Reviewed by Cheryl K
TITLE: Harrowed
SERIES: Haunts and Hoaxes #2
AUTHOR: Irene Preston & Liv Rancourt
PUBLISHER: Prescourt Books
LENGTH: 217 Pages
RELEASE DATE: October 15, 2020
BLURB:
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.
REVIEW:
I love a good mystery, that also incorporates a burgeoning romance. This book is the second in the Haunts and Hoaxes series and can be read independently of the first book in the series or the series, these characters where spun off of – Hours of the Night.
I enjoyed this book as it delves into our main characters world’s and how Noel and Adam are growing as a “couple”. This book features a lot more of what drives the guys, to be the way they are. Noel is trying to come to terms with his gift and Adam is trying to trust and have faith in Noel. After filming a segment for his tv show, Adam comes across an anomaly; that may shed more light on Noel’s gift. But the town, this anomaly occurs in, is not to pleased with this new development. As Noel and Adam delve deeper, they discover this mystery to be more of a ghost story, that needs resolving, than just a paranormal event. As Noel comes to terms with his gift, he needs to be open and honest with Adam. But as with all budding romances, the green-eyed monster, jealousy, makes an appearance. Which leads to makeup sexy times for our couple.
The worldbuilding and character development is better and much deeper in this book, than the first in this series. I especially loved, how the authors incorporated the new discipline of forensic genealogy into this story line. The mystery develops around Marie and Valsin, a black couple from the late 1800’s and what happened to them. As Adam researches the history and lore behind this couple, Noel uses his investigative police skills, including forensic genealogy, to aid in solving the mystery surrounding the couple. But as they get closer to solving the mystery, will Noel and Adam become closer? Will their investigation shed more light on Noel’s gift? Will they find resolution and justice for Marie and Valsin? Well, you need get a copy of this story to find out. I will say, I didn’t see or anticipate how this mystery was going to end. Which always makes me happy, because I don’t like a mystery that I can solve in the first few chapters of a story.
I hope there are more books in this series, and I look forward to following Noel and Adam on their adventures.
RATING: 
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