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Ghost Lover
Two sexy English brothers.
One irresistible ghost.
Who would you choose as your lover?
Completely broke and with a criminal record to boot, Senna Smith is one day from eviction from her apartment when Brendon, her promiscuous roommate from London, suggests she go to England, marry him, and manage his fortune. With few other options, she agrees to an open marriage. But she’ll never, ever, have sex with him, knowing if she falls in love with him, he’ll break her heart.
As trustee of Brendon’s family fortune, there is no way Brendon’s older brother, Garrison Durran, is going to let him marry a self-professed American gold-digger. As Senna tries to embrace castle life and English society for Brendon’s sake, Gar discovers Senna is the perfect woman for him--beautiful and intelligent, kind and caring. Now, if she wasn’t already engaged to his brother…
The ancestral ghost of Durran Castle has to intervene if the Durran brothers have any chance of an heir. He can’t leave them to fix matters on their own. They are useless buggers when it comes to love. As counselor to Gar, matchmaker for Brendon, and lover to Senna, a ghost’s work is never done.
CONTENT WARNING: Allergy warning: Ghost cat in book.
One irresistible ghost.
Who would you choose as your lover?
Completely broke and with a criminal record to boot, Senna Smith is one day from eviction from her apartment when Brendon, her promiscuous roommate from London, suggests she go to England, marry him, and manage his fortune. With few other options, she agrees to an open marriage. But she’ll never, ever, have sex with him, knowing if she falls in love with him, he’ll break her heart.
As trustee of Brendon’s family fortune, there is no way Brendon’s older brother, Garrison Durran, is going to let him marry a self-professed American gold-digger. As Senna tries to embrace castle life and English society for Brendon’s sake, Gar discovers Senna is the perfect woman for him--beautiful and intelligent, kind and caring. Now, if she wasn’t already engaged to his brother…
The ancestral ghost of Durran Castle has to intervene if the Durran brothers have any chance of an heir. He can’t leave them to fix matters on their own. They are useless buggers when it comes to love. As counselor to Gar, matchmaker for Brendon, and lover to Senna, a ghost’s work is never done.
CONTENT WARNING: Allergy warning: Ghost cat in book.
- GenresRomanceParanormal
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2013
16 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Liza O'Connor
58 books92 followersLiza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog Jess. They hike in fabulous woods every day, rain or shine, sleet or snow. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small cessnas in NJ, hang glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer and dabbler in watercolors. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 23, 2017
Fun and adventure awaits anyone who reads Ghost Lover by Liza O’Connor. What it lacks in heat it makes up for in comical moments with self-professed American gold-digger, a couple sexy English brothers and mischievous ghosts.
Truly the best part of the entire book is the lovable cast of characters from sweet Senna to the ghostly Mr Finch. The all have such quirky personalities (including the ghosts!) you can't help but to adore the whole bunch. The dialog is quick, witty and fully of smarmy comebacks. Brandon had me in stitches. Senna’s patience with him was simply amazing. I personally would have clobbered him. My favorite kind of romance story is one that makes me laugh and I was cracking up through most of this book. Even though, the story was a bit predictable I thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course, there is a happy ending and while I did have certain expectations of what was going to happen, the final outcome of Senna’s criminal record was a unexpected surprise.
This is my first book by author Liza O’Connor and if the rest of her books are this much fun to read them I’ll be adding her to my need-to-read authors. Consider Ghost Lover as a recommended book.
I received this book from JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 4 Flames - 2
Truly the best part of the entire book is the lovable cast of characters from sweet Senna to the ghostly Mr Finch. The all have such quirky personalities (including the ghosts!) you can't help but to adore the whole bunch. The dialog is quick, witty and fully of smarmy comebacks. Brandon had me in stitches. Senna’s patience with him was simply amazing. I personally would have clobbered him. My favorite kind of romance story is one that makes me laugh and I was cracking up through most of this book. Even though, the story was a bit predictable I thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course, there is a happy ending and while I did have certain expectations of what was going to happen, the final outcome of Senna’s criminal record was a unexpected surprise.
This is my first book by author Liza O’Connor and if the rest of her books are this much fun to read them I’ll be adding her to my need-to-read authors. Consider Ghost Lover as a recommended book.
I received this book from JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 4 Flames - 2
November 26, 2015
The name and blurb of this book just called out to me to read. With two brothers who want Senna for different reasons, an interfering spectral relative, and a ghost cat, how could I not?
At times, Senna Smith seemed like a push over. She is also a nice trusting woman trying to make the best of her life, just scraping by after a mishap left her struggling. She agrees to marry Brendon Durran, who pretty much invades her life one night several months earlier, under the pretense that she’d be helping him out. Senna has no intentions of finding love. But isn’t that when it just finds you?
Then there is Brendon… I didn’t like him much. He is a spoiled brat, a child in a man’s body, who thinks the world owes him everything. For some reason, he is able to charm women into falling at his feet, which he takes full advantage of.
Garrison Durran has watched over his brother, Brendon, all his life. He is at his wits end dealing with him. When Brendon brings Senna home, Garrison knows she’s a gold digger and wants her gone. As he gets to know her, he starts to thinking differently. His grumpy disposition begins to change as feelings for Senna emerge. Of course, this causes a problem since she is already engaged to his brother. With the help of his ghostly ancestor and the spectral cat, they try to untangle the mess so everyone can find happiness.
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t until more toward the end of the story before I could even begin to like Brendon. However, I felt connected with Senna and her struggle to fit into a different society. Even with the struggles, there were some laugh out loud moments. With some matchmaking ghosts, who also cause mischief, this is a book worth picking up.
At times, Senna Smith seemed like a push over. She is also a nice trusting woman trying to make the best of her life, just scraping by after a mishap left her struggling. She agrees to marry Brendon Durran, who pretty much invades her life one night several months earlier, under the pretense that she’d be helping him out. Senna has no intentions of finding love. But isn’t that when it just finds you?
Then there is Brendon… I didn’t like him much. He is a spoiled brat, a child in a man’s body, who thinks the world owes him everything. For some reason, he is able to charm women into falling at his feet, which he takes full advantage of.
Garrison Durran has watched over his brother, Brendon, all his life. He is at his wits end dealing with him. When Brendon brings Senna home, Garrison knows she’s a gold digger and wants her gone. As he gets to know her, he starts to thinking differently. His grumpy disposition begins to change as feelings for Senna emerge. Of course, this causes a problem since she is already engaged to his brother. With the help of his ghostly ancestor and the spectral cat, they try to untangle the mess so everyone can find happiness.
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t until more toward the end of the story before I could even begin to like Brendon. However, I felt connected with Senna and her struggle to fit into a different society. Even with the struggles, there were some laugh out loud moments. With some matchmaking ghosts, who also cause mischief, this is a book worth picking up.
December 10, 2013
copy provided by author for honest review
So i'm going to admit even after reading the blurb i was a little confused about what to expect from this book. and i did have a few problems getting started i probably read the first couple of pages three times before i was in the right head space to keep reading.
That being said once I got to the end of the first chapter I was hooked. I loved the way Liza wrote the book so you would have been happy no matter who Senna ended up with and I am totally including Lassier in this.
I don't want to give too much away but i loved how it played out and i admit the end came all too soon.
Definitely a wonderful read i highly recommend it.
So i'm going to admit even after reading the blurb i was a little confused about what to expect from this book. and i did have a few problems getting started i probably read the first couple of pages three times before i was in the right head space to keep reading.
That being said once I got to the end of the first chapter I was hooked. I loved the way Liza wrote the book so you would have been happy no matter who Senna ended up with and I am totally including Lassier in this.
I don't want to give too much away but i loved how it played out and i admit the end came all too soon.
Definitely a wonderful read i highly recommend it.
August 14, 2015
In all honesty I expected the book to be better. I can't really put it into words.
I loved Mr. Finch a book solely on Mr. Finch would be a winner for me.
I loved Mr. Finch a book solely on Mr. Finch would be a winner for me.
November 11, 2013
Those wanting a fantasy-like story with a far-fetched theme and actions will find Ghost Lover an entertaining ride. From its unbelievable start of the sweet-natured Senna marrying Brendon so he can pay her back using his trust fund to the numerous interactions with two larger than life ghosts, this story keeps you experiencing the unexpected.
I liked Senna for the most part, though she could be too forgiving at times. She has an interesting past that belies her sweet disposition and I applaud her dealings with the irascible Brendon throughout their friendship and current engagement. Her meeting with older brother Gar is full of fireworks and shows a woman of fortitude who doesn't let him beat her down. Gar is very rigid and regimented when we first meet him, very suspicious of Senna. His relationship with Brendon is fractured and not very warm at times. they both had harsh and somewhat lonely childhoods which has kept them from becoming close. Gar's relationship with Senna seems impossible at first but outside forces know best and push them together into a definitive and satisfying HEA.
The dialogue is enjoyable with witty and fast-paced banter. I enjoyed Brendon's humor and carefree ways though he left me frustrated at times too for his less than adult-like behavior. The ghosts are entertaining with human-like personalities and they provided many humorous moments too. This was a fun story overall that forces you to leave true belief at the door and just enjoy the ride. Enjoy the fully fleshed-out characters, unique setting, and otherworldly characters to make the HEA even more satisfying and look for more from Ms. O'Connor.
I liked Senna for the most part, though she could be too forgiving at times. She has an interesting past that belies her sweet disposition and I applaud her dealings with the irascible Brendon throughout their friendship and current engagement. Her meeting with older brother Gar is full of fireworks and shows a woman of fortitude who doesn't let him beat her down. Gar is very rigid and regimented when we first meet him, very suspicious of Senna. His relationship with Brendon is fractured and not very warm at times. they both had harsh and somewhat lonely childhoods which has kept them from becoming close. Gar's relationship with Senna seems impossible at first but outside forces know best and push them together into a definitive and satisfying HEA.
The dialogue is enjoyable with witty and fast-paced banter. I enjoyed Brendon's humor and carefree ways though he left me frustrated at times too for his less than adult-like behavior. The ghosts are entertaining with human-like personalities and they provided many humorous moments too. This was a fun story overall that forces you to leave true belief at the door and just enjoy the ride. Enjoy the fully fleshed-out characters, unique setting, and otherworldly characters to make the HEA even more satisfying and look for more from Ms. O'Connor.
February 24, 2014
Absolutely captivating. The story grabbed and mesmerized from page one. Based on the title, I wasn’t sure what was coming, and what did, was pure smile educing.
Ghost Lover holds a little bit of everything, all rolled into one. Mystery, romance, heat, angst and humor. It’s all there.
A True whimsical treat.
Thumbs Up!
Ghost Lover holds a little bit of everything, all rolled into one. Mystery, romance, heat, angst and humor. It’s all there.
A True whimsical treat.
Thumbs Up!
September 2, 2017
This is a weird, but oddly satisfying romance. I liked that there was more to the story than just two people meeting, falling in love, "overcoming" some inane "trial" or "crisis" and then living happily ever after. That would have been supremely boring. Instead, this novel had some great characters - yes, I loved the ocelot the most - and some complex life issues that were wrapped up nicely by the end of the novel. I don't think readers will really be surprised; the twists seemed obvious to me, but were no less entertaining for it.
What I didn't like: First, there's a manic element that bleeds from one of the characters into the whole house at one point, and people say weird and crazy things. This same manic feeling showed up in the court scene as well. While it's always great to see the bad guys get their comeuppance, that whole bit about the attempted manslaughter being reckless behavior didn't quite make any sense. It didn't seem credible, though the challenges of inserting historical or outdated legal data into a modern computer system made perfect sense! Second, I did not like the sex scenes with Lassier; they were too much and over the top. They didn't advance the plot, could have easily been left out, and quite frankly were creepy and disturbing. That bit made this novel lose a whole star all by itself. I don't appreciate when an author either 1) can't come up with a decent enough plot to sell the book without loads of sex, or 2) has a great plot but assumes readers need sex scenes to enjoy the book, thus ruining the fantastic story with gratuitous fluff or disturbing grit. Clearly, this novel seems to fall into the second situation. Last, Then there were some obvious and glaring editing issues, e.g. "alluding arrest" instead of "evading arrest".
Overall, I enjoyed the novel and how some characters kept their promises and honored their words even when the others seemed to lose their integrity altogether.
What I didn't like: First, there's a manic element that bleeds from one of the characters into the whole house at one point, and people say weird and crazy things. This same manic feeling showed up in the court scene as well. While it's always great to see the bad guys get their comeuppance, that whole bit about the attempted manslaughter being reckless behavior didn't quite make any sense. It didn't seem credible, though the challenges of inserting historical or outdated legal data into a modern computer system made perfect sense! Second, I did not like the sex scenes with Lassier; they were too much and over the top. They didn't advance the plot, could have easily been left out, and quite frankly were creepy and disturbing. That bit made this novel lose a whole star all by itself. I don't appreciate when an author either 1) can't come up with a decent enough plot to sell the book without loads of sex, or 2) has a great plot but assumes readers need sex scenes to enjoy the book, thus ruining the fantastic story with gratuitous fluff or disturbing grit. Clearly, this novel seems to fall into the second situation. Last, Then there were some obvious and glaring editing issues, e.g. "alluding arrest" instead of "evading arrest".
Overall, I enjoyed the novel and how some characters kept their promises and honored their words even when the others seemed to lose their integrity altogether.
September 8, 2017
A Sweet Read
This book was unique in it's storyline and so much fun to read! An American girl living in poverty meets
A Brit that she can't help but want to rescue. He's honest that he's always out for a good time and will never
be faithful. She agrees to marry him because he'll become rich when he's married. She doesn't love him and agrees.
Off to England they go to meet his ogre of a brother and she does fall in love with the castle, the ghosts and someone else. Lots of fun!
This book was unique in it's storyline and so much fun to read! An American girl living in poverty meets
A Brit that she can't help but want to rescue. He's honest that he's always out for a good time and will never
be faithful. She agrees to marry him because he'll become rich when he's married. She doesn't love him and agrees.
Off to England they go to meet his ogre of a brother and she does fall in love with the castle, the ghosts and someone else. Lots of fun!
September 6, 2017
I Loved This story!
The characters are wonderful. I really LOVE the spiritual interaction as well as the Pyrenees of heart of the main character. I would be happy to know someone like her. Also the interaction between the siblings is tho, like fire and ice, very very fun. Would recommend this book to anyone looking for a well written book with subtle plotlines and such a loveable bad boy you find yourself rooting for him. Well done!
The characters are wonderful. I really LOVE the spiritual interaction as well as the Pyrenees of heart of the main character. I would be happy to know someone like her. Also the interaction between the siblings is tho, like fire and ice, very very fun. Would recommend this book to anyone looking for a well written book with subtle plotlines and such a loveable bad boy you find yourself rooting for him. Well done!
September 7, 2017
Love this book
I couldn't stop reading this book it had me laughing. And I really like all the characters. Would love another story based on these same characters.
I couldn't stop reading this book it had me laughing. And I really like all the characters. Would love another story based on these same characters.
February 16, 2020
Ghost Lover
I really enjoyed this book. It had a very interesting love to the characters. An interesting begining, middle and ending.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a very interesting love to the characters. An interesting begining, middle and ending.
July 6, 2015
I obtained a free copy in exchange for an honest review. It’s an exciting book, if not often wholly realistic. I would recommend it for some fun holiday reading or for the young adult audience (if you’re happy for the detailed sex scenes to be read!)
Ghost Lover is not a novel for those who value realism, and that does not mean there’s a lack of realism because there are ghosts in the story; it is the characters and situations in this book which defy reality rather than the paranormal characters which, if anything, are more magical realist interlopers.
Brendon and Gar are brothers; rich, upper class men based in the United Kingdom, and yet they act like over the top, ridiculously selfish, pre-pubescent boys who’ve never been taught manners. There is some reasoning for this, as they’ve had a terrible upbringing, but it was shock to find a romance novel with such immature and rude male protagonists.
The setting is also exaggerated and surreal as these brothers live in a huge house in the country, basically a mansion. Few of these still survive today and even fewer with rich, attractive brothers attached rather than an architecture-loving charity or grey-haired old men.
The plot follows the same route as the setting: Senna is willingly whisked away to the UK when she passively lets Brendon steal her money and not pay her back, with the condition if she marries him, she can have some of his trust fund. Many questions hit me at this point. Why would she trust him? Has he proved this trust fund exists? No. Why would she go with him then? The questions remain. Even later in the book, etiquette becomes a major concern and a large ball is hosted where Senna fails to make a great impression. For a modern day, contemporary romance, this does not reflect even the upper class within the UK that I live in. Balls are a very rare, special occurrence rather than everyday and the upper class are much more in line with the rest of the population than in previous decades.
Having said this, I was enamoured with Mr Finch, the ghost cat, and Lassier, the promiscuous orgasm-inducing ghost, ancestor to our boys Brendon and Gar. Lassier is the brains and the schemer behind the love interests the brothers eventually find and works behind the scenes to ensure a future generation for his family line, even if it means literally taking over his descendents’ bodies to do so. Mr Finch is a much warmer, cuddlier, and seemingly harmless purring cat who sometimes gets ticked off and throws papers to the floor but otherwise doesn’t really impact on the plot.
What surprises me with Ghost Lover, is that, despite all the inconsistencies in “norms” for the contemporary UK, despite the over the top, lacking in believability character traits and despite the slightly too perfect ending, I enjoyed reading it. It isn’t realistic and doesn’t appear to pretend to be. It’s a bit of pure fun where logic can remain suspended just long enough for the weird boy to get the equally strange girl.
Ghost Lover is not a novel for those who value realism, and that does not mean there’s a lack of realism because there are ghosts in the story; it is the characters and situations in this book which defy reality rather than the paranormal characters which, if anything, are more magical realist interlopers.
Brendon and Gar are brothers; rich, upper class men based in the United Kingdom, and yet they act like over the top, ridiculously selfish, pre-pubescent boys who’ve never been taught manners. There is some reasoning for this, as they’ve had a terrible upbringing, but it was shock to find a romance novel with such immature and rude male protagonists.
The setting is also exaggerated and surreal as these brothers live in a huge house in the country, basically a mansion. Few of these still survive today and even fewer with rich, attractive brothers attached rather than an architecture-loving charity or grey-haired old men.
The plot follows the same route as the setting: Senna is willingly whisked away to the UK when she passively lets Brendon steal her money and not pay her back, with the condition if she marries him, she can have some of his trust fund. Many questions hit me at this point. Why would she trust him? Has he proved this trust fund exists? No. Why would she go with him then? The questions remain. Even later in the book, etiquette becomes a major concern and a large ball is hosted where Senna fails to make a great impression. For a modern day, contemporary romance, this does not reflect even the upper class within the UK that I live in. Balls are a very rare, special occurrence rather than everyday and the upper class are much more in line with the rest of the population than in previous decades.
Having said this, I was enamoured with Mr Finch, the ghost cat, and Lassier, the promiscuous orgasm-inducing ghost, ancestor to our boys Brendon and Gar. Lassier is the brains and the schemer behind the love interests the brothers eventually find and works behind the scenes to ensure a future generation for his family line, even if it means literally taking over his descendents’ bodies to do so. Mr Finch is a much warmer, cuddlier, and seemingly harmless purring cat who sometimes gets ticked off and throws papers to the floor but otherwise doesn’t really impact on the plot.
What surprises me with Ghost Lover, is that, despite all the inconsistencies in “norms” for the contemporary UK, despite the over the top, lacking in believability character traits and despite the slightly too perfect ending, I enjoyed reading it. It isn’t realistic and doesn’t appear to pretend to be. It’s a bit of pure fun where logic can remain suspended just long enough for the weird boy to get the equally strange girl.
December 2, 2013
Ghost Lover by Liza O’Connor
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
A romance with a difference here. I loved Mr Finch the ghost cat – he was a great addition. This is a light-hearted happy, at times sappy, romance. There's some light drama but nothing that made me feel very sad. I did get impatient at times with Senna's always happy outlook, and Brendons complete selfishness. All the characters are OTT to a degree, and that affected how I felt about them. They seemed sometimes like teenagers rather than supposedly mature individuals. Anyway that’s the moans out the way, now for the good parts.
Its a HEA for everybody and I love that. Its an interesting and at times convoluted plot but all the tangles gradually weave together for the best outcome for each. The ghost additions made it different and unusual, without those it would have been a definite humdrum romance for me, but there were parts that really made me smile. I'd have chain-sawed the weird trees and bushes too! I think more could have been made of Gar's fiancée..she was in briefly, provided some amusement and then..gone. I like a “good” bitch in a romance, some one to dislike :) and she was perfect. You need to stretch credulity to believe why Senna is classed as criminal, and that got quite unnecessarily complex at times I felt. Brendon was such a man-whore that even Senna must have felt slighted at times, and yet she just kept on smiling – she made me think of that Duracell battery ad where the little rabbits kept drumming on and on and on...
Caitlin was a real bitch at times, I know she had a bad background but she was very selfish, and I didn't like her. For Brendon though she was perfect so although individually I didn't like all the characters together they made an interesting and fun team.
I don't have price info but it's a reasonable length at 74,000 words. I feel longer stories always work better especially when they're as complex as this one :) A fun and unusual paranormal romance.
Stars: four.
NB: ARC supplied via Lyrical Press.
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
A romance with a difference here. I loved Mr Finch the ghost cat – he was a great addition. This is a light-hearted happy, at times sappy, romance. There's some light drama but nothing that made me feel very sad. I did get impatient at times with Senna's always happy outlook, and Brendons complete selfishness. All the characters are OTT to a degree, and that affected how I felt about them. They seemed sometimes like teenagers rather than supposedly mature individuals. Anyway that’s the moans out the way, now for the good parts.
Its a HEA for everybody and I love that. Its an interesting and at times convoluted plot but all the tangles gradually weave together for the best outcome for each. The ghost additions made it different and unusual, without those it would have been a definite humdrum romance for me, but there were parts that really made me smile. I'd have chain-sawed the weird trees and bushes too! I think more could have been made of Gar's fiancée..she was in briefly, provided some amusement and then..gone. I like a “good” bitch in a romance, some one to dislike :) and she was perfect. You need to stretch credulity to believe why Senna is classed as criminal, and that got quite unnecessarily complex at times I felt. Brendon was such a man-whore that even Senna must have felt slighted at times, and yet she just kept on smiling – she made me think of that Duracell battery ad where the little rabbits kept drumming on and on and on...
Caitlin was a real bitch at times, I know she had a bad background but she was very selfish, and I didn't like her. For Brendon though she was perfect so although individually I didn't like all the characters together they made an interesting and fun team.
I don't have price info but it's a reasonable length at 74,000 words. I feel longer stories always work better especially when they're as complex as this one :) A fun and unusual paranormal romance.
Stars: four.
NB: ARC supplied via Lyrical Press.
May 8, 2014
I didnt know what to expect when I got this, I just liked the idea of the ghost lover. But... (spoiler alert!) it's not really about the ghost lover at all. It's about an American girl who agrees to marry an English aristocrat for their mutual convenience and their close friendship, but when she gets to England she falls in love with his brother instead. Unfotunately the brothers dont get on and it's all a bit of a trial for Senna between duty and happiness.
There are ghosts, and one in particular who does seduce Senna, simply because he is the very image of the man she really loves, and a very fun ghost cat, but actually I thought there could have been a lot more made of the ghosts, after all the whole castle is supposed to be full of them.
I have to say that the brothers Gar and Brendon were brilliantly written. Their personalities jump off the page and I was partly in love with both of them myself!
The storyline is really good right up until the end, where it all gets a bit obvious and cliche. I actually considered dropping a star for the utter predictability of Senna and Cat being sisters, and how Brendon and Cat suddenly fall in love despite the fact they appear to know nothing about each other except that they really fancy each other, not really a basis for marriage, but there we are; and most irritating of all was Senna happily embracing the parents who had abandoned her, acting as if their worst crime was taking her to the dentist, rather than subjecting her to a life of misery and poverty in an orphanage. I felt like climbing into the pages and slapping her for her ready forgiveness, and slapping her mother for good measure while I was there. But hey, in the end this had to have five stars simply because I couldnt put it down. I sat up until the early hours to finish it. I enjoyed it enormously and I just wish the ending hadnt felt so rushed, because quite honestly I could have read at least another hour to finish it a little more realistically. But everyone gets their happy-ever-after, and I really do recommend this book as an entertaining romance.
There are ghosts, and one in particular who does seduce Senna, simply because he is the very image of the man she really loves, and a very fun ghost cat, but actually I thought there could have been a lot more made of the ghosts, after all the whole castle is supposed to be full of them.
I have to say that the brothers Gar and Brendon were brilliantly written. Their personalities jump off the page and I was partly in love with both of them myself!
The storyline is really good right up until the end, where it all gets a bit obvious and cliche. I actually considered dropping a star for the utter predictability of Senna and Cat being sisters, and how Brendon and Cat suddenly fall in love despite the fact they appear to know nothing about each other except that they really fancy each other, not really a basis for marriage, but there we are; and most irritating of all was Senna happily embracing the parents who had abandoned her, acting as if their worst crime was taking her to the dentist, rather than subjecting her to a life of misery and poverty in an orphanage. I felt like climbing into the pages and slapping her for her ready forgiveness, and slapping her mother for good measure while I was there. But hey, in the end this had to have five stars simply because I couldnt put it down. I sat up until the early hours to finish it. I enjoyed it enormously and I just wish the ending hadnt felt so rushed, because quite honestly I could have read at least another hour to finish it a little more realistically. But everyone gets their happy-ever-after, and I really do recommend this book as an entertaining romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2013
Senna is friends with Brendon. She is broke so they strike up a deal that they will marry so he can get access to his trust fund and he will support her. She has made it clear that the marriage will be in name only and he is free to have as many relationships as he wants. Even though Brendon has stolen from her, she sees only the best in him and blames his upbringing for him being the way he is. They head to Brendon's family's castle in England so Senna can meet Gar, his brother who is responsible for his trust.
At first there is friction between Gar and Senna but as they get to know each other, they begin to care for each other. But alas, she is engaged to his brother. The castle has ghosts ... two appear prominently in this story. One is a ghost cat named Mr. Finch and the other is Lassier, an ancestor of Gar and Brendon's who has a hand in guiding the events that happen.
This is the second book I've read by this author and I liked it. The story is farfetched and silly at times but it's a fun read. You have to leave your sense of belief at the door and go with it. I liked the writing style ... it's written in third person. At times the language is for mature readers.
The characters are fun. Senna is caring and loyal. Gar starts out being dominating and mean but with Senna's influence ends up being a nice guy. When I was reading this book, I pictured Russell Brand as Brendon ... spoiled and selfish but not meaning any harm.
If you are looking for a fun romantic escape, you should check this book out.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/11...
At first there is friction between Gar and Senna but as they get to know each other, they begin to care for each other. But alas, she is engaged to his brother. The castle has ghosts ... two appear prominently in this story. One is a ghost cat named Mr. Finch and the other is Lassier, an ancestor of Gar and Brendon's who has a hand in guiding the events that happen.
This is the second book I've read by this author and I liked it. The story is farfetched and silly at times but it's a fun read. You have to leave your sense of belief at the door and go with it. I liked the writing style ... it's written in third person. At times the language is for mature readers.
The characters are fun. Senna is caring and loyal. Gar starts out being dominating and mean but with Senna's influence ends up being a nice guy. When I was reading this book, I pictured Russell Brand as Brendon ... spoiled and selfish but not meaning any harm.
If you are looking for a fun romantic escape, you should check this book out.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/11...
January 15, 2014
You will laugh—a good deep laugh. This book is that funny. The characters are quirky—my kind of folks. In the light of day, I saw their attributes, but when things got dark and murky, their flaws upset me. Much like life, those who matter most will disturb us the most. Of course, as with nearly all things humorous, their traits are over the top. The plain and astounding truth is that when handled by a writer skilled in wittiness, we are a damn funny species. Liza O’Connor has this skill.
Senna is naive, negatively hopeful, and far too trusting. When I wasn’t sighing ‘awe,’ I wanted to slap her. But she is likable, and I enjoyed her growth; I think you will, too.
Brendon, oh, Brendon, how I went from wanting to strangle him, to wanting to mother him, then back to strangling. It's said you can’t outrun your past, and Brendon has a humdinger. I felt outraged for him and wanted him to rise victorious. No spoilers here. You’ll need to read Ghost Lover to see if he does.
As to Gar, well, he runs on knives of his own stubborn sense of responsibility. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and though only figuratively, his is quite weighty. Go ahead and pity him. I did. But you won’t linger there long. Liza O’Connor won’t let you.
The two ghosts, human and feline, are hilarious, and they add great levity to some serious subject matter. And for those seeking a HEA, Ghost Lover won’t disappoint; however, Liza O’Connor will throw in a few curve balls along the way. So buckle up, it’s gonna get bumpy.
***** I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Senna is naive, negatively hopeful, and far too trusting. When I wasn’t sighing ‘awe,’ I wanted to slap her. But she is likable, and I enjoyed her growth; I think you will, too.
Brendon, oh, Brendon, how I went from wanting to strangle him, to wanting to mother him, then back to strangling. It's said you can’t outrun your past, and Brendon has a humdinger. I felt outraged for him and wanted him to rise victorious. No spoilers here. You’ll need to read Ghost Lover to see if he does.
As to Gar, well, he runs on knives of his own stubborn sense of responsibility. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and though only figuratively, his is quite weighty. Go ahead and pity him. I did. But you won’t linger there long. Liza O’Connor won’t let you.
The two ghosts, human and feline, are hilarious, and they add great levity to some serious subject matter. And for those seeking a HEA, Ghost Lover won’t disappoint; however, Liza O’Connor will throw in a few curve balls along the way. So buckle up, it’s gonna get bumpy.
***** I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2014
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t stop laughing while reading it. I loved the author’s writing style, her wit and humor just added to my enjoyment.
The characters were simply amazing, though the ghosts stole the show for me. While I’m not usually a fan of overly goody-goody characters like Senna, I liked her a lot. She was an engaging character, and I loved the mix of caring, motherly figure with the fiery, no-nonsense spitfire. And while I was a bit ticked with Gar, he slowly overcame that and made me fall for him. Add in the outrageous, childish Brendon, and the crazy, artistic Catlain, and you have one heck of a cast. Add in one ghost cat and one sexy dead man, and the story just gets so much better.
All in all, I absolutely loved this book, and I would definitely recommend this book and this author.
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t stop laughing while reading it. I loved the author’s writing style, her wit and humor just added to my enjoyment.
The characters were simply amazing, though the ghosts stole the show for me. While I’m not usually a fan of overly goody-goody characters like Senna, I liked her a lot. She was an engaging character, and I loved the mix of caring, motherly figure with the fiery, no-nonsense spitfire. And while I was a bit ticked with Gar, he slowly overcame that and made me fall for him. Add in the outrageous, childish Brendon, and the crazy, artistic Catlain, and you have one heck of a cast. Add in one ghost cat and one sexy dead man, and the story just gets so much better.
All in all, I absolutely loved this book, and I would definitely recommend this book and this author.
September 22, 2014
I enjoyed the story, but it took awhile before the ghost came into play. In fact, the beginning of the book seemed to resemble the movie “Sabrina.” So if you liked that movie, you’ll probably enjoy this book. I certainly breezed through it.
There's no picture with the version I read (although I could have sworn there used to be). I hope it can be returned, because I'd like to see the cover of the paperback shown here!
There's no picture with the version I read (although I could have sworn there used to be). I hope it can be returned, because I'd like to see the cover of the paperback shown here!
April 24, 2014
When I saw this book, I couldn't resist buy it. I'm glad I did. The characters are great - my favorite is Cat - she is lovable yet rough around the edges and not perfect.
This story had twists and turns that I didn't expect, but was pleasantly surprised.
The ending was superb and had me sighing in contentment. This story is captivating, and I want my own ghost cat :)
So far, this is my favorite book by Liza O'Connor.
This story had twists and turns that I didn't expect, but was pleasantly surprised.
The ending was superb and had me sighing in contentment. This story is captivating, and I want my own ghost cat :)
So far, this is my favorite book by Liza O'Connor.
April 17, 2014
Liza's books are always fun reads that have twists and turns to surprise the reader. Ghost Lover is filled with memorable characters who have quirks but remain true to their personalities. Gar and his brother are opposites in so many ways except their need for love and acceptance. I would have loved to string their parents up.
This tale charms and beguiles the reader. I dare you not to fall for them and wish for your own prince with a castle.
This tale charms and beguiles the reader. I dare you not to fall for them and wish for your own prince with a castle.
January 18, 2016
Couldn't make sense of it.
I was too annoyed to try to make sense of who these irritable people are, why they're sleeping on a floor and what their various problems were as though the author thinks I should magically know or care. I don't. She can't be bothered explaining, I can't be bothered reading. Next!
I was too annoyed to try to make sense of who these irritable people are, why they're sleeping on a floor and what their various problems were as though the author thinks I should magically know or care. I don't. She can't be bothered explaining, I can't be bothered reading. Next!
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