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Phantoms #1

Ghost of a Promise

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The ghosts of her family's estate on the coast of Maine never troubled Ava Trumble. When she finally inherits the historic mansion, however, there's a small string attached: Ava has exactly one year to solve a 200-year-old mystery of a missing girl, or lose her family's home...

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.

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

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2015

32 people are currently reading
1608 people want to read

About the author

Kelly Moran

58 books1,328 followers

Kelly Moran is an international bestselling author of enchanting ever-afters. She gets her ideas from everyone and everything around her and there's always a book playing out in her head. No one who knows her bats an eyelash when she talks to herself.

She is a RITA® Finalist, RONE Award-Winner, Catherine Award-Winner, Reader's Choice Finalist, Holt Medallion Finalist, Book Excellence Award Finalist, Amor Book Award-Winner, and landed on the "Must Read" & "10 Best Reads" lists in USA Today's Lifestyle section. She is a former Romance Writers of America® member, where she was an Award of Excellence Finalist. Her books have foreign translation rights in Germany (where she is a Spiegel Bestseller), France, the Czech Republic, Romania, Russia, and the Netherlands. She also writes horror as Kelly Covic. In 2024, she founded her own publishing company for fiction called Rowan Prose Publishing.

Her interests include: scary movies, all kinds of art, driving others insane, and sleeping when she can. She is a closet coffee junkie and chocoholic. Tell no one. She's originally from Wisconsin, but she resides in South Carolina with her significant other, her three sons, their wily dogs, a bearded dragon, tree frogs, and their sassy cats. She loves hearing from her readers.

Visit her website for up-to-date book news and where to follow.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
Profile Image for Kimber Wheaton.
Author 4 books248 followers
January 8, 2015
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Ghost of a Promise is a fast-paced, exciting story featuring mystery, suspense, romance, and lots of ghostly goodness. If you are a fan of ghost shows on TV, then you'll love this look behind the scenes of Phantoms, the fictional show investigating the haunting in this novel.

What do you need for a good haunting? A tragic love story, two lost souls wandering the earth pining for one another is a great start. Ava has one year to solve a 200-year-old town mystery, or she loses the mansion she inherited from her great aunt. The house is and always has been an obsession for Ava, and she will do anything to keep it, including bringing in paranormal ghost hunters. Ava is determined, fiery, yet vulnerable-- just about everything I really like in a heroine. She accepts the ghosts and wants to help them more than she fears them.

Romantic interest Jackson is all kinds of hot: intelligent, open-minded, sexy, and wounded. Oh, and he has a British accent *sigh*. The chemistry between Jackson and Ava practically scorches the pages (good thing I was using a Kindle). The mystery was tragic but had a happy ending which I appreciated. I loved the entire investigation, it was all well researched and interesting.

I really liked the whole Phantoms team and would love to read more about each character. The focus of this novel was mainly Jackson and Ava. More ghost investigations highlighting some of the other Phantoms members would be great. If Ms, Moran writes more Phantoms novels, I'll definitely pick them up. I'm adding this one to my favorites list due to the great combination of romance, mystery, humor, and the paranormal.
Profile Image for Mihaela.
292 reviews64 followers
January 26, 2015
Originally posted on http://mikkysworldofbooks.blogspot.fr...

Another great book delivered to us by Kelly Moran. I want to thank the publisher for the ARC provided in exchange of an honest review.

As you might have guessed from the title, this time, some of the characters are not quite from this world. This is the tale of two lost souls trying to find peace.

The story is catching and you won’t be able to stop reading, wanting to find out what happens next.

Just like every other Kelly Moran book, there is no “white noise” here. No useless details, no characters that don’t have their place in the story, nothing that will make you lose focus along the way.

There was one thing that I found different from her other stories but not entirely wrong – the focus on the hero’s good looks.

I understand describing him and mentioning his attractiveness here and there along the way but Ava’s first thought in the beginning was “he’s hot” every time she saw Jackson. Kind of wanted to smack her upside the head once or twice.

Why am I saying this wasn’t completely wrong? Because sometimes it wasn’t only Ava thinking it. When you read the book you’ll understand what I mean, trust me. There’s more than that physical attraction behind her thoughts and actions.

And, yes, Jackson is eye candy so, there.

Something I really enjoyed was how Ava and Jackson’s story entwined with Sarah and Peter’s. So much so that you never lose interest in either of them. And that was a really good thing.

In novels like this one, where we have more than two main characters, it’s pretty easy to lose focus on one or another along the way and miss important parts of the story.

In Ghost of a Promise, whenever Sarah and Peter, kind of, faded into the background, something always happened and brought them forward again, reminding me that their story was not complete yet and they were just as important as the other couple.

Great thinking on Kelly’s part.

The fact that she managed to spook me a couple of times sure earned her some extra points.

All in all it was a great story. I loved it and I’m sure that, if you give it a chance, you’ll not be disappointed.

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Pat.
1,354 reviews35 followers
January 18, 2015
Things that go bump in the night make this romantic paranormal intriguing and at times frightening! Don't read before going to bed.....full review to follow on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com on February 3.
Profile Image for Rhianna.
459 reviews93 followers
January 12, 2015
Ghost junkies, we've got a live one!

There's been a dearth of great ghost-centric paranormal romance over the past few years but I think Kelly Moran has something awesome starting with GHOST OF A PROMISE. Ghosts of dead lovers bringing new ones together is far from a new concept but by centering the trilogy around a crew that works for fictitious TV show, Phantoms, she's rooted it nicely in the now.

Ava Trumble is the only living member of her family who wants anything to do with the 200-year-old mansion that's her family's ancestral home. But with the mansion comes a dark, haunted history that she has only one year to unravel or the property goes to the local historical society. Inviting the crew of paranormal investigations show, Phantoms, to help her unravel the ghostly mystery at the mansion's heart brings more than just answers. Sexy but commitment-shy Jackson arrives in Maine ready to shoot the show but with his own secret ties to the mystery. As the two become pawns to the ghosts of the Trumble mansion they will have to root out the cause of their attraction. Are they meant for one another or have the spirits of the past merely manipulated them?

Loved this book. Absolutely adored it! I love a great ghost story, especially if it can manage to make the hair on the back of my neck prickle and GOAP does a great job of pairing spooky suspense with sexual tension making this a very hard book to put down. It's double-reward that there's a mystery to resolve alongside the romance so if you love that kind of thing I really recommend it!

My only issue I had with the book was that I found Jackson's history a bit wishy-washy and unbelievable. It's not a big deal, I just found it a little cheesey. He is, however, the kind of romance hero you don't get over. The chemistry between he and Ava rolls off the pages!

Overall, this was one of my favorite Covet imprint reads to date. I can hardly stand the idea that I have to wait for the next Phtantoms book, GIVE UP THE GHOST, hopefully it releases sometime this year as is currently predicted.

Notes: ARC received via publisher.
Profile Image for Tina Hobbs Payne.
564 reviews7 followers
January 22, 2015
Given an ARC from the publisher in return for an honest review:

Are you a paranormal fan? You will LOVE this book! Are NOT a paranormal fan? You will LOVE this book! I am in the second category. I am not usually a fan of the paranormal genre. BUT - I loved this story! Jackson & Ava are such wonderful characters. You fall in love with them individually and are definitely cheering them on as a possible couple. There is a lot going on for Ava, and a lot to lose. Her plans for her "haunted" house to become a Bed & Breakfast are number one for her. Jackson (handsome & charismatic host of PHANTOMS) has arrived to do his job. But it only takes his first hello with Ava for him to know there is much more going on here.

I totally got wrapped up in the story & the personality (or personalities??) of the house. Kelly Moran had me believing in spirits AND true love!!

I am so looking forward to the next installment in this series!!
Profile Image for Jenifer Kleine.
214 reviews14 followers
January 9, 2015
This book was really good. I really liked the way she mixed in the paranormal investigators to solve a mystery.
Also the fact that the investigation was over a period of 4 weeks. There was a lot of chemistry between Jackson & Ava. The investigations were written well, I could actually picture watching an episode of Ghost Hunters while reading. All the crew members were fun and likable. It was a really fun book.
510 reviews7 followers
January 29, 2015
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This an exciting ghost story about a 200 year old mystery and of course romance, but is it "real" or just the ghosts using Ava and Jackson to play their story out?
Ava has one year to solve the mystery, or she loses the mansion she just inherited. The house has always been an a bit of an obsession for Ava. She is willing to do anything to keep it even if that means bringing in paranormal ghost hunters. She accepts the ghosts and wants to help them move on.
Jackson is the lead investigator and has his own ties to the mansion. That gives him more of a reason to want to solve this besides the attraction he feels for Ava. Everything from the romance to the tragic mystery was well written. I'm so eager for the next book in this series to see where this goes. I definitely recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Brittany.
3,466 reviews27 followers
May 21, 2015
I received this from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this story a lot. This is a contemporary romance novel with a paranormal twist. How many of you have seen Ghost Hunters and liked it then this is a good book for you to try. This is a great read with two people coming together to solve a good old fashioned mystery. It is a true heart warming tale I definitely will be looking to read more from this author.
70 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2015
Okay I have say this book is amazing love the paranormal background the caracters the setting the plot and the research that went into making this exceptional read thanks for the amazing ARC copy given by publisher best book and I think they should make it in to a tv series
Profile Image for Kathy .
3,746 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2015
Complimentary review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

4.5 stars.

With an intriguing mystery, an eerie ghostly presence and a sizzling hot romance, Kelly Moran's Phantoms Trilogy is off to a spooktacular beginning with Ghost of a Promise. If you are a fan of ghost stories (or the TV show Ghost Hunters), you absolutely do not want to miss this riveting first installment in what promises to be a very spooky series about a group of paranormal investigators.

Ava Trumble is dismayed to discover that in order to inherit her great-aunt's mansion she has to solve the mysterious disappearance of Sarah Kerrick. Sarah vanished without a trace over 200 years earlier and the family estate has been plagued with ghostly appearances and unexplained deaths ever since. While the hauntings do not bother her, Ava is genuinely interested in learning the fate of Sarah and calling in the Phantoms team is her best chance for solving the mystery.

Jackson Granger is the lead investigator for the paranormal show and he is immediately charmed by both Ava and her home. He is a bit unsettled by his unexpected feelings of familiarity upon his arrival, but he pushes his unease away as they begin their investigation. For the first time in his career, Jackson's experiences at the estate have a personal effect on him and his surprising attraction to Ava seems to be a trigger for some of the supernatural phenomena. Pairing up to get to the bottom of the mystery, Jackson and Ava eventually give in to their desire, but will Jackson's commitment issues and Ava's fears prevent them from staying together once the investigation has ended?

The paranormal/supernatural element of Ghost of a Promise is absolutely outstanding. The ghostly occurrences are very spooky and rather chilling. The history of the house is quite fascinating and the mystery surrounding Sarah's disappearance is equally spellbinding. The paranormal investigation is very well researched and fans of ghost stories will be thrilled by this aspect of the storyline.

Ghost of a Promise is a captivating start to Phantom's Trilogy. The cast of characters is superbly developed and the plot is quite engrossing. Kelly Moran expertly weaves mystery, romance and the supernatural into a compelling story that is sure to delight readers and leave them impatiently awaiting the next novel of this marvelous series.
Profile Image for Kerry.
54 reviews13 followers
January 12, 2015
This book is a perfect mix of romance, mystery, and drama. I loved everything about this book. I related to Ava and adored Jackson. The story of the house and the ghost just add to the wonderful complex love/hate relationship between Ava and Jackson. The rest of the Phantoms crew just add the details that make the story that much better. So Ava has to find out what happened to Sarah Kerrick. Sarah disappeared 1776. Ava calls in a group of paranormal investigators from the show Phantoms. As the investigation turns up a few details about the ghosts in the house and the weird connection between Ava and Jackson, the ghost start hurting the Phantoms crew. This book is great ride with just enough fear and excitement to hook any reader.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,187 reviews50 followers
January 19, 2015
*I received this book from the publisher for an honest review*

This book hooked me right it. It was the cause of a serious book hangover I just could not put it down. The whole history of the house and the ghosts that live there is so intriguing. It has such a romantic twist that just adds to the story. There is a lot chemistry between Jackson and Ava. They bring everything full circle. This book had all of my emotions going. I laughed out loud at parts, had tears flowing at others, and I ended this book with a smile on my face. I highly recommend this one!
Profile Image for Jessica .
1,024 reviews20 followers
January 19, 2015
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I give Ghost of a Promise 5 stars only because that is as high as is allowed. I loved this book!!!

Kelly Moran is truly and amazing author, that knows how to pull you in from page one and leaves you wanting much more! This book is a Paranormal book which I don't always read but I love Ghosts and this book truly amazing. I think even those who don't normally read Paranormal books will love this one.


Do you believe in Ghosts? I personally do, and that could be part of the reason I enjoyed this book. I have dealt with ghosts in my own house so, I 100% believe in them.

This is the story of Ava and Jackson and the ghosts of the Trumble mansion.

Ava is the only living relative that wants the mansion and her goal is to turn it into a bed and breakfast, but her great aunt has made a stipulation in her getting want she wants so badly. She has to uncover the truth of what happened in the home. Ava calls in a team of Ghost Hunters to help solve the mystery and help her to achieve her dream, that looks like it is going to be taken away from her before she has a chance to make it happen.

Jackson the lead investigator of the Ghost Hunters that Ava brought in, has a connection to the land that dates back 200 years, but he doesn't tell his team about it when they take on the case.

Their is an instant connection between Ava and Jackson, they fight the connection as much as they can but it seems the ghost that are hanging around have other plans.

This book is has the perfect amount of romance, humor, paranormal activity.

I so look forward to reading many more books by Kelly Moran


Profile Image for Kathie (katmom).
689 reviews48 followers
January 26, 2015
Happy Release Day!!! January 26, 2015

Now, I don't normally do SCARY...and I never watch those ghostie reality shows. They give me the creeps. Seriously, the heebie jeebies! But...this summary drew me in and I figured I'd give it a shot. I will admit to having my arm hair stand up a time or three, but it wasn't SCARY scary...just a bit of scary. It was actually quite FUN.

Ava's aunt has died and left her the mansion that she's always loved. She wants to use it as a bed and breakfast. There's so much room, there's so much history, the view is spectacular, Ava is a fabulous cook...and there's ghosts. Like all over the place! Her family refuse to step foot inside the place. They figure she's going to turn into a cat lady with no husband or kids. Of course, the fact that many of the men that married into the family, and stayed in the house, either went nuts, killed themselves, or had "accidents". They are right to feel a bit worried. When they finally do step foot inside the place, THEIR heebie jeebies made me laugh!

To get her inheritance, Ava has to solve the 200+ year old mystery of what really happened to Sarah, whose body was never found. She recruits the TV crew of Phantoms to help her out. When she meets the star of the show, Jackson, there is an immediate connection, on both their parts. Jackson has a bit of a secret, too. He's a distant relation to Sarah's family.

There's a mystery to solve, there's UST to enjoy between the characters, and there's a supporting cast of characters that were a joy to read.

The pieces came together very nicely with a great balance of BOO and science. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It certainly made me want more from this author. Nice to know Ghost of a Promise is book one in a new series.



Thank you, Netgalley and Entangled, for the opportunity to read this book.
Profile Image for Susan Parkes.
137 reviews21 followers
January 28, 2015
Well what can I say about book 1 in the Phantoms series by Kelly Moran, if I had only one word it would be AWESOME. If you like paranormal activities, sexy men, white hot attraction, romance, passion, suspense and a strong woman then this is definitely a book for you.

Ava Trumble has been left her family mansion but she has only 12 months to solve the mystery of how Sarah Kerrick disappeared or she will lose it to the Historical Society. Ava is heartbroken at the thought of losing her family home and sets about trying to figure out the mystery.

Phantoms is a TV program that deals with Paranormal activities and Ava calls them into help, Jackson Granger is the lead man in this program and on seeing the mansion he gets a feeling that he is coming home and when he sees Ava he feels the pull to her too - like they have met before, he has never felt like this before and tries to deny how he is feeling but all he wants to do is go up to Ava and kiss her but he never gets involved with the people who's cases he is investigating.

Ava feels it too and she can not understand it either and fights her feeling so as the week goes on and when they are both together the paranormal activities seem to happen more, this is when a secret on Jacksons side emerges and things click into place.

This book managed to make the hairs on my arms stick up on numerous occasions, it is very well written and the romance and suspense that Kelly has put down on these pages makes you not want to put it down too. I am so looking forward to the other books in this series as we find out more about the other Phantom members. Congratulations on a spectacular read Kelly.
Profile Image for Fizza.
Author 38 books40 followers
January 22, 2015
An amazing book. Very well written and full of suspense, intrigue, thrill, romance and lots of metaphysical activity. There are two love stories. One tragic between a couple who lived a long time ago. Their ghosts still haunt Ava's family home. another between Ava and Jackson. Both are tied to each other through their past and soon they will find out that they cannot run away fro their destiny.

Ava finds out that she can lose her inheritance if she didn't solve the mystery behind Sarah Kerricks disappearance. Now she is desperate and if it means she has to let "ghost busters" into her house then so be it. Although the team behind the show "Phantom" seems very real. They are not a bunch of eccentrics looking for cheap thrills. And they think that her house is definitely haunted. They must find out who is haunting the house and why. Then maybe the mystery of Sarah's disappearance will be solved for once and for all.

What Ava didn't count on was Jackson being a distant relation of Sarah's family. The moment he enters the house it seems as if the house itself knows and want him out of there. Sarah was after all from a family which betrayed Ava's ancestors. So it seems as if house remembers.....
This is a book for all paranormal lovers. I enjoyed reading it. And I hope you do too...
Profile Image for Calisa.
Author 2 books38 followers
January 22, 2015
It doesn’t happen often, but I was up til 2:30 A.M. on a school night. Why? I blame one person. Well, to be honest it was three people and two very cool (pun intended) ghosts. A couple of days ago I started reading Ghost of a Promise by the fabulous Kelly Moran. I finished it last night. I couldn’t go to bed until I read the last page, the ending.

I fell in love with Ava at the reading of her great aunt’s will, and soon after we meet Jackson and I fell a second time. *Swoon* One of my favorite tv programs is Ghost Adventures and I found myself at one point reminding myself to check listings for Phantoms. Then I had to remind myself it’s not a real show! Yet the people felt so real to me. SO real.

Ava has a ghost of a problem. One that has caused her to be alienated from everyone she loves except Casey, her married and fun friend who won’t enter Ava’s mansion after dark. I wanted to shake Marjorie, Ava’s mother a time or two. But by the end I had forgiven her. The Phantoms crew were people I would love to meet. I adored Sammy and I think she needs her own story. Hear that Kelly? NEEDS her own story!

If I keep on about yet another awesome book by this wonderful author I’ll spoil it so I’ll sum it up with this—read Ghost of a Promise! See for yourself how Ms. Moran takes a closed off ladies man, a charmer who uses that as a shield not to feel, and turns him to Jell-O (just not red) then flips him into a ‘real’ man for Ava. See how she takes a loner and makes her a family woman with dreams that can come true, despite her concerns.

My favorite line? I don’t have one. The whole book is a favorite line! Well done Kelly! Another hit in my opinion! Not that I expected less from one of my favorite authors.

I was provided an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa Dean.
23 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2015
I was given an Arc in exchange for an honest review

I have never read a paranormal romance because they never interested me. BUT I've read other Kelly Moran books & LOVED them. I wasn't disappointed either! I watch some paranormal shows due to my hubby liking them & she kept all the info in that regard really true to form while still keeping the excitement between the 2 characters Ava & Jackson in there! Plus the story of the 200 yr old ghost made you keep wanting to read more!! Will patiently wait for the next in the series (maybe no so patiently)
Profile Image for Donna.
4,079 reviews56 followers
January 21, 2015
Kelly Moran writes one hell of a story. I am not a big fan of ghost stories or reality TV. Kelly Moran sucked me in and made me love both. This is a terrific multi-level romance. Ms. Moran doesn’t miss a note. Ava is a young woman with a problem, she will inherit the house she wants to turn into a B&B if she can solve a 200 year old mystery within a year. Enter Jackson and his crew from the TV show Phantoms, they can help Ava get in touch with the very active ghosts in the house. Plus you have the ghosts love story, the whole town refuses to enter the house because of the ghosts and then there is family. I know that it sounds cheesy but trust me this is really well done.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review
Profile Image for Morphys Book Blog.
101 reviews9 followers
January 26, 2015
I am an emotional wreck. Never have I had a book touch me to the bone. For me it wasn't just a book, not just words. I felt a part of the story. As if I was right there along with the characters. Feeling ever emotion; Fear, Awe, friendship, love. It felt so real, truly amazing.

Ava is an awesome character, hell bent on keeping her home. She's snarky, beautiful, caring and kind. One of my favourite leads by far. Jackson was exactly what Ava needed. He's sexy, half British ;), understanding, supportive and sexy. Did I mention that yet? Their chemistry was off the charts and I loved every minute of it.

Normally, I tend to avoid ghost books as they do nothing for me but as Kelly is one of my go-to authors I thought "what the hell, give it a go!". And I am so so glad I did, imagine missing out on a gem like this? no thanks.

No matter your preference of genre or your 'avoid' choices... Go buy this book NOW! You won't be disappointed.

**A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Original review at: https://morphybooksblog.wordpress.com...
Profile Image for Katie O'Connor.
Author 46 books138 followers
January 25, 2015
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! Let me repeat that. Wow! Ghost of a Promise is a fabulous book.

Intertwined love stories, past and present are filled with drama, and heartache. Moran has a gift for grabbing a reader by the emotions and making them feel. Ava and Jackson’s story is laden with fear, passion, love and uncertainty all coming together in a story that will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. Like the phantoms that linger in Ava’s home, this story will linger in your heart long after the characters have moved on.
Profile Image for Alice Smith.
110 reviews9 followers
January 26, 2015
A Ghost of a Promise
Phantoms Trilogy Book One
by Kelly Moran

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I am a big fan of Kelly Moran. Her writing is always gripping and keeps your attention beginning to end. A Ghost of a Promise continues in her tradition of great love stories. It marks her first book in the paranormal genre, and it was a wonderful read.

Ava lives in a haunted house. It is a family home that has been in her family since the Revolutionary War period. Her house however has a history of driving the men within it crazy, or that they meet an early end. Ava is left the family home when her aunt passes away, but she can only keep it, if she can solve a mystery that is over 200 years old.

Jackson is the lead investigator for the Phantoms TV show. Ava enlists the help of Phantoms in order to learn more about the ghosts in her house, in hopes of solving the mystery. Jackson has been with the Phantoms TV show for 5 years, and works hard to bring scientific evidence and legitimacy to the show. He hopes to obtain further evidence of the existence of an afterlife, and help Ava solve the mystery.

One of the things that I liked most about the book is the respect with which Kelly Moran treats the paranormal research. I personally love all the paranormal research shows, and would have been turned off if it was treated like a joke. Instead, you can see the respect that she had for the subject matter, which really helped this writer fall in love with this story.

This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as are all of Kelly Moran’s books.
Profile Image for Lesa  Stewart.
55 reviews
January 25, 2015
I received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.


Paranormal romance takes on a whole new level. It's not the typical girl or guy falls for a paranormal creature. You've got Ava who just inherited her family mansion for a year. Yes, only a year unless she can solve the 200 year old mystery that has the mansion haunted. Then you've got Jackson, your new book boyfriend. He's the lead star of the TV show Phantoms, a ghost hunting show, whose come to the mansion to help Ava solve the mystery. Jackson has a connection to the mansion of his own as well as to Ava.

Ava and Jackson have a strong romantic connection but the house doesn't like it. Ava has her own insecurities that stem from the house dealing with men. The best way to describe Jackson is he doesn't care he wants that romance with Ava.

The paranormal aspects and Jacksons team from Phantoms doing their work with equipment you see on TV shows like the books ghost hunting show make the book stem to life. I mean a creepy life. I found myself unable to read much at night because I got so wrapped into the book that the little noise or movement in my house made me freak out. Kelly really did her research and brought so much realism to the novel you'll forget your reading and just may get creeped out as well.

Can Ava solve her mystery? Will Ava and Jackson pursue their connection? If so, will the house let Ava and Jackson be a couple? Well, you'll just have to read the book to find out.
Profile Image for Kelly Moran.
Author 58 books1,328 followers
Read
January 21, 2015
Quote from cover:

"The first book I've read in a very long time that I didn't want to put down, and didn't want it to end. Kelly Moran is a gem of a writer and I can't wait to see what she writes for us next!"
~SHARON SALA, New York Times Bestselling Author
Profile Image for MK.
1,587 reviews21 followers
January 31, 2015
Gripping, will have your heart pounding, Amazing.....GHOST OF A PROMISE, -BY KELLY MORAN:

Ava Trumble has one year to find the proof Sarah Kerrick was murdered. If she doesn't then the mansion which belonged to her great Aunt Lois would become a museum. She wanted that house and would do whatever to keep it. According to the attorney all she had to do show him some tangible evidence Sarah Kerrick was murdered?
So she called the show "Phantoms" which specialized in the paranormal. They could figure things out, capture things on tape to show the attorney proof of things in the house. If not it would all be lost. When she met Jackson Granger the host and lead investigator of the show something between them sparked. It was a pull they couldn't fight..maybe it was a pull within the house too, but they could not be sure about it. Something came over them..Jackson confessed early on about something about his family, which could have a huge impact...It did. Now someone or something's in the house were not too happy about it, and they let it be known.

The entire crew of the show stayed at the house, and set up the equipment in the mansion to catch some some sighting to help Ava.

Ava and Jackson's attraction keeps building between them, and something within the house at times let's it be known..They start asking the entity questions. Find out what happens and buy this book. The strange things that happen between them are really shocking. You'll see why. It's all connected to the mansion.

Loved this part of the book-
Screw this.” Casey leaned forward. “I want to know how it’s going with Captain Sexypants. Does he use that accent in bed? Inquiring minds want to know.”

Despite her exhaustion and Casey’s blunt question, she laughed. “I wouldn’t know.”

Casey’s mouth twisted into a frown. “And why the hell not?”

This will having you turning the pages so fast you won't believe it. Loved every minute of this book. A truly must read.


Profile Image for Hannah.
2,009 reviews33 followers
January 27, 2015
Ghost of a Promise is the first of a new series by Kelly Moran. I really enjoyed this book, it was like a ghost hunting show and a soap mixed into one. Ghost of a Promise follows the ghost hunting reality show Phantoms. If watching ghost hunting shows on tv gives you goose bumps and love it, this book is for you it is creepy and scary and so romantically sweet. It was a really good read, I look forward to more.

Ava Trumble is need of help, she has always loved her family home that has been in the family since the Revolutionary War but now that her Great Aunt has passed she has inherited with the stipulation that she solve the 200 year old mystery of Sarah Kerrick disappearance. With no idea how to do that she elicits the help from Reality T.V. Show Phantoms. Lead Investigator Jackson Granger is distantly related to the Kerrick family. With the reunion of the Trumbles and the Kerricks back the spirits are restless. Everyone views the house as cursed every man that has lived there has gone crazy or died and every woman has ended up alone. Ava's mother refuses to even enter the house and wouldn't mind if Ava loses it. Ava has her heart set on turning it into a Bed and Breakfast and helping promote tourism in her home town.

With Jackson and Ava it's an instantaneous attraction. Jackson is the love 'em and leave 'em type but there's something about Ava that makes him want to settle. Ava is convinced she will be alone forever because the curse on the house and even though it breaks her heart she pushes Jackson away. The ghosts of the house have a different idea. Sarah and her lingering lavender scent push Ava and Jackson together until they finally give in to their wants. But the other ghost Peter, Ava's ancestor, wants Jackson out because his relation to the Kerrick name. Ava has lost hope that she will come up with good enough proof to keep the house, but help from Sarah she solves the 200 year old mystery.

Jackson and Ava's relationship is complicated and will pull the tears out of you. I loved the whole crew of Phantoms and look forward to reading Give up the Ghost, the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,118 reviews12 followers
January 26, 2015
If looking for a good ghost story that is filled with passion but with a twitch of humor than this would be it. The humor being is when finally you think you might get what you finally have dreamed of or envisioned when it seems it will come to be there is a twist to it that has a but. Also since this is also a dream you had hope to fulfill with the one place only a few could enter without running. Ava and Jackson are the two main live ones that this author uses that are front and center in this novel with a few dead ones creeping in on the side. I do love a good ghost story but even more so when like this one it has the modern flare to it using things that would tempt the reader to be brave and enter in. She must find a way to keep her dreams so using the help of a notable tv ghost hunter team would be the ticket if they can provide what she needs to aide her quest. If you like those kind of shows then for sure you will like how they are inserted in this story but something you won't see on them is the intervention of the ghosts and the building of a relationship between the client and one from the show. Thrilling way the evidence is revealed and gathered with more and more of the ghostly presences is the icing on the cake. It will take the love of two to lay to rest the souls of two who loved while telling their tale that will reveal and solve the mysteries inside. Doesn't get any better than that in a good romance mystery that keeps you involved until all is solved. Received a arc for a honest review.
Profile Image for Nicola.
25 reviews9 followers
March 7, 2015
I was given an ARC of this book by the Publisher for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It's fast paced, funny in places, and kept me guessing about the mystery of how one of the house's ghosts had died right to the end. The characters are likeable and I was soon on Ava's side, hoping that she would solve the mystery and keep her home. I was fascinated by the way Jackson and his team carried out their paranormal investigation work, and with the insight on how a program like this is filmed as well as how ghost hunters work.

The investigative team were clearly a team, not just a hero with a bunch of other characters who happened to be there in the background and I can't wait to read more about the rest of them.

I don't believe in ghosts, but I found it almost impossible to put this book down, to the extent that my children's Christmas presents nearly went unwrapped as I made the pleasant mistake of starting to read this just before Christmas! I loved it!
Profile Image for LaVerne Clark.
Author 4 books61 followers
January 27, 2015
*I was given an ARC of this book by the Publisher for an honest review*

Kelly Moran can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned. This is the third book of hers I've read and she has become a firm favourite of mine. Her writing is flawless and effortlessly sucks you into the story from the very first page. What she absolutely excels at in this novel is the creating of the spooky energy a paranormal novel needs that will have you wanting to leave the light on late at night. Some of the scenes in this book just about made my hair stand on end!

The sexual tension between Ava and Jackson is incredibly hot, but more than that - you get the feeling that the two characters actually like each other (not a common enough occurrence in romance novels I've read lately). The plot is well thought out and crafted and I loved being introduced to the secondary characters throughout the book, making me eager to read the following stories in this series.

I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a good mystery with a great cast of characters.
Profile Image for Renae Poletti.
10 reviews16 followers
January 26, 2015
I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I was drawn to this book because of the paranormal aspect, but after reading a few chapters I realized it was so much more. Kelly has a way of pulling you in, and through her word geniuinly caring for the characters. Being able at pull you in to love each and everyone is a talent within itself. The two love stories in this novel have a way of not outdoing one another, but complimenting both. I felt equally strong feeling for both stories, and was content with how each unraveled. I have been a fan of Kelly's work for a while now. The best way I can describe it is comparing it to a home cooked meal. There's fast food out there, which is good, but with this book as well as her others, you get the feeling of content and fulfillment after finishing them. This has definitely became a favorite , and will stay in my memories for time to come. I hope this novel will become a series, so we can read about the entwining crew, and the couples again. Renae
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