Long and Short Reviews

The Captain's Wench by Patti Shenberger
Extasy Books, Devine Destinies
Contemporary, Paranormal
Short Story, Spicy
Review by Orange Blossom

Romance author Meg Carroll has a problem. Her new home is haunted by an extremely sexy ghost who refuses to pass on. One who makes her think indecent thoughts about what being with this man would be like. Come along for the wild ride and see for yourself as Alex and Meg blur the lines between real and fantasy.

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I am not a regular reader of paranormal stories. I’ve just never really gotten into this genre, but the premise of The Captain’s Wench fascinated me and I have to say Ms. Shenberger did not disappoint. It is a captivating story.

Meg Carroll is a romance novelist who buys on old house off Cape Cod. Little does she know that the house is haunted by the ghost of the previous owner. I always find it fun to read (and write) stories with a heroine romance author. Meg came across very real as she is similar to authors I know who through the course of her life, needs to get away from it all. I enjoyed the way Meg not only had to deal with the ludicrous idea of a ghost but also the sobering realities that went along with it. This story kept me turning the pages just to find out how Meg would deal with the situations Captain London threw at her. They certainly were more than she ever expected.

Captain Alexander London has for the past hundred and fifty years been cursed to remain fixed in his house. It was delightful to me, the reader, to watch the course of events unfurl as Meg arrived and broke his ghostly rut. The heroine impressed me as she remained undaunted by his presence. I also found it romantic that she was able to remind him that he was not only a ghost but a man. His reaction made for great reading because Alex is the epitome of the ‘tortured hero’.

Though this story was novella in length, the author brings about a moving, emotional tale with fully drawn characters. Writing shorter lengths can be tricky but Ms. Shenberger has mastered it wonderfully. As I read this book, I kept thinking it reminded me of the old black and white movie from the ‘40’s, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. And as I checked the author’s website, she too had this in mind. If you enjoy paranormal stories and a sexy, ghostly hero, you really should give this one a try.

COMMENTS:

Date: Sat, Jun 21, 2008 at 10:47 PM

Your Name: Pam P
Your Comment: I love reading ghost romances, this sounds good.