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Magic and Mayhem #4
The Ghost and Miss Miranda
Miss Miranda Vail had set her cap on Wesley Claxton, Marquess Epworth, during her first Season, even though he considered her feather-brained for believing in ghosts.
Miranda's quirkiness captured Wesley's passion and heart, despite himself. He was, after all, a reasonable gentleman of logic and could not accept the existence of ghosts.
Unfortunately, his denial of the possibility might just cost Miranda her life.
Previously published in the Wicked Liaison anthology
Miranda's quirkiness captured Wesley's passion and heart, despite himself. He was, after all, a reasonable gentleman of logic and could not accept the existence of ghosts.
Unfortunately, his denial of the possibility might just cost Miranda her life.
Previously published in the Wicked Liaison anthology
- GenresHistorical Romance
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2020
4 people are currently reading
934 people want to read
About the author
Jane Charles
175 books390 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jane Charles is a prolific writer of over fifty historical and contemporary romance novels. Her love of research and history lends authenticity to her Regency romances, and her experience directing theatre productions helps her craft beautiful, touching stories that tug at the heartstrings. Jane is an upbeat and positive author dedicated to giving her characters happy-ever-afters and leaving the readers satisfied at the end of an emotional journey. She is a lifelong Cubs fan, loves wine tastings, and lives in Central Illinois with her two huskies and husband. She is currently writing her next book while planning her dream trip to Europe.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 21, 2022
I read this story before in the box set. It was fab then and still fab now. I loved reading this again. A wonderful story with a great HEA. Just how I love it! Always a 5☆ from me.
February 18, 2021
The Ghost and Miss Miranda By Jane Charles
If the title doesn't grab you the story certainly will! Castle Keyvnor, the site of many a ghost sighting or at least a rumor told, pixies too!
Wesley, Marquess Epworth was with Miss Miranda Vail for a wedding at Castle Keyvnor, and had heard it all. Pixies, ghosts, witches, fortune telling gypsies or mermaids all along the cost and yet he had not sighted any. He and Miranda had become friends in her first season, but he wanted so much more and was determined to kiss her.
Loved this story filled with interfering ghosts, romance and some disbelievers who certainly found out magic can exists!
If the title doesn't grab you the story certainly will! Castle Keyvnor, the site of many a ghost sighting or at least a rumor told, pixies too!
Wesley, Marquess Epworth was with Miss Miranda Vail for a wedding at Castle Keyvnor, and had heard it all. Pixies, ghosts, witches, fortune telling gypsies or mermaids all along the cost and yet he had not sighted any. He and Miranda had become friends in her first season, but he wanted so much more and was determined to kiss her.
Loved this story filled with interfering ghosts, romance and some disbelievers who certainly found out magic can exists!
March 8, 2021
When Wesley Claxton, Marquess of Epworth first met Miss Miranda Vail, he assumed she was a silly girl because she believed in ghosts, but in time he realized that he was wrong about her and the two formed a strong friendship, but Wesley longs for a deeper connection and has spent the last three years trying to court her without actually declaring his intentions. Finally, an opportunity to test the waters arrives when they both attend a wedding at Castle Keyvnor. He finds Miranda alone by a wishing well and when she makes her wish, she stumbles – he saves her and initiates a kiss. He is sure she returns his feelings and makes her promise to meet him later at the ball and asks her to save a waltz for him. But when she doesn’t show and her family makes lame excuses as to why, he assumes she was turned off by his kiss and decides they aren’t meant to be, so despite breaking his heart, he vows to stay away from her.
Three months later, Miranda still can’t understand why she hasn’t heard from Wesley. They shared a passionate kiss and she thought he might return her feelings – she was disappointed that her wish to meet a ghost at Keyvnor turned ugly and the ghost forced her to leave the castle grounds immediately under the threat of death. She knows Wesley doesn’t believe in ghosts, but the entity she encountered was pure evil and she knew if she didn’t leave, the ghost would kill her. Still, she hoped that he would call on her and give her a chance to explain, but he doesn’t and she believes that she was mistaken about his intentions. She vows she will forget him and tries to concentrate on her sister’s upcoming wedding.
Wesley still hasn’t gotten over Miranda but refuses to attend her sister’s wedding, that is until his father says he can’t go and his grandmother insists he goes in his father’s stead. He both dreads and longs to see Miranda again – but their reunion is marred by a shipwreck and the threat of revenge between their villages and his refusal to believe Miranda’s reason for not attending the ball. It appears that HEA is not in the cards for these two, despite being in love. But thanks to interfering relatives – both dead and alive, these two may get their HEA after all.
This was a well-written, nicely-paced story with a large helping of the supernatural. The book has ghosts, both benign and evil, witches, sea gods that need appeasing, heartache, a lot of miscommunication, erroneous assumptions, kissing, and a HEA with an epilogue that is both sad and sweet. Personally, I felt the lack of communication between Wesley and Miranda dragged on a little too long and got to be a bit tiresome, but it all works out in the end and overall I felt the story was very good, interesting, and a little bit spooky. This is the fourth book in the series and has ties to the Castle Keyvnor anthologies (it was also previously released in the Wicked Liaison Anthology) – but it can easily be read as a standalone title without issue.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Three months later, Miranda still can’t understand why she hasn’t heard from Wesley. They shared a passionate kiss and she thought he might return her feelings – she was disappointed that her wish to meet a ghost at Keyvnor turned ugly and the ghost forced her to leave the castle grounds immediately under the threat of death. She knows Wesley doesn’t believe in ghosts, but the entity she encountered was pure evil and she knew if she didn’t leave, the ghost would kill her. Still, she hoped that he would call on her and give her a chance to explain, but he doesn’t and she believes that she was mistaken about his intentions. She vows she will forget him and tries to concentrate on her sister’s upcoming wedding.
Wesley still hasn’t gotten over Miranda but refuses to attend her sister’s wedding, that is until his father says he can’t go and his grandmother insists he goes in his father’s stead. He both dreads and longs to see Miranda again – but their reunion is marred by a shipwreck and the threat of revenge between their villages and his refusal to believe Miranda’s reason for not attending the ball. It appears that HEA is not in the cards for these two, despite being in love. But thanks to interfering relatives – both dead and alive, these two may get their HEA after all.
This was a well-written, nicely-paced story with a large helping of the supernatural. The book has ghosts, both benign and evil, witches, sea gods that need appeasing, heartache, a lot of miscommunication, erroneous assumptions, kissing, and a HEA with an epilogue that is both sad and sweet. Personally, I felt the lack of communication between Wesley and Miranda dragged on a little too long and got to be a bit tiresome, but it all works out in the end and overall I felt the story was very good, interesting, and a little bit spooky. This is the fourth book in the series and has ties to the Castle Keyvnor anthologies (it was also previously released in the Wicked Liaison Anthology) – but it can easily be read as a standalone title without issue.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
January 25, 2021
Miranda and Wesley are the cutest couple I have read yet. I liked the lighthearted drama of this romance story. I loved the entertainment that each character has brought to the chaotic drama brought on by both sides of the family. The book is an easy read that I found to be a nice cozy read. The book has great moments of humor and witty banter readers will enjoy. I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2021
One who believes and one who "used" to believe. I love the Castle Keyvnor stories and this one didn't disappoint! It was great watching Wesley learn to believe again.
March 13, 2021
Miss Miranda Vail had set her cap on Wesley Claxton, Marquis Epworth during her first Season, even though he considered her feather-brained for believing in ghosts. However, she hadn’t let his opinion deter her and the two became grand friends, though Miranda secretly wished for more. Miranda’s quirkiness captured Wesley’s passion, and heart, despite himself. He was, after all, a reasonable gentleman of logic, and could not accept the existence of ghosts. It simply wasn’t scientific. A lovely novella with the bonus of a secondary romance. Well written with strong characters, it flowed really well & I read it in a sitting. I loved both Wesley & Miranda who became friends whilst falling in love. They almost destroyed their budding romance with misunderstandings & the inability to communicate. However the jewel in this story is the secondary romance which I adored & be warned have plenty of hankies on hand.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
March 5, 2021
The Ghost and Miss Miranda by Jane Charles is the 4th book in the Magic and Mayhem series. It can be read on it's own, but reading the previous books always adds an extra layer to the story.
Wesley Claxton, Marquess Epworth and Miss Miranda Vail have feelings for each other, but he does not believe in ghosts and other magical creatures and she encounters them on a daily basis. Instead of courting, they become best friends. This story was a lot of fun to read. It has smugglers, treaties, pirates, ghosts, gypsies and so much more. I would keep a hankie on hand just in case. A wonderful journey to HEA!
Wesley Claxton, Marquess Epworth and Miss Miranda Vail have feelings for each other, but he does not believe in ghosts and other magical creatures and she encounters them on a daily basis. Instead of courting, they become best friends. This story was a lot of fun to read. It has smugglers, treaties, pirates, ghosts, gypsies and so much more. I would keep a hankie on hand just in case. A wonderful journey to HEA!
March 16, 2021
Will his blindness risk their life ...
For three years, they had a kind of silent courtship with a statuquo about what she believes and he denies.
Both stand on their ideas and while they tried to compromise, his lack of trust in what she accepts as true might impede strongly any possible relationship.
Miranda stays true to herself but it is not enough to convince Wesley.
I understand why Wesley came to disavow his childhood dreams, and while everyone around talk about paranormal forces, he sees nothing.
It is a cute tale with a fantasy twist, I just thought the end a bit rushed.
The epilogue is a lovely ending to this story.
4.25 stars
For three years, they had a kind of silent courtship with a statuquo about what she believes and he denies.
Both stand on their ideas and while they tried to compromise, his lack of trust in what she accepts as true might impede strongly any possible relationship.
Miranda stays true to herself but it is not enough to convince Wesley.
I understand why Wesley came to disavow his childhood dreams, and while everyone around talk about paranormal forces, he sees nothing.
It is a cute tale with a fantasy twist, I just thought the end a bit rushed.
The epilogue is a lovely ending to this story.
4.25 stars
March 6, 2021
For a quirky magical read you won't go wrong with this book. It has a good and bad ghost. Legends, myths, smugglers, and beliefs are the heart of this enchantment.
Miss Miranda Vail, has been able to see her great uncle's ghost since she was five. The stories he has regaled her with and the mischief he has done. She wanted to be like him, to live a full adventurous life. However, not get cut down on her prime. Not wanting to be thought of being like her mother, a tramp, she never flirts with men, she acts very proper, and enjoys her friendship with Wesley.
Wesley Claxton, Marquess Epworth, as a child he believed all things magical and wanted to find the mythical city of Atargatis. That, however, was taken out of him at Eaton school. Now logic, math, science are what grounds him.
After making a wish to see a ghost, other than Uncle Jonathan, Miranda and Wesley share a kiss. Then Miranda is threatened by "Barnaby" a mean ghost that was burned to death. This made Miranda miss dancing with Wesley at a ball. Now each believe the other does not care.
Mischievous Uncle Jonathan with the help of Wesley's grandmother, Duchess of Arscott, connive to get the two alone. Will their plane work? Will Wesley believe in magic again or will Miranda just not talk about it anymore? Find out in this magically mischievous marvellous read.
Miss Miranda Vail, has been able to see her great uncle's ghost since she was five. The stories he has regaled her with and the mischief he has done. She wanted to be like him, to live a full adventurous life. However, not get cut down on her prime. Not wanting to be thought of being like her mother, a tramp, she never flirts with men, she acts very proper, and enjoys her friendship with Wesley.
Wesley Claxton, Marquess Epworth, as a child he believed all things magical and wanted to find the mythical city of Atargatis. That, however, was taken out of him at Eaton school. Now logic, math, science are what grounds him.
After making a wish to see a ghost, other than Uncle Jonathan, Miranda and Wesley share a kiss. Then Miranda is threatened by "Barnaby" a mean ghost that was burned to death. This made Miranda miss dancing with Wesley at a ball. Now each believe the other does not care.
Mischievous Uncle Jonathan with the help of Wesley's grandmother, Duchess of Arscott, connive to get the two alone. Will their plane work? Will Wesley believe in magic again or will Miranda just not talk about it anymore? Find out in this magically mischievous marvellous read.
Read
November 30, 2021Wanted to start off with a positive and I enjoyed pretty much everyone in the cast, minus one. The ending is a little rushed but hooray happy endings. The families were interesting with their smuggling backgrounds.
Everybody in the reviews loving the couple while I'm sitting here despising Wesley, the love interest.
Everybody in the reviews loving the couple while I'm sitting here despising Wesley, the love interest.
March 17, 2021
“The Ghost And Miss Miranda” was my 3rd Jane Charles story and I have to say she weaves delightful tales filled wonderful characters, with witty and clever banter, heartwarming moments, and interesting plots. I loved this sweet magical tale.
To believe or not to believe is the question. Miranda believes in ghosts however Wesley, the logical one does not and thinks her silly for believing. The become friends but Wesley longs for more and finds a golden opportunity when Miranda stumbles at the Wishingwell while making a wish and Wesley is there to save her. They share a wonderful kiss and I promise to dance at the ball. When Miranda doesn’t show Wesley assumes it’s because she doesn’t share his feelings. Miranda has long since decided Wesley Claxton, Marquess Epworth is the one for her and doesn’t understand why he hasn’t pursued her. Misunderstandings and wrong assumptions abound but not to worry, family both living and deceased play a hand in getting these two together. Wesley’s grandmother was absolutely delightful.
I loved the story, actually I loved all the stories from Castle Keyvnor. Ms. Charles has such a wonderful way of charming you with her wit and words.
Thank you so much Ms. Charles for such a sweet story about the magic of love.
To believe or not to believe is the question. Miranda believes in ghosts however Wesley, the logical one does not and thinks her silly for believing. The become friends but Wesley longs for more and finds a golden opportunity when Miranda stumbles at the Wishingwell while making a wish and Wesley is there to save her. They share a wonderful kiss and I promise to dance at the ball. When Miranda doesn’t show Wesley assumes it’s because she doesn’t share his feelings. Miranda has long since decided Wesley Claxton, Marquess Epworth is the one for her and doesn’t understand why he hasn’t pursued her. Misunderstandings and wrong assumptions abound but not to worry, family both living and deceased play a hand in getting these two together. Wesley’s grandmother was absolutely delightful.
I loved the story, actually I loved all the stories from Castle Keyvnor. Ms. Charles has such a wonderful way of charming you with her wit and words.
Thank you so much Ms. Charles for such a sweet story about the magic of love.
February 23, 2021
What a fun & entertaining book with a little supernatural & myths to add to curiosity!
The main romantic couple in this story was Miss Miranda Vail & Wesley Claxton, the Marquess of Epworth, who met in her first season & became best friends until he kissed her - the without any discussion, they both went their own ways assuming the other wasn't interested. Miranda thinks it's because of her beliefs in ghosts, witches, fairies, mermaids & he is too stubborn to think things can exist outside of logic. Wesley thinks she is just not interested in him romantically & now he has ruined their friendship with the kiss.
The bonus romance was so sweet & sad between Wesley's grandmother, the Duchess of Arscott & Captain Jonathan Vail - they were so much fun & in quite a different romance situation.
I highly recommend this read if you enjoy sweet romances, humor, danger, evil spirits, friendly ghosts & more! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
The main romantic couple in this story was Miss Miranda Vail & Wesley Claxton, the Marquess of Epworth, who met in her first season & became best friends until he kissed her - the without any discussion, they both went their own ways assuming the other wasn't interested. Miranda thinks it's because of her beliefs in ghosts, witches, fairies, mermaids & he is too stubborn to think things can exist outside of logic. Wesley thinks she is just not interested in him romantically & now he has ruined their friendship with the kiss.
The bonus romance was so sweet & sad between Wesley's grandmother, the Duchess of Arscott & Captain Jonathan Vail - they were so much fun & in quite a different romance situation.
I highly recommend this read if you enjoy sweet romances, humor, danger, evil spirits, friendly ghosts & more! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
March 18, 2021
This is captivating, entertaining and suspenseful. And is has a fascinating storyline. After Miranda's encounter with Barnaby, then deciding not to go to the ball and dance with Wesley, she never thought to see him again. A wedding at her house, and trouble with the village of Laswell, bring him to her house though. Wesley and his grandmother need to talk about what to do to get the villagers to not retaliate, and anger Endellion more than he already is. Miranda's great uncle Jonathan, who is a ghost, is around more than usual, knowing what will appease Endellion, and trying to make it happen. Neither Wesley, nor Miranda, is willing to ignore their issues. One believes in ghosts, pixies and mermaids, the other thinks that it's all fairy tales and anyone who believes is crazy. This is a must add to your TBR list, and add the series while you're at it. Each curse gets more and more intriguing with every book. I can't wait for the next one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
March 18, 2021
This is another great Regency story with connections to the haunted Castle Keyvnor in Cornwall. While Miranda believes in ghosts and other supernatural beings, Wesley does not. He's heard all the rumors about the castle but just can't believe there would be anything truly dangerous there. After a promising first kiss, misunderstandings between Wesley and Miranda keep them apart, even though a few helpful ghosts and relatives try to get them together. Unfortunately, there are evil beings in the mix, plus curses from long ago that must be satisfied. It's a wild ride full of gothic atmosphere as Wesley and Miranda work to stay alive and find love.
October 24, 2023
The havoc of assuming
It seems like for three plus years both Miranda and Wesley were often assuming the worst in their relationship which threatened even being friends let alone budding romance. Miranda believes in ghosts, pixies, and merfolk but he doesn't. Beliefs, disbelief, unfulfilled desires, death threat, fears, and a broken treaty combine to create a story that is never dull and keeps you reading. Will the matchmakers succeed with their quest and Miranda and Wesley admit their inner feelings...grab the book to find out. I highly recommend this book along with the others set around Keyvnor Castle.
It seems like for three plus years both Miranda and Wesley were often assuming the worst in their relationship which threatened even being friends let alone budding romance. Miranda believes in ghosts, pixies, and merfolk but he doesn't. Beliefs, disbelief, unfulfilled desires, death threat, fears, and a broken treaty combine to create a story that is never dull and keeps you reading. Will the matchmakers succeed with their quest and Miranda and Wesley admit their inner feelings...grab the book to find out. I highly recommend this book along with the others set around Keyvnor Castle.
January 21, 2021
This is the story of Miranda and Wesley, but it is also the story of Hester and Jonathan and I enjoyed them both. I feel like it was an extra surprise gift to have Hester and Jonathan’s love story. Miranda and Wesley did not believe in the same things which caused a divide in their friendship and love. This is how they got pass their different beliefs.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
March 16, 2021
Miranda and Wesley were friends though they had different beliefs which almost came between them. Wesley was stubborn and very logical in his thought process while Miranda was open to all in the world around her. Danger and ghosts, both good and bad, kept the story entertaining. Wesley's grandmother was a hoot. This was a very entertaining read.
I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.
February 5, 2021
A scary ghost, a cantankerous ghost, broken treaties and a wrathful sea god are wrapped around two love stories, one old and one new. A Castle Keyvnor/Bocka Morrow romance. A lighthearted and charming story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 1, 2021
I enjoyed this book. Castle Keyvnor is a magical place of ghosts and pixies. Miranda Vail is a firm believer in the supernatural, but her best friend Wesley Claxton is a man of logic. I love the best friend trope, and Charles writes it masterfully. There are evil spirits and friendly ghosts in this story. I loved the romantic tension between the hero and the heroine. I can’t wait to read more.
March 17, 2021
This one is my favorite of the collection. There are so many layers to this story and they build to make a touching story. This is a moving mess of miscommunication with a helping of romance and spatter of supernatural. I did shed tears, I laughed out loud and I felt the emotions. I thought it was a wonderful story.
October 19, 2021
Loved it even the 2nd time
Wesley- Does not believe in anything otherworldly
Miranda- believes in the otherworldly stuff
I enjoyed reading this entertaining story that is well written with unforgettable characters. I have read this in Wicked Liaison anthology. Their story has a loving HEA even with a sad moment but fits the story.
Wesley- Does not believe in anything otherworldly
Miranda- believes in the otherworldly stuff
I enjoyed reading this entertaining story that is well written with unforgettable characters. I have read this in Wicked Liaison anthology. Their story has a loving HEA even with a sad moment but fits the story.
March 17, 2021
Review
I was thrilled to see that this series will continue.The subject of each story just draws you in. It has the right amount of excitement, humour, and romance! I would recommend this book and series to anyone!
I was thrilled to see that this series will continue.The subject of each story just draws you in. It has the right amount of excitement, humour, and romance! I would recommend this book and series to anyone!
March 19, 2021
A delightful regency romance with a dose of magic and mayhem. Miranda and Wesley were wonderful characters and their journey to happily ever after was enjoyable. The interaction between her Uncle the ghost was engaging. True love comes in many forms.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews