As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

REVIEW: Harrowed – Irene Preston & Liv Rancourt

Harrowed - Irene Preston & Liv Rancourt - Haunts & Hoaxes

Genre: Paranormal, Romance

LGBTQ+ Category: MM Bi, Gay

Reviewer: Maryann

Get It On Amazon

About The Book

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.

The Review

Noel Chandler and Adam Morales have only begun a somewhat fragile relationship.  Sometimes things seem to go alright, but then they’re stumbling through all kinds of thoughts and feelings. Both have concerns about what they say to one another, jealousy, guilt, and the fear of being left alone.  

Adam’s investigation has taken him to Natchitoches and the Magnolia Plantation for a “Haunts & Hoaxes” episode. On his return, Adam heads straight to Noels’ place, but he has something on his mind. He had a strange experienced at the plantation and he wants Noel to go back with him.

Noel reluctantly agrees. He’s already had an eerie experience at a cemetery and has been questioning his own sanity. 

Adam has always kept Noel’s experiences a secret, and he wants to keep Noel safe.  With their own personal issues and insecurities raising their ugly heads and small town citizens that have their own tales to tell, the pair works to solve the mystery of Marie and Valsin, a local legend. 

I like what Irene Preston and Liv Rancourt created in this sequel to “Haunted”.  They meld mystery, historical content, paranormal aspects and the flawed relationship of Noel and Adam into an intriguing story. It’s the break out story for Noel, as he really starts to let his paranormal abilities and investigative skills take over, becoming more open to the supernatural.  

I highly suggest reading “Haunted” first – episode one of the “Haunts & Hoaxes” series – as it gives a more in-depth look at Noel Chandler and Adam Morales.

I hope there’s an episode three in the works.  I would really like to see what Preston and Rancourt have in store for Noel and Adam in the heart of New Orleans.

The Reviewer

Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California.  Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018.  My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen.  New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.

I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.

My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012.  She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series.  Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book! 

As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.

My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing.  I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.

I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews.  One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group.  Joining her site was such an eye opener.  I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.

But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.