This book is totally addictive! I’m a huge fan of Kat Martin’s books and she never disappoints.
Eve St. Clair desperately needs help sorting reality from her fearful imaginings when ghostly voices seem to haunt the Victorian house in Sunderland, England, that she inherited from her uncle. Online research leads to a group that claims to offer just the aid she’s seeking. Since the deaths of his wife and daughter, Seattle billionaire Ransom King has devoted himself to researching parapsychology and debunking the frauds who prey upon the bereaved. But Eve is a psychologist herself, clearly sane, and her sincerity is palpable. King senses a very real danger stalking the beautiful divorcée. As his interest in her case turns deeply personal, he will move heaven and earth to uncover the truth—no matter how shocking—and save the woman he loves.
I absolutely loved the story. Since the first chapters, I couldn’t stop reading. It´s definitely a page-turner. Each secondary character has an important role in the plot. Eve and Ran are amazing characters, deep and caring. The chemistry between them is super steamy and I adore the balance between mystery, aghast and romance. The final Author’s Note is a must to fully comprehend the book.
As usual, the writing is flawless and everything well developed. I totally recommended it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book felt divided to me - one part romance and one part ghost story. Dr. Eve St. Clair inherits her uncle's house in England only to discover it is haunted. Unsure what to do, she contacts Ransom King, the owner of Paranormal Investigations. As they research the ghosts that haunt Eve, emotions develop between the two. While I loved the ghost story and historical aspects of the book, I was distracted by the romance. It was too instantaneous for me, especially with the dangerous paranormal activity. To be fair, I haven't read romances for several years. I liked the characters, including the other members of team. I just prefer to read spooky stories.

I would like thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an ARC of the book.

This book isn’t the thriller I was hoping for it was a romantic suspense. That being said I did enjoy the story and the gothic vibes, but I would have liked more ghosts and less romantic drama that didn’t feel particularly realistic to me. Evie has moved into her uncle’s home which she recently inherited and she has fond memories of visiting as a child. Despite her belief that it shouldn’t be happening she sensing a negative spirit in the home. Her research into haunting and the paranormal leads her to Ransom King (this name was a little too much for me) and his small side business (he’s a billionaire) offering help to anyone struggling with the paranormal. I really appreciated the author’s notes about what she took from reality to inspire the more gothic elements of the story. I wasn’t blown away by the romance, but it wasn’t bad. Overall it was a light read that was fun, but not with the thriller or spooky vibes I was truly hoping for. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Having recently finished “The Ghost Illusion” by Kat Martin, I am happy to have had the chance for the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy; thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books!

Unfortunately, this book was not what I was expecting. It was filled with too many romantic moments and not enough of the spooky story that I was anticipating. Yes, there were unexplained phenomena and ghostly apparitions, but the repetitive wardrobe change descriptions and eye color reminders were a constant distraction from the story I thought I had signed up for.

I’ve always enjoyed ghost hunting shows and stories, never truly believing but enjoying the excitement anyway. This story has real elements, based on real events, mixed with a romantic vibe and a mystery. Eve inherited a home in England, scared by the noises and taunts she communicates with an American paranormal team. The team is quick to learn the history of the home and area. More than just documenting events and feelings they desired to help the spirits. The dynamic amongst the team is like a well oiled machine and Eve fits right in. The story definitely pulled me in from the first page and kept me intrigued through the entire book. You don’t need to believe in ghosts and spirits to enjoy it, just get lost in the mystery and adventure. I received an early, review given voluntarily.

Absolutely loved this one! I adored the characters (hated the name Ransom as everytime they called him Ran I read it like the verb and had to think)
The story was so unique and creepy. It kept you guessing while keeping the pace at a breakneck speed. I’m not sure about the random side story of the human trafficking inclusion as I’m not sure of the purpose, but it didn’t take away from the main story much. The atmosphere was wonderfully written. So dark and eerie. This was the perfect late night creepy read. Ghosts and terror … just perfect

With a basis in an actual event, this is an irresistible tale of good versus evil.

After her divorce Eve St. Clair is ready for a fresh start. She takes advantage of the home she recently inherited from her uncle and moves to England. Only, the house isn’t evoking the happy times she remembers there. Instead, the house is enveloped in a much more sinister aura.

Billionaire Ransom King has a made a hobby of researching parapsychology. He and his handpicked team investigate those strange, unexplained occurrences. He’s intrigued when Eve contacts him and his team for help. But he’s not prepared for the heavy malevolence stalking the house. One that seems to have latched onto Eve. Now Ran and his team will need to employ every tool they possess if they hope to defeat the presence.

I’ve enjoyed Kat Martin’s tales of romantic suspense since I first read Against the Wind. Here she’s crafted a compelling mix of romance, mystery and ghost story that pulled me in and wouldn’t let go. I especially liked the mix of characters. From Eve, who isn’t the scared, nervous woman we see in the beginning, but who proves her strength and tenacity time and again. To Zane, the security specialist and unbeliever, who needs to reconcile the incidents he witnesses with his skepticism about the events. I’m thrilled that there are hints throughout the story that there may be more of stories featuring Ransom and his team.

I snagged this on off of Netgalley hoping for a super spooky read into October.

Things I loved: the ghost adventure atmosphere! I really enjoy the story building and history behind the home and the asylum. It definitely adds to the story and makes it multidimensional. Though I didn’t quite understand why it took Ran’s people so long to figure everything out.

Things I could do without: the relationship. It just wasn't for me and I felt it took away from the story. I also wasn’t a fan of the miscommunication trope or how the book ended. also didn't love how Ran took us out of the spooky just as it was getting good. I wish we would have been left in the atmosphere as taking us out left it not as spooky. I also felt the ending was rushed

Thank you to the publisher for gifting me this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I couldn't put my tablet down! I absolutely loved the story and characters. This is the first book I have read by the author, and it won't be my last that is for sure. It was amazing! There is nothing that I didn't like in the book. Like I said I couldn't put my tablet down and finished the book within 24 hours. The story pulled me in, kept me reading and gutted me by the end. I won't give away the story but know that there are some true aspects of it and that is what gutted me. I ended up doing a search about the true parts and I simply sat at my desk with tears rolling down my cheeks.

I love a good ghost story and this one hit all the criteria of what I like. I'm surprised at some of the negative reviews but I have been there where I didn't like a book and others loved it. So I'm going to say to other readers: Don't go by the reviews take a chance on the book because there are more positive reviews than negative, only YOU can read the book and form your own opinion!

Highly recommend!! If you like ghost stories, a romance with sex scenes, and some true aspects to the story then please read this! You won't be disappointed, I hope.

This is like the Hills have eyes meets falling in love with the billionaire and it’s awesome! When Eve St. Clair sends an email to a nonprofit paranormal investigation group it is because she is desperate to get rid of whatever demonic entity that is haunting the house she inherited from her uncle. She is a psychologist and after inheriting the Home in Southerlyn England she left her life in Boston and started a new. Or at least she wants to if only she could get rid of these things haunting her new home. Ransom King is the benefactor for the paranormal agency because he lost his wife and daughter after an accident in which he was driving. After continuously seeing their ghost he wants to know everything there is about the afterlife. When he gets an email from Dr. Saint Clair he agrees him and his team will go to her home and after they start investigating her home is certainly infested and it seems Dr. St. Clair has a bit of empath running through her blood as well but it will be when they move their investigation somewhere else that it becomes dangerous and life-threatening make no mistake with the romance in the story this is a bona fide haunted house mystery where Dr. St. Clair learns more about her family that owned the home and the previous owners not to mention other things that I’m not going to talk about as I don’t want to ruin the book for anyone this is a great book and totally surprise me that it’s by Kat Martin this proves Miss Martin is truly a talented author. I want to thank Kensington books and nec Galley for my free Ark copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

The Ghost Illusion was a beguiling paranormal romance.

Eve St Clair inherits her uncle’s house in England. After a divorce she needs a change of scenery and moves from Boston to England to take up her inheritence. Then the mysterious and supernatural events start happening, as a trained psychologist Eve is worried the events are all in her head. She reaches out for help to Paranormal Investigators led by billionaire Ransom King. Ransom lost his wife and child in a car accident and has been trying to make sense of the tragedy, hence his forming a team to investigate the paranormal. Ransom is immediately drawn to Eve and with his team sets out to find out if she is truly being haunted. Eve and Ransom have a lot of baggage beween them. Can they solve the mystery of what or who is haunting Eve and her house and manage to maybe find a future together? I enjoyed the story and he investigative team were great secondary characters.

I enjoyed this book, nothing beats a good supernatural story, especially in fall. The characters were likeable and the historical aspect of the haunting was interesting.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Kensington Books and the author for the chance to read and review this book.

This is what I would call a paranormal, action-packed, thriller with romance on the side.

Eve St. Clair, is a woman looking for comfort from her past. Ransom King, the billionaire who tragically lost his family, now turned paranormal investigator. A haunted Victorian mansion in England. It just gets more and more interesting and twisted as the story unfolds. This is one I could not put down. There is an interesting cast of characters interwoven with some interesting local history, and elements of dread, excitement, danger, and yes even romance. I would recommend this book to any of you who enjoy a quick compelling read done well.

A suspenseful paranormal mystery reminiscent of ghost stories that I have read before, but with more romance and suspense. Wealthy Ransom King lost his wife and daughter in a car accident and although an accident, he still blames himself for their deaths. If there is an afterlife, he has tried to contact his wife and child. Over time he has established Paranormal Investigations, Inc. He is contacted by a woman in England who believes her home is haunted. He is intrigued and decides to investigate, but his attraction to her was unexpected…he can’t get involved again. Psychologist Dr. Eve St. Clair, inherited the home and often hears voices, children running and men arguing. What could be causing the strange occurrences that continue to become more violent? Will his team, along with a former priest, be able to solve the mystery and rid the house of the spirit? Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end of the book – fascinating! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙶𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝙸𝚕𝚕𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗
𝙺𝚊𝚝 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚗
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

•𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚕 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎
•𝙷𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕 𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗
•𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝚜𝚞𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚎
•𝙷𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚛/𝚐𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚝𝚜/𝚍𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚜
•𝙱𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎

Imagine Ghost Hunters but add in a steamy romance…in the picturesque setting of a small seaside town in England. This is also based on a true, tragic story.

I loved the premise of this book. Psychologist Eve, on the run from a brutal divorce, inherits her family’s old Victorian home and moves across the pond to start fresh. The only problem? She’s clairvoyant and has been seeing / hearing ghosts. Who ya gunna call? 👻👻👻👻

Ransom King, billionaire tech wizard turned ghost hunter, has been chasing demons and ghosts all over the world since his family tragedy. When Eve calls him, he instantly knows he has to help this woman. Will their chemistry help or hinder their goals to rid the house of the spirits trapped there?

Although some of the character development and plot felt shallow, I enjoyed this read. There was added plot holes that didn’t quite fit but worked it’s way out. It was great for spooky season and I was kept up late to try and figure out the ending. It is all based on a true story of the Victoria Hall disaster that occurred in the town of Sunderland in 1883

The Ghost Illusion by Kat Martin

Have you ever heard something go bump in the night? Seen a ghost? Wondered if you were really alone though you knew the house was empty? I have…and so has Dr. Eve St. Clair. This book has thrills, chills, and links to history that made it a fascinating read.

What I liked:
* Eve St. Clair: divorced, moved to England to live in the house she inherited from her uncle, setting up a new psychology practice, very uncomfortable in the house she is living in
* Ransom King: widow, billionaire, owner of Paranormal Investigations located in Seattle, still grieving, would like to know more about what lies beyond
* The Paranormal Investigations team and the parts they played in unearthing the cause of disturbances in Eve’s home and a nearby building
* Wondering if this is the first in a new series as there were characters mentioned that did not have parts in this story and characters that I would like to know more about that were integral to the book
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing that allowed tidbits to be exposed in a timely manner – they drew me in and made me want to know more
* The fact that the story was rooted in history and learning about a tragic event I had never heard of before
* Thinking about what might lie beyond and what happens after death…are there ghosts and entities and demons and such…or…not
* Thinking that there is a way that earthbound spirits, if they exist, might find their way to the light
* That there was closure at the end of the case that left me satisfied but wanting to know what will happen next in the lives of the Ransom, Eve, and the paranormal team

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the side story that had nothing to do with the “haunting” but with evil living human predators

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

4.5 Ghost Illusions👻

Eve moves to a house she inherits after her Uncle passes. Always hearing strange noises and voices, she researches online to find someone who can help her. Ransom King is a billionaire and lost his wife and child in an accident five years prior😢 Suffice to say, in his efforts to get closure for them he starts up a paranormal investigation business to help people with seemingly “unusual” things. However, it soon becomes clear that there is much more to the story and Eve plays a key role in uncovering the truth😇

I really enjoyed this story and I’m hoping we get to see these characters again perhaps❣️I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and willingly leave my honest review❤️‍🩹

I liked this book. The characters were very likeable, and the story kept you hooked from the start. Who doesn't want a good ghost story. The writing style was a little unsophisticated, overuse of adjectives and over explainitory in spots. But overall, a good book.

Eve St Clair has inherited a house in England. A haunted house in which the ghosts are not friendly. Eve was never a believer but the incidents of unexplained events are growing and becoming more and more dangerous.

Ransom King survived a car accident in which his wife and daughter were killed. He now dedicates a portion of his time and fortune to exposing frauds who would extort money under false "exercisms" of ghosts and ghouls.

When Eve requests help, Ransom will send a crew to her home to evaluate her claims. And the story takes off from there. This is a physcological thriller with some romance thrown in. The story moves quickly and the clues are scattered throughout the chapters, you just have to figure out which ones will tell you how the story ends and it's not an easy solve.

After inheriting a Victorian home from her Uncle, Eve St. Claire relocates from Boston to England. As a child, she spent many happy weeks in this house and thinks this will be a good move for her. When odd noises, children running, and other creepy things begin happening, she contacts a company that looks into paranormal activity.

When his wife and daughter were killed in an accident, Ransom King begins delving into the paranormal. He wants to know his family is safe 'on the other side'. As a very wealthy man, Ran has sunk money into a company that investigates other worldly incidents. When he gets an e-mail from Eve, he is intrigued.

Ran and his group of spooky sleuths descend on the house where Eve is living and almost immediately believe something is up. They hear the same noises. When a Priest is brought in to do an exorcism, the scare ramps up and people begin getting hurt.

I'm not a usual reader of paranormal stuff, but I do love Kat Martin's writing style. This was part paranormal and part romance, so I'd label it Romantic Suspense rather than a Thriller. Perfect for an October book club selection with all of the paranormal and spooky happenings!

I picked this book up because the blurb said “a twisty, page-turning thriller with a touch of horror” and mentions an old Victorian house and ghosts. Sounds good, but what I failed to realize was that this is more likely what’s called a paranormal romance. Yes, there were a few nice ghosts and an evil spirit, but also lots of repetitious cheesy sex scenes (smoldering gazes, body heating, nipple hardening, groin tightening, etc.). Plus way too many of the main character’s clothing descriptions. I didn’t really need to know if she wore a pink shirt with blue slacks, yellow fleece, a red sweater with beige skirt, black stretch pants and white silk blouse, or whatever, every time she (often) changed clothes . . . in her “feminine pink bedroom.” Anyway, the author appears to be a popular, prolific writer and for readers who like romance stories, this probably isn’t a bad book. I just wish the promotional blurbs were not so misleading.