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Haunts and Hoaxes #1
Haunted
Noel Chandler had a good reason for leaving the L.A.P.D. for New Orleans, but when he walks into a burned out Garden District mansion, he discovers there are some things he can't outrun. The spooks can find him anywhere.
As the resident historian for the cable show Haunts and Hoaxes, Professor Adam Morales keeps an open mind about the supernatural. Or that's what he tells himself, until he meets a man who puts that principle to the test. Noel's smart, sexy, and has killer cop instincts. One glance from his bedroom eyes has Adam ready to believe anything.
But is Noel haunted, crazy, or just another hoax?
As the resident historian for the cable show Haunts and Hoaxes, Professor Adam Morales keeps an open mind about the supernatural. Or that's what he tells himself, until he meets a man who puts that principle to the test. Noel's smart, sexy, and has killer cop instincts. One glance from his bedroom eyes has Adam ready to believe anything.
But is Noel haunted, crazy, or just another hoax?
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2018
112 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Irene Preston
12 books105 followersIrene Preston has to write romances, after all she is living one. As a starving college student, she met her dream man who whisked her away on a romantic honeymoon across Europe. Today they live in the beautiful hill country outside of Austin, Texas where Dream Man is still working hard to make sure she never has to take off her rose-colored glasses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 21, 2019
3,5 stars for this novella
This is an Hours of the night short story. I've read the previous books in this series and loved them. The writing is amazing! This novella featured new characters, Adam and Noel. They were so different, but somehow they fit. I am only sorry we didn't get more. We get action and a few hot scenes, but I would definitely read a full length book with these main characters.
Looking forward to reading more from these authors!
This is an Hours of the night short story. I've read the previous books in this series and loved them. The writing is amazing! This novella featured new characters, Adam and Noel. They were so different, but somehow they fit. I am only sorry we didn't get more. We get action and a few hot scenes, but I would definitely read a full length book with these main characters.
Looking forward to reading more from these authors!
September 20, 2018
I have loved this series ever since I read Vespers but I didn't love this short.
Preston and Rancourt created two rich and multi-dimensional characters in Thad and Sara. The atmosphere they've crafted for them to inhabit is luscious, capable of transporting me to the Big Easy every time.
"Haunted", by comparison, is anemic. I know it's not meant to be compared nor is it fair to do so, but Thad and Sara cast a big shadow and Noel and Adam failed to break from that shadow. For me.
I found their connection implausible and they weren't well developed. Noel starts off being an anger ball but 180s for seemingly no reason in the middle and starts disclosing things to Adam and trusting him when he ordinarily trusts no one.
The paranormal aspects had potential, but again, they fell flat for me.
There are any number of secondary characters in this series that have potential and perhaps a different pairing would've been more successful but these two characters failed to hold my interest. Maybe if it longer and they were more fleshed out it would've worked better.
I wouldn't recommend this but I would most definitely recommend the rest of the series, however my opinions are my own and YMMV.
A review copy was provided.
Preston and Rancourt created two rich and multi-dimensional characters in Thad and Sara. The atmosphere they've crafted for them to inhabit is luscious, capable of transporting me to the Big Easy every time.
"Haunted", by comparison, is anemic. I know it's not meant to be compared nor is it fair to do so, but Thad and Sara cast a big shadow and Noel and Adam failed to break from that shadow. For me.
I found their connection implausible and they weren't well developed. Noel starts off being an anger ball but 180s for seemingly no reason in the middle and starts disclosing things to Adam and trusting him when he ordinarily trusts no one.
The paranormal aspects had potential, but again, they fell flat for me.
There are any number of secondary characters in this series that have potential and perhaps a different pairing would've been more successful but these two characters failed to hold my interest. Maybe if it longer and they were more fleshed out it would've worked better.
I wouldn't recommend this but I would most definitely recommend the rest of the series, however my opinions are my own and YMMV.
A review copy was provided.
March 3, 2018
Wow! Not quite sure what I was expecting when I started to read this, but the author sorta blew me away with this story. Though this story is complete in and of itself, the ending definitely hints at the possibility for a series based on these two MCs in the future. I know I am totally wanting a lot more stories with Noel, Adam and the supernatural! I am totally hooked... in just 60 pages the author not only creates two engaging real MCs but also creates plenty of mystery along with enough suspense and spookiness, not to mention some scorching hot sex to make me want so much more of Adam and Noel!
May 1, 2018
This is NOT a romance NOR is it a complete book. It is part of a serial. If I'd had more story I might have liked the characters. I was interested in learning what was going on with Noel. However, I was robbed of that. I was robbed of them building any sort of a relationship. I was robbed of a story. SMH... I don't recommend this to anyone.
February 19, 2018
4 Stars!
Haunted is a short story set in the Hours of the Night universe, with two completely different characters, while technically it could be read as a standalone, I suggest reading the first books in the series first, not only are they awesome, but you might feel a bit lost with some of the events at the beginning of the story.
I really liked Adam and Noah, even if the story is short, we got enough background information to get a feeling of who they really are. Noah's past and his talent, especially, is something I'd love to know more about. They had amazing chemistry, and I really wouldn't mind reading more of their adventures. *hint hint nudge nudge*
Overall, this was a really nice bonus story! Well-written and interesting that could potentially (hopefully) lead to a spin-off story or stories. A must-read for fans of this fantastic series and a good introduction to this 'verse for new readers!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Haunted is a short story set in the Hours of the Night universe, with two completely different characters, while technically it could be read as a standalone, I suggest reading the first books in the series first, not only are they awesome, but you might feel a bit lost with some of the events at the beginning of the story.
I really liked Adam and Noah, even if the story is short, we got enough background information to get a feeling of who they really are. Noah's past and his talent, especially, is something I'd love to know more about. They had amazing chemistry, and I really wouldn't mind reading more of their adventures. *hint hint nudge nudge*
Overall, this was a really nice bonus story! Well-written and interesting that could potentially (hopefully) lead to a spin-off story or stories. A must-read for fans of this fantastic series and a good introduction to this 'verse for new readers!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
February 28, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I’m so excited about this, I’m still vibrating. I have read the previous Hours of the Night books, plus the Christmas novella. I’ve loved them all, and when I heard about this latest installment in the series, I jumped on it. Here, we have two new characters in the HotN universe, and let me tell you, they fit in beautifully.
Nate is a tortured soul. He has been plagued with feelings and images that he can’t explain. They caused him to leave New York and move to New Orleans, but he hasn’t been able to escape them. He self medicates with gin, and he’s hiding his sexuality from his coworkers. Adam enjoys the research he does for the show, but I would call him jaded because he’s never actually found any sort of proof of any paranormal event that actually exists. Their personalities crash right away, but they’re more alike than they expect. Their chemistry is off the charts…you might say electric. I loved them both instantly, and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for them.
I would consider the city of New Orleans as a character unto itself here. The authors’ descriptions of the streets, restaurants, cemeteries, even the weather are so detailed. You can get a real feel for what it’s like to live in the Big Easy. However, those details don’t get in the way of the story in the slightest, and they’re especially great to read if you’ve never visited (which I haven’t). I have to say, I don’t think there’s a better place in the world for a story like this to take place. It’s downright magical.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I’m so excited about this, I’m still vibrating. I have read the previous Hours of the Night books, plus the Christmas novella. I’ve loved them all, and when I heard about this latest installment in the series, I jumped on it. Here, we have two new characters in the HotN universe, and let me tell you, they fit in beautifully.
Nate is a tortured soul. He has been plagued with feelings and images that he can’t explain. They caused him to leave New York and move to New Orleans, but he hasn’t been able to escape them. He self medicates with gin, and he’s hiding his sexuality from his coworkers. Adam enjoys the research he does for the show, but I would call him jaded because he’s never actually found any sort of proof of any paranormal event that actually exists. Their personalities crash right away, but they’re more alike than they expect. Their chemistry is off the charts…you might say electric. I loved them both instantly, and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for them.
I would consider the city of New Orleans as a character unto itself here. The authors’ descriptions of the streets, restaurants, cemeteries, even the weather are so detailed. You can get a real feel for what it’s like to live in the Big Easy. However, those details don’t get in the way of the story in the slightest, and they’re especially great to read if you’ve never visited (which I haven’t). I have to say, I don’t think there’s a better place in the world for a story like this to take place. It’s downright magical.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
November 15, 2020
This is an interesting start to a paranormal series - be aware that this first story has a very inconclusive ending (not an angsty cliffhanger, but none of the main questions have been answered by the end.) Nate is a fun character - the ex-cop whose experiences led him to quit the force and move across the country. By the end of the story we're just beginning to get a feel for what those experiences were. He's an insurance investigator, checking out a suspicious fire, in a house where he begins having some odd experiences.
Adam is a TV ghost hunter with a skeptical mind - he doesn't think any of the hauntings he has investigated were rpoven, although a few could not be debunked. But a mysterious fire next door, and meeting Nate, are starting to shake up his certainty. And Nate has shaken up other parts of Adam.
Their first encounter was a bit unbelievable. (How many guys kiss someone who is quite likely to punch their face in?) But I did become invested in the story, and I picked up book 2 which looks like a full-length novel. Looking forward to it.
Adam is a TV ghost hunter with a skeptical mind - he doesn't think any of the hauntings he has investigated were rpoven, although a few could not be debunked. But a mysterious fire next door, and meeting Nate, are starting to shake up his certainty. And Nate has shaken up other parts of Adam.
Their first encounter was a bit unbelievable. (How many guys kiss someone who is quite likely to punch their face in?) But I did become invested in the story, and I picked up book 2 which looks like a full-length novel. Looking forward to it.
October 15, 2021
3.5
It's more a teaser than a complete story and while I wouldn't call it a cliff-hanger there is no real solution at the end of the book.
Going into the story where Noel and Adam meet by chance in an arson-ed house I also had my issues with mainly Noel. He's an ex-cop from LA but moved to New Orleans and works there as an insurance investigator while Adam works as a TV host for a paranormal show. At the beginning Noel is aggressively confusing, probably a rookie alcoholic and a bit of an ass to Adam. His actions don't make much sense but while Adam is more controlled strength, he also has his moments, impulsively kissing Noel who's likely to punch his face. It's not so easy to understand the attraction between those two but it got easier after we got some glimpses into the past of both characters.
It's an interesting setup with a host of a paranormal show not believing in ghosts but investigating such stories anyway and an ex-cop who's haunted by ghostly apparitions but believe he's going crazy. I also liked that it's not one of those ghost-whisperer stories or some cute hauntings. Seems the authors have something scary in mind, so it would be the right book for the coming Halloween season – if it wouldn't be so short but hey, part 2 is already out and it seems that one is a complete novel. So I just have to download that one now …
It's more a teaser than a complete story and while I wouldn't call it a cliff-hanger there is no real solution at the end of the book.
Going into the story where Noel and Adam meet by chance in an arson-ed house I also had my issues with mainly Noel. He's an ex-cop from LA but moved to New Orleans and works there as an insurance investigator while Adam works as a TV host for a paranormal show. At the beginning Noel is aggressively confusing, probably a rookie alcoholic and a bit of an ass to Adam. His actions don't make much sense but while Adam is more controlled strength, he also has his moments, impulsively kissing Noel who's likely to punch his face. It's not so easy to understand the attraction between those two but it got easier after we got some glimpses into the past of both characters.
It's an interesting setup with a host of a paranormal show not believing in ghosts but investigating such stories anyway and an ex-cop who's haunted by ghostly apparitions but believe he's going crazy. I also liked that it's not one of those ghost-whisperer stories or some cute hauntings. Seems the authors have something scary in mind, so it would be the right book for the coming Halloween season – if it wouldn't be so short but hey, part 2 is already out and it seems that one is a complete novel. So I just have to download that one now …
May 6, 2018
I love, love, love the Hours of the Night series - Vespers, Nocturne, Bonfire, even the gorgeous little side book Change of Heart was superb, but Haunted was simply okay. The story is pleasant and easy reading but I felt like I had been dropped into the middle of a book. Noel, his past, was sketchy, even the talk of his ex, Stephen, was randomly hinted at here and there. Adam was not fully fleshed out either. I did not feel the chemistry, a huge problem for me.
Then there was the biggest issue of all - Noel and his seeming connection to the metaphysical or spiritual world wasn't fully developed. I know this is only 60 pages but you can do a lot in 60 pages and these authors are so good I expected a lot.
Haunted only got going, in my mind, at the 90% mark. Only then did I start to become invested in the characters, but it was nearing the end and somewhat too late for the kind of reader I am - I need a hook.
Do I want more of Noel and Adam? I don't know... but around 70% of me says no. I just didn't get that character kick I need to feel invested enough to know more about them now.
It's 3 stars because the overall writing was fine and the story was a good idea but it just didn't quite make it over the line for me.
If you want a quick read with some paranormal elements, with the hint of more ghost hunting to come, then maybe give Haunted a try. This could turn into a side series and it could be good. I guess for me personally I was expecting more from this terrific writing duo.
Then there was the biggest issue of all - Noel and his seeming connection to the metaphysical or spiritual world wasn't fully developed. I know this is only 60 pages but you can do a lot in 60 pages and these authors are so good I expected a lot.
Haunted only got going, in my mind, at the 90% mark. Only then did I start to become invested in the characters, but it was nearing the end and somewhat too late for the kind of reader I am - I need a hook.
Do I want more of Noel and Adam? I don't know... but around 70% of me says no. I just didn't get that character kick I need to feel invested enough to know more about them now.
It's 3 stars because the overall writing was fine and the story was a good idea but it just didn't quite make it over the line for me.
If you want a quick read with some paranormal elements, with the hint of more ghost hunting to come, then maybe give Haunted a try. This could turn into a side series and it could be good. I guess for me personally I was expecting more from this terrific writing duo.
February 27, 2018
Such a great short addition to the Hours of the Night Series, although it cane be read as a standalone, no worries. After the fire that destroyed a house in the beautiful Garden District in New Orleans, Noel Chandler is brought in to investigate from the insurance company. His investigation leads him to Adam Morales, who is doing a bit of an investigation of his own. He is from a popular show called Haunts and Hoaxes. This might seem like a conflict of interests, but not in the way you may think.
Noel and Chandler are such unique and layers characters. I really enjoyed getting to know them as individuals and I loved them even more together. I knew the chemistry between them would be hot, but I also found it real. They are conflicted with themselves and regarding coming together at all.
This story definitely adds some depth to an incident from the actual series, but also seems to start one of it's one. Who knows. I would be game! This is such a good story, I want more!
Noel and Chandler are such unique and layers characters. I really enjoyed getting to know them as individuals and I loved them even more together. I knew the chemistry between them would be hot, but I also found it real. They are conflicted with themselves and regarding coming together at all.
This story definitely adds some depth to an incident from the actual series, but also seems to start one of it's one. Who knows. I would be game! This is such a good story, I want more!
February 9, 2018
Another win for these authors and a great addition to the Hours of the Night universe! I really loved these new characters and the references to the Hours of the Night characters and events from the previous books. I seriously want the authors to give us more on Noel and Adam in the future (spin-off series, hopefully? Please?)
February 1, 2018
Beta read.
Another amazing addition to this series. These are new characters that are not part of the series prior to this, but you will get mentions of some of the series regulars. I loved these guys, their story, and I begged for more. *fingers crossed* that's going to happen.
Another take on the supernatural, no vampires this time, but interesting all the same. I can't wait/hope to see where Liv and Irene take these guys!
Another amazing addition to this series. These are new characters that are not part of the series prior to this, but you will get mentions of some of the series regulars. I loved these guys, their story, and I begged for more. *fingers crossed* that's going to happen.
Another take on the supernatural, no vampires this time, but interesting all the same. I can't wait/hope to see where Liv and Irene take these guys!
February 20, 2018
Adam Morales is a professor who also happens to host a cable television show, Haunts and Hoaxes. So, what better place for him to be doing research for another episode than in New Orleans, a city not only steeped in history but with a hoodoo flavor and charm all its own. Not to mention some of the most allegedly haunted cemeteries in the world. Adam tries to keep an open mind about the paranormal. Or, at least that’s the public face he wears for his show. When he meets Noel Chandler, his mantra is tested in a real and shocking way.
Noel is an ex LAPD detective who left his high profile job and the City of Angels behind to make a fresh start in NOLA as an insurance investigator. He’s in charge of investigating an event which occurred in Nocturne, book two of the Hours of the Night series—the burning of Thaddeus Dupont’s home—to ensure Thad isn’t attempting to commit insurance fraud. Sara being at the heart of both this and the explosion of another house gives Noel good reason to examine this case with a fine-tooth comb, and that’s what he’s doing when he not only runs into Adam trespassing on what is surely still a crime scene but also experiences a hair-raising phenomenon that can’t possibly have happened. Or could it…?
I have loved both novels and the connected novellas in this series (Bonfires, Change of Heart, and now Haunted) and was so excited when I found out about this short story being offered in the M/M Romance Valentines Giveaway. It lived up to my expectations of this duo’s storytelling skills and introduced two new characters I want to know so much more about. Because together they make one intensely interesting pair—not only in the romantic sense but the supernatural sense as well.
The introduction of Noel and the things he experiences are only teased out to us here but seem chock full of expansion potential, and Adam appears the be the perfect complement to Noel’s ability, that which was the cause of him leaving the LAPD. Whether the authors would consider morphing this short into a full length novel, adding an Adam and Noel novel to the Hours of the Night -verse, or would build upon what’s here and weave these characters into a Thad and Sara novel, I don’t know, but I’m on board for future adventures with Adam and Noel, which is the ideal side effect of a good short story—always leave us wanting more. Mission accomplished.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
Noel is an ex LAPD detective who left his high profile job and the City of Angels behind to make a fresh start in NOLA as an insurance investigator. He’s in charge of investigating an event which occurred in Nocturne, book two of the Hours of the Night series—the burning of Thaddeus Dupont’s home—to ensure Thad isn’t attempting to commit insurance fraud. Sara being at the heart of both this and the explosion of another house gives Noel good reason to examine this case with a fine-tooth comb, and that’s what he’s doing when he not only runs into Adam trespassing on what is surely still a crime scene but also experiences a hair-raising phenomenon that can’t possibly have happened. Or could it…?
I have loved both novels and the connected novellas in this series (Bonfires, Change of Heart, and now Haunted) and was so excited when I found out about this short story being offered in the M/M Romance Valentines Giveaway. It lived up to my expectations of this duo’s storytelling skills and introduced two new characters I want to know so much more about. Because together they make one intensely interesting pair—not only in the romantic sense but the supernatural sense as well.
The introduction of Noel and the things he experiences are only teased out to us here but seem chock full of expansion potential, and Adam appears the be the perfect complement to Noel’s ability, that which was the cause of him leaving the LAPD. Whether the authors would consider morphing this short into a full length novel, adding an Adam and Noel novel to the Hours of the Night -verse, or would build upon what’s here and weave these characters into a Thad and Sara novel, I don’t know, but I’m on board for future adventures with Adam and Noel, which is the ideal side effect of a good short story—always leave us wanting more. Mission accomplished.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
February 19, 2018
Though I hadn't read the previous books to this story I found it very intriguing. I'm sure it would have made more sense to me having read the first two books, which I have started now, but I still found it good. I just would love to hear more about this couple in the future.
dnf
May 14, 2018Hmm Pre-warned this has a cliffhanger I was wary but liked the blurb enough to give it a go.
I couldn't get into it dnf'd at 31% the characters were defined by the name in the chapter heading and neither particularly appealed. They're both scruffy, one has a beard and one (possibly the other one) dresses expensively. Perhaps because this is book 2.5 I had trouble figuring out what the situation being investigated was, who had what authority and why I should care about the house's absent occupants or for that matter the main players.
The blurb enticed but the book and I didn't bond, perhaps it's me.
I couldn't get into it dnf'd at 31% the characters were defined by the name in the chapter heading and neither particularly appealed. They're both scruffy, one has a beard and one (possibly the other one) dresses expensively. Perhaps because this is book 2.5 I had trouble figuring out what the situation being investigated was, who had what authority and why I should care about the house's absent occupants or for that matter the main players.
The blurb enticed but the book and I didn't bond, perhaps it's me.
March 6, 2018
Taking place in New Orleans with people not involved with Sara and Thad, but finding themselves caught up in their periphery, this story opens up another bit of the paranormal to the Hours of Night world.
Noel left LA from being a cop and now works as an insurance adjuster. And functioning alcohol. Mostly. He's running from something, and being in New Orleans isn't exactly helping. Put on the case of assessing if a house fire was for insurance money, the name Sarasija comes up. Now, another house has been ruined, and that name is coming up again. Noel smells something off, but when he gets close he starts to see a bit of what Sarasija has going on, and only wants to run again.
Adam works as a paranormal investigator and professor of history. He's in New Orleans investigating an oddity in the cemetery- voices and strange happenings, guess from when? When his neighbours house burns down, he feels a bit compelled to check it out, and instead gets himself caught by Noel. The sexual tension lights between them instantly, but Noel is keeping Adam at bay as weird things keep happening and Adam isn't (oddly enough) a believer. But when they keep happening Adam has to reassess what exactly he believes, and how much it is worth to him.
I would love to see more from these two. Noel has some sort of ability, or maybe even just a weakness that lets things in. Either way, he has a touch to the things across the veil and it would be interesting to learn more. Then there's Adam, and the fact that he could work with Noel when the ability happened. Whether it was simply something that always happens or if they are complimentary was never explored. These two characters came alive and I could see more coming from them as they delve more into the hidden world around them!
Noel left LA from being a cop and now works as an insurance adjuster. And functioning alcohol. Mostly. He's running from something, and being in New Orleans isn't exactly helping. Put on the case of assessing if a house fire was for insurance money, the name Sarasija comes up. Now, another house has been ruined, and that name is coming up again. Noel smells something off, but when he gets close he starts to see a bit of what Sarasija has going on, and only wants to run again.
Adam works as a paranormal investigator and professor of history. He's in New Orleans investigating an oddity in the cemetery- voices and strange happenings, guess from when? When his neighbours house burns down, he feels a bit compelled to check it out, and instead gets himself caught by Noel. The sexual tension lights between them instantly, but Noel is keeping Adam at bay as weird things keep happening and Adam isn't (oddly enough) a believer. But when they keep happening Adam has to reassess what exactly he believes, and how much it is worth to him.
I would love to see more from these two. Noel has some sort of ability, or maybe even just a weakness that lets things in. Either way, he has a touch to the things across the veil and it would be interesting to learn more. Then there's Adam, and the fact that he could work with Noel when the ability happened. Whether it was simply something that always happens or if they are complimentary was never explored. These two characters came alive and I could see more coming from them as they delve more into the hidden world around them!
February 19, 2018
This was a very quick read and I understand that it is a spinoff of "Vespers" and "Nocturne. I disagree with the authors that you really don't need to read these two books as the characters in "Haunted" are not connected to Thad and Sari in the other books. THad's house burns and brings Noel, an ex-cop and now insurance agent to the house as it connects with another house that Sari was involved in. He meets Adam and he hides strange occurrences that happen happen to him. The book is good, but not nearly long enough. The ending is quick and there are no resolutions to any of the happenings that occur to Noel. Adam gets an epiphany and away they go to start from the beginning. Unfortunately the readers can't go with them. I hope that this becomes a series as Noe and Adam deserve a story better than this. So my plea goes out for more stories on these two and a quicker return time than have been displayed for the "Hours of the Night" series.
March 19, 2018
Haunted is a stand-alone (it does help, but isn't necessary, to have read the Hours of the Night series) short introducing two new characters who are indirectly tied to to Thad and Sara from the aforementioned series.
Noel Chandler (a former cop turned insurance adjuster who is in denial of certain abilities he may have regarding the supernatural) meets Adam Morales (an investigator/historian for the TV show Haunts and Hoaxes) when he's assigned to check out the burned wreckage of Thad's house. Their attraction is immediate and the story is a fast-paced, sexy, spooky and fun. I enjoyed these two characters who are gritty and edgy, different from Thad and Sara and sparks would fly if the two couples ever met (hint, hint). I hope Ms. Rancourt and Ms. Preston continue on with their story because I think Noel and Adam have some cool and creepy adventures in their future.
My only complaint: I was swiping happily on my Kindle, engaged in the story, when it abruptly ended. I knew it was short, but I didn't see the end coming as fast and complete as it did.
Noel Chandler (a former cop turned insurance adjuster who is in denial of certain abilities he may have regarding the supernatural) meets Adam Morales (an investigator/historian for the TV show Haunts and Hoaxes) when he's assigned to check out the burned wreckage of Thad's house. Their attraction is immediate and the story is a fast-paced, sexy, spooky and fun. I enjoyed these two characters who are gritty and edgy, different from Thad and Sara and sparks would fly if the two couples ever met (hint, hint). I hope Ms. Rancourt and Ms. Preston continue on with their story because I think Noel and Adam have some cool and creepy adventures in their future.
My only complaint: I was swiping happily on my Kindle, engaged in the story, when it abruptly ended. I knew it was short, but I didn't see the end coming as fast and complete as it did.
April 3, 2018
From Magnolia Reviews: Three Petals
I am definitely enjoying reading this series and that is why I recommend every book, including this one. I liked the characterizations and the romantic plot was well written, however the dramatic, magic-oriented plot was left unsolved, which left the book feeling unfinished.
Read the full review on Maggie's website: http://magnoliareviews.weebly.com/rev...
I am definitely enjoying reading this series and that is why I recommend every book, including this one. I liked the characterizations and the romantic plot was well written, however the dramatic, magic-oriented plot was left unsolved, which left the book feeling unfinished.
Read the full review on Maggie's website: http://magnoliareviews.weebly.com/rev...
October 3, 2020
I would have liked to have known the outcome of what happened in the cemetery, the house & Adam's ex place that he blow off in the past. Since the book ended on them taking a road trip, maybe we will see what is what in the next book.
March 24, 2018
While this can be read on its own I'd recommend reading the series to get the most out of it. It feels more like an introduction to a really great book than a complete story to me. I loved the writing style and it kept me turning pages. I just wanted so much more. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a follow-up book soon.
Adult read
Adult read
March 2, 2018
Yes!
Loved it. I’d love to see more of these two. Also enjoyed the familiarity of the physical area and the backstory.
Loved it. I’d love to see more of these two. Also enjoyed the familiarity of the physical area and the backstory.
September 23, 2021
Good set up for next
Great introduction to interesting and very sexy characters. Can’t wait to read the next story. Glad I got the whole series.
Great introduction to interesting and very sexy characters. Can’t wait to read the next story. Glad I got the whole series.
October 29, 2020
Insulting
I am seriously insulted, It's a good thing I didn't put out any money, but I still wasted my time. This wasn't a novella, its frankly the beginning of a story and that is all. I am so upset that the authors have the audacity to trick a reader into thinking that they are getting a short story, but a story none the less, that I will not be reading anything else by them, even if it's KU.
This had a really good premise, and I was looking forward to seeing where it was going, but it just stopped. According to the blurb, Noel is seeing ghosts and he goes to Adam for help. That's not really what happened. In fact, I don't even know if he sees ghosts. I know he heard someone tell him to leave, he hallucinated or envisioned a fire, and had some kind of vision of a woman tied down, but they were all quick and not really explained. He at first thinks Adam caused the fire hallucination cause he finds out he does a show about Hauntings and Hoaxes. After several angry confrontations between the two, Adam admits to taking a gris gris bag from the burnt house, when he hands it to Noel, it zaps him, which leads them to going to the Cemetery where Noel has his vision and Adam hears screaming when he grabs Noel's arm. But still doesn't believe in ghosts. Noel tries to tell Adam a little about what he experienced in LA before he moved, Adam was kind of mean about it and dismissive, said he wanted to take Noel to other haunted places to see if Noel had a reaction. The next day Adam shows up at Noel's work apologizes for being mean and they decided to go to a haunted location. The end.
Then, there is a note from the author saying oh by the way we just wanted to write about what the neighbors would think about the activity going on around the house that burned down in our other series, so if you want to know about the fire and the different people (lady got into a locked door with swirling hands, couple dudes in nice clothes clothes with bibles and crosses wandering around outside the burned house) just read our other series, here's what they are called.... We might write about Noel and Adam later.
So, basically, the blurb says that this is just the same universe and you might recognize a few people from the other series as neighbors, but it's completely stand alone and if you decided to read the other series later there is no spoilers or overlap. Obviously that's a lie, and this book was only meant to get a reader interested in the other series, which by the way, just so happens to not be available on KU. Shameless. Noel is the insurance investigator for the other series' characters whose house was burned down. He talks about them by name, mentions one of them was at the scene of a whole other explosion, so spoilers there. Then Noel goes to the house, breaks in, describes the house, art, that it's decorated like it was done by 2 gay men, that they are obviously Catholic, and that's where he bumps into Adam for the first time. But according to the author this story has nothing to do with the other series. So much disrespect coming from the author.
Now, at the time I picked up this book, I already knew there was another book with Noel and Adam, but if I didn't know it was available, I would have been even more upset. As it is, even though the next book is 200 pages compared to the 68 here, I am not going forward.
I am seriously insulted, It's a good thing I didn't put out any money, but I still wasted my time. This wasn't a novella, its frankly the beginning of a story and that is all. I am so upset that the authors have the audacity to trick a reader into thinking that they are getting a short story, but a story none the less, that I will not be reading anything else by them, even if it's KU.
This had a really good premise, and I was looking forward to seeing where it was going, but it just stopped. According to the blurb, Noel is seeing ghosts and he goes to Adam for help. That's not really what happened. In fact, I don't even know if he sees ghosts. I know he heard someone tell him to leave, he hallucinated or envisioned a fire, and had some kind of vision of a woman tied down, but they were all quick and not really explained. He at first thinks Adam caused the fire hallucination cause he finds out he does a show about Hauntings and Hoaxes. After several angry confrontations between the two, Adam admits to taking a gris gris bag from the burnt house, when he hands it to Noel, it zaps him, which leads them to going to the Cemetery where Noel has his vision and Adam hears screaming when he grabs Noel's arm. But still doesn't believe in ghosts. Noel tries to tell Adam a little about what he experienced in LA before he moved, Adam was kind of mean about it and dismissive, said he wanted to take Noel to other haunted places to see if Noel had a reaction. The next day Adam shows up at Noel's work apologizes for being mean and they decided to go to a haunted location. The end.
Then, there is a note from the author saying oh by the way we just wanted to write about what the neighbors would think about the activity going on around the house that burned down in our other series, so if you want to know about the fire and the different people (lady got into a locked door with swirling hands, couple dudes in nice clothes clothes with bibles and crosses wandering around outside the burned house) just read our other series, here's what they are called.... We might write about Noel and Adam later.
So, basically, the blurb says that this is just the same universe and you might recognize a few people from the other series as neighbors, but it's completely stand alone and if you decided to read the other series later there is no spoilers or overlap. Obviously that's a lie, and this book was only meant to get a reader interested in the other series, which by the way, just so happens to not be available on KU. Shameless. Noel is the insurance investigator for the other series' characters whose house was burned down. He talks about them by name, mentions one of them was at the scene of a whole other explosion, so spoilers there. Then Noel goes to the house, breaks in, describes the house, art, that it's decorated like it was done by 2 gay men, that they are obviously Catholic, and that's where he bumps into Adam for the first time. But according to the author this story has nothing to do with the other series. So much disrespect coming from the author.
Now, at the time I picked up this book, I already knew there was another book with Noel and Adam, but if I didn't know it was available, I would have been even more upset. As it is, even though the next book is 200 pages compared to the 68 here, I am not going forward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2020
This is really only the start of a relationship between the two. A former cop now turned insurance investigator ends up finding some weird shit in a New Orleans mansion that caught on fire. A "ghost hunter" runs into him and they are torn between having sex and Noel running to avoid the whole idea that he can see ghosts. It was okay, but I didn't really get it into i.
November 12, 2021
Having no previous experience with the paranormal Hours of the Night world didn't prevent me from enjoying this extremely-lite paranormal M-M romance novella; I'm happy to get the next book in the series.
October 3, 2020
Curiouser and curiouser
An intriguing glimpse into an unlikely duo that I want to know more about. Noel and Adam spark but I enjoyed the spooky aspects of this novella the most.
An intriguing glimpse into an unlikely duo that I want to know more about. Noel and Adam spark but I enjoyed the spooky aspects of this novella the most.
July 28, 2021
Noel Chandler, of ‘Haunted’ by Irene Preston and Liv Rancourt, investigates a claim for his new job at the insurance agency where he works. When he enters the house, his instincts ping. There’s something supernatural there, and, unfortunately, it is trying to wrap its icy fingers around his mind, creating illusions Noel knows can’t possibly be real. Just as he is about to leave the house, he runs into the next-door neighbor, Adam Morales. The men feel a strong connection between them that makes no sense since they have never met. They have a brief conversation; Noel gives Adam his card and leaves.
Noel returns the next day to talk with Adam again in case he has remembered anything else. This time, they have a lengthier discussion about who they are and what they do. Noel learns Adam is the star of a TV show about psychic phenomena but that he has never actually seen a ghost. All of his searches have never turned up information that conclusively shows paranormal activity. To illustrate what he does, he takes Noel to a local cemetery where neighbors reported hearing a woman’s screams. While standing by a grave, Adam witnesses Noel go into an altered state of mind that mimics a trance or seizure. When it has passed, they go back to Adam’s apartment, where Noel confesses he has had a similar experience in the past. Noel explains that it’s why he left the police force.
As Adam listens to Noel’s story, his mind catalogs the possibilities. Noel could be pulling his leg, he may have mental problems, or what he says may be true. Thinking that he may have given up too soon on his first haunting, he decides to test Noel by taking him on a road trip to investigate further.
‘Haunted’ is the first book in the ‘Haunts and Hoaxes’ series. It’s a short story introducing the characters and the plot, with a cliff-hanger for an ending. Thanks, Irene and Liv. I’m looking forward to reading the second book.
Noel returns the next day to talk with Adam again in case he has remembered anything else. This time, they have a lengthier discussion about who they are and what they do. Noel learns Adam is the star of a TV show about psychic phenomena but that he has never actually seen a ghost. All of his searches have never turned up information that conclusively shows paranormal activity. To illustrate what he does, he takes Noel to a local cemetery where neighbors reported hearing a woman’s screams. While standing by a grave, Adam witnesses Noel go into an altered state of mind that mimics a trance or seizure. When it has passed, they go back to Adam’s apartment, where Noel confesses he has had a similar experience in the past. Noel explains that it’s why he left the police force.
As Adam listens to Noel’s story, his mind catalogs the possibilities. Noel could be pulling his leg, he may have mental problems, or what he says may be true. Thinking that he may have given up too soon on his first haunting, he decides to test Noel by taking him on a road trip to investigate further.
‘Haunted’ is the first book in the ‘Haunts and Hoaxes’ series. It’s a short story introducing the characters and the plot, with a cliff-hanger for an ending. Thanks, Irene and Liv. I’m looking forward to reading the second book.
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