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Suncoast Paranormal #2
Monster in the House
Monsters roam the Lee family home at night, terrorizing their daughters. Desperate for their lives to return to normal, they call Adam and Cheryl from Suncoast Paranormal to rid their home of these hellish beasts.
But Adam and Cheryl are having troubles of their own. Their romantic relationship is on the rocks, and it looks like their business might be headed that way too.
Cheryl is haunted by past trauma and finding it difficult to move on with her life. She wants to pull the plug on the business and get Adam out of her life.
But Adam knows she’s making a terrible mistake and thinks helping the Lees will prove that Cheryl’s gift of psychic mediumship has the power to heal. If only he can get her to answer his calls, he could convince her to take the case with him.
When the Lees’ youngest daughter vanishes and the grandmother is swallowed up by an unknown force, Cheryl can’t ignore the case any longer.
But while they’re trying to help the Lees, they encounter beings unlike any they’ve experienced before.
Do they have the skills to banish the monsters from the Lee home? Is there more to this haunting than meets the eye?
But Adam and Cheryl are having troubles of their own. Their romantic relationship is on the rocks, and it looks like their business might be headed that way too.
Cheryl is haunted by past trauma and finding it difficult to move on with her life. She wants to pull the plug on the business and get Adam out of her life.
But Adam knows she’s making a terrible mistake and thinks helping the Lees will prove that Cheryl’s gift of psychic mediumship has the power to heal. If only he can get her to answer his calls, he could convince her to take the case with him.
When the Lees’ youngest daughter vanishes and the grandmother is swallowed up by an unknown force, Cheryl can’t ignore the case any longer.
But while they’re trying to help the Lees, they encounter beings unlike any they’ve experienced before.
Do they have the skills to banish the monsters from the Lee home? Is there more to this haunting than meets the eye?
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2020
66 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Lovelyn Bettison
24 books80 followersLovelyn Bettison writes speculative fiction with a multicultural cast.
In her stories, the normal world is slightly askew, magic happens every day, and ordinary people end up in extraordinary situations. Her novels explore the themes of loss, regret, and striving to be better. There's almost always a love story. There is definitely magic, and she likes all her ending to be the happy kind.
If you want to explore a world that is different than your own and full of quirky characters and unusual occurrences check out her books.
Join Lovelyn's readers group to be the first to hear about new releases, special offers, and get some extra goodies. You can sign on her website: lovelynbettison.com.
In her stories, the normal world is slightly askew, magic happens every day, and ordinary people end up in extraordinary situations. Her novels explore the themes of loss, regret, and striving to be better. There's almost always a love story. There is definitely magic, and she likes all her ending to be the happy kind.
If you want to explore a world that is different than your own and full of quirky characters and unusual occurrences check out her books.
Join Lovelyn's readers group to be the first to hear about new releases, special offers, and get some extra goodies. You can sign on her website: lovelynbettison.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 6, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Monster in the House is a strong start to a series that I’m very interested in following. I could feel the influences of 80s and 90s classic horror films like Poltergeist and What Lies Beneath, incidentally two of my favourite films! The storyline followed the tropes of classic hauntings and added some twists and turns of its own to keep things fresh.
The story is told through the POVs of Cheryl and Adam, a couple who are struggling to keep their relationship and paranormal investigation business together. I found Adam a lot more likeable than Cheryl, who seems to use her past trauma as an excuse to neglect the people around her – unfair of me maybe, but refusing to help a family who are being terrorised by spirits when she’s the only person capable of helping does seem a bit cruel. As the story progresses, however, the characters start to mature and find their footing which seems to offer the hope that they’ll continue to develop over the course of the series.
The haunting element in this book is brilliant and genuinely creepy in places, using classic tropes and one or two I’ve never heard of before. There are two separate hauntings going on simultaneously during this book which gave me a good sense of what the author has planned for these characters and that she’s not afraid to run them through the wringer!
I love that the main characters both accept the existence of the paranormal and that no time is wasted disputing whether or not ghosts are real, the story got right down to the nitty gritty and was incredibly satisfying.
I think this series is going to be a favourite with fans of ghost stories and classic horror, there’s plenty of room for growth and two strong main characters to hold a reader’s interest.
Monster in the House is a strong start to a series that I’m very interested in following. I could feel the influences of 80s and 90s classic horror films like Poltergeist and What Lies Beneath, incidentally two of my favourite films! The storyline followed the tropes of classic hauntings and added some twists and turns of its own to keep things fresh.
The story is told through the POVs of Cheryl and Adam, a couple who are struggling to keep their relationship and paranormal investigation business together. I found Adam a lot more likeable than Cheryl, who seems to use her past trauma as an excuse to neglect the people around her – unfair of me maybe, but refusing to help a family who are being terrorised by spirits when she’s the only person capable of helping does seem a bit cruel. As the story progresses, however, the characters start to mature and find their footing which seems to offer the hope that they’ll continue to develop over the course of the series.
The haunting element in this book is brilliant and genuinely creepy in places, using classic tropes and one or two I’ve never heard of before. There are two separate hauntings going on simultaneously during this book which gave me a good sense of what the author has planned for these characters and that she’s not afraid to run them through the wringer!
I love that the main characters both accept the existence of the paranormal and that no time is wasted disputing whether or not ghosts are real, the story got right down to the nitty gritty and was incredibly satisfying.
I think this series is going to be a favourite with fans of ghost stories and classic horror, there’s plenty of room for growth and two strong main characters to hold a reader’s interest.
May 20, 2024
Monster in the House
By Lovelyn Bettison
In the first half of this book, I really hated Cheryl. She was nothing like she was in The Psychic. But finally, she was normal in the last half.
I worried because I bought the whole series, and I sure was hoping they weren't all like that first half!
By Lovelyn Bettison
In the first half of this book, I really hated Cheryl. She was nothing like she was in The Psychic. But finally, she was normal in the last half.
I worried because I bought the whole series, and I sure was hoping they weren't all like that first half!
August 22, 2024
I am generally not into scary books but my friend recommended the book since her daughter wrote it so I decided to read it. Kept me at the edge of my seat! I gave it 4 stars because I didn’t like the ending as well but highly recommend it to all who love scary stories. I appreciated also the central issue of child abuse in the story and how effects could last long on earth after the victims have passed away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2021
Cheryl
I have never read a book, and hated a character. Like I do Cheryl she is a complete flake. I wanted to enjoy, this book . Like I did the intro, to this one. But, I couldnt the story was good, but Cheryl the lead character, was selfish, cold and flakey.
I have never read a book, and hated a character. Like I do Cheryl she is a complete flake. I wanted to enjoy, this book . Like I did the intro, to this one. But, I couldnt the story was good, but Cheryl the lead character, was selfish, cold and flakey.
March 15, 2020
Monster in the House was one of those suitably creepy paranormal books that held my attention and got me hooked. The start at first reminded me of a movie set in the Scottish Highlands about a fake paranormal investigation company only it turn outs they see real ghosts eventually, I am glad this book brought the real ghosts to us fairly quickly sucking me in.
Cheryl and Adam run the Suncoast Paranormal Agency, she is the one who sees the ghosts and he does the end meters. Adam gets a call to help a family deal with monsters in their home, only Cheryl goes a bit AWOL and helps other ghosts that ultimately lead her to agreeing to help Adam and the family.
The monsters in the house are not ones I would like to envoke I can tell you that for sure! When everything starts to piece together the shock and realisation sets in as to what is truly going on in the house.
Cheryl has a bit of a back story which comes out near the end but it made it feel like I had started a book that had a previous instalment, but I know for sure I can not wait to read the next book in this series.!! Whilst I kinda ends with some unanswered questions Cheryl makes the decision to help a ghost that means she needs to return to a past she has ran away from.
This was a great start to this series and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Many thanks to booksprout for a arc copy of this book. It does not effect my review in any way.
Cheryl and Adam run the Suncoast Paranormal Agency, she is the one who sees the ghosts and he does the end meters. Adam gets a call to help a family deal with monsters in their home, only Cheryl goes a bit AWOL and helps other ghosts that ultimately lead her to agreeing to help Adam and the family.
The monsters in the house are not ones I would like to envoke I can tell you that for sure! When everything starts to piece together the shock and realisation sets in as to what is truly going on in the house.
Cheryl has a bit of a back story which comes out near the end but it made it feel like I had started a book that had a previous instalment, but I know for sure I can not wait to read the next book in this series.!! Whilst I kinda ends with some unanswered questions Cheryl makes the decision to help a ghost that means she needs to return to a past she has ran away from.
This was a great start to this series and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Many thanks to booksprout for a arc copy of this book. It does not effect my review in any way.
March 15, 2020
I don't typically go for literary horror, perhaps because I'm such a big horror movie buff. I think that horror really needs the visual and auditory medium to come across in that visceral way that I so crave. Imagine my surprise as I find myself cracking into "Monster in the House" and so thoroughly enjoying a foray into boo-house horror with a staggering amount of heart! The characters in this novel are well-crafted, fully realized, and easily the thing that makes this a cut above the usual pulp-horror fare. The twisty mystery at the heart of the creepy atmosphere and paranormal goings-on is a welcome treat, too! Pick up "Monster in the House" if you're in the mood for a spooky ghost story that will make you care and keep you turning pages deep into the night.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2025
"Monster in the House" by Lovelyn Bettison presents an intriguing story filled with supernatural elements . However, the initial character dynamics left me conflicted, particularly Cheryl’s treatment of Adam. Her harshness towards him feels excessive and detracts from the overall experience, as her motivations remain unclear for much of the book.
On the positive side, the ghostly encounters are well-crafted, contributing to a compelling atmosphere and keeping readers engaged. Bettison’s ability to weave suspense and mystery is commendable. If Cheryl had exhibited greater empathy and effectiveness in her role, perhaps the tensions could have resolved more smoothly, allowing the fantastic ghostly elements to shine more brightly.
May 3, 2020
What an exciting paranormal story. The author is on top of storytelling! Ghosts and more ghosts, needing to go home but don't know how. Two people with a paranormal business, trying to get the ghosts gone but what and how to do the impossible at times was mind-boggling. A family in big trouble with hauntings hired the paranormal hunters to get rid of big problems with ghosts. Good writing and storytelling! Good book!
May 19, 2023
The second book in the Suncoast Paranormal series, medium Cheryl is back with partner and boyfriend Adam. This time they’re helping the Lee family with a terrifying haunting. A short book, it’s a good ghost story/mystery with a satisfying ending. As with the first book, a good editor is really needed to identify all the typos. Four stars because I just can’t give a popcorn book a five star rating.
April 9, 2020
I LOVED READING MONSTER IN THE HOUSE. I WAS PULLED IN FROM THE START. THE STORYLINE GRABBED MY INTEREST AND KEPT ME ON THE EDGE AND CREEPED OUT. IT’S WELL WRITTEN WITH WELL WRITTEN CHARACTERS. I WOULD RECOMMEND READING.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2022
What guilt can do!!
The ghost business is good! Cheryl and Adam try and help a family that has ghosts. Cheryl has trouble come back from her past and starts doubting herself. This book was easy to read and you find yourself getting involved with the story line. Recommended for an enjoyable story
The ghost business is good! Cheryl and Adam try and help a family that has ghosts. Cheryl has trouble come back from her past and starts doubting herself. This book was easy to read and you find yourself getting involved with the story line. Recommended for an enjoyable story
March 18, 2021
Excellent read!
This is a definite read! I love paranormal books that are so life like. Easy reading and very likeable characters. I got so absorbed in the book, couldn't put it down until finished. Ready for next one!
This is a definite read! I love paranormal books that are so life like. Easy reading and very likeable characters. I got so absorbed in the book, couldn't put it down until finished. Ready for next one!
January 18, 2025
Wow, what a story. I read it in one sitting, could not stop. Great story and characters. Like some of your other reviewers, I was not fond of Cheryl at first in the book. I kept thinking there may have been a paranormal reason for it. Enjoyed. Recommend reading.
October 28, 2025
Overall this was a great read especially for this time of the year. The dynamic between Adam and Cheryl was upsetting but made sense. The Lee family drama really had me going. And the lady in the water situation was scary.
November 1, 2021
Great book. But the author made an error. First book in the series stated "Carl" was the main character's abusive ex husband. This second novel in the series stated " Mark" is her abusive ex husband.
December 23, 2021
Great read
It keeps you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages.
I'm so into this series.
On to the next one!
Thank you
It keeps you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages.
I'm so into this series.
On to the next one!
Thank you
February 12, 2025
This book really dragged on and on for me. It didn't really grab my attention until the last couple of chapters. So many typos it was hard to stay interested.
October 12, 2025
Entertaining read, quick and riveting
January 3, 2026
Another paranormal but different as she is learning her skills
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews