I really enjoyed this one! An all-boys boarding school historical romance with a supernatural twist? Yes, please. The book was very well-paced, and even if I had a hunch who the bad guy was pretty much from the start, the little plot twists and turns kept it from being predictable. The ghost story was a bit cliche in the beginning, with the chain-rattling and the haunted hallways, but the physical manifestation of the spirits and the fact that they could actually hurt people was an interesting change.

James was a really fun narrator, and his POV kept the book from becoming too dark or depressing, even though he had some skeletons in his own closet. His relationship with William, who's also far from problem-free, was a big part of the story. They had great chemistry, and understood each other well despite their differences. The way James courted William with poetry was super cute.

The HFN ending wrapped up the story nicely. The way everyone came together in the end - the guys, the teachers and even the ghosts - to defeat the villain was a very satisfying conclusion. ( )

This was the perfect October read! It was actually quite suspenseful and hair-raising which is something I don't find near as much as I expect I should in the horror/paranormal genre. That on top of a charming romance and even more charming lead character, it's a recommended read.

This is told from the POV of James who is shipped off by his parents to an all-boys religious finishing school after he suffers from abuse from his uncle that his parents refuse to believe and, in retaliation or a sort-of mental break, he sets fire to his family home with all inside. The school is one for "wayward boys" as they used to say so they're stricter than what might be considered normal with curfews and punishments. However, when James' roommate and now-best friend starts to act strangely and coming back from the headmaster's office with more injuries from "punishment" than is decent, then suddenly disappears altogether, James feels it's his duty to get to the bottom of it, with no help from the rule-following (out of fear) peers and staff.

The ghosts here are very vividly described with a well thought-out plot and, while the climax gets maybe a bit over-the-top, it's a very scary but fun read with equal parts romance, drama, and thrills. ( )

Darling, I am home.

Totally reading the next one tomorrow! ( )

I absolutely adored this book! Thank you so much to The author for sending me an E-ARC for review!

This story broke my heart into a million pieces, but somehow managed to make it all okay in the end? I’m not sure what sort of magic is in this, but I’ve never liked a piece of historical fiction this much, and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to read this. It took me a little less then six hours and I bing read it in one sitting it was so good!

I can’t wait to see what is in store for William and James in the series to come!! ( )

This book was wonderful. The authors took on quite a challenge! Not only is it a period piece...but it covers a lot of difficult issues. But it's done with finesse and sensitivity. I loved the two main characters and while I was happy with their blossoming relationship, I was also a bit heartbroken by the circumstances in their lives! A beautiful story! ( )