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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief
Moderate: Death of parent
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This story is connected to the Dead Serious series but it could be read as a standalone, but like always it is recommend to read it first to know and understand the little details. Also, Dead Serious is an awesome series so you won't regret it.
Ellis and the ghosts caught my interest since they were introduced in Dead Serious Case #4. So I was so happy to hear that they would get their own spin-off. And boy, it was better than I expected, hooked it's claws into me from page one and never let go. There was humor, mystery, suspense, emotional and sweet moments, healing, and intriguing and fully developed characters.
The MCs were completely opposite but balanced each other perfectly. Ellis was a ray of sunshine, always looking at the positive side of things, and had the biggest heart. Morgan was a prickly and serious grump, who was all about business. Their attraction was instant but they did not give in to it right away. There was a lot going on with the hotel that needed to be resolved. Also, Morgan had to face what he truly felt about his family and the hotel, which led to some very emotional moments, making me want to cry. Their relationship developed as the story progressed, it was perfectly paced and balanced with all the outside drama.
But that didn't stop the meddling ghosts from trying to be matchmakers. Even when they were under surveillance and needed to behave. Actually, don't think they know what behaving means, lol. Loved that each ghost was from a different time period and had their own personalities. What a chaotic loveable group š
There is still much left unresolved so I really need book 2. I want to see Ellis and Morgan's relationship continue to grow. The situation with the hotel is worrisome. Also, need the stories about the secondary characters. I especially want to know more about Morgan's brother Warren. Makes me wonder if Morgan is going to meet his bear at the hotel, maybe John The Maid š
Ellis and the ghosts caught my interest since they were introduced in Dead Serious Case #4. So I was so happy to hear that they would get their own spin-off. And boy, it was better than I expected, hooked it's claws into me from page one and never let go. There was humor, mystery, suspense, emotional and sweet moments, healing, and intriguing and fully developed characters.
The MCs were completely opposite but balanced each other perfectly. Ellis was a ray of sunshine, always looking at the positive side of things, and had the biggest heart. Morgan was a prickly and serious grump, who was all about business. Their attraction was instant but they did not give in to it right away. There was a lot going on with the hotel that needed to be resolved. Also, Morgan had to face what he truly felt about his family and the hotel, which led to some very emotional moments, making me want to cry. Their relationship developed as the story progressed, it was perfectly paced and balanced with all the outside drama.
But that didn't stop the meddling ghosts from trying to be matchmakers. Even when they were under surveillance and needed to behave. Actually, don't think they know what behaving means, lol. Loved that each ghost was from a different time period and had their own personalities. What a chaotic loveable group š
There is still much left unresolved so I really need book 2. I want to see Ellis and Morgan's relationship continue to grow. The situation with the hotel is worrisome. Also, need the stories about the secondary characters. I especially want to know more about Morgan's brother Warren. Makes me wonder if Morgan is going to meet his bear at the hotel, maybe John The Maid š
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death of parent
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The Haunted Hotel by Vawn Cassidy hast become one of my top reads of the year. This is a new spin-off of the Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed series and mostly tie in to the events that happen in Book 4 of that series. It's not necessary to read the original series, but it would help enhance the feel of the books and the introduction to the hotel and all it's staff and ghosts is pretty fantastic in the original series (that should be read in order.)
This is a fun book about a grumpy business man coming to visit estranged family and the sunshine desk-clerk-of-all-trades. Morgan and Ellis have an instant attraction that grows as the book progresses. It is a HFN feel, but there is a bit more to deal with about the hotel and the fact that they have really only known each other a very short time. I can't wait to see how their relationship grows.
The antics of the ghosts is priceless and adding in other family members eventually will be a riot. I can't wait for the laughs that will cause.
This is going to be a great sereis and I can't wait to read more and highly recommend it (and the original series as well.)
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
This is a fun book about a grumpy business man coming to visit estranged family and the sunshine desk-clerk-of-all-trades. Morgan and Ellis have an instant attraction that grows as the book progresses. It is a HFN feel, but there is a bit more to deal with about the hotel and the fact that they have really only known each other a very short time. I can't wait to see how their relationship grows.
The antics of the ghosts is priceless and adding in other family members eventually will be a riot. I can't wait for the laughs that will cause.
This is going to be a great sereis and I can't wait to read more and highly recommend it (and the original series as well.)
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This was so fun and so cute! I love the found family aspect and I'm planning how I can move to England to find an old hotel to retire in. :P It was really such a joy to read. A perfect Sunday read. I can't wait for the next book.
This book is a cheeky good time. Full of quirky ghosts and staff who make the strangest and most wonderful family.
In the aftermath of a murder-not-murder at the hotel, one in a long line of deaths at the hotel, Morgan, a grumpy workaholic from New York arrives to finally face his grandfather, the hotel's owner. Itās a past he doesnāt remember and he definitely isnāt prepared for this unusual place and the people he meets.
Heās especially unprepared for the adorably sunshiny blond twink, Ellis, one of the hotelās employees.
A story of finding one's true self and family. A place to belong. People worth fighting for. Ellis and Morgan are perfectly different from one another, which makes them an incredible match. They are going to have a lively and beautiful future.
PS. I adore Morganās brother Warren - give me more Warren!
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A sweet and funny spin off from Vawn Cassidy's Dead Serious series.
The Haunted Hotel focuses on the residents (both living and corporally challenged) of Asthon House, an old hotel up in Yorkshire. If you're familiar with the authors' Dead Serious books, you might recognize the place as the location of the infamous murder mystery weekend in book 4.
The story is set just a few weeks later, showing the behind the scenes of running and trying to save the old hotel.
Ellis is the receptionist/waiter/maid/event planner of the hotel. He's a ray of sunshine who always has kind words to everyone and loves the hotel and all of its residents with all of his heart. His character really is a breath of fresh air. I hope to see a bit more serious side of him, but so far, that only comes about in glimpses. I hope his character is rounded out in the books to come.
He, along with the resident ghosts, is on a mission to figure out how to save the hotel from financial trouble.
I liked that Bertie and the other ghosts were quite integral to the story. This book is definitely not a mystery, but it is a paranormal romance as there are quite a few ghosts, and they do show themselves to the employees, especially Ellis. Bertie has her own chapters showing her and the others' shenanigans. They try to save the hotel, deal with a ghostly investigator auditing their hauntings, and help Ellis fall madly in love with Morgan.
Morgan, who is the owner's grandson and who hasn't stepped foot in the house ever since he and his mom moved away after his dad's death. In my opinion, Morgan is the most developed character so far. We get to know him and his past through several conversations with his brother, his memories of the place, and also his granddad's stories. His struggles with fitting in with his stepdad and brother, his repressed memories about Ashton House from when he was little and his tentative conversations with his estranged grandfather all depict a clear picture of him that is sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. His grumpy exterior hides a very soft and loyal inside that comes out in spades during his stay in the hotel.
The one thing that is a bit lacking in the story is the romance between Ellis and Morgan. While there is much physical attraction, I didn't get the vibe of them connecting on a deeper level. I hope to see them getting to know each other a lot more thoroughly in the continuation of the story because so far, their fledgling fling is very superficial and lacks any kind of substance.
The story is written to amuse and entertain. It's full of funny and heartwarming scenes and characters that bring a very cosy vibe to the book. It's definitely a cosy, paranormal romance book that is lighthearted and fun. I smiled a lot, I teared up at scenes and, all in all, really enjoyed myself while reading it.
I started this book with great expectations after adoring the Dead Serious series and all other books related to the universe so far. This one is a fun little branch out from the original story with little lighter undertones. It's got humour and fantastic living and ghostly characters that we are used to from the author. It hasn't quite reached my expectations in terms of the romance, but I see where the story is going next, and I can't wait to read more.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book to share my honest review.*
The Haunted Hotel focuses on the residents (both living and corporally challenged) of Asthon House, an old hotel up in Yorkshire. If you're familiar with the authors' Dead Serious books, you might recognize the place as the location of the infamous murder mystery weekend in book 4.
The story is set just a few weeks later, showing the behind the scenes of running and trying to save the old hotel.
Ellis is the receptionist/waiter/maid/event planner of the hotel. He's a ray of sunshine who always has kind words to everyone and loves the hotel and all of its residents with all of his heart. His character really is a breath of fresh air. I hope to see a bit more serious side of him, but so far, that only comes about in glimpses. I hope his character is rounded out in the books to come.
He, along with the resident ghosts, is on a mission to figure out how to save the hotel from financial trouble.
I liked that Bertie and the other ghosts were quite integral to the story. This book is definitely not a mystery, but it is a paranormal romance as there are quite a few ghosts, and they do show themselves to the employees, especially Ellis. Bertie has her own chapters showing her and the others' shenanigans. They try to save the hotel, deal with a ghostly investigator auditing their hauntings, and help Ellis fall madly in love with Morgan.
Morgan, who is the owner's grandson and who hasn't stepped foot in the house ever since he and his mom moved away after his dad's death. In my opinion, Morgan is the most developed character so far. We get to know him and his past through several conversations with his brother, his memories of the place, and also his granddad's stories. His struggles with fitting in with his stepdad and brother, his repressed memories about Ashton House from when he was little and his tentative conversations with his estranged grandfather all depict a clear picture of him that is sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. His grumpy exterior hides a very soft and loyal inside that comes out in spades during his stay in the hotel.
The one thing that is a bit lacking in the story is the romance between Ellis and Morgan. While there is much physical attraction, I didn't get the vibe of them connecting on a deeper level. I hope to see them getting to know each other a lot more thoroughly in the continuation of the story because so far, their fledgling fling is very superficial and lacks any kind of substance.
The story is written to amuse and entertain. It's full of funny and heartwarming scenes and characters that bring a very cosy vibe to the book. It's definitely a cosy, paranormal romance book that is lighthearted and fun. I smiled a lot, I teared up at scenes and, all in all, really enjoyed myself while reading it.
I started this book with great expectations after adoring the Dead Serious series and all other books related to the universe so far. This one is a fun little branch out from the original story with little lighter undertones. It's got humour and fantastic living and ghostly characters that we are used to from the author. It hasn't quite reached my expectations in terms of the romance, but I see where the story is going next, and I can't wait to read more.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book to share my honest review.*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Murder
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Ending was rather abrupt, but I really enjoyed the story.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Loved it ā¤ļø
Ellis is the biggest brightest ray of sunshine that ever sunshined (itās a word) and Iām sure this adorably gorgeous man doesnāt even know the word pessimist. Circumstances bring the very grumpy and just as prickly silver fox Morgan to the very haunted/financially troubled Ashton-Drake Manor House Hotel.
Their first encounter involves Ellis being his clumsy self, a Christmas tree, fairy lights and a ladder. So begins a delightful journey as these two wonderful men navigate their way to a HFN, with āassistanceā from the meddling ghosts. I laughed out loud at the numerous antics of the Hotel residents and guests and felt their heartache when all appeared lost. I easily imagined myself in the various magnificent rooms of the Hotel and longed to explore all the hidden nooks and crannies. The connection between Ellis and Morgan and their budding romance was perfectly balanced with the financial problems element and I loved the addition of the Bureau of Domestic Hauntings storyline. This was a one sitting read for me and I canāt wait for adventures at the Ashton-Drake Manor House Hotel.