This was so imaginative and fun. It has tense and borderline freaky moments you'd expect from a haunted house but the uncovered lore and eventual explanations of everything was just so fascinating to me. Like genuinely jealous of this author's mind and imagination, I had to just sit back and be along for the ride.

When I first read the description that the house was sentient I definitely had a pause. I'm willing to read anything so I charged on ahead but I did wonder the way the blurb is written if this was going to be some kind of love triangle. Well if you were like me I can answer that question in that it is NOT a love triangle. The house is not a competing love interest. There is overarching plot and character growth of the house representing FMC Lucky's workaholic tendencies and her fixation does interfere with her budding relationship with the MMC Maverick. I really appreciated how that was handled because in my opinion this ended up not having a 3rd act breakup while still have lots of tension and push pull with the romance.

Another unexpected trope for me of this was it's a single dad romance! There is a kid in this and she's actually really cool. Kids in romance aren't my fav but I give this one my stamp of approval.

I could go on and on about the magical realism of this but I just would really recommend discovering it for yourself as it unfolds. There is such power of humans and this isn't simply a question of do ghosts exist, it's more about what can be created by belief and spirit and imagination. Also, how subjective those things are and as much as you can approach this with documentation there will still be interpretations up for debate.

Thank you to Berkley for the free book! Also the purple cover is gorgeous in person.

3.5 stars

I absolutely adored this author's last adult romance and was eager to dive into this one but was left a bit disappointed.

First off, this book is WAY too long. Seriously, it could have been cut by at least 100 pages and been a much more successful story. The pacing felt all over the place and it seemed like the author got caught up in two separate stories that she tried to combine into one at the detriment of both.

Second, the writing was so repetitive and overdone in this. I kept finding myself thinking that I was re-reading something I had already read or missing parts in the book because the main plot points for both the spooky elements and the romance elements kept repeating themselves.

I think that the author struggled to balance the haunted house story and the romance story and because of this they both dragged on. There was some pretty good humor in this book and the author gets bonus points for naming the cat after a pokemon but I was left disappointed with the romance. I was eager and hopeful for more asexual representation and when it got to that point in the actual romantic relationship it fell a little flat. I don't think it was as well explored and handled as it was in this author's previous book. On the other hand, while I was pretty into the haunted house plot line, I found the ending to be a little too "disney" and wish that it hadn't been so hallmark wholesome. I understand that this is a romance and a chill book but the house was thought to be pretty malevolent at some points so I was hoping for a more intense explanation than what we got. We do learn a lot about the supernatural and paranormal in this story which is a lot of fun but may feel a bit too info dumping for some readers.

Overall, this was cute and funny with some great side characters (high five for Georgia and Rebel) but it doesn't hold a candle to The Romantic Agenda.

3.5 Stars Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann is a paranormal romance between a parapsychological researcher on a reality webseries and her producer.

Down on her luck Lucky Hart has one last shot at her career in parapsychology. She's lost friends, is estranged from her family, and got rejected twice from graduate school. Lucky is now the fourth caretaker of a haunted house on a reality webseries--after the first three quit within three days of staying in the house. This is the perfect opportunity for her ESP abilities to shine and the house takes to Lucky in a way it hadn't with the previous caretakers. Lucky is also taken by Maverick, one of the show's producers, and his daughter, Rebel. As Lucky's relationship with Maverick grows, the jealousy exhibited by the house does too. Can Lucky save this opportunity, make happy with the sentient house, and keep Maverick?

I'm not sure who stole the show more--the Hennessee House or Rebel. Both were fascinating characters--and yes, the house is most definitely a character since it's sentient. The house is also a great metaphor for the emotions felt by the main characters. The author did a wonderful job with Lucky's asexuality--something that is still way underrepresented in romance. Through Maverick's education on asexuality, the audience is educated as well. The romance between Lucky and Maverick wasn't as strong as the supernatural elements of the book, but I enjoyed it nonetheless!

Thanks Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group as well as the author for this ARC. It’s my pleasure to provide my honest review.
#NetGalley #BerkleyPublishingGroup #LookingforLoveinalltheHauntedPlaces #ClaireKann

Title: Looking for Love in all the Haunted Places
Author: Claire Kann
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Publication Date: May 21, 2024


This unique story with its slow burn is a mix of both the haunted house sub-genre of horror and romance. Quite an odd and not at all unwelcome pairing which I found intriguing. This is what made me request this book. It tells the story of Lucky, who has some supernatural gifts that have essentially isolated her from any family or friends. She finds that these traits may actually help her when she interviews for a spot on a reality tv show set in a haunted house. Her job will be to stay in the house for 30 days and document her experiences. So far, none of the previous
candidates have made it past night three. Lucky is confident that she can handle this assignment with ease. Can she handle the handsome writer/producer and his struggling production company as well? Ghosts are one thing but relationships are quite another.

The main story was fun and rather unique. I’m a huge fan of Daphne DeMaurier’s “Rebecca” so I was hoping for something with a similar feel to it but with romance as well. That wasn’t what this was at all. This book had its own story and its own cast of characters. Unfortunately, it was not that compelling. I liked the idea of the story but the execution was too long-winded with way too much pushed into 400+ pages. The Hennessee House was a great setting that I had a lot of fun imagining with the help of the author’s use of imagery in her writing, but when everything suddenly veered off into another show and a lot of talking between the characters. I wish the story had stayed more focused on the supernatural element in Hennessee House. I found myself growing bored with the whole thing. Not to mention the characters and their individual unlikeability. I had a hard time relating to either Lucky or Maverick. The only character I really liked was 10-year-old Rebel, who was Maverick’s daughter. She leapt off the page with her spunk and passion for her video-making. She reminded me of my own daughter at times. Lucky, however, spent the whole time rubbing me the wrong way. I found her annoying and two dimensional. I found Maverick two dimensional and a little bit whiny. His one redeeming quality was his relationship with Rebel. He was a caring and responsible father, even if that was a little 2D as well. The chemistry between Maverick and Lucky felt forced. They spent so much time having serious conversations about heavy topics that it felt arduous just reading about it. I can’t imagine that pairing would last very long.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to read this book and I hope the author writes more haunted house books. I’d love to see how they would compare to this offering.

I absolutely LOVE Claire Kann's writing.

It's so vivid, I can sense and feel what the characters feel. She also has this way of moving the scenes and characters in such a real life way. It makes me feel like I am watching a quirky, rom com show. So easy to get fully invested in.

The premise of this book is so different and unique, it grabbed my attention right from the start. The paranormal aspects all painted in such a realistic tone, then matched with how she moves the scene and people. This book was an exquisite experience.

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann is currently scheduled for release on May 21 2024. Lucky Hart has a special affinity for the supernatural but almost no one takes parapsychology seriously. She’s estranged from her family, lost her friends, and has been rejected from graduate school. Twice. But her big break finally arrives when she gets insider info about a troubled production company. Every actor on their new show mysteriously quits after spending three nights inside Hennessee House, an old Victorian with a notorious reputation. After scheming her way onto the show to investigate, Lucky meets Maverick Phillips and chemistry instantly crackles between them. He tempts her in ways no one ever has, challenging and supporting her, and making her finally feel seen. Their connection is so palpable everyone notices it–including Hennesee House. Now Lucky and Maverick’s relationship has a challenger: the lonely, sentient house desperate for her undivided attention. As love begins to clash with career, Lucky refuses to choose one over the other because everyone deserves a happily ever after, even houses with haunted hearts. But when all her plans begin backfiring one-by-one, she realizes that if she wants to have it all? She'll have to risk everything.

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places is a very engaging read that had me guessing at both the paranormal mystery and the relationships and where they might go. I enjoyed getting to know Lucky, Maverick, and the rest of the crew. I thought the premise and the slow reveal of several aspects of the story was very well done, and I loved the entire ride. There were a couple moments when I was worried for Lucky's safety- but I was enthralled in figuring out what was actually happening with the house and how this group might find their way. I will be looking for more from this author.

I knew I had to read this book as soon as I read the title! If you know me my favorite holiday is halloween so anything with haunted is right up my alley, then add in the romance? *chefs kiss* I truly adored this book. I loved that it was a quick and fast read. I enjoyed that there was an asexual rep, the main character Lucky. Overall it’s a feel good, well blended, low stakes read and I highly recommend!

I have read lots of really good books this year, but this one simply blew my mind with how amazing it was. So much so that when I finished it at 2am, I immediately had to text several friends about how good it was and begged them to get their own copies. I’ve never done that before, but this book was worth it.

Lucky isn’t just your average ghost hunter. In fact, she has no interest in ghosts at all! However, she is pretty interested in Hennessy House—the quaint haunted house that has already scared off the three previous caretakers. In hopes of studying the house more (and possibly earning some money for future parapsychological research) she signs up for a paranormal show, only to be surprised when she learns that she will be working with Maverick, a single dad and another paranormal celeb who prides himself on bringing other people’s stories to life.

I won’t give anymore of the plot away because you REALLY should read if for yourself, but I will share some of the other things that has earned it a spot on my “always recommend” list.

First, the representation! Not only is there racial representation (our FMC and MMC are both black) but there is also asexual representation. I’ll admit that I am not as familiar with the spectrum of asexuality and how it plays a part in an individual’s life and/or personal relationships as I probably should be, but this book definitely helped me understand more than I had before. That alone makes this book worth the read.

If you still need to be convinced to give this book a chance, perhaps you’ll enjoy the slow, realistic development of a healthy relationship with respected boundaries. It was so refreshing! So many romance books are driven by drama and misunderstandings, but this was pretty much the total opposite. If you hate the miscommunication trope, this book is for you. Sure, our couple isn’t perfect, but they also know how to work together to see the other’s perspective and create compromises when necessary. The mutual respect is just top tier. If only all real life relationships were handled so well.

Beyond the romantic storyline, the whole thing is wrapped up in a fantastic mystery that keeps you guessing all the way to the end. I loved that this wasn’t a ghost-hunter-esque, yelling at the walls type of haunted story. It was almost…academic? Lucky is legitimately studying and trying to understand the reasoning for the haunting, not just trying to catch something on camera. And I haven’t even touched on Lucky’s special talent! But you’ll have to read the book to discover that one :)

Overall, I believe this book deserves to be a bestseller. The storyline is amazing, the writing is fantastic, and it has so much to offer the romance community. I’m begging you: READ THIS BOOK. It will be worth it.

Now, if you excuse me, I’m going to go read everything else Claire Kann has written!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley (part of Penguin Group) for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was such a fun romance to read. The main character’s journey of strengthening herself and learning to love was beautiful. Although the book was about a haunted house it wasn’t by any means scary. It was captivating from the start. The banter was both fun and intelligent with all the characters. This book was beautiful and different than most romance reads because it wasn’t just about a girl falling in love with someone but also falling more in love with herself and her strength. READ THIS!!!

Unfortunately, I could not connect with the characters or story. This book seems like a fun read that will be enjoyed by a lot of people, but it wasn’t for me.

I really enjoyed Claire Kann’s last book so I was excited to pick this one up. Love the idea of a romance centered around a haunted house as well. I liked this! The cast of characters were fun. The story was entertaining and I liked Lucky and Maverick together. I’m always happy to see ace rep in romance novels as well.

I didn’t LOVE it but I liked it and enjoyed the book and I would recommend it to most of my other romance reader friends!

“𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘦, 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘺.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this fantastic ARC in exchange for an honest review. When I first saw this ARC, everything about it immediately caught my eye and I just had to get my hands on it. Lucky is all things charismatic, intelligent, and flirty with very unique abilities (ESP). It was really interesting to see how Lucky’s abilities worked along the way with her investigations of the house and people. I loved how different this was in terms of paranormal and romance meshed together. It felt well balanced and everything made sense where I felt like it could happen even in the real world. I enjoyed the concept of the haunted house and appreciated that not every haunted thing is necessarily bad, it can be almost human-like with feelings.

Maverick and Lucky’s romance was also very sweet and though there is a lot of slow burn chemistry between the two, I appreciated that the author explained Lucky being asexual and how her personal thoughts and feelings came into play in the relationship because of it. I think it’s a great introduction to those who don’t know as much about the asexual community and how every experience is different. Her relationship with Rebel, Maverick’s daughter, is also gold. I loved seeing Rebel’s admiration for Lucky blossom and how well the two worked together. All characters had heartwarming relationships that were of true understanding and support. Thank you again to NetGalley and Claire Kann for this wonderful arc. Keep your eyes peeled for May 21st when this lovely book comes out!

⋆⋆⋆⅔

one thing i really loved about this book is that the fmc, lucky, was very much humanized(?) personalized(?) not sure of the correct word, but she was not a walking archetype, which is something rare for a woman in a romance focused book. the love interest, maverick, on the other hand, had zero personality outside of being a nice guy who loved lucky, a single father, and just the right amount of trauma to create conflict to move the plot forward. but he's a man, so who cares about him anyway. the other characters were also nothing memorable, but rebel was adorable in the way of children in single parent romances. and xander was just [redacted] in a wig, so of course i loved him.

the romance was a bit loopy to me, considering the contract, and thus the book, was basically 30 days long(???) like no way you're this much in love already... but aside from this, they're definitely the most sane, most mature couple i've come across in fiction. they always articulate their feelings, almost never any ridiculous arguments or goofy miscommunication plots, (okay, this is a lie, maverick is a man after all so what do we expect. but lucky's perceptive ability made up for it.) and you can see that they really are made for each other. just. how did this happen in a month.

the haunted house plot, i liked, but it felt like it was fighting for attention with the romance plot, and neither were really winning. it would have been better as its own book, i think.

but overall, it was an interesting read. thank you to netgalley for the arc.

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann
Narrator: Zenzi Williams
Rating: 3 stars
Pub date: 5/21

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing for my early copy and to PRH Audio for my complimentary audiobook.

Lucky Hart, armed with her special ESP talent, jumps headfirst into the world of paranormal investigation when she spots a chance to crack the case of a haunted production company. What made this especially interesting is the story’s cool, scientific take on all things spooky, with Lucky's methodical approach to the supernatural adding an extra layer of intrigue.

I really liked the asexual representation, the paranormal element, and all of the supporting characters. Lucky herself is an interesting character, oozing confidence even in the face of some serious scrutiny about her talent.

While I enjoyed so much about the story, the one thing that held me back from really loving it was the romance between Lucky and Maverick. It seemed to come out of nowhere, and I never felt any romantic chemistry between them before they declared themselves a couple.

Zenzi Williams is a new-to-me narrator, and I loved listening to her soothing voice throughout this story. She really brought all of the characters to life.

Despite a few bumps in the road, "Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places" is an entertaining and slightly spooky story that's perfect for anyone who enjoys the paranormal.

Read this if you like:
•asexual rep
•haunted houses
•slow burn

The premise of this one was so fun. It was slow at time for me but overall enjoyable. Thank you PRH for ALC

An asexual woman with ESP agrees to stay in a haunted house for thirty days for a tv show, the last thing she expects is to find romance, a new pet cat, and the possible funding for her degree in parapsychology... that is if she can even last more than three nights compared to all the other caretakers who left before her. Lucky Hart has a special affinity for the supernatural yet parapsychology is a very small field and no one takes the field seriously. She wants to make it in this field and desperately wants funding. After being rejected from her grad school twice, she finally gets a chance when she gets info about a production company trying to find a new contestant for their semi-reality show called The Caretaker, in which a contestant has to stay inside the haunted Hennessee House for 30 days. The previous caretakers couldn't stay more than three days before the hauntings became too much. Lucky knows if she gets the job it'll finally be her big break, whether to prove the house is haunted or just get an investor. When she begins staying there she meets Maverick, someone she's adored and soon finds herself falling for him, yet being asexual in a relationship is something new for her. Not to mention she's also beginning to realize the way the house is haunting people. Can Lucky figure out the mystery of Hennessee House and her own relationship? Let me start off by saying I loved the way asexual rep was explored in this story and discussed. The romance was a bit insta love for me but I didn't mind it as much. The story itself was a bit slow in parts and lagging in others. It very much was a slow cozy romance read and I think it would be a great one for people to pick up during spooky season. It's as if Hallmark made a book, thats the best way I would describe this book. It's not bad but it just felt a bit slow for me and dragged on at certain parts. I would recommend it but I also think it could have been better. Overall, yes add this to your spooky season tbr for a soft slow romance with asexual rep.

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I loved this haunted house so much - I definitely need more of the history! It was a major draw for me. And I want more!
The topic of asexuality could have used some work. I loved the secondary character's support and encouragement. Honestly the romance worked as a slow burn better than an ace character.

DNF at 34%. Another miss for Claire Kann. I think I’ve realized that while I like her straightforward contemporary romances, if she tries to add extra bells and whistles, like this time with the paranormal element, it just doesn’t work. And the pacing was just too slow.

I wanted this book to move a LOT faster than it did, yet slow down at the same time. The characters were hard to get attached to and the story felt somewhat disjointed.

Really enjoyed this read. Lighthearted, funny, and full of love in unexpected places with a little bit of mystery. I loved the mfc and her journey with having ESP. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a good book with a strong female lead that has a little bit of everything!