Hidden Salem: Salem Series Book One

by Kiki Howell

Amazon Top 100 Bestseller in Paranormal, Ghosts, Suspense, and Witch & Wizard Thrillers Intuition alone brought Makayla to Salem, MA in search of a story, but her research has her confronting more than she bargained for. With her empathic gifts stronger in Witch City, she physically suffers, landing her literally unconscious in the arms of both Noah Ayers, local cop and Dylan Baines, local history teacher. Yet, it is Lauri, a witch who owns a local shop, who teaches Makayla about who she is and what she can do. Unfortunately for all of them, Makayla also stumbles upon a coven in the woods practicing a dark magic ritual. Now they are after her, threatening her life and the lives of those she has quickly come to care about. Immersed in things she never expected, like an old legend and necromancy due to residual hauntings, the race is on to stay safe from the coven and protect her heart from a certain sexy cop. But, is Lauri correct in thinking Makayla might just have encountered the only real witch in Salem in 1692? And, do they share the same bloodline? Salem's Salem Series Book Two, Available Now on Amazon

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Suspense

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2012

About the author

Ever since she was young, Kiki Howell has loved to listen to a well-woven tale with real characters, inspired plots, and delightful resolutions. Kiki could spend hours lost in a book, and soon she knew that creating lives, loves, and losses with just words had to be the greatest thing that she could do. To that end, she pursued her study of literature and writing, earning a bachelor’s degree in English from Kent State University.
“After a long break having my boys, I finally just had to write again. And, as soon as I gave the stories the space, they entered it. It’s both awesome and humbling to find the words in my mind become characters on a page and create their lives.”
Kiki is a multi-published author residing in Northeast Ohio with her incredibly handsome and talented, singer/songwriter husband and two children.

Reviews

[Lyn Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book i have read by Kiki Howell and i voluntarily reviewed this book and i have to say i am so glad that i did, i will definitely be following this author and reading her other books after reading this, i was highly impressed.

The world that is created in this book is so vivid with the descriptions and the imagination to this plotline is just brilliant. It captured my attention from the moment that i picked this up, it is a very different view of Salem and it's history, making me want to know more about this magical place. I couldn't stop reading this book, couldn't stop turning the pages to find out what mystery and secret would be discovered in the next chapter. This book seriously keeps you on your toes you seriously never know what is going to happen next and i loved that about this book. I also adored why it turns out she came to Salem, but i won't say any more on that so not to give anything away

I adored the characters in this book, my first mention has to go to Makayla (I adored this name). My heart really went out to her, having to keep a huge secret from everyone, keeping secret a huge part of her, a big part of who she is and what she has to deal with on a daily basis. I can guarantee that all the readers will fall in love with Noah, pretty much as soon as he enters the book with his strong personality and his protective instincts as well as the draw between Makayla and him. They are both highly intelligent, having an inner strength that comes from their independence and confidence in who they are. I also loved Lauri, her compassion and healing aura kind of comes off the pages and you the reader feel that too!

I can't rate this book highly enough, i absolutely adored this book and can't wait to see what happens next in the town of Salem

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a great Witch story and this one has just jumped to the top of my list! Makayla has travelled to Salem to pursue her writing career and to develop her empath abilities. Once she arrived in Salem, her abilities triggered immediately and she sees a vision from the past. After the vision fades she falls into the arms of a very handsome cop.... mmm, who wouldn’t be happy with a man in uniform!

I found that I really liked Makayla. She tries to be independent, but she is willing to ask for support when needed. Her empath abilities are quite draining and super handsome cop, Noah, is always there to catch her, literally. They have a connection from the beginning, but they both take their time about taking it further.

Noah is what most girls dream of- super hot, masculine, tough and a great protector. He is worried about Makayla’s safety from when they first meet and can’t help but find her to make sure she is ok. He is usually focused solely on his job but Makayla seems to be his undoing. She finds trouble everywhere she turns and he happens to be there to save her each time. But he is a typical man! He can’t understand his feelings – could this be love? He just can’t grasp that he may be falling for Makayla.

I loved watching Makayla and Noah’s relationship develop. Makayla keeps some secrets from him that may tear them apart. But they have amazing chemistry and a strong connection. Noah sees things as black or white and Makayla is definitely in the grey area!!

But while Makayla is trying to discover more about her visions, she stumbles upon something else entirely. There is some dark magic being practiced around Salem and she is being pulled toward it. The covern involved then play a dangerous game with Makayla’s life and the few friends that she has made since being in Salem.

I was hooked by Kiki Howell’s writing from the very first chapter. She took us on Makayla’s journey immediately, straight into visions and cops. I seem to enjoy books more that have action all the way through and I found Hidden Salem kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. It has a great plot that I was addicted to and there are some romance scenes, but nothing too graphic. It was a fantastic paranormal/romance that I want more of!

[Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exciting book. I love books with witches and powers in them, and this one sure did. It was right to excitement within the first 20%. We get a hot cop, a dreamy history teacher, and an evil cult who is after Makayla after she seen them performing an evil ritual. It’s all there, all kinds of excitement.

I was not expecting to like Makayla as much as I did, but I do. I found her to be so strong, mentally. I could not imagine how hard being an empath would be. And to feel the feelings others have for you even, would be hard. But to me the hardest part would be feeling the feelings of the residual ghost, or energy of long dead people. When she arrives in Salem, she finds a very strong connection with a spirit, while by the water, Mary, and she finds out later, that she is an ancestor of hers. Meaning she is connected to Salem, and it is why her “gift” is so much stronger there.

I really fell for Noah, what a sexy cop he is, and loved how they met. Her, practically falling into his arms, after a very strong vision. I loved it.

Laurie is awesome, I love how when they first met that Laurie could pretty much read Makayla’s mind. She is a fun character, and loved her, and a true Salem witch.

Dylan, I felt bad for, seems to be a great guy, and was hurt protecting her, and it’s nice she was able to share her secret with him. He is a great help to her on her research of Salem, as he is a history buff, and a teacher too.

I won’t say a lot more, so to leave you with the mystery. It’s a wonderful story, I love the whole background we get of Salem, it’s really fascinating to me. I devoured this book in one sitting just about. I just could not put it down.

I encourage you to give this book a chance. If you like any books about magic, and the paranormal, you will love this. It’s written really well, and easy to read.

5 out for 5 stars for me.

I was provided this book from the author for my honest review.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by: Crystal
Book provided by: Author
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

When I first started reading Hidden Salem, I thought it might be similar to all the other Salem books that I had read but I was wrong and really enjoyed this book. The first couple of pages were a little slow for me but, then the pace starting picking up.

Makayla is a woman that really doesn’t know what to do with her life. She has no connections back in Ohio, except for Denise who she calls Neece. I related to the relationship between them since my aunt’s name is Denise, that’s the nickname I call her, and I always talk to her about everything. While Makayla is an empath, she doesn’t tell many people because of their reactions. So, when she runs into a woman named Mary who has been dead since the 1700′s, she passes out and Noah catches her. There’s a connection between them from the very first contact.

Noah is a cop and he takes his job very seriously. He does everything by the book and hardly ever dates. All that changes when he meets Makayla. Especially when she starts getting hurt and kidnapped from a dark coven that she just ran into.

The plot to the story was great and very believable. I loved the suspense which kept me guessing and I just couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. In a way you have a love triangle between Makayla, Noah, and Dylan but then you find out that the feelings that she has for Dylan are just friendship and that she feels safe with him. When they find out that black magic is involved, they bring in Lauri. She’s a good witch, helps Makayla with her powers, and tries to teach her how to use them.

This book is filled with secrets, lies, love, death, and magic. You are taken on an adventure that would appease any adrenaline junky. Makayla was drawn to Salem for a reason and she needs to find out why before she gets killed. I would recommend this book to everyone. You won’t be disappointed.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I was given a copy of Hidden Salem from the author for a review via Bewitching Book Tours.

Makayla goes to Salem, MA hunting a story so she can write her book. Upon arriving in Salem she meets two very good looking men. She literally passes out in both of their arms but not at the same time of course. One of the guys is a local cop, Noah Ayers and the other guy is Dylan Baines, the local history teacher.

Dylan is very nice and offers to help Makayla with her research for her book. Dylan knows a lot about the history of the Salem witches. Makayla likes Dylan but she is more attractive to Noah and has stronger, different feelings for Noah than she does for Dylan. Makayla is not completely honest with Noah or Dylan about who or what she really is. She has always been afraid to let anyone in on her secrets except for her best friend "Neeece". She is afraid that they will think she is crazy.

She meets Lauri a local witch who owns a local witch shop. It is Lauri that teaches Makayla about who and what she is. Lauri helps Makayla to understand more about the things that she can do. Makayla's mother died when she was young and never told Makayla anything about who she was. She never had any family that she knew of to teach her about her gifts.

I have read a lot of books about witches and ones about Salem witches. But I have never read a book that was anywhere near like Hidden Salem. Hidden Salem was unique in the way that it actually portrayed the witches. I mean that a lot of people could or maybe even can do the things that Makayla does. They just don't know what they are doing. They never realized why they can do what they do or even know that they have done anything.

[Niina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of a perfect fit for Halloween! I usually shy very far away from witch books because they sound so fake to a former eclectic wiccan, but there was something about the blurb of Hidden Salem that made me feel like this book was going to be different - not the flashy, easy witchiness, but the earthy style... with all the eeriness and scariness that go with suspense. And I was right! I love it when that happens! ;)

Makayla was absolutely great to read! As investigating story hunter she's got moxy and lots of courage but she definitely still has a soft underbelly and that makes her a great character. I loved how easy the connection were with Ma, Noah and Dylan, they got a great sensual connection too ( I usually don't shy away from saying if something needs more romance, but I think Hidden Salem had the perfect mix with the suspense, the Salem Witch hunt and little bit of romance to stir the chemistries ).

I love the cover, I love how well it presents the book and how it shows the eeriness of the novel.

You'll love this if you... like your witches evil and scary, history mixed with modern scares and a tough heroine!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richly vivid and captivatingly engrossing, Hidden Salem is a mesmerizing tale that blends an eerie historical past with a rather terrifying present. Kiki Howell brings the fascination of the witches of Salem - both past and present - to a brilliant level, adding liberal doses of sensuous love, suspense and murder to provide a hard-to-put-down, provocative and memorable story that you don't want to miss.

[Whitebeard Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a solid story teller! Ms Howell has a true gem in the rough here. I would have rated it at least a 4.5 or maybe higher if only the writing had been edited professionally or ... well, at all. There are too many instances of poor word selection, i.e. I when it should be me or the opposite. I truly believe that with a thorough editing, this book could be a huge bestseller. Keep at it Kiki, but find an editor you trust.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Hidden Salem. You see a lot of books about the Salem Witch Hunt. This one is really different and I just really loved the characters and how they ineract with each other. I enjoyed this paranormal. Had the right amount of suspense and love interest.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

["Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”]

"Love accepts the strangest things, can make the mind more open. You’ll see.”

"I’d traveled here to discover a hidden Salem. Someone here wanted me to write their story, a sort of redemption for something done wrong."

Makayla Knight, a young woman from Ohio has travelled to Salem Massachusetts to do some research towards a book she may or may not write. Her empathic abilities and historic ties to Salem allow for a much different connection than she sets out to explore.

Through them she meets Dylan, a history teacher, Lauri, a hereditary witch and Luke, a police officer. All have been connected by both past and present and its up to Mak to figure out the tangle. In doing so she finds that being empathic is a key, nit only to her past, but to her heart, hearth and home.

As a born New Englander as well as a minister with religious historical connections with those who were central to the Salem Witch Trials, I am always game to a good book connecting history with strong characters. I read this almost straight through in two sittings, loving not only the storyline, but how the primaries interacted. I really loved this book and am looking forward to Salem's Revenge, Howell's next in the series

[Casia Pickering · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a lover of paranormal anything, I was instantly drawn to this book. I've always loved the history of Salem and I loved both times I visited. Sure, it's a bit touristy, but there's something about it that makes it beautiful. Minus the terrible history it is known for, of course.

I could see Salem in the book. I knew exactly where the character was and could envision it wonderfully. The story is good. There are a number of characters that you just have to love. However, I didn't feel that there was enough about Makayla's life and the lives of the people she saw in the visions. I didn't actually cared that she knew off the bat what was going on in their lives. It was explained and I do understand the explanation of it, I just wish there was more to it than her just knowing.

That said, I think I'll go on Makayla. For a main character, she was decent. I honestly didn't care for her martyr like way of looking at things. I understood she didn't want the people she grown to care about hurt, but there's a time when you should stand up and fight. She seemed too much on the run away bandwagon. I loved her empathic powers and I could see she was supposed to be a strong character, but I feel her actions or decisions (even if they were thwarted) weren't the best as a strong female lead. Granted, there was a lot going at the time and a lot of energies that made her confused and everything else. I understand that, I just wish she tried to have more of the backbone I'm guessing she had before she came to Salem.

All in all, the book was good. It was fast paced with enough action and romance to keep a reader of fluff going. Hey, I'm a fluff reader, and I liked it a lot. There's history, romance, intrigue, and above all, magic. A good read for any paranormal romance reader.

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Makayla is a very interesting character. She lost her family and really only has once good friend she can be honest with about her abilities to feel the emotions of others. Everything intensifies when she arrives in Salem.

She learns a lot about herself during the story. She has two tempting men that she knows will be important in her life. A local woman who is a witch becomes an important part of her life as well. Makayla faces great danger but remains strong and determined to find out who is using dark magic.

The author really created an interesting storyline that captured my attention. I really liked the characters. I felt like I really understood Makayla. The story is told from her point of view and it would have been interesting to have some alternate POVs. Noah is incredibly attractive and I can understand her difficulty in resisting the attraction. I am glad the story continues in Salem's Revenge and recommend you read it too if you enjoyed the first part of the story. It answers some of the unanswered quesitons.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★
Makayla is an empath, she can feel the emotions of the people around her and residual emotion even from places. Now she has sold up her house to go on an adventure. She has been stand to Salem. A place rich in history, and a place that might help her understand her own abilities.
As soon as she gets there her visions and feelings seem to get out of her control. She comes to in the arms of a sexy cop.
Makayla meet two men who she is drawn to in different ways. One makes her feel safe and has a calming effect on her. The other makes her emotions spin so much she doesn't know which emotions are hers and which are his.
Being drawn to some very bad emotions puts Makayla and those near her in very very dangerous situation. Not all the witches in Salem are good. Some play with power they do not know how to control.
This book is a whirlwind of emotional energy. Poor Makayla gets hit with so much all at once, it's a wonder she is not locked up in a loony bin by the end. A few beautiful love scenes, but not graphic. I could see a good series growing from this book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story. You are pulled in right from the beginning. It is a well written, interesting mystery/suspense with a great amount of romance added in. All blended together to make a not to be missed paranormal.

Makayla is an interesting character. As we follow her around Salem we learn not only about what she is experiencing but also who she is. As she meets local characters they are incorporated very well into the story.

With the addition of her discovery in the woods we not only have the story about when she is experiencing in her visions of the past in Salem but we also get a very well done suspense mystery added in.

I really enjoyed Makayla's story and am so glad I read it. I will definitely be checking out books by this author again.

[Kay Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never knowing what to expect but knowing your going to enjoy the book your reading by Kiki Howell. This book is one of them. Well written and thought out down to the tiniest detail. She really brings the character and book to life for the reader to the point that you become the character, visit the same places and feels the same emotions. Take the time to read the book and find this out for yourself.

[Steph Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting paranormal witch story set in modern day Salem. I enjoyed the story, and the characters were easy enough to like. What I didn't like about the story was the author's over use of 'flowery' language (mostly in the beginning). It took away from the plot line and made me lose interest a few times. Otherwise, good story with a nice splash of romance.

[Chande · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is will hook you from the beginning to the end. If you enjoy paranormal and stories about witches and true love than this is a book for you. It has great suspense and action to to keep you tuning the pages. If your looking for a good paranormal read this book has it all.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Hidden Salem' is a good paranormal romance story. I loved the descriptive nature of this story and enjoyed how it played out. The characters were good. The events that arose due to Makayla's arrival in Salem were well written and well thought out. This is a good add to your tbr list.

[Marcie Wegner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I read it in one sitting. The characters and plot were well thought out. I look forward to reading more by Kiki Howell.