Haunted

Don’t tell CCJ this, but I danced around Haunted for over a year because I could not wrap my head around how she could possibly write a paranormal romance that I would enjoy.  I devoured everything else she wrote with no question, but just couldn’t motivate myself to touch this one.  It wasn’t until she had a holiday special that I decided to give it a go …

Now, I’m mad at myself. I could have enjoyed Haunted so long ago!  This is both a credit to the author for being versatile and to the story itself.  I literally could not put this down – I’m talking standing in the checkout line at the grocery store to figure out what happened next!

Khalida is content with her career managing a nightclub inside a trendy hotel.  She’s successful in her role and has the enduring love of her younger sister.  But something’s been off around her, and what started as the odd reflection of a man’s eyes in her windows at night are instead the start of her journey in unveiling of the truth about her identity.  The mysterious man whose presence she senses is Aram, a new investor in the hotel she works for.  His presence is at once unnerving, alluring, confusing, and familiar.

What I liked most about Haunted is that its romance really drives the story and the paranormal aspects of it don’t take away from it. Khalida starts the book dating the hotel manager, Travis, albeit with a sense of underwhelm. Travis is both self-serving, unafraid to flaunt Khalida to entice Aram’s investment.  Khalida can’t seem to get herself to a point where she’s willing to give Travis more of her heart — or time, for that matter — and she’s finding it harder to stomach their fruitless relationship.  Aram’s entry presents an opportunity to inject passion into her life and gives her the grounding she’s missed.  The two have striking chemistry, and their love scenes are sensual and satisfying.

I initially expected to have to fumble around the “fantasy” aspects of the story, but was impressed that they flowed nicely with the plot.  The paranormal aspects of the story start early on in the book, but they’re integrated subtly and unfold bit by bit as you continue. I liked this because while it was a significant part of the plot, it wasn’t just dropped in your lap without context and never felt forced.

Again, I admit the error of my ways. I truly enjoyed Haunted  and sincerely hope the CCJ revisits these characters soon. I’d love to hear more about Khalida and Ancelin’s journey through time.  The teaser references to different time periods has me intrigued and definitely wanting more.