Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Avery Wagner quit ghostwalking when he lost his beloved anchor to cancer. Now teaching others who have the ability, he's beginning to live again -- but he's not looking for another lover, not now, maybe not ever.

But then he meets Jameson ... younger, talented, dedicated, almost perfect, even though his mouth sometimes opens ahead of his brain. And Jameson wants Avery desperately, though he'll settle for friendship if he can't have more.

When an emergency demands they work together in the field, Avery discovers just how perfect Jameson is. But he had a perfect love once before, and he's scared to even consider that he might have a chance at another. Can he trust Jameson with his newly healing heart?

First edition published by Dreamspinner Press, September 2018.

Book Review

“... You make me drop things, like all the plans I had for a life without you. Someone to die for, someone to fall into when the world goes dark... Someone to tear a hole in this endless night... You are what I hold on to. You're taking over. I find that giving in is the best I can do...” ~ Jimmy Gnecco, Brian May ('Someone to Die For')

You can never replace one love with another, but if you are fortunate, someone may come into your life who is willing to share your heart, giving you enough room for both of them. Jameson, of 'Somebody to Die For' by Kris T. Bethke, is just such a person. Being an anchor, he is trained to give whatever comfort or nurturing his ghostwalker needs when recovering from coming back to life after dying in order to help lost souls find their way into the light. When Jameson meets ex-ghostwalker, Avery Wagner, he has an instinctual understanding of what he needs to do to leave behind his sadness over his husband's death and move on.

Although Avery doesn't ghostwalk any longer, with his expertise, he's still an excellent instructor and reference source when needed. Michael, director of this Requiem branch, and Avery have been friends for years. Although he hated to see Avery leave, he understands how difficult it is to go on without Luke, his husband and anchor. Michael has been concerned about Avery because his recovery from losing Luke is taking an inordinately long time without much forward movement. Michael is hoping that inviting him to lecture to the new recruits will help give him some balance and self-confidence. All Avery has promised to do is teach, not ghostwalk himself, but, inevitably, a serious situation arises and no one else is available. Michael has his concerns, but Avery is adamant. He has started a strong friendship with a young student, Jameson, and insists that he be Avery's anchor. He's successful in his mission to bring back a student who got lost on her first ghostwalk and is able to comfort her with the fact that many ghostwalkers get disoriented, especially on their first ghost walk.

Since Jameson is waiting for a partner that who is a strong match, Avery gives him practice by going on a few more ghostwalks so Jameson can learn how best to be an anchor. Avery and Jameson become an effective team. Avery is extremely impressed with Jameson's nurturing abilities as well as his personality and perceptiveness. Jameson is there for him, knowing exactly what he needs and acting on it. This kind of support helps tremendously in Avery's recovery from grief. Avery begins to be able to look back on his time with Luke with fond memories rather than the searing pain he has felt since Luke died. Avery can't seem to get Jameson off his mind. He still loves Luke and it seems like a betrayal to even think about someone else in a romantic way; Avery is beginning to feel like he can finally begin to move on.

This is a very emotional story about love and loss and second chances. As I well know after losing my son, grief is not linear. It comes and goes, often without warning with devastating agony. Avery loved Luke so much that he wasn't dealing efficiently with life without him. Avery was stuck in going through the motions, waiting for, he didn't know what. He had truly lost his anchor and was floating aimlessly. Jameson was exactly who he needed to be able to break through that barrier and come into the light. His patience and understanding helped Avery appease his guilt and realize what he already knew, that Luke would want him to be happy. Thanks, Kris, for a poignant story with a great ending.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 51271 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	18-January-2020
Price	$4.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.jms-books.com/kris-t-bethke-c-224_240/somebody-to-die-for-p-3146.html