Needing by Sarah Masters (2nd Edition)

Title: Needing (2nd Edition)

Series: Voices 01

Author: Sarah Masters

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery, Contemporary

Length: Novella (155pgs)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (October 11, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Getting calls from the dead in the middle of the night isn’t Oliver’s idea of fun…

Oliver gets calls from the dead, imploring him to help them find their killers. He’s heard them since he was a child and now assists the police in their investigations. He works closely with Detective Langham—and has steadily fallen more in love with him every day of the six months he’s known him. But does Langham feel the same? Is Langham even gay?

When Oliver answers the call of a dead woman, he finds himself standing in a remote field, gazing down at her corpse. Someone else is out there with him, though, watching, waiting to cause him harm. After he’s run off the road, Oliver has no choice but to aid Langham in finding her killer—no choice because more people are killed and more people call out to him…he’s unable to ignore their pleas.

As the body count grows and the investigation becomes more complex, Oliver realises that Langham is indeed very gay—and out to make Oliver his.

ISBN: 978-1-78184-476-2

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/needing

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: When I first started reading this, I wasn’t sure I would make it past the first chapter, so I had put the book down for a couple of hours. Kind of like giving my eyes a rest and giving this story a second chance, and let me tell you it worked. I have to say that the cover was kind of creepy and considering this story, it fit.

Oliver knows two things, one is the dead and the other is, he has the hots for the detective he deals with. Oliver has always been able to hear the dead talking to him after they were killed. This is the first time though, that they were talking to him while they were being murdered. This one murder leads him on a difficult task. This one murder is just the start of a gory mass murder. Drugs, torn apart bodies, children with red eyes and demons are just a start with him. However he at least has a good man on his side.

Langham has wanted Oliver from the start, and he is going to show him in more ways than one. Now all they have to do is to find out who is behind the killings before he can show Oliver just how much he wants him. The problem is these murders are even more freaky then he thought. The danger was high and he had plans.

I found myself loving this story more than I thought. I absolutely loved the world this author created and the gift it took to make it this wicked. I was glad that I had given it a second chance and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.

Purpose by Andrew Q. Gordon

Title: Purpose

Author: Andrew Q. Gordon

Genre: Science Fiction/Other Paranormal, Suspense

Length: Novel Plus (270pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (21^st June 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Forty years ago the Spirit of Vengeance—a Purpose—took William Morgan as its host, demanding he avenge the innocent by killing the guilty. Since then, Will has retreated behind Gar, a façade he uses to avoid dealing with what he’s become. Cold, impassive, and devoid of emotion, Gar goes about his life alone—until his tidy, orderly world is upended when he meets Ryan, a broken young man cast out by his family. Spurred to action for reasons he can’t understand, Gar saves Ryan from death and finds himself confronted by his humanity.

Spending time with Ryan helps Will claw out from under Gar’s shadow. He recognizes Ryan is the key to his reclaiming his humanity and facing his past. As Will struggles to control the Purpose, Ryan challenges him to rethink everything he knew about himself and the spirit that possesses him. In the process, he pushes Will to do something he hasn’t done in decades: care.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3902

Review: Will/Gar has spent the last forty years exacting vengeance on the guilty for the innocents they have killed. His Purpose, Vengeance, demands it as payment for strength, youth, and mental powers. Vengeance: an entity that feeds on the souls of the guilty. When Gar meets Ryan, he begins to lose the cold shell he has encased himself in and Will begins to emerge, emotions and feelings he hasn’t felt in years shock him, so what is it about Ryan that has drawn Will out of his long sleep. Ryan has been cast out by his family and meets Gar, not quite sure what to make of the man, getting to know Gar and the real man behind the façade, Will, leads to Ryan discovering something about himself that he finds a hard time getting his head around. Ryan challenges Will to rethink what his Purpose wants, but when the FBI get involved Ryan might be in more danger than ever before.

This is a brilliant, unique, slightly dark, gritty story that you just can’t put down. Will was taken as a host by an entity nearly forty years ago, since then he has buried himself beneath a cold emotionless façade, Gar, to carry out the vengeance that he has been called to do. When Gar meets Ryan, there is something about the young man who calls to him and Will begins to re-emerge. Ryan is confused by Will but can’t help falling for the man who saved his life, but when he discovers what his Purpose requires he asks if there is another way to give it what it wants. Things get more complicated when Will tries to discover what it is about Ryan that ease’s him, and then Will discovers he is being tracked by an overzealous FBI agent who will stop at nothing to get Will.

I have to admit to being dragged into this story from the very first page; the opening scenes grip you as it leads you straight into meeting Gar and his Purpose Vengeance. As we progress through the book, we can see the changes in Gar/Will as Ryan breaks through his shell. We see Will, a man who buried his emotions to dull the pain of loss, still getting to grips with his Purpose and evolving his relationship with the entity and finally beginning to understand just what the entity needs and requires. With Ryan you see a man who still has a long way to go before he is confident and secure, but also someone who will sulk and act like a brat when he doesn’t get his own way, which causes problems for Will.

The police and FBI angle was really good and while Will is willing to bargain with Detective Griffin, he wants nothing to do with Agent Barrington, these are aspects of the story you do not want to miss. The characters bring this story alive giving us a darkish gritty story of vengeance and justice. There are entities from other planes, the innocent demanding vengeance, justice, and revenge, the guilty paying for their crimes and two men feeling an instant connection and finding more in common than they thought.

This isn’t a book to miss if you want a unique storyline, great characters, vengeance galore, confusion, love, and a brilliant ending.

The Haunting of Timber Manor by F. E. Feeley Jr.

Title: The Haunting Of Timber Manor

Author: F.E. Feeley

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Spirits

Length: Novel (214pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (7^th January 2013)

Heat: Low – Moderate

Heart: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: While recovering from the recent loss of his parents, Daniel Donnelly receives a phone call from his estranged aunt, who turns over control of the family fortune and estate, Timber Manor. Though his father seemed guarded about the past, Daniel’s need for family and curiosity compel him to visit.

Located in a secluded area of the Northwest, Timber Manor has grown silent over the years. Her halls sit empty and a thin layer of dust adorns the sheet-covered furniture. When Daniel arrives to begin repairs, strange things happen. Nightmares haunt his dreams. Memories not his own disturb his waking hours. Alive with the tragedies of the past, Timber Manor threatens to tear Daniel apart.

Sheriff Hale Davis grew up working on the manor grounds. Seeing Daniel struggle, he vows protect the young man who captured his heart, and help him solve the mystery behind the haunting and confront the past—not only to save Daniel’s life, but to save his family, whose very souls hang in the balance.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3509

Review: Daniel reconnects with a long-lost aunt after the loss of his parents. After, arriving at the family estate, he begins to discover that there some things just not talked about. Timber Manor has something in its halls that hates all Donnellys and with Daniel’s arrival it is getting stronger. Hale knows all about the rumors of Timber Manor. He has, in fact, seen some strange things around the manor, and when he meets Daniel he is interested in keeping him safe. Together, Hale and Daniel have to face a ghost from the past. Not only to keep Daniel safe, but to lay Daniel’s family to rest.

This is a very slow building story with a slow building relationship. Daniel has always been confused by his father’s reaction to his family. When he finally meets his aunt Carol, he is hoping to get answers, but he gets overwhelmed by everything that he has to learn. When he discovers the truth, he doesn’t know what to do. But, with the support of Hale, he just might be able to find the solution. Hale and Daniel have a slow developing relationship, which fits in nicely with the storyline. Hale becomes a rock for Daniel to hold on to as he learns the truth about his family.

This story is from a couple of different characters point of view, Daniel, Hale, Aunt Carol, spiritual Francine and It. It switches view clearly, so there is no mistaking whose view it is and we do get insight where normally we would have had questions. There is background building for the story as we go along, with hints being dropped as to what happened and the reasoning behind the haunting. There are flashbacks to the past to explain situations and there are also some dream-like sequences, as well.

Daniel’s and Hale’s relationship is sweet as they get to know each other and fall in love. But, they have to go through hell to stay together. There’s violence and danger, with unexplained deaths and unexpected allies and a heavy air in the very depths of Timber Manor. This is a new author and I am happy to say that although the story was slow in places, it doesn’t let you down on the creepy factor or the spiritual aspects. Even when that spirit is pure evil. Hale and Daniel are beautiful together and it is slow and passionate between them, they make a wonderful couple.

I will recommend this to those who like evil hauntings, mystical influence, a sweet slow building love, an explosive confrontation and a very happy ending.

Whispered Secrets, Hidden Eyes by Amylea Lyn

Title: Whispered Secrets, Hidden Eyes

Author: Amylea Lyn

Genre: Paranormal, Ghosts, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (240pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (15^th September 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: An abandoned farmhouse and murder long forgotten. A ghost yearning for truth and a man haunted by his past. Joined by a mystery only solved if unlikely lovers learn to listen for whispered secrets and watch for hidden eyes.

Daren O’Connor, a disgraced police officer, seeks solace in a different town, but his new farmhouse is steeped in mystery. A murder victim haunts Daren’s every waking moment, begging for help. Daren feels drawn to the ghost, but can he help the soul find peace?

Shinjiro “Toby” Anderson has been crying out in silence. His spirit wanders his old home, trapped until his murder is resolved. All seemed hopeless until a handsome stranger moves in. Could this man help him cross over to the other side?

As they delve deeper, they discover powerful, unexpected feelings. Can the unlikely pair discover how a man and ghost can be together before the men responsible for Toby’s death make Daren a target?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1225

Review: Daren seeks solace in a farmhouse that he has inherited from his uncle. He needs time and space to forget the betrayals that landed him in hospital and targeted him for suspicion from work colleagues and friends alike. Now starting over, he discovers the murder and cover-up of a young man nearly thirty years before and vows to set right the wrongs that befell Toby… the ghost he is falling in love with.

Wow, this is one excellent mystery/crime ghost story, not only was the solving of the crime and discovering the hidden secrets great, but the mystery of how Toby and Daren could be together was handled brilliantly, leaving you in suspense for a while and expecting a bittersweet ending. Daren was betrayed by the person he trusted the most, his work partner and lover of two years Mike. Now, months later, after dealing with the investigation and the fall out of that last night, he begins anew and discovers his new home is haunted by the ghost of a murder victim. Toby needs justice to pass to the other side, but he falls in love with Daren. As they get closer to Toby’s murderers and Daren discovers the truth behind Toby’s murder, Toby realizes that he doesn’t want to leave.

This is a brilliantly written story that gives you vivid descriptions of the horror that both these men… err ghost and man have faced and living through the experience with both of them. Daren is a very strong character, even with everything that had happened to him, he still believed in justice. Toby was a wonderful ghost; his story breaks your heart especially when you hear how he tried to comfort his father after he died. He is such a sweet character and Toby and Daren share some wonderful experiences together in the dream world.

The ending of this book surprised me and made me smile as I realized that Toby and Daren would get their happy ending, and it was a very welcome surprise. I think that a lot of you will enjoy the whole murder/mystery and the cover-up with Daren digging into the past and uncovering the clues, and I also think you will be surprised and pleased with how Amylea Lyn has handled the ghost/human sex scenes.

I am recommending this to those who love paranormal, cute ghosts, a great mystery, some danger, hot loving, and an ending with is unexpected but very happy.

The Wish by Eden Winters

Title: The Wish (Second Edition)

Series: The Wish 01

Author: Eden Winters

Genre: Paranormal, Ghosts, Spirits

Length: Novel (210pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (20^th July 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: At his death, Byron Sinclair left behind more than just his much older partner Alfred Anderson. The couple helped raise their respective nephews, and while Paul Sinclair and Alex Martin are now adults, they still have some growing up to do, particularly when it comes to getting along with each other.

If they refuse to be in the house at the same time, how can Alex be so sure Paul is an opportunistic suck-up with the morals of an alley cat? Paul isn’t impressed with aloof and arrogant playboy Alex, either. Both swear they know all they need to about the other–and about themselves.

Byron’s dying wish is for Alfred to help Paul and Alex see how perfect they are for each other. But when the boys stubbornly refuse to acknowledge what’s right in front of them, Byron must get creative – though it’ll be difficult without hands, or a voice, or a body….

First published January 2010 by Torquere Books

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3087

Review: Paul and Alex are drawn together by Alfred (Alex’s uncle) upon the death of Byron (Paul’s Uncle), Alfred made Byron a promise before he died, that he would try to bring the two younger men together so that they could find the happiness that both he and Byron enjoyed. But, there is a problem; Paul hates Alex because of his playboy ways and for ignoring Byron as he was dying of cancer. Alex thinks that Paul is a gold digger who is trying to fleece Alfred. Byron decides to help the pair along from beyond the grave, but it is Alfred who gives them the push that they finally need.

This is the second edition of this title and there have been no changes made that I could find. Alex and Paul are both related to Alfred and Byron, and now that Byron is gone, it is time for the two young men to finally meet. It was Byron’s wish that they see how perfect they are for each other. But, this plan fails miserably, as both men have a set idea of what the other man is. It will take a miracle for them to fall in love and Byron is determined to make it happen.

Alfred and Byron have quite the love story and even with Byron being gone, it still lingers on and will bring tears to your eyes. You can understand why both Alfred and Byron want that same love for their nephews, but their way of going about it does make you smile. Alex really is the ultimate playboy and believes that he deserves everything that he wants because it is his birth right. Paul, on the other hand, has never expected anything from anything and wants to make it on his own; even turning down gifts and offers of help from his beloved uncles. When these two men finally meet it is a clash that we all enjoy.

This story will touch you, it will frustrate you with its characters, it will baffle you with its misunderstandings and it will make you smile with the love it is infused with. Both Alex and Paul will become dear to you, as they both become the men they were meant to be. Alex has a lot further to travel on his journey than Paul does, and it is a journey that isn’t always perfect. As Alex realizes exactly what type of man he really was. You will love both Alfred and Byron, even though Byron is a cheeky spirit, and Bernard (the butler) will also briefly touch your heart, he is so sweet.

I will recommend this to those who adore true love stories, interfering spirits, two determined young men, a new love that develops from unmitigated grief and the beginning of a new true love story, oh yeah there’s some really hot lovemaking involved as well.

Going Under by Lisa Worrall

Title: Going Under

Author: Lisa Worrall

Genre: Paranormal, Contemporary, Ghosts, Spirits

Length: Novella (156pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (4^th August 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Evan Griffin, bruised and battered by unseen forces, walks into the offices of paranormal investigators, Knight & Stone. Ross Stone is captivated by the injured man. Does he dare risk getting close to Evan when he’s fighting his own demons?

Evan Griffin moved into his remote country house with all the excitement and promise of a new start. He thought he’d found it until the strange noises began… When the attacks became physical, he was left bruised and battered and desperate for help.

When Evan walks into the offices of paranormal investigators, Knight & Stone, Ross Stone is dumbfounded by the injuries the man bears. Injuries Evan insists were caused by an unseen assailant in his own home. Something in the man’s eyes tugs at Ross’s heartstrings. But dare he risk getting close to Evan when he is fighting his own demons?

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains a HFN ending and extreme violence or gore.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1178

Review: Evan is in a hopeless place, after moving to the countryside for a fresh start he is now being terrorized by something he can’t see and can’t fight back against. In a desperate move, he goes to Knight & Stone paranormal investigators for help, and they help him get to the bottom of his haunting. Ross is instantly attracted to the man who comes to them for help; even Evan’s bruises don’t douse his attraction. But, the poor man has come to him for help and he has enough on his plate with his own demons, but both their pasts collide.

This is a well written novella that is tragic and violent and has a silver lining that is tinged with black. Evan is coming to the end of his rope; the invisible attacks against him are becoming more and more violent. So even though he may end up being laughed at, he goes to a paranormal investigator. An investigator who is the first man, since he lost his partner that he has felt an attraction to. Ross wants to help out the poor man who looks so dejected. So he sets out with his co-workers to help Evan get to the bottom of his problem. He rapidly falls for Evan, but his past catches up with him and it makes for an exceptional and emotional time for both of them.

What can I really say about this story except that Lisa Worrall really knows how to give us an angsty, emotional, violent, disturbing, intriguing story. I am not going to go into too much detail with this story except to say that a tragedy in Evan’s past now haunts him, and has been trying to make him pay for many years. With Ross, it is a monster from his past that re-emerges and refuses to let him go. I must admit I was a little surprised at how fast Evan and Ross got together, but they were very passionate and caring together and very hot.

I will give warning that there is quite a bit of violence in this story, but it really adds to the realism of the situations. Evan and Ross do make a good couple in the time that we see them together, and they are very caring about each other. But the ending is a bit of a shriek into your fist and an ‘oh my god’ moment and you begin to have a desperate hope that there will be a sequel so we can have a ‘happily ever after’ for them. Because, if anyone deserves a happy ending it is these two men.

I am recommending this to those who love angst, surprising violence, hauntings, ghosts from the past (living and dead), hot sex, the beginning of a beautiful relationship and a happy for now ending, that makes you want to scream.

Tag: Ghost/Spirits

Needing by Sarah Masters (2nd Edition)

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Purpose by Andrew Q. Gordon

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The Haunting of Timber Manor by F. E. Feeley Jr.

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Whispered Secrets, Hidden Eyes by Amylea Lyn

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The Wish by Eden Winters

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Going Under by Lisa Worrall

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