









A Spirited Engagement (audio)
Cozy paranormal fantasy + interracial romance • Hesitant Mediums
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- Sneak peek
- Content
Being Victorian London's most talented ghostbuster isn't easy, especially when your old flame shows up with a jealous ghost bride in tow. Tessa Preston wanted nothing to do with Jasper Steele or his haunted love life, but fate—and one very demanding spirit—have other plans.
A SPIRITED ENGAGEMENT features:
- A Black Victorian heroine who excels at ghostbusting
- A charming gentleman who never stopped hoping for a second chance
- One very entitled ghost bride who refuses to rest in peace
- Fancy dresses, found family, and supernatural sass
- The perfect escape for readers who love:
- Sweet romance with a supernatural twist
- Diverse heroines in historical fantasy
- Jane Austen's wit meets modern sensibilities
- Stories where love is worth crossing the veil for
"We need more women of color like Tessa in our gaslamp romantasy—she's fierce, and her story is both clever and charming." - E. Prokopovits
For fans of Half a Soul, Manners & Monsters, and Scales & Sensibility.
With an annoyed little huff, Tessa winked to focus her Sense. She spun slowly in place, scanning the room. There were no spirits or transparent gray ribbons. There were no lingering ripples that could point her toward a spirit or person who could command from afar. She was alone, which both relieved and annoyed her.
“Nothing special in here,” Tessa muttered to herself, turning slowly, letting her Sense stretch to the corners of the room.
“I beg to differ,” came a voice from behind the chaise.
Tessa froze. That was the rub with having the Sense. She could tell when
there were ghosts in the vicinity, but heaven help her if she came upon a living person. She blinked thrice to release the concentration of her Sense and focus instead on that voice, that melodious voice that sent a small thrill down her neck.
Jasper popped his head over the back of the chaise, combing fingers through his tousled hair. “Good morning. Have you discovered how to rid me of my ghost?”
Tessa jumped, all senses screaming. She froze, half-crouched with her palms splayed open to ward away a spirit, eyes locked on Jasper’s. He seemed both startled and rather impressed by her quick reflexes. She cleared her throat and
corrected her posture, smoothing her overskirt. “Have you been there all
this time?” She took in his rumpled clothing. “Did you sleep in here?”
Jasper shrugged, his expression rueful as he draped his arm over the chaise
back. “Well, I arrived unannounced. I could hardly expect to have a room prepared for me. I tried to go home, but the dame simply wouldn’t hear of it. And then your uncle said it would be best for me to remain close, and I could hardly argue against that.” He chuckled. “It’s much easier not having to pretend Eloise exists while here. It’s been a struggle, keeping this from my mother. She’s already worried about me.”
Tessa dipped her head, not knowing what to say.
“So, have you exorcised her?” Jasper craned his neck, both to stretch it and to look for his ghostly companion. “I fell asleep soundly, I’m glad to say.”
“She didn’t disturb your dreams?”
Jasper shook his head, hiding a yawn and holding her amethyst in his other hand. “This must have worked.”
“Of course it did. Didn’t I say it would?”
“It did wonders.”
“It certainly did. Your fiancée visited us instead, giving Miss Trentwood a nasty headache and me a fright besides.”
Jasper’s brows rose. “She’s not my fiancée. And did she, now? Well, we knew Miss Carterprice for being a jealous one in her day.” He tossed the amethyst in his hand. Tessa stiffened, fighting the urge to grab it from him in case he dropped it. “So should I keep this with me, and Eloise will go away? What should I pay you?”
“It’s not for sale,” Tessa said, stepping forward with her hand out.
“But it works,” Jasper said, holding on to the gem.
“It’s not for sale, and besides, it only works for a few days before the effects wear off. And then your ghostly friend will return, peeved beyond belief, so it would be best if you gave it back.” Tessa held her hand out. She wasn’t about to let Jasper Steele keep her mother’s gem. She knew she shouldn’t have given it to him.
His eyes narrowed, and he studied her warring expressions. She strove to seem annoyed yet uninterested, merely bored that he wanted to purchase something she had no interest in selling. “This means something to you.” He looked at it, studying the chips in the corners of the raw stone. “This is ancient, isn’t it? Your mother’s?”
Tessa stepped back, blinking. He remembered her; he remembered everything; she was sure of it. And he was still playing his games. She watched warily as Jasper took her hand and placed the gem in her palm. The movement was gentle, as one might approach a skittish horse, and she refused to acknowledge the trill of delightful unease that ran down her back when his fingers brushed hers.
Her breath caught as he smiled down at her. She stood a little taller, straightening her shoulders and wiping her unclaimed hand down the peplum hem of her bodice. What nonsense. Tessa knew she was hardly an object of attraction, not for a flirt like Jasper. She wore her everyday gray, a sturdy thing of stiff fabric meant for traveling, but with the right tucks and flounces to disguise the room for the quick movements sometimes required when dealing with ghosts. No one in their right mind thought this dress was attractive.
“Your hair,” Jasper said, shifting the topic and the ground beneath her. “I’ve not seen anything like it. It’s . . . wonderfully sculptural.”
Tessa choked. She had thought he was assessing her professional presence, not her personal. Had someone else said such a thing, she would have categorized them as ignorant and not worth her attention. But the gentle awe in Jasper’s
voice made Tessa’s cheeks warm with unexpected pleasure. It was no small feat to do her hair. Its tiny curls disliked the summer heat and humidity, causing her to braid it tightly and then pull those braids high off her neck. She left a bit of fringe at her forehead, as was the fashion, but again, the curls hugged her temples and often stood upright in this weather.
“I assure you, my hair is not where I keep my secrets about ghosts,” was all she could think to say.
“You have an interesting relationship with these Hartwells,” Jasper said, changing the subject yet again. He brushed his clothing to smooth the wrinkles. “No one speaks to Dame Hartwell the way you do. You’re the medium-in-residence?”
“As of this week, yes.”
He nodded, as if this made sense. “And what are you looking for in here? It couldn’t have been me.”
Tessa frowned. “No . . . I’m seeking the reason Dame Hartwell hired me.”
Jasper waited, smiling. It was thoroughly disarming. Tessa threw up her
hands in a minute semblance of defeat. “Alright then, Dame Hartwell lured me here with one of her silly séances, but it turned out not to be silly at all. I know Madam Sylvia to be a charlatan. Yet, a week ago, a very strong, rather malevolent spirit possessed her from afar.” Her brows drew together as she turned to the chaise where everything had happened. “And then three spirits attacked me, and I heard my mother’s voice. It was all a bit unsettling. Dame Hartwell hired me on the spot
after I exorcised them.”
“That sounds awful,” Jasper said, his eyes wide. “How on earth did you exorcise them?”
“I have a special cane enabling me to do so, but it is very draining to use. It’s for emergencies.”
“Fascinating.”
Jasper touched the amethyst, which still lay in her palm. When he looked at her again, his expression had softened. “When did the spirits reveal themselves to you? Mary only began seeing ghosts after her father’s ghost finally rested.”
Tessa tilted her head. Interesting how he referred to her as Mary, rather than Miss Trentwood. And that he knew details about her ability to see the spirits. She swallowed the sudden sour note of jealousy sitting at the tip of her tongue. “I’ve
always seen the spirits,” she replied. “But it happens far more often with my parents’ death. I believe they shielded me when they lived.”
“Do they haunt you now?” Jasper looked around the room, waiting for someone to jump out of the corners.
“Does who haunt—my parents? No, what a rude thing to ask!”
Jasper blinked. “My apologies.”
Tessa moved to the window, looking out to the calm courtyard below. The
neighboring house shared the courtyard, but if she remembered correctly, the elderly woman living there only came out for a bit of sun a couple times a week.
“Does your uncle see the ghosts too?” Jasper said, trying again.
“No, I inherited this from my mother.”
Jasper nodded. “She was rather exotic.”
Tessa’s jaw tightened. “Only as exotic as my father was in her home country.”
Jasper raised his hands. “I meant no offense. She had a wonderful singing voice, if I remember.”
Tessa turned from the window at that comment. “You knew my mother?”
At this, Jasper colored. “I believe my mother hired your mother for a couple of séances. And so, we come back to my original question. Do you know how to help me beyond a single night’s sleep?”
It was now Tessa’s turn to study Jasper, and while she looked him over, he also
stood taller, puffing his chest ever so slightly, pulling his shoulders back. He was a rumpled mess, and she rather liked him for it. It was clear last night that Jasper wished to be seen as rather a dandy, so she enjoyed seeing him mussed up. She preferred this genuine openness and concern.
“Not yet,” she admitted. “I haven’t yet had my morning coffee.”
Jasper smiled. “Well, by all means, let’s get you some coffee.”
Romantic rating: No or low heat content with a focus on emotion and kissing.
Why you'll love A Spirited Engagement
- Annoying ghost brides: Because a ghost bride as a romantic rival is never convenient.
- Enemies to lovers: Tessa can’t stand Jasper… and he’s delighted by her coldness.
- Second chance romance: A reunion neither of them expected, but both secretly wanted.
- Grumpy/sunshine: He’s charming and persistent, she’s determinedly indifferent.
- Ghostly antics: Haunted by more than just memories, Jasper’s ghostly companion won’t let him forget her.
- Witty banter: Sharp words and even sharper hearts as they navigate their unresolved past.
- Romantic misadventures: Because nothing says “romance” like trying to outsmart a demanding ghost bride.
- Forced proximity: Stuck together with a ghost in the mix? Sparks are bound to fly.
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A Spirited Engagement (audio)
Standalone cozy fantasy romance
Series includes novels, short stories
Let customers speak for us
from 140 reviewsGreat author, wonderful follow through and very involved in the process
The stickers were adorable and I loved using the bookmark from this pack with the book!

Hier herrscht das Gegenteil von Langeweile, und es geht deutlich ernster und auch gefährlicher zu als im ersten Band. Phantasievoll, spannend und nichts für Kleingeister …

This was a bit different for me to read and the characters had a lot going on. It was a period piece centering on Tessa, a very powerful medium. Being a medium, and a young woman of color made things challenging at this time in history, but she handled it. I liked Tessa. She was smart, competent and strong. No wilting or the vapors for her. Her line of work didn't afford that. Especially with ghosts running all over the place all the time.
Called in to train a new charge (Mary), an old love reappears in her life (Jasper), with a big bad coming for her, Tessa steps all the way up with the help of her newfound squad.
The story was entertaining. The pacing was good and the plot points were relevant to each other, had enough scary to it and didn't stuck in one place for too long.
Overall, we get a sweet, tidy ending with a classic battle of good versus evil with a human soul hanging in the balance! Quite the ride!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

A Spirited Engagement is book two of The Hesitant Mediums series by Belinda Kroll. This can be read as a standalone story and there is more than enough context given if needed, however, this book does carry over some details from the first book to some extent.
I absolutely adore the concept of this book (and series). Drawing on VIctorian England's fascination for Spirits, Seances and Mediums, it has the feels of something worthy of Charles Dickens (or at least an episode of Doctor Who minus the time travelling alien). Add into this a mixed race, resilient leading lady - Miss Tessa Preston - who has experience enough racism to make her wary of many.
Tessa Preston is also a medium who has the ability to see and speak to ghosts, a gift that she gained after a tragic carriage accident brought her close to death and she lost her parents. Now she has her uncle, Sir Hubert Preston, who escorts her as she takes on jobs helping people with her medium skills. That job has brought her back to London for the first time in nearly a decade, to help an old friend and his fiancé. However, things get complicated when another man from her past, who incidentally broke her heart, turns up also needing help.
Jasper Steele's biggest problem was once his mother's continual nagging for him to find a wife. But at one of those attempts to match him, he attended a seance and now has the ghost of a Society Belle attached to him and adamant that he is now her fiancé. Finding Tessa again, Jasper wants to make things right and make it clear that his intentions for her are completely honourable. Yet, in between all that there is a wild ride of ghosts, shadows, ghouls and they pose a danger to both Jasper and Tessa.
I am looking forward to the next book, which appears to follow the story of the living twin sister to the young lady ghost that had attached herself onto Jasper. Incidentally, that lady's ghost, Eloise, made me laugh with her continual antics - but being an Eloise myself, I am always charmed to see my name come up in books since it so rarely happens.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I really enjoyed this book! Loved the characters. Tessa was excellent, and I was really rooting for Jasper. The story is more intense than book 1 and a little darker. Because of this, it wasn't as funny as the first one, but it was still very engaging. A sweet love story, and the interracial element was very well done.

This was so much fun! I had not read any other stories from this series, so I went into this completely blind. While I was definitely a tad bit confused at times, it wasn't enough to keep me from thoroughly enjoying myself on this fun little journey.
I adored the mix of historical romance, historical fantasy, ghost story, and intrigue. Belinda's writing was witty and superb, andI will absolutely continue on with this series (and go back and actually read the first book in the series!). I can't wait to learn more about Jasper and Eloise and to journey back into this world!.
Thanks to the author for a review copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Belinda Kroll's humor shines through as brightly - and perhaps a bit more - as it did in Haunting Miss Trentwood, and her characters are as enchanting as ever!
Jasper returns in this story to find his match in Tessa, a sassy medium hoping to prove herself. She finds her worth as she helps Mary learn to control her new medium abilities, and rid Jasper of the ghost determined to marry him. While Tessa believes they are in an enemies-to-lovers story, Jasper thinks this is his second chance romance. Let the hilarity ensue!
When I read Haunting Miss Trentwood, I desperately wanted Jasper to grow a backbone for his story, and I can assure you he does just that. The man redeems himself fully for everything he got caught up in with Mary and Alex. I honestly didn't think I'd love him as much as I love Alex, but I do! He's exactly the right man for Tessa.
By the end of the book, I was biting my fingernails for how action packed and exciting the climax was. If you thought Haunting Miss Trentwood ended with a punch, hold on to your bonnets because Tessa does NOT mess around! She's the kick butt hero I want in my corner if ghosts ever come calling.
I read this book in one sitting because I could not put it down! It was everything I loved from Haunting Miss Trentwood and so much more! I can't wait for Book 3!

I absolutely ADORED this book!
When I first read the synopsis, I was a little worried I was getting into a scary story, but I'm very pleased to tell you I had nothing to worry about. Instead of hiding under the covers of my bed I was laughing all the way through! Belinda's characters are sassy and hilarious and she weaves a beautiful sweet romance into this cozy Victorian setting.
Mary and Alex's story starts out with one of my favorite tropes - annoyances to lovers! I'm a sucker for two people who start off on the wrong foot and then completely fall head over heels for each other. Alex is just everything, and Mary feels familiar in so many ways. I adored them and cheered the whole way through as they grew to love each other. Then there's Trentwood. He will have you laughing so hard your friends and family will look at you funny as you look at your phone screen because you have to know what he's going to say next. I fell in love with all of them and was a little sad when I turned the page to the Acknowledgements because it meant I didn't get more Mary and Alex.
This whole book is darling and I love it! I can't wait for Jasper and Tessa's story and to get to see Jasper grow up - and good heavens I hope the man grows a backbone. This really is your next feel good read!

This charmingly well written story reminds me of a humorous classic Cary Grant movie. Who wouldn’t want a loving, caring parental ghost to crawl from the grave to protect them from danger? I thoroughly enjoyed this combination mystery, ghost story, and romance tale. This is one of those stories that you have terrible putting down. Definitely worth reading!

I read A LOT, so it’s rare when I see a book—especially a fiction book--that is truly something different. This is one of those rare unique books, and though I’ve finished it, I haven’t quite decided whether or not I like it.
The book feels a bit uneven to me, going between a very British tongue-in-cheek humor and a somewhat macabre Gothic feel. The dialogue felt a little stilted at times, like the author was trying a little too hard, perhaps. If the dialogue were better, I think I would have been more firmly on the “like” side of the equation.
The characters have strongly distinctive voices; you can easily determine which perspective character a chapter is written from before you read too far. The heroine is strong, cannily intelligent, and sure of herself, even in unusual circumstances. The hero is a no-nonsense guy… who has to deal with a lot of nonsense. The butler Pomeroy was a hoot, in the classically English understated way, whenever he showed up. The ghost dad was a bit gruff, but you could tell he loved his daughter and wanted the best for her.
So, this is a quirky read that you’ll probably either love or hate, depending on how you feel about a book that could be called whimsically Gothic.

this was a great short story in the hesitant mediums series, the characters had what I enjoyed from the first book and left me ready for the second book. The plot does what I wanted it was really well done.

A short story bridge between book 1 and the upcoming book 2. Miss Tessa Preston's story continues in this story. A fun short story to read. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Haunting Miss Trentwood is a charming, sweet romance that will have you devouring each chapter in pursuit of answers and just more time with these eccentric characters. The ghost is very nearly the star of the show with his frank and teasing observations. That said the rest of the cast hold their own, each being interesting individuals with backstories, motives and agendas of their own.
For all the darker moments, ultimately this story is charming and more often than not the characters leave you smiling and wanting more. I loved reading every page of this story.

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Writing & illustrating cozy fantasy
Hi, I'm Belinda
Snuggle into my cozy romantasy world where comedy-of-manners charm meets 'he falls first' romance, all set in historical settings with a dash of magic.
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