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Haunts and Hoaxes #2
Harrowed
There's nothing scarier than the truth…
Noel's got issues. Like, he doesn't know what to call his lover. Are they boyfriends? A fling that got out of control? Something more? Even worse, he may sometimes get waylaid by a random ghost or two.
Or else he's losing his mind.
Now Adam? He's stable and solid and warm; the kind of guy Noel never knew he wanted. He's also the historian on Haunts and Hoaxes, which gives him a professional interest in Noel's “special talent”.
When the ghosthunting crew turns up something weirder than normal at a Louisiana plantation, Adam convinces Noel to check it out. Instead of finding a haunt, they uncover a mystery. Noel used to be a cop and he grabs the chance to investigate something real. DNA is evidence. No matter what Adam says, the ghosts don't prove anything.
But the past is done hiding and the spirits are going to have their say. Noel better figure out how to listen, because Adam's job, their relationship, and even his sanity are at risk.
Noel's got issues. Like, he doesn't know what to call his lover. Are they boyfriends? A fling that got out of control? Something more? Even worse, he may sometimes get waylaid by a random ghost or two.
Or else he's losing his mind.
Now Adam? He's stable and solid and warm; the kind of guy Noel never knew he wanted. He's also the historian on Haunts and Hoaxes, which gives him a professional interest in Noel's “special talent”.
When the ghosthunting crew turns up something weirder than normal at a Louisiana plantation, Adam convinces Noel to check it out. Instead of finding a haunt, they uncover a mystery. Noel used to be a cop and he grabs the chance to investigate something real. DNA is evidence. No matter what Adam says, the ghosts don't prove anything.
But the past is done hiding and the spirits are going to have their say. Noel better figure out how to listen, because Adam's job, their relationship, and even his sanity are at risk.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2020
43 people are currently reading
88 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 50 reviews
November 16, 2020
This second book in the series moves along both the guys' relationship and Noel's psychic talent. But it starts with a bit of a disconnect, as it opens 2 months after book 1, with nothing having come of the moment at the end of that book. The suggestion of action about to happen has fizzled without a mention, and the guys are two months further into their relationship physically, if not emotionally. Going straight from the first one, it took me a few pages to settle into not being where I expected.
But once I did, I enjoyed this story. Adam is trying to unravel a local legend in a small town his show visited, with the help of Dr. Jason Tham - an attractive academic who makes both guys feel a bit insecure about each other. Noel's unpredictable psychic abilities are triggered more than once around the town, but he's both reluctant to explore what he's experiencing, and very reluctant to mention the experiences to Adam. And Adam is having some conflict with the show's promotional demands.
Both these guys are flawed and a bit frustrating. Adam pushes Noel into psychic experiences that clearly affect him emotionally and physically, but then disbelieves him about what he says happened. Noel agrees to make attempts, but then lies to Adam about all the details. Both are jealous and push each other away. Both go off on each other with anger over various issues, with no discussion whatsoever outside their own heads. A lot of assumptions make asses out of both of them.
But they are also engaging characters. The length of this story gives them time to have those conflicts and try to resolve them. The underlying historical mystery was one I wanted to see solved. And this book has a solid HFN ending that was satisfying.
But once I did, I enjoyed this story. Adam is trying to unravel a local legend in a small town his show visited, with the help of Dr. Jason Tham - an attractive academic who makes both guys feel a bit insecure about each other. Noel's unpredictable psychic abilities are triggered more than once around the town, but he's both reluctant to explore what he's experiencing, and very reluctant to mention the experiences to Adam. And Adam is having some conflict with the show's promotional demands.
Both these guys are flawed and a bit frustrating. Adam pushes Noel into psychic experiences that clearly affect him emotionally and physically, but then disbelieves him about what he says happened. Noel agrees to make attempts, but then lies to Adam about all the details. Both are jealous and push each other away. Both go off on each other with anger over various issues, with no discussion whatsoever outside their own heads. A lot of assumptions make asses out of both of them.
But they are also engaging characters. The length of this story gives them time to have those conflicts and try to resolve them. The underlying historical mystery was one I wanted to see solved. And this book has a solid HFN ending that was satisfying.
October 16, 2020
Took some time to get into
There’s nothing wrong with this book. It’s well written and has a good storyline and decent characters. The mystery is fun to follow and try to solve. But I have to say I am not a fan of how self depreciating Noel was and how every issue in the relationship was his fault. Adam was made out to be this perfect boyfriend and I just didn’t see it. Both of them made mistakes but no matter how many times Noel said he was a sh*t boyfriend, Adam never challenged him or tried to reassure him it wasn’t the case. That took away so much from the book that at times I had to put it down and walk away before trying to finish it. This review is an honest and unbiased reflection of my thoughts after reading an advanced readers copy of the book.
There’s nothing wrong with this book. It’s well written and has a good storyline and decent characters. The mystery is fun to follow and try to solve. But I have to say I am not a fan of how self depreciating Noel was and how every issue in the relationship was his fault. Adam was made out to be this perfect boyfriend and I just didn’t see it. Both of them made mistakes but no matter how many times Noel said he was a sh*t boyfriend, Adam never challenged him or tried to reassure him it wasn’t the case. That took away so much from the book that at times I had to put it down and walk away before trying to finish it. This review is an honest and unbiased reflection of my thoughts after reading an advanced readers copy of the book.
November 7, 2020
This had so much potential with an interesting story line and MCs, but it needs much better proofreading and editing. It also needs stronger MCs--there was nothing wrong with their issues/frailties, but they were over done, so the MCs came across as spineless and weak. The authors also needed to come up with some new thoughts and dialog for these MCs. We just got the same thing over and over and over again. These issues were also present in book 1, and I find them off putting enough that I'm just not sure I'm up for reading the next in the series.
October 17, 2020
2.5 rounded up to 3
This was fine. I enjoyed the supernatural elements and mystery more than the relationship between Noah and Adam, and honestly I'm not sure I like Adam... I think I just found the decisions not to communicate really frustrating, and the relationship just not that romantic or believable.
I might have enjoyed it more, potentially, if I had read Haunted - maybe there's some explanation that makes the weird and not great chemistry between Noah and Adam make sense? Having said this - I will probably check out #1 and might get #3, as the premise itself is pretty good and the writing is pleasantly complex and overall enjoyable.
This was fine. I enjoyed the supernatural elements and mystery more than the relationship between Noah and Adam, and honestly I'm not sure I like Adam... I think I just found the decisions not to communicate really frustrating, and the relationship just not that romantic or believable.
I might have enjoyed it more, potentially, if I had read Haunted - maybe there's some explanation that makes the weird and not great chemistry between Noah and Adam make sense? Having said this - I will probably check out #1 and might get #3, as the premise itself is pretty good and the writing is pleasantly complex and overall enjoyable.
October 18, 2020
I really didn’t like Adam he’s a crappy boyfriend. The miscommunication is constant. It’s frustrating. Noel didn’t want to tell Adam all of his episodes because it would make them real and he didn’t want to be crazy. So when he opens up Adam accuses him of faking everything, exactly the opposite of supportive. Then, Adam gets mad because Noel doesn’t say anything, but he doesn’t open up about what he saw when he touched Adam, doesn’t reassure him he isn’t crazy, and won’t do it again since it’s scary for him. He’s a giant baby. However, it’s perfectly fine to push Noel into the scary and horrible things as long as he gets to benefit. Adam should have been dropped like a rock.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2020
4 Stars!
I really enjoyed Haunted, so of course, I jumped at the chance of playing catch up with Noel and Adam.
I liked Noel and I felt sorry for what he has to go through with his 'superpower', especially since he isn't really sure what it is or when it will manifest. I didn't care for Adam in this book, though. He wasn't all that nice to Noel, being all moody when he didn't treat his talent like an experiment or something that might help his own work on the show, which made even more understandable how reticent Noel was to reveal what he'd seen at the plantation and felt at the Steel Magnolia's house. Adam got slightly better towards the end of the book, more supportive at least, but by then, it was too little too late for me. Still, even with my misgivings regarding Adam, I will admit they were hot together when Adam wasn't pushing Noel away or stopping his advances.
The mystery was intriguing and captivating and had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The investigation, Marie and Valsin's legend, and Noel and Adam working with Jay were definitely high points for me. Unfortunately, at this point, I'm not sure how invested I am in Adam and Noel together. I trust Irene Preston and Liv Rancourt, though, so I have hope that my opinion of Adam will change in the next installment.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I really enjoyed Haunted, so of course, I jumped at the chance of playing catch up with Noel and Adam.
I liked Noel and I felt sorry for what he has to go through with his 'superpower', especially since he isn't really sure what it is or when it will manifest. I didn't care for Adam in this book, though. He wasn't all that nice to Noel, being all moody when he didn't treat his talent like an experiment or something that might help his own work on the show, which made even more understandable how reticent Noel was to reveal what he'd seen at the plantation and felt at the Steel Magnolia's house. Adam got slightly better towards the end of the book, more supportive at least, but by then, it was too little too late for me. Still, even with my misgivings regarding Adam, I will admit they were hot together when Adam wasn't pushing Noel away or stopping his advances.
The mystery was intriguing and captivating and had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The investigation, Marie and Valsin's legend, and Noel and Adam working with Jay were definitely high points for me. Unfortunately, at this point, I'm not sure how invested I am in Adam and Noel together. I trust Irene Preston and Liv Rancourt, though, so I have hope that my opinion of Adam will change in the next installment.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
June 21, 2022
I really thought there would be more paranormal / ghostly encounters based on the advertising ... but the ratio of M-M sex vs 'scary-ish' moments was 3.5 to 1 until way past the three-quarter mark! The tension between the MCs fluctuated between annoyance/distrust to resentful outbursts; I wanted to bang their heads together - talk to each other already! The only saving grace was the historic township and buildings found in Natchitoches as well as the genealogical mystery and sleuthing regarding a local historic slave couple legend. Give the 'haunts' a miss - these were lame in comparison to those found in books by Jordan Castillo Price, Morgan Brice or Amy Rae Durreson. Don't even get me started on 'WTF scene' with the mysterious barking dog and what's the point of having a 2.5 stars max and I'm probably going to give this series a miss.
November 8, 2020
Intriguing paranormal history.
I've read a few of the books by these two ladies and quite enjoyed them. The story here was good, with lots of intrigue and mystery. I also loved the historical aspect. I liked Noel, he was unsure of himself, with his newly discovered powers, he was an easy character to like and empathise with.
I enjoyed the thread of the paranormal flowing through this well-written storyline. There was some good dialogue, intriguing characters and some emotional scenes. One thing that I did have a problem with, was Adam and his attitude towards Noel. He was constantly undermining him.
Despite this I found myself still invested in the story and the characters. I'm actually looking forward to reading the next book in this series, to find out if Adam sorts his attitude out, and that Noel begins to gain some self belief.
I've read a few of the books by these two ladies and quite enjoyed them. The story here was good, with lots of intrigue and mystery. I also loved the historical aspect. I liked Noel, he was unsure of himself, with his newly discovered powers, he was an easy character to like and empathise with.
I enjoyed the thread of the paranormal flowing through this well-written storyline. There was some good dialogue, intriguing characters and some emotional scenes. One thing that I did have a problem with, was Adam and his attitude towards Noel. He was constantly undermining him.
Despite this I found myself still invested in the story and the characters. I'm actually looking forward to reading the next book in this series, to find out if Adam sorts his attitude out, and that Noel begins to gain some self belief.
September 24, 2021
More! I need more!
Adam and Noel are the perfect sleuths for this series. I have to have more. So good. Strong writing. I’m a fan for life.
Adam and Noel are the perfect sleuths for this series. I have to have more. So good. Strong writing. I’m a fan for life.
October 31, 2020
4.5
As much as I liked Haunted, I liked Harrowed more. Being a full-length novel gives it the heft I appreciate. It also gave me two complicated, flawed heroes trying to make the most of a difficult situation. I'll admit that I got frustrated with Noel's unwillingness to face or speak about his experiences, even when he and Adam were explicitly trying to explore them. While I academically understood why he kept his secrets (emotions don't always make sense), I felt it went on until it started to grate on my patience.
I also very much appreciated the subject matter the book works with. It's not an easy history and it would have been very easy for the writing to fall into didacticism. Or rather, I suppose the book is an example of didacticism (there's certainly a lesson in it), but never comes across as too heavily didactic. I actually hate when authors let their sermon overwhelm their story in a fiction book. Preston and Rancourt don't let that happen and I appreciated it.
All in all, I'll call it a success.
As much as I liked Haunted, I liked Harrowed more. Being a full-length novel gives it the heft I appreciate. It also gave me two complicated, flawed heroes trying to make the most of a difficult situation. I'll admit that I got frustrated with Noel's unwillingness to face or speak about his experiences, even when he and Adam were explicitly trying to explore them. While I academically understood why he kept his secrets (emotions don't always make sense), I felt it went on until it started to grate on my patience.
I also very much appreciated the subject matter the book works with. It's not an easy history and it would have been very easy for the writing to fall into didacticism. Or rather, I suppose the book is an example of didacticism (there's certainly a lesson in it), but never comes across as too heavily didactic. I actually hate when authors let their sermon overwhelm their story in a fiction book. Preston and Rancourt don't let that happen and I appreciated it.
All in all, I'll call it a success.
July 24, 2021
Okay
I really liked the concept for this book. However, after reading how they met, I only read this out of morbid curiosity to see if the couple could be improved upon. Other than maybe the exact last chapter, I still found them immature with one having a problem with self medication.
I really liked the concept for this book. However, after reading how they met, I only read this out of morbid curiosity to see if the couple could be improved upon. Other than maybe the exact last chapter, I still found them immature with one having a problem with self medication.
October 10, 2020
I admit that I haven't read Book #1 in this series, so I found it difficult to relate to Adam and Noel, the two main characters. For me neither seemed to make any connection other than in the bedroom. Adam gave more thought to Twitter his abilities or lack thereof regarding garnering followers to his reality TV show. He just didn't seem to concern himself with the stresses Noel experienced with his "special" talent. As for Noel he's not that all together sure he can accept this "special" psychotic talent he's been given. It took some reading but when Noel's investigation into the Marie/Valsin history that my interest was piqued. I know that The Magnolia house does exist but the tie-in to Marie and Valsin I believe is poetic license. The genealogical tracking involving the Africa DNA is real and plays nicely into this story. As a history buff I really liked this aspect of this book. I suggest that reading Haunted, Book #1, would be a good idea to better relate to this second book. This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
June 8, 2021
Ok
These two drove me crazy! They had major communication problems. However I liked how everything played out and may continue with the series. It wasn’t spooky at all - more mystery.
These two drove me crazy! They had major communication problems. However I liked how everything played out and may continue with the series. It wasn’t spooky at all - more mystery.
November 30, 2020
Noel and Adam stressed me out too much in this book.
November 11, 2020
Harrowed (Haunts and Hoaxes Book 2), Irene Preston, Liv Rancourt
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: LGBTQIA, Mystery & Suspense, Paranormal
I'd read Irene and Liv's other series, Hours of the Night, but apart from learning the background to the fire in the first book of this series you don't need to know those characters to enjoy this series. I'm sure there may be more brief overlaps. Hours of the night was a pretty complex, intense series, this one has a much lighter feel and I found events less confusing, though I really enjoyed Hours.
Noel and Adam are both holding things close, its a newish relationship – I'm not sure how long but that's how it feels – where you're both wary of saying or doing the wrong thing. Noel, I do like his rich tastes and the humour surrounding it, isn't sure of he's really seeing and feeling past events or just going mad. A natural reaction for most folk who suddenly experience what he is going through. Adam, being “in the trade” so to speak, has noticed him acting oddly, but Noel won't talk about it, shuts him down and its back to that new relationship where no-one wants to put the other person off.
Adam thinks maybe if they go to where odd things have been turned up, though he's actually a little sceptical about the supernatural, preferring to rely on historical facts, Noel may be forced to confront whatever is playing on him. Noel isn't keen, back to that supernatural visions or crazy worry, but agrees and things happen that neither envisaged.
I like Noel and Adam together, but at times I could shake the pair of them. Noel is master of avoidance, of doing something, anything, to avoid facing up to whats wrong ( hands up, that's me too...), and at times he's a real jerk to Adam, especially early in the novel. Adam too, I like him but at first I couldn't help feeling he saw Noel's issues as something to investigate, as an aside to his supernatural/historian investigations rather than something that's actually hurting Noel.
Events move forward, and we reach a point where Adam wants to leave it for Noel's sake, where he can see that whats going on is actually hurting Noel, and Noel is determined to stay, and face up to events whatever the personal cost. It brings the two closer, they move forward into a more secure relationship. The things that are happening are believable, as is the opposition from those making money from the local small town legend. Truth, or a good money making legend, which is more important. As always there are two very definite sides.
This was a fun read, not the scary spooky I feared. I'm a wimp, Stephen King et al are books that scare the c -rap out of me and give me nightmares, not what I want form my reading! I loved the relationship development, that “are we boyfriends or what?” issues, where neither want to voice it for fear of scaring the other off and yet we can feel both actually want more than the current undefined monogamous hookup style thing they have going on.
Stars: Five, a fun read. I wouldn't reread as a stand alone but when a series I like is finished I love to binge read my way through and totally immerse myself in the characters and I can feel this is going to be one of those series.
ARC supplied for review purposes by authors
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: LGBTQIA, Mystery & Suspense, Paranormal
I'd read Irene and Liv's other series, Hours of the Night, but apart from learning the background to the fire in the first book of this series you don't need to know those characters to enjoy this series. I'm sure there may be more brief overlaps. Hours of the night was a pretty complex, intense series, this one has a much lighter feel and I found events less confusing, though I really enjoyed Hours.
Noel and Adam are both holding things close, its a newish relationship – I'm not sure how long but that's how it feels – where you're both wary of saying or doing the wrong thing. Noel, I do like his rich tastes and the humour surrounding it, isn't sure of he's really seeing and feeling past events or just going mad. A natural reaction for most folk who suddenly experience what he is going through. Adam, being “in the trade” so to speak, has noticed him acting oddly, but Noel won't talk about it, shuts him down and its back to that new relationship where no-one wants to put the other person off.
Adam thinks maybe if they go to where odd things have been turned up, though he's actually a little sceptical about the supernatural, preferring to rely on historical facts, Noel may be forced to confront whatever is playing on him. Noel isn't keen, back to that supernatural visions or crazy worry, but agrees and things happen that neither envisaged.
I like Noel and Adam together, but at times I could shake the pair of them. Noel is master of avoidance, of doing something, anything, to avoid facing up to whats wrong ( hands up, that's me too...), and at times he's a real jerk to Adam, especially early in the novel. Adam too, I like him but at first I couldn't help feeling he saw Noel's issues as something to investigate, as an aside to his supernatural/historian investigations rather than something that's actually hurting Noel.
Events move forward, and we reach a point where Adam wants to leave it for Noel's sake, where he can see that whats going on is actually hurting Noel, and Noel is determined to stay, and face up to events whatever the personal cost. It brings the two closer, they move forward into a more secure relationship. The things that are happening are believable, as is the opposition from those making money from the local small town legend. Truth, or a good money making legend, which is more important. As always there are two very definite sides.
This was a fun read, not the scary spooky I feared. I'm a wimp, Stephen King et al are books that scare the c -rap out of me and give me nightmares, not what I want form my reading! I loved the relationship development, that “are we boyfriends or what?” issues, where neither want to voice it for fear of scaring the other off and yet we can feel both actually want more than the current undefined monogamous hookup style thing they have going on.
Stars: Five, a fun read. I wouldn't reread as a stand alone but when a series I like is finished I love to binge read my way through and totally immerse myself in the characters and I can feel this is going to be one of those series.
ARC supplied for review purposes by authors
October 12, 2020
Some hidden truths may bring you peace, some may only bring you distress…
Saying that Noel Chandler and Adam Morales’ relationship is difficult is falling way short. There are plenty of issues unaddressed between them, and that’s starting to erode their budding romance. The elephants in the room are many and difficult to address, like the fact that Noel has certain special abilities and plenty of issues when it comes to relationships. Adam has his own issues, his stress at trying to keep up with his producer’s demands, and his lack of confidence in Noel’s feeling for him. A trip to a haunted plantation in Louisiana triggers a chain of events that risks their relationship even more , and even Adam’s career. But chasing the truth about two renowned lovers from the past may be the key to bring them back together… or destroy them for good.
This is a very compelling story which balances perfectly the romance, mystery and paranormal elements that define it. Both main characters are interesting, if not exactly likeable. They both have issues they have to work with so that their relationship can progress. Their stubbornness and insecurities threaten to destroy them, and working together in solving the mystery of the lost lovers only puts more stress in their precarious love story. As for the mystery, it is enticing, and it brings about some related topics that make it ever more interesting, such as the different reasons why people would like to keep it uncovered. The paranormal element is the part that leaves me most unsatisfied about the story, because there are many unexplained things about it. We do not know how it works, I do get the impression that Noel’s episodes were a bit random…But this is the second book in the series, and I have not read the first one yet, so maybe there is something I am missing here.
In short, an enticing and very readable story.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Saying that Noel Chandler and Adam Morales’ relationship is difficult is falling way short. There are plenty of issues unaddressed between them, and that’s starting to erode their budding romance. The elephants in the room are many and difficult to address, like the fact that Noel has certain special abilities and plenty of issues when it comes to relationships. Adam has his own issues, his stress at trying to keep up with his producer’s demands, and his lack of confidence in Noel’s feeling for him. A trip to a haunted plantation in Louisiana triggers a chain of events that risks their relationship even more , and even Adam’s career. But chasing the truth about two renowned lovers from the past may be the key to bring them back together… or destroy them for good.
This is a very compelling story which balances perfectly the romance, mystery and paranormal elements that define it. Both main characters are interesting, if not exactly likeable. They both have issues they have to work with so that their relationship can progress. Their stubbornness and insecurities threaten to destroy them, and working together in solving the mystery of the lost lovers only puts more stress in their precarious love story. As for the mystery, it is enticing, and it brings about some related topics that make it ever more interesting, such as the different reasons why people would like to keep it uncovered. The paranormal element is the part that leaves me most unsatisfied about the story, because there are many unexplained things about it. We do not know how it works, I do get the impression that Noel’s episodes were a bit random…But this is the second book in the series, and I have not read the first one yet, so maybe there is something I am missing here.
In short, an enticing and very readable story.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 18, 2020
I highly suggest reading “Haunted” episode one of the “Haunts & Hoaxes” series, as it gives a more in-depth look at Noel Chandler and Adam Morales.
Noel Chandler and Adam Morales have only begun a somewhat fragile relationship. Sometimes things seem to go alright but then they’re stumbling through all kinds of thoughts and feelings. Both have concerns about: what they say, jealousy, guilt and fear of being left alone.
Adam’s investigation has taken him to Natchitoches and the Magnolia Plantation for a “Haunts & Hoaxes” episode. On his return, Adam heads straight to Noels’ but he has something on his mind. He experienced something at the plantation and he want’s Noel to go back with him. Noel reluctantly agrees, he’s already had an eerie experience at a cemetery and he often questions his own sanity.
Adam has always kept Noels experiences a secret and he really feels the need to keep Noel safe. With their own personal issues and insecurities raising their ugly heads and small town citizens that have their own tales to tell, they still work to solve the mystery of Marie and Valsin, the local legend.
I like what Irene Preston and Liv Rancourt created in this sequel to “Haunted”. They melded, mystery, historical content, more paranormal aspects and the flawed relationship of Noel and Adam for an intriguing story. I saw this as the break out story for Noel, as he really starts to let his paranormal abilities and investigative skills take over as he becomes more open to the supernatural.
I hope there’s an episode three in the works. I would really like to see what this writing team of Preston and Rancourt have in store for Noel and Adam in the heart of New Orleans.
Noel Chandler and Adam Morales have only begun a somewhat fragile relationship. Sometimes things seem to go alright but then they’re stumbling through all kinds of thoughts and feelings. Both have concerns about: what they say, jealousy, guilt and fear of being left alone.
Adam’s investigation has taken him to Natchitoches and the Magnolia Plantation for a “Haunts & Hoaxes” episode. On his return, Adam heads straight to Noels’ but he has something on his mind. He experienced something at the plantation and he want’s Noel to go back with him. Noel reluctantly agrees, he’s already had an eerie experience at a cemetery and he often questions his own sanity.
Adam has always kept Noels experiences a secret and he really feels the need to keep Noel safe. With their own personal issues and insecurities raising their ugly heads and small town citizens that have their own tales to tell, they still work to solve the mystery of Marie and Valsin, the local legend.
I like what Irene Preston and Liv Rancourt created in this sequel to “Haunted”. They melded, mystery, historical content, more paranormal aspects and the flawed relationship of Noel and Adam for an intriguing story. I saw this as the break out story for Noel, as he really starts to let his paranormal abilities and investigative skills take over as he becomes more open to the supernatural.
I hope there’s an episode three in the works. I would really like to see what this writing team of Preston and Rancourt have in store for Noel and Adam in the heart of New Orleans.
October 21, 2020
Mysterious, angsty, sad and funny M/M romance with intrigue
Ever since HAUNTED readers have wanted to know more of the story between Noel and Adam…and the house. (Insert big scary laugh.) Thank you so much to Preston and Rancourt for giving us this book!
This is a story within a story within a story. On the outside it is the growing love story between Adam and Noel, but it is also about Noel’s “gift.” Beyond that we also get the story of two people in Natchitoches, Louisiana, one a slave and one a freeman.
After HAUNTED Adam and Noel seem to have come together as a couple but Noel has secrets and won’t share which causes a LOT of angst in this story. Both men don’t trust their feelings enough to share with the other. Adam is the host of a show that explores haunted houses and Noel “sees ghosts.” Got your attention yet? Adam’s current televised story centers in Natchitoches and for kicks he added a blurb about a long-held legend between Marie, a slave and Valsin, her lover and freeman. After that people and things begin to pop! I will admit the beginning was slow but about one third way in, it got really interesting. The ending is thrilling!
The history lesson we get of Marie and Valsin is currently appropriate. Their story had been distorted over time to be what their little town needed it to be. That’s the strange thing about history. It can be forgotten or modified when you remove elements of it from natural discourse, but this happens at our own peril. “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it…” (George Santayana, writer and philosopher) I’m stepping down from my soapbox. I volunteered to review an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and give this book a hearty 5+ stars.
Ever since HAUNTED readers have wanted to know more of the story between Noel and Adam…and the house. (Insert big scary laugh.) Thank you so much to Preston and Rancourt for giving us this book!
This is a story within a story within a story. On the outside it is the growing love story between Adam and Noel, but it is also about Noel’s “gift.” Beyond that we also get the story of two people in Natchitoches, Louisiana, one a slave and one a freeman.
After HAUNTED Adam and Noel seem to have come together as a couple but Noel has secrets and won’t share which causes a LOT of angst in this story. Both men don’t trust their feelings enough to share with the other. Adam is the host of a show that explores haunted houses and Noel “sees ghosts.” Got your attention yet? Adam’s current televised story centers in Natchitoches and for kicks he added a blurb about a long-held legend between Marie, a slave and Valsin, her lover and freeman. After that people and things begin to pop! I will admit the beginning was slow but about one third way in, it got really interesting. The ending is thrilling!
The history lesson we get of Marie and Valsin is currently appropriate. Their story had been distorted over time to be what their little town needed it to be. That’s the strange thing about history. It can be forgotten or modified when you remove elements of it from natural discourse, but this happens at our own peril. “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it…” (George Santayana, writer and philosopher) I’m stepping down from my soapbox. I volunteered to review an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and give this book a hearty 5+ stars.
October 19, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and binged through it in 2 days. I would've read it in one day if I hadn't had to do other things.
Much of the book is focused on Adam & Noel's extremely unhealthy relationship - lots of angst & distrust, lots of holding back. Noel is terrified of being 100% honest about just about everything, (lies of omission seem to be as much of an addiction to him as gin), and to say that they seem to have a lack of communication would be putting it mildly. Adam isn't so great at communicating either, to be perfectly honest, and has things he seems to be afraid to say out loud. But it's not as if the lack of communication is just a convenient reason for a crisis at a certain percentage of the book; it is part of the series of conflicts that make up the entire story. (And perhaps, their own individual need to dig and investigate, whether into history or crime, makes them determined enough to figure each other out to put up with each other's nonsense.)
Beyond that, the search for the truth of an event in the history of a small town, with the interference of people who had had their own agendas, and Noel's more up close and personal experience of a dark history, all make for a suspenseful and engrossing read.
There was one aspect to do with Noel's "superpower," as he calls it, that was different than in Haunted. In Haunted, his visions involved scenes in which there were no actual ghosts, but things in the past that involved dark magic. In this book, it seems that he sees ghosts and their past. I'm most curious to see how far his abilities go in the next book, (which I really hope is soon).
Much of the book is focused on Adam & Noel's extremely unhealthy relationship - lots of angst & distrust, lots of holding back. Noel is terrified of being 100% honest about just about everything, (lies of omission seem to be as much of an addiction to him as gin), and to say that they seem to have a lack of communication would be putting it mildly. Adam isn't so great at communicating either, to be perfectly honest, and has things he seems to be afraid to say out loud. But it's not as if the lack of communication is just a convenient reason for a crisis at a certain percentage of the book; it is part of the series of conflicts that make up the entire story. (And perhaps, their own individual need to dig and investigate, whether into history or crime, makes them determined enough to figure each other out to put up with each other's nonsense.)
Beyond that, the search for the truth of an event in the history of a small town, with the interference of people who had had their own agendas, and Noel's more up close and personal experience of a dark history, all make for a suspenseful and engrossing read.
There was one aspect to do with Noel's "superpower," as he calls it, that was different than in Haunted. In Haunted, his visions involved scenes in which there were no actual ghosts, but things in the past that involved dark magic. In this book, it seems that he sees ghosts and their past. I'm most curious to see how far his abilities go in the next book, (which I really hope is soon).
October 8, 2020
This is book 2 of Haunts and Hoaxes. Noel and Adam have been in a relationship now for a few months. Adam comes back from a trip to Magnolia Plantation after having experienced something he couldn’t explain and wants Noel to come back to the place with him. Noel is hesitant because he is still afraid he might be crazy but goes along because it is important to Adam. As they try to unravel the mystery around a local legend, they face trouble both human and otherwise. The town of Natchitoches doesn’t want the narrative of their local historical “celebrities” changed but all these two want to do is find the truth.
Noel and Adam still struggle in their relationship and this story reflects the two of them coming to terms with their differences. Neither one is comfortable with themselves. Noel is having to decide that he is either crazy or actually psychic. And Adam starts to feel a little guilty for forcing him into situations. Their dynamic isn’t easy but they really do care for each other. Reading this book, I could feel the characters’ pain and really understand what made them tick. These authors do a very good job of creating these complex and flawed but beautiful and relatable characters. I look forward to seeing their relationship develop even more. I hope we get to see more of these guys in the future! I really did enjoy this book. I did read an ARC of this book.
Noel and Adam still struggle in their relationship and this story reflects the two of them coming to terms with their differences. Neither one is comfortable with themselves. Noel is having to decide that he is either crazy or actually psychic. And Adam starts to feel a little guilty for forcing him into situations. Their dynamic isn’t easy but they really do care for each other. Reading this book, I could feel the characters’ pain and really understand what made them tick. These authors do a very good job of creating these complex and flawed but beautiful and relatable characters. I look forward to seeing their relationship develop even more. I hope we get to see more of these guys in the future! I really did enjoy this book. I did read an ARC of this book.
October 6, 2020
3.5
Okay so I have some misgivings about Adam. For an academic he is difficult to understand. He shows almost no empathy to Noel and a lot of the time, like Noel, I wonder if he is with him as some sort of experiment because of his ability. He spends a lot of the time trying to talk to Noel but immediately pushes his buttons instead. It was frustrating.
Noel is difficult too but I actually understand where he is coming from - he's lost his police career because of the ability he isn't convinced he even has. He doesn't have anyone to help him navigate it and his boyfriend (or whatever they are) pushes him into situations rather than finding out information first as some sort of test.
Despite the issues I had with the MC's, I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story and the journey that Noel is going on with his ability. I just wish he had a more sympathetic partner and someone to teach him some control.
Even with a 3.5 rating, I am actually invested in the characters and story. I like Noel in spite of his diva ways and want to see him embrace his ability and solve more mysteries
Okay so I have some misgivings about Adam. For an academic he is difficult to understand. He shows almost no empathy to Noel and a lot of the time, like Noel, I wonder if he is with him as some sort of experiment because of his ability. He spends a lot of the time trying to talk to Noel but immediately pushes his buttons instead. It was frustrating.
Noel is difficult too but I actually understand where he is coming from - he's lost his police career because of the ability he isn't convinced he even has. He doesn't have anyone to help him navigate it and his boyfriend (or whatever they are) pushes him into situations rather than finding out information first as some sort of test.
Despite the issues I had with the MC's, I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story and the journey that Noel is going on with his ability. I just wish he had a more sympathetic partner and someone to teach him some control.
Even with a 3.5 rating, I am actually invested in the characters and story. I like Noel in spite of his diva ways and want to see him embrace his ability and solve more mysteries
November 7, 2020
This is a fascinating, dramatic, suspenseful entertaining story. Noel is an ex-cop who left the LAPD because he was having some weird episodes involving ghosts. Or he's going crazy. Adam is a history buff who stars 8n a ghost hunting show. Their backstory is in the first book, which I didn't read, but it's not absolutely necessary to know in order to enjoy this book. Adam wants to test Noel's special power, so they go to a plantation that Adam's show had just filmed at to see what happens. There's a love story involving Marie, a slave, and Valsin, a free black man. The people of the town insist that they ran away and lived happily ever after together. But Marie's 4x great granddaughter claims that Valsin never met Marie, that she went North alone. She asks Adam's historical buddy to look into it, and asks Adam for help. But the people in town are determined to not have their version proven wrong. Noel has a couple of very scary run ins with ghost while investigating, but he's not convinced that he's not crazy. At times there's too much information about nothing, which makes the story lag, but it's still a great story.
January 27, 2021
Noel, a wealthy LA cop, turned insurance adjuster in New Orleans, and Adam, a professor and historian for the cable TV show, Haunts and Hoaxes are back, in Harrowed, Book 2 of the Haunts and Hoaxes Series.
This time around, we get to know Noel and Adam better and learn more about Noel's 'superpower' but not everything, leaving just enough unknown to keep us intrigued. We also become emerged in a mystery surrounding the Magnolia Plantation where Adam filmed a recent show. The town legend suggests that Marie, a slave, and Valsin, a free man fell in love and made it safely north to PA., and they are sticking to their story. But when Angela Davenport, Marie's great (times 4) granddaughter, reveals to Adam, that no, Marie arrived alone, they do some digging of their own.
I enjoyed the town folklore and Noel's brush or two with the paranormal world. It was nice to connect with and Noel again, although in one instance, I thought their insecurities about each other and their relationship slightly overshadowed the story. But all in all, an enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
This time around, we get to know Noel and Adam better and learn more about Noel's 'superpower' but not everything, leaving just enough unknown to keep us intrigued. We also become emerged in a mystery surrounding the Magnolia Plantation where Adam filmed a recent show. The town legend suggests that Marie, a slave, and Valsin, a free man fell in love and made it safely north to PA., and they are sticking to their story. But when Angela Davenport, Marie's great (times 4) granddaughter, reveals to Adam, that no, Marie arrived alone, they do some digging of their own.
I enjoyed the town folklore and Noel's brush or two with the paranormal world. It was nice to connect with and Noel again, although in one instance, I thought their insecurities about each other and their relationship slightly overshadowed the story. But all in all, an enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
October 15, 2020
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
I’m not a big fan of paranormal romance, especially not ghostly ones, but this book sucked me in quickly and completely. I’m still probably not going to go buy all the ghostly things, but I’m sold on Noel and Adam. I’m not sure if I found the mystery or their romance more compelling.
Noel and Adam are complex and fascinating, and while they had a lot of "use your words" moments, it was very apparent why they didn’t: Adam’s life is based on research and proof (somewhere Noel’s “superpower” doesn’t fit), while Noel can’t figure out if he’s a ghost whisperer or one step from losing his mind completely. For adults acting how adults would, for good or bad, I give these two 5 stars.
There were points where I’d be struck by what could be a throw-away line but could be foreshadowing. Usually these instances gave more dimension to the universe, but occasionally they were distracting enough to pull me out of the story. Overally, though, I’m excited to read the next installment.
Copy received for honest review.
I’m not a big fan of paranormal romance, especially not ghostly ones, but this book sucked me in quickly and completely. I’m still probably not going to go buy all the ghostly things, but I’m sold on Noel and Adam. I’m not sure if I found the mystery or their romance more compelling.
Noel and Adam are complex and fascinating, and while they had a lot of "use your words" moments, it was very apparent why they didn’t: Adam’s life is based on research and proof (somewhere Noel’s “superpower” doesn’t fit), while Noel can’t figure out if he’s a ghost whisperer or one step from losing his mind completely. For adults acting how adults would, for good or bad, I give these two 5 stars.
There were points where I’d be struck by what could be a throw-away line but could be foreshadowing. Usually these instances gave more dimension to the universe, but occasionally they were distracting enough to pull me out of the story. Overally, though, I’m excited to read the next installment.
Copy received for honest review.
October 20, 2020
Noel is a former detective in LA turned insurance adjuster in New Orleans. Uprooting his life was not ideal, but he felt it best in order to escape some trouble in LA.
Adam is a professor and researcher whom also stars on a ghost hunter television show.
While together, Noel experiences one of those circumstances that sent him packing to New Orleans, but he has yet to share with Adam.
There is drama on the horizon and these two are teetering on the edge. Balancing a relationship while trying to figure out what is going on, can create issues on being honest and open.
A well written, keep you interested mystery. With its supernatural story line and balanced main characters Noah and Adam, you enjoyed more of the interaction on solving the puzzles throughout.
To get the full enjoyment of this book, its highly recommended you read book one in the series. I look forward to there being more books to build on heat we've already come to learn and love.
**I received this ARC from Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
Adam is a professor and researcher whom also stars on a ghost hunter television show.
While together, Noel experiences one of those circumstances that sent him packing to New Orleans, but he has yet to share with Adam.
There is drama on the horizon and these two are teetering on the edge. Balancing a relationship while trying to figure out what is going on, can create issues on being honest and open.
A well written, keep you interested mystery. With its supernatural story line and balanced main characters Noah and Adam, you enjoyed more of the interaction on solving the puzzles throughout.
To get the full enjoyment of this book, its highly recommended you read book one in the series. I look forward to there being more books to build on heat we've already come to learn and love.
**I received this ARC from Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
October 7, 2020
This is book 2 in the Haunts and Hoaxes series and can be mostly read as a standalone, but I suggest to read book 1 first, to get a better grasp on the universe and the Characters.
This story picks up soon after book 1.
Noel and Adam are now navigating their relationship. They are yet to have the 'talk' and discuss what label they should put on their relationship or even put one at all.
I liked how Adam constantly reassures Noel and his insecurities.
He is sweet, understanding and perfect for Noah, together they make quite the power couple.
The ghost hunting and the mystery was extremely engaging and compelling.
There is more character development and mystery in this as compared to book 1. I especially enjoyed the back and forth and banter between Noel and Adam.
This was an interesting paranormal mystery, perfect, especially for this time of year.
This story picks up soon after book 1.
Noel and Adam are now navigating their relationship. They are yet to have the 'talk' and discuss what label they should put on their relationship or even put one at all.
I liked how Adam constantly reassures Noel and his insecurities.
He is sweet, understanding and perfect for Noah, together they make quite the power couple.
The ghost hunting and the mystery was extremely engaging and compelling.
There is more character development and mystery in this as compared to book 1. I especially enjoyed the back and forth and banter between Noel and Adam.
This was an interesting paranormal mystery, perfect, especially for this time of year.
October 15, 2020
Compelling historical tale with a touch of the paranormal really made the story! Adam and Noel are finding their way through the first steps of a relationship, including determining what they are to each other. Each character is likable and brings a unique perspective to the story they are researching. Adam's researching expertise and Noel's detective background bring strengths that are helpful in finding out what happened all those years ago. The writing and plot flowed well and I enjoyed the pace of the story. These guys each have their challenges and flaws. Experience is showing them that together they are stronger.
This is book two of the Haunts and Hoaxes series and really should be read in sequence. I would have been missing a lot if I had not read the first novella.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
This is book two of the Haunts and Hoaxes series and really should be read in sequence. I would have been missing a lot if I had not read the first novella.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
October 20, 2020
This is a vey enjoyable, entertaining, intense mix of the paranormal (ghosts), a historic mystery, and romance. Noel and Adam are still working on their relationship. Both have issues, insecurities, and are keeping secrets. They don't always communicate well, and Adam needs to do a better job of realizing the stress Noel's 'gift' puts on him, but they are trying and growing together. I really enjoyed the historic mystery. It was intriguing the way the locals didn't want their legends messed with. The truth was less important than their beliefs for some people. It definitely pulled me in and kept me turning pages. I am glad the authors decided to make this a series, and I can't wait for more from Adam and Noel.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
February 19, 2022
We first met Noel (ex-cop who sees ghosts) and Adam (TV presenter/researcher who has his own "Ghost" program) in Haunted and I thought the next in the series may be good.
Well - not disappointed at all. Adam takes Noel with him when investigating a series of (historical) slave escapes. The PNR aspect (aka the ghost story) is very good and takes up a major part of the book.
However, if Noel and Adam want to continue their relationship, then they really NEED to be honest with each other!! So hopefully, by the next in the series, we'll have it all sorted !
Well - not disappointed at all. Adam takes Noel with him when investigating a series of (historical) slave escapes. The PNR aspect (aka the ghost story) is very good and takes up a major part of the book.
However, if Noel and Adam want to continue their relationship, then they really NEED to be honest with each other!! So hopefully, by the next in the series, we'll have it all sorted !
March 28, 2022
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the case and the plot of this story. I found myself, trying to connect all the dots of the historical case.
However, I grew very frustrated at the lack of communication between Adam and Noel. Rather than talk to each other, they just assumed and reacted according to their assumptions. Because of his fear that his "superpower" was really psychotic episodes, Noel would lash out at Adam. Which, frankly, I could understand.
But was Adam's erratic responses to Noel that made me want to shake him. He would lament how Noel should talk to him and not hold secrets, and then when Noel seemed to want to talk, Adam would pull a hissy fit and wouldn't talk. It just seemed to contrived to me.
However, I grew very frustrated at the lack of communication between Adam and Noel. Rather than talk to each other, they just assumed and reacted according to their assumptions. Because of his fear that his "superpower" was really psychotic episodes, Noel would lash out at Adam. Which, frankly, I could understand.
But was Adam's erratic responses to Noel that made me want to shake him. He would lament how Noel should talk to him and not hold secrets, and then when Noel seemed to want to talk, Adam would pull a hissy fit and wouldn't talk. It just seemed to contrived to me.
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