The Haunting Crush by Christie Gordon

 

Kai won’t risk his heart again. Conner won’t face the truth. But some connections—and dangers—are impossible to resist.

Kai Nez worked hard to build a life he loves. After surviving the cruelty of high school bullies and his mother’s abuse, he’s found peace in the small town that’s always been his haven. Running the local bar, Kai’s finally content—until the man who shattered his heart walks through the door.

Conner Mitchell lives a picture-perfect lie. To the world, he’s a wealthy success story with the ideal girlfriend and a bright future. But beneath the surface, he’s a man at war with himself. The one night he spent with Kai all those years ago haunts him, dragging him back to the town he swore he’d never return to.

Kai doesn’t want to reopen old wounds, but seeing Conner again stirs feelings he thought he’d buried forever. Conner isn’t ready to let Kai slip through his fingers again. As eerie incidents plague Kai’s home, Conner steps in, reigniting a connection neither can ignore. But can Kai trust the man who once broke his heart, and will Conner finally have the courage to embrace the truth?

The Haunting Crush is a standalone novel set in the Mesa Boys Universe. It is a second chance, small town romance between a man who’s forced his way out of poverty and a possessive man who grew up with a silver spoon. It includes angst, gay denial and hurt/comfort with the backdrop of a true-to-life ghost story.

Buy it now if you love a heartfelt small-town romance about second chances, buried secrets, and the courage to embrace love!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59338369-the-haunting-crush

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My Review: 3/5 Stars

Kai has had a crush on Conner since high school. And it didn’t help that at a party, they hooked up but Conner pretended not to remember a few days later. But now it’s five years later and a lot has changed. Or maybe not. Because Conner is back and he is single and suddenly Kai’s crush comes roaring back. Add in Conner actually showing hints of being interested in Kai? Could this be real? As Kai tries to sort through his feelings and Conner is trying to show Kai that he cares, they are also facing a ghost. Strange things have been happening in the house Kai and his best friend live in. And Conner is there to help them get some answers. But can Kai really trust Conner with his heart? Especially when it seems there is so much Conner isn’t ready to talk about? I really liked throwing in this paranormal plot line in the book. It rose the stakes and made it really interesting as Conner and Kai reconnected once again. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.