Haunted started off really well and drew me in immediately. It had a lot of promise.
However, it didn't live up to it for me.

Jenny and Cain were reasonably likable, but their relationship was extremely cheesy. Their interactions were very unrealistic.
The way most of the characters spoke and acted didn't seem natural either, it was all very wooden.

Unfortunately, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

2 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley, Kensington Publishing, and Kat Martin for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There is a lot going on in Haunted. It has something for everyone. Ghosts, thievery, romance and lots of mystery.
While trying to solve all of these happenings, we learn some of the history of Jerome.
Jenny and Cain work well together.
I really enjoyed reading this, very entertaining.
Many thanks to Kensington and Kat Martin for the chance to read and review this one.

HAUNTED by Kat Martin
I enjoyed this story! Kat Martin has sure put a different spin on the old west saloon and hotel. Cain and Jenny are a very intriguing couple. I couldn’t put this down. This book has plenty of mystery, steam, and even great secondary characters. I will definitely keep reading Kat’s books. This is 5 stars.

This is a spine-tingling romantic thriller. When real estate agent Megan buys an old mansion, she discovers it’s haunted by dark secrets and a restless spirit. With the help of a private investigator, they unravel a mystery that ties past and present together. Suspenseful and packed with romance!

After reading the blurb, I was not expecting to enjoy this story as much as I did. I was afraid it was going to be cheesy with ghosts and stuff. This far exceeded my expectations. Jenny & Cain are amazing. This story sucked me in from the beginning and didn't let go. Well done.

I loved this book so much! I’m a huge fan of Kat Martin’s books and she never disappoints.
Jenny Spencer’s Copper Star Saloon and Hotel is one of the best-loved attractions in the popular tourist destination, but strange occurrences in the newly renovated wing are souring business. Cain Barrett, the wealthy owner of the nearby Grandview Hotel, has his eye on Jenny. He’ll help her any way he can, but Cain has problems of his own . . .A brutal murder at the Copper Star, entries in a dusty journal, and ghostly sightings at both hotels . . . is the connection a figment of Jenny’s imagination, or a threat to her life? And who is causing trouble for Cain?
As they work together to solve the mystery, Cain vows not to let anything, or anyone—living or dead—stand between him and the woman he has come to love.
I absolutely loved the story. Since the first chapters, I couldn’t stop reading. It´s definitely a page-turner. Jenny and Cain are amazing characters, deep and caring. So hot together! The chemistry between them is super steamy and I adore the balance between mystery, aghast and romance. I was totally engaged with Jerome’s ghost’s stories and its dark past from the beginning. There are great secondary characters and I really enjoyed knowing them.
As usual, the writing is flawless and everything well developed. I totally recommended it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a great spooky book that wasn't too crazy for me. I enjoyed every minute listening to Jack Garrett narrate. I loved the ghost mystery that surrounds Jenny's Copper Star Saloon and how Cain learns that maybe he is a man to settle down with one woman after all.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 24 September 2024

A mining town in Arizona full of ghosts is the background for this suspenseful romance.
Im a huge fan of a good ghost story. Even better when there is truth behind legends. This was a mix of a mystery and crazy things happening that will definitely have you on edge. I’ve been waiting for this one and whatever comes next from this author I’m so there.

The mining town of Jerome, Arizona is a tourist attraction made popular by tales of ghost sightings. Jenny Spencer is a strong, hard working woman, owner of the Copper Star Saloon and Hotel, the most popular place in Jerome. She's fine on her own. She doesn't not looking for a relationship.

Cain Barrett is a self made man, owner of the luxury hotel just outside of town. A loner by nature, he was drawn to Jenny the first time he saw her. Cain is more of a one night stand kind of guy. When strange things begin happening at the Copper Star, Cain realizes he'll do whatever it takes to protect Jenny - and, wary as she is, Jenny just might let him,

I loved the combination of Cain and Jenny. They are two head strong, stubborn people struggling to handle feelings they don't quite know what to do with. Jenny is afraid to let Cain in. And Cain doesn't quite know how to handle the depth of these new feelings. When the strange occurrences at the Copper Star turn dangerous, Cain finds his protective nature is battling with Jenny's need for room to be herself. Their exchanges are witty and fun. But it's the description of the characters' inner musings and thoughts that really reveal how they are feeling.

Though this has all the mystery and suspense I've come to expect from Kat Martin, but with a bit less intensity. Instead, this is an enjoyable, engaging story of ghostly goings on that is perfect reading for the season.

I received an early copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. This book is well written and the characters are well described. This book is fast paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat from the first page. I absolutely enjoyed the main characters Jenny and Cain. I really enjoyed this author’s writing style, I would highly recommend reading it to anyone and everyone. This book is in stores for $28.00 (CAD)

It's 1898 in Jerome, Arizona where violence and prostitution are rampant. A murder of a prostitute is just a footnote until we fast forward to 2024 where strange things are happening at the Copper Star Saloon and Hotel.  Can it be ghosts from the past? or something else.  Cain Barrett and Jenny Star are determined to solve this mystery. 
After the spine-chilling beginning, it's almost a relief as Jenny and Cain pursue a scratch the itch relationship.  A very wealthy Cain might be pursued by some beautiful women, but he's settled his attention on Jenny. Will this develop into something more long term? only time will tell.  Things might be going smooth on the relationship front but it's soon obvious that something is going on. 
Cain's very expensive racehorse is kidnapped, and it seems to be very personal especially when the valuable animal is returned mutilated. In the meantime, a motorcycle gang is threatening Jenny, and a murder occurs in her hotel and there are other ghostly sightings in her hotels that are scaring her customers.
Determined to get to the bottom of things, Cain engages a PI and a bodyguard. The story that evolves from that point on will sweep you up and keep you reading into the dark of the night even as the hair stands up on your arms and you don't want to turn off the light.
After the somewhat scary beginning, I settled down and thoroughly enjoyed both the romance and the suspense.

I liked the romance of Jenny and Cain and the mystery itself and all the different facets of what each had going on at their respective hotels. I’m not a big fan of paranormal, but this story had the right amount for me even if I do think the resolution of that aspect was quick and almost an afterthought.

The one thing I did not enjoy about this book was the description of heavy women characters. Jenny was Jenny and Summer was Summer, but introduce Cleo and every description included how large she is and several mentions that she may break the furniture. It was odd and unnecessary to the story.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Haunted
Kat Martin




With the title Haunted, I expected something a bit different than what I read. That’s not a bad thing, just unexpected.

The book which takes place in the Copper Star Saloon & Hotel in Jerome, Arizona, starts off with a scene from 1898. Then we meet Jenny Spencer, the modern day owner, manning the bar. We have two main characters and two supporting characters that are so close you’d be forgiven for thinking they are main characters. A lot happens in this book, not just with Jenny and Cain but also with Dylan, Jenny’s brother, and Summer, her best friend. As I don’t wish to include spoilers I will say no more.

Personally I would call the first chapter a prologue, as it takes place in 1898. I had the fun of reading this in September, with the book being set in October. I quite enjoyed being in the correct holiday season. Haunted is 42 chapters and an epilogue, no recipes, book club questions or any other frivolities. Ms. Martin does include a note about the historical factual accuracy of the town of Jerome.
Upon reflection, this is how I can best describe Haunted for a fellow newbie to Ms. Martin’s works.
Think of it this way, not as much paranormal as a Heather Graham Krewe book but with a wholesome romance similar to an early Judith McNaught. A good book with an okay story. 3****
This book is two in a Ghost Trilogy. The first book is The Ghost Illusion. I did not read book one as I was originally unaware it was a trilogy.



Thank you to Netgalley, Ms. Kat Martin, and the publisher for the ARC.

I am a Kat Martin fan. In 1898 - Robbery, prostitution, and violence are commonplace in the fabulously rich copper mining city of Jerome, Arizona. A brutal murder sets the stage for a series of strange events that will affect the future.

In 2024 - Jenny Spencer’s Copper Star Saloon and Hotel is one of the best-loved attractions in the popular tourist destination, but strange occurrences in the newly renovated wing are affecting business.
Cain Barrett, the wealthy owner of the nearby Grandview Hotel, has his eye on Jenny. He’ll help her any way he can, but Cain has problems of his own .

There is a brutal murder at the Copper Star, entries in an old journal, and ghostly sightings at both hotels. What is going on?
Cain and Jenny become romatically involved and try to figure out what is going happening.

a murder in 1898 and a murder in 2024, what do they have in common.? I loved the story, read in three afternoons.

Ghosts, evil, romance, and whodunnits. This book goes beyond a story of spirits causing havoc. There are layers of mystery of different types. I enjoyed there being more than one focus on what was going on and solving it. This was my first book by Kat Martin and I truly enjoy her style. An author I won't hesitate to read again.

Jerome, Arizona was once a thriving cooper mill town. In the late 1890's, the town would gain a reputation for lawlessness and a murder in the local hotel would haunt Jerome's history. The town is now a tourist destination famous for the haunted remnants of the former town, including the saloon. When the harmless become harmful, a murder in the saloon will cause comparisons between the past and present. But ghosts can't kill and there are too many other seemingly harmless happenings.

The mystery and it's back story are a good read. There are several examples of overly descriptive and harmful desciptions that made me a little uncomfortable and I've never run into this in a Kat Martin book before.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Trigger Warnings: attempted rape of FMC; off-page animal abuse

What to Expect:
••» Paranormal/Ghosts
••» Mystery Romance
••» Opposites Attract

Having read Kat Martin before, I’ve always enjoyed her romance and mystery stories, especially the real-life history she weaves into her narratives. I always find myself googling the histories. Haunted is no exception, delivering an atmospheric blend of historical intrigue, romance, and the supernatural. Set in the rich mining town of Jerome, Arizona, the story intertwines a century-old murder with present-day hauntings at Jenny Spencer's Copper Star Saloon.

As strange occurrences disrupt her business, Jenny teams up with Cain Barrett, a wealthy hotel owner, to solve the mysteries threatening them both. Martin masterfully combines past and present, keeping readers hooked with suspense, ghostly sightings, and a budding romance.

This book is a treasure trove for fans of romantic suspense—it’s got angst, mystery, murder, and ghosts, along with strong friendships and undeniable attraction leading to a delightful happily ever after. The paranormal twist adds a captivating "haunted past" vibe, keeping things interesting. The villains add great depth to the plot, but it was the side romance that truly stole the show for me. Sweet, heartwarming, and even featuring a heroic moment, it completely won me over.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, Kat Martin, and the Kensington Publishing team for the ARC opportunity.

TLDR: This book got off to a slow start but I was genuinely happy I toughed it out. Looking back, the slow start was needed to build the suspenseful AND romantic tension. Worth the read.

Haunted by Kat Martin delivers an atmospheric blend of historical mystery, romance, and the supernatural. Set in the rich mining town of Jerome, Arizona, the novel intertwines a brutal century-old murder with present-day hauntings at Jenny Spencer's Copper Star Saloon. As eerie occurrences disrupt her business, Jenny finds herself teaming up with Cain Barrett, a wealthy hotel owner, to solve the mysteries that threaten them both.

Martin blends past and present, keeping readers engaged with suspense, ghostly sightings, and an unfolding romance. Haunted is perfect for fans of historical intrigue and ghost stories, with a touch of romance.

Thank you Kat Martin, Kensington Publishing, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Haunted by Kat Martin revolves around Jenny who owns a historic Hotel in town known for its ghostly past and Cain who returns to his hometown and shortly after has his prized horse stolen. Eerie and unexplainable things begin to occur at an alarming rate for the two and the popular tourist destination of Jerome is thrust into chaos when a murder takes place at Jennys hotel.

This was such an easy read and I really enjoyed the setting of the old town and the paranormal aspects. The build up of chemistry between Jenny and Cain was fabulous and believable, and I especially loved their time on Cains ranch. This was a cosy mystery and very solid book.

Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for this ARC. #Haunted #NetGalley