Member Reviews
Jenny Spencer knows that there is something going on at the hotel but she doesn’t believe that it is ghosts. But she needs to figure it out before she losing anymore visitors. So when Cain Barrett the owner of the Grandview Hotel offers her a job helping to finish his hotel. She agrees but can she fight the past? Cain has always had a soft spot for Jenny since high school but he let her down. Will she be willing to forgive him for standing her up all those years ago? Jenny knows that they have crossed the line of just working together & now someone is out to make them pay. But who wants them dead? Will they be able to find the person before it is too late? Will they be able to find what they have been missing for all these years? A good read. Interesting characters & town. Jenny is a strong independent woman that wants to do whatever is needed to keep her uncle’s legacy alive. But she has been hurt badly before & is wary of getting too involved with Cain. Cain thinks he knows what he wants he has built himself a successful company and become a fair respectful man. But can he move forward from the past for good? Will he break down the walls that Jenny has around her heart?
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.
I loved this book so much! The only thing I didn’t get was why it was marked as a horror book. It really isn’t a horror. It is a romance thriller novel. Most of the story is developing a relation between the MFC and the MMC. Yes there was som spooky stuff happening through out but in my opinion it was mainly a romance. I did really like the duel mysteries that were taking place. One personally for the MMC and the one for the MFC as well. I loved the character development as the story progressed and I loved the world that was created this was an amazing read!
I've always enjoyed Kat Martin's book with the Blood Ties series being a favorite. With that said, for me, the Blood Ties series represents the gold standard (or the 5 star standard.) This book is a solid 4 to maybe 4.2 because I did enjoy it mostly but a few things did not ring true to me.
Let's start with what I liked. The paranormal aspect with ties to the "haunted past" was a nice addition to the book and added a bit of a twist that stayed strong throughout the pages. We had multiple villains along the way and some were obvious and others unexpected. The side romance was very sweet and led to a truly heroic moment. I think I liked the side romance a bit more.
Jenny can be a great strong willed character but sometimes she acts so silly. If something big happens at the business you own then sure you should bail on your employees and go off with the hot guy. He was a skosh overbearing. There is a different between a strong man and a bossy man and he leaned a little too far to bossy.
The romance burned hot from almost the start but the physical side took center stage first and the love came later. Speaking of first, we had more romance and character development before the mystery really ramped up. The mystery is pretty good with multiple twists and multiple horrible people running around. The story of what happened to the poor horse was sad and horrible. The horse was not responsible for what our villain felt was a slight but he suffered. It added some emotional resonance to the story.
As a quick aside, Cleo was a good quirky character and Nell was a fabulous addition to the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
As a huge fan of Romantic Suspense, I was delighted to read this meaty and expertly plotted book.
I love 3rd person POV and it's becoming less and less popular so I was delighted to read it here.
This really read in a lot of ways like an early 2000s book, and that will make it the best thing ever or very out of place for others.
I received an advance reader's copy of Haunted by Kat Martin from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I quite enjoyed the book and it made a tedious morning at the airport fly by while I read. There was action, intrigue, and chemistry. The characters were fairly well-crafted, the pace of the novel was mostly steady, and there were some surprises. Definitely worth reading.
A mix of ghostly encounters that makes you curious & emotions that make people do crazy things. Cain & Jenny have combustible chemistry that sizzles. Suspenseful story that has many things coming at the characters while they battle a heavy dose of lust that turns into more. Alot of history learnt. An enjoyable read. Honest review
Jenny Spencer's Copper Star Saloon and Hotel in Jerome, Arizona, is reputed to be haunted, much like the entire town, which was once a notorious mining town. Cain Barrett, the affluent proprietor of the nearby Grandview Hotel, frequents the Copper Star Saloon during his hotel's renovation.
Remembering Jenny from high school, he's keen on initiating a romantic pursuit. Meanwhile, Jenny has reopened a section of her hotel previously shut down by her uncle. With the occurrence of bizarre events and a murder in room 10, the situation seems to spiral. Determined, Jenny delves into the hotel's ancient journals for clues and enlists Cleo, a friend of Cain's grandmother, to exorcise the ghost. As Cain and Jenny grow closer, trust becomes pivotal if they are to elevate their relationship.
Another great book by Kat Martin. This one has a ghost of the past interfering with characters of the present. Likable primary and secondary characters.
I could not put this story by Kat Martin down. From beginning to end the ghost story will pull readers in wondering if its true what they say about Jerome Arizona or is someone trying to boost tourism. The characters are likeable, and readers are able to connect with them right away. The story is fast paced, and the romance is well blended into the story.
I have been disappointed with a few of Kat Martins stories, but this one is perfectly Kat Martin.
This is the perfect relax by the pool read for your summertime reading.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Haunted by Kat Martin.
This was my first romance thriller and it did not disappoint! Fast paced and I couldn't put it down! I read it in 2 days! Going to go look at Martin's backlist now!
Haunted is a modern day western love story with plenty of hauntings to boot. Jerome Arizona, an old mining town, has many stories of ghosts from the past when mining was at its worst for those who survived, or not. In modern day Jerome, Jenny Spencer, heir to her uncle’s Copper Star Saloon and Hotel, is watching the costs that the opening of a previously closed section of the hotel incurred. There are strange events in the newly opened section, sounds and ghostly images and a death causing a lot of concern. Cain Barrett, wealthy owner of the Grandview Hotel, asks for her advice on his upcoming grand opening. It’s a great opportunity for Jenny to add additional support funds for her business. Of course they are also both quite drawn to each other. Haunted with mystery, romance, suspense, ghosts, interesting plot, great characters, along with Jerome Arizona history makes for a very enjoyable Kat Martin read. Thank you Kensington and NetGalley for the ARC..
5 ghostly stars ★
Living her entire life in a town that’s been named the “Wickedest town of the west” has taught Jenny Spencer that bad things happen and ghost sightings are a common event in Jerome. She’s determined to succeed as the sole owner of the Copper Star Saloon and Hotel, however, when murder happens in the new wing of the hotel and strange noises start to be reported by guests of said wing, she knows she has to do something or her hard work will be for nothing. Here enters Cain Barrett, owner of the Grandview hotel, which is under restoration, he’s been watching and wanting Jenny for a long time, seeing her in trouble is the wake up call he needs to step up and try to help her solve what's happening at the Copper Star.
With ghost sightings, chains been rattled in the hallway, and a piano (that isn’t there) playing in the middle of the night, Jenny and Cain must face the fact that ghost are real and the Copper Star is truly Haunted, the bonus being the murder in room 10, which turns out it is not the first time this place has seen violence. Robbery, shootings and rowdy customers are only the tip of the iceberg in their quest to find the truth about the events at the Copper Star and who or what is behind everything trying to put Jenny out of business.
Mrs Martin has outdone herself once more: with each description of the supernatural events, she manages to make goosebumps appear on the reader's skin as well as create the necessity to keep reading until the very end. There’s not a dull moment in the story: there’s always a new development that intertwines the plot, putting our heroine and hero in danger and showing them that, in order to solve what’s actually happening, they’ll have to trust each other and keep each other safe. The road won’t be easy, however, the reward may be worth it.
***Disclaimer: I’ve applied and received this book as an ARC via NetGalley and this is my honest review***
I love a ghost story. Kat Martin really made it come to life. Pun intended. Cain is a very strong man and Jenny is very happy about that in more than one way. It was fun to read about what was real and what was not.
I love a good ghost story. This had me on the edge. It was a little mushy at some points though. Jennie inherited a saloon from her Uncle. It has some really good ghost stories and come to find out. There were journals where customers could write down their experiences from staying in the hotel.
Cain who came into money from mining purchased a hotel as well. That hotel had it's own history. Jennie found that out first hand.
That saying bad things happen in 3's! Well I think in Cain's and Jennie's case it was more than 3 combined.
They stuck through it though, seemed like people or ghosts might have tried to come between then. Their bond is strong. That is where it got mushy for me.
Any how, great book. This is my 2nd read by Kat Martin. I can't wait to read more of her other work.
This book was a delight! Right from the get-go, the opening chapter snagged my curiosity with its blend of mystery and paranormal romance. The ghostly tales woven throughout were a hoot, perfectly tickling my fancy for the supernatural—even with a few spine-chilling moments thrown into the mix. The characters were likable enough, though they didn't quite steal my heart. I rooted for their romance without being swept off my feet. Overall, it was a breezy read with a satisfying conclusion. Ghosts, intrigue, and love—a trifecta of fun. Who could ask for anything more?
I enjoyed this book. The ghost stories make it fun and spoke to my curious nature on that subject even if there were some scary things happening. I like the main characters Cain and Jenny but I didn’t love them. I was invested in their love story but I wasn’t over the moon. Still it was a good easy read and I was happy with the ending.
This was a fun easy book to read. It has ghosts, murder and romance. What more could a person as for? Kat Martin is a great story teller and I've loved her books for years. This one fit right in with her others. I loved it!
Jenny Spencer's Copper Star Saloon and Hotel in Jerome, Arizona, is reputed to be haunted, much like the entire town, which was once a notorious mining town. Cain Barrett, the affluent proprietor of the nearby Grandview Hotel, frequents the Copper Star Saloon during his hotel's renovation. Remembering Jenny from high school, he's keen on initiating a romantic pursuit. Meanwhile, Jenny has reopened a section of her hotel previously shut down by her uncle. With the occurrence of bizarre events and a murder in room 10, the situation seems to spiral. Determined, Jenny delves into the hotel's ancient journals for clues and enlists Cleo, a friend of Cain's grandmother, to exorcise the ghost. As Cain and Jenny grow closer, trust becomes pivotal if they are to elevate their relationship.
I HAVE THOUGHTS.
Hmm...where to start? The first chapter drew me in, made me curious as to how this mystery/paranormal romance was going to play out. Unfortunately, that feeling didn't last.
To be honest, I almost DNF'd after the *pauses to check notes* NINTH reference in 9 pages of text to someone's weight. I mean, really? And all of those references were about only one character! Ms. Martin clearly has some thoughts about people in larger bodies, for example, Heather, who is "a nice girl, a little overweight but working on it". It was just entirely unnecessary. The fat-phobic comments made me dislike the author. I may not read her work again. I don't remember this kind of commentary in her earlier work, so I don't know what happened.
The romance was ok, only mildly spicy, and how is no one else mentioning how our hero went without a condom, intentionally, without saying anything to our heroine, because he INVESTIGATED HER SEX LIFE AND KNEW SHE WAS ON THE PILL! And he brushes it off as no big deal, which she does concerningly quickly as well. Where is that red flag guy when you need him??
The paranormal aspect had potential, but fell flat for me toward the end. And the reveal of the villains seemed very abrupt and anti-climactic.
I didn't rate the editing errors, like Clyde becoming Clive for a sentence, but hopefully they catch those types of things before publishing. Those are the least of their problems, though, in my opinion. The premise was there, but the execution was shallow and lacked development. Maybe there would be room for more story development if we took out all the weight references? Just a suggestion.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Loved this book, complete with a strong hero, unexplained incidents in old saloons and hotel rooms. Even attempts at murder. Can we say, a truly ghostly read! Have fun
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you for allowing me to read