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The Unseen
For fans of Darcy Coates’s paranormal thrills and Jeneva Rose’s romantic suspense, the supernatural and physical worlds collide in this mesmerizing tale of a gruesome murder set against the Southern Gothic backdrop of a historic Louisiana mansion.
It begins when two young boys discover a 100-year-old skeleton buried near the grounds of Belle Reve, a Greek revival style mansion built in the 1870s. As police investigate, strange and eerie occurrences plague the mansion—footsteps in empty hallways, slamming doors in empty rooms.
The owner of Belle Reve, Rachel Belmond, beautiful and still young at 44, is also in failing health, her condition deteriorating. It’s her niece, Nicole, who begins to suspect that something deadly has invaded the house. And it is Nicole who meets someone who might be able to find answers . . .
As the incidents grow more intense, Rachel’s niece, Nicole Belmond, begins to suspect that something otherworldly may have invaded the house.
Lucas Devereaux is the owner of the Baton Rouge Youth Center where Nicole’s teenage half-brother has been sentenced for a juvenile crime. The attraction between Lucas and Nicole is instant. Hearing rumors that Lucas, a former priest, has the ability to deal with supernatural events, Nicole shares her worries about Belle Reve. But Lucas can’t begin until he has more information.
Fearing for Rachel’s fragile health, trying to ignore their growing attraction, Nicole and Lucas work to find the link between the mysterious old bones and the terrifying events in the house that grow more ominous every day. Can Nicole and Lucas protect Rachel and stop the demonic forces that threaten the very existence of Belle Reve? Or is more happening than anyone can imagine?
It begins when two young boys discover a 100-year-old skeleton buried near the grounds of Belle Reve, a Greek revival style mansion built in the 1870s. As police investigate, strange and eerie occurrences plague the mansion—footsteps in empty hallways, slamming doors in empty rooms.
The owner of Belle Reve, Rachel Belmond, beautiful and still young at 44, is also in failing health, her condition deteriorating. It’s her niece, Nicole, who begins to suspect that something deadly has invaded the house. And it is Nicole who meets someone who might be able to find answers . . .
As the incidents grow more intense, Rachel’s niece, Nicole Belmond, begins to suspect that something otherworldly may have invaded the house.
Lucas Devereaux is the owner of the Baton Rouge Youth Center where Nicole’s teenage half-brother has been sentenced for a juvenile crime. The attraction between Lucas and Nicole is instant. Hearing rumors that Lucas, a former priest, has the ability to deal with supernatural events, Nicole shares her worries about Belle Reve. But Lucas can’t begin until he has more information.
Fearing for Rachel’s fragile health, trying to ignore their growing attraction, Nicole and Lucas work to find the link between the mysterious old bones and the terrifying events in the house that grow more ominous every day. Can Nicole and Lucas protect Rachel and stop the demonic forces that threaten the very existence of Belle Reve? Or is more happening than anyone can imagine?
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2025
57 people are currently reading
5813 people want to read
About the author
Kat Martin
188 books3,170 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 68 reviews
October 10, 2025
DNF—Set in an affluent part of town in Louisiana, The Unseen is a supernatural romance drawing mainly from Christian mysticism. Its central theme, however, is escapism—both literal and figurative. There’s art, parties, cars, reformed youths channelling excess testosterone into MMA, and indulgence in sexual fantasies, one of which involves an angry, lustful ghost, François (spice level: 2-3/5), with whom Rachel falls in love—or at least thinks she does, driven by the dopamine rush of their encounters. She confides in Nicole, who is herself entangled in an inner (sexual) conflict with a former priest—body says yes, mind says no, wishy-washy sort of romance. Together, they are drawn into a cold case that leads them into the history of the estate and its former occupants.
Although, the novel isn’t what I want at this moment, I can see its appeal to anyone seeking a thrill in the supernatural and firing up their sex drives simultaneously. After all, as the weather turns colder, getting entangled with another warm body might just be the remedy.
Although, the novel isn’t what I want at this moment, I can see its appeal to anyone seeking a thrill in the supernatural and firing up their sex drives simultaneously. After all, as the weather turns colder, getting entangled with another warm body might just be the remedy.
September 26, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Welcome to Belle Reve, a spooky gothic mansion with a tragic past. Nicole arrives with her teenage brother to work on her art and care for her sick aunt. It doesn’t take long to realize there’s something supernatural happening within the walls. So Nicole, who has enough going on in her life without an added haunting, reaches out to Lucas who used to be a priest. He has a history of dealing with the supernatural and might just be the only person who can save her aunt.
I really liked how Belle Reve came off as its own character in the story and that the mystery didn’t take a backseat to the romance between Nicole and Lucas. A very entertaining read.
Welcome to Belle Reve, a spooky gothic mansion with a tragic past. Nicole arrives with her teenage brother to work on her art and care for her sick aunt. It doesn’t take long to realize there’s something supernatural happening within the walls. So Nicole, who has enough going on in her life without an added haunting, reaches out to Lucas who used to be a priest. He has a history of dealing with the supernatural and might just be the only person who can save her aunt.
I really liked how Belle Reve came off as its own character in the story and that the mystery didn’t take a backseat to the romance between Nicole and Lucas. A very entertaining read.
October 9, 2025
A creepy Louisiana mansion and things that go bump in the night. I'm in. My, oh my, hot Cajun man on a Harley - be still my heart. Kat Martin has found my buttons and pushed every one of them. There are really four main characters in this story and two romances, one real and one paranormal. I love how Nicole manages to keep it together with everything that is happening all around her. Lucas is a rock for her. Rachel has a very interesting part in this plot and a mysterious, paranormal lover. And Francois, wow, dead 150 years and can still light Rachel's fire. The plot all hinges on the mystery of how and why he died. This is a multi-layered plot with a lot going on and the 150-year-old body is just one facet of it.
A body is discovered not far from the crumbling mase Belle Reve by two inquisitive kids. That discovery opens a whole can of paranormal worms. The police come to the door of artist Nicole Belmond informing her of the discovery of a body dead for about 150 years, asking if she or her aunt have any clue who it could be.
Nicole is getting ready for an art show and is the guardian of her fifteen-year-old half-brother, Sean, who has been in trouble for stealing high-end cars. She doesn't need a mystery on her plate, but things are going bump in the night at Belle Reve, and her Aunt Rachel, who has a debilitating health condition, is having a ghostly visitor. When Nicole paints a disturbing, dark picture of a mysterious man rising from the pond, she decides to do some investigating as to who the recently discovered body might be, believing something is going on.
Lucus Devereaux is the founder of Baton Rouge Youth Center where Sean stays per court order during the week. He is an interesting man, a former Priest who has found his true calling in helping troubled teens. He also has a reputation for dealing with the paranormal. When he and Nicole meet, sparks fly. Nicole really needs his help and Lucus is more than willing to do whatever he can.
Forces other than the paranormal are threatening the 1870's Belle Reve. The mansion is in dire need of repairs, and a decedent of the original builder wants to buy it and turn it into a high-end resort. When Sean's former associates come calling wanting him to steal more cars, everyone is in danger when he refuses. Lucus is not going to let anything destroy the happiness he has found with Nicole, and they are determined to end the threats to Belle Reve be they supernatural or human.
My thanks to the Publisher, and 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.
A body is discovered not far from the crumbling mase Belle Reve by two inquisitive kids. That discovery opens a whole can of paranormal worms. The police come to the door of artist Nicole Belmond informing her of the discovery of a body dead for about 150 years, asking if she or her aunt have any clue who it could be.
Nicole is getting ready for an art show and is the guardian of her fifteen-year-old half-brother, Sean, who has been in trouble for stealing high-end cars. She doesn't need a mystery on her plate, but things are going bump in the night at Belle Reve, and her Aunt Rachel, who has a debilitating health condition, is having a ghostly visitor. When Nicole paints a disturbing, dark picture of a mysterious man rising from the pond, she decides to do some investigating as to who the recently discovered body might be, believing something is going on.
Lucus Devereaux is the founder of Baton Rouge Youth Center where Sean stays per court order during the week. He is an interesting man, a former Priest who has found his true calling in helping troubled teens. He also has a reputation for dealing with the paranormal. When he and Nicole meet, sparks fly. Nicole really needs his help and Lucus is more than willing to do whatever he can.
Forces other than the paranormal are threatening the 1870's Belle Reve. The mansion is in dire need of repairs, and a decedent of the original builder wants to buy it and turn it into a high-end resort. When Sean's former associates come calling wanting him to steal more cars, everyone is in danger when he refuses. Lucus is not going to let anything destroy the happiness he has found with Nicole, and they are determined to end the threats to Belle Reve be they supernatural or human.
My thanks to the Publisher, and 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.
November 5, 2025
The sex was good……the story somewhat acceptable….,the woman characters….weak
October 14, 2025
My first DNF. 11% and thought wtf is this
October 31, 2025
First of all I had no idea this was a paranormal book. It was described as a romantic thriller So I was confused by the ghosts and demons
This book reminded me of earlier romance books where the sex starts out w a NO but because the man is so skilled and handsome he changes her NO to a YES YES YES YEEEEEEESSSS AND that bothers me
Rachel is in her 40 s living in the family plantation home Nicole is her niece living in the converted carriage house as an artist raising her teen brother. There is a rich family who originally owned the plantation who wants to buy it back and turn it into condos Again w some almost rape scenes because they are rich and no one turns them down ??? Lucas is an ex priest who started live in school for troubled young men who got in trouble w the law but don’t need to go to juvy. Nicole ‘s brother Sean lives at the school. He used. To steal cars. Lucas is so handsome that Nicole thinks about sex every time she sees him. Lucas thinks about sex every time he sees Nicole — even with bad guys and ghosts and evil demons ???
Some young boys find an old coffin along the river w a skeleton. Evidently the bones of the original owners. That starts the haunting of the house and Rachel falls in love w the ghost who gives her the best sec of her life. ( this was sooooo over the top ) which releases a original killer of said ghost who is now so evil she is a demon
Then we have the original car theft ring wants more cars stolen by her brother. Nicole and Lucas have lots of great sex but don’t talk about their feelings. He proposes before ever saying he loves her She says no he breaks up w her.
I think my favorite characters were the sheriff , the art director etc. I could not get behind any of the main ones
This book reminded me of earlier romance books where the sex starts out w a NO but because the man is so skilled and handsome he changes her NO to a YES YES YES YEEEEEEESSSS AND that bothers me
Rachel is in her 40 s living in the family plantation home Nicole is her niece living in the converted carriage house as an artist raising her teen brother. There is a rich family who originally owned the plantation who wants to buy it back and turn it into condos Again w some almost rape scenes because they are rich and no one turns them down ??? Lucas is an ex priest who started live in school for troubled young men who got in trouble w the law but don’t need to go to juvy. Nicole ‘s brother Sean lives at the school. He used. To steal cars. Lucas is so handsome that Nicole thinks about sex every time she sees him. Lucas thinks about sex every time he sees Nicole — even with bad guys and ghosts and evil demons ???
Some young boys find an old coffin along the river w a skeleton. Evidently the bones of the original owners. That starts the haunting of the house and Rachel falls in love w the ghost who gives her the best sec of her life. ( this was sooooo over the top ) which releases a original killer of said ghost who is now so evil she is a demon
Then we have the original car theft ring wants more cars stolen by her brother. Nicole and Lucas have lots of great sex but don’t talk about their feelings. He proposes before ever saying he loves her She says no he breaks up w her.
I think my favorite characters were the sheriff , the art director etc. I could not get behind any of the main ones
May 26, 2025
Kat Martin’s The Unseen opens with the unsettling discovery of a long-buried skeleton near Belle Reve, a mansion layered with the weight of history and loss. This chilling event sets in motion a sequence of uncanny happenings that disturb both the mansion’s tranquility and the lives of those who live within its walls.
As footsteps echo through empty hallways and doors close on their own, a sense of threat begins to settle over Belle Reve, drawing the reader into a narrative infused with suspense, emotion, and a brush with forces beyond ordinary experience. Through the experiences of Rachel Belmond, her niece Nicole, and Lucas Devereaux, Martin crafts a story that is as much about personal courage and family bonds as it is about the shadows that linger from the past.
One of the most striking aspects of The Unseen is the way the mansion itself becomes a participant in the story. The creaking floors, the pockets of darkness, and the sense that unseen eyes are watching all build an atmosphere that enfolds the reader in a classic Southern Gothic mood. What happens at Belle Reve does not simply rely on external threats; the building’s history seeps into the present, creating a tension between remembered events and current dangers. This setting supports the plot’s supernatural elements, making the unexplainable feel natural within the bounds of the story.
Martin’s writing allows the mansion’s personality to emerge without overshadowing the human story. The eerie atmosphere enhances the growing unease while also serving as a reminder of the past’s persistence. The house does not just hold secrets; it actively unsettles those who try to ignore them.
At the heart of the novel is Rachel, whose fragility and inexplicable illness bring urgency to the events at Belle Reve. Her vulnerability makes her the emotional center of the story, as the other characters rally around her in an attempt to protect her from both physical and supernatural harm. Nicole stands out as a figure of resolve and compassion, growing from a worried relative into someone actively confronting forces that most would deny exist. Her willingness to reach out to Lucas Devereaux signals her refusal to allow fear or skepticism to hold her back.
Lucas’s presence as a former priest lends gravity to the supernatural conflict. His past, including his connection to Nicole’s family through her half-brother Sean, adds layers to the relationships at play. The slow-developing connection between Nicole and Lucas brings warmth and hope, contrasting with the coldness that haunts Belle Reve. Their partnership is defined by mutual respect and the shared goal of breaking the mansion’s hold on Rachel.
The Unseen touches on themes that resonate beyond its ghostly events. The burden of family legacy, the fear of hidden threats, and the effort to shield loved ones from harm all feel immediately relevant. The supernatural encounters become a reflection of the less obvious dangers people face in everyday life, whether interpersonal, psychological, or societal. Lucas’s personal struggle with faith and redemption deepens the novel’s concerns with belief and resilience.
The romantic thread in the book does not distract from its darker undercurrents but instead provides balance and relatability. The interaction between suspense and romance invites reflection on the nature of fear and the strength it takes to confront what is unseen rather than flee from it. While the pacing sometimes moves toward predictability, and certain characters could benefit from more detailed backgrounds, these issues are minor in comparison with the overall immersive effect.
Kat Martin manages an effective combination of tension, romance, and supernatural elements, encouraging readers to think about the ways the past continues to influence the present.
For those drawn to stories that sustain a strong mood and feature resilient figures facing the unknown, The Unseen offers a satisfying and memorable experience.
As footsteps echo through empty hallways and doors close on their own, a sense of threat begins to settle over Belle Reve, drawing the reader into a narrative infused with suspense, emotion, and a brush with forces beyond ordinary experience. Through the experiences of Rachel Belmond, her niece Nicole, and Lucas Devereaux, Martin crafts a story that is as much about personal courage and family bonds as it is about the shadows that linger from the past.
One of the most striking aspects of The Unseen is the way the mansion itself becomes a participant in the story. The creaking floors, the pockets of darkness, and the sense that unseen eyes are watching all build an atmosphere that enfolds the reader in a classic Southern Gothic mood. What happens at Belle Reve does not simply rely on external threats; the building’s history seeps into the present, creating a tension between remembered events and current dangers. This setting supports the plot’s supernatural elements, making the unexplainable feel natural within the bounds of the story.
Martin’s writing allows the mansion’s personality to emerge without overshadowing the human story. The eerie atmosphere enhances the growing unease while also serving as a reminder of the past’s persistence. The house does not just hold secrets; it actively unsettles those who try to ignore them.
At the heart of the novel is Rachel, whose fragility and inexplicable illness bring urgency to the events at Belle Reve. Her vulnerability makes her the emotional center of the story, as the other characters rally around her in an attempt to protect her from both physical and supernatural harm. Nicole stands out as a figure of resolve and compassion, growing from a worried relative into someone actively confronting forces that most would deny exist. Her willingness to reach out to Lucas Devereaux signals her refusal to allow fear or skepticism to hold her back.
Lucas’s presence as a former priest lends gravity to the supernatural conflict. His past, including his connection to Nicole’s family through her half-brother Sean, adds layers to the relationships at play. The slow-developing connection between Nicole and Lucas brings warmth and hope, contrasting with the coldness that haunts Belle Reve. Their partnership is defined by mutual respect and the shared goal of breaking the mansion’s hold on Rachel.
The Unseen touches on themes that resonate beyond its ghostly events. The burden of family legacy, the fear of hidden threats, and the effort to shield loved ones from harm all feel immediately relevant. The supernatural encounters become a reflection of the less obvious dangers people face in everyday life, whether interpersonal, psychological, or societal. Lucas’s personal struggle with faith and redemption deepens the novel’s concerns with belief and resilience.
The romantic thread in the book does not distract from its darker undercurrents but instead provides balance and relatability. The interaction between suspense and romance invites reflection on the nature of fear and the strength it takes to confront what is unseen rather than flee from it. While the pacing sometimes moves toward predictability, and certain characters could benefit from more detailed backgrounds, these issues are minor in comparison with the overall immersive effect.
Kat Martin manages an effective combination of tension, romance, and supernatural elements, encouraging readers to think about the ways the past continues to influence the present.
For those drawn to stories that sustain a strong mood and feature resilient figures facing the unknown, The Unseen offers a satisfying and memorable experience.
November 16, 2025
It took me longer than expected to finish the book. The characters irritated me!
The cover of the book is interesting. It's a picture of a mansion I've been inside of earlier this year. It's the mansion at Boone Hall Plantation in South Carolina. This book however, takes place in Louisiana. Due to the history of slavery tied to the real life mansion, I feel like a different mansion without the historical associations would be a more sensitive choice for the book cover.
Rachel falling in love with the spirit, did not sit well with me. It felt weird reading about them having sex. At the beginning, it even felt like I was reading about a ghost raping an ill woman. How did she fall in love? It's gotta be Stockholm syndrome.
Nicole and Lucas got married so soon. Nicole didn't even know if they were dating or if it was just a casual hookup. The relationship wasn't clear to her. And then all of a sudden, Lucas proposes to her with a ring after what, 2 months? Their relationship felt rushed to me.
However, the ending was pretty good as it tied everything up. I'm happy to see the characters all happy
The cover of the book is interesting. It's a picture of a mansion I've been inside of earlier this year. It's the mansion at Boone Hall Plantation in South Carolina. This book however, takes place in Louisiana. Due to the history of slavery tied to the real life mansion, I feel like a different mansion without the historical associations would be a more sensitive choice for the book cover.
Rachel falling in love with the spirit, did not sit well with me. It felt weird reading about them having sex. At the beginning, it even felt like I was reading about a ghost raping an ill woman. How did she fall in love? It's gotta be Stockholm syndrome.
Nicole and Lucas got married so soon. Nicole didn't even know if they were dating or if it was just a casual hookup. The relationship wasn't clear to her. And then all of a sudden, Lucas proposes to her with a ring after what, 2 months? Their relationship felt rushed to me.
However, the ending was pretty good as it tied everything up. I'm happy to see the characters all happy
May 9, 2025
Rachel Belmond is a sickly, young woman, well she’s 47 and owns a big beautiful house named Belle Reve. Rachel’s niece, Nicole Belmond, lives in the carriage house and is the guardian of her teenage brother Sean. Now Sean got in trouble and as his punishment he must stay at a troubled boys center during the week. On weekends he comes home to Rachel’s. Rachel is an artist but some of her work is a little dark. She meets Lucas Devereaux, a former priest but owner of the Baton Rouge Youth Center. Strange things start happening in the Belle Reve when a box of bones are found by two young boys. Rachel starts seeing things and hearing a voice in her mind.
The attraction between Nicole and Lucas is instant and explosive. Lucas knows about ghosts and demons. He performed exorcisms while a priest, and still does, so he agrees to help Nicole and Rachel. Rachel becomes attached to the apparition. Can they figure out what is going bump in the night?
This was a really great story. Steamy. Ghosts. Someone is trying to run Rachel out of her home. Nicole has abandonment issues. Lucas has issues with giving his heart away.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
The attraction between Nicole and Lucas is instant and explosive. Lucas knows about ghosts and demons. He performed exorcisms while a priest, and still does, so he agrees to help Nicole and Rachel. Rachel becomes attached to the apparition. Can they figure out what is going bump in the night?
This was a really great story. Steamy. Ghosts. Someone is trying to run Rachel out of her home. Nicole has abandonment issues. Lucas has issues with giving his heart away.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
September 30, 2025
This one will leave a chill going up your spine and have you looking over your shoulder for things that go bump in the night.
Nichole and her family live at Belle Reve. Some strange things have been going on.
“Sometimes the things that happen to us seem completely unfair. It feels as if the pain is unbearable.
Ghosts and much more are lurking in the every corner. Hold on because this one won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Nichole and her family live at Belle Reve. Some strange things have been going on.
“Sometimes the things that happen to us seem completely unfair. It feels as if the pain is unbearable.
Ghosts and much more are lurking in the every corner. Hold on because this one won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
September 30, 2025
An unearthed skeleton sets eerie events into motion
The Belmond family has owned the mansion known as Belle Reve outside of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for almost a hundred years. Rachel Belmond, a 47 year old widow battling muscular dystrophy, is the current owner of the stately but deteriorating home and lives in the main house alone. Her adult niece Nicole, an artist raising her orphaned teenaged half brother Sean, lives in the carriage house and is a strong support for Rachel. Neither have the money needed to fully restore Belle Reve but they also have no intention of selling the property, much to the annoyance of Phillippe Villard, a successful property developer whose ancestors had originally built the stately home (which he wants to turn into a high-end resort). Phillippe's son Christian Villard is none too happy about the situation either, nor does he seem able to take the hint that Nicole does not return his personal interest in her. The Belmond women are getting by, and Sean is doing well in the residence program at a Youth Center in Baton Rouge where he lives during the week as part of his rehabilitation from crimes he had committed when he was struggling with his life after his parents' untimely death. Lucas Devereaux, the founder of the center who is both a former priest and a wealthy man whose adolescence was full of acts of rebellion, is an excellent mentor and role model for the troubled boys in his care. All of their lives are upended by two occurrences, the discovery of an old skeleton on the shores of the bayou near Belle Reve and the visit of one of Sean's former associates who wants him to steal again for them (and threatens to hurt Nicole badly if he doesn't). Rachel senses changes to the house's atmosphere and soon believes that she is being visited by a seductive ghost, while Lucas discovers the situation Sean finds himself in and joins forces with Nicole to find a way to help the boy. All the while the Villards are ramping up the pressure to make Rachel sell them the property. Is there a ghost haunting Belle Reve, and if so is it connected to the mysterious skeleton? How far are the Villards willing to go to get what they want? And is there any way to extricate Sean from the clutches of a merciless gang? Nicole and Lucas must get to the bottom of all three challenges, even as the attraction between them grows increasingly hard to resist.
The Unseen is a novel of romantic sense with a strong thread of paranormal happenings running through it. With its Louisiana setting there is plenty of atmosphere; it's an area full of ghosts, history, and family secrets. Multiple plots are woven together, and the reader is kept guessing as the characters move from crisis to crisis with suspense that doesn't stop. The main characters are given plenty of backstory, although some stretch credulity just a bit (the handsome and wealthy Lucas just happens to have been a priest trained in performing exorcisms AND has a grandmother who can speak with the dead, which is pretty convenient to have on hand when Belle Reve has acquired some ghosts, one of whom isn't of the benign variety). Overall it is a solid romantic thriller, one that should appeal not only to fans of author Kat Martin's books but also to readers of Heather Graham, Iris Johansen and Jayne Ann Krentz. My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me access to the intriguing page turner in exchange for my honest review.
The Belmond family has owned the mansion known as Belle Reve outside of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for almost a hundred years. Rachel Belmond, a 47 year old widow battling muscular dystrophy, is the current owner of the stately but deteriorating home and lives in the main house alone. Her adult niece Nicole, an artist raising her orphaned teenaged half brother Sean, lives in the carriage house and is a strong support for Rachel. Neither have the money needed to fully restore Belle Reve but they also have no intention of selling the property, much to the annoyance of Phillippe Villard, a successful property developer whose ancestors had originally built the stately home (which he wants to turn into a high-end resort). Phillippe's son Christian Villard is none too happy about the situation either, nor does he seem able to take the hint that Nicole does not return his personal interest in her. The Belmond women are getting by, and Sean is doing well in the residence program at a Youth Center in Baton Rouge where he lives during the week as part of his rehabilitation from crimes he had committed when he was struggling with his life after his parents' untimely death. Lucas Devereaux, the founder of the center who is both a former priest and a wealthy man whose adolescence was full of acts of rebellion, is an excellent mentor and role model for the troubled boys in his care. All of their lives are upended by two occurrences, the discovery of an old skeleton on the shores of the bayou near Belle Reve and the visit of one of Sean's former associates who wants him to steal again for them (and threatens to hurt Nicole badly if he doesn't). Rachel senses changes to the house's atmosphere and soon believes that she is being visited by a seductive ghost, while Lucas discovers the situation Sean finds himself in and joins forces with Nicole to find a way to help the boy. All the while the Villards are ramping up the pressure to make Rachel sell them the property. Is there a ghost haunting Belle Reve, and if so is it connected to the mysterious skeleton? How far are the Villards willing to go to get what they want? And is there any way to extricate Sean from the clutches of a merciless gang? Nicole and Lucas must get to the bottom of all three challenges, even as the attraction between them grows increasingly hard to resist.
The Unseen is a novel of romantic sense with a strong thread of paranormal happenings running through it. With its Louisiana setting there is plenty of atmosphere; it's an area full of ghosts, history, and family secrets. Multiple plots are woven together, and the reader is kept guessing as the characters move from crisis to crisis with suspense that doesn't stop. The main characters are given plenty of backstory, although some stretch credulity just a bit (the handsome and wealthy Lucas just happens to have been a priest trained in performing exorcisms AND has a grandmother who can speak with the dead, which is pretty convenient to have on hand when Belle Reve has acquired some ghosts, one of whom isn't of the benign variety). Overall it is a solid romantic thriller, one that should appeal not only to fans of author Kat Martin's books but also to readers of Heather Graham, Iris Johansen and Jayne Ann Krentz. My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me access to the intriguing page turner in exchange for my honest review.
October 1, 2025
It's pub week and the haunted house doors have swung open wide for The Unseen, where Belle Reve drips with ghosts, demons, and the kind of romance only an ex-priest can provide.
You ever walk into a Southern Gothic mansion and think, “Huh. That hallway definitely wants to murder me”? Welcome to The Unseen by Kat Martin, where the ghosts are loud, the demons are petty, and the romance is hotter than a Louisiana attic in July.
We kick things off with two boys stumbling across a 100-year-old skeleton buried near Belle Reve, a mansion so haunted it practically shrieks “therapy.” Cue the slow drip of cursed vibes: footsteps in empty halls, doors slamming like a teenage girl in a CW drama, and a growing sense that someone (or something) does not want you touching the antique doorknobs. I mean, I love a creaky old house with a tragic past, but Belle Reve is straight-up auditioning for American Horror Story: Exorcism Boogaloo.
Nicole Belmond moves into the carriage house with her teenage half-brother Sean, who's fresh off a stint at “Oops, I Committed a Misdemeanor” Academy. Nicole’s trying to make art and keep her very sick Aunt Rachel alive long enough to maybe not be possessed by a malevolent force. Just girl things! Meanwhile, Rachel is 47, fragile, and hearing voices that sound less like a whisper and more like a demonic Yelp review.
Enter Lucas Devereaux, a sexy ex-priest (yeah, you read that right) with a tragic past, a youth center or two, and some... special skills. I don’t mean he’s handy with drywall. I mean the man has performed exorcisms, casually, like it’s part of his weekend errands. Nicole ropes him into her increasingly bonkers house situation, and together they try to solve the mystery of who’s haunting Belle Reve and why the walls won’t shut up.
Let me tell you, this house does not just creak. It participates. Belle Reve is less of a setting and more of a chaotic character, like the Addams Family mansion had a baby with The Conjuring house and gave it abandonment trauma. Between demon voices, shadowy figures, and everyone’s general refusal to move out like NORMAL people, the house becomes a full-on vibe and not the good kind.
Now, the romance. It’s... there. Lucas and Nicole have instant sparks, which is great except sometimes I wished the demon had more chemistry. Their connection is earnest and sweet, but it’s also very “trauma bonding in a high-stakes ghost house” energy. You know the type. “We can’t ignore these feelings, Nicole,” he says, while literally holding a crucifix and dodging ghost knives. And honestly, good for them.
But here’s the thing: while the story is packed with murdery spirits, secret bones, and a demon that needs to calm down, the pacing is uneven. Sometimes it's full throttle exorcism, other times it's like, "Hang on, let's talk about feelings and family legacy while the literal house is trying to eat us." I wanted more momentum, fewer monologues. And look, if you’re gonna give me a demon, I need that dude to be messy, terrifying, and the kind of evil that makes me yell “burn the whole house down” at 2 a.m. This one? A little too polite for my taste.
Also, minor note, but some of the characters felt like they wandered in from other novels. Sean had potential but mostly did the YA side character thing. Rachel, bless her terrified soul, spends most of the book being slowly possessed while people have conversations around her. Ma’am, you deserve better.
Still, I can’t lie, I ate the haunted house stuff up. Kat Martin knows how to crank up atmosphere. The walls are practically oozing dread, and the mystery of the long-dead skeleton brings just enough true-crime energy to keep you turning pages, even if you're rolling your eyes at Nicole falling for the Hot Ex-Priest mid-demonic possession.
Final vibe? A solid 3 stars. I liked it, I rolled my eyes, I whispered “girl, you in danger” more than once. It's like if The Haunting of Hill House got day drunk and started flirting with The Exorcist.
Big thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of The Unseen, I always appreciate a haunted house story that makes me question whether I need holy water... or just better boundaries. Y’all really said, “Here’s some ghosts, some trauma, and a hot ex-priest, enjoy!” and I did. Chaotically, but I did.
You ever walk into a Southern Gothic mansion and think, “Huh. That hallway definitely wants to murder me”? Welcome to The Unseen by Kat Martin, where the ghosts are loud, the demons are petty, and the romance is hotter than a Louisiana attic in July.
We kick things off with two boys stumbling across a 100-year-old skeleton buried near Belle Reve, a mansion so haunted it practically shrieks “therapy.” Cue the slow drip of cursed vibes: footsteps in empty halls, doors slamming like a teenage girl in a CW drama, and a growing sense that someone (or something) does not want you touching the antique doorknobs. I mean, I love a creaky old house with a tragic past, but Belle Reve is straight-up auditioning for American Horror Story: Exorcism Boogaloo.
Nicole Belmond moves into the carriage house with her teenage half-brother Sean, who's fresh off a stint at “Oops, I Committed a Misdemeanor” Academy. Nicole’s trying to make art and keep her very sick Aunt Rachel alive long enough to maybe not be possessed by a malevolent force. Just girl things! Meanwhile, Rachel is 47, fragile, and hearing voices that sound less like a whisper and more like a demonic Yelp review.
Enter Lucas Devereaux, a sexy ex-priest (yeah, you read that right) with a tragic past, a youth center or two, and some... special skills. I don’t mean he’s handy with drywall. I mean the man has performed exorcisms, casually, like it’s part of his weekend errands. Nicole ropes him into her increasingly bonkers house situation, and together they try to solve the mystery of who’s haunting Belle Reve and why the walls won’t shut up.
Let me tell you, this house does not just creak. It participates. Belle Reve is less of a setting and more of a chaotic character, like the Addams Family mansion had a baby with The Conjuring house and gave it abandonment trauma. Between demon voices, shadowy figures, and everyone’s general refusal to move out like NORMAL people, the house becomes a full-on vibe and not the good kind.
Now, the romance. It’s... there. Lucas and Nicole have instant sparks, which is great except sometimes I wished the demon had more chemistry. Their connection is earnest and sweet, but it’s also very “trauma bonding in a high-stakes ghost house” energy. You know the type. “We can’t ignore these feelings, Nicole,” he says, while literally holding a crucifix and dodging ghost knives. And honestly, good for them.
But here’s the thing: while the story is packed with murdery spirits, secret bones, and a demon that needs to calm down, the pacing is uneven. Sometimes it's full throttle exorcism, other times it's like, "Hang on, let's talk about feelings and family legacy while the literal house is trying to eat us." I wanted more momentum, fewer monologues. And look, if you’re gonna give me a demon, I need that dude to be messy, terrifying, and the kind of evil that makes me yell “burn the whole house down” at 2 a.m. This one? A little too polite for my taste.
Also, minor note, but some of the characters felt like they wandered in from other novels. Sean had potential but mostly did the YA side character thing. Rachel, bless her terrified soul, spends most of the book being slowly possessed while people have conversations around her. Ma’am, you deserve better.
Still, I can’t lie, I ate the haunted house stuff up. Kat Martin knows how to crank up atmosphere. The walls are practically oozing dread, and the mystery of the long-dead skeleton brings just enough true-crime energy to keep you turning pages, even if you're rolling your eyes at Nicole falling for the Hot Ex-Priest mid-demonic possession.
Final vibe? A solid 3 stars. I liked it, I rolled my eyes, I whispered “girl, you in danger” more than once. It's like if The Haunting of Hill House got day drunk and started flirting with The Exorcist.
Big thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of The Unseen, I always appreciate a haunted house story that makes me question whether I need holy water... or just better boundaries. Y’all really said, “Here’s some ghosts, some trauma, and a hot ex-priest, enjoy!” and I did. Chaotically, but I did.
September 23, 2025
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
The Unseen is a standalone paranormal romance, perhaps even a paranormal thriller, as there are things that go bump in the night, and very real, very nasty humans doing their evil things as well. Everything that you’d need to know about this story before picking it up can be found in the Cover Description. What you won’t find there is the slowly escalating tensions and dangers that face several people on separate, yet connected fronts. An unexpected love story, a haunting by the most evil of spirits, a love that reaches beyond time and dimensions, an attempted land grab by unscrupulous people, a young man accepting his past actions and bravely taking on his future, and a romance between two people who have trust issues, have faced betrayal, and now stand between the living and the dead… all this, and more, await you in The Unseen by Kat Martin.
The discovery of a box of human skeletal bones by two young boys will set some events in motion at Belle Reve, a mansion set within the bayou, owned by Rachel’s family for over a hundred years. A somewhat frail woman who is battling a rare form of muscular dystrophy will begin to question her sanity as she starts to hear footsteps in the mansion when no one lives there but her. Her niece, Nicole, who is an artist, lives in the carriage house attached to the property. Nicole’s step-brother, Sean, lives there on the weekends, but during the week is serving his time in a youth center run by Lucas, facing the consequences of a very bad decision. Each will face different aspects of the unusual things happening at Belle Reve, and all the players will soon be in place to bring an end to the dangers of the evil intentions, in both spirit and physical forms, taking place around the mansion.
I was easily drawn into this story from the opening scene, and was kept on edge throughout the events unfolding to the characters and at Belle Reve. It’s a slow-burning love story in many ways; it’s also not only a paranormal thriller but a very real crime mystery. Yet, all aspects of this story come together to tell a haunting, compelling tale that kept my emotions and my curiosity engaged throughout. If you enjoy a well-written story with paranormal elements, a love story that defies explanation, or simply a really good page-flipping mystery, then you’d love The Unseen by Kat Martin.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*
The Unseen is a standalone paranormal romance, perhaps even a paranormal thriller, as there are things that go bump in the night, and very real, very nasty humans doing their evil things as well. Everything that you’d need to know about this story before picking it up can be found in the Cover Description. What you won’t find there is the slowly escalating tensions and dangers that face several people on separate, yet connected fronts. An unexpected love story, a haunting by the most evil of spirits, a love that reaches beyond time and dimensions, an attempted land grab by unscrupulous people, a young man accepting his past actions and bravely taking on his future, and a romance between two people who have trust issues, have faced betrayal, and now stand between the living and the dead… all this, and more, await you in The Unseen by Kat Martin.
The discovery of a box of human skeletal bones by two young boys will set some events in motion at Belle Reve, a mansion set within the bayou, owned by Rachel’s family for over a hundred years. A somewhat frail woman who is battling a rare form of muscular dystrophy will begin to question her sanity as she starts to hear footsteps in the mansion when no one lives there but her. Her niece, Nicole, who is an artist, lives in the carriage house attached to the property. Nicole’s step-brother, Sean, lives there on the weekends, but during the week is serving his time in a youth center run by Lucas, facing the consequences of a very bad decision. Each will face different aspects of the unusual things happening at Belle Reve, and all the players will soon be in place to bring an end to the dangers of the evil intentions, in both spirit and physical forms, taking place around the mansion.
I was easily drawn into this story from the opening scene, and was kept on edge throughout the events unfolding to the characters and at Belle Reve. It’s a slow-burning love story in many ways; it’s also not only a paranormal thriller but a very real crime mystery. Yet, all aspects of this story come together to tell a haunting, compelling tale that kept my emotions and my curiosity engaged throughout. If you enjoy a well-written story with paranormal elements, a love story that defies explanation, or simply a really good page-flipping mystery, then you’d love The Unseen by Kat Martin.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*
September 24, 2025
Release: Sept 30, 2025
Author: Kat Martin
Publisher: Kensington
Rating: 4 ★
When two boys uncover a century-old skeleton near the historic Belle Reve mansion, a wave of eerie, unexplainable events begins to unfold. Doors slam on their own, footsteps echo through empty halls, and the mansion seems alive with something sinister. Rachel Belmond, the mansion’s owner, is terrified—but her declining health adds another layer of urgency.
Her niece, Nicole, starts to realize that these disturbances may be more than just coincidence. Seeking answers, she turns to Lucas Devereaux, a former priest with a reputation for handling supernatural threats, who also happens to have a connection to Nicole’s half-brother. Despite a growing attraction between them, Lucas and Nicole must focus on unraveling the link between the old skeleton and the increasingly dangerous forces haunting Belle Reve.
As the haunting escalates, Nicole and Lucas must protect Rachel and confront a demonic presence that could destroy the mansion—or something even darker lurking beneath its walls.
The Unseen by Kat Martin is a gripping, atmospheric thriller that expertly blends mystery, romance, and the supernatural. Set in the historic Louisiana mansion Belle Reve, the story kicks off with the chilling discovery of a century-old skeleton, sparking a series of eerie events—slamming doors, footsteps in empty halls, and otherworldly disturbances—that keep readers on edge from start to finish.
At the heart of the story are Nicole Belmond and Lucas Devereaux. Nicole, determined to protect her ailing Aunt Rachel, evolves from a concerned relative into a courageous woman confronting forces most would deny. Lucas, a former priest with experience in exorcism, provides both expertise and emotional grounding. Their growing connection adds warmth and romance, balancing the story’s dark, suspenseful undertones.
Martin’s writing shines in the way Belle Reve itself becomes a character, its history and hidden corners amplifying the tension and mystery. Themes of family loyalty, resilience, and confronting the unseen give the story emotional weight beyond the supernatural thrills. While some elements follow familiar haunted-house tropes, the layered characters and the intertwining of romance and suspense make it feel fresh and compelling.
Fans of ghostly mysteries, slow-building suspense, and a touch of romance will find The Unseen a thoroughly satisfying read—an engaging blend of chills, heart, and Southern Gothic charm that lingers long after the last page.
Favorite quote:
"When the living cannot explain the unexplainable, they turn to the unseen."
Author: Kat Martin
Publisher: Kensington
Rating: 4 ★
When two boys uncover a century-old skeleton near the historic Belle Reve mansion, a wave of eerie, unexplainable events begins to unfold. Doors slam on their own, footsteps echo through empty halls, and the mansion seems alive with something sinister. Rachel Belmond, the mansion’s owner, is terrified—but her declining health adds another layer of urgency.
Her niece, Nicole, starts to realize that these disturbances may be more than just coincidence. Seeking answers, she turns to Lucas Devereaux, a former priest with a reputation for handling supernatural threats, who also happens to have a connection to Nicole’s half-brother. Despite a growing attraction between them, Lucas and Nicole must focus on unraveling the link between the old skeleton and the increasingly dangerous forces haunting Belle Reve.
As the haunting escalates, Nicole and Lucas must protect Rachel and confront a demonic presence that could destroy the mansion—or something even darker lurking beneath its walls.
The Unseen by Kat Martin is a gripping, atmospheric thriller that expertly blends mystery, romance, and the supernatural. Set in the historic Louisiana mansion Belle Reve, the story kicks off with the chilling discovery of a century-old skeleton, sparking a series of eerie events—slamming doors, footsteps in empty halls, and otherworldly disturbances—that keep readers on edge from start to finish.
At the heart of the story are Nicole Belmond and Lucas Devereaux. Nicole, determined to protect her ailing Aunt Rachel, evolves from a concerned relative into a courageous woman confronting forces most would deny. Lucas, a former priest with experience in exorcism, provides both expertise and emotional grounding. Their growing connection adds warmth and romance, balancing the story’s dark, suspenseful undertones.
Martin’s writing shines in the way Belle Reve itself becomes a character, its history and hidden corners amplifying the tension and mystery. Themes of family loyalty, resilience, and confronting the unseen give the story emotional weight beyond the supernatural thrills. While some elements follow familiar haunted-house tropes, the layered characters and the intertwining of romance and suspense make it feel fresh and compelling.
Fans of ghostly mysteries, slow-building suspense, and a touch of romance will find The Unseen a thoroughly satisfying read—an engaging blend of chills, heart, and Southern Gothic charm that lingers long after the last page.
Favorite quote:
"When the living cannot explain the unexplainable, they turn to the unseen."
September 21, 2025
Small Town Scandals? Romance? A disgraced priest? A ghost story? The Unseen has all of this and more. The great thing about this title is it has a little bit of everything and I think everyone can find something that they like in the story. It doesn't lean too heavily into the romance or the ghost story. It is a good mix and match of all of the parts that made this story fun and entertaining.
In the Unseen, we meet Rachel and her niece, Nicole. Rachel is the the current owner of the historical house of Belle Reve. Rachel's family has owned the house for well over 100 years. But due to poor health and complications, Nicole has moved home. To help take care of her aunt and of her nephew, Sean, who himself has gotten into some trouble. As we begin to meet the cast of characters, you get the feel that this house isn't all that it seems. There is an atmosphere to the house that reminds you it's been standing for over 150 years and seen it's fair share of wars, tragedies, and heartbreaks. It may even be a little bit cursed. Rachel has recently been plagued by all manner of things going wrong and failing at the house. Is something nefarious afoot? Or are those who haunt the house playing tricks? Nicole through her nephew Sean meets Lucas Devereaux, an ex priest who may or may not be able to perform exorcisms. Nicole and Lucas are immediately attracted to each other and try to ignore it in the beginning. Lucas owns the boys home where Sean spends his time due a crime he committed. Nicole initially didn't want to get involved in case it would hurt Sean. And Lucas had been hurt by someone in the past. But neither one can resist the temptation. The beauty of all of these pieces coming together is that you can see how the foundation and relationships built between the characters. The time and effort it took to trust one another when everything seemed to come crashing down or was going wrong. I also feel like Kat Martin did a great job of creating an interconnected web. I didn't see parts of the web coming together until it was almost right in my face to see the answers.
I will say one of my least favorite parts of the story was how quickly some of the story lines got cleared up. I would have loved a bit more time on the scandal and maybe not have had it all tie neatly in a bow. I also wish certain aspects of the ghost story hadn't gotten resolved as quickly either. It did feel like a bit of a race to the end and it did leave me wishing I'd had a bit more time with some of the characters. I do also wish we had gotten a bit more history on our ghosts - both friend and foe. And history surrounding the house.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the digital ARC of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In the Unseen, we meet Rachel and her niece, Nicole. Rachel is the the current owner of the historical house of Belle Reve. Rachel's family has owned the house for well over 100 years. But due to poor health and complications, Nicole has moved home. To help take care of her aunt and of her nephew, Sean, who himself has gotten into some trouble. As we begin to meet the cast of characters, you get the feel that this house isn't all that it seems. There is an atmosphere to the house that reminds you it's been standing for over 150 years and seen it's fair share of wars, tragedies, and heartbreaks. It may even be a little bit cursed. Rachel has recently been plagued by all manner of things going wrong and failing at the house. Is something nefarious afoot? Or are those who haunt the house playing tricks? Nicole through her nephew Sean meets Lucas Devereaux, an ex priest who may or may not be able to perform exorcisms. Nicole and Lucas are immediately attracted to each other and try to ignore it in the beginning. Lucas owns the boys home where Sean spends his time due a crime he committed. Nicole initially didn't want to get involved in case it would hurt Sean. And Lucas had been hurt by someone in the past. But neither one can resist the temptation. The beauty of all of these pieces coming together is that you can see how the foundation and relationships built between the characters. The time and effort it took to trust one another when everything seemed to come crashing down or was going wrong. I also feel like Kat Martin did a great job of creating an interconnected web. I didn't see parts of the web coming together until it was almost right in my face to see the answers.
I will say one of my least favorite parts of the story was how quickly some of the story lines got cleared up. I would have loved a bit more time on the scandal and maybe not have had it all tie neatly in a bow. I also wish certain aspects of the ghost story hadn't gotten resolved as quickly either. It did feel like a bit of a race to the end and it did leave me wishing I'd had a bit more time with some of the characters. I do also wish we had gotten a bit more history on our ghosts - both friend and foe. And history surrounding the house.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the digital ARC of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 31, 2025
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I had forgotten that I read this book, which is not a good sign. And then I started to remember things about it, which is also not a good sign. This book was like it was written in the 1980s, with the horrible tropes that came with romance books written in that era. The girl was the classic damsel-in-distress who has to rely on a guy even though she wants to be independent. The guy was a walking erection; seriously, every time he saw said damsel, he went to half chub. I could have dealt with that cheesiness. I mean, I've read a ton of Linda Howard books, and a lot are like that... but those were also written in a time before books really started to talk about things like "consent" and "plot". The thing that infuriated me the most was the blatant rape scene of a minor character and the subsequent romance that occurred between that character and another. Spoilers ahead.
So, within the first chapter or two, we meet the aunt, who has a sad life. A ghost has been unleashed, and he comes across this aunt, who he thinks is someone from his time period. He gets mad at her, freezes her in bed, then forces her to have sex with her without her consent. I don't care who you are, that's rape. And because this poor, sad aunt has an orgasm, she thinks that this is awesome, and looks forward to this ghost and his semi-corporeal penis returning. And then, even though they don't really talk at all, she decides that this rapist ghost is really the love of her life and she can't get enough and she wants to have an (after)life with him. It is totally NOT okay. I really hope it was changed in the final version (sadly, I didn't get around to reading this in enough time to tell the publisher my disgust, and I'm refusing to let my library buy it so I won't be checking the final version), but seriously, in 2025, how did that get through the editing process?! I'm not against rape scenes if they make sense in the story, but I'm very against rape scenes that are made to seem romantic. They are not, full stop. So yeah, don't waste your time.
I had forgotten that I read this book, which is not a good sign. And then I started to remember things about it, which is also not a good sign. This book was like it was written in the 1980s, with the horrible tropes that came with romance books written in that era. The girl was the classic damsel-in-distress who has to rely on a guy even though she wants to be independent. The guy was a walking erection; seriously, every time he saw said damsel, he went to half chub. I could have dealt with that cheesiness. I mean, I've read a ton of Linda Howard books, and a lot are like that... but those were also written in a time before books really started to talk about things like "consent" and "plot". The thing that infuriated me the most was the blatant rape scene of a minor character and the subsequent romance that occurred between that character and another. Spoilers ahead.
So, within the first chapter or two, we meet the aunt, who has a sad life. A ghost has been unleashed, and he comes across this aunt, who he thinks is someone from his time period. He gets mad at her, freezes her in bed, then forces her to have sex with her without her consent. I don't care who you are, that's rape. And because this poor, sad aunt has an orgasm, she thinks that this is awesome, and looks forward to this ghost and his semi-corporeal penis returning. And then, even though they don't really talk at all, she decides that this rapist ghost is really the love of her life and she can't get enough and she wants to have an (after)life with him. It is totally NOT okay. I really hope it was changed in the final version (sadly, I didn't get around to reading this in enough time to tell the publisher my disgust, and I'm refusing to let my library buy it so I won't be checking the final version), but seriously, in 2025, how did that get through the editing process?! I'm not against rape scenes if they make sense in the story, but I'm very against rape scenes that are made to seem romantic. They are not, full stop. So yeah, don't waste your time.
November 28, 2025
The Unseen by Kat Martin
~ Southern gothic mansion, malevolent and benign ghosts, family issues, illness, mysteries, criminals, and a healthy dose of romance provide an interesting escape into a story that had thrills, chills, information and ultimately a happy ending for those left standing ~
What I liked:
* Nicole: artist, guardian of her younger half-brother, loving niece and sister, one-day inheritor of Belle Reve mansion, trust and abandonment issues, attracted to Lucas
* Lucas: wealthy, ex-gang member, ex-priest, exorcist, owner of two youth centers for juvenile offenders, good friend, caring, kind, protective, attracted to Nicole
* Sean: Nicole’s fifteen-year-old half-brother, loves cars, miniature car hobbyist, bright, caring, coming into his own
* Rachel: widow, owns Belle Reve Mansion, has a chronic illness, rooted on the estate, has a relationship with a ghost that is quite intriguing
* Watching the romance between Nicole & Lucas develop while also following Rachel’s relationship with Francois
* Sean’s arc in the story and learning his past story and how he has grown and matured
* The thread of the story dealing with crime and criminals
* Grandmere: Lucas’s grandmother, ghost whisperer, positive presence
* Remy & Nate: Lucas’s friends that could have books of their own
* The exorcism scene and other interactions with deceased souls that had not moved on
* That I grew to know and care about the characters and the outcome of the story
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
What I didn’t like:
* Simone: a ghost that had not gone to the light but instead embraced darkness and became quite evil
* The people that were pulling criminal strings stealing cars, coercing others to do crimes, and were creating mayhem and murder
* Thinking about how difficult some of the characters’ backstories were
* Wanting to know more about some of the characters and wondering if they will get books of their own.
Did I enjoy \this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
~ Southern gothic mansion, malevolent and benign ghosts, family issues, illness, mysteries, criminals, and a healthy dose of romance provide an interesting escape into a story that had thrills, chills, information and ultimately a happy ending for those left standing ~
What I liked:
* Nicole: artist, guardian of her younger half-brother, loving niece and sister, one-day inheritor of Belle Reve mansion, trust and abandonment issues, attracted to Lucas
* Lucas: wealthy, ex-gang member, ex-priest, exorcist, owner of two youth centers for juvenile offenders, good friend, caring, kind, protective, attracted to Nicole
* Sean: Nicole’s fifteen-year-old half-brother, loves cars, miniature car hobbyist, bright, caring, coming into his own
* Rachel: widow, owns Belle Reve Mansion, has a chronic illness, rooted on the estate, has a relationship with a ghost that is quite intriguing
* Watching the romance between Nicole & Lucas develop while also following Rachel’s relationship with Francois
* Sean’s arc in the story and learning his past story and how he has grown and matured
* The thread of the story dealing with crime and criminals
* Grandmere: Lucas’s grandmother, ghost whisperer, positive presence
* Remy & Nate: Lucas’s friends that could have books of their own
* The exorcism scene and other interactions with deceased souls that had not moved on
* That I grew to know and care about the characters and the outcome of the story
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
What I didn’t like:
* Simone: a ghost that had not gone to the light but instead embraced darkness and became quite evil
* The people that were pulling criminal strings stealing cars, coercing others to do crimes, and were creating mayhem and murder
* Thinking about how difficult some of the characters’ backstories were
* Wanting to know more about some of the characters and wondering if they will get books of their own.
Did I enjoy \this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
September 17, 2025
This is a bit of a slow build, but you don’t realize just how far you’ve ventured into the bayou and the humidity and the steaminess of love until you look back and realize that the slow burn managed to engross you pretty fast! Nicole, Rachel, Sean, and Lucas are on a path to something. It could be love or misery or mystery or mourning and nobody is quite sure how it will all end.
I truly enjoyed the wondering of who and why and how. I cackled at the immense anger of one when hearing that their palace is threatened. And I found myself wondering how Rachel could possibly find happiness. Trust me, she does find it. Even if it means bittersweetness for everyone involved, it’s sort of exactly as it should be. And out of all of this, I might like Sean the most. That kid is strong and knows right from wrong. I liked everyone, but seeing that he wouldn’t take the easy road was so admirable that you have to appreciate how it all plays out!
Don’t worry, though. As we’ve come to hope for and expect from this author, no loose ends are left. Everyone finds where they belong. And I sort of hope to return to a few of the friends at some point in the future to find them meeting their One, too.
I truly enjoyed the wondering of who and why and how. I cackled at the immense anger of one when hearing that their palace is threatened. And I found myself wondering how Rachel could possibly find happiness. Trust me, she does find it. Even if it means bittersweetness for everyone involved, it’s sort of exactly as it should be. And out of all of this, I might like Sean the most. That kid is strong and knows right from wrong. I liked everyone, but seeing that he wouldn’t take the easy road was so admirable that you have to appreciate how it all plays out!
Don’t worry, though. As we’ve come to hope for and expect from this author, no loose ends are left. Everyone finds where they belong. And I sort of hope to return to a few of the friends at some point in the future to find them meeting their One, too.
September 26, 2025
It begins when two young boys discover a 100-year-old skeleton buried near the grounds of Belle Reve, a Greek revival style mansion built in the 1870s. The Belmond family has owned the Belle Reve for years and Rachel lives in the big house alone. She has always felt safe and comfortable living in the big house; but now something is stirring things up in the house. It seems there is now a ghost in the house. Nicole is Rachel's niece and lives with her younger brother Sean in the carriage house.
Lucas Devereaux is the owner of the Baton Rouge Youth Center and Sean is currently in the center due to stealing cars. Lucas is a former priest and is rumored to do exorcises. Nicole asked his for help at the Belle Reve to find out if it's haunted or is someone trying to force them to leave the mansion.
This is a great story of Lucas and Nicole and Rachel and the ghost Francois who is the skeleton found nearby. The Villard family built the house in the 1800's and the family seemed to be cursed. The Villard's are trying to purchase the house and land to put in a resort, but Rachel will not sell.
Lucas Devereaux is the owner of the Baton Rouge Youth Center and Sean is currently in the center due to stealing cars. Lucas is a former priest and is rumored to do exorcises. Nicole asked his for help at the Belle Reve to find out if it's haunted or is someone trying to force them to leave the mansion.
This is a great story of Lucas and Nicole and Rachel and the ghost Francois who is the skeleton found nearby. The Villard family built the house in the 1800's and the family seemed to be cursed. The Villard's are trying to purchase the house and land to put in a resort, but Rachel will not sell.
November 6, 2025
I read the first two book in Kat Martin’s paranormal series, and I really enjoyed them, so I was quick to grab this third book in the series. It focuses on St. Francisville, Louisiana, which is close to New Orleans, one of my favorite places to visit. Nicole lives in the carriage house of her Aunt Rachel’s antebellum home Belle Reve. Nicole is also raising her half brother Sean, who has been in some trouble with the law. The owner and basically principal ofSean’s school Lucas is a man Sean can look up to and relate to. As Lucas works with Sean, he gets to know Nicole and the two become romantically involved, but there are obstacles. The house is seemingly haunted by two spirits, one benevolent and one evil. In addition, a descendant of the original owners will do just about anything to buy the house back from Nicole’s aunt. The story is good, but not as good as the first two in my opinion, and the characters just aren’t as well drawn. We get a better look at Lucas than we do Nicole. We never really get to know much about her past, what makes her tick. I would give the book 3 1/2 stars.
December 1, 2025
First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley, Kat Martin and Kensington Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book before it is published.
About the book, I was really intrigued by the sinopsis at first but as I read the book, I was a bit bored by the characters and the story itself. I feel like the focus on Sean’s storyline was too much as I read the book because I was interested in the mystery and haunting part and not and all of that. At some point and especially in one of the last chapters, I was really annoyed at Nicole and what she did to Lucas, mostly because we spent the whole book reading about how she was so insecure about letting him in and opening her heart to love again because of what happened in the past but besides that whole Christian thing, I feel like I didn’t really get where all of that insecurity was coming from. Generally, I really liked the mystery and thriller part of the book but I would’ve given it more stars if it was more evident that it was the main focus of the book and not the rest of the storyline.
About the book, I was really intrigued by the sinopsis at first but as I read the book, I was a bit bored by the characters and the story itself. I feel like the focus on Sean’s storyline was too much as I read the book because I was interested in the mystery and haunting part and not and all of that. At some point and especially in one of the last chapters, I was really annoyed at Nicole and what she did to Lucas, mostly because we spent the whole book reading about how she was so insecure about letting him in and opening her heart to love again because of what happened in the past but besides that whole Christian thing, I feel like I didn’t really get where all of that insecurity was coming from. Generally, I really liked the mystery and thriller part of the book but I would’ve given it more stars if it was more evident that it was the main focus of the book and not the rest of the storyline.
September 2, 2025
The Unseen
Kat Martin
September 30, 2025
Nicole Belmond comes home to her Aunt Rachel’s mansion, Belle Reve. It was built in the eighteen hundreds by the extended family. Rachel’s health has deteriorated. She has allowed Nicole to develop the carriage house so that she and her step brother, Sean could live there. Rachel can benefit from their help. Nicole has also built an artist’s studio in order to continue her profession. Sean attends school weekly with other teen boys who have had legal trouble. He is doing well at the school and spends weekends at Belle Reve in St. Francesville, Louisiana.
The Unseen will be published by Kensington on September 30, 2025. I was able to read Martin’s latest novel via NetGalley. Her story is based on the Belmond history within the mansion. We are introduced to spirits who ramble within the old villa. It is full of suspense and mystical wonder. Her writing is exceptional, dealing with the Louisiana Supernatural. It’s quite a page turner and an excellent romantic adventure. I highly recommend it!
Kat Martin
September 30, 2025
Nicole Belmond comes home to her Aunt Rachel’s mansion, Belle Reve. It was built in the eighteen hundreds by the extended family. Rachel’s health has deteriorated. She has allowed Nicole to develop the carriage house so that she and her step brother, Sean could live there. Rachel can benefit from their help. Nicole has also built an artist’s studio in order to continue her profession. Sean attends school weekly with other teen boys who have had legal trouble. He is doing well at the school and spends weekends at Belle Reve in St. Francesville, Louisiana.
The Unseen will be published by Kensington on September 30, 2025. I was able to read Martin’s latest novel via NetGalley. Her story is based on the Belmond history within the mansion. We are introduced to spirits who ramble within the old villa. It is full of suspense and mystical wonder. Her writing is exceptional, dealing with the Louisiana Supernatural. It’s quite a page turner and an excellent romantic adventure. I highly recommend it!
September 21, 2025
The right amount of spooky
Kat Martin is a prolific writer who can easily transition among different genres — historical romance and contemporary romance with and without suspense woven in. So her newest title, “The Unseen,” fit perfectly into my current paranormal phase.
I thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for being allowed to read an ARC of this title. These opinions are my own.
In “The Unseen,” Martin deftly weaves multiple storylines that all revolve around Belle Reve, an 1870s Greek Revival mansion near a small town outside Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the Belmond family that owns it.
Along with the mysteries surrounding Belle Reve and the Belmond family, Nicole Belmond is struggling with her attraction to Lucas Devereaux. Watching their relationship grow was a delight. I also enjoyed the “supporting cast” in the book who at different times took center stage.
Above all, the resolution of the supernatural mystery that is at the heart of the book was extremely satisfying.
Kat Martin is a prolific writer who can easily transition among different genres — historical romance and contemporary romance with and without suspense woven in. So her newest title, “The Unseen,” fit perfectly into my current paranormal phase.
I thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for being allowed to read an ARC of this title. These opinions are my own.
In “The Unseen,” Martin deftly weaves multiple storylines that all revolve around Belle Reve, an 1870s Greek Revival mansion near a small town outside Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the Belmond family that owns it.
Along with the mysteries surrounding Belle Reve and the Belmond family, Nicole Belmond is struggling with her attraction to Lucas Devereaux. Watching their relationship grow was a delight. I also enjoyed the “supporting cast” in the book who at different times took center stage.
Above all, the resolution of the supernatural mystery that is at the heart of the book was extremely satisfying.
December 14, 2025
4.0★
This book kept me on the very edge of my seat until the end. Whith a suspensful and supernatural factor in the mix, Mrs Martin has done a great job combining both into this story.
Old houses have history and, sometimes, very dark stories to tell. With strange thing happening in the property and a sick aunt, Nicole Belmond has a race against time to discover what's happening with the state before it's too late. With the help of Lucas Devereaux, former priest and someone who has dealt with the supernatural before, they'll try to solve this mystery before time runs out.
Between gangsters, business owners who will do anything to make the state their own, Nicole and Lucas have their work cut out for them. Feelings unraveled and passion explodes between them, all while trying to find what is happening with the ancient family home.
I must say this was an entertaining read, i fully recommend it.
**This book has been given as an ARC via Netgalley and this is my free and honest review***
This book kept me on the very edge of my seat until the end. Whith a suspensful and supernatural factor in the mix, Mrs Martin has done a great job combining both into this story.
Old houses have history and, sometimes, very dark stories to tell. With strange thing happening in the property and a sick aunt, Nicole Belmond has a race against time to discover what's happening with the state before it's too late. With the help of Lucas Devereaux, former priest and someone who has dealt with the supernatural before, they'll try to solve this mystery before time runs out.
Between gangsters, business owners who will do anything to make the state their own, Nicole and Lucas have their work cut out for them. Feelings unraveled and passion explodes between them, all while trying to find what is happening with the ancient family home.
I must say this was an entertaining read, i fully recommend it.
**This book has been given as an ARC via Netgalley and this is my free and honest review***
September 28, 2025
The Unseen👻
The Unseen is a standalone story about a family that has had a house in their family’s possession for over a hundred years. A chance discovery by some kids close by, unleashes a string of events. We meet Rachel, the Aunt who has an illness but lives in the house alone as well as Nicole and Sean, brother and sister who live in the carriage house close by. Lucas is a very interesting character…he runs the youth centre where Sean is but he’s very interested in Nicole upon meeting her, and also her artistic ability 🧑🎨
I really enjoyed this story as it was a little different to what I usually read. I loved Lucas, he’s definitely a man of action and he fit in well with Nicole and Sean. The mystery around the chance discovery and the various other little things happening around the house were resolved well. I can’t wait to see what Martin comes up with next🙌 I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and voluntarily leave my honest review.
The Unseen is a standalone story about a family that has had a house in their family’s possession for over a hundred years. A chance discovery by some kids close by, unleashes a string of events. We meet Rachel, the Aunt who has an illness but lives in the house alone as well as Nicole and Sean, brother and sister who live in the carriage house close by. Lucas is a very interesting character…he runs the youth centre where Sean is but he’s very interested in Nicole upon meeting her, and also her artistic ability 🧑🎨
I really enjoyed this story as it was a little different to what I usually read. I loved Lucas, he’s definitely a man of action and he fit in well with Nicole and Sean. The mystery around the chance discovery and the various other little things happening around the house were resolved well. I can’t wait to see what Martin comes up with next🙌 I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and voluntarily leave my honest review.
September 25, 2025
The historic home in Louisiana has been in Nicole’s family for about a century, it’s old and in definite need of repairs she cannot afford. An investor wants desperately to buy the home and restore it. There’s also an entity tied to the home that seems infatuated with the inhabitants. Lucky for them, Nicole’s friend Lucas has an interesting past and gifts to help. Overall I enjoyed the characters, Lucas and Nicole were natural together, Sean was a troubled kid with good intentions and Aunt Rachel was stubborn to her core. Although I enjoyed their story it was a tad predictable, lots of foreshadowing, it was intriguing and captivating. My advanced copy came through NetGalley and I’ve written this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2025
A suspenseful ghost story unfolds as Nicole's Aunt Rachel, the owner of Belle Reve, finds herself in failing health and under pressure to sell the historic estate. The family who previously owned it is determined to reclaim it, seemingly at any cost. Strange noises plague Rachel during the night, and a ghostly visitor leaves her uncertain and frightened. Meanwhile, Nicole is juggling the responsibility of raising her younger brother, who is currently in a Youth Center, while grappling with her fascination for Lucas, the former Father Lucas. When two boys discover bones in the bayou, a series of eerie events begins. Nicole and Lucas team up to unravel the mystery, protect Nicole's brother, and confront the chilling forces at play. What fate awaits them once the truth comes to light?
September 30, 2025
This is a slow burn story revolving Nicole and Lucas and other supernatural forces. The story rotates between family drama scenes and scenes with supernatural forces which did not always flow well. The supernatural scenes were mild at best and it could have used more a punch for at least a little scare.
The Belle Reve mansion was the central hub of this story - it was both creepy and interesting as its own character. The past plays an important part in this story but it was not fully developed. I think this story would have worked great as a duel timeline to bring the past into the present.
This is my first time reading Kat Martin. The book was enjoyable and also predictable with no surprises.
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you!
The Belle Reve mansion was the central hub of this story - it was both creepy and interesting as its own character. The past plays an important part in this story but it was not fully developed. I think this story would have worked great as a duel timeline to bring the past into the present.
This is my first time reading Kat Martin. The book was enjoyable and also predictable with no surprises.
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you!
October 5, 2025
Romantic suspense meets the supernatural in this story. Nicole and her aunt live at Belle Reve which has been in their family for over 100 years. Much is happening - the family the house was originally purchased from wants it back, Nicole’s brother, Sean, only lives there on weekends because he is sentenced to spend the week at a youth center for some bad choices he made. The director, Lucas, is a former priest that finds himself attracted to Nicole. He has a special gift which helps when spirits begin inhabiting the mansion.
Lots of twists and turns and I am not usually a fan of supernatural, but I enjoyed that element in this book. I look forward to more in this genre from Martin.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lots of twists and turns and I am not usually a fan of supernatural, but I enjoyed that element in this book. I look forward to more in this genre from Martin.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 17, 2025
I’m a sucker for paranormal romantic suspense and this latest Kat Martin fit the bill! I love her paranormal novels.
Lucas is an ex-priest who runs a center for troubled youth. Nicole’s brother is at the center. She’s an artist who lives with her sick aunt at Belle Reve , a beautiful yet slowly crumbling 150 year old mansion in Louisiana.
Sparks fly between Lucas & Nicole, but there’s also trouble: bones were found near the mansion, and that discovery has unleashed something ghostly at Belle Reve.
There’s plenty of heat between Lucas & Nicole, a ghostly romance between a long dead gentleman & Aunt Rachel, and modern day evil men bent on forcing Rachel to sell Belle Reve. Lots going on!
Suspend your belief and dive into a novel perfect for a fall night. You’ll gobble it up.
Lucas is an ex-priest who runs a center for troubled youth. Nicole’s brother is at the center. She’s an artist who lives with her sick aunt at Belle Reve , a beautiful yet slowly crumbling 150 year old mansion in Louisiana.
Sparks fly between Lucas & Nicole, but there’s also trouble: bones were found near the mansion, and that discovery has unleashed something ghostly at Belle Reve.
There’s plenty of heat between Lucas & Nicole, a ghostly romance between a long dead gentleman & Aunt Rachel, and modern day evil men bent on forcing Rachel to sell Belle Reve. Lots going on!
Suspend your belief and dive into a novel perfect for a fall night. You’ll gobble it up.
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