery.
And lastly, there just wasn't that much depth to this story. Her first in this series was shorter but I felt that one somehow packed more in. In this one, the ghost falls for her immediately but they only have a few conversations together. There is a sinister force against them that is so powerful supposedly -- and then not so powerful apparently as the story unfolds.
It's sad because I was really looking forward to this one and really wanted to like it more, but it just had too many issues for me.
Second, this book isn't a cliffhanger per se but it kind of abruptly ends with some questions as to where they go from here, which annoyingly is another series. This story is part of the Gambling Ghosts series but it really is a kind of prequel for a completely different series genre called A Ghost & Abby Mystery.
And lastly, there just wasn't that much depth to this story. Her first in this series was shorter but I felt that one somehow packed more in. In this one, the ghost falls for her immediately but they only have a few conversations together. There is a sinister force against them that is so powerful supposedly -- and then not so powerful apparently as the story unfolds.
It's sad because I was really looking forward to this one and really wanted to like it more, but it just had too many issues for me.
March 21, 2018
What a fun story to read. I loved it. This book is so well-
written and so fun to read. Now this book is shot so my
review will be as to not ruin the story.
This is Eric or Dodger as his other friendly ghosts call him.
You love why the call him that. And this is also about Abby
and her three kids. And the poltergeist that is after them. All
the fun starts when she takes the job at a haunted tea house.
And she catches the attention of Eric. When all is said and
done he dose gets told he can have something he has
missed out on, but his choice will touch your heart.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you
enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book,
please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it
when you do; they value your opinions too
written and so fun to read. Now this book is shot so my
review will be as to not ruin the story.
This is Eric or Dodger as his other friendly ghosts call him.
You love why the call him that. And this is also about Abby
and her three kids. And the poltergeist that is after them. All
the fun starts when she takes the job at a haunted tea house.
And she catches the attention of Eric. When all is said and
done he dose gets told he can have something he has
missed out on, but his choice will touch your heart.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you
enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book,
please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it
when you do; they value your opinions too
January 19, 2017
From start to finish, I enjoyed this delightful novella and couldn’t put it down. In one sitting, I was able to immerse myself in the lives of a cash-strapped widow and a naughty Viking ghost who are destined to be together, despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart. Add in a poltergeist mystery and all the elements are there for fantastical romantic suspense—possibly a new sub-genre?
Next, please!
Next, please!
September 26, 2019
5 emotional Stars
The author have a way of making me sob, smile and laugh in less than 5 minutes. What a lovely book , I devoured it and loved everything about it. I lived in the story and I could see and imagine what she described, A sexy Viking , a widwo with three children and evil poltergeist, intrigue and romance.
the poor kid Louis, his story broke my heart. This is by far the best series I have read in 2019
The author have a way of making me sob, smile and laugh in less than 5 minutes. What a lovely book , I devoured it and loved everything about it. I lived in the story and I could see and imagine what she described, A sexy Viking , a widwo with three children and evil poltergeist, intrigue and romance.
the poor kid Louis, his story broke my heart. This is by far the best series I have read in 2019
February 18, 2023
Sweet story
Wow! A dark poltergeist, a haunted tea house, a swoon worthy Viking ghost, and a young widow with three young children … add in an interesting and twisted storyline and you have a story that can make you laugh and cry multiple times before the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this ghost story romance/mystery and look forward to reading more of Ms Carson’s books.
Wow! A dark poltergeist, a haunted tea house, a swoon worthy Viking ghost, and a young widow with three young children … add in an interesting and twisted storyline and you have a story that can make you laugh and cry multiple times before the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this ghost story romance/mystery and look forward to reading more of Ms Carson’s books.
April 19, 2023
Paranormal love
To say that this is about normal people would be incorrect! Abby takes on a job as a cleaner at a tea house that has a reputation for the paranormal!! She meets Eric there and discovers that she now believes in ghosts. She has a problem, though, which he helps her with!
A good short story in general
To say that this is about normal people would be incorrect! Abby takes on a job as a cleaner at a tea house that has a reputation for the paranormal!! She meets Eric there and discovers that she now believes in ghosts. She has a problem, though, which he helps her with!
A good short story in general
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews