Ghost of a Promise by Kelly Moran – a Review

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Description:
It might be love…but will they survive the night?

The lead investigator for paranormal TV show Phantoms, Jackson Granger, is prepared for any metaphysical encounter—until now. It’s not just the uncanny sense of “coming home” or even his reaction to the fiery redhead who seems to consume his every waking thought. No, it’s that the ghosts are using Jackson and Ava’s attraction to play out a centuries-old tragedy. Heartbreak. Loss. Overwhelming passion. Now Jackson and Ava must determine if they’re sharing something real…or if they’ve been possessed by a love that never died.

Ominous enough? Ava inherits her Great Aunt Lois’ infamous mansion and before she can do with it whatever her heart desires, namely convert it into a B&B, she must solve a two centuries old murder that took place at the estate. What exactly makes it infamous? Curses and ghosts of the lethal variety. If Ava should fail, the inheritance goes to the local historical society as a landmark or worse, a museum. How’s that for motivation? Ghost of a Promise by Kelly Moran was more, so much more, than I expected.

So…who you gonna call? I can hear your singsong chorus/response, thank you! 😉 Phantoms, of course. A hit TV paranormal show that investigates and, purges clean, anything that goes bump in the night. As if that wasn’t helpful enough, Ava must work in close contact, enduring the British accent of, host and lead investigator, Jackson. Oh, the horror! 😀

When Ava and Jackson first meet, déjà vu inexplicably hits them both and that’s only the beginning of a series of fantastical events. The death in question, the murder of Sarah Kerrick, has a “frail connection” to Jackson, but he won’t divulge his lineage unless prodded. Would doors suddenly banging shut, completely unprovoked, be some sort of prompt?!

Having Jackson here may just rile the spirits enough to get your answer.

The story says Sarah fell in love with Peter Trumble, Ava’s ancestor, and theirs was a love to resemble Romeo and Juliet. Perhaps those rumblings (wounds) are trying to seep through…and into Jackson and Ava? Before long, the spirits speak through action — when Jackson and Ava are delving into romantic action. Whether it’s to convey a message or decipher the killer, the animosity is designated at Jackson, supporting the wicked theory that “men especially were targeted and had a record of shortened life spans”. But that niggling, eerie sense of familiarity, despite just meeting, pervades their minds…their memories. It feels symbiotic!

The seduction was steamy and written excellently. Jackson is HOT and swoon-worthy!!! They are a charged, galvanized pair; a fiery, palpable, must-touch-you or stop breathing force. An unrelenting passion that keeps you reading well past lunacy (it’s a time, you know it is). As a fan of paranormal shows, Ms. Moran nailed the investigative tools and vocabulary to extract amazing visuals. My heartbeat raced and I got goose bumps, often, when reading (hearing!) gruff, pounding footsteps or engaging ghostly anomalies. And with like precision, I was assailed by the repeated references to a lavender scent (though undeniably soothing and I happen to be mad for it). Personally, an early Star Wars reference (gets me every time), superhero consideration/conversation during the get-to-know-you stage, and even a nod to their common stature was comforting (some say it represents mutual respect). Two miniscule irks were Ava’s beleaguered resistance (steely resolve, that girl) and the lack of italics or bold font or capitalization to identify spectral communication/POV. Perhaps it’s included in the final publishing? I can only hope.

Having said that, I loved the writing and flow of her storyline, the intriguing subject matters, the ill-fated love story, a precious parallel love story, and the answer we all longed to discover! I tell you: Ghost of a Promise was a thrilling, chilling, compelling, heartrending story. It will no doubt enchant you.  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher