Ghost of a Summoning

Wickwood Chronicles #3

by J.E. McDonald

There’s something extraordinary hidden behind Wickwood’s picturesque façade...and it threatens everyone.

When a mysterious stranger turns up looking for a job, antique store owner Aubrey Karle finds it hard to resist Roman’s quiet charm. But things become weird when the ghost who’s been attached to her since she was a kid takes an instant dislike to the newcomer, objecting to his presence in a violent way.

Why can’t she just have a semblance of a normal life?

Roman Milone has demons in his closet, literal ones. A prophecy spoken by a fallen angel brings him back to his home town, and his world is turned upside down when he finds his next target is a sweet woman with a sexy smile and curves that go on for days. She can’t be the one prophesized to bring hell on Earth, not with a soul as bright as hers.

Just as the pair give into their attraction, and think they might be able to find a bit of happiness, a powerful demon with a thirty-year-old grudge makes an appearance in Wickwood. How can Roman keep Aubrey safe when he is the one who might be the biggest threat of all?

If you like Denise Grover Swank, Colleen Helme, Michelle M. Pillow, and Danielle Garrett, you’ll love this paranormal romantic comedy!

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2021

About the author

J.E. McDonald was born and raised in Saskatchewan, Canada, The Land of the Living Skies. As a child, she was either searching the clouds for identifiable shapes, or star-gazing way past her bedtime. She’s an anti-morning person who wakes up at 5am to write. Needless to say, coffee is a morning requirement. She cut her teeth watching Star Trek, James Bond movies, and reading the Harlequin novels her mother left in the bathroom—which resulted in an extremely skewed sense of sex education by age eleven. All of these factors contribute to her love of writing paranormal romance with humor, mystery, and lots of spice. J.E. resides in Saskatchewan with her husband and three daughters.

Reviews

[Kat Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of J.E. McDonald's Wickwood Chronicles, so naturally I was beyond thrilled to get an ARC of Ghost of a Summoning in my hot little hands! Readers, the third book in the series did not disappoint. Ghost of a Summoning may be my favorite installment so far, preserving the paranormal whimsy and humor that characterizes McDonald's style while ratcheting up the danger to take the series in exciting, unpredictable new directions. The end result is a story that will satisfy fans of the earlier books while introducing novel suspense and otherworldly conundrums to keep the saga fresh.

Romance-wise, the book delivers as well. Roman and Audrey are both wonderful characters with believable chemistry, and the external conflict that challenges their attraction is seamlessly woven into the bigger narrative. Steamy, delightful, and with just the right amount of supernatural and interpersonal tension, Ghost of a Summoning is a must-read paranormal romance.

Thanks to City Owl Press and the author for supplying an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again J. E. McDonald’s visit to Wickwood conjures up a paranormal tale of brave characters, pulsating passions, and some laugh out loud moments readers will find intriguing and irresistible!

Read full review in the 2021 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Ashley King · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.E. McDonald summons another five star read with GHOST OF A SUMMONING. Packed with romance, humor, action, twists and turns, readers won't be able to put down this book. It's easy to cheer for Aubrey and Roman, two characters who find their missing pieces in each other, the light in the darkness. McDonald's cast of supernatural characters are always impeccably crafted and leave you eager for the next installment of this delightful series.

[Gabrielle Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Wickwood Chronicles, so I was extremely excited to get an early copy of Ghost of a Summoning. I wondered which way McDonald would take the series in this third installment, and the way she decided to go surpassed every expectation I had. Ghost of a Summoning is officially my favorite of the series so far!

The story follows Aubrey Karle, the owner of Relics and pure of heart, and Roman Milone, a demon hunter trying to stop an apocalypse… one that Aubrey is foretold to start. This tension creates the backdrop for a heart-wrenching romance and a fast-paced read, one I could NOT stop thinking about when life forced me to set the book down for a bit.

Bringing back old characters from past books and introducing new ones, Ghost of a Summoning definitely continues exploring the magic and mystery surrounding Wickwood. A new character that I loved? Moe. I absolutely loved Moe. And the epilogue! How am I supposed to wait for the fourth book after reading it?

If you love high-stakes, tension, and heaps of steam with your romance, you don’t want to miss this book!

***Thank you to City Owl Press and the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ghost of a Summoning” by JE McDonald is the third installment in her delightful “Wickwood Chronicles” paranormal romance series, which tends a little more to the romantic side of the plot than the supernatural background. The series consists of different paranormal romantic mysteries. The stories are highly entertaining, easy-to-read, fast-paced, funny, with a very good plot, interesting twists, and credible, delightful characters.

The story focuses on Roman Milone & Aubrey Karle. When Roman comes into Audrey antiquities store looking for a job, she is immediately attracted to his charm, while the ghost who has been at her side since she was a kid, openly and violently rejects Roman presence, with good reason, then…. the demons in Roman’s closet are very real. Roman is on a mission to take down the one woman prophesized to open the gates of Hell, yes you get it Audrey herself. But as Roman comes closer to Audrey he realizes that it must be a mistake, Audrey soul is free of darkness. Attraction takes its course, but happiness is cutting short, when a demon comes to town with a mission of his own.

An entertaining story, with some paranormal mystery bits, and just enough chemistry and romance to be enjoyable. While the stories in the series all follow a similar pattern, they don’t feel repetitive nor are they interchangeable.

[Coline · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrill to receive an advance copy of Ghost of a Summoning, the newest in The Wickwood Chronicles by J.E.McDonald. As usual, her amazing dialogue and sensual descriptions drew me further into the book with every page. It is an awesome read that can stand on its own, but having read #2, Ghost of an Enchantment, made this book and Wickwood, an even richer experience.

Aubrey Karle takes a chance on a Demon Hunter, even after the warnings from her friends of his dark past. She tries to give him a brighter space in his life, and it doesn’t hurt to have a strong and sexy man in the antique store to improve her workday.
Roman Milone is trying to prevent the opening of the doors to hell, but falls for Aubrey, the one the prophecy named. How can he stop the destruction of Wickwood without killing the one he feels he must protect?

This is a dark and steamy story with even more action and emotional tension than prior Wickwood experiences. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover. I couldn't put down this sexy read of good versus evil, and with an epilogue like this, McDonald already has me hooked into Wickwood book #4.

[E.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW.

What a fantastic third installment to the Wickwood Chronicles! I absolutely love this town full of paranormal activity and McDonald gets better with each volume.

I was so glad Aubrey was the focus for this book with her bright soul, antique store, and the twelve year old ghost that haunts her. I loved digging deeper into her backstory and her connection with the ghost, and seeing how her heart and compassion are her greatest strengths.

Roman gave me serious Winchester boys vibes which is definitely A GOOD THING. He was protective and strong while also wounded and broody and what more could you want in a paranormal romance hero?

Oh, and there’s this demon child that has nestled in my heart and he was one of my favorite surprises!

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Aubrey suffers panic attacks and has an unusual protector that's been with her since she was ten. However she is in more danger than she realizes and is at the epicenter of everything. Roman comes back to Wickwood to deal with a prophecy and finds love and salvation in the arms of Aubrey. I liked how the demon with the grudge against Roman is dealt with. This series just keeps getting better and never stops surprising you.

[Patricia Muhammad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ghost Summoning by J.E. McDonald (2021)
Reviewed by: Patricia M. Muhammad
Date: October 02, 2021

*CONTAINS SPOILERS*
(To avoid major spoilers, read only the first and last two paragraphs of this review)

**I received this ebook in exchange for a fair and honest review**

The Ghost Summoning is a magical realism, paranormal romance primarily set in the fictional town of Wickwood. The author prepares the reader from the outset that the story will contain supernatural elements and prepares a literary framework for ensuing action sequences. The story begins with the protagonist, an awkward, but determined young woman named Aubrey Karle. She owns and operates an antique store named Relics. The protagonist purchased the property and its inventory using her inheritance from her adoptive mother and father. Her heritage, or the lack thereof becomes a pivotal part of the plot. The social services system placed her in foster care where she was haunted by a ghost named Finn. He never materializes in any discernible form. He remains the age of twelve forever while his self-designated charge, Aubrey, is now a grown woman. Finn promised Aubrey long ago that he would never leave Aubrey until he knew she was safe. Over time, Aubrey does not know exactly what he means by this. He communicates with her through phrases, shorthand or using his ability to move tangible objects in the real world. Although McDonald does not directly explain what type of ghost he is, Finn has the characteristics of a poltergeist. She has a best friend named Stella who can sense ghosts and types of energy. It is later revealed that Aubrey's best friend is also a witch. Early in the story, Aubrey receives a strange artifact with ancient symbols on them. It is delivered in a crate with an address and sender that after Aubrey's research, appears to fictional. She stores it in the stock room and nearly forgets about the relic. It becomes a crucial piece in the paranormal enigma that the author carefully guides the reader to help solve.

One day while Aubrey is opening the store, she is greeted by a tall, handsome and muscular stranger, who always carried two knives strapped to his body. She is surprised by his presence as he does not appear to be the antique or delicate porcelain buying sort. Roman has one intention, to find the source of a prophecy and to permanently disarm it. The prophecy was iterated long ago by a fallen angel named Gusion. He speaks of an orphan who has the ability to open a pathway that would unleash hell on earth, leading to the destruction of Wickwood and its inhabitants. From what Roman understands, Aubrey is his next target. The story shifts from Aubrey's inconsistent relationship with Finn, to Roman Milone's history. He is a demonologist and a demon hunter. Roman was a member of the Foreign Legion. He has practical combat skills and is able to successfully protect himself and others at a moment's notice—even if it involves the paranormal. He accepts his assignments through a local parish called Our Lady of Sacrifice. A priest by the name of Robertson usually doles out his assignments; that is to assess, identify and destroy demons. Roman learned most of what he knows about these entities due to his father, Grant Milone. Milone lost his mother and father when he was young. His father was friends with a man named Jude who also worked for the local church. Roman witnessed his father die at a young age at the hand of a great demon named Aym. Roman never forgave Jude who was at the battle. He is reluctant to trust Jude. During this battle, Aym, claims Roman and leaves a scar on his forearm. Milone believes he is forever tainted. This evil touch allows for him to detect demons nearby, which makes him more adequately skilled in combating and destroying them. The author makes a distinction between air demons, fire demons and earth demons. Air demons can easily possess human without being easily detected. Fire demons are "fully- formed, solid, and intelligent, making nests in homes of the unfortunates who thought there would be some gain in making a deal with evil." Their skin is "…red and cracked, their postures hunched." Earth demons bury themselves far into the ground.

Long ago, Roman encounters a demon born of a human as a result of one of his assignments. Its human mother died during childbirth. The demon has a huge appetite and changes colours like a chameleon which reflects the emotional state he is in. It also has the ability to make itself disappear and hide in plain sight. Moe can speak multiple languages of his realm, though he is not tainted by hell. However, Moe has difficulty speaking, especially when he is distracted by hunger, which is most of the time. The manner in which he filters his understanding of words is descriptions manifests through television and observation and translates in a sort of 'Yoda' speak. The author was able to make Moe a sympathetic character whose natural reactions and responses to things are amusing. When Roman found Moe as a babe, he was able to assess that Moe was not evil. The author makes an interesting distinction between Moe and humans. Aym's touch also provided Roman with the gift of reading souls. Thus, Milone can readily tell if someone has a higher degree of darkness or light. Moe, who was born a demon, technically has no soul, yet his master was able to determine that Moe was not tainted.

After Roman's initial encounter with Aubrey, comprised of her falling onto him due to her own clumsiness; he is able to easily read her. She is full of light, a near pure soul. He easily becomes conflicted with the prophecy, the entire purpose why he returned to Wickwood. Moe is ready to help Roman, whom he calls "Ro" to implement his mission. Roman provides different instructions that Moe will help him protect Aubrey instead of kill her. This was the last assignment that the dying Robertson gave Roman. Roman had promised he would carry it out.
Aubrey and Roman have an intense and mutual attraction towards one another. Aubrey directly confronts Roman with how she feels, each time regretting it, thinking her behaviour is unacceptable, especially when Roman keeps reminding her that someone else would be better for her. Aubrey's ghost Finn does not like her new acquaintance. Nevertheless, Aubrey hires Roman to work part time at the antique shop. His primary goal is to protect Aubrey. He knows that people are after her. Finn, her childhood ghost, wishes to protect her as well—from Roman.

Aubrey's best friend, Stella, visits the store on a near daily basis. When she is first introduced to Roman, Aubrey realized that they had known one another before. Roman had not only worked for the local parish, he consulted with a private company owned by the Lillers family. They too, investigate paranormal happenings, and with Stella's gifts with ghosts, she and Roman have encountered one another on more than one previous occasion. At some point, Aubrey and Roman begin to physically acknowledge their attraction to one another. During one of their bouts of passion in the store, Roman notices the content of the crate. He tells Aubrey that he knows someone who can translate the symbols on it. Roman takes the relic vase to Jude at the church that he accepts his assignments from.

Finn communicates to Aubrey that she is in danger. She finds his messages indecipherable and confusing. Finn becomes upset and begins to destroy nearly all of her inventory. Aubrey calls Stella. She cannot understand what he speaks, but only that Finn is upset. Aubrey thinks that it may be due time for Stella to help Finn to crossover to the other side. Due to Finn's actions, Aubrey seeks to restock her store with antiquities. She and Roman take her car to an estate sale on the outskirts of town. They have an eerie feeling after they arrive from the man hosting the sale. Roman and Aubrey decide to immediately leave. They are then tailed by another driver and hit. The car is steered off the road and into a ditch. Roman uses his survival skills to save her and move her car to a safe location. Aubrey suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. Their accident triggered the latter. Roman helps her breathe through it and help her mind to return to the present. He is more determined than before to protect her. Moe reminds Roman of the prophecy and Orphan Karle. Others intertwined in the story, a social worker, an FBI agent and Jude, help unravel the mystery of Orphan Karle. Aubrey does her own investigation and finds out that she had a brother. Aubrey and this half-sibling shared the same mother but had different fathers. This half-sibling was pure evil and physically harmed Aubrey when she was a child. The system decided to separate the two for Aubrey's safety. Ever since then, Aubrey has been living her own life, making her own dreams come true and moving forward—until now. Roman now believes Orphan Karle in the prophecy referred to Aubrey's brother not her. As Aubrey and Roman grow closer together, he
continues to accept his paranormal assignments. Aubrey demands to accompany Roman on one. There is a shed on the back of the property. A dead woman and a demon's nest. It was more evidence that her half-sibling, Shawn, was a devil-worshiper and summoning evil entities for years. He was also using his devil worship to help track down his innocent half-sister, Aubrey. After kidnapping or conspiring in her false imprisonment, Shawn planned on using his demon associates to kill her. Aubrey becomes unconscious from witnessing the remains of the scene. Once again, Roman rescues her. When she awakens, it is the first time she encounters Moe. Moe can understand many languages, but his innocence and curiosity causes him to sometimes disobey Roman. Roman take her home with him and Moe. The investigation and pursuit of demons continue.

Aubrey, Roman and the rest visit another person, Celeste who has a higher capability of communicating with ghosts. Finn's death is explained. The ghost's mysterious messages on Aubrey's windshield when she and Roman were ran off the road become clear. Her half-sibling had been stalking and tracking her for years and sought revenge for something she was not responsible for. Roman and Aubrey continue to become closer. As they prepare themselves for intimacy, Aubrey notices the scars on Roman's chest and the rest of his upper body. She is shocked. She had grown to care for him deeply and it hurt her that he would intentionally place himself in grave danger on numerous occasions. Roman is prepared for rejection. As it was when he initially encountered her light, he believed he would never be good enough for her. Aubrey only wanted to please him as much as he did her that day in the antique store. She displays compassionate affection towards his scars. Roman still doesn't understand why such a beautiful and good-hearted woman would ever want someone like him. She continues. In this moment, the author alludes to the scars that Roman and Aubrey share. Although many of his can are physically visible, he has unseen wounds. It is these that they have in common: both have supernatural entities as unexpected companions, both lost their family when they were young, both suffer from panic attacks, both sought purpose in their endeavours and both needed each other to heal and evolve. The author mentions Aubrey's passing thought of "She’d always wished for family but hadn’t ever imagined a homicidal sibling." Aubrey and Roman, along with Moe, had become their own new family. When Roman realizes that they love each other it only strengthens his resolve to protect Aubrey even more. He does not like it when she disobeys his request for her to not be alone. Eventually she realizes that " Beside him was the best, the safest, place for her to be—" Now, she does not like it when he accepts these dangerous missions to destroy demons. Yet, each allow for the other to be who they are in their natural state, with the author poignantly stating that Aubrey did not want to change him.

The next day, Roman receives a new assignment from the church. He leaves Moe to protect Aubrey. Roman expects Aubrey to stay at home or work only, but when she receives a call from Jude she does the opposite. He lures her to the church informing her that he understands the symbols and wanted her and Roman to be there when it is opened. She is hesitant, but acquiesces to his request. Meanwhile, Roman realizes that his new assignment was a ruse. After all this time, Finn reappears with messages informing Milone that Aubrey's in trouble at the church. Other authorities, as well as Stella are there. Roman enters and witnesses unconscious parishioners. He ventures to the lower level. The demon-hunter witnesses a dramatic scene, and Aubrey, the only one he has ever truly loved is at the center. A portal which allows for demons to enter this realm is opened by a device. It is the same one that caused an unfortunate incident in Aubrey's antique store a year or so ago. General Aym emerges in partial human form. Fire demons are sprawled in the shadows everywhere against the wall. Aubrey is bound. Jude is present. Roman needs to save Aubrey. His initial strategy of killing off the demons did not work. Shawn taunts Aubrey and admits his elabourate scheme was because he blames her for their mother's mental illness. Their mother is schizophrenic and he believes Aubrey was the reason she was in her incurable and criminal mental state. Aubrey was innocent and knew nothing of her mother's delusions or mental incapacity, she was an orphan as well. Her half-sibling reveals that he was never an orphan, which reverts Aubrey as the center of the prophecy again. Aym manipulates everyone by trying to make a deal with Roman. Moe had secretly followed Aubrey by using his invisibility powers. The fire demons now had innocent Moe in a trance. Roman pledges himself for Moe and Aubrey, but only if Aym kills Shawn immediately. He does. Shawn receives the fiery end that he always deserved. Aubrey tries to find a way to save Roman. Aymn directs Moe to feast on Jude or Aubrey. Aubrey breaks the relic vase. A large crack begins to overtake the land. Demons with weapons emerge. Fire demons and the rest, including Jude are sucked in. Aubrey was able to free herself and hold onto Roman. Roman thinks it is too late, but somehow Aubrey saves him. Aubrey was untainted and therefore could not enter Plight (hell). Her ability to hold onto Roman saves him as well. They realize how each was willing to sacrifice themselves for the other. Aubrey and Roman, with Moe accompanying him, decide to live together. They begin their new future as their own true family.

The Ghost Summoning interweaves magical realism and paranormal romance as the primary basis of the story. There are small portions in which the novel becomes 'police procedural', yet this does not detract from the overarching plot. The author was able to normalize the supernatural and make the reader comfortable with what many do not understand or willing to accept in today's reality. Certain parts of the book are graphic in relation to intimacy, but of a natural description for two consenting adults. The book also contains a few curse words for those of more sensitive reading. The author pens the story primarily in sequential order, though sometimes the characters' memories takes the authors back to a brief time for better understanding of why they are in the present situation. McDonald is able to use humour, vulnerability, loss, and obstinacy as the driving forces behind her characters' motivations. Sometimes one results from the other. In other moments, one is used to conceal the other. Yet, the protagonist and her love interest overcame more than most to have each other and the future they both deserved.

About the Reviewer: Patricia M. Muhammad is an American multi-genre fiction author of crossover contemporary romance/science fiction, science fiction/fantasy, mystery/detective and historical romance genres. She has written 21 novels. She reviews both fiction and non-fiction. Her favourite genres to read for leisure are magical realism and fantasy. Patricia is currently based in the United States.

[Heather McCorkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, y'all, OMG! I laughed out loud I can't tell you how many times. Aubrey is girl-next-door charming and sweet, but damaged and relatable in the most wonderful way. And Roman is the most delicious alpha male demon hunter with a surprisingly unique soft side that I have ever come across. But wait until you meet Moe. I absolutely fell in love with Moe from his first appearance on the page and cannot get enough of him. McDonald has blown me away yet again with this perfect addition to the world of Wickwood and has made me very hungry for whatever she has in store for us next.

[J.E. Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I jumped at the chance to review Ghost of a Summoning by J.E. McDonald, who happens to be a friend of mine, as well as a really great writer. Ghost of a Summoning is J.E. McDonald’s third book, and is both a fabulous paranormal romance and the third book in the Wickwood Chronicles. While the Wickwood Chronicles is a series, each book features a different duo, which makes it easy to jump in at any point.

Ghost of a Summoning follows Aubrey, a sweet, antique store owner with a ghost for a best friend, and Roman, a darkly mysterious demon hunter who has reason to believe Aubrey will be end of Wickwood.

Right from the start, both Aubrey and Roman charmed their way into my heart. I’ve honestly never wanted to own an antique store more. This wickedly compelling story is full of action and romantic tension and had enough mystery to keep me flipping the pages well past my regular bedtime. This book also has guest appearances by some of my favorite characters from the previous books, and of course features Wickwood, a quaint town with a paranormal twist that I’d love to visit.

But the real draw of this story is the way the romance builds between Aubrey and Roman, both of which are scared to get close to others. But their romance is sweet, sexy, and utterly believable. And while Aubrey and Roman are trying to figure out one another and just how they feel, Roman is also trying to determine how an amazing woman like Aubrey could cause the end of the world. I’m not going to give anything away, but I will tell you that the book will have you guessing right until the end.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two books into a 3 book series (yeah, I missed the first one) and I’d be hard pressed to pick a favorite so far. I adored Stella and Lucas in Ghost of an Enchantment, but Roman and Aubrey pulled me into their story just as much.

Readers met Aubrey in Ghost of an Enchantment because she was not only Stella’s best friend, but her roommate. They also looked out for each other, which was why when Roman started working for Aubrey, Stella was more than a little leery of the stranger. Aubrey wasn’t quick to trust either, but there was something about Roman that attracted her – and irritated her ghostly friend who had been with her since she was a child.

They were right to be wary of Roman, but not for the reasons that they thought. Nothing was quite what it seemed from either perspective. The closer that they got to each other, the more that they realized that there was more danger around them than they ever suspected and it was hard to figure out exactly who could be trusted. They were safer together though, even though they didn’t really understand why.

Ghost of a Summoning was full of twists turns, a helpful ghost, an adorable demon, a sweet romance and a dangerous and vengeful evil that would stop at nothing to get what it wanted and destroy everything and anyone that got in its way. I’m not sure what’s coming next in Wickwood Chronicles, but it’s obvious things are far from over. In the meantime, I may have to check out Ghost of a Gamble to see how things started. Better late than never, right? 😉

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Ghost of a Summoning. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman and Aubrey . . .

Antique store owner Aubrey Karle meets a handsome stranger who is looking for a job. But the ghost Finn who's been attached to Aubrey since childhood and protected her instantly dislikes the man to the point of violence.

Roman Milone has actual demons in his closet. He is a demon hunter trying to stop something bad prophesied by a fallen angel who said a woman will bring hell on Earth. But the sweet woman Aubrey can’t be the one; she is pure of heart and has a bright soul. Roman and Aubrey finally give in to their attraction, but a powerful demon appears. Can Roman keep Aubrey safe? Will they find out about Shawn from, Finn’s warnings? Will Roman start to put the clues together?

The story line is good here, with twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge of the seat. The characters are likable, making us wish for only the best for them. And yet they have evil encroaching into their lives. What is going on? And you won’t want to miss the Epilogue!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

You wouldn’t think a book with demons at its heart would be so funny. But that’s just the thing, the humor in this book drew me in. Drew me into the story so deeply that once I realized what was happening, there was no way out for me except to go through. By the time I had an inkling of where this book would take me, I had to know how Aubrey and Roman would defeat the prophesy designed to tear their worlds apart. And now that I have the answers I was so desperate for, I can’t wait to see what’s coming next in Wickwood. Besides, I NEED more Moe!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savoury

McDonald has built a refreshing new world in paranormal romance. I read a lot of this genre, and it all blends together after awhile. It's comforting,but predictable. But every new addition to Wickwood is exciting - her characters are relatable, the flaws aren't just window dressin that getsconveniently dropped for the sake of the plotg-they really inform their actions and the story. The new layers she adds to the world with each book are so fun and exciting. And this book is extra hilarious ... And steamy ... I blush - oh my! 😜 Her writing is so far from formulaic, if you love this genre but are looking for something new, Wickwood is where it's at.

[Susan Underbrink · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley and City Owl Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I believe this is the first time I am reading this author. I also believe that this is the 3rd in a series. I have not read the others and this reads great as a stand alone. I really enjoyed this book. A great mix of the paranormal, and romance. The characters are fascinating. I loved MOE. LOL The doughnuts scene! Roman and Aubrey are a interesting mix. Finn was just icing on the cake. Overall just an interesting read. 4.5 stars

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, couldn’t put it down. This is the third book in the series, I haven’t read the others. Although there are some hints at the other books this book stands on its own. Wonderfully developed characters, with human flaws and wishes, draw you in to the story. Witches, ghosts, demons, humour, romance, you’ll find all of these within a well written fast paced story line. An entertaining read. Now I’ve reached the end I’m going looking for the others in the series.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman is sent to kill someone that will cause catastrophe. When he finds Aubrey and her ghost Finn, he knows it can not be her and starts to protect her instead when a real demon comes calling. Loved the characters and the storyline was well written with plenty of drama, suspense, ghost tantrums, romance and more. The ending was great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marcia - itsabookthing2021 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved this series for a long time and when JE McDonald vamped them up and re-released them with new covers I knew now was the time for a re-read.
Ghost of A Summoning saw us focus on Aubrey, Stella's friend and shop owner. In the previous books we saw insights into Aubrey but none that could prepare us for this novel! I love her character, she's so down to earth and somewhat relatable, her past however is about to catch up with her - sounds ominous but I can't spoil it for you all.
Roman and Moe were an interesting addition to the characters we've grown to love and I thought their addition make for an excellent story... Again we have baggage! I love how these characters are created and how realistic they are. I love how we get appearances from previous characters and it keeps the series tied together. Agent Ander makes another appearance which was great as he has so much to give in the world of supernatural.
Ghost of A Summoning felt to me like a shift from the Paranormal that was book 1 and shift into the supernatural with all the demons. I always mention how JE McDonald hooks me with her writing but it's honestly true, as soon as I start a novel written by her I'm hooked to the very end. There's something in her style that grabs my attention, the world building, character creation...whatever it is, it works!
I really enjoyed reading this novel, even the emotional conclusion with Finn.

[Lauren Erzsebet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just firstly want to say wow just wow... This was a completely different story that shocked me with its unique approach.
I loved the character of Moe, I couldn't help but laugh at the little demon.
This book is packed full of humor, mystery, demons, darkness and love.
Aubrey's first encounter with Roman is beyond strange but he is there with purpose.
Roman is used to sending demons to the deep dark pits but a prophecy demands he now stop this woman from destroying Wickwood.
His first look at her has him see an innocence that he is confused by... How can this be the woman to damn the entire town?

The ghost child is a brilliant addition to this story but nothing beats the little demon who wants to munch on people or dogs.
The strength of brightness Roman sees in Aubrey's soul has him questioning the accuracy of the prophecy he has discovered.
Everything is set into motion but I loved the clear attraction between the two main characters from the first time their eyes met.
I think it is cute that Aubrey has a tendency to blurt or say things out loud that cause her embarrassment.
A creative and inspired story that had the author's skill capable of pulling the reader into this world infested with the demonic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathryn Troy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but....

This wasn't my favorite book in the series. The plot was good, for the most part, but it did drag a bit in the last few chapters, trying to tack too much on that wasn't necessary to keep the series going, and much that just retreaded the previous two entries. The best part of this book was Moe the demon, who reminded me so much if Golem, but in a cute way. That's a nice way of saying that the romantic chemistry just didn't click for me in this particular volume. A bit too much insta-lust for me to get onboard with their relationship. Not enough romantic tension in its own right in terms of character development- the characters were most fleshed out when they were with their respective paranormal companions, not each other.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. Wow. That is what I have to say right off the top. It is great to be back in the whimsy and magical world of the Woodwick Chronicles. These books never disappoint as they unfold in the most natural and organic way for me. I love the return of character and the addition of new ones that I can't want to learn more about in tales to come. Aubrey is said to bring on the end of the world and Roman a demon hunter comes to his hometown to find and stop this from happening. The two of them grow close but that does not mean their journey is an easy one by any means. There is no doubt it had my heart pounding out of my chest with each page I turned. I am craving more and more.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not what I expected, I thought Aubrey was just going to summon a ghost. This book is so much more. She does have a ghost friend, Finn, who can only communicate by fogging up glass or mirrors and can only talk in one or two word sentences. My favourite character is Moe, a baby demon who loves furry lollipops. Then there is Roman who has a job to do but he doesn’t want to complete it this time. I really like this story and loved the ending.I hope they will be in the other books. I do want to see if Stella and Lucas get married. I also want to know what is going to happen next in Wickwood. I would recommend this book and series. I plan to read the other books now that I have finished reading this book. I received a free book and the views and opinions are my own.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...I LOVED this!

This was such a fantastic book. I loved that it was not a quick read and had depth. Even though this is the first book from this author, I immediately went and bought the first book in this series so I could start from the beginning - even though it isn't necessary to enjoy this one .

I loved the whole story... Finn was so sweet and I'm glad he got his happy ending. Roman is... Wow!! Lol Aubrey's character was amazing as well. I can't give enough praise about this book. I wholeheartedly recommend it and I can't wait to read the next one!

I received an ARC for my honest review.