
“A fascinating tale of tragedy, ghosts, and soulmates!”
Fresh Fiction Review
The Haunting of Alcott Manor
Alyssa Richards
Reviewed by Miranda Owen
Posted March 3, 2018
Romance Suspense | Romance Paranormal
THE HAUNTING OF ALCOTT MANOR is the first book in the Alcott Manor contemporary gothic romance series by Alyssa Richards. At the opening of this story, Gemma Stewart is going through a time of transition in her life. After recently unloading an unfaithful husband, her career is soaring. Just when things are looking up for Gemma, her father is desperate for her specialized skills and recruits her on a home restoration job. The house in question is of the haunted variety and therefore makes Gemma uneasy about agreeing to help. Whether she’s headed toward her doom or destiny, Gemma gets sucked into the spookiness and danger that surrounds Alcott Manor.
I love a good haunted house story and THE HAUNTING OF ALCOTT MANOR certainly qualifies. As a bonus, Alyssa Richards throws in a centuries-old mystery and a sublime romance to balance out all the supernatural shenanigans. As much as Alcott Manor fills Gemma with anxiety and anticipation, the delectable Henry Alcott bewitches her. Attraction and annoyance color Gemma’s introduction to Henry. As the two work together and temporarily live together, restoring Alcott Manor, the chemistry between Gemma and Henry is palpable and creates a delicious erotic tension. Because Henry is technically her client, Gemma tries to resist her feelings of lust for Henry, but the more she gets to know him and the more she likes him. They can’t keep their hands off each other. I’m glad that Alyssa Richards tells part of this story from Henry’s perspective. As the story progresses, the suspense and sense of urgency intensify as the spectral activity increases and the deadline for the restoration approaches.
THE HAUNTING OF ALCOTT MANOR is a fascinating tale of tragedy, ghosts, and soulmates. Mystery fans will enjoy this heroine’s efforts to track down clues — both tangible and ghostly — while trying to find the truth about a woman’s death. Romance fans will adore this match-up of a strong heroine and an enigmatic yet endearingly charming and earnest hero. I look forward to reading the next book in this tantalizing Alcott Manor series.
Learn more about The Haunting of Alcott Manor
SUMMARY
She has a gift. His family has a past. Can they solve a century-old mystery… together?
Gemma doesn’t miss working for the family business. She has a knack for restoring older properties, but after a vicious haunting nearly killed her, she was more than ready to move on. Gemma agrees to one last job to save her parents’ business, but the 1880s historical estate has its fair share of dark secrets…
Henry Alcott wants nothing more than to free the spirit from his family’s property. Ever since the original owner was wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to death, the ghost has made sure every restoration effort was a miserable failure. But there’s something about Gemma that makes Henry believe in a much brighter future…
Gemma and Henry must solve a hundred-year mystery to complete the restoration in time. Failure to do so could cost Gemma’s parents their business, but staying in the house could cost them much, much more…
The Haunting of Alcott Manor is a contemporary gothic romance. If you like fateful chemistry, engaging characters, and mysteries that keep you guessing until the very end, then you’ll love the first book in Alyssa Richards’ chilling new series.