Haunted on Bourbon Street

Allow me to begin by saying that this really isn't normally my type of book. I was intrigued by the promise of a tale of hauntings and huntings - but this is a romance novel as well. So, having registered my general lack of interest in romances - paranormal or otherwise - I must confess that I liked the book and enjoyed the story. Though some of the romance parts were a bit over the top for my taste (perhaps not for someone who is more into it), the story is well written and well imagined. Ms. Chase weaves her own particular spell around the reader even as her characters cast their spells to exorcise the spirits that haunt Bourbon Street. Her characters are well developed and their relationships create empathy with the reader drawing us show more steadily into the story seeking the resolution of the conflict and hoping for their relationships with each other to succeed. Her writing style is easy to read and her story telling piques the reader's interest and gives form to the characters. So, no, I have not become a romance novel convert, but I did find the book to be thoroughly enjoyable and well written. show less

When I first opened HAUNTED ON BOURBON STREET, I thought that I would be reading “just another ghost story”. I could not have been further off the mark. Saying that it is well-written does not do it justice. It is written with such skill so as to make the obvious exciting and the subtle intriguing. Deanna Chase has the incredible ability to weave a story that keeps the reader reluctant to read quickly because of the fear of missing some subtle inter-woven subplot that may be missed. I found myself feeling as if I were a part of the story itself because of Chase’s ability to create characters that come to life on the page. She develops a story which, at its center, is one of sacrifice and of what traits a person must have to be show more willing to even consider making the ultimate sacrifice for another person. On top of that, Chase truly exhibits what the writer’s craft can be when it is used expertly. This first book is worthy of a sequel, which I eagerly await! show less

Oh, I DO love me some N'awlins! And I can say that, cause even though I am in Colorado, I still have that old south in my blood. Deanna takes you there, introduces you to the people and atmosphere, and leads you into a modern day ghost tale that will light up your reading life!

Ghosts, great gal-pals, a sweet romance, this one has all the good stuff. Read! Read! Highly recommended.

paranormal, ghosts, NOLA, friendship, romantic, witches

How could I go wrong? NOLA and the supernatural!
This is the kind of book that I usually want to start a series but too often doesn't show up until after the fourth or fifth and is called a prequel. I haven't read any of the others yet, but this one really sets the stage for some really interesting paranormal happenings. Jade is an empath but only her closest friends are aware of it because it has caused problems in the past. Newly relocated to NOLA, she teaches glasswork at Tulane, works at a coffee bar in the quarter, and is slowly developing new friends and another part time job. And having her dreams invaded by a ghost! Solid characters and a really intriguing plot. Nice show more read!
Turns out that it's been hiding in my TBR pile for longer than I care to admit but now that it was offered on Chirp I actually read it. Gabra Zackman seems perfect as narrator. show less

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and all the characters. The mythology of the paranormal stuff was laid out fairly well and made sense. I really liked the main character but I loved her friends more. The author did a good job with giving each character its own voice and personality which I enjoyed immensely.

The only issue I have is that it seemed that the final confrontation of the "bad guy" was dragged out and was shocked by how much damage he did because there was no hint in the earlier chapters that he was that evil.

I normally don’t read chick-lit but this one caught my eye. I liked the hero, Kane, and most of the secondary characters, but I couldn’t connect with the heroine, Jade.
Jade Calhoun moved to New Orleans for a job and to be closer to her best friend, Kat. When she finds out Kat is now dating her ex-boyfriend, Dan, a rift grows between them. Jade moves into an apartment next door to a strip club and her hunky landlord, Kane, is also the owner/manager of the strip club. His best friend, Pyper, is the owner of the coffee shop on the other side of the apartment building and she’s also a stripper/manager of the strip club.
There are a lot of side characters. Other than Kat, Dan, and Pyper, there’s Charlie (the female bartender), Ian (a show more ghost hunter and Kat’s friend), and some other people. Jade spends a lot of time befriending these people and very little time developing a romance with Kane.
Jade is an empath (a person who can feel and draw on the emotions of others) and most people think she’s a freak, so she keeps this part to herself even when bad things start to happen around her and her friends. This, in essence, put her friends in danger. Jade grows throughout the story, learns to trust her friends and in herself, but I found her a little selfish and self-absorbed. I mean, she often drew on Kane’s emotions but got angry with him when he used his gift on her (he can dreamwalk into people’s dreams). She also flirted with Ian, but had no romantic interest in him. She has feelings for Kane, but won’t tell him and gets jealous when she thinks he’s with someone else. He’s not a sleazy perv, but that’s how she’s pegged him.
When Jade and Kane finally become a couple, they still spend so much time apart. I understand this technically isn’t a romance book, but there was just so little romance between them that their newfound love felt forced to me.
Since this is a continuing series about Jade and her friends, I’m sure the unanswered questions in this book will be answered in the later installments of the series.
3 Stars

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book from Amazon and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion. show less

It's always a fun time when I read books in this universe. I love the book is location New Orleans, it's such a beautiful setting. I love the romance very satisfying to read, I hate when I've gone for romances, or novels that include a romance, and the romantic scenes fall short, but this delivers. There's also a variety of supernaturally empowered people to add a nice flavoring to the world.

My only issue with the book is it was too short, and because it was short, things had to move at a faster pace. This led to things like explanations of powers, or beings, feel on occasion like a drive by info dump, before rushing on with the story.

So, if you are looking for a quick read fun little magical read to lift your spirits, or wet your show more romantic appetite, I highly recommend this book. show less