Published by The Wild Rose Press
Released on 06/20/18
Format: Audiobook
Source: Giveaway
The Delight
A Scottish castle, an artist, a knightly ghost and his retinue, and a curse that holds them all in its thrall. Sounds like just my thing so I was enthused to jump in with a new to me author and narrator for this lively and engaging romance.
Review
Spirit of the Knight opens with painter, Mariah Jennings, coming to the castle to capture several scenes for an art exhibition designed to preserve the past before it crumbles away. Painting medieval castles are something of a specialty since she’s been seeing the same knight in her dreams since childhood and can see and interact with ghosts. Imagine her shock when the knight of her dreams turns out to be one of the ghosts of this castle and he acts like no ghost she has ever encounters- none of them do, but then again, as she helps Sir Cailen uncover the truth about himself and fellow knights, they learn that dark deeds happened in the past and are stirring once again.
It has been a while since I enjoyed a ‘ghost’ romance story. I know some folks can’t get past the ghost bit, but I’ve never minded that type of unrealistic element. I enjoy the mystery of how the author is going to make this huge barrier work out.
Mariah and Cailen were an engaging pair from the moment they met. I thought it was hilarious that she just took his first few appearances matter of factly and left him scratching his head. When, in truth, she thought she was just delusional and seeing things. There was a sweet and fun quality to their relationship and I loved the knightly chivalry and her easy nature. Add in Cailen’s knights who like to party like its 1999 and that castle was a happening place.
There was some lag in the middle, but it never actually lost my attention. I just wanted things to hustle of and get to the good parts again.
But, it wasn’t all sun and fun. There was dark magic involved and a good mystery. There were a few modern-day villains, too. The reader/listener spots the one right away and I had the urge to kick him several times.
Dawson McBride’s narration work was engaging from the beginning. I enjoyed it whether he was voicing Mariah’s POV or Cailen’s. He caught the tone of the story so well and delivered on the complication of her being a modern woman and Cailen and the others being from the past. I had no trouble seeing the story in my mind. I will definitely be looking out for more of his work.
All in all, this was a delightful story through and through, surprising me with just how much I was enjoying it so the hours clicked past and I didn’t want to shut it off. Those who enjoy Highland castle settings, medieval historicals, ghostly romances, and some witchery will be the target audience for this tale.
Challenges
Mt. TBR #9
COYER Winter #44
Literary Pickers #11 New to me author/narrator
Audio #4
Book Recommendations
