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Review by Jodi Israel
Paranormals are a subgenre within romance that continue to get mixed reviews. Readers love them, publishers aren't as certain. Jove, however, remains committed to their Haunting Hearts series. Casey Claybourne's Regency-era historical A Spirited Seduction makes excellent use of ghosts without sacrificing the story.
Sabrina Simmons would do anything to keep her brothers' inheritance, Simmons House, safe. Unfortunately, the three children were left deeply in debt. Her last resort is to offer herself to Richard Kerry, Viscount Colbridge, though she hasn't the first idea how to make herself attractive. When she wishes aloud for a tutor in the arts of love, she receives a visit from the ghost of prostitute Nell deNuit. Sabrina can't figure out whether to be appalled or intrigued, but she'll take help from any quarter. Sabrina's situation, it seems, is Nell's key to heaven. She has 30 days to do the job of getting Sabrina's wish fulfilled.
Casey Claybourne has created a wonderful hero and heroine. Although Sabrina is a provincial bluestocking, she has a refreshing sweetness that transcends Richard's jadedness and forever alters him. Claybourne's plotting talent is evident here as is her gift for picturesque description. This book is not for ghost-lovers only!
Jodi Israel is a member of the Romance Writers of America and can be reached at jodi@tiac.net.
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