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Ghost Series Trilogy #2
Haunted
A captivating and twisting tale where a murder in 1898 and one in 2024 dovetail and connect in unexpected ways from New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin and perfect for readers of J.A. Jance, Tony Hillerman, and Ramona Emerson’s Shutter.
1898: Robbery, prostitution, and violence are commonplace in the fabulously rich copper mining city of Jerome, Arizona. But a brutal murder sets the stage for a series of strange events that will echo far into the future.
2024: Jenny Spencer’s Copper Star Saloon and Hotel is one of the best-loved attractions in the popular tourist destination, but eerie occurrences in the newly renovated wing are souring business.
Cain Barrett, the wealthy owner of the nearby Grandview Hotel, has his eye on Jenny. He’ll help her any way he can, but Cain has problems of his own . . .
A brutal murder at the Copper Star, entries in a dusty journal, and ghostly sightings at both hotels . . . is the connection a figment of Jenny’s imagination, or a threat to her life? And who is causing trouble for Cain?
As they work together to solve the mystery, Cain vows not to let anything, or anyone—living or dead—stand between him and the woman he has come to love.
1898: Robbery, prostitution, and violence are commonplace in the fabulously rich copper mining city of Jerome, Arizona. But a brutal murder sets the stage for a series of strange events that will echo far into the future.
2024: Jenny Spencer’s Copper Star Saloon and Hotel is one of the best-loved attractions in the popular tourist destination, but eerie occurrences in the newly renovated wing are souring business.
Cain Barrett, the wealthy owner of the nearby Grandview Hotel, has his eye on Jenny. He’ll help her any way he can, but Cain has problems of his own . . .
A brutal murder at the Copper Star, entries in a dusty journal, and ghostly sightings at both hotels . . . is the connection a figment of Jenny’s imagination, or a threat to her life? And who is causing trouble for Cain?
As they work together to solve the mystery, Cain vows not to let anything, or anyone—living or dead—stand between him and the woman he has come to love.
337 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2024
279 people are currently reading
28204 people want to read
About the author
Kat Martin
188 books3,171 followersKathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
January 13, 2025
This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, romantic suspense novel. It has a likable, strong and capable female protagonist, a kind and caring male protagonist, sizzling chemistry, mystery, ghosts, vividly described settings, twists and turns, and a happily ever after ending. The hospitality industry and hotel are accurately portrayed and add depth to the story. Many thanks to Kensington Books, Ms. Martin, and NetGalley, who kindly provided me with an ARC of this wonderful novel. This is my honest opinion.
October 12, 2024
Haunted by Kat Martin
Thriller, romantic paranormal suspense. Ghosts.
Jenny Spencer owns the Copper Star Saloon and Hotel in the copper mining town of Jerome, Arizona. It’s been in her family for generations. She has recently remodeled and reopened a section of the hotel that’s been closed for years. Problems in the newly opens rooms have her searching for answers in dusty journals. Family said only “trouble” before closing the rooms. Jenny needs to know more since it’s impacting her current business with complaints of noise and possible ghosts. Needing the income, Jenny agrees to help the owner of the Grandview Hotel with interior design. As they work together, their relationship grows deeper than he usually commits to.
Cain Barrett is a wealthy land owner outside of Jerome. He hired Jenny to get to know her better and realizes there is something more going on with her and the Copper Star. He has his own problems with a stolen horse and threats and has hired a private investigator to help. With so many problems where there usually aren’t any, Cain has to wonder is any of them are tied together.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there is something strange going on in room 10. Jenny and Cain have witnessed it themselves. And it’s not benign.
A romantic suspense ghost story with expected twists and a surprise or two. I didn’t feel the specialness of the love story but maybe I was just more interested in the malevolent ghost.
Thriller, romantic paranormal suspense. Ghosts.
Jenny Spencer owns the Copper Star Saloon and Hotel in the copper mining town of Jerome, Arizona. It’s been in her family for generations. She has recently remodeled and reopened a section of the hotel that’s been closed for years. Problems in the newly opens rooms have her searching for answers in dusty journals. Family said only “trouble” before closing the rooms. Jenny needs to know more since it’s impacting her current business with complaints of noise and possible ghosts. Needing the income, Jenny agrees to help the owner of the Grandview Hotel with interior design. As they work together, their relationship grows deeper than he usually commits to.
Cain Barrett is a wealthy land owner outside of Jerome. He hired Jenny to get to know her better and realizes there is something more going on with her and the Copper Star. He has his own problems with a stolen horse and threats and has hired a private investigator to help. With so many problems where there usually aren’t any, Cain has to wonder is any of them are tied together.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there is something strange going on in room 10. Jenny and Cain have witnessed it themselves. And it’s not benign.
A romantic suspense ghost story with expected twists and a surprise or two. I didn’t feel the specialness of the love story but maybe I was just more interested in the malevolent ghost.
August 18, 2024
I HAVE THOUGHTS.
Hmm...where to start? The first chapter drew me in, made me curious as to how this mystery/paranormal romance was going to play out. Unfortunately, that feeling didn't last.
To be honest, I almost DNF'd after the *pauses to check notes* NINTH reference in 9 pages of text to someone's weight. I mean, really? And all of those references were about only one character! Ms. Martin clearly has some thoughts about people in larger bodies, for example, Heather, who is "a nice girl, a little overweight but working on it". It was just entirely unnecessary. The fat-phobic comments made me dislike the author. I may not read her work again. I don't remember this kind of commentary in her earlier work, so I don't know what happened.
The romance was ok, only mildly spicy, and how is no one else mentioning how our hero went without a condom, intentionally, without saying anything to our heroine, because he INVESTIGATED HER SEX LIFE AND KNEW SHE WAS ON THE PILL! And he brushes it off as no big deal, which she does concerningly quickly as well. Where is that red flag guy when you need him??
The paranormal aspect had potential, but fell flat for me toward the end. And the reveal of the villains seemed very abrupt and anti-climactic.
I didn't rate the editing errors, like Clyde becoming Clive for a sentence, but hopefully they catch those types of things before publishing. Those are the least of their problems, though, in my opinion. The premise was there, but the execution was shallow and lacked development. Maybe there would be room for more story development if we took out all the weight references? Just a suggestion.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hmm...where to start? The first chapter drew me in, made me curious as to how this mystery/paranormal romance was going to play out. Unfortunately, that feeling didn't last.
To be honest, I almost DNF'd after the *pauses to check notes* NINTH reference in 9 pages of text to someone's weight. I mean, really? And all of those references were about only one character! Ms. Martin clearly has some thoughts about people in larger bodies, for example, Heather, who is "a nice girl, a little overweight but working on it". It was just entirely unnecessary. The fat-phobic comments made me dislike the author. I may not read her work again. I don't remember this kind of commentary in her earlier work, so I don't know what happened.
The romance was ok, only mildly spicy, and how is no one else mentioning how our hero went without a condom, intentionally, without saying anything to our heroine, because he INVESTIGATED HER SEX LIFE AND KNEW SHE WAS ON THE PILL! And he brushes it off as no big deal, which she does concerningly quickly as well. Where is that red flag guy when you need him??
The paranormal aspect had potential, but fell flat for me toward the end. And the reveal of the villains seemed very abrupt and anti-climactic.
I didn't rate the editing errors, like Clyde becoming Clive for a sentence, but hopefully they catch those types of things before publishing. Those are the least of their problems, though, in my opinion. The premise was there, but the execution was shallow and lacked development. Maybe there would be room for more story development if we took out all the weight references? Just a suggestion.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 18, 2024
Paranormal activity in the Cooper Star Hotel is happening in the newly renovated wing. Horse thieving is occurring in the county. And a murder. There is a lot happening in this book and the plot explores the really interesting history of the boom town of Jerome, Arizona. The romance seemed forced at times, I just didn't connect with the passion of Jenny and Cain. He was very controlling, and she just went along with him. I love Kat Martin's books, and this one was a great Romantic-Suspense with just the right amount of romance and suspense. I did have the distinct feeling that her style has changed over the last couple of books, but I was still engrossed in the plot and liked the book.
Jenny Spencer inherited the Copper Star Saloon and Hotel and is determined to make it a success in the boom to bust tourist town of Jerome, Arizona, which has a very colorful past. A town which came to be as part of a boom in copper mining and went bust when the mines played out. Now it is a popular tourist attraction and part of the draw is that several places are haunted. The Copper Star has that reputation, and several strange things have happened there since Jenny renovated and reopened a wing of the hotel her uncle had kept closed for many years.
Cain Barrett was the bad boy in his high school class. A drop out and general juvenal delinquent who acquired several abandoned mining leases and struck it rich. He bought and renovated the Grandview Hotel because his grandmother wanted to spend her last years in Jerome. Cain has never lacked for female companionship and when Jenny Spenser catches his eye, he remembers the feisty girl from high school and is interested in getting to know the woman she became.
When the strange occurrences at the Copper Star become more than an annoyance and a murder takes place with paranormal overtones, Cain is concerned for Jenny's safety. Jenny has become very important to Cain, but he is not willing to say that the reason for her problems is of a ghostly variety. Then Jenny uncovers a journal, and her research leads her to that conclusion. But Cain has problems of his own and when his prize-winning show horse is attacked, it smacks of revenge.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Jenny Spencer inherited the Copper Star Saloon and Hotel and is determined to make it a success in the boom to bust tourist town of Jerome, Arizona, which has a very colorful past. A town which came to be as part of a boom in copper mining and went bust when the mines played out. Now it is a popular tourist attraction and part of the draw is that several places are haunted. The Copper Star has that reputation, and several strange things have happened there since Jenny renovated and reopened a wing of the hotel her uncle had kept closed for many years.
Cain Barrett was the bad boy in his high school class. A drop out and general juvenal delinquent who acquired several abandoned mining leases and struck it rich. He bought and renovated the Grandview Hotel because his grandmother wanted to spend her last years in Jerome. Cain has never lacked for female companionship and when Jenny Spenser catches his eye, he remembers the feisty girl from high school and is interested in getting to know the woman she became.
When the strange occurrences at the Copper Star become more than an annoyance and a murder takes place with paranormal overtones, Cain is concerned for Jenny's safety. Jenny has become very important to Cain, but he is not willing to say that the reason for her problems is of a ghostly variety. Then Jenny uncovers a journal, and her research leads her to that conclusion. But Cain has problems of his own and when his prize-winning show horse is attacked, it smacks of revenge.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
September 1, 2024
I received this book though an GoodReads giveaway as an advanced copy. I found this book to be disappointing. Almost immediately, the author used fat-phobic terms in her descriptions of characters, which I found disquieting. Why describe a character as “20 pounds overweight” or “a little overweight but working in it”? How does this help to define a character, especially as these are both support characters with minor roles in terms of driving the story? In addition, one of the more important supporting characters is described in almost every appearance as being so fat that she is a danger to the furniture that she sits on. “Cleo walked over and made herself comfortable in the wooden chair at the table near the window. It creaked in distress at the heavy weight. Cain hoped it wouldn’t collapse.” I found this very distasteful. I find myself wondering how these descriptions made it past editing.
Even without the fat-shaming character descriptions, this book was mediocre at best. It suffered from weak character development and was too many dramatic conflicts. The main characters, Jenny and Cain, both had potentially interesting back stories, with emotionally abusive ex-husbands, rough childhoods, abandonment by parents, etc. however, this is all mentioned briefly and not developed as potential motivation for the choices the characters make. As for the plot, horse theft, fake haunting by jealous romantic competition, kidnappings by jealous former business partners…..pick one, MAYBE two.
I happen to really enjoy ghost towns, romances, and mysteries, so I thought that this book would be a winner. Sadly, between prejudice and poor writing, it was a dud.
Even without the fat-shaming character descriptions, this book was mediocre at best. It suffered from weak character development and was too many dramatic conflicts. The main characters, Jenny and Cain, both had potentially interesting back stories, with emotionally abusive ex-husbands, rough childhoods, abandonment by parents, etc. however, this is all mentioned briefly and not developed as potential motivation for the choices the characters make. As for the plot, horse theft, fake haunting by jealous romantic competition, kidnappings by jealous former business partners…..pick one, MAYBE two.
I happen to really enjoy ghost towns, romances, and mysteries, so I thought that this book would be a winner. Sadly, between prejudice and poor writing, it was a dud.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 2, 2025I only got about a quarter of the way in and made this a DNF. I don't like the writing or the descriptions of people she makes. UGH! But it wasn't only author snark or prejudice either, it was too wordy and nothing in which I could embed.
And I loved Jerome when I visited it years ago too. That's why I picked the book. AZ place I had hardest time parking a car. LOL! Still remember it as it was before it was "popular". Thought that was enough. Nope. This plot was too out there and I never felt any haunting was real whatsoever.
And I loved Jerome when I visited it years ago too. That's why I picked the book. AZ place I had hardest time parking a car. LOL! Still remember it as it was before it was "popular". Thought that was enough. Nope. This plot was too out there and I never felt any haunting was real whatsoever.
July 7, 2024
Haunted is a fun mystery set in Jerome, Arizona. Having visited Jerome a few times, I delighted in reading about places so much like ones I’ve visited. I liked the element of ghost hauntings, the history of the town and mining, and the relationship between Jenny and Cain. The mystery was good, and there were plenty of twists, turns, and suspense.
October 20, 2024
A Spellbinding Journey Through Time and the Supernatural
In the shadow of Arizona's Mingus Mountain lies Jerome, a town steeped in history and whispered secrets. It is against this atmospheric backdrop that New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin weaves her latest novel, "Haunted" - a gripping tale that seamlessly blends mystery, romance, and the paranormal. With her trademark skill for crafting multi-layered narratives, Martin takes readers on a journey through time, connecting the violent past of a copper mining boomtown to the present-day struggles of a determined woman fighting to save her family's legacy.
A Town Trapped Between Two Worlds
Martin's vivid prose brings Jerome to life, painting a picture of a place where the veil between the living and the dead is thin. Once known as the "Wickedest Town in the West," Jerome's history is as rich as the copper veins that run beneath its streets. The author's meticulous research shines through, providing readers with a authentic glimpse into both the town's rowdy past and its current incarnation as a quirky tourist destination.
Characters That Leap Off the Page
At the heart of "Haunted" are Jenny Spencer and Cain Barrett, two characters whose chemistry is palpable from their first encounter. Jenny, the owner of the historic Copper Star Saloon and Hotel, is a woman haunted by her own past as much as by the spirits that seem to inhabit her establishment. Her determination to preserve her family's legacy while facing increasingly disturbing supernatural occurrences makes her a compelling and relatable protagonist.
Cain Barrett, the wealthy owner of the rival Grandview Hotel, is the perfect foil for Jenny. His rugged charm and mysterious past add depth to the developing romance, while his own struggles with the paranormal create a bond between the two leads that goes beyond mere attraction.
A Multi-Layered Mystery
Martin expertly weaves together multiple storylines, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The central mystery revolves around a brutal murder in 1898 and its connection to present-day events, but the author doesn't stop there. She introduces subplots involving stolen horses, attempted murder, and corporate intrigue that add complexity and depth to the narrative.
The supernatural elements are handled with a deft touch, never overwhelming the story but instead enhancing the sense of unease and mystery that permeates the novel. The ghostly encounters are spine-tingling without being gratuitous, and Martin leaves just enough ambiguity to keep even skeptical readers engaged.
A Romance That Defies the Odds
While the mystery and supernatural elements drive the plot, it's the developing relationship between Jenny and Cain that forms the emotional core of the novel. Their journey from mutual wariness to trust and eventually love feels organic and earned. Martin doesn't shy away from the complications of their situation, including past relationships and professional rivalries, which adds a layer of realism to their romance.
Themes of Redemption and Facing the Past
Underneath the ghostly encounters and romantic tension, "Haunted" explores deeper themes of redemption and the importance of confronting one's past. Both Jenny and Cain must grapple with personal demons as they work to uncover the truth behind the hauntings. The parallel between the literal ghosts of Jerome and the metaphorical ghosts of the characters' pasts is skillfully drawn, adding emotional weight to the story.
A Master Class in Pacing
One of Martin's greatest strengths as a writer is her ability to maintain tension throughout the novel. "Haunted" moves at a brisk pace, with each chapter ending on a note that compels the reader to keep turning pages. The author balances action, dialogue, and exposition expertly, never allowing the story to drag or become bogged down in unnecessary detail.
A Vivid Supporting Cast
While Jenny and Cain are undoubtedly the stars of the show, Martin populates Jerome with a colorful cast of supporting characters that bring the town to life. From the no-nonsense psychic Cleopatra Swift to Cain's feisty grandmother Nell, each character feels fully realized and adds depth to the world of the novel.
Historical Authenticity
Martin's attention to historical detail is commendable. The sections of the novel set in 1898 feel authentic, with the author capturing the rough-and-tumble atmosphere of a frontier mining town without resorting to cliché. This historical grounding gives weight to the present-day hauntings, making them feel like a natural extension of Jerome's violent past.
A Few Minor Quibbles
While "Haunted" is a thoroughly enjoyable read, there are a few minor issues that prevent it from achieving perfection. Some readers may find the resolution of certain subplots a bit too neat, and the villains, while effectively menacing, occasionally veer into stereotypical territory. Additionally, some of the secondary romantic pairings feel underdeveloped compared to the central relationship between Jenny and Cain.
Final Thoughts: A Haunting Read That Lingers
"Haunted" is a testament to Kat Martin's skill as a storyteller. By blending elements of historical fiction, romance, and the supernatural, she has created a novel that is greater than the sum of its parts. The book's exploration of how the past influences the present, both on a personal and societal level, adds depth to what could have been a straightforward ghost story.
Martin's vivid depiction of Jerome, both past and present, will leave readers eager to explore the real-life town that inspired the novel. The author's note at the end, detailing which elements of the story are based on actual Jerome history and ghost sightings, is a fascinating addition that blurs the line between fact and fiction.
In the shadow of Arizona's Mingus Mountain lies Jerome, a town steeped in history and whispered secrets. It is against this atmospheric backdrop that New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin weaves her latest novel, "Haunted" - a gripping tale that seamlessly blends mystery, romance, and the paranormal. With her trademark skill for crafting multi-layered narratives, Martin takes readers on a journey through time, connecting the violent past of a copper mining boomtown to the present-day struggles of a determined woman fighting to save her family's legacy.
A Town Trapped Between Two Worlds
Martin's vivid prose brings Jerome to life, painting a picture of a place where the veil between the living and the dead is thin. Once known as the "Wickedest Town in the West," Jerome's history is as rich as the copper veins that run beneath its streets. The author's meticulous research shines through, providing readers with a authentic glimpse into both the town's rowdy past and its current incarnation as a quirky tourist destination.
Characters That Leap Off the Page
At the heart of "Haunted" are Jenny Spencer and Cain Barrett, two characters whose chemistry is palpable from their first encounter. Jenny, the owner of the historic Copper Star Saloon and Hotel, is a woman haunted by her own past as much as by the spirits that seem to inhabit her establishment. Her determination to preserve her family's legacy while facing increasingly disturbing supernatural occurrences makes her a compelling and relatable protagonist.
Cain Barrett, the wealthy owner of the rival Grandview Hotel, is the perfect foil for Jenny. His rugged charm and mysterious past add depth to the developing romance, while his own struggles with the paranormal create a bond between the two leads that goes beyond mere attraction.
A Multi-Layered Mystery
Martin expertly weaves together multiple storylines, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The central mystery revolves around a brutal murder in 1898 and its connection to present-day events, but the author doesn't stop there. She introduces subplots involving stolen horses, attempted murder, and corporate intrigue that add complexity and depth to the narrative.
The supernatural elements are handled with a deft touch, never overwhelming the story but instead enhancing the sense of unease and mystery that permeates the novel. The ghostly encounters are spine-tingling without being gratuitous, and Martin leaves just enough ambiguity to keep even skeptical readers engaged.
A Romance That Defies the Odds
While the mystery and supernatural elements drive the plot, it's the developing relationship between Jenny and Cain that forms the emotional core of the novel. Their journey from mutual wariness to trust and eventually love feels organic and earned. Martin doesn't shy away from the complications of their situation, including past relationships and professional rivalries, which adds a layer of realism to their romance.
Themes of Redemption and Facing the Past
Underneath the ghostly encounters and romantic tension, "Haunted" explores deeper themes of redemption and the importance of confronting one's past. Both Jenny and Cain must grapple with personal demons as they work to uncover the truth behind the hauntings. The parallel between the literal ghosts of Jerome and the metaphorical ghosts of the characters' pasts is skillfully drawn, adding emotional weight to the story.
A Master Class in Pacing
One of Martin's greatest strengths as a writer is her ability to maintain tension throughout the novel. "Haunted" moves at a brisk pace, with each chapter ending on a note that compels the reader to keep turning pages. The author balances action, dialogue, and exposition expertly, never allowing the story to drag or become bogged down in unnecessary detail.
A Vivid Supporting Cast
While Jenny and Cain are undoubtedly the stars of the show, Martin populates Jerome with a colorful cast of supporting characters that bring the town to life. From the no-nonsense psychic Cleopatra Swift to Cain's feisty grandmother Nell, each character feels fully realized and adds depth to the world of the novel.
Historical Authenticity
Martin's attention to historical detail is commendable. The sections of the novel set in 1898 feel authentic, with the author capturing the rough-and-tumble atmosphere of a frontier mining town without resorting to cliché. This historical grounding gives weight to the present-day hauntings, making them feel like a natural extension of Jerome's violent past.
A Few Minor Quibbles
While "Haunted" is a thoroughly enjoyable read, there are a few minor issues that prevent it from achieving perfection. Some readers may find the resolution of certain subplots a bit too neat, and the villains, while effectively menacing, occasionally veer into stereotypical territory. Additionally, some of the secondary romantic pairings feel underdeveloped compared to the central relationship between Jenny and Cain.
Final Thoughts: A Haunting Read That Lingers
"Haunted" is a testament to Kat Martin's skill as a storyteller. By blending elements of historical fiction, romance, and the supernatural, she has created a novel that is greater than the sum of its parts. The book's exploration of how the past influences the present, both on a personal and societal level, adds depth to what could have been a straightforward ghost story.
Martin's vivid depiction of Jerome, both past and present, will leave readers eager to explore the real-life town that inspired the novel. The author's note at the end, detailing which elements of the story are based on actual Jerome history and ghost sightings, is a fascinating addition that blurs the line between fact and fiction.
August 7, 2024
I was provided an ARC from Goodreads and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I was going to rate it 2 stars, but the first half of the book was actually quite interesting, so I decided on 3.
Cain is somewhat dominant and Jenny, despite being described as fiercely independent, is incredibly submissive to him. She does what he says, barely talks back, allows him to make decisions for her...but she's SO independent?
They never fight, even when Cain has his PI friend do a background check on her and violates her privacy by having it confirmed she was on birth control. She seemed annoyed at most.
The author constantly pointing out how fat one of the side characters is was also uncomfortable and bothersome for me. The amount of times I read about her side to side swaying walk, being described as "huge" or even the comment about her triple chin wobbling was equal or greater to the amount of times her name was said.
The ghost town plot was interesting at first, but it seems as if the author ran out of steam at some point and tried to tie it all up with a neat little bow by blaming half of it on special effects and obsession. The "demon" mysteriously disappearing in the fire after a confrontation with who killed him in life was also really weak.
All in all, the book was okay, if a little ridiculous and sensational. By the end it felt more as if I was reading the story from the POV of side characters. The PI Nick or the shady bartender Troy would have been more fun to follow.
I was going to rate it 2 stars, but the first half of the book was actually quite interesting, so I decided on 3.
Cain is somewhat dominant and Jenny, despite being described as fiercely independent, is incredibly submissive to him. She does what he says, barely talks back, allows him to make decisions for her...but she's SO independent?
They never fight, even when Cain has his PI friend do a background check on her and violates her privacy by having it confirmed she was on birth control. She seemed annoyed at most.
The author constantly pointing out how fat one of the side characters is was also uncomfortable and bothersome for me. The amount of times I read about her side to side swaying walk, being described as "huge" or even the comment about her triple chin wobbling was equal or greater to the amount of times her name was said.
The ghost town plot was interesting at first, but it seems as if the author ran out of steam at some point and tried to tie it all up with a neat little bow by blaming half of it on special effects and obsession. The "demon" mysteriously disappearing in the fire after a confrontation with who killed him in life was also really weak.
All in all, the book was okay, if a little ridiculous and sensational. By the end it felt more as if I was reading the story from the POV of side characters. The PI Nick or the shady bartender Troy would have been more fun to follow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2024
I had high hopes for this book. Just because I was intrigued by the synopsis on the back. Ghosts and mystery and a little romance. Based on the title though, I kinda if expected more ghosts and actual haunting. Don't get me wrong there was some but I wish there was more. I liked the story line and the basics of the romance part.
However, I received this as an ARC (advanced reader copy) and I was asked for my honest opinion. The conversations at times felt forced and awkward, sometimes not making sense. The was was like 2.5 🌶 and was well written. The hauntings that did occur were chilling and I like how those played out. The characters personalities were wishy-washy, one minute they were believable and relatable and the next it was like they were close to being a different person. I stopped a lot feeling more frustrated than captivated. And all together I feel like too many concepts were put together.
All that being said. 3x third person POVs, small town paranormal thriller romance, hidden enemies. Trigger warning at the opening, flash back to a sexual a$$ault event. I liked the main concept of the story that was laid out in the synopsis. I liked how some of it played out and I don't believes it's not worth the read, just maybe wasn't really for me.
I hope this books does well for the Author, I read some of the reviews for her other books and seems like she has a lot of fans so maybe they will like this one too. Thanks to Kensington Books for the privilege of getting to read this before the publish date. Best of luck!
However, I received this as an ARC (advanced reader copy) and I was asked for my honest opinion. The conversations at times felt forced and awkward, sometimes not making sense. The was was like 2.5 🌶 and was well written. The hauntings that did occur were chilling and I like how those played out. The characters personalities were wishy-washy, one minute they were believable and relatable and the next it was like they were close to being a different person. I stopped a lot feeling more frustrated than captivated. And all together I feel like too many concepts were put together.
All that being said. 3x third person POVs, small town paranormal thriller romance, hidden enemies. Trigger warning at the opening, flash back to a sexual a$$ault event. I liked the main concept of the story that was laid out in the synopsis. I liked how some of it played out and I don't believes it's not worth the read, just maybe wasn't really for me.
I hope this books does well for the Author, I read some of the reviews for her other books and seems like she has a lot of fans so maybe they will like this one too. Thanks to Kensington Books for the privilege of getting to read this before the publish date. Best of luck!
Read
October 18, 2024DNF around 50% mark. I received an advanced copy of the book and was so excited to start as the paranormal gold mining town plot seemed really interesting.
I had to quit to keep my sanity this book is so wrong for using SA as a plot device and how poorly written Cain’s male dominance was too much for me.
Problem one - the paranormal stuff had SA
Problem two - the MCs refer to SA as forced sex
problem three - Cain does a god awful job at ensuring he has consent with Jenny. But since Martin writes that Jenny likes it it’s supposed to be okay? no. Cain still needs to actually get consent. Martin conflates dominance with non-consent and other inaccurate and unsafe behaviors that is very jarring to read what’s supposed to be the sexy romance parts and all you can think is… he didn’t not ask if this was okay! Just because Martin writes Jenny might be into it doesn’t not take away the fact Jenny and Cain should clearly be talking about it.. especially when SA is a plot device! 🤬
There’s a section of the book that the MCs have a conversation with a SA survivor and ON THE DRIVE HOME Cain looks at Jenny’s body (who is distraught and very upset) and can’t control his urges thinks something along the lines of Jenny better want it later bc I want her and I’ll do what if take to have her… which is a pretty accurate description of not caring about getting consent.. how can your MC think rapey things most especially after talking to a SA survivor. 😓😓
Problem four - Cain and Jenny are so annoying. They are both volatile. Both have so many red flags and are so unpredictable in their emotions. They go from happy to explosive both assuming and accusing the other of random things. It’s hard to cheer for them to be together when they both are so toxic.
There’s one part where Jenny insists she won’t sleep with Cain after they kiss and whatever he says she immediately sleeps with him? This happens so frequently that the character actions don’t match what they just said.
The romance sections are randomly thrown in and not well written… like a teen who doesn’t know human anatomy?
Jenny - I’m scared I might not be good at sex.
Cain - it’s okay I’m great at it.
Me- um is that supposed to be sexy?? But like why doesn’t he address her fears?? What a cocky douche.
Maybe the books gets better maybe there’s more SA ghost possessions. I’m too frustrated with it to see what happens in the second half.
I had to quit to keep my sanity this book is so wrong for using SA as a plot device and how poorly written Cain’s male dominance was too much for me.
Problem one - the paranormal stuff had SA
Problem two - the MCs refer to SA as forced sex
problem three - Cain does a god awful job at ensuring he has consent with Jenny. But since Martin writes that Jenny likes it it’s supposed to be okay? no. Cain still needs to actually get consent. Martin conflates dominance with non-consent and other inaccurate and unsafe behaviors that is very jarring to read what’s supposed to be the sexy romance parts and all you can think is… he didn’t not ask if this was okay! Just because Martin writes Jenny might be into it doesn’t not take away the fact Jenny and Cain should clearly be talking about it.. especially when SA is a plot device! 🤬
There’s a section of the book that the MCs have a conversation with a SA survivor and ON THE DRIVE HOME Cain looks at Jenny’s body (who is distraught and very upset) and can’t control his urges thinks something along the lines of Jenny better want it later bc I want her and I’ll do what if take to have her… which is a pretty accurate description of not caring about getting consent.. how can your MC think rapey things most especially after talking to a SA survivor. 😓😓
Problem four - Cain and Jenny are so annoying. They are both volatile. Both have so many red flags and are so unpredictable in their emotions. They go from happy to explosive both assuming and accusing the other of random things. It’s hard to cheer for them to be together when they both are so toxic.
There’s one part where Jenny insists she won’t sleep with Cain after they kiss and whatever he says she immediately sleeps with him? This happens so frequently that the character actions don’t match what they just said.
The romance sections are randomly thrown in and not well written… like a teen who doesn’t know human anatomy?
Jenny - I’m scared I might not be good at sex.
Cain - it’s okay I’m great at it.
Me- um is that supposed to be sexy?? But like why doesn’t he address her fears?? What a cocky douche.
Maybe the books gets better maybe there’s more SA ghost possessions. I’m too frustrated with it to see what happens in the second half.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2025
This book has so much potential. Unfortunately, everything fell flat. I loved the idea of a ghost town, mysterious things happening, maybe a romance in there too. But none of that came to fruition. I don’t know where to start, so here are my main issues:
1. All of the comments about weight. I cringed every time a female character was introduced because there was going to be a weight comment in there. Not only was it there when a character was introduced, but it was also there EVERY TIME the character came back up- whether it was directly stated as “she walked and her three chins swung” or made as a comment about sitting on furniture and “wondering if it would last.”
2. Cain straight up deciding that he was not going to use a condom, not discussing it with Jenny, then when she did bring it up saying “we’re not doing that anymore.” EXCUSE ME? Then he had the nerve to say he knew she was on the pill because he looked into her. And she just accepted all of this! I stopped reading for a solid 2 days because I couldn’t get over this entire scene. Once I came back to it, because I wanted to know what happened with the ghosts only, I sped up my audiobook so I could finish quicker.
3. Cain. Everything about him. I think the author was going for alpha male and instead gave us douche bag. Admittedly, it’s a hard line to toe, unfortunately in this instance, she wasn’t even near alpha and was squarely in douche bag territory.
4. The ghost reveal. Such a let down in every aspect.
The only thing I liked about this book were the scooby-doo vibes.
1. All of the comments about weight. I cringed every time a female character was introduced because there was going to be a weight comment in there. Not only was it there when a character was introduced, but it was also there EVERY TIME the character came back up- whether it was directly stated as “she walked and her three chins swung” or made as a comment about sitting on furniture and “wondering if it would last.”
2. Cain straight up deciding that he was not going to use a condom, not discussing it with Jenny, then when she did bring it up saying “we’re not doing that anymore.” EXCUSE ME? Then he had the nerve to say he knew she was on the pill because he looked into her. And she just accepted all of this! I stopped reading for a solid 2 days because I couldn’t get over this entire scene. Once I came back to it, because I wanted to know what happened with the ghosts only, I sped up my audiobook so I could finish quicker.
3. Cain. Everything about him. I think the author was going for alpha male and instead gave us douche bag. Admittedly, it’s a hard line to toe, unfortunately in this instance, she wasn’t even near alpha and was squarely in douche bag territory.
4. The ghost reveal. Such a let down in every aspect.
The only thing I liked about this book were the scooby-doo vibes.
Read
July 6, 2024Received an ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley
I don't feel comfortable giving it a rating. I liked the main romance and the ghost aspects, but
I don't feel comfortable giving it a rating. I liked the main romance and the ghost aspects, but
November 11, 2024
If Fifty Shades of Grey and Yellowstone had a baby Haunted would be it. WOW! Hot, dirty, rugged, with a dash of romance. Haunt me if this is what haunted dreams are made of. 5 stars for this sexy, rugged blend of fiction.
August 20, 2024
This was a fun easy book to read. It has ghosts, murder and romance. What more could a person as for? Kat Martin is a great story teller and I've loved her books for years. This one fit right in with her others. I loved it!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kat Martin, and Kensington publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kat Martin, and Kensington publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
February 5, 2025
I had to DNF this book around 40%. I feel the SA in the book is handled rather poorly. Not only is it the opening scene, but it occurs again to someone else shortly after. The MMC is sitting there thinking lecherous thoughts about the woman moments after she survived an assault and is obsessing over an accidental boob graze while she is still in shock.
I also took issue with fat phobic descriptions made of one of the side characters. Overall, I could not bring myself to finish the book.
I also took issue with fat phobic descriptions made of one of the side characters. Overall, I could not bring myself to finish the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
I was incredibly excited for this story. I do not have a lot of experience with Kat Martin other than a couple of books she has co-authored with authors I read. I had pre-ordered this book. Thought it was great timing to read a ghost story considering Halloween is at the end of the month. Add to that 'Haunted' is one of my favorite genres, historical fiction.
Unfortunately, the author's fixation on the weight of her characters was a huge turn off for me. I noted 13 times in which Martin referenced a heavyset or overweight character; all of them were female. The comments started as early as page 29 and I didn't tag all of them, just the ones that were blatantly obvious.
Page 28, "Maria Delgado, a short woman, twenty pounds overweight,..."
Page 96, " She was a nice girl, a little overweight but working on it,..."
Page 191, "Cleopatra was already there when Jenny arrived, a big woman, late sixties, close to three hundred pounds, with breasts the size of melons.....Cleo hoisted herself up off the burgundy horsehair settee in the lobby. Thankfully, it was a sturdy piece that had lasted for over a hundred years."
Poor Ms. Cleo, she was the main focus of the heavy weight commentary. Her double chins were mentioned twice and the furniture surviving her weight mentioned twice.
I understand describing a characters physique in order for the reader to create a picture while they read but I do not need to be told every time that Ms. Cleo's character enters a room that she has a weight issue. For someone of her statue she is quite mobile.
The icing on the cake is a main male character that can be at times a little too 'alpha'. I can't believe I just said that considering I am all about a strong, dominating, man. At one point in the story Cain, the MMC, admitted to Jenny, the FMC, that he already all there was to know about her from the back ground check his detective ran. Kind of creepy. Unfortunately, this wasn't as big of a deal breaker for Jenny and I thought it should be.
'Haunted' takes place in Jerome, a real town in Arizona. Jerome was once known as the Wickedest Town in the West and has a dangerous history as part of the wild west. Many of the historical characters and the events in their life found in Martin's story are factual. 'Haunted' is a work of fiction based on these true life events.
Unfortunately, the author's fixation on the weight of her characters was a huge turn off for me. I noted 13 times in which Martin referenced a heavyset or overweight character; all of them were female. The comments started as early as page 29 and I didn't tag all of them, just the ones that were blatantly obvious.
Page 28, "Maria Delgado, a short woman, twenty pounds overweight,..."
Page 96, " She was a nice girl, a little overweight but working on it,..."
Page 191, "Cleopatra was already there when Jenny arrived, a big woman, late sixties, close to three hundred pounds, with breasts the size of melons.....Cleo hoisted herself up off the burgundy horsehair settee in the lobby. Thankfully, it was a sturdy piece that had lasted for over a hundred years."
Poor Ms. Cleo, she was the main focus of the heavy weight commentary. Her double chins were mentioned twice and the furniture surviving her weight mentioned twice.
I understand describing a characters physique in order for the reader to create a picture while they read but I do not need to be told every time that Ms. Cleo's character enters a room that she has a weight issue. For someone of her statue she is quite mobile.
The icing on the cake is a main male character that can be at times a little too 'alpha'. I can't believe I just said that considering I am all about a strong, dominating, man. At one point in the story Cain, the MMC, admitted to Jenny, the FMC, that he already all there was to know about her from the back ground check his detective ran. Kind of creepy. Unfortunately, this wasn't as big of a deal breaker for Jenny and I thought it should be.
'Haunted' takes place in Jerome, a real town in Arizona. Jerome was once known as the Wickedest Town in the West and has a dangerous history as part of the wild west. Many of the historical characters and the events in their life found in Martin's story are factual. 'Haunted' is a work of fiction based on these true life events.
August 19, 2024
Jenny Spencer's Copper Star Saloon and Hotel in Jerome, Arizona, is reputed to be haunted, much like the entire town, which was once a notorious mining town. Cain Barrett, the affluent proprietor of the nearby Grandview Hotel, frequents the Copper Star Saloon during his hotel's renovation. Remembering Jenny from high school, he's keen on initiating a romantic pursuit. Meanwhile, Jenny has reopened a section of her hotel previously shut down by her uncle. With the occurrence of bizarre events and a murder in room 10, the situation seems to spiral. Determined, Jenny delves into the hotel's ancient journals for clues and enlists Cleo, a friend of Cain's grandmother, to exorcise the ghost. As Cain and Jenny grow closer, trust becomes pivotal if they are to elevate their relationship.
August 21, 2024
Having read a couple of the authors books, I was excited to get a copy of her newest book. In my opinion this is the best book of hers I have read. The plot was fast paced and the writing style is easy to read. This book is set in Arizona and having lived there before, I was familiar with the various cities. The book has two time settings, 1898 and 2024. It goes back and forth in an attempt to solve murders in both times. The author incorporates Jerome Arizona status as a ghost town into the action with ghostly sighting in the present town plot. I highly recommend this book especially for fans of romantic thrillers and people with an interest in Arizona.I received an advanced copy of this book from Kensington publishing corp.
September 29, 2024
Ghosts, evil, romance, and whodunnits. This book goes beyond a story of spirits causing havoc. There are layers of mystery of different types. I enjoyed there being more than one focus on what was going on and solving it. This was my first book by Kat Martin and I truly enjoy her style. An author I won't hesitate to read again.
October 5, 2024
Haunted👻
The mining town of Jerome, used to be known as the Wickedest Town where murder and mayhem prevailed once upon a time. Jenny is the present day owner of the Copper Star and in the hopes of expanding, she renovates some old rooms when mysterious and dangerously unexpected occurrences take place. Not used to relying on the male species, she’s surprised when Cain inserts himself into her life just as these occurrences start, but he is also surprisingly helpful🥰
I really enjoyed this story, it was slightly different but I always love when tales have some paranormal aspects to them🙃 I slowly fell in love with Cain and imagine that’s just how Jenny felt when it happened. The story unfolded at a great pace and the backstory and development of the characters was realistic. I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and willingly leave my honest review❣️
The mining town of Jerome, used to be known as the Wickedest Town where murder and mayhem prevailed once upon a time. Jenny is the present day owner of the Copper Star and in the hopes of expanding, she renovates some old rooms when mysterious and dangerously unexpected occurrences take place. Not used to relying on the male species, she’s surprised when Cain inserts himself into her life just as these occurrences start, but he is also surprisingly helpful🥰
I really enjoyed this story, it was slightly different but I always love when tales have some paranormal aspects to them🙃 I slowly fell in love with Cain and imagine that’s just how Jenny felt when it happened. The story unfolded at a great pace and the backstory and development of the characters was realistic. I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and willingly leave my honest review❣️
November 8, 2024
The story was fast paced and an easy read. Loved the town's history plus the ghost story aspect was well written. I had a hard time with the "romance" aspect of the book. That also was VERY fast paced to the point it was not very believable. I appreciate my ARC I received from Goodreads. I would most likely read other books by this author.
September 20, 2024
Overall, the storyline wasn’t bad. It does pull you in from the start. I think there were just some character inconsistencies that made it hard to like them.
For me, the way the male protagonist was always there when the female protagonist was going through something traumatic or negative, whether he was present or showed up (coincidentally) immediately after, gave me stalker vibes reminiscent of You. And this happened before they actually became romantic, which made it creepier.
Then when things do head towards being romantic, he says “When I want something, I can be a very patient man” - then the very next day he says, “if you stay I won’t stop this time” - that patience was sure fleeting.
Other red flags for him was not using protection without telling her because he’s clean and through his PI he knew she was on birth control. And then getting overly jealous and accusatory because she bartends and has to talk to a customer.
Then Jenny, who is so “independent” basically gives in to every demand Cain has. Then after two traumatizing events he repeatedly said he didn’t want to sleep with her and she basically forced him - I feel if this had been the other way around it would have been in more reviews. No means no regardless of gender.
But, as other reviews stated - the “Haunted” part was not so much so as we find out.. And the event at the Grandview seemed pointless as nothing else happened there and it was only mentioned in passing later on.
Then Cleo could help get rid of the murderous presence if she knew who he was. But when Jenny gets his name, how/when he died and the crimes he committed and asks what they needed to do to get rid of him, Cleo says “At least we know who he is“ and “We’ll figure something out “ - so she never had a plan or even knew what to do, so finding out who he was didn’t matter.
I think there were too many villains and the fact that one person put their plan into place before the two protagonists even started “working” together was a stretch. Especially since she knew Cain never committed to anyone before - somehow she knew they were inevitable before they even started??
This was my first Kat Martin read, but I will definitely give her other books a try as I know she does get a lot of good reviews. Hoping this one was a fluke.
Thank you Goodreads and Kensington Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
For me, the way the male protagonist was always there when the female protagonist was going through something traumatic or negative, whether he was present or showed up (coincidentally) immediately after, gave me stalker vibes reminiscent of You. And this happened before they actually became romantic, which made it creepier.
Then when things do head towards being romantic, he says “When I want something, I can be a very patient man” - then the very next day he says, “if you stay I won’t stop this time” - that patience was sure fleeting.
Other red flags for him was not using protection without telling her because he’s clean and through his PI he knew she was on birth control. And then getting overly jealous and accusatory because she bartends and has to talk to a customer.
Then Jenny, who is so “independent” basically gives in to every demand Cain has. Then after two traumatizing events he repeatedly said he didn’t want to sleep with her and she basically forced him - I feel if this had been the other way around it would have been in more reviews. No means no regardless of gender.
But, as other reviews stated - the “Haunted” part was not so much so as we find out.. And the event at the Grandview seemed pointless as nothing else happened there and it was only mentioned in passing later on.
Then Cleo could help get rid of the murderous presence if she knew who he was. But when Jenny gets his name, how/when he died and the crimes he committed and asks what they needed to do to get rid of him, Cleo says “At least we know who he is“ and “We’ll figure something out “ - so she never had a plan or even knew what to do, so finding out who he was didn’t matter.
I think there were too many villains and the fact that one person put their plan into place before the two protagonists even started “working” together was a stretch. Especially since she knew Cain never committed to anyone before - somehow she knew they were inevitable before they even started??
This was my first Kat Martin read, but I will definitely give her other books a try as I know she does get a lot of good reviews. Hoping this one was a fluke.
Thank you Goodreads and Kensington Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2024
Overall, this was an entertaining easy read. The characters were complex and the story line had romance, horror, suspense, and mystery. At times I think the book was doing a bit too much which resulted in areas of the plot not being developed as fully as they could be. I was hoping the book, with a name like "Haunted" would be more spooky and paranormal. This was overshadowed by the numerous vendettas against Cain and poor Jenny constantly being caught in the cross-hairs. I wish that author had chosen either romance/horror or romance/mystery. As the saying goes "jack of all trades, master at none".
When looking at the characters I really liked Jenny and her independence, but with Cain I took some issue. Now don't get me wrong, I love a morally grey love interest. However, Cain really toed the line between a protective "red-blooded" man and stalker overbearing douche. Many times he took it too far and it just became possessive with a side of creepy.
I think the biggest issue I had with this book was the author's depiction of some of her characters. The only characters described as overweight were some of the female characters and this was mentioned EVERY SINGLE TIME the character appeared. Like don't forget no matter what else this character is doing or adding to the plot, they are still overweight.
All in all, this book was an easy read if you want a somewhat spicy Hallmark-esque book in time for spooky season, this is it.
When looking at the characters I really liked Jenny and her independence, but with Cain I took some issue. Now don't get me wrong, I love a morally grey love interest. However, Cain really toed the line between a protective "red-blooded" man and stalker overbearing douche. Many times he took it too far and it just became possessive with a side of creepy.
I think the biggest issue I had with this book was the author's depiction of some of her characters. The only characters described as overweight were some of the female characters and this was mentioned EVERY SINGLE TIME the character appeared. Like don't forget no matter what else this character is doing or adding to the plot, they are still overweight.
All in all, this book was an easy read if you want a somewhat spicy Hallmark-esque book in time for spooky season, this is it.
November 7, 2024
The author writes a fantastic epilogue, ties up every loose strand about every character.
TW: SA in the first page, and a couple more times throughout.
Animal abuse.
The romance feels rushed along and I see very little substance to sustain it. The male romantic character calls the female “honey” long before they’re dating, it feels condescending, and therefore feels condescending each subsequent time it’s used to pressure her to do something. Oh, and his PI looked into her enough to know she was on birth control and she barely batted an eye?!?
Dialogue is drab and repetitive of descriptive text preceding it. Many characters are referred to over and over as overweight but in ways such as “over weight, but working on it.” “Her huge bulk…” (used twice), as well as mentioning over and over how great the sturdy furniture was around Cleo for not breaking when she sat on it. Like, sure. Mention a character is overweight, that helps the reader make a mental image. But don’t harp on it. It shows a lack of tact.
TW: SA in the first page, and a couple more times throughout.
Animal abuse.
The romance feels rushed along and I see very little substance to sustain it. The male romantic character calls the female “honey” long before they’re dating, it feels condescending, and therefore feels condescending each subsequent time it’s used to pressure her to do something. Oh, and his PI looked into her enough to know she was on birth control and she barely batted an eye?!?
Dialogue is drab and repetitive of descriptive text preceding it. Many characters are referred to over and over as overweight but in ways such as “over weight, but working on it.” “Her huge bulk…” (used twice), as well as mentioning over and over how great the sturdy furniture was around Cleo for not breaking when she sat on it. Like, sure. Mention a character is overweight, that helps the reader make a mental image. But don’t harp on it. It shows a lack of tact.
November 27, 2024
I don’t even want to give it 5 stars. I kept hoping there would be a twist in the story where Cain ended up as the villain trying to control Jenny’s life. Nope. This is actually a romance novel with the weird things happening in the hotel just sprinkled on the side
Jenny: I just realized we didn’t use a condom
Cain: that’s right. Those days are over . I got my tests results back and I’m fine and you’re on the pill
Jenny: how did you know ?
***Cain hired a private investigator!! **
Jenny: don’t do that again
Cain: he kisses her and she’s lost
EWWWWW
Jenny: I just realized we didn’t use a condom
Cain: that’s right. Those days are over . I got my tests results back and I’m fine and you’re on the pill
Jenny: how did you know ?
***Cain hired a private investigator!! **
Jenny: don’t do that again
Cain: he kisses her and she’s lost
EWWWWW
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2024
Well, that was terrible. Would give zero stars if I could. Storyline was annoying and far fetched. The book could’ve been half as long if you take out the number of times the author mentions his tight groin and her firm mounds. The number of times I rolled my eyes reading this book…Not to mention the constant concern around the one heavy set character possible breaking every piece of furniture she sat on. Terrible book. Terrible writing.
October 27, 2024
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I was immediately put off by the scene of graphic, overly descriptive rape that was literally on page 1 of the book, and it didn't get better from there. The characters are one dimensional and vapid, and there was no plot to speak of. DNF.
I was immediately put off by the scene of graphic, overly descriptive rape that was literally on page 1 of the book, and it didn't get better from there. The characters are one dimensional and vapid, and there was no plot to speak of. DNF.
February 4, 2025
this shi so bad im crining vro
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