Tuesday, November 20, 2012

The Haunting of a Duke by Chasity Bowlin + giveaway




Facing danger from both sides of the grave, will two souls merge to find a love that conquers all?

Communing with spirits has been both gift and curse to Emme Walters. Now it's made her a killer's target. Emme knows why the Dowager Duchess of Briarleigh invited her to a house party—to investigate whether the duke, Rhys Brammel, murdered his wife years ago. But Emme never imagined she would fall in love with the brooding duke.

Branded by society as a possible killer, Rhys is suspicious of Emme and her alleged "gift." Then a late night encounter creates awareness of her other, more attractive, aspects. When Emme's life is threatened, Rhys becomes her protector.

Emme and Rhys find passion and peril as they join forces to solve the mysteries at Briarleigh. She made him believe in spirits, but can she make him believe in love?

Type: Historical Romance, Light Paranormal (ghosts/psychics)
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Total. Book. Love. The Haunting of a Duke was one of those books that kept my whole body humming with anticipation and the urgent need to keep turning the pages to see what happened next. I honestly couldn't read this one fast enough and may have gotten a little growly when certain individuals who kept interrupting my time with Rhys and Emme. <g> Bowlin did a wonderful job pulling together characters you'd want to know, mystery and intrigue and a lovely romance to create something special.

There's some light paranormal aspects going on and damn if the little bitty hairs on my arms and neck didn't raise from time to time as Emme, who is gifted with the ability to interact with spirits, keeps stumbling over ghosts from Rhys's past. Bowlin's got a way with writing and she freaked me the heck out with some of the ghostly encounters. It's all very nicely done and completely believable which impressed me to no end. Lordy she got my heart pounding quite a few times with suspense of uncovering the past and the present day dangers that arose as someone made desperate attempts to keep the past the past.

I absolutely adored Emme and Rhys and loved that they both had somewhat questionable reputations. Emme because of her "gift" and Rhys who can't shake the gossip that he's the cause of his wife's early demise. Things definitely don't get off to a smooth start with them which made their romance even more entertaining. Emme's a very strong heroine and Rhys, well, the man can admit when he's wrong and that's something that always wins me over. I really enjoyed all the twists and turns in their relationship and that they really seemed like equals as things progressed. The intimate moments were steamy and sweet and oh so delicious too.
He caught her, holding her, touching his forehead to hers, as he fought to regain his breath. "You've destroyed me," he said. "You have me behaving like a randy lad." 
"It's only fair," she whispered, as her hands fluttered over him, stroking his roughened jaw, "you've turned me into a brazen hussy."
Bowlin's voice and the flow of her writing were little different with the point of view easing from character to character on a regular basis but she did such an excellent job of it that it felt incredibly natural and flowed very smoothly. Enhancing the storyline instead of causing confusion. Her sense of humor is pretty interesting as well. A little dry from time to time but perfectly done and suited to the characters. 
As much as I loved the rest of the book Rhys' friend Michael completely stole the show for me. I savored every scene he and his charming self was in and loved all the surprises from his past. The serious haunted parts of his soul and the utter sweetness about him. He's got a wicked sense of humor that'll keep you smiling  too.
"Good morning, Lord Ellersleigh. I had not realized you were such an early riser."

Michael reminded himself that she was an innocent young lady and comments about how early he could rise would hardly endear him to her and would undoubtedly result in Rhys punching him in the mouth. "I am quite fond of mornings," he said instead and suffered her dubious stare.
Overall The Haunting of a Duke was the perfect mix of romance and mystery with some surprises along the way you really don't see coming. I loved watching everything unfold and seeing Emma, Rhys and Michael piece it all together. I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for more from Bowlin and cannot wait to see what she has in store for Michael. If you love a good mystery, nicely developed characters and a luscious romance you really need to check this one out.

Get Your Copy
Wild Rose Press     Amazon     Barnes&Noble 

Chasity, a former ghost hunter and professional student, lives in Kentucky where she works for a nonprofit agency providing family counseling. In her spare time she reads romance voraciously, rescues stray animals and occasionally stalks her favorite bands.
Find Chasity Online!
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We've got an ebook copy of The Haunting of a Duke for yall today. 
Leave Chasity some book love and a way to reach you :)
Ends 11/27

30 comments:

  1. sounds good. would love to read.

    neuro.4170@yahoo.com

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  2. Oooh, a randy lad and a brazen hussy, sounds like my kind of book! Thank you for the chance to win!
    ehaney578 at aol dot com

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  3. Thanks for sharing about the book. Seems like it'll be a great read :)

    BeckeyWhiteATgmailDOTcom

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  4. I love A book with paranormal aspects. I really want to read this.

    sheryll1974 AT netscape DOT net

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  5. Wow, this book has everything I love! Would love to read!

    fordycep@gmail.com

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  6. Great post. This book is on my TBR list :)
    kitcat76(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  7. Love this and can´t wait to read more, =) got it on my TBR list already.

    Thanks for the giveaway & Happy Tuesday!
    //Linda

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  8. Looks like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway!
    Heather
    hswain1@yahoo.com

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  9. Wow! Sounds like a very interesting read!

    Thanks for the great giveaway!

    - khriscc (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  10. Great review Anna! And Chasity, this book sounds great, not to mention the awesome cover ;)

    darkestaddictions [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Thanks for the giveaway Anna! ^_^

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    Replies
    1. Welcome :) The cover is pretty damn good, isn't it? Loved it. Hope you enjoy Neyra!

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  11. Looks like its going to be a great read.
    Thanks for the giveaway
    renee-moore@live.com.au

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  12. Ooo, this sounds good! Great review as well.

    JYL22075 at gmail dot com

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  13. Very enticing. I would love to read this one.

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  14. Great cover! I would love to read this book :)

    jochibi at yahoo dot com

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  15. This sounds like a fantastic read and I love that gorgeous cover .Have a wonderful week.

    flanagan@mebtel.net

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  16. I am loving the fact that you couldn't put this down. Wanting to read this one badly! :)

    leahweller(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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    Replies
    1. Hope you enjoy it too Leah! Yeah had to tear myself away from it. Love when that happens :)

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  17. I would love to read this book. It looks and sounds awesome. Thanks for the chance to win :)
    lorih824@yahoo.com

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  18. I looking forward to read this book, sounds interesting. I like cover book to, it's awasome and i wanna cover book for my collection to!!

    filiafantasy at gmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. LOL. I've got a thing for covers too. Loved this one :)

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  19. This sounds like a great read...thanks for sharing and the giveaway chance!
    Happy Thanksgiving!
    ivegotmail8889(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  20. Wow this sounds like a great book. You totally made me want to read this book by your post. I loved the little excerpt totally romantic and funny. That is one of my favorite things when an author brings those two things together.
    Lorimeehan 1 @ aol.com

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    Replies
    1. Oh me too. Love when they can get that combo just right. Makes you laugh and sigh all at the same time :)

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  21. Love the cover!

    grapeapril75(at)gmail.com

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  22. It looks really good and intriguing. Going on the TBR list for sure.
    divavixenqueen(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. I cannot tell you all how much I have enjoyed reading the comments! Good luck to everyone who entered!

    Chasity Bowlin

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I always enjoy hearing what YOU think so come on and leave a comment. Everyone's welcome :) And feel free to leave comments on old posts. I'll check in on you there too :)

Bloggers don't forget to leave your links!
~Anna

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