Sassy, spirited Peyton Clark is back—and she’s not alone!
After agreeing to let the spirit of Drake Montague inhabit her body, Peyton soon discovers that the twentieth-century French policeman may be dead but his lothario longings sure aren’t. Now she has to find a way to explain to her sweet, sexy boyfriend, Ryan Kelly, that a spirit has taken up residence in her head, whispering French words of affection day and night.
While Peyton is torn between her love for a living man and her growing affection for one deceased, supernatural activity in New Orleans spikes—and something wicked this way comes. With the help of her friends (and a little voodoo), Peyton learns that the demonic spirit of the Axeman may still dwell in her home. To stop bloody history from repeating itself, Peyton will have to travel back a century to confront the Axeman at his roots, with the help of a certain handsome—and suddenly flesh and blood—police officer in the Big Easy.
I’m a huge fan of anything paranormal and I always have been. I get super excited whenever they have those Twilight Zone Marathon days and anything ghost or vampire related will always attract my attention.
My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.
Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting!
In exorcising a demon from her home, Peyton found herself inadvertently possessed by the ghost of a French speaking New Orleans police officer who died in the early 20th century. Now she can connect to the spirit world and all the ghosts of the city are running scared.
It soon becomes clear that something is very wrong and the demon they exorcised has decided to make the streets of New Orleans run red with blood, starting with Peyton.
There is a lot going on in Once Haunted, Twice Shy. At times it felt like a little too much, like there were too many players. Presumably H.P. Mallory is setting the scene for future books but that busyness didn't help this story. Added to the mix this book has a love triangle of sorts (do I have to call a four sided love triangle a square?) which is one of those tropes I don't particularly like.
That said, despite the shaky start, the book ended strongly with a voodoo battle to end all battles. If you like voodoo, ghosts and demons in your pages, this is a pretty good read.
Many thanks to Montlake Romance and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC
I thought this was a terrific follow-up to book 1, “Ghouls Rush In.” I’d even say it was better. What an engaging story as it’s got more romance, more mystery and intrigue, and more spiritual entities. I loved all three protagonists, Peyton, Ryan, and Drake; not to mention the secondary characters that makes the story all the more interesting. Peyton and Drake, oh how I love their relationship, full of humour and sarcasm. The fact that Ryan was always there for Peyton shows how devoted and in love he is with her. I can only hope that their relationship will grow and get stronger with each new novel. Speaking of new novels, I’m already looking forward to book 3 in the series. I get the feeling something more dark and sinister will be knocking on Peyton’s door. I just hope we don’t have to wait too long. If you love paranormal mysteries with some romance, and a little humour thrown in, I definitely recommend this series. Just make sure you start with “Ghouls Rush In.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Drake's possession of Peyton causes some problems between her and Ryan, but that is the least of their worries. When the ghosts of New Orleans begin to warn of something evil coming soon, Peyton and her friends realize that they didn't banish the Axeman completely. With the help of a super-shady voodoo priestess, Peyton must travel back in time to Drake's time period to stop the Axeman.
I'm enjoying listening to this series in audio. Since the characters were developed in book one, it freed up this book for more action; there was definitely action in this plot. For a "regular" girl, Peyton sure does have to take some unusual risks to try to rid herself of this malicious entity known as the Axeman. Her relationships with Drake and Ryan are both endearing and heartbreaking. I'm interested to see how she manages these relationships in future books.
Let me tell you something about this book: the love triangle and the ending were just annoying. From the beginning I was #teamDrake and I'm very disappointed from Peyton and her indecision. During the whole book she was like: "Oh, I love Ryan" and in the end of the book, you see, she decides that she loves Drake too. Well, who the hell does she really love?! I was expecting more from the author ... If you like to read books with love triangles and unsatisfying endings, then this book is for you...
This book started slow and picked up after the halfway mark, but it was still a good read. I just didn’t care too much for the love triangle that mostly focused on Peyton and Ryan. I was glad that this book added to and resolved questions from Ghouls Rush In, but still left you wanting more. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
After agreeing to let the spirit of Drake Montague inhabit her body, Peyton Clark soon discovers that the twentieth-century French policeman may be dead but his lothario longings sure aren’t. Now she has to find a way to explain to her sweet, sexy boyfriend, Ryan Kelly, that a spirit has taken up residence in her head, whispering French words of affection day and night. While Peyton is torn between her love for a living man and her growing affection for one deceased, supernatural activity in New Orleans spikes—and something wicked this way comes. With the help of her friends (and a little voodoo), Peyton learns that the demonic spirit of the Axeman may still dwell in her home. To stop bloody history from repeating itself, Peyton will have to travel back a century to confront the Axeman at his roots, with the help of a certain handsome—and suddenly flesh and blood—police officer in the Big Easy.
This is the second book in the Peyton Clark series, following on closely from Ghouls Rush In.
I am really torn about this book (and series) - there is so much potential for this series to go through the roof but it seems to drag itself down into a cliched, run-of-the-mill, will she-won't she romance / sex novel.
On the positive side - New Orleans is always a great setting for a paranormal novel. It has history and mystery, romance and intrigue built into its DNA. A great choice to start. Also, the paranormal side of this book was pretty well handled - voodoo, demons and spirits all come together to add a real depth to this story.
The downside? The romance. No matter how hard I tried, I just could not figure why these three people would be even interested in each other...Peyton and Ryan are rarely on the same page - he doesn't always agree with her choices, she doesn't keep him informed all the time. And Peyton and Drake is just a pairing that I had trouble even believing in - and that is AFTER suspending belief for the whole story. Also, I am not a fan of "cliffhanger" endings. When I have invested time (and money in some cases) into a book, I kinda want an ending to make sense, not just be a primer for the next book...and the next book...and the next book...
On the whole, if this series was more mystery/paranormal OR more romance, it would work far better for me. It feels like the author is trying to force too much into the story and it only manages to get halfway to a great book.
Okay....I LOVE this series!! H.P. Mallory is an AMAZING novelist, I have read tons of her novels and I love them all! Mallory has action, adventure, mystery, murder, love, comedy and TONS of sass! What more could you ask for? This series is about Peyton Clark whom has inherited a large estate in New Orleans, and just in time to say good riddance to a loveless husband and marriage combo that she had been looking for a way out of. After moving in she realizes the home needs quiet a bit of renovation, que the hunky neighbor man to the rescue! But when things start going a bit strange around the house, and Peyton starts having visions of a tall dark and totally handsome peace officer from way back when, she realizes that her home is haunted by not one but two spirits.
In the first book in the series, "Ghouls Rush In" we meet and fall in love with Ryan aka the hunky neighbor/contractor, and (my personal favorite character) Drake aka our handsome peace officer/friendly ghost. Peyton and Ryan's relationship is slightly strange, it happened really quickly for my liking but ce la vi, Ryan is always taking up for Peyton and is just all around a perfect man, but Drake ahhhh. I love Drake, he is Peyton's savior in so many ways, he's flirty, fun and his banter with Peyton really makes these novels!
Our not so friendly ghost that Peyton needs protecting from is actually a demon that goes by the name of The Axeman, he is a serial killer that strikes periodically throughout the ages. This novel was better than the first in my opinion, it had more emotion and took the story to the next level. I actually cried at one point (I know it shocked me too), but really the introduction to the voodoo lady and the things that it brings us to, I will just say I am SO excited to see where Mallory is going to take it in the next novel!
If you have not read anything by H.P. Mallory, GO, GO NOW and read ANYTHING written by her! My favorites are: The Dulcie O'Neil series, Book 1 is "To Kill a Warlock"; The Jolie Wilkins series, Book 1 is "Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble" ; and last but not The Lily Harper series, Book 1 "Better Off Dead", oh wait, is that all of her novel series? Maybe....But totally worth it!
Title: "Once Haunted, Twice Shy" - Book two, Peyton Clark series. Written by: H.P. Mallory Format: audiobook via audible.com Narrator: Kate Rudd Read: March 25-26, 2015.
Overall rating: 5/5 swell deserved stars! I would give Ms. Rudd a 5-star rating as well! (performance) & the story gets another fiver!
Brief remarks:
I enjoyed book one of Peyton's story but this one totally stole the entire enchallida, if you will! IMHO, this was one captivating, deep, deliciously creepy & chilling, disturbing, yet steamy and fun at times, books I've read or listened to in ages! I'm a very devoted HP Mallory fan for sure, but WOWSA! This one REEEEALLLY gave me the chills! Lol. Also, due to the absurdly OUTSTANDING narration by Ms. Rudd, I was so creeped out at one point when listening at bedtime, I had to STOP! Haaha! True! That gal has one of the absolute BEST female range of voices (& this story definitely was a strong test of that range), I've ever heard! It really sounds like a man speaking or an elderly, nearly toothless, backwater bayou "Voodoo Hoodoo" priestess chanting or a spirit of a long ago tortured N'awlins slave! INCREDIBLE!
I could go on with my raving but I'm sure y'all get the point: I loved this book.
I'm definitely interested in comments any of you may like to leave/post as to how the actual reading of the book would seem to compare to my very entertaining listening experience; if you're interested in sharing (as a comment below or message). I really felt Kate Rudd added a LOT to the story, but historically, I have actually read ALL of HP Mallory's books (except for book one of this series) and enjoyed them tremendously as well. Hmm... Any thoughts?
As always, I'm not a reader or writer of spoilers; I just post my reaction basically. I do appreciate you stopping by to read what I've posted though! I really do hope you will or have already, enjoy this book.
Cheers, my fellow readers! Lisa (@NurseLisainOhio)
I loved that this book was set in New Orleans. It was the perfect setting for ghosts, magic and voodoo. I loved the ghosts but, of course, Drake was my favorite. I read book 2 first so I obviously have to go back and read book 1 now. I truly enjoyed this story and can't wait to read more of the series.
Once Haunted, Twice Shy is the second book in H.P. Mallory's Peyton Clark series. It picks up where Ghouls Rush In leaves off. Peyton is possessed by the spirit of Drake Montague, the ghost who has been haunting her house. Drake has been protecting Peyton from an evil entity called The Axeman. With the help of some friends, Peyton was able to exorcise the demon from her home and at the same time allowing Drake to take up residence in her body to save him. Peyton quickly suspects that she is still not safe, the exorcism didn't destroy The Axeman, it only freed him from where he was trapped in her house. Now the whole city is in danger from him and Peyton is going to be his first victim.
I loved, loved, LOVED this book! The interaction between Drake and Peyton was hilarious, especially during the times that she spent with her boyfriend Ryan. Since they share a body Drake experiences everything that Peyton does so needless to say, when she's kissing Ryan, Drake is not appreciating the feeling of kissing another man. LOL.
I was glued to this book! It pulled me in from page one and kept me engaged until the end. Lots of suspense, strong plot and a roller coaster of emotion in the love triangle between Drake, Peyton and Ryan. I cried a few tears for Drake (who I love more than Ryan) and his relationship with Peyton. And after I learned how he died?? OMG *sobs* Not many books make me cry but that scene? Yup, blubbered like an idiot. So, all in all, another great addition to the series and I can't wait to see what comes next!
* I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book had everything that I felt was missing from the first book in the series. The ending, while still a bit abrupt, had much more of a resolution feel to it AND it had a couple of pages post climactic end to wind down. I didn't feel dumped off a cliff.
Story - it was great. Peyton's really got her work cut out for her, sharing her body with a ghost while making googly eyes at her general contractor (who doesn't initially know she's got a companion with her in her head, which makes for some....interesting conversations).
Romance - Yup, it's there, both from Drake (the ghost) and Ryan. Of course you know things can't go forward with Drake, but I found myself actually hoping she could find a way. Of course, I like her with Ryan too.
There was some great information/story revolving around voodoo and I liked the inclusion of Baron Samedi as an actual character in the book. He's creepy, to say the least. I definitely don't trust the voodoo priestess that's introduced and I suspect will have a place in future books.
So, definitely, read this book. You don't 'have' to have read the first, but it will REALLY help you understand how Peyton got herself saddled with a ghostly passenger.
So glad I read this despite not caring for the end of the first book. 5 gargoyles! This review is from my blogsite, Tory Michaels' Time Out (www.torymichaels.com/blogpage).
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Once Haunted, Twice Shy is a fast paced, highly entertaining story of Peyton Clark’s unusual love triangle. Who would have thought that this feisty but naïve woman would end up in a love triangle with both the living and the dead? This story is one of the best murder mysteries that I have read in quite a while because it had twists that I never saw coming. If you like paranormal, mysteries and love stories, this book is a must read.
This is the continuing story of Peyton Clark who after her divorce, inherits a house in New Orleans from her great aunt. She finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery from 1919. It is fascinating and fast paced that grabs you right from the beginning until the end. Many of H.P.’s books end with a cliff hanger and this one is a bit different. It gives you hints of things that can lead to new adventures but it is not the obvious cliff hanger. I really liked that because you can imagine what might be in store for Peyton and her boyfriend, Ryan Kelly but you are not on the edge of your seat waiting for the next book, frustrated that it is not already there to be read.
I will not give you any spoilers because that would not be fair, but I have to say that if you are looking for something fun to read, this is the book for you.
Peyton Clark is possessed by the sexy French Drake. She saved his spirit by allowing him to possess her body but he is driving her crazy. He is dramatic and complains about her not allowing him to see and experience things. Peyton has the ability to keep him from seeing and experiencing things. Thank god. Otherwise that would make being intimate with her sexy boyfriend super uncomfortable.
Peyton kept meaning to tell Ryan, really she did. But somehow something always came up and she lost her chance...or her nerve. Unfortunately ghostly stuff keeps happening in New Orleans and she has to tell Lovie about Drake's problem connecting with the spirit world. And Ryan is there so she has to pull him aside and explain the whole Drake possessing her body thing. He doesn't take it well. No surprise.
I love these characters and this story. Peyton is independent and always ready to help. Ryan is strong but he has issues and Peyton keeping things from him does not help him get passed them. The cast of characters in this book series are unique and fun. The paranormal and suspense elements add a level of excitement and urgency. I can't wait to find out how things turn out for them.
"Once Haunted, Twice Shy" is the second in the Peyton Clark Series by H.P. Mallory. The first novel, "Ghouls Rush In," was one of the best paranormal romance books I've read in a while! I was so excited for this release so that I could see what happened with Peyton, Ryan, and Drake since the conclusion of the last book.
This novel picks up shortly after the events of "Ghouls Rush In." If you haven't read the first book, I highly recommend that you read it first. While there is some recap of the first book's events, it was such a good book, why not read it first? This series is a little dark and a bit scary without going to far away from the genre. I just love these characters and am looking forward to further installments.
I received a courtesy copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Once Haunted, Twice Shy is the second book in the Peyton Clark series. Peyton is getting used to being possessed by Drake. However, she has yet to inform her boyfriend of the possession. This causes some problems in the new relationship. There has been rise in ghostly activity since the events of the first book. Peyton has to find the cause of this increase & find a way to fix her relationship with Ryan.
I enjoyed this book. Peyton is feisty & independent. This independence is part of her problem with Ryan. He feels like she doesn't trust him to help. There is a lot going on in this book. It ends on a cliffhanger and I'm excited to see where the author goes with it.
How do you go about telling your boyfriend that you're possessed by the ghost of a French police detective? Not to mention, this particular detective is a bit of a Lothario. Well, for Peyton, it turns out not to be that easy. Oh, it doesn't help that Drake, the ghost, is more than a little attracted to the body he is currently inhabiting. This is the second book in the series, and is a great follow-up. A malevolent spirit is wreaking havoc. Peyton is doing her best to stop it. This book is funny, filled with banter and steamy bits. The strain on Peyton's new relationship keeps the pace moving. I appreciate Montlake Romance for providing me with a NetGalley copy. Great book!
I've read most of HP Mallory's books and loved them. She's a pretty cool author! I couldn't wait to start reading the second book in The Payton Clark Series, knowing I enjoyed the first. I did however find this one hard to get into. I will be honest and say I did out it down a few times and read other books in between (very naughty if me) but when I did pick the book back up in a few nights ago, I was determined to finish it. I was greatly rewarded. I'm hoping a third is in the pipeline?
This series is interesting, I like the characters and the story line. It was a little slow to start, but once I got into it I was hooked till the end. I am ready to read the next one. This series is a little different that the other books I have read from H.P. Mallory, but I did enjoy it!
I cried like a baby and laughed out loud. Not to be spoilery, but I don't think that Peyton's love triangle is what it seems and I don't think she's the only person in this book who is possessed, but we shall see. Loved it and I have already grown to love this series.
I enjoyed the book for its characters and fast paced plot. Mallory leaves the door open for further development in the series, but this book is well worth the read.
Yep, this series is definitely gonna be a favorite! Loved how things started coming together in this one and, oh la la....the sex scene was just what Peyton needed! I really like her character!!
I found this series completely by accident and what a find. The story original and full of humour, lots of historical references to New Orleans (never been and never likely to go). I read as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription and used the audio book option, so disappointed to find the third book in the series doesn’t have the audio option and I’m just going to have read it! I love Peyton, she is believable, funny and a bit quirky. Ryan and Drake both sound delicious in contrasting ways.
Definitely an adult read as some detailed naughty bits. Definitely going to read more by this author Ms Mallory, you did a great job 😃
First of all, I’ll start by saying I love HP Mallory. I’ve usually found her books to be pretty consistent and each book in a series flows well into the next. Great series with a lot of potential, but in a span of two books, Peyton went from age 44 to 33, and then to 31. Similarly, other characters got younger too. This kind of messed with the characters I was shaping in my head and trying to get a read on. Did no one else notice this for correction in the past 8 years since these books have been out? I’ll keep reading the series, because I do like the books, and hope she’s not 18 by the time the series ends.
I read the 1st book and decided I would read the second one before I gave my opinion on this series but I have to say that I love these books! The characters are fun and incredibly sexy, with men like Ryan and Drake what more could a girl want. Louie is such a sweetheart but Christopher needs a personality transplant, all in all I highly recommend these books y’all.
Reading this book contributed to #FraterfestRAT 2020.
Kate Rudd performed it well but the story not so much IMO. We are introduced to a couple of new entities like the old voodoo lady Guarda and Baron Samedi who actually save Peyton from being murdered by the Axeman and eliminates the threat upon them. Because of that, Peyton is now indebted to this questionable spirit for sucking the demon up and preventing New Orleans's demise.
It ended like that?? Now you have to read it to know why I am so shocked!! There was much going on in this book. Many questions were answered and more asked! Inquiring minds want more!!