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Crescent City Ghost Tours #1
Love & Ghosts (Crescent City Ghost Tours, #1)
She refuses to believe in ghosts.
He makes a living on their existence
Love in the Big Easy shouldn't be so hard...
When Emily Rollins accepts a dare to kiss a masked stranger at a charity ball, fireworks ignite and she longs to learn more about the enchanting man. But Emily has lost so much already...
Succumbing to his charm will turn her world inside out.
Sean LeBlanc is a medium who runs the most popular haunted tour company in New Orleans. When Emily shows up on his ghost tour, with no idea he's the mystery man from the ball, the long-buried emotions she unearthed in him are rekindled, and he's convinced he can learn to love again.
The problem is Emily doesn't believe in the supernatural.
Just as Sean begins to open her mind to the existence of spirits and the possibility of love, a mysterious wooden box with a sinister power arrives on Emily's doorstep, threatening her sanity and her life.
If Sean can't convince her ghosts are real, her disbelief will doom them both.
If you like a swoon-worthy hero and the magic of New Orleans, you'll love this steamy, heart-melting romance.
Get it now!
Winner NWHRWA Lonestar Writing Contest
Finalist NOLA Stars RWA Suzannah Contest
He makes a living on their existence
Love in the Big Easy shouldn't be so hard...
When Emily Rollins accepts a dare to kiss a masked stranger at a charity ball, fireworks ignite and she longs to learn more about the enchanting man. But Emily has lost so much already...
Succumbing to his charm will turn her world inside out.
Sean LeBlanc is a medium who runs the most popular haunted tour company in New Orleans. When Emily shows up on his ghost tour, with no idea he's the mystery man from the ball, the long-buried emotions she unearthed in him are rekindled, and he's convinced he can learn to love again.
The problem is Emily doesn't believe in the supernatural.
Just as Sean begins to open her mind to the existence of spirits and the possibility of love, a mysterious wooden box with a sinister power arrives on Emily's doorstep, threatening her sanity and her life.
If Sean can't convince her ghosts are real, her disbelief will doom them both.
If you like a swoon-worthy hero and the magic of New Orleans, you'll love this steamy, heart-melting romance.
Get it now!
Winner NWHRWA Lonestar Writing Contest
Finalist NOLA Stars RWA Suzannah Contest
310 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2019
499 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Pulkinen
64 books798 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Carrie Pulkinen has always been fascinated with things that go bump in the night. Of course, when you grow up next door to a cemetery, the dead (and the undead) are hard to ignore. Pair that with her passion for writing and her love of a good happily-ever-after, and becoming a paranormal romance author seems like the only logical career choice.
Before she decided to turn her love of the written word into a career, Carrie spent the first part of her professional life as a high school journalism and yearbook teacher. She loves red wine and chocolate, and in her free time, she likes to read, take pictures, and spend time with her family.
Before she decided to turn her love of the written word into a career, Carrie spent the first part of her professional life as a high school journalism and yearbook teacher. She loves red wine and chocolate, and in her free time, she likes to read, take pictures, and spend time with her family.
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August 6, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/7/2019)! 🎁
July 28, 2021
I'll give it 3 stars because I loved the supernatural part of the book, it was creepy, scary and kept me on edge most of the book, which I loved and kept me intrigued enough to finish the book!
Now for the rest, I seriously didn't like that girl; it took me forever to finish this book because a really hated her! She was so stubborn, and not the kind that is kinda cute and amusing, NOOOO! She was the obtuse, hypocritical, irkind kind that is so obsessed with things being the way she wants them, that she deluded herself into believing things are that way! I wouldn't say she's blind, she can see she's wrong fine, she just isn't willing to accept it! So imagine my relief and satisfaction when her sister gives her a piece of her mind and doesn't sugarcoat it!
I was also mildly annoyed by the way he espend most of the book sucking up to her and making excuses for her behavior while she cowardly make reasons out of thin air to run away from him! I'm glad he stood his ground at the end!
Now for the rest, I seriously didn't like that girl; it took me forever to finish this book because a really hated her! She was so stubborn, and not the kind that is kinda cute and amusing, NOOOO! She was the obtuse, hypocritical, irkind kind that is so obsessed with things being the way she wants them, that she deluded herself into believing things are that way! I wouldn't say she's blind, she can see she's wrong fine, she just isn't willing to accept it! So imagine my relief and satisfaction when her sister gives her a piece of her mind and doesn't sugarcoat it!
I was also mildly annoyed by the way he espend most of the book sucking up to her and making excuses for her behavior while she cowardly make reasons out of thin air to run away from him! I'm glad he stood his ground at the end!
September 10, 2024
The cutest NOLA trip read
May 3, 2019
Love & Ghosts (Crescent City Ghost Tours, #1) by Carrie Pulkinen was an entertaining, hooking read, that had me reading into the night.
Not my first read by this author, so I was super excited to get my hands on this book. I was not disappointed, rich with detail, mystery, paranormal, and a serendipitous moment, and you have one of the best mixes for a compelling read, that just sucks you in, and hooks you until the last page.
I loved the MC's, Emily and Sean were both interesting, realistic, and they just seemed to jump off the pages at you. I loved their meeting, their interactions and how they both build each other back up. Both were strong, and that not only enriched the story, it really rounded out the plot, and believability.
Overall this book is a must read, and I can't stress enough how much I loved and enjoyed it. So please take my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval, that you will fall hard for this second chance, paranormal romance, that will have you believing in more than just ghost.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
Not my first read by this author, so I was super excited to get my hands on this book. I was not disappointed, rich with detail, mystery, paranormal, and a serendipitous moment, and you have one of the best mixes for a compelling read, that just sucks you in, and hooks you until the last page.
I loved the MC's, Emily and Sean were both interesting, realistic, and they just seemed to jump off the pages at you. I loved their meeting, their interactions and how they both build each other back up. Both were strong, and that not only enriched the story, it really rounded out the plot, and believability.
Overall this book is a must read, and I can't stress enough how much I loved and enjoyed it. So please take my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval, that you will fall hard for this second chance, paranormal romance, that will have you believing in more than just ghost.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
December 13, 2020
LOVE & GHOSTS is the first book in the Crescent City Ghost Tours series.
Sean is the owner of the Ghost Tours and sees and speaks to ghosts. This is part of who he is and he can't change that even when he wants to for Emily, who has an aversion to anything ghost-like. She does have her reasons which are explained as the story progresses.
They are supported by a great cast of characters, including friends, family, and ghosts. I know Sydney has her own book but I'd love to get to meet some of the others more too.
The one thing I loved was the references to The Princess Bride, one of the best movies of all time in my opinion. I loved how Emily was the only one to get that he was the Dread Pirate Roberts! Perfect.
This was a suspenseful and light-hearted read that starts off the series with a bang. A brilliant read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sean is the owner of the Ghost Tours and sees and speaks to ghosts. This is part of who he is and he can't change that even when he wants to for Emily, who has an aversion to anything ghost-like. She does have her reasons which are explained as the story progresses.
They are supported by a great cast of characters, including friends, family, and ghosts. I know Sydney has her own book but I'd love to get to meet some of the others more too.
The one thing I loved was the references to The Princess Bride, one of the best movies of all time in my opinion. I loved how Emily was the only one to get that he was the Dread Pirate Roberts! Perfect.
This was a suspenseful and light-hearted read that starts off the series with a bang. A brilliant read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
November 3, 2019
Love & Ghosts is the first book in the Crescent City Ghost Tours series.
I loved Carrie’s Crescent City Wolf Pack series so I had to check this one out. This book did not disappoint. I’d give it more than five stars if I could. It does have a different feel than the Wolf Pack series, but the characters are just as entertaining and the story is expertly woven. I jumped into this book and couldn’t put it down. You can’t help but keep reading to find out what is up with the box!
One of my favorite things about this book was the costume that Sean wore to the ball and the running theme with it throughout the story.
Perfect Halloween season read! I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
I loved Carrie’s Crescent City Wolf Pack series so I had to check this one out. This book did not disappoint. I’d give it more than five stars if I could. It does have a different feel than the Wolf Pack series, but the characters are just as entertaining and the story is expertly woven. I jumped into this book and couldn’t put it down. You can’t help but keep reading to find out what is up with the box!
One of my favorite things about this book was the costume that Sean wore to the ball and the running theme with it throughout the story.
Perfect Halloween season read! I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
April 25, 2019
This is such a fun read! I alternated between frustration and sympathy over Emily, but Sean is basically what any woman would want in her man. So kind, romantic, and open about his feelings. The dirty bits were hot, but tasteful at the same time. I really started to feel invested in their relationship, and the story left me guessing the whole time!
Reviewed by: Leann M.
Reviewed by: Leann M.
July 19, 2025
I read this in Paranormal Ever After and loved it and when I went to buy it I found that I already had it. Look forward to reading more of her books.
November 23, 2019
Love and Ghosts by Carrie Pulkinen a five-star read that will make you fall in love with the scare, this is number one in the City Ghost Tour series and I am excited for the rest of the series. This was a thrilling read and filled with sublime characters that will enthral you. This is a great paranormal romance and will make you believe in Emily and Sean; they will make you fall in love with the stories. This has a little of everything and will make you care, including one of the best moments ever. Do not miss this compelling start to the series.
June 10, 2019
Details about ancestral spirits, legends, and ghost stories combined with observations about neighborhoods and architecture create a strong sense of generations of distinctive history and mystique of New Orleans.
Read full review in the 2019 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2019 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 3, 2019
Set in The Big Easy, Love & Ghosts draws you in from the start with the wonderfully blunt Trish questioning her best friend, lead female Emily, about a possible one night stand as they’re heading into a masquerade ball. The conversation that followed set up an interesting and painful backstory that plays a major role throughout the rest of the book. Trish proves herself once again by forcing Emily to open up to life a little with a fun and steamy dare.
Enter Sean. As the Dread Pirate Roberts no less (because who doesn’t want him?). He’s rich, he loves his Momma, and he’s hot as hell. Oh, and he can see and communicate with ghosts; owning and operating the most popular haunted tour company in New Orleans.
When Emily is the only person to realize Sean isn’t Zorro, they start dancing in more ways than one. Sparks become fireworks, but she refuses to tie herself to the first man she meets in her new home city. However, she and Sean keep running into each other and eventually one thing leads to another until their opposing opinions on the paranormal threaten to tear them apart.
Can Sean and Emily come to an understanding before her disbelief is their downfall?
**********
Carrie creates a sense of foreboding and suspense as scenes and situations build that had me finishing this book in one day. I needed to know what was going to happen and if everyone was going to come out alright in the end due to the nagging feeling of danger. Despite the circumstances under which it happens, I was really happy Philip got some karma; he made my skin crawl. I also found a lot of the ghosts really endearing, which is sadly rare for me but made me like this book even more.
I adore Sean, there’s not really a single thing I can think of that I would want to be different about him. He’s patient and caring, talented, aware of and interested in the world around him, he has great taste in movies, and he’s crazy hot. Talk about a perfect book boyfriend! I would love a hundred stories with Sean in them.
Emily is complicated. Do I like her? Yes, absolutely. However, her stubborn streak and inability to accept Sean and the world around her got on my nerves a little bit at times. There were a couple of times I wasn’t sure if her behavior was entirely her own or if it was being influenced by the mysterious and evil box she refuses to ditch. But all that makes her human right? If she were perfect there wouldn’t be much of a story, and she has A LOT of history and a little bit of demon to overcome which can’t be forgotten either. She has some great lines and I really like that she holds her own against Sean and his friends.
I love Trish and Sydney. It would be awesome to see them get their own stories at some point, there’s just something about both of the fun, spunky, independent women that I can really relate to and want more of them. They’re like long lost best friends I want to hang out with on any given night.
Having never been to New Orleans, I don’t know what it looks like, how it’s set up, etc, but I’ve always felt like the city has a life of its own. I wish there had been a little more physical description of it so I could’ve felt like I was there too. At times it might have been any city anywhere. Looking up the Garden District afterward, it’s beauty was beyond what my imagination had been able to conjure while reading.
Please don’t take any of my comments to mean I didn’t enjoy the book, because I really did. These are a couple of nitpicky comments that I think would just make the book that much MORE awesome.
If you’re looking for a book that combines the paranormal, romance, realistic characters, and suspense, with a HEA, this is the book for you. Give it a read!
Enter Sean. As the Dread Pirate Roberts no less (because who doesn’t want him?). He’s rich, he loves his Momma, and he’s hot as hell. Oh, and he can see and communicate with ghosts; owning and operating the most popular haunted tour company in New Orleans.
When Emily is the only person to realize Sean isn’t Zorro, they start dancing in more ways than one. Sparks become fireworks, but she refuses to tie herself to the first man she meets in her new home city. However, she and Sean keep running into each other and eventually one thing leads to another until their opposing opinions on the paranormal threaten to tear them apart.
Can Sean and Emily come to an understanding before her disbelief is their downfall?
**********
Carrie creates a sense of foreboding and suspense as scenes and situations build that had me finishing this book in one day. I needed to know what was going to happen and if everyone was going to come out alright in the end due to the nagging feeling of danger. Despite the circumstances under which it happens, I was really happy Philip got some karma; he made my skin crawl. I also found a lot of the ghosts really endearing, which is sadly rare for me but made me like this book even more.
I adore Sean, there’s not really a single thing I can think of that I would want to be different about him. He’s patient and caring, talented, aware of and interested in the world around him, he has great taste in movies, and he’s crazy hot. Talk about a perfect book boyfriend! I would love a hundred stories with Sean in them.
Emily is complicated. Do I like her? Yes, absolutely. However, her stubborn streak and inability to accept Sean and the world around her got on my nerves a little bit at times. There were a couple of times I wasn’t sure if her behavior was entirely her own or if it was being influenced by the mysterious and evil box she refuses to ditch. But all that makes her human right? If she were perfect there wouldn’t be much of a story, and she has A LOT of history and a little bit of demon to overcome which can’t be forgotten either. She has some great lines and I really like that she holds her own against Sean and his friends.
I love Trish and Sydney. It would be awesome to see them get their own stories at some point, there’s just something about both of the fun, spunky, independent women that I can really relate to and want more of them. They’re like long lost best friends I want to hang out with on any given night.
Having never been to New Orleans, I don’t know what it looks like, how it’s set up, etc, but I’ve always felt like the city has a life of its own. I wish there had been a little more physical description of it so I could’ve felt like I was there too. At times it might have been any city anywhere. Looking up the Garden District afterward, it’s beauty was beyond what my imagination had been able to conjure while reading.
Please don’t take any of my comments to mean I didn’t enjoy the book, because I really did. These are a couple of nitpicky comments that I think would just make the book that much MORE awesome.
If you’re looking for a book that combines the paranormal, romance, realistic characters, and suspense, with a HEA, this is the book for you. Give it a read!
April 11, 2019
I absolutely adored this book! Start to finish could not put it down. Emily has had a rough few years and has moved to New Orleans for a fresh start. Tragedy weighs her down and a stubborn belief that she can NOT believe and everything will be ok keeps her life on a tight leash. Her bestie takes her out one night trying to get her to live again and dares her at a masquerade ball to kiss a stranger...Sean has been stuck in the past as well. It’s hard to move on when there’s no spark. He wanders around the party until he sees a beautiful masked stranger. With a little liquid courage Emily is determined not to fail the dare and prove to her best friend she has moved on. Sean is intrigued, his masked woman is the only one here to have guessed his costume and they hit it off immediately. She refuses to give her name and doesn’t want his but they dance all night until he’s called away for an emergency. Emily takes her chance and kisses Sean. He begs for her number but she says no to keep her vow to not grab on to the first man she meets in the big easy. Mysterious forces are at work though. Sean and Emily keep bumping into each other and their attraction deepens. Emily is afraid to put herself out there and living where almost everyone believes in ghosts is hard when you’re determined to act like they don’t exist. Those beliefs led to tragedy and she refuses to believe. Ghosts are a big part of Sean’s life but he knows Emily is not a fan.
Then one day a box that used to belong to her sister shows up. Emily can’t get it open and takes it to a locksmith. While there, a woman runs out from the back of the store and kicks her out yelling that she should never open that box! Emily is convinced the woman was crazy, she doesn’t believe in evil spirits and all that. The box though needs to be opened she’s sure her sister may have left her something in it. It gives her the creeps but she’s oddly obsessed with it. Sean for his part tells her the box should be gotten rid of, she agrees but just can’t seem to let it go.
Sean is one of those male characters that you really just want for yourself. He’s honest, forthright, sexy and when he falls for someone that’s it for him. He gives his whole heart. Emily is caring and generous but a skeptic at heart. Which actually makes it hard for her to trust others. When these two get together there are definitely sparks. Their interactions are the stuff of daydreams and their feelings grow deeply. But how can they work out if Emily can’t believe in something that’s so integral to Sean? Can he convince her that ghosts won’t hurt them and will he be able to save Emily in time to prevent another tragedy? This is an awesome book and the epilogue was so well done and much appreciated! I loved this book.
Then one day a box that used to belong to her sister shows up. Emily can’t get it open and takes it to a locksmith. While there, a woman runs out from the back of the store and kicks her out yelling that she should never open that box! Emily is convinced the woman was crazy, she doesn’t believe in evil spirits and all that. The box though needs to be opened she’s sure her sister may have left her something in it. It gives her the creeps but she’s oddly obsessed with it. Sean for his part tells her the box should be gotten rid of, she agrees but just can’t seem to let it go.
Sean is one of those male characters that you really just want for yourself. He’s honest, forthright, sexy and when he falls for someone that’s it for him. He gives his whole heart. Emily is caring and generous but a skeptic at heart. Which actually makes it hard for her to trust others. When these two get together there are definitely sparks. Their interactions are the stuff of daydreams and their feelings grow deeply. But how can they work out if Emily can’t believe in something that’s so integral to Sean? Can he convince her that ghosts won’t hurt them and will he be able to save Emily in time to prevent another tragedy? This is an awesome book and the epilogue was so well done and much appreciated! I loved this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2019
If I could review this book in one word, it would probably be "amazing." I haven't read a paranormal romance in a very long time. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but what I got was a really great read.
I love that its the hero that is the "sensitive" one in regards to spirits. Emily is different. She's a little hard to like at times with her dislike for all things dealing with ghosts.
I have to admit I was a junkie for shows like "My Haunted House" and stuff like that when I had cable. So the stuff that happened with the box made me want to shake Emily. Actually, I wanted to shake Emily a lot.
Sean was so darn perfect. If I had book boyfriends, he would be one of them. I loved how he talked to the spirits and did his best to make Emily comfortable with herself.
There's so much about this book I could go on about, but they all fall under the heading of spoilers and this book is really too good to be spoiled.
It has ghosts.
It has some baddies, alive and otherwise.
It has some smoking hot scenes. Mmmm hmm
There are some laugh out loud moments...on involving a dog and a hot dog cart, but I will say no more.
It has a bit of mystery...
Oh and then there's Sean's mother. Oh how I loved her. I give props to all writers that keep the parents lovable. I had bad mom's and dad's in books. They kind of make my heart hurt, because my family was great.
Oh and conflict...but I can't go into that without...well..as Riversong from Doctor Who would say...SPOILERS.
This was just a fabulous story, and I loved all the characters both dead and alive that showed up. If you like paranormal fiction..oh and if you love NOLA, you have to read this book.
This is the first book in the series, and I really can't wait for the next!
I love that its the hero that is the "sensitive" one in regards to spirits. Emily is different. She's a little hard to like at times with her dislike for all things dealing with ghosts.
I have to admit I was a junkie for shows like "My Haunted House" and stuff like that when I had cable. So the stuff that happened with the box made me want to shake Emily. Actually, I wanted to shake Emily a lot.
Sean was so darn perfect. If I had book boyfriends, he would be one of them. I loved how he talked to the spirits and did his best to make Emily comfortable with herself.
There's so much about this book I could go on about, but they all fall under the heading of spoilers and this book is really too good to be spoiled.
It has ghosts.
It has some baddies, alive and otherwise.
It has some smoking hot scenes. Mmmm hmm
There are some laugh out loud moments...on involving a dog and a hot dog cart, but I will say no more.
It has a bit of mystery...
Oh and then there's Sean's mother. Oh how I loved her. I give props to all writers that keep the parents lovable. I had bad mom's and dad's in books. They kind of make my heart hurt, because my family was great.
Oh and conflict...but I can't go into that without...well..as Riversong from Doctor Who would say...SPOILERS.
This was just a fabulous story, and I loved all the characters both dead and alive that showed up. If you like paranormal fiction..oh and if you love NOLA, you have to read this book.
This is the first book in the series, and I really can't wait for the next!
April 28, 2019
LOVE & GHOSTS is the first book in the Crescent City Ghost Tours series. As always, I recommend reading a series in the order of release. This story does stand alone, but why would you want only one? It is an absolutely fantastic book – part ghost adventure, part romance, and all of it engrossing.
Sean and Emily are meant to be together – like Westley and Buttercup. The movie, The Princess Bride is significant in their relationship, but I will allow you to discover the many ways that it was used as a literary tool. Still, I must say a few things. “Since the invention of the kiss, there have been 5 kisses that have been rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind.” Sean even said, “As you wish,” long before he actually said, “I love you.” For those of us who know and love the movie, this quote above all others is monumental.
I loved the insta-attraction, but slowly building relationship between Sean and Emily. I loved the mystery of Emily’s past relationship with the supernatural and how it was slowly revealed.
The characters, the location, and the story all combined to provide a thrilling story that I devoured in a spellbound afternoon.
I don’t know what magic Carrie Pulkinen has invested into the pages of her book, but I approve. She always delivers entertainment, goose bumps, and romance.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: LOVE & GHOSTS
Series: Crescent City Ghost Tours #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect
Received from: Carrie Pulkinen (as an ARC gifted copy)
Sean and Emily are meant to be together – like Westley and Buttercup. The movie, The Princess Bride is significant in their relationship, but I will allow you to discover the many ways that it was used as a literary tool. Still, I must say a few things. “Since the invention of the kiss, there have been 5 kisses that have been rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind.” Sean even said, “As you wish,” long before he actually said, “I love you.” For those of us who know and love the movie, this quote above all others is monumental.
I loved the insta-attraction, but slowly building relationship between Sean and Emily. I loved the mystery of Emily’s past relationship with the supernatural and how it was slowly revealed.
The characters, the location, and the story all combined to provide a thrilling story that I devoured in a spellbound afternoon.
I don’t know what magic Carrie Pulkinen has invested into the pages of her book, but I approve. She always delivers entertainment, goose bumps, and romance.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: LOVE & GHOSTS
Series: Crescent City Ghost Tours #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect
Received from: Carrie Pulkinen (as an ARC gifted copy)
April 25, 2019
Love & Ghosts (Crescent City Ghost Tours Book 1)
By: Carrie Pulkinen
5 out of 5 stars
The story Love & Ghosts (Crescent City Ghost Tours Book 1) by Carrie Pulkinen is a paranormal romance book that I loved reading. It pulled me in from the very beginning and didn’t let me go until I had read the final page. It is a story that has a wonderful storyline and amazing characters. I loved reading about the characters of Emily Rollins and Sean LeBlanc. Emily is a woman who is strong and independent. She doesn’t believe in the supernatural or ghosts. She is someone who is trying to start over and move on with her life. Then she meets Sean. Sean LeBlanc is a medium. He owns his own haunted tour company. Since he first kissed Emily he can’t stop thinking about her. There is a chemistry and attraction between them. If only he can get Emily to accept the existence of ghosts. What does the future hold for Emily and Sean? When Emily receives a strange box can Sean convince her of the danger? Read this book to find out what happens. I love that this story takes place in New Orleans. I also loved that the story has an atmosphere that is both romantic and sultry. There is bantering that goes back and forth between Sean and Emily and scenes that are swoon worthy. Steamy scenes included in this book. There are additional characters that I enjoyed reading about their part in the story and their interactions with Sean and Emily. This is a wonderful story that you won’t be able to put down. Highly recommended.
By: Carrie Pulkinen
5 out of 5 stars
The story Love & Ghosts (Crescent City Ghost Tours Book 1) by Carrie Pulkinen is a paranormal romance book that I loved reading. It pulled me in from the very beginning and didn’t let me go until I had read the final page. It is a story that has a wonderful storyline and amazing characters. I loved reading about the characters of Emily Rollins and Sean LeBlanc. Emily is a woman who is strong and independent. She doesn’t believe in the supernatural or ghosts. She is someone who is trying to start over and move on with her life. Then she meets Sean. Sean LeBlanc is a medium. He owns his own haunted tour company. Since he first kissed Emily he can’t stop thinking about her. There is a chemistry and attraction between them. If only he can get Emily to accept the existence of ghosts. What does the future hold for Emily and Sean? When Emily receives a strange box can Sean convince her of the danger? Read this book to find out what happens. I love that this story takes place in New Orleans. I also loved that the story has an atmosphere that is both romantic and sultry. There is bantering that goes back and forth between Sean and Emily and scenes that are swoon worthy. Steamy scenes included in this book. There are additional characters that I enjoyed reading about their part in the story and their interactions with Sean and Emily. This is a wonderful story that you won’t be able to put down. Highly recommended.
May 8, 2019
A great read about trying to live life. Emily has been struggling to move on after the death of her sister. She goes to a masquerade ball with a friend and tries to enjoy herself and ends up dancing with a mystery man. Serendipity keeps making them bump into eachother, but problems arise when she finds out he runs a local ghost tour. Can she out her fear of ghosts behind her for a shot at happiness?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Emily stubborn but kind hearted underneath or Sean stuck between love of his profession and love of Emily. Great cast of supporting characters like Trish as the fun friend or Madeline as the kind and meddling mother.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like with the ballroom with the bright chandeliers and spacious rooms full of life and people. Or the bright colours of the costumes in bold reds or dark blacks or magical purples wonderfully written. Or the garden with its tall trees and shimmering fountain for that sense of peace away from the busy world. Or the bright colourful butterfly small and colourful and beautiful to repreeent reincarnation from Japanese mythology as a nice touch
The mix of fantasy of ghosts and realism of the clinic care hospital combined perfectly to mske for a captivating read. The mystery of the box was perfectly written, making you want to read on to find out what's inside. The switch of narratives between Emily and Sean was well written and easy to follow with names at the start of the sections. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Emily stubborn but kind hearted underneath or Sean stuck between love of his profession and love of Emily. Great cast of supporting characters like Trish as the fun friend or Madeline as the kind and meddling mother.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like with the ballroom with the bright chandeliers and spacious rooms full of life and people. Or the bright colours of the costumes in bold reds or dark blacks or magical purples wonderfully written. Or the garden with its tall trees and shimmering fountain for that sense of peace away from the busy world. Or the bright colourful butterfly small and colourful and beautiful to repreeent reincarnation from Japanese mythology as a nice touch
The mix of fantasy of ghosts and realism of the clinic care hospital combined perfectly to mske for a captivating read. The mystery of the box was perfectly written, making you want to read on to find out what's inside. The switch of narratives between Emily and Sean was well written and easy to follow with names at the start of the sections. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.
May 7, 2019
I give Love and Ghosts (Crescent City Ghost Tours) by Carrie Pulkinen, 5 stars.
Leading a pretty dull life lately, Emily takes her best friend up on a dare -- to kiss a guy at the charity ball they are both attending. She finds the perfect masked stranger and decides to go for it. Besides, it's not like she will ever see him again, right? Sean communicates with ghosts and runs a haunted tour company in the heart of New Orleans. When the gorgeous mystery women kisses him at the ball, he tries desperately to get more information from her. Will he ever see her again?
Fates seem to throw them together, but she does not believe in ghosts or want anything to do with them. But supernatural forces may think otherwise. Can Sean help Emily solve the puzzle as to what is going on? Can he get her to believe in what he does or are they destined to be alone?
I really enjoyed this book and it promises to be a great, exciting series. Sean was actually my favorite character in this book, mostly because he can communicate with ghosts. I would love to see more of him using his abilities in future books. All of the characters are great though -- they feel very real. And the story itself is good too. It was unlike what I was expecting and that is a good thing. I like to be surprised by what I'm reading.
If you like your romance with suspense and a supernatural twist, this book is for you.
Leading a pretty dull life lately, Emily takes her best friend up on a dare -- to kiss a guy at the charity ball they are both attending. She finds the perfect masked stranger and decides to go for it. Besides, it's not like she will ever see him again, right? Sean communicates with ghosts and runs a haunted tour company in the heart of New Orleans. When the gorgeous mystery women kisses him at the ball, he tries desperately to get more information from her. Will he ever see her again?
Fates seem to throw them together, but she does not believe in ghosts or want anything to do with them. But supernatural forces may think otherwise. Can Sean help Emily solve the puzzle as to what is going on? Can he get her to believe in what he does or are they destined to be alone?
I really enjoyed this book and it promises to be a great, exciting series. Sean was actually my favorite character in this book, mostly because he can communicate with ghosts. I would love to see more of him using his abilities in future books. All of the characters are great though -- they feel very real. And the story itself is good too. It was unlike what I was expecting and that is a good thing. I like to be surprised by what I'm reading.
If you like your romance with suspense and a supernatural twist, this book is for you.
April 24, 2019
5 Stars
Love & Ghosts is the first book in the Crescent City Ghost Tours series by Carrie Pulkinen. The first book in her exciting new series, and I was thrilled to get my hands on it. I devoured it the very moment it landed in my kindle, hooked from the very first page, reading it all in one spellbinding sitting. It is a fantastic paranormal romance- with ghosts, second chances, new beginnings, grief, loss, supernatural elements, Voodoo, mystery, suspense, action, danger, drama, obsession, and plenty of sizzle….. set against the vibrant, colourful and mystical backdrop that is New Orleans.
The characters are quirky individuals who really made this story come alive. They were really interesting and very well developed. I loved Sean and Emily, and was cheering them on right from the get-go! There was a lot more to them, and the story, than meets the eye, that’s for sure!
The story is quite intense at times, and superbly suspenseful- with a real ‘mystery’ to try to unravel. There are funny moment- with witty quips/banter that made me smile- lots of emotion, and a wonderful romance, too.
I have developed a severe addiction to Ms. Pulkinen’s work- one that I am more than happy to indulge- no rehab needed!
I can’t wait to see what book two has in store for us!
Thank you, Ms. Pulkinen!
Love & Ghosts is the first book in the Crescent City Ghost Tours series by Carrie Pulkinen. The first book in her exciting new series, and I was thrilled to get my hands on it. I devoured it the very moment it landed in my kindle, hooked from the very first page, reading it all in one spellbinding sitting. It is a fantastic paranormal romance- with ghosts, second chances, new beginnings, grief, loss, supernatural elements, Voodoo, mystery, suspense, action, danger, drama, obsession, and plenty of sizzle….. set against the vibrant, colourful and mystical backdrop that is New Orleans.
The characters are quirky individuals who really made this story come alive. They were really interesting and very well developed. I loved Sean and Emily, and was cheering them on right from the get-go! There was a lot more to them, and the story, than meets the eye, that’s for sure!
The story is quite intense at times, and superbly suspenseful- with a real ‘mystery’ to try to unravel. There are funny moment- with witty quips/banter that made me smile- lots of emotion, and a wonderful romance, too.
I have developed a severe addiction to Ms. Pulkinen’s work- one that I am more than happy to indulge- no rehab needed!
I can’t wait to see what book two has in store for us!
Thank you, Ms. Pulkinen!
February 10, 2025
So far I've really enjoyed every single book by this author. Except this one. It wasn't bad, but I said in my review of the previous book that the willfully ignorant protagonist was driving me mad. Meet Emily, who's even more willfully ignorant. She bends herself over backwards to justify her actions even when the truth is staring her right in the face. I really wanted to love this book, I did, but Emily's stubborn behavior wasn't endearing or funny, it was obnoxious. I also felt like Sean was investing way more into the relationship than she was. He was fully committed from the start, while Emily kept lying and keeping secrets from him for months. Like I said, she was driving me mad. Obliviousness is often used as a trope, especially in romance books, but this goes beyond that, it's straight up denial, and denial gets old honey. On top of that there was way too much repetition in this book, especially with the "tripping over her feet" clumsy damsel in distress. I know it's a popular trope, and I get that it was used for comedic effect, but it was already annoying the second time, and by the 10th time I was over it. Honestly, I was over this entire book. It was so short, but it felt like a whopping 500+ pages and it took me way too long to finish because it couldn't maintain my interest. Also, all of the "mystery" was so glaringly obvious a kid could figure it out.
May 2, 2019
Yowzers! This was one heck of a good book! I absolutely needed this too! Such a refreshing breath of newness to the slow burn love story. Okay so this is a tad of a ghost story too but really I was taken with the beautiful detailed and captivating love that develops between Emily and Sean. From the moment Emily kisses that stranger at the Masked Charity Ball (Sean) everything changes. She doesn’t believe in that ghost stuff and there is no such thing as supernatural in her world, but she finds herself on a ghost tour anyway, and face to face with Sean again. Then there is the mysterious box that shows up on her doorstep with evil powers. Sean could be the only one to convince her that ghosts and the supernatural are real and that they could be in some very serious danger.
It isn’t your typical read and I was totally sucked in from the very first moment until the bittersweet last page. My only solace is that there will be more books to come in the Crescent City Ghost Tours series from the fabulous Carrie Pulkinen. I can only hope it won’t be too long of a wait. I know I will be checking out all of her previously released writing in the meantime as well. Thanks for the wonderful read Ms. Pulkinen!
It isn’t your typical read and I was totally sucked in from the very first moment until the bittersweet last page. My only solace is that there will be more books to come in the Crescent City Ghost Tours series from the fabulous Carrie Pulkinen. I can only hope it won’t be too long of a wait. I know I will be checking out all of her previously released writing in the meantime as well. Thanks for the wonderful read Ms. Pulkinen!
November 12, 2019
I am simply blown away with this story. I happen to love New Orleans, the French Quarter and the feel of the whole city was throughout the book! As for Sean and Emily, what a wonderful love story, with loads of excitement, mystery, ghosts, and a demon. Did I mention voodoo? Heavens, one simply can not have a story set in New Orleans without some voodoo in it! Carrie Pulkinen's writing is so colorful and full of delightful descriptions about Jackson Square and the characters that work in around the square, New Orleans food and my favorite cafe au lait with beignets! When I finished this novel, I just had to get the next one, in this series the story of Blake and Sydney. I have also read that one, in record time, I might add. Now, I am about to read the story about the "gifted mysterious" NOPD Detective Marcy Carpenter, who is in a different series by Carrie Pulkinen, the "Werewolves Only" series.
I can only say that I love this series and I can't wait until the next novel of Crescent City Ghost Tours series. Finally, an author that is not afraid to write about those who have psychic abilities, empaths, ghost hunters, and all of the mysterious of the unknown.
I can only say that I love this series and I can't wait until the next novel of Crescent City Ghost Tours series. Finally, an author that is not afraid to write about those who have psychic abilities, empaths, ghost hunters, and all of the mysterious of the unknown.
August 7, 2022
I found this book looking for House of Earth and Blood because both series are called “Crescent City.” 😂 And I absolutely fell in love with the premise! Paranormal romance, lots of spookiness, New Orleans setting, sexy and kind love interest, smart FMC…so it was an instant download!
However I just wish the characters were more likable. Emily bordered on actually being hateable for me. She was incredibly obtuse and stubborn but in a rude way. She was supposed to be smart and capable but I found most of her actions and decisions unpleasant. And I really couldn’t see what Sean liked about her other than she was pretty? But then her descriptions never screamed sex appeal.
I am intrigued by Sean. He’s a ghost hunter-tour guide who is also fabulously wealthy and an artist? All cool things, just wish we could have dug deeper into his family history (why can he see ghosts? Is it a LeBlanc family legacy? Curse?) And why his mom, a super rich real estate agent, is so supportive and not at all thinking her heir son should have a more comfortable/regular career? I think all of these ideas are really cool, just wanted to get more of the how and why of it all.
I wish Trish was a more fun and funny BFF, I wish there was more conflict with Philip, I wish we met the VooDoo priestess sooner, I wish that ghost Jessica was more of a character and earlier.….
I also found the writing a little on the amateur-ish spectrum. A lot of telling and not showing, a bit of repetitiveness, characters and conversations that were not *sparkly* for me. And I caught myself several times thinking the 🌶 just wasn’t there. Like, partway through the book, I couldn’t remember if there was any spiciness at all or if it was a fade to black situation.
Overall it gets a 3 for spookiness and story idea. And I do want to read other works by this author to see if the writing style gets refined a bit.
However I just wish the characters were more likable. Emily bordered on actually being hateable for me. She was incredibly obtuse and stubborn but in a rude way. She was supposed to be smart and capable but I found most of her actions and decisions unpleasant. And I really couldn’t see what Sean liked about her other than she was pretty? But then her descriptions never screamed sex appeal.
I am intrigued by Sean. He’s a ghost hunter-tour guide who is also fabulously wealthy and an artist? All cool things, just wish we could have dug deeper into his family history (why can he see ghosts? Is it a LeBlanc family legacy? Curse?) And why his mom, a super rich real estate agent, is so supportive and not at all thinking her heir son should have a more comfortable/regular career? I think all of these ideas are really cool, just wanted to get more of the how and why of it all.
I wish Trish was a more fun and funny BFF, I wish there was more conflict with Philip, I wish we met the VooDoo priestess sooner, I wish that ghost Jessica was more of a character and earlier.….
I also found the writing a little on the amateur-ish spectrum. A lot of telling and not showing, a bit of repetitiveness, characters and conversations that were not *sparkly* for me. And I caught myself several times thinking the 🌶 just wasn’t there. Like, partway through the book, I couldn’t remember if there was any spiciness at all or if it was a fade to black situation.
Overall it gets a 3 for spookiness and story idea. And I do want to read other works by this author to see if the writing style gets refined a bit.
April 19, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "LOVE & GHOSTS" OMG!!!!!! Carrie Pulkinen you are such a phenominal writer so creative with your storylines and awsome characters that pull you right in this is an amazing beginning to this series.
Emily Rollins kisses a total stranger at the Masked Charity Ball she went to not knowing that it was Sean LeBlanc a medium who runs the most popular haunted ghost tours in New Orleans called Crescent City Ghost Tours.
Emily doesn't believe in the supernatural or ghosts but she goes on tbe tour anyway and the she receives a strange mysterious wooden box on her doorstep that has evil powers that effect her mind and threaten her life.
Sean has to convince Emily that ghosts are real or this could bring both of them trouble
will he be able to convince her in time.
This was such a thrilling exciting, interesting, entertaining, captivating, mysterious, heartwrenching, panti-melting read the you just couldn't put down its a must have book so well worth the read it definitely won't disappoint I can't wait for the next book. AWSOME AWSOME READ!!!!!!
Emily Rollins kisses a total stranger at the Masked Charity Ball she went to not knowing that it was Sean LeBlanc a medium who runs the most popular haunted ghost tours in New Orleans called Crescent City Ghost Tours.
Emily doesn't believe in the supernatural or ghosts but she goes on tbe tour anyway and the she receives a strange mysterious wooden box on her doorstep that has evil powers that effect her mind and threaten her life.
Sean has to convince Emily that ghosts are real or this could bring both of them trouble
will he be able to convince her in time.
This was such a thrilling exciting, interesting, entertaining, captivating, mysterious, heartwrenching, panti-melting read the you just couldn't put down its a must have book so well worth the read it definitely won't disappoint I can't wait for the next book. AWSOME AWSOME READ!!!!!!
May 7, 2019
Emily Rollins has moved to New Orleans where her best friend, Trish, lives to start anew after catching her longtime boyfriend cheating. At a masquerade ball to benefit an animal shelter, Emily accepts a dare from Trish to kiss a man. While dancing with Sean LeBlanc who was in a costume from her favorite movie she kisses him before he gets a call and has to leave. She leaves it up to serendipity as to whether or not she sees him again. When they meet up again, Emily finds out Sean runs a popular ghost tour and tells her that ghosts are a big part of his life. However, she has decided that she can't believe in ghosts so isn't sure that she wants to continue seeing him despite their deep attraction and connection. When Emily receives a box that had belonged to her sister things take a dark turn.
This book is well written and a fabulous read. I hope there are more books to come to make this a series. I highly recommend this to readers who like paranormal in general and paranormal romance in general.
This book is well written and a fabulous read. I hope there are more books to come to make this a series. I highly recommend this to readers who like paranormal in general and paranormal romance in general.
April 24, 2019
Emily Rollins doesn't believe in ghosts or the supernatural which is a bit of a problem when she lives in New Orleans a city that thrives o the occult. She kisses a stranger at a masked ball and thinks no more of it Then she goes on a ghost tour Sean LeBlanc runs that tour as he is a medium and works with all things spiritual and he is the man that she kissed at the masked ball though she hasn't realised it yet. Sean is a big believer in fate and knows if they are meant to be together it will happen slowly they begin to learn one another. When a mysteries turns up from her sister it starts a change of events that could convince Emily that spirits and evil do exist will Sean be able to keep Emily safe from the evil that is stalking her. This is a story with many twists and turns that will have you jumping out of your skin I can't recommend it highly enough and if you aren't a believer you maybe after this
November 10, 2019
Love & Ghosts is the first book in Carrie Pulkinen’s paranormal Crescent City Ghost Tours’ series. She takes us back to the lore of New Orleans so if you love all things NOLA then this book is for sure for you! It is my first read by this writer and I know that I will gladly follow her down the Crescent City Ghosts Tours for new adventures!
Love & Ghosts gives us Emily who has just moved to New Orleans after the death of her sister and to get away from her cheating boyfriend and oh, she does not believe in ghosts, AND Sean who has lived all his life in New Orleans and is struggling after the death of his wife and he is soo into all things ghost no doubts whatsoever! The writer weaves a mesmerizing story that ticks all your boxes, combines legends and ghost stories with her observations about NOLA neighbourhoods and architecture and I promise you will not be able to put the book down until you get to the end!
Love & Ghosts gives us Emily who has just moved to New Orleans after the death of her sister and to get away from her cheating boyfriend and oh, she does not believe in ghosts, AND Sean who has lived all his life in New Orleans and is struggling after the death of his wife and he is soo into all things ghost no doubts whatsoever! The writer weaves a mesmerizing story that ticks all your boxes, combines legends and ghost stories with her observations about NOLA neighbourhoods and architecture and I promise you will not be able to put the book down until you get to the end!
April 21, 2019
Wounded hearts. True love just waiting to flourish. Real ghosts and the paranormal. New Orleans. Oh yes indeedy, all the makings are there for great fun - and in the hands of a talented writer like Carrie Pulkinen it is no surprise that Love & Ghosts (Crescent City Ghost Tours) delivers the goods. Emily and Sean’s romance is a fun one and a total pleasure to read. Look at the publisher’s blurb. If it at all peaks your interest then it’s pretty much a sure think you’ll love this book. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely hoping for more Crescent City Ghost Tours stories.
April 25, 2019
I believe this is the first book I've read by the author and it won't be my last. The writing is well plotted, the characters well defined and memorable and the cadence lent an easy pacing while reading.
I wasn't 100% sure if this was going to be a horror story filled with darkness or something a little lighter. It IS on the lighter side with a bit of suspense, a wonderful romance, great friendships and some really quirky individuals thrown into the mix.
I read every word in this book from cover to cover in one sitting. The writing was detailed enough that i was able to visualize each scene. It was the perfect balance of description and brevity that moves the story along.
There are a couple of open door sex scenes and if i were recommending to an elderly friend's book club, I would let them know I skipped "those parts" hehehe.
I absolutely recommend this book.
I wasn't 100% sure if this was going to be a horror story filled with darkness or something a little lighter. It IS on the lighter side with a bit of suspense, a wonderful romance, great friendships and some really quirky individuals thrown into the mix.
I read every word in this book from cover to cover in one sitting. The writing was detailed enough that i was able to visualize each scene. It was the perfect balance of description and brevity that moves the story along.
There are a couple of open door sex scenes and if i were recommending to an elderly friend's book club, I would let them know I skipped "those parts" hehehe.
I absolutely recommend this book.
April 25, 2019
Love and Ghosts (Crescent City Ghost Tours Book 1) by Carrie Pulkinen is an exciting supernatural romance and is a story that is a breath of fresh air from normal romances.. The premise of the story is original and Carrie’s writing was spot on and swept me into a world I could relate to. I loved this book! The mystery and suspense, ghosts and possessions, romance and the humor was perfectly balanced. There were brief times I wanted to shake Emily but overall the characters were loveable and the slow burn between the main characters was sweet and sexy. The story is set in New Orleans and Carrie made the world she created come alive with her descriptions being so vivid you could see it all.
It is one story that will have you wondering what is hiding in the shadows and just what is around when that cold chill that gives you goosebumps happens upon you.
It is one story that will have you wondering what is hiding in the shadows and just what is around when that cold chill that gives you goosebumps happens upon you.
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