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teresab78's review against another edition
5.0
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
4.75 Stars
A Frost of Cares was just about perfect! It had a spooky setting with the winter chill and the huge dusty manor; a creepy ghost with a tragic backstory; two damaged men thrown in together to face the challenge.
The way the story was told was unique – it was a recount of the situation from 10 years later in a written document Luke was making. We know how the couple ends up, we know in advance that there is a happy ending. What we don’t know is why Luke still suffers from nightmares and has to sleep with the light on more often than not. Sometimes I felt this style of narration took away from the tension built in the book. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it kept the story from being a horror novel.
I did love both Jay and Luke! They fit together and I really liked how the relationship progressed, even if it was a bit fast.
The ghost was great and the tone wavered between sweet and macabre just the way I like. The escalation of the ghost toward the end ramped up the tension and led to a fantastic climax.
Despite being a novella, it didn’t feel short or rushed. It was the perfect length for the story.
Definitely check this one out.
4.75 Stars
A Frost of Cares was just about perfect! It had a spooky setting with the winter chill and the huge dusty manor; a creepy ghost with a tragic backstory; two damaged men thrown in together to face the challenge.
The way the story was told was unique – it was a recount of the situation from 10 years later in a written document Luke was making. We know how the couple ends up, we know in advance that there is a happy ending. What we don’t know is why Luke still suffers from nightmares and has to sleep with the light on more often than not. Sometimes I felt this style of narration took away from the tension built in the book. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it kept the story from being a horror novel.
I did love both Jay and Luke! They fit together and I really liked how the relationship progressed, even if it was a bit fast.
The ghost was great and the tone wavered between sweet and macabre just the way I like. The escalation of the ghost toward the end ramped up the tension and led to a fantastic climax.
Despite being a novella, it didn’t feel short or rushed. It was the perfect length for the story.
Definitely check this one out.
castairs's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't expecting to like this so much.
Everything happens in the same building and there's only two characters and a ghost for most of the story, but I was never bored. There was a good balance between the creepy ghost incidents and the developing relationship between Luke and Jay. Both of them were easy to like and I loved the glimpses we got of their relationship as a married couple through Luke's narration.
Everything happens in the same building and there's only two characters and a ghost for most of the story, but I was never bored. There was a good balance between the creepy ghost incidents and the developing relationship between Luke and Jay. Both of them were easy to like and I loved the glimpses we got of their relationship as a married couple through Luke's narration.
rozarka's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Usually I'm not into gothic ghost stories but this one is an exception. Skillfully written with an excellent character work.
cleo_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Ooof. This is such a good ghost story and romance. Genuinely scary and sweet.
suze_1624's review against another edition
4.0
Luke is writing his story as a way of exorcising his ghosts - one he has had for years and one that comes with a new job.
I enjoyed Luke and Jay together, both with issues but they, and especially Jay, gradually thaw. Though it helps having a ghost to speed things up!
The ghost at the new job - army archiving - is suitably spooky and her unresolved death not pleasant. Though at such a remove, the reason for her death is only as Luke supposed.
The ghost of Danny is much more in Luke’s head as no one knows what happened to him. 10years ago Danny disappeared and neither Luke nor his family know what happened. I was thinking we wouldn’t but at the end, we do.
I enjoyed this immensely!
I enjoyed Luke and Jay together, both with issues but they, and especially Jay, gradually thaw. Though it helps having a ghost to speed things up!
The ghost at the new job - army archiving - is suitably spooky and her unresolved death not pleasant. Though at such a remove, the reason for her death is only as Luke supposed.
The ghost of Danny is much more in Luke’s head as no one knows what happened to him. 10years ago Danny disappeared and neither Luke nor his family know what happened. I was thinking we wouldn’t but at the end, we do.
I enjoyed this immensely!
alisonalisonalison's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. Lovely. I really enjoy Durreson's writing. This is a gentle love story set in the middle of a creepy ghost story and it's wonderful.
paperbackstash's review against another edition
5.0
Incredible ghost story that turns into a stunning love story. Full review to come.
the_novel_approach's review against another edition
5.0
One of the first things you’ll notice when you read Amy Rae Durreson’s A Frost of Cares (because, let me just say right here, I very much think you should read it) is the untraditional, not to mention unexpected, delivery of the story. It’s not that the book is narrated in the first person by Luke Alcott—we see first person narration all the time. It’s not that the story is being told in a sort of epistolary fashion a decade after the incident that fuels the narrative—that’s a time-honored literary device too. It’s not even that it’s a contemporary ghost story that’s also a beautiful mix of romance and tragedy—that’s been done for ages on the page and in cinema. What I personally found most unique about A Frost of Cares is that, as the story begins, Luke almost immediately breaks the fourth wall and includes us, the readers, in what is at times a sort of stream-of-consciousness narration.
What makes this feel so much different from other books, in my opinion, is that Luke doesn’t take on the role of a character in the story as much as he plays the role of our confidante. He invites us into his thoughts and narrates events in real time as they’re happening, even as he’s writing about the past—a past, by the way, that still haunts him—and I absolutely loved the intimacy of the way Durreson includes these brief asides in the narrative, so much so that when I was looking at my notes and highlights for this review, I got sucked right back into the story. The book, I’m thrilled to say, is every bit as wonderful the second time around, and possibly even more so since I knew and adored Luke and Jay by then.
The setup of this short novel is perfect, not only in the romance and the love that grows between Luke and Jay but in the supernatural elements as well. Eelmoor Hall is the ideal atmosphere for a gothic-style ghost story to unfold, where the legend of the Mistletoe Bride takes on an eerie realism as Luke’s first night in the Hall draws him into an immediate and intimate acquaintance with the 17th Century girl thought to have existed only in a legend passed down through generations. The chills and fear and adrenaline arcing through Luke’s narration are spot-on, paced to keep us readers poised on a nervous edge and flipping pages in anticipation of what will happen next—and I did, gladly. Twice.
Where the paranormal storyline supports those adrenaline spikes, the poignant tragedy that is both the distant and the more recent past plays on our emotions and juxtaposes the happiness and courage that Luke and Jay find in each other as their bond strengthens. There’s a lovely nuance in the emotional connection Durreson finesses between readers and two of the characters in this novel as well, characters that never appear on the page in more than the most ephemeral of ways, and by the end of the story, I don’t mind admitting that their bittersweet absolution gave my heart more than a little squeeze for the trouble.
A Frost of Cares is, at its core, a redemption story built around a ghost story and then intertwined with an opportunity for second chances for Luke and Jay. It’s a story of healing and of the sort of trust that grows between two people when they risk exposing all their secrets and fears and scars to each other, and find that when all is said and done, they have no reason to hide because they’ve become each other’s safe place to land. I loved every bit of history and detail and imagination Durreson wove into this story, and all the parts and pieces that manifested so subtly and moved the plot along, keeping me riveted to my Kindle, beginning to end. Especially in the end, which placed a beautiful and romantic period on this love story.
If you’ve ever doubted that a chilling ghost story and a sweet romance can coexist within the pages of a single book, I think A Frost of Cares could well make a believer out of you.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.com/release-day-review-a-frost-of-cares-by-amy-rae-durreson/
What makes this feel so much different from other books, in my opinion, is that Luke doesn’t take on the role of a character in the story as much as he plays the role of our confidante. He invites us into his thoughts and narrates events in real time as they’re happening, even as he’s writing about the past—a past, by the way, that still haunts him—and I absolutely loved the intimacy of the way Durreson includes these brief asides in the narrative, so much so that when I was looking at my notes and highlights for this review, I got sucked right back into the story. The book, I’m thrilled to say, is every bit as wonderful the second time around, and possibly even more so since I knew and adored Luke and Jay by then.
The setup of this short novel is perfect, not only in the romance and the love that grows between Luke and Jay but in the supernatural elements as well. Eelmoor Hall is the ideal atmosphere for a gothic-style ghost story to unfold, where the legend of the Mistletoe Bride takes on an eerie realism as Luke’s first night in the Hall draws him into an immediate and intimate acquaintance with the 17th Century girl thought to have existed only in a legend passed down through generations. The chills and fear and adrenaline arcing through Luke’s narration are spot-on, paced to keep us readers poised on a nervous edge and flipping pages in anticipation of what will happen next—and I did, gladly. Twice.
Where the paranormal storyline supports those adrenaline spikes, the poignant tragedy that is both the distant and the more recent past plays on our emotions and juxtaposes the happiness and courage that Luke and Jay find in each other as their bond strengthens. There’s a lovely nuance in the emotional connection Durreson finesses between readers and two of the characters in this novel as well, characters that never appear on the page in more than the most ephemeral of ways, and by the end of the story, I don’t mind admitting that their bittersweet absolution gave my heart more than a little squeeze for the trouble.
A Frost of Cares is, at its core, a redemption story built around a ghost story and then intertwined with an opportunity for second chances for Luke and Jay. It’s a story of healing and of the sort of trust that grows between two people when they risk exposing all their secrets and fears and scars to each other, and find that when all is said and done, they have no reason to hide because they’ve become each other’s safe place to land. I loved every bit of history and detail and imagination Durreson wove into this story, and all the parts and pieces that manifested so subtly and moved the plot along, keeping me riveted to my Kindle, beginning to end. Especially in the end, which placed a beautiful and romantic period on this love story.
If you’ve ever doubted that a chilling ghost story and a sweet romance can coexist within the pages of a single book, I think A Frost of Cares could well make a believer out of you.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.com/release-day-review-a-frost-of-cares-by-amy-rae-durreson/
fleurette's review against another edition
4.0
My first book by this author, which I haven't heard much about before. But I am very pleasantly surprised. Mostly with a writing style that reminds me of Josh Lanyon's style. In the best possible way.
We have two main characters here who remind me of those I know from Lanyon's novel. Strong, expressive personalities, intelligent men with a past. Who together form a very good pair.
The plot is also very good. I'm not a big fan of horror stories, and this one definitely has a lot from this genre. I would prefer something frightening, but I still think it's a very good story. Also, with a very well-developed love thread. Although it is a fairly short book, I had no doubts about the feelings between Luke and Jay.
This is definitely not my last book by this author. I hope her other works are equally good. And if you liked [b:Winter|18002457|Winter (The Haunted Heart, #1)|Josh Lanyon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1370039136l/18002457._SY75_.jpg|25264357] and [b:The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks|6033480|The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks (The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks, #1)|Josh Lanyon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1337312025l/6033480._SX50_SY75_.jpg|19427738], then you should definitely read this book.
We have two main characters here who remind me of those I know from Lanyon's novel. Strong, expressive personalities, intelligent men with a past. Who together form a very good pair.
The plot is also very good. I'm not a big fan of horror stories, and this one definitely has a lot from this genre. I would prefer something frightening, but I still think it's a very good story. Also, with a very well-developed love thread. Although it is a fairly short book, I had no doubts about the feelings between Luke and Jay.
This is definitely not my last book by this author. I hope her other works are equally good. And if you liked [b:Winter|18002457|Winter (The Haunted Heart, #1)|Josh Lanyon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1370039136l/18002457._SY75_.jpg|25264357] and [b:The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks|6033480|The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks (The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks, #1)|Josh Lanyon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1337312025l/6033480._SX50_SY75_.jpg|19427738], then you should definitely read this book.
iguana_mama's review against another edition
5.0
Cross-posted at Shelf Inflicted and at Outlaw Reviews
A delightful read by a new to me author that left me breathless and charmed in equal measure. This is a modern gothic novel set in England replete with a haunted country mansion, dusty archives, an unhappy ghost, an aloof caretaker, and a lonely man looking for a fresh start.
Jay McBride lost his leg in Afghanistan. Luke Alcott is losing hope that he will find his missing lover. Luke is offered a job by the Royal Military School of Medicine that involves cataloguing the school’s archives stored at Eelmoor Hall.
This story was interestingly told from Luke’s perspective a decade after the story’s events. Though he has achieved closure after learning what happened to Danny, and moved on to have a very loving relationship, Luke is still haunted by the Mistletoe Bride. His husband, Jay, believes that writing the story down will excise the ghosts in his head.
The men don’t like each other at first. Their friendship starts tentatively with lots of conversation, a home-cooked meal and lots of heat, including that caused by the green chilies. I loved how Luke and Jay work through their struggles together and develop trust and love.
This is a romance first, and a beautiful one that takes its time developing. Luke and Jay may drive each other crazy at times, but there is no denying the chemistry between them. This is also a chilling, tense and satisfying mystery that wraps up neatly in the end.
I gobbled up this book in one sitting, flipping pages well into the night. It was beautifully written, dark, atmospheric, and as comforting as a warm blanket.
A delightful read by a new to me author that left me breathless and charmed in equal measure. This is a modern gothic novel set in England replete with a haunted country mansion, dusty archives, an unhappy ghost, an aloof caretaker, and a lonely man looking for a fresh start.
Jay McBride lost his leg in Afghanistan. Luke Alcott is losing hope that he will find his missing lover. Luke is offered a job by the Royal Military School of Medicine that involves cataloguing the school’s archives stored at Eelmoor Hall.
This story was interestingly told from Luke’s perspective a decade after the story’s events. Though he has achieved closure after learning what happened to Danny, and moved on to have a very loving relationship, Luke is still haunted by the Mistletoe Bride. His husband, Jay, believes that writing the story down will excise the ghosts in his head.
The men don’t like each other at first. Their friendship starts tentatively with lots of conversation, a home-cooked meal and lots of heat, including that caused by the green chilies. I loved how Luke and Jay work through their struggles together and develop trust and love.
“I don’t think it’s the things that happen to us that decide whether we’re broken. I think it’s how we choose to live with the things we can’t control.”
This is a romance first, and a beautiful one that takes its time developing. Luke and Jay may drive each other crazy at times, but there is no denying the chemistry between them. This is also a chilling, tense and satisfying mystery that wraps up neatly in the end.
I gobbled up this book in one sitting, flipping pages well into the night. It was beautifully written, dark, atmospheric, and as comforting as a warm blanket.
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