Haunted

by Shari Nichols

When medium Karly Matthews agrees to move into a haunted inn, she’s not sure what’s more dangerous, the ghost or the sexy innkeeper she tries to resist. She’s can’t deny the intense rush of desire she feels every time he’s near. When she agrees to embark on a no-strings-attached relationship, she finds herself thrust into a world of mind blowing pleasures. Now she must face the aching truths of her past.

Hotel heir Thayne Harper has a laser-like focus on success that doesn’t include the help of his family. He’s always been the black sheep, living in the shadow of his dead brother. His dreams are put to the test when a supernatural entity threatens to ruin everything. The one bright spot is the woman who intrigues his mind and heats his blood.

If only he can convince her that, despite his bad boy ways, he can change for the good. Her love becomes his only salvation. Passion burns white-hot as a dark threat looms. The ghost doesn’t want them to be together and sets her sights on Thayne, luring him to a place that goes beyond death. Will Karly be able to save him before it’s too late?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Paranormal

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2017

About the author

Sign Up for my newsletter and receive the first chapter of book one, MIDNIGHT DESIRE, in my award winning series, Raven's Hollow Coven. Enter a chance to win a free book. http://sharinicholsauthor.com/contact...
Shari Nichols grew up in a small town in Connecticut where haunted houses, ghosts and Ouija boards were common place, spurring her fascination with all things paranormal. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, going to the gym, or sharing a meal, and a cool glass of chardonnay with family and friends.
She lives in New Jersey with her husband,near her favorite park. Shari’s a member of Romance Writers of America, New Jersey Romance Writers, Liberty States Fiction Writers and Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance Writers.
Awards: Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer's Choice Finalist For Best Book, Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer's Choice Finalist For Best Series. New York Book Festival Honorable Mention, Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers Choice Award for Best Book, Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers Choice Award for Best Series, Golden Leaf Finalist, Golden Leaf Finalist for Best Book by A NJ author Beverley Award Winner, HOLT Medallion Finalist, Literary Titan Silver Medal winner.
Here's my interview on the City Owl Press website. http://www.cityowlpress.com/

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

So Haunted by Shari Nichols is the first book I have read by this author and overall I found this an enjoyable experience but with some minor issues and irritations.
If these were resolved This would make a corker of a book as this was such an interesting premise.
So first let me give you a brief introduction to all that haunted entails.
Our story revolves around Karly and Thayne.
Karly Mathews is a medium who along with her sister runs a ghosty/medium themed shop.
She has, after revealing some information on a former clients philandering husband, upset the unfaithful hubby who has then made it his mission to destroy Karly and her sisters business.
Attending a networking event at a local venue Karly then has a run-in with the daughter of that upset spouse.
Making a sharp exit Karly bumps into the delicious Thayne Harper as she is leaving.
persuaded to give him a few minutes of her time and attention Karly lingers but refuses to provide Thayne with a name, actually wanting no part of any romance as she is sworn off men after a bad break up with her ex.
But one thing leading to another, the two get down to some serious tonsil tennis only to be interrupted by a phone-call from Karly's worried sister,
This leaves Thayne proceeding to invite the beautiful mysterious stranger back to his room at the venue.
Karly, Leading him to believe she will join him after her phone call, takes this opportunity to scarper into the night leaving behind a very disappointed Thayne, but with no name to go on what can the jilted boy do, sweet FA.
So the next morning and with things taking a turn for the worse with there business Karly agrees out of sheer desperation to take a ghostbusting job at a local business due to open.
fast forward and yes you've guessed it said local business owner who comes complete with an angry ghost is Thayne Harper, a very sceptical but desperate Thayne that is
So that's a general idea of the story here.
The romance aspect of haunted for me was so-so.
What actually kept my attention throughout this was the ghost story, the actual romance itself I found less inspiring.
I think what didn't work for me really was the two main characters themselves I just didn't find them very likeable at all.
Let's start initially with Karly I found her extremely annoying she was so stuck in the past it was ridiculous, constantly blaming Thayne for things that were just not his fault.
She had so many hang-ups it was unreal.
She also blew hot and cold constantly and her jealousy was so awful and unreasonable I was actually cringing for her.
Thayne was not much better constantly shooting Karly annoyed looks he seemed very quick to anger over the smallest of details.
Because of this, I struggled to connect with them both as I was just so uninvested in their outcome.
It was like spoilt brat meets equally spoilt brat-ee.
Despite this the haunting premise itself was what I found so fascinating and this is what ultimately held my interest throughout.
I would have loved to delve deeper here than we actually did.
My most favourite part of this story is when Karly goes off to Cornwall to investigate and I think more could have been made of this upping its appeal greatly.
There are not many great haunting stories in the romantic genre around at this moment in time so in this regard, that was a major plus for haunted and I feel this could have been played upon much more than it was.
I also finished this really quickly, so I found it did also manage to keep my overall interest.
I think if this was a bit longer and dug deeper into the haunting premise I could have and would have scored it much higher.
that is also despite my overall irritation with Thayne and Karly.
So, in conclusion, I decided to give this three and a half stars as even though I failed to feel the love here with regards to our couple this still had plenty else in regards to its plot to help push it along and recommend it.
There were some great pluses with this just not enough to win me over entirely.
I received a free copy of Haunted by the author Shari Nichols
This is my free and own honest opinion of Haunted.

Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

One medium, one sexy hotel owner and a pissed off ghost equals a gripping, seductive read.



Medium Karly Matthews is having a difficult time, both in her personal life and with her business. Thanks to a philandering man out to ruin her and his influence in her small town, she might as well close up shop and move. But then she meets Thayne at a business mixer and the attraction is immediate. He looks like a god sent from the heavens to pleasure her. When he offers her a lucrative opportunity, she reluctantly accepts.



Thayne Harper is the son of a rich family and heir to the Harper fortune but he’s striking out on his own. He’s designed his boutique hotel down to the last detail. What he didn’t count on was the whispers of his hotel being haunted, not that he believes in such nonsense. But as the staff flees in terror, he doesn’t have a choice but to try to take care of the problem. He hires Karly to cleanse his hotel and get rid of the ghost, which is fine with him because he loves being around Karly. She drives him wild with want and the more he’s around her, the deeper his feelings grow. But when she ups and leaves for England to research the ghost’s history, he’s suddenly in mortal danger. Can he resist a vengeful ghost or is he helpless in her clutches without Karly to protect him?



I first heard about this book a few weeks before its release. I’m a big fan of all things paranormal so I was excited to read it. It’s my first time reading Shari Nichols so I didn’t have any expectations going in. She weaves a story like a lover caresses its beloved, seducing the reader with a flawed heroine, an Adonis-like hero, a white-hot love affair between the two and a pissed off poltergeist who’s hellbent on making Thayne hers. There’s plenty of twists in this supernatural story and the ending will shock you. The best part is that Haunted will stay with you long after you read the last page. A gem of a paranormal romance that’s a must-read!



Favorite Character/Quote:

“How could I not feel protective of you?” He brushed her hair off her face. The anticipation was brutal, but sweet.



My Rating: 5 stars



This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karly is the real deal, a medium who would do anything for her clients. However, after she was sued by an unhappy politician who she figured out was cheating her clientele fell into the negatives. So when an inn keeper takes his chances on her she is beyond happy. To bad the innkeeper and her already have a past and she has left him wanting back then. It also doesn't help that she doesn't mix business with pleasure...... maybe he will be the exception?
Thayne doesn't believe in ghost, but after so many "encounters" at his new inn he will do whatever is necessary to keep his employees working. Even if it means hiring a medium.... but wait isn't that the women from last night? Maybe this voyage into the supernatural wont be a complete lost cause.
This was a great book that had numerous twists throughout, both personal challenges and paranormal challenges were prevalent. So if you enjoy somewhat mysterious reads and paranormal romances then this is the book for you. A little warning: there is quite a bit of sexual content so if you do not enjoy reading sex scenes please skip this as it will not be a book you will enjoy.
~A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.

[Stephenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received an ebook from the author, but that in no way affects my review or opinions. *

I loved author Shari Nichols first book and I loved this one even more!! This is a bit of a different genre than her first book, but it just goes to show that she is a true author and can cross genre's. I am already looking forward to the author's next book and I have barely finished this one!! She is a MUST read author and a must read NOW!

This book brings us into the life of psychic medium, Karly Matthews and surly hotel owner, Thayne Harper. The chemistry between the two of them jumps off of the pages and has the reader fanning themselves whenever they are together! There are plenty of evil spirits involved in this story as well as a very much alive ex girlfriend and there is nothing smooth about this relationship for anyone involved. The reader can't figure out where the author is going to take them next on this roller coaster ride! There are so many loops, curves, twists and turns that there is no way for the reader to predict what is going to happen next! This book has the reader frantically turning the pages so fast that they get a paper cut!

The reader is desperate to know what happens to the lingering ghost who wants nothing more than to keep Karly and Thayne apart, as well as to see if the hotel can become a success. The plot is unique and has some romance, suspense and mystery all rolled into one. It is one of those books that as soon as you finish reading you want to instantly re-read it to see what you missed the first time that you zoomed through. This book will leave the reader with a book hangover so big that they will need weeks to get over it. Heed this warning and go into this with that in mind!

Be sure to start reading this book when you have plenty of time and nothing else to do because you are not going to want to stop reading it once you start! This is one of the best reads so far this year for me!!

**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng **

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunted,  Shari Nichols

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance, Sci Fi & Fantasy

A stand alone story, which sounded fun. I enjoyed it, didn't love it but was a quick escape from the real world.

I felt for Karly, and her sister after the recent issues they face. Their shop is struggling after a recent reading led to lots of bad publicity....I could see that happening exactly as it went down!
Then on a night out she meets Thayne. Nothing happens except for some very heated kisses and an offer to go back to his room. Karly says yes, but ducks out so when she goes to a new job next day, one arranged very quickly they're both shocked to see each other.

Thayne is a bit of a skeptic but the events that have frightened his staff can't easily be explained away, and when Karly and her sister get to work he cant deny the Inn is being haunted by a young lady called Emily – and She Is Angry. That's the last thing he needs with the opening just a few weeks away.
The sizzle between Karly and Thayne can be felt, its scorching and they have some incredibly heated, erotic encounters. Nether seem able to leave the other alone.
She made me so cross though, blaming Thayne for his past, letting hers dictate her actions. She was all over him one moment and pushing him away the next. Over and over again, no wonder he was getting whiplash.
He can't change his past, its the now and the future that count, and he shouldn't be blamed for things others in Karly's past have done. She was too ready to believe the worst of him even when he'd done nothing or had a good explanation.

I was really hoping more would be made of the Jennifer angle, it was good, but for me could have been deeper,better, more satifying. I love a “good” bad person, a jealous man or woman, they really make a story sometimes.

The suspense, the haunting angle was interesting but like the romance I felt that the issues raised, the problems caused by Emily treated almost lightly , sort of “wow, she's created a heck of a storm. Look at that tree, look at that damage...Ah well, who's for coffee?” Well, it wasn't quite like that ;-) but that's how it felt to me.
Then there's the problems Thayne has with his family, his father, his angst over his brother, not to mention someone else with a grudge against him playing a part in the story.
There was so much going on, so many different story lines that I felt none of them really got treated with the respect they deserved, didn't get the expansion they needed, just a light fluffy kind of treatment.
That's a shame as they were some terrific ideas. If the book had been twice the length ( its just over 3500 kindle locations so pretty short) then those plots could really have been made the most of, and this would have been a five star read for me, but as it is I felt I liked it but nothing really stood out about the book, nothing special.
 
Stars: three and a half, so much potential if either less plots used, with a deeper treatment for them, or longer book that let them really get made the most of.
Still, others will love it as it is, that's the nature of reading, everyone wants something different.

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
 

[Eva Millien · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good ghost story is something that I find hard to come by, there are several reasons for this but hey I’m the type of person that loves horror stories although they can’t scare me. So, anyway, when I find a one I just want to shout from the rooftops. Shari Nichols has done it with her book Haunted, it had all the spine tingling chills that I associate with ghosts, moving furniture, cold spots, the works, so I highly recommend that you grab your blanket, curl up and settle in.

The characters are strong, compelling and easily related to and the romance between Karly and Thayne is hot and messy because the chemistry and the sex is ubër hot, but the emotional currents that run between these two are a roller coaster of feelings due to past issues and current situations. Readers are drawn in and easily become caught up in the tension that fills the pages which of course comes from the romance, but also the thrilling suspense of what will happen with the ghost especially since this ghost seems to become more and more irritated with as Karly tries to help.

The author brought her world to live with well written words and I could practically feel the cold chills run down the back of my neck along with all the characters, so I really enjoyed Haunted and I will be looking for the next book Shari Nichols.

[Mary Brannian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted Sizzles!

“You’re here with me, and I’m not letting you go.” - Thayne

Karly Matthews was struggling; struggling to get her business up and running, struggling to overcome an abusive, negative smear campaign that seemed destined to sink her before she ever had a chance to begin... When an old friend reached out for help, Karly jumps at the chance to restore her reputation and finances...

Thayne Harper was NOT on her radar. He was everything she had ever desired in a man... Yet she'd been badly burned in the past.... Yet Thayne seemed to dissolve her defenses with a single smoldering glance...

Karly finds herself caught up in a maelstrom of conflict: her growing desire for Thayne, her ongoing legal woes, and her escalating battles with the entity determined to claim Thayne.... As hers alone...

Intense! If you enjoy sizzling romances with more than a hint of the paranormal, you'll love Haunted!

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok; certainly, the writing was readable and I didn't notice any particular editing issues. I just think it wasn't really my sort of book. I thought the lust and then the love were too instant and there wasn't anything to support it. Further, I thought the manner in which Thayne pursued Karly felt more like a skeevy come-on artist than legitimate feels and the way, no matter what scene was happening, sexual thoughts were interjected cluttered the narrative.

I don't actually mean to suggest it wasn't a good book. I just think there are plenty of people who will enjoy it more than me. I was pretty so-so on the whole thing.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good Supernatural romance it pulled me in with a good storyline and super characters, Karly and Thayne had lots of chemistry but were complete opposites.She has had a rough time lately after splitting with her boyfriend and after using her gift as a medium to help a woman leave an unhappy marriage the husband is now out to ruin her.Thayne and her meet at a local event the attraction between them is immediate and after an explosive kiss, she runs away.When she goes to a job the next day to get rid of an angry ghost the owner ends up being Thayne.A super read I really liked it

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sizzling Romance and a Not-So-Friendly Ghost

The author pulled me right into the story as we see our heroine suffering at a meet-and-greet when she is confronted by a young woman whose mother had to come to her for a psychic reading. While the heroine told the woman a hard truth, things got out of hand, leading to a smear campaign that our heroine is still feeling the effects of. Her business as a medium and at her and her sister’s store is suffering. She decides to flee and literally runs into a handsome stranger she has an instant attraction to (and one she’d been eying earlier). This is felt on both sides. Things get a little steamy pretty quick between these two strangers as they make a mad dash to get out of a freak storm. Although there is a strong paranormal element to the story, the romance is certainly front and center. By the way, I thought it was nifty that the heroine could read auras and shared what she saw occasionally. I liked how the ghost was of the not so friendly variety. Usually when you read paranormal romance, ghosts are friendly, helpful, and sometimes even funny. This one added some angst to the storyline, and we gradually learn more about her history, which the author artfully wove into the story. I found this novel to be a lot of fun with a couple that had a lot of chemistry, and of course, some obstacles to get over—both of this world and the otherworldly one. An enchanting and steamy read.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Jason Duby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karly Matthews has had a bit of a rough streak in the past few months. Not only is she still dealing with the loss of her ex, but her abilities as a medium have been called into question by one of the wealthy residents of her town, New Hope. The last thing she expected was to run into an extremely handsome and wealthy bachelor who won't take no for an answer. She manages to avoid her feelings only to find this man as a client her business needs to survive. The supernatural threat she has to deal with on the case may not be the biggest risk Karly has to take.

Shari Nichols has written a romance novel that is well worth the time invested by any reader. Her characters are well-rounded individuals who speak in their own voices. The settings are given just enough description without interfering with the story being told. The pacing holds steady, and while this book is clearly a romance story, it's an enjoyable romance story that delivers. I, for one, did not feel like my time could have been better spent.

Normally, I would use this spot to make any criticisms, but honestly I was taken in by this book. Sure, the novel follows the romance formula and some people might consider it a little cheesy. My response to that idea would be that perhaps romance is the wrong genre for those readers. For anyone looking for an enjoyable read with a touch of the supernatural, I definitely recommend this story.

(independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock)

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted by Shari Nichols is the story of Karly Matthews and Thayne Harper
Karly and her sister Sophia were at an event trying to get some clients for their business when she meets Thayne. Karly is a medium who gets a lot of grief for being one, especially when she gives mad news. So while at this event one of the daughter of a former client goes off on her and Karly goes to leave but runs right into Thayne. Thayne tries to introduce himself and get to know Karly but she isn't having it. But their attraction is to much to ignore and is proven when Karly is to 'clear' the hotel that Thayne has.
This was an exciting romance for sure!
BOC Review

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story the ghost elements was awesome I truly enjoyed all of the background work and history of the spirit too. I liked Kelsey but she was kind of wishy washy and boring her hangups got a bit old, and Thayne I wantedto junk punch a bunch of times! But I did stay engaged in the story and needed to know the outcome. Few things that bugged me was the characters got mixed up a few times and I truly wish Thayne and Kelsey would have spoken to his brother i unresolved there. But all in all if you like insta love stories and ghosts then this book will suit you. And frankly there aren't many of this genre around so....

[Beth M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a steamy romance, dark & yet addictive book that once you start reading you don't want to put down. I so loved this story Karly, the medium, has been crushed by her previous romantic relationship. When she least expects for someone to care for and love comes Thayne, the innkeeper, just the gorgeous man to do so. This story is filled with lots of action suspense and heartwarming love as they have a big adventure to their future. The depth of research that went in this book felt so real that kept me up late and gave me hours of reading pleasure

Once again Bravo Shari on your second book!!
I'll be eagerly waiting for what is next.

Beth M

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story that kept me turning pages. This is a new Author to me, I want to read more by her. Medium Karly Matthews, and Hotel heir Thayne Harper's story there is suspense, drama, ghosts, possession, twists, turns, murder, and romance. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a truly amazing story, it flowed beautifully. The character's were so real I felt like I truly knew them. this story grips you and pulls you and with the turn of every page you feel their emotions so strongly you just want to reach in and sooth them. this was a stellar book.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really interested in this concept of this story and the fact she went to the Inn to help the spirit and not just sitting at a table somewhere. If I based the rating on story alone it would be a 4 star. The reason for the 1 star drop is Karly. She was whiny and took one bad relationship and made it run her life and choices to the extreme and the point of being irritating. The instalove was also a reason. Even with all her negativity she still fell instantly for Thayne. Thayne's turnaround near the end also felt off in the book and just added for drama. The secondary characters were good and I found myself wanting to know more, especially Sophia. Let's add Tom too for some silver fox action. I won an ebook for which I voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Christina Bowling · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just didn't much for the book, but have no option but to leave a review because Booksprout is punishing me for doing withdrawals.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.