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The Impossible Julian Strande #1-2
The Impossible Julian Strande
A sinister illusionist wants Alice... and he won't take no for an answer. Read the whole series with all the deleted content included!
As eager as Alice was to start her new job, she got far more than she bargained for when entering employment at Strande Estate. Inexplicable noises. Haunting legends. A sexy-as-they-come amateur magician. And…an enticingly wicked ghost.
Alice didn’t believe in anything paranormal when she arrived, but each day that passes leaves her questioning things she never thought she would—like whether or not her gorgeous boss was as magically gifted in the bedroom as he was at illusions.
But deep within the walls of the Strande manor, a malevolent spirit has taken a keen interest in the new caretaker. Thrilled to have a new plaything at his disposal, he has devilish games planned for the unsuspecting Alice.
Will she make it out of the Strande Estate alive? Or be lured into the seductive darkness?
As eager as Alice was to start her new job, she got far more than she bargained for when entering employment at Strande Estate. Inexplicable noises. Haunting legends. A sexy-as-they-come amateur magician. And…an enticingly wicked ghost.
Alice didn’t believe in anything paranormal when she arrived, but each day that passes leaves her questioning things she never thought she would—like whether or not her gorgeous boss was as magically gifted in the bedroom as he was at illusions.
But deep within the walls of the Strande manor, a malevolent spirit has taken a keen interest in the new caretaker. Thrilled to have a new plaything at his disposal, he has devilish games planned for the unsuspecting Alice.
Will she make it out of the Strande Estate alive? Or be lured into the seductive darkness?
490 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2020
132 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Ann Kingsley
68 books2,498 followersKathryn has always been a storyteller. Years of scriptwriting for performances on stage and for tourism in Boston led her to writing romantically dark, fantastical tales, which was an obsession of hers that began once seeing The Phantom of the Opera at a young age.
When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.
She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.
When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.
She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 12, 2024
Ein Narzist wie er im Buche steht...
Diese Review enthält Spoiler.
Diese Review enthält Spoiler.
Want to read
September 2, 2020
→ On sale for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←
Blurb:
A sinister illusionist wants Alice... and he won't take no for an answer.
Read the whole series with all the deleted content included!
As eager as Alice was to start her new job, she got far more than she bargained for when entering employment at Strande Estate.
Inexplicable noises.
Haunting legends.
A sexy-as-they-come amateur magician.
And…an enticingly wicked ghost.
Alice didn’t believe in anything paranormal when she arrived, but each day that passes leaves her questioning things she never thought she would—like whether or not her gorgeous boss was as magically gifted in the bedroom as he was at illusions.
But deep within the walls of the Strande manor, a malevolent spirit has taken a keen interest in the new caretaker. Thrilled to have a new plaything at his disposal, he has devilish games planned for the unsuspecting Alice. Will she make it out of the Strande Estate alive? Or be lured into the seductive darkness?
Merged review:
→ On sale for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←
Blurb:
A sinister illusionist wants Alice... and he won't take no for an answer.
Read the whole series with all the deleted content included!
As eager as Alice was to start her new job, she got far more than she bargained for when entering employment at Strande Estate.
Inexplicable noises.
Haunting legends.
A sexy-as-they-come amateur magician.
And…an enticingly wicked ghost.
Alice didn’t believe in anything paranormal when she arrived, but each day that passes leaves her questioning things she never thought she would—like whether or not her gorgeous boss was as magically gifted in the bedroom as he was at illusions.
But deep within the walls of the Strande manor, a malevolent spirit has taken a keen interest in the new caretaker. Thrilled to have a new plaything at his disposal, he has devilish games planned for the unsuspecting Alice. Will she make it out of the Strande Estate alive? Or be lured into the seductive darkness?
September 13, 2020
I came across this find for free and while it sounded interesting, it captivated me. It was my first read by Kathryn Ann Kingsley and while paranormal ghost romance stories are not typically my thing, I enjoyed it nonetheless.
While I am the type of person who reads reviews and potential spoilers (based on ratings, yes I am that person), I stayed away from reading spoilers with this read and I'm so happy I did. Its best to go in blind with a vague sense of storyline.
I loved the heroine! She was tough, witty, and brave. I loved her interactions with Charles and Julian.
When we were introduced to Charles in the first book, there was something kooky about him. Strange. Off. And then I started picking up on the hints.
Julian. The villain in the story. I loved the games he played with our heroine in the first part of the book. Then the second book came around and I wanted to hate him, but I liked him, but I hated him.
This book will stay with me for a long while. The unique storyline, the compelling detail to his mansion, and the magic. Totally 5 stars!!!!
While I am the type of person who reads reviews and potential spoilers (based on ratings, yes I am that person), I stayed away from reading spoilers with this read and I'm so happy I did. Its best to go in blind with a vague sense of storyline.
I loved the heroine! She was tough, witty, and brave. I loved her interactions with Charles and Julian.
When we were introduced to Charles in the first book, there was something kooky about him. Strange. Off. And then I started picking up on the hints.
Julian. The villain in the story. I loved the games he played with our heroine in the first part of the book. Then the second book came around and I wanted to hate him, but I liked him, but I hated him.
This book will stay with me for a long while. The unique storyline, the compelling detail to his mansion, and the magic. Totally 5 stars!!!!
September 7, 2020
Wow
Omg, I couldn't put it down. I read it in 2 days. I loved the twists and the chemistry between the main characters. Definitely would recommend it.
Omg, I couldn't put it down. I read it in 2 days. I loved the twists and the chemistry between the main characters. Definitely would recommend it.
August 30, 2020
Not usually a big fan of PNRs, well okay...not counting Ms. Brandon's Demonology Series - I don't have enough great things to say about them, I really love those, but I really enjoyed this one. I read several Amazon reviews but one short & to the point "bad review" sucked me in. This was an engaging and entertaining story.
Sooooo...why not 5 stars? I prefer a lot more graphic detail and horror but for some reason it seems like every time there's an "evil" Julian male lead im sucker punched. Another twisted, sexy Julian.
Sooooo...why not 5 stars? I prefer a lot more graphic detail and horror but for some reason it seems like every time there's an "evil" Julian male lead im sucker punched. Another twisted, sexy Julian.
September 17, 2020
Fantastic story! Julian is devilishly dark, handsome, and mysterious. Alice is smart, shy, and sweet.
All she wants is to take her few possessions and her cat to start over at her new odd and possibly slightly haunted job. The fact that her new boss is cute, funny, and wants to be more than friends is an extra bonus after she gets used to the idea. But once Julian sets his eyes on her Alice's life will never be the same.
I absolutely loved this story and these characters. Kingsley is the queen of writing a sexy twisted anti-hero that you want to slap and also jump on at the same time and she really nailed it with Julian Strande. He is sneaky and devious and yet I couldn't help but love him by the end so I highly recommend it. Though I will say this story takes a bit of a dark and twisted path to get to the end so it's not for the easily bothered. But if you find yourself falling for the villains instead of the heros and like a good ghostly mystery do yourself a favor and grab this box set. Because once you start reading you won't want to stop.
All she wants is to take her few possessions and her cat to start over at her new odd and possibly slightly haunted job. The fact that her new boss is cute, funny, and wants to be more than friends is an extra bonus after she gets used to the idea. But once Julian sets his eyes on her Alice's life will never be the same.
I absolutely loved this story and these characters. Kingsley is the queen of writing a sexy twisted anti-hero that you want to slap and also jump on at the same time and she really nailed it with Julian Strande. He is sneaky and devious and yet I couldn't help but love him by the end so I highly recommend it. Though I will say this story takes a bit of a dark and twisted path to get to the end so it's not for the easily bothered. But if you find yourself falling for the villains instead of the heros and like a good ghostly mystery do yourself a favor and grab this box set. Because once you start reading you won't want to stop.
September 9, 2020
Impossible to put down
After reading other reviews I decided I could spare the dollar to purchase this set of books and I am so glad I did! I was sucked into a world of magic, love, happiness, anger and more. It was such an emotional rollercoaster that I literally had to take a chill pill when I started thinking it wasn't going to end how I was hoping. I wish the story could never end!
After reading other reviews I decided I could spare the dollar to purchase this set of books and I am so glad I did! I was sucked into a world of magic, love, happiness, anger and more. It was such an emotional rollercoaster that I literally had to take a chill pill when I started thinking it wasn't going to end how I was hoping. I wish the story could never end!
September 6, 2020
4 1/2 STARS! Complete 2 book story of The Impossible Julian Strande. Full length stand-alone told in dual POV with HEA. This is my first time reading this author and my first time reading a ghost story. I really enjoyed it!! There is magic & mystery but mostly it is a love story between two lonely souls! There are some steamy times, and a lot of sweet times too. The story is very detailed and draws you in, I highly recommend it!
September 8, 2020
Wow!
These books were incredible. With all of the twists and turns I didn’t know what was going to happen next and I loved that. Reading it was a treat, and I could see this story becoming a movie that I would definitely watch.
These books were incredible. With all of the twists and turns I didn’t know what was going to happen next and I loved that. Reading it was a treat, and I could see this story becoming a movie that I would definitely watch.
September 3, 2020
Amazing!!!!
I loved, loved and LOVED this story. I have never read anything like this... I have also never have read this author!!!!! I am now..... The story flowed, the characters moved along.... there was no constant tug of war(which gets old in a book) not this story. I really enjoyed it. This story deserves more than a 5 star rating!!! It does... On to my next read by this author... Just loved it!!!!!!
I loved, loved and LOVED this story. I have never read anything like this... I have also never have read this author!!!!! I am now..... The story flowed, the characters moved along.... there was no constant tug of war(which gets old in a book) not this story. I really enjoyed it. This story deserves more than a 5 star rating!!! It does... On to my next read by this author... Just loved it!!!!!!
September 5, 2020
Loving a Ghost
I fell in love with Charles, but was also touched by Julian and his love for his ‘rsbbit’. I couldn’t put it down. I stayed up til 3:00 a.m. just to see how it would end. It was worth it. So many twist & turns, you’re never sure where this story will go. So well written!
I fell in love with Charles, but was also touched by Julian and his love for his ‘rsbbit’. I couldn’t put it down. I stayed up til 3:00 a.m. just to see how it would end. It was worth it. So many twist & turns, you’re never sure where this story will go. So well written!
April 7, 2023
Ohhh, so good. Alice starts a new job as a caretaker of the Julian Stande estate. He was a magician that mysteriously disappeared approx a hundred years ago after writing his own obituary. Now the estate is run by his great-grandnephew Charles, who looks similar to him and is also a magician.
Alice catches Charles' eye and the eye of someone else...the ghost of Julian Stande.
I loved this steamy triangle and can't wait to read this again and again.
Alice catches Charles' eye and the eye of someone else...the ghost of Julian Stande.
I loved this steamy triangle and can't wait to read this again and again.
July 6, 2022
This was something else. It was well written and gave me the horror/scary vibes I was looking for. I feel like I’ll be thinking about this for a while
She’s not kidding when she says villain romance cause Julian does a lot of heinous stuff. Like lots (honestly the murder wasn’t even the worst imo, it was when he flung her headfirst into the pit of dead bodies and then tried to kill her and keep her in the house)
Woo…it was something. I’m glad Loki made it.
She’s not kidding when she says villain romance cause Julian does a lot of heinous stuff. Like lots (honestly the murder wasn’t even the worst imo, it was when he flung her headfirst into the pit of dead bodies and then tried to kill her and keep her in the house)
Woo…it was something. I’m glad Loki made it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2022
Holy hell! This was one hell of a ride and I enjoyed every second of it. First of all, thank you to the wonderful Lillian Lark for suggesting this to me when I was looking for ghost romance recs. If you're looking to read this, prewarning, please do check your triggers. Julian Strande is a villain; and when I say villain I don't mean he is a morally grey, a good guy deep down, he is evil, and will stop at nothing to get what he wants; which in this case is the woman he fell in love with. This book set had me hooked from the moment I started reading, and I can see me reading this over and over - I've even bought the kindle book (something I rarely do) AND the hardback physical copy. I am obsessed, and after finishing this I'm now going to devour the rest of Kingsley's books. I cried, I laughed, I swooned, I was shocked. Even though I figured the twist out before it was revealed, that didn't stop it from punching me in the gut when it was revealed. This book is everything I could ever want, and I will read this over and over again
December 28, 2020
How I adore this author!
Every book I have read of Kathryn Ann Kingsley's has been a pure delight. I was an avid reader until I hit my early 30's... Then, just couldn't get back into it. Kathryn was the one made me fall in love with reading all over again, now at 41. (Yes, I just dated myself...lol) This book starts out the normal realm of an average girl, who felt like she was in a rut. She ends up in an unlikely situation, unbeknownst to her, after applying for a job. This book took me through so many emotions. Happiness, sadness, a bit of anger as well as afraid for certain characters. All the characters are well "fleshed-out" and you feel as if you truly get to know them. I highly recommend this book to readers who love a bit of all genres... Mystery, erotica/romance, horror, suspense and even a dash of comedic wit. Thank you again Kathryn, for sharing your stories!
Every book I have read of Kathryn Ann Kingsley's has been a pure delight. I was an avid reader until I hit my early 30's... Then, just couldn't get back into it. Kathryn was the one made me fall in love with reading all over again, now at 41. (Yes, I just dated myself...lol) This book starts out the normal realm of an average girl, who felt like she was in a rut. She ends up in an unlikely situation, unbeknownst to her, after applying for a job. This book took me through so many emotions. Happiness, sadness, a bit of anger as well as afraid for certain characters. All the characters are well "fleshed-out" and you feel as if you truly get to know them. I highly recommend this book to readers who love a bit of all genres... Mystery, erotica/romance, horror, suspense and even a dash of comedic wit. Thank you again Kathryn, for sharing your stories!
April 2, 2021
This box duet is absolutely amazing.
I came across the first book on Amazon for free and decided to give it a try. Once I started reading I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. I never would have thought that I would love this type of book. I later read the last book and the ending made me cry. Which isn't very common when I read books. The characters are amazing and I love Julian. I could totally see myself falling for him, even though he is so evil. Alice was amazing too, she is one tough cookie.
I would strongly recommend these 2 books. I have never read anything quite like this from any other author out there. I find that all Kathryn's books are unique and you never know quite what to expect. So far I have not read a single bad book from her. Take the chance, you won't regret it :)
I came across the first book on Amazon for free and decided to give it a try. Once I started reading I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. I never would have thought that I would love this type of book. I later read the last book and the ending made me cry. Which isn't very common when I read books. The characters are amazing and I love Julian. I could totally see myself falling for him, even though he is so evil. Alice was amazing too, she is one tough cookie.
I would strongly recommend these 2 books. I have never read anything quite like this from any other author out there. I find that all Kathryn's books are unique and you never know quite what to expect. So far I have not read a single bad book from her. Take the chance, you won't regret it :)
September 28, 2020
Wonderfully wicked dark romance.
I love this series. It was a perfect blend of romance, suspense and the paranormal. Alice had no idea how her life would change when she accepted the job to work at the Strande Estate. She is a wonderful character - strong, brave, determined. Julian Strande is absolutely twisted and evil. His antics had me laughing one minute and cringing the next. He is definitely not a likeable character but somehow the reader cannot help but love him. The story is told from both points of view which is fantastic considering the warped mind of the antihero. If you enjoy dark, paranormal romances with lots of twists, this series is for you. It is definitely a keeper for me.
I love this series. It was a perfect blend of romance, suspense and the paranormal. Alice had no idea how her life would change when she accepted the job to work at the Strande Estate. She is a wonderful character - strong, brave, determined. Julian Strande is absolutely twisted and evil. His antics had me laughing one minute and cringing the next. He is definitely not a likeable character but somehow the reader cannot help but love him. The story is told from both points of view which is fantastic considering the warped mind of the antihero. If you enjoy dark, paranormal romances with lots of twists, this series is for you. It is definitely a keeper for me.
November 5, 2022
Okay so…. I loved these books up until the last like 10 ish percent of the second book. I’m big mad about how it ended. Like can it even be considered an HEA if the h has to KILL HERSELF????? Idk but I hated it. And Julian showed he loved her and would never hurt her for 90% of the series and now all of a sudden he’s a violent jerk??? And she still chooses to off herself to be with him??? Like I loved them then at the end I didn’t want them to be together. Ugh. Overall well written and I read both books in 2 days so they were good but wow yeah I hate the ending. Anyways 4 stars would probably read again lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2021
I think my fascination with ghosts started with Casper. Julian is definitely no Casper though. And he is far from friendly.
Julian and Alice's story definitely gives off "we're all mad here" vibes. And every piece to the puzzle makes things curiouser and curiouser.
Overall, this was fantastic. The atmosphere, the characters, the magic ...it was all done perfectly. Even the side characters are precious (I'm talking about you Loki, the magnificent floof.)
This was my introduction to this author but I definitely have to read more because...wow. just wow.
Julian and Alice's story definitely gives off "we're all mad here" vibes. And every piece to the puzzle makes things curiouser and curiouser.
Overall, this was fantastic. The atmosphere, the characters, the magic ...it was all done perfectly. Even the side characters are precious (I'm talking about you Loki, the magnificent floof.)
This was my introduction to this author but I definitely have to read more because...wow. just wow.
October 11, 2020
I was really drawn to the villain/counterpart to Alice the main character. He's witty and the sexual tension between the two is so enjoyable. Spicy love life. Even more interesting twist, even if the hints were more than apparent. I could read this again and still enjoy it as I did the first time. Definitely adding Kathryn Kingsley to my list of authors to recommend.
April 12, 2021
Fantastical story
You will feel all the feels in this one. Looking for intrigue, suspense, all-consuming love, a healthy dose of fear, obsession, or a combination of all of the above? You will find it in this book.
Julian Strande is a villainous villain who doesn’t quite redeem himself, and Alice is his (un)lucky obsession.
You will feel all the feels in this one. Looking for intrigue, suspense, all-consuming love, a healthy dose of fear, obsession, or a combination of all of the above? You will find it in this book.
Julian Strande is a villainous villain who doesn’t quite redeem himself, and Alice is his (un)lucky obsession.
Read
September 30, 2021It's weird because I enjoyed the book, even though it got slow at times, but the ending knocked off a star for me.
March 20, 2023
This is the most sexy and creative ghost story I've ever heard or read. I loved the characters - MMC is deliciously dark and FMC is shy but also super smart and loves fixing things - so cool! Some of the events that happen were predictable but the character reactions were not. A faster burn than I'm used to from KAK but still a very enjoyable read.
November 4, 2020
The impossibly creepy
I am torn. The story was original, well written and flowed however the overwhelming domestic violence was very uncomfortable to read and Alice's decision difficult to swallow. Not a read if triggered by DV.
I am torn. The story was original, well written and flowed however the overwhelming domestic violence was very uncomfortable to read and Alice's decision difficult to swallow. Not a read if triggered by DV.
September 23, 2021
Amazing Read
I really enjoyed learning Julians tricks and puzzles through Alice. They story was so well done. I loved all the back ground on how the Impossible Mr. Strande came to be!
I really enjoyed learning Julians tricks and puzzles through Alice. They story was so well done. I loved all the back ground on how the Impossible Mr. Strande came to be!
January 16, 2022
love
2nd time reading. Better each time. This author is so very talented and I live that her hero’s may be villains but her heroines are brave and true to themselves in admitting they live the villian
2nd time reading. Better each time. This author is so very talented and I live that her hero’s may be villains but her heroines are brave and true to themselves in admitting they live the villian
October 29, 2022
Loved most of it, but...
That magic box scene. Was just a bit much for me. Otherwise, I adore the authors ability to craft horrible, amoral, homicidal men that are somehow adorable and loveable.
That magic box scene. Was just a bit much for me. Otherwise, I adore the authors ability to craft horrible, amoral, homicidal men that are somehow adorable and loveable.
May 3, 2024
This book hit a lot of the right notes for me: cute domestic scenes, a MMC who is both a rogue and a sweet potato, and a FMC who isn't going to be steamrolled. It's twisty, spicy, and also rather dark. I couldn't put it down, but I also ended up skipping a few chapters towards the end.
November 11, 2024
5 stars
Fantastic series! Super underrated! I'd love to read more from this pair & Loki . This has a crossover with Harrow Faire short story. If you'd read Harrow Faire, I recommend reading it too
Fantastic series! Super underrated! I'd love to read more from this pair & Loki . This has a crossover with Harrow Faire short story. If you'd read Harrow Faire, I recommend reading it too
March 16, 2025
I'm obsessed. The plot, the suspense, the secrets and of course the romance. This duet kept me on my toes, trying to solve the puzzle right along with Alice. Even when I thought I had it figured out, I was taken on a roller coaster of emotions, right up to the end. I'm already excited to reread!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews