Title: Ghost of a Chance
Series: Requiem Inc.: Book One
Author: Kris T. Bethke
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press/Dreamspun Beyond
Length: 216 Pages
Category: Paranormal
At a Glance: Out of the Dreamspun Beyond stories I have read thus far, this one has been my favorite, and I love that you’re always guaranteed a HEA.
Reviewed By: Lindsey
Blurb: Only love makes life worth living—over and over again.
Ghostwalker Blake Jones dies every day. It’s his job and how he helps trapped souls cross over. But to return to life, he needs an anchor. His new partner, Derek Scott, is a surprise. Not only is he male, but his appearance belies a caring and gentle heart. Despite attraction and a strengthening relationship, they know they shouldn’t take things further.
But there’s a big difference between knowing and doing.
Their growing love presents a problem, though not the one they expect. Blake and Derek have to decide if they should take their relationship to the most permanent level—an unbreakable metaphysical bond. Doing so offers both risk and unimaginable reward. Can Blake let go of his fears and put his complete trust in Derek in order to have the happily ever after he’s always craved?
Review: I gotta throw it out there: I really enjoyed the interesting world Kris T. Bethke created. Blake Jones is a Ghostwalker, meaning he basically helps those departed souls cross over to whatever awaits them. Though this is not the first book with someone with these capabilities, I will say I have never read one as remarkable and unique as this. See, in order for Blake to help those souls cross, he has to die. And I’m not talking shut-your-eyes-and-slip-from-your-body die. We are talking painful ending, and an equally agonizing awakening once his task is complete. Despite Ghostwalkers being pretty resilient, body-wise, they still need an anchor to help their spirit get back to their corporeal form. Enter Derek Scott. Not only does he help Blake’s soul return, but he also is charged with caring for Blake during his recovery.
Their start was a little difficult. Dying and coming back takes its toll on Blake, and has some side effects he is not really comfortable with Derek witnessing. Blake’s got baggage when it comes to his talent and how it has affected his previous relationships, causing some pretty significant trust issues. He doesn’t mind as much if it’s a friend, and someone of the female persuasion. But a male? And someone he finds mouthwatering gorgeous? Nuh uh. No way. Which I get. I mean, I wouldn’t want someone I was attracted to, to constantly see me at my worst. So, Derek has to show Blake he is not like the others. He isn’t scared of Blake’s talent or his reactions to his Ghostwalking.
I really enjoyed how all the parts worked here. The medium’s role, King’s role, the metaphysical bonding and the variety of different talents. I am intrigued by the secondary characters, especially King. Sometimes, when the first book and a foundation to a new series is set up, I find the secondary characters take up a lot of page time, which sometimes makes the story slow or creates an imbalance with the current MCs. I’m happy to report this didn’t happen here. I got to know just enough about King, Sam and Avery to give them dimension and make me want to know more.
There was a sweetness to Derek and Blake that I just adored. Derek is so patient and understanding as Blake works things through. Derek exudes gentleness while Blake is a little bit more of a spitfire, lashing out and letting his emotions (especially fear) overtake him. Derek was a great contrast and complement to Blake, and they just worked together.
I loved the focus on how the Ghostwalkers worked, and the dynamics, but I wished there was a little more about the actual world they lived in and the history of Ghostwalkers. It was clear that the world knew what they were, and there was obviously some people that had issues with such powers, but other than that, it seemed a little underdeveloped. I really hope it expands more in the future.
The story flowed, it wasn’t too angsty, containing just enough to have a little tension, and took me on a sweet little romantic journey with two guys who both totally deserve it. Totally recommended if you like paranormal with a guaranteed HEA, and unique paranormal talent. I can’t wait to find out what’s in store next.
You can buy Ghost of a Chance here:
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