Review of Phantom Lovers

Evernight Publishing, 2012

Phantom Lovers
Marie Medina


This ebook was a freebie put out by Evernight Publishing. It's a short story, so know that right off the bat because my critique of the book is directly related to its brevity. And yes, this is for all intents and purposes a piece of erotic fluff, but I've always believed that erotica can be as enjoyably romantic as mainstream best-sellers. But more on that in a bit.

Lynsay doesn't believe in ghosts, and she definitely doesn't believe the theater where she works is haunted. But she can't deny the truth when two men appear out of nowhere. Nor can she deny her powerful attraction to them.

John and William, lovers in life and afterlife, have had their eyes Lynsay since she first came to their theatre. They watched, wanted . . . and waited. Now they've decided the tine for waiting is over. But will she return their feelings?

Normally, when reviewing shorter works, I try to avoid statements like "if only it were longer" since that's inherently unfair. Novellas and short stories are not intended to be novels and shouldn't be read or evaluated as a novel would be.

It's very tempting to do so, however, isn't it?

For instance, the only solid complaint I have about Phantom Lovers is something that was caused by its length and could have been resolved with a bigger word count: the first month of the trio's relationship is completely leapfrogged by one of those "one month later" cheats.

Sure, the author saved all the big action for after the jump, but I always enjoy the parts where characters first start to learn each other–‒the flirting, the sexual tension, the epiphany moments. These are the elements of romances I love most. So it was a let-down for me when the characters go from basic strangers on one page to established lovers the next. And since John and William are already infatuated with Lynsay when the story opens, at no point do we really get to see anyone fall in love. And that's just no fun.

Yes, I appreciate that a short story needs to get to the point. And, in this case, much of that point was the consummation of the relationship. Still, I can't help but wish we'd gotten more because I think it would have been a great segment. I mean, c'mon . . . Not only does Lynsay have to come to terms with loving two men equally, but they also happen to be ghosts. As in, long dead, invisible to everyone else, and confined to the building they haunt. Then there's the men's side of things–‒bringing a third lover into a decades-established relationship, a woman they've longed for but can only be with during stolen moments of the day. I'm telling you, it could have been good.

So where does that leave us? With an erotic story that, though sweet and spicy, isn't particularly romantic. Which isn't a bad thing, honestly. Sometimes you want a book that gets down to business. But if you're looking for a love story, this one won't satisfy that itch. I did like the writing, however–‒enough to be curious about other work by Marie Medina.

Other Reviews:

Punya Reviews

Once Upon A Ghost

Once Upon a Ghost by Day Leclaire

ePublishing Works!, 2012

Now and then, even I seek out something lighter and happier than my usual fare of impending world doom, violence-inclined alpha males, and weighty mythologies. I tend to have several "variety" books tucked away, sometimes for months or even years before I get around to reading them. Fortunately, Once Upon a Ghost was another gem from one of my Kindle download binges, so it was waiting and ready for me when I decided I'd enjoy some easy reading before the end of the day. I was looking for something sweet and simple, and I definitely found it.  

Once Upon A Ghost is about ghosts -- obviously -- and love -- unsurprisingly -- but it's fundamentally about being true to oneself. Leading us through this are two fabulous characters and their quirky actions.

Zack Kingston is a renowned and ardent ghost debunker. His mission to expose frauds and cons has driven him for years, to the point that he is both famous and successful. But you wouldn't exactly say he's happy with his life. Still, he's a determined man, and his latest crusade has him particularly wound up.

Rachel Avery is a woman with a plan. She has to be -- her family's legacy, her grandmother's house, her own future... it's all on the line, and she's banking on the reputation of the local ghost to pull herself and her loved ones out of trouble. But the arrival of Zach Kingston seriously jeopardizes her plans. He's out to prove there is no ghost, and that Rachel is a scam artist. To worsen the situation, Rachel can't stop her strong reaction to Zach, even if he thinks she's a liar.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was cute and humorous with an unexpectedly endearing quality to it. I will warn readers, though, that there were some drawbacks. Rachel tended to come across as ditzy and farcical, albeit charming. Very I Love Lucy, if you will. Still, she grows on you. There's a tragic and wounded quality to her that adds depth and appeal, like a hot house flower in a snowstorm. She's determined to be bright and colorful though the world is against her. Taken on her own, she might be a little too much to take, but her connections to the other characters lend severity and balance when needed. And the interactions between her and Zach are very lively and entertaining.

Another pro to this book is the unexpectedly beautiful language. It's not always a quality you expect of or find from romance novels, but  Day Leclaire's writing is both skillful and stylish. I went in reading a fluff novel for some mindless entertainment and ended up immersed in a beautiful love story. 

I actually got quite wrapped up in this book despite my initial attitude. I was totally crying towards the end, and it was great. If you're looking for some sweet romance, this is a book you'll want to try. 

Once Upon a Ghost is the first book of Leclaire's Wacky Women series. The first three books are currently available, with two more on their way.