The Midnight Hour: All Hallows' Brides

The Lore Chronicles #2.5

by Kathryn Le Veque, Meara Platt, Scarlett Scott

Read the USA Today Bestselling collection!

When doors creak and ghostly whispers are heard in the midnight hour, this stunning collection of Gothic Regency Historical Romance novellas are sure to leave you breathless with Poe-inspired, romantic dreams…

Welcome to the All-Hallows’ Brides collection. Seven of your favorite Historical Romance authors have come together for a collection of never-before published stories that will give you a chill, a thrill, and have you reading them again and again. Inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, you’ve never seen a collection like this by some of the biggest names in Historical Romance.

The title of each story is named for their 'Bride':

Emma by Kathryn Le Veque
Aislin by Meara Platt
Sarah by Scarlett Scott
Madeleine by Mary Lancaster
Beth by Maggi Andersen
Hyacinth by Chasity Bowlin
Eleanor by Sydney Jane Baily
Raven by Violetta Rand

So, grab your candle and lock your door, and settle down to read this smashing collection of darkly-tinged romantic tales with unforgettable heroes and magnificent ladies. Romance has never been so daring… or so Gothic.

And if you hear a knock on your door… don’t answer it.

Unless you are prepared to welcome a wandering wraith in a tattered wedding gown…

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Anthologies, Holiday, Historical, Adult, Paranormal

711 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2019

About the author

Juggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.

Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.

Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.

Reviews

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn Le Veque - Emma
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sweet and hope filled novella, set in a manor on the Yorkshire moors.

After being responsible for the death of a woman he wanted to marry , Ash Russe is left with only one thing on his mind , a wish for death .
That is until a maid Emma arrives at the manor looking for work . The two seem to need more than shelter and aid , but can they see enough hope in they’re future to get through past pain .
Enjoyable read

Meara Platt - Aislin
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
The Beautiful Tintagel castle in Cornwall is the centre of this tale.

A Baron who’s lost his memory and now has dreams of the wondrous girl Aislin .
When he searches for her he finds her surprisingly easily, but who is she , how does she know him , and why does everyone warn him to stay away from her.

Excellent stuff from Meara .

Scarlett Scott - Sarah
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
A little bit spicier this one , but excellent reading .

Markham falls for Sarah when she attends a ball, but after one kiss they are separated.
Sarah is astounded that he wants her , her sister is much prettier, nevertheless he begins to court Sarah , then something happens, he becomes engaged to her sister and Sarah’s life plunges into despair.

But what really happened and why two years later is she at his Masquerade dressed as her sisters ghost ?

Scarlett has a wonderful gift and I love her books .
This one is brilliant , Enjoy!

Mary Lancaster- Madeline
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
After receiving a letter from an old school friend of her brother, Madeline and her brother set of to Scotland to visit.
When they arrived it’s to a run down manor , full of spider webs and shadows.
Stranger still is the Roderick is adamant that he did not write the letter and did not invite them.

A wonderful slightly Creepy and highly enjoyable tale from Mary .

Maggie Andersen - Beth
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
Beautiful sentimental romance, with a dark and intriguing angle.

Beth is about to begins her season of Balls ,unfortunately a letter arrives saying her nephew is injured, and her sister and Duke husband must leave her with a chaperone for the evening event.
One there she dances with the suave Marcus , then Lord Ramsey, when delivering her back to the chaperone she receives a note to say her sister is injured.
Lord Ramsey immediately steps forward to help.

Marcus confused as to where Beth has gone, eventually finds her destination and who she’s with .
But all is not as cut and dried as it seems and Beth is in terrible danger , will Marcus make it in time to save her from the house of horrors.

Great read , very enjoyable, recommended

Chasity Bowlin -Hyacinth
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

He’s suspected of killing his wife, but denies it , his guilty feelings keeping him prisoner.
He’s haunted by her ghost , her perfume and her memory.
Then he meets Hyacinth, she is determined to show Ian they ghosts don’t exist and all his beliefs have a more interesting solution.

Excellent romance, with sweet love scenes and ghostly goings on . Recommended

Sydney Jane Baily- Eleanor
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
Such great stories in this anthology , and this is another excellent addition.
Eleanor is visiting her sisters on neighbouring estates, when she’s at one house she’s told the other is sick so the visit is off .
Gray is the steward on her sick siblings estate and he and Eleanor are realising they have an attraction to each other .

Then the family must go away leaving these two unchaperoned.

What with tree climbing and messed up dresses , library puzzles and inquisitive sisters and stolen kisses can these two find any more trouble.
Oh yes

Violeta Rand -Raven
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋

Powerful and gripping tale of a lost love.

James and Raven fell in love , then she disappeared, where did she go ? Is she dead?
A man in deep grief, drinks on her anniversary to forget or to remember, he’s never sure .
But the haunting dreams are the worst.

Excellent short story . Recommended reading

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

"The Midnight Hour: All Hallows' Bride" collection is an entertaining read from start to finish! Steam levels vary, but each romance stands out with strong and determined women paired with heroic men facing powerful external and internal battles.

Read full review in the 2020 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Cheesecake · Rating 2 out of 5]

.
Emma by Kathryn Le Veque **
2 stars. Tip of the hat to Poe's 'Eulalie'
This is my first read by this author and I was underwhelmed.
The read was short, which would have been fine if it had been structured better. Now I've not read Eulalie so I don't know if the poor structure was a reflection on that tale... But, it was odd that the prologue was so long and never revisited, and ended up having almost nothing to do with the rest of the story. Even the portrait they go on about in the prologue is only a superficial connection, and ended up being kind of a red herring. I wish the author had spent those pages adding depth to the rest of the tale. It was kind of ridiculous how much of the story was about the set up, so that the follow through was over in a few pages. Don't blink cause the story is over...

Aislin by Meara Platt
no stars, Inspired by Poe's poem, 'A Dream Within a Dream'
DNF about 2/3 in. I just couldn't get into this one. Set on the British coast across from Ireland where smugglers abound. William has lost his recent memory and thinks his older brother is dead. He goes looking for a woman (Aislin) he remembers as being important. She keeps her cards close to her chest, but obviously knows most of the answers.
I set this one down and after a while, forgot I was reading it...

Sarah by Scarlett Scott to read
reading...

Madeleine by Mary Lancaster to read

Beth by Maggi Andersen to read

Hyacinth by Chasity Bowlin to read

Eleanor by Sydney Jane Baily to read

Raven by Violetta Rand to read

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Kathryn Le Veque's story, Emma. I wish it was longer. Wonderful Gothic romance novella about two people who tragically have not only lost everything, but who also have been terribly, physically scarred. One is bitter and just wants to die. And, one refuses to give up hope. Two desperately lonely people whose meeting changes everything. Influenced by Edgar Allan Poe's poem "Eulalie."

I also very much enjoyed the other seven Gothic novellas in this terrific collection. I had been introduced to Mary Lancaster, Meara Platt and Violetta Rand in other collections from Dragonblade Publishers and have gone on to read more of their work as a result. And, now, I have even more new authors to check out due to this wonderful collection. That is always a good thing!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midnight Hour: All Hallows Brides
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Emma
Kathryn LeVeque

Emma and Ash are both tormented by somewhat the same demons however they both handled it differently, but somehow end up together.
This is a story of a legend that was carried on for years, but nobody knows the truth of the matter except for Emma and Ash's real descendants. So sit back grab a cozy chair and remember anything is possible.

Kathryn LeVeque is fantastic. She does gothic like the Queen she is. I read this story in a matter of hours because once you pick it up there's no way you can put it down. What a great story and I truly enjoyed it.

Ashlin
Meara Platt

This story is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's haunting poem, A Dream Within.
This is William ans Ashlin's story. William was found floating in the water left for dead. He dreams of a girl with long unbound dark hair and smoke grey eyes. She has haunted his dreams for all of these years, but now it's time to see if she's real. He finds out that she is real and they do know each other. Now William with the help of Ashlin must get to the bottom of the story for once and for all, but first they have to try to find out who is trying to kill them and why.
Will Alshin and William both be dead before they have the chance to act on their love or will they be able to enjoy one another?

Meara Platt picks up where her pirate book ended giving us this wonderful story of betrayal and love. I enjoyed these two main characters as they seemed very much in love.

Sarah
Scarlett Scott

Lady Sarah Bolingbroke seeks vengeance against the man she hold responsible for the death of her sister. She holds the Earl of Markham responsible, but he is also plagued by the events that cost him the woman he loved. So when Sarah once again pops into his life he's determined to tell her the truth and win her back.
Will they be saved by love or with the past have destroyed them forever?

Scarlett Scott gives us a wonderful story filled with love and betrayal. As the story goes along you are just rooting for Philip and Sarah to see past what happened a d love eachother again. This is a memorable story with an even more mem couple that I will not soon forget.

Madeleine
Mary Lancaster

This is Madeleine and Roderick's story. Madeleine has recently lost her father and come back from Russia to be with her brother Daniel. All Daniel wants to do is find her a husband, but Madeleine isn't really interested in marriage until she meets Roderick.
Roderick is a rather scarred sort of fellow. He's been through the war and come back from Waterloo to take his brothers place as Laird as his brother has recently drowned. Roderick was never planning on marriage, but meeting beautiful Madeleine changed all of that. Now he mist sort through his problems and keep the nightmares at bay, but will he be able to do that or will the nightmares become so bad that he won't be able to tell them from reality anymore?

Mary Lancaster brings us a book about love and life with danger lurking around every turn. I was abs stunned with this story as I really didn't see what was coming. I was pleasantly shocked at the outcome of this story. This dark tale will have you looking over your shoulder and making you wonder exactly what that next noise you hear is.

Beth
Maggi Andersen

Beth Harrismith just wants a quiet life, but her sister Jenny the Countess and her husband Andrew a Duke have her do a season. Right away things don't go as planned as a crazed Baron tricks everyone and abducts Beth off to his rundown house. Even though she only spent a little time at the ball she danced with Marcus who liked her so much that he leaves no stone unturned and does everything possible to find her. Will he find her in tine to safe her and if he does will they all escape the mad man in time?

Maggi Andersen writes a lovely tale that starts out so wrong and ends so beautifully. A wonderful addition to the other stories.

Hyacinth
Chasity Bowlin

Hyacinth is thrown from the carriage and Ian witnesses it and goes to help her. In doing so he has found the first woman to temp him since his wife's disappearance, but did she dissapear or did he kill her? Read on to find out in this thrilling story that I found fit into the stories just perfectly.

Eleanor
Sydney Jane Baily

Eleanor Blackwood is in a trip to her sisters and quite thrilled that she is getting to go alone. She has stopped off at her friends house to visit for a couple of days on the way. She's looking forward to meeting the very good looking Grayson O'Connor when all of a sudden he's there sending her stomach into little flips of excitement. Then Greyson gives her the news that she is not to go to Turvey house to see her sister as planned as her sister is sick so she has to stay out where she is and Grey's Mother says that he is to stay and keep her company himself even though there are lots of other family members of her brother in laws as it's his family's home she's at. Then all of a sudden she gets the chance to actually live a book so she does. It's like a pirate or treasure hunt and on her Birthday, but will it all go terribly wrong? Will she live to see the next day or will she be lucky enough to have Grey rescue her in time? Will they find the love that is just waiting for them?

Sydney Jane Baily writes a wonderful novel of love with some very in moments that fit right in with the theme of the book as a whole.

Raven
Violetta Rand

Lady Raven Winthrop dissapeared five years ago and the Earl of Darkmoor has never been the same. Then one night there is a knocking at the study's door and it's her, bit is she real or another figment of his aad sad imagination?

Violetta Rand gives us a tale of love that last the years of separation in this dark and lonely story that blends in perfectly with the other books.

Wow I really enjoyed this book if stories about the Brides on All Hallows eve and I think you will too.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midnight Hour: All Hallows' Brides
A Gothic Regency Romance Novella collection
Release date 10/24/2019
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Blurb :

When doors creak and ghostly whispers are heard in the midnight hour, this stunning collection of Gothic Regency Historical Romance novellas are sure to leave you breathless with Poe-inspired, romantic dreams…

Welcome to the All-Hallows’ Brides collection. Seven of your favorite Historical Romance authors have come together for a collection of never-before published stories that will give you a chill, a thrill, and have you reading them again and again. Inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, you’ve never seen a collection like this by some of the biggest names in Historical Romance.

The title of each story is named for their 'Bride':

Emma by Kathryn Le Veque 
Aislin by Meara Platt 
Sarah by Scarlett Scott
Madeleine by Mary Lancaster
Beth by Maggi Andersen
Hyacinth by Chasity Bowlin
Eleanor by Sydney Jane Baily
Raven by Violetta Rand

So, grab your candle and lock your door, and settle down to read this smashing collection of darkly-tinged romantic tales with unforgettable heroes and magnificent ladies. Romance has never been so daring… or so Gothic.

And if you hear a knock on your door… don’t answer it.

Unless you are prepared to welcome a wandering wraith in a tattered wedding gown…

AISLIN
Meara Platt

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMearaP...

Blurb : William Croft, a man who has no memory of three years of his life, seeks to reclaim them. His only clue is Aislin, a girl with raven-black hair and smoke-gray eyes who comes to him in his dreams.

My review :
When the past collides with the present, can they overcome the shadows of their life...

I do remember after finishing Pearls of Fire to have been left like hanging about a cliff regarding Lucifer’s past, now identified as William Croft.
So here is his story.
It was a sweet story with some dark edges.
Aislin is the woman who has haunted his dreams for years, and she hold the key of his past in her hands if he can find her and trust her as life and experiences have left him weary of human’s nature.
Why at time I wondered why he was suspicious of everyone but the trauma from his last which left him without a past to remember.
Aislin lives with her guilt to not have been able to save William so when his breathing ghost stumble on her path, she has trouble to face this new version of the man she came to care for during their very short acquaintance.
In some way, both fell in love with a dream, she of the young man who has gone too early, and he of the faery whom kept his nights warm.
Theirs is a love at first sight, as they met years ago for few hours and when they met again, they need again only hours to decide they are with their other half.
A sweet fast paced read.
4.5 stars

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

[Mak ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Todas as histórias são perfeitas.. Não tem como não gostar delas.. Um leitura, demorada, mas que foi perfeita e deliciosa.. Cada uma delas teve seu encanto que me fez apaixonar.. Já estão deixando saudade... ​❤ Happy reading, and until the next reading.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not miss this collection of Gothic Historical Romances by all of our favorite authors. Sit back, relax & enjoy some wonderful, eerie, chilling, HEA stories about each of their title named brides.

EMMA BY KATHRYN LeVEQUE - A painting is the basis of this story & only the true descendants of the lady in the picture know the real truth of the painting. Asher “Ash” de Russe, only lives day to day & hopes it will be his last. His guilt on causing a crash that killed the young lady he wished to marry haunts him. Miss Emma Fairweather, has been barely existing after the death of her parents in a carriage accident that left her burned with facial scars. She leaves home to seek employment as a maid Blackmoor Hall. Two damaged people meet on unexpected paths & a great love away from torment & guilt is born. What a great story!

AISLIN BY MEARA PLATT - A Baron, William Croft (previously known as Lucifer in Pearls of Fire) was found near death & while his body recovered, his mind did not. He can not remember anything from his past but has the same dream of a girl with long, dark, unbound hair & smoke-gray eyes named Aislin - is she real or a dream? William knows he must find her as he believes she may have the answers to his past, so he travels to once beautiful Tintagel Castle which sat in ruins over time but he knew he had been there before. Aislin Farnsworth has carried the guilt of her father murdering the man she fell in love with, William Croft. She has mourned for him for years & travels every day to Tintagel Castle to be in a quiet place to have her memories. She has traveled there today & is leaving when she runs in to a ghost - William, but no he is not a ghost but how can this be. The rekindling of a "love at first sight" for them is so romantic but not without some danger & a HEA. Loved this - never give up on your dreams!!

SARAH BY SCARLETT SCOTT - It has been 2 years since Lady Sarah Bolingbroke was being courted by Philip, Earl of Markham. He & Sarah's older sister were caught in a compromising situation & he was forced to do the honorable & ask for her hand in marriage. Sarah was heartbroken at the betrayal by Philip & then her sister had a miscarriage & died. Now Sarah wants vengeance for her sister & for her own hurt & she will confront Philip at his own masquerade ball. She follows Philip to his study & gets her frustration out but Philip denies all that she is accusing him of & wants a chance to explain. Philip & Sarah have been lied to, betrayed, they both were pulled away from their love for one another but will everything that has happened in the past destroy any chance of forgiveness & happiness for them? Scarlett Scott has created a couple that you will love & her enthralling story grabs you & keeps you turning pages!

MADELEINE BY MARY LANCASTER - I love Mary's writing & the family crypt scene in the book just game me the heebie-jeebies - it was great! Madeleine Deare has just returned from Russia where she & her father, a foreign diplomat, had been living until his recent death. She has returned to her brother, Daniel, whom she hadn't seen for seven years. All Daniel wants is to find a rich husband for Madeleine but she has no desire to marry until she walks in to Roderick Usher's life. Roderick has returned from war after be wounded - his body has healed but his mind is still consumed in darkness. Then to add to his problems, his older brother drowns & Roderick has to assume the role of laird of Usher. He is introduced to Madeleine by her brother after Daniel tells him they were invited to come & visit by a letter from Roderick. The attraction between Madeleine & Roderick is instant but can he get past his nightmares & will Madeleine be able help him? This book is full of mystery, danger, unwavering love from Madeleine, learning to trust - you will be jumping at every little noise you hear - loved it!!!!

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for, but a better word for it would be lover of, historical romance; therefore, when I saw this book, I immediately ordered it. It also helped that Kathryn Le Veque was one of the authors of this collection. That being said, her story Emma was one of my favorites and I wanted more. I want to tell Ms. Le Veque: please write a full-length novel about Emma and Asher. I need more of this couple.

My other favorite was Sarah by Scarlett Scott. Okay, I have a couple of books by this author, but haven't read them yet. Shame on me, because I realize I have been missing out on a good author. Ms. Scott: I want more of Sarah and Lord Markham too. On another note, now might be the time to start reading the Sins and Scoundrels series that I have lingering around on my Kindle.

I loved some of the other stories too, but these two were my favorites. Do I give this anthology the thumbs up? Yes! If you want to escape into another era for a couple of hours, encounter handsome gentlemen, and see couples fall in love, then this book is for you. It's one of those books I call "tea sipping, hot bubble bath, put my feet up" type of reads.

[Sandra Standefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally purchased this book because I love to read Kathryn LeVeque. I loved her story! I also had the pleasure of reading the other authors and their bride stories. I loved them. This is the best time to read these stories. A little spooky, a little eerie. What a great collection authors. I love that they are all novellas and we’re fun to read! Thoroughly enjoyed them and I would definitely recommend them!

[Elizabeth Myles · Rating 5 out of 5]

05/10/2019: This sounds like it is going to be awesome! :)

Update 11/01/2019: I don’t think I have ever pre-ordered a book so fast before. As soon as I learned of it, I was excited to read it. And it did turn out to be a fun read!

Every story here has something to recommend it, but the standout for me was Mary Lancaster’s “Madeleine.” I know I will read it again sometime. It was just so well done! Lots of fun Poe references in there, and Roderick was just the sort of offbeat hero I really appreciate sometimes. (Plus, I always love it when the heroine helps her man solve some sort of mystery :).) I’m glad I already have other books by Lancaster in my collection, waiting to be read.

Other highlights included “Beth,” by Maggi Andersen, “Hyacinth,” by Chasity Bowlin, and “Eleanor,” by Sydney Jane Baily. “Eleanor” was closer to a novel than a novella in terms of length, but I’m not complaining. The characters in that story were so cute. And at 99 cents, I definitely feel as though I got my money’s worth with this 700+ page collection. There is probably something here for anybody who enjoys Gothic romance.

[Corinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3* Liked Emma by Kathryn Le Veque
The starts in the present, then goes back in time. I had expected the story to return to the present as a conclusion, but this was not the case. Interesting story of two scarred individuals.

2* OK Aislin by Meara Platt
I've enjoyed many of Meara Platt's stories, but I found this at times so boring I skimmed.
2* OK Sarah by Scarlett Scott
Way too many "thoughts" breaking up dialogues. I always find this quite annoying. It's a great way to destroy any tension or suspense in a story.

4* Really liked Madeleine by Mary Lancaster
The usual good quality from Mary Lancaster. Quite suspenseful with some twists and surprises along the way. Madeleine arrives at the gloomy and neglected Usher Hall with her brother and companion and helps heal Roderick Usher.

3* Liked Beth by Maggi Andersen
A somewhat predictable story of a young lady destined to be ruined for revenge on someone else. Some suspenseful moments. Well-told, though.

4* Really liked Hyacinth by Chasity Bowlin
A bit of matchmaking, attraction, ghostly encounters and scheming in-laws. Good suspense. I've read many of Chasity's stories and this is up there among the best.

4* Really liked Eleanor by Sydney Jane Baily
New to me author. IMO this is the most romantic. Eleanor has loved Grayson and while she's visiting friends and being kept from her sister's home due to illness, she and Grayson get a chance to spend time together.

4* Really liked Raven by Violetta Rand
Another new to me author I'll watch out for. Gothic. The spookiest of them all. In spite of the extreme shortness, Ms Rand manages to slip in an unexpected twist at the end.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midnight Hour: All Hallows' Brides is a collection of Regency romance novellas leading with Kathryn Le Veque and including stories by Meara Platt, Scarlott Scott, Mary Lancaster, Maggi Andersen, Chasity Bowlin, Sydney Jane Baily, and Violetta Rand. The title put me off a little as it was released around Halloween and I am not really into scary stuff, but it is a misnomer. In the beginning I was looking for the big reveal of who was the ghost but I soon discovered that that was not to be. This is an exciting collection of stories with twists and turns that have nothing to do with being frightening. Some take place in Gothic castles, but that is as close as we get. This collection is ideal for the reader that doesn't have time to sit and read a full novel or a Le Veque saga, but rather wants romance in smaller chunks.

What it did do for me is to introduce me to some new authors, which is always a good thing. I found the writing to be excellent and the plots to be unique and interesting, which is not always the case with Regency novels, which tend to be somewhat repetitive. The stories were interesting and for the most part, the characters intriguing. I found it to be a most enjoyable read and recommend it to anyone who has limited time or enjoys novellas.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn le Veque’s Emma is a haunting tale of two wounded souls both haunted by their pasts. Ash in his reckless days killed the woman he loved and left him blind and poor Emma her parents died in a fiery crash that has left her scarred both inside and out. Ash and Emma are perfect for each other and help to each heal old wounds and have a new beginning neither thought to have.
Scarlett Scott book Sarah has Lady Sarah Bolingbroke seeking revenge for her sister against the Phillip, the Earl of Markham who is responsible for her sister’s death. Phillip was courting Sarah compromised her sister. She love her lost forever and any trust she had in men. Phillips knows he has once chance to convince Sarah he did not kill her sister that she is the only woman he has ever loved. A captivating story love and betrayal from those we believe closest to us. An excellent stories in this collection I loved and I voluntarily wrote a reviews.

[Cheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not at all what I expected

I expected due to the title 'Gothic/Halloween/Romance/Poe'. Really, for me, this was strictly romance. Nothing Halloween or even relatively scary let alone gothic.
As for the stories...mediocre at best. It felt like they wrote romance as first goal and secondly tried to mention Poe or his works at best. I'm pretty sure I read one story that never had anything to do with what title implied.
Had these been advertised as 'novellas /romance' would have been more appropriate, and I'm not sure I would have purchased but at least it would have been more accurate.
I've struggled get thru this book. I really wouldn't recommend it. By far much better romance books out there to read.
If your looking for goth/Halloween/scary/ books THIS IS NOT REMOTELY it.

[Barbara Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Novella contains stories written in the Gothic Style that gives us dark and picturesque scenery, mystery, fear, dread and plenty of cobwebs and low burning candle stubs. Contained in this Novella are works written by:
Kathryn LeVeque Emma
Meara Platt Aislin
Scarlett Scott Sarah
Mary Lancaster Madeleine
Maggi Andersen Beth
Chasity Bowlin Hyacinth
Sydney Jane Baily Eleanor
Violette Rand Raven
So, on a dark and windy night, find a comfortable seat, and begin your adventure into the Gothic realm with extraordinary heroes and glorious ladies. Let the cobwebs and low burning candles lead the way into Gothic romance.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: “Hell’s bells!” Lord Angsley exclaimed. “What next? Armageddon and pestilence?”

An “enchanting” set of stories with a touch of—shall we say—spookiness? I love anything Kathryn Le Veque, and add in Mary Lancaster and Meara Platt and down my money was plunked! What a delightful surprise when I found a story by an author of whom I had no prior knowledge (Sydney Jane Bailey) that made me sit up in my bed when Lord Ansley shouted the above statement! No more sweet slumber for me! I raced through the rest of the story, as I am certain you will, too! So, snatch up this collection before it goes away, as these delightful morsels have a tendency to do!

[Beth Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology collection is chillingly perfect.

From the first story to the last, I was captivated. Each one is well-crafted, with engaging characters and eerie plots.

With each story inspired by works of Edgar Allan Poe, the reader becomes immersed in gothic romancelandia.

I thoroughly enjoyed each and every story, but my favorite is Madeleine by Mary Lancaster. I adore The Fall of the House of Usher, and found her twist on Poe's tale wonderful.

It's the perfect anthology to curl up with on All Hallows' Eve.

[KAREN MARTIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the variety of writing styles

I truly enjoyed the stories, some had more of a gothic twist than others, but all well written and had wonderful characters that were easy to love. I had read four of the authors before and love to read their books, which encouraged me to purchase this collection. Each of the books had its own unique flavor which caught your interest with a length that allowed for you to finish in a timely manner, just in time to move to the next story. I would recommend

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice collection.

This was a nice collection of stories that were previously released, at least I know some of them were because I already had them. They also weren't centered around Halloween like I had thought when I bought it. I didn't read and pay attention to that. That being said this was a nice collection for a very low price. Some of the tales did happen in fall and some were certainly spooky, so it is a nice October read. I hadn't ever read Emma, Eleanor or Raven so it was more than worth it. Wish Raven had of been longer but it was great, loved all stories.

[Barbara Literski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladies beware

Great set of stories written by some great authors!!
Kathryn Le Veque’s story is Emma
Meara Platt is Aislin, Sarah is written by Scarlett Scott, Mary Lancaster is Madeleine, Beth is by Maggi Anderson,Chasity Bowlin wrote Hyacinth , Eleanor by Sydney Jane Bailey and the last is Raven by Violeta Rand.
Each story is unique and well written. They all live different lives and happy endings.
HAPPY READING

[N Dent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghosts-Mystery-Romance

All the books in this collection are fabulous, especially this season of Halloween! Kathryn LeVeque started the series with Emma . The picture of Hope at Blackmore Hall gave you a spooky eerie feeling . All the stories have their own twist and I loved Miss Madeline by Mary Lancaster. The Hart Inn was still working magic! Kick back and enjoy eccentric ghostly tales.

[Tamsen Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable shorts

If you’re looking for an anthology of short stories with a similar theme and similar “steam” level and like gothic romances then this is definitely a book to pick up. I really enjoyed the different authors voices but they weren’t so drastically different in tone/topic/heat level as to be jarring (which can sometimes happen with collections). Overall it was a fun collection to read

[Anissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these 8 novella stories. All centered around a more Gothic element these heroes and heroines have experienced great suffering. Some more than other. All the stories are well written and way too short. I felt with a couple of the stories they ended too abrupt! I wanted more and feel if I wrote too much about each story I would give away too much of the juicy stories. Some are spicy while others are very sweet and each have the best element of love!

[Dianne V. Weems · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romances To Die For

I have loved each and everyone of these stories of love, sorrow, fear and anticipation. Once where it seemed hope was lost for lifelong happiness and fate turned around the situations for good and lasting togetherness. This was truly a treasure trove of fun stories.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this anthology of short stories with a similar theme and similar “steam” level and Gothic like. I really enjoyed the different authors voices that was not drastically different in tone/topic/heat level as to be clashing (which occasionally can happen with collections). Each story had something wonderful, eerie, chilling, and a loving HEA.

[Mary Gallo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, did not like

None of the stories were well written. Most of them didnt make sense. There was no story line or plot, mostly girl meets man and they immediately fall in love. Not worth reading.

[Joyce Neigebauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice reading

There was one or two of the stories that did not make any sence. The rest were very interesting. I wish they were more on the mystery and keep you hanging until the end, but they were great reading.

[Diane Carden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing macabre about this book...

Great mini series of love stories...each totally different and full of twist and turns...I highly recommend this series...great read! Get it for sure

[BobaFett114]

Great group of stories

If you love Gothic romance, this book is for you. Every story was well written and very nice. Each author wove a good Gothic in a short few chapters. None were rushed either.