The bigger they are, the harder they maul. Immortal not-ghost Wes Cooper and his vampire partner, Hudson Rojas, have it all–rewarding private investigation work, great friends and, most important, a love that’s endured. But ever since Wes sent a demon screaming back to the beyond, his abilities have grown overpowering and overwhelming. He’s hiding the fact that he’s losing control the best he … the best he can, but it’s hard to keep anything a secret for long when your partner’s a former cop…and especially when your partner’s a former cop who wants to move in together.
When all hell literally breaks loose in Toronto and superstrength ghosts are unleashed on Wes and his friends, he and Hudson are thrown into a case unlike any they’ve seen before. To save the city, Wes needs to harness his new power…and find some answers. But when he gets them, the solution to fix it all could mean losing everything.
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This series just gets better from Jenn Burke … if it’s any indication of what I thought (5 stars, anyone) I’ve gone straight onto the next book. Recommended 🙂
I adore this series so much and Wes and Hudson have definitely cemented themselves as one of my favourite couples.
Give Up the Ghost picks up several months after the end of Not Dead Yet. Wes and Hudson and their friends have started a private investigation firm, Hudson is running mysterious errands, and Wes is keeping a huge secret about something that happened to him at the end of the previous book.
There are two things that I especially love about this series. (Okay, three if you count Wes and Hudson, who I absolutely adore together.) First is how inherently flawed Jenn Burke has made our main POV character, Wes, and yet she’s managed to also make him truly likeable. It’s because he can acknowledge his own flaws that makes him so appealing. Second is the wonderful cast of secondary characters, Evan being my particular favourite, and I loved the new, unexpected additions we saw in this novel.
Give Up the Ghost takes place during the heart of a Toronto winter and we’ve got all sorts of creepy paranormal creatures popping up all over the city as Wes and Hudson and their friends try to figure out what’s going on. Jenn Burke seamlessly weaves character development with plot in this fun–and sometimes creepy–sequel that’s full of heart! I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for the next instalment.
Our favourite vampire/non-dead non-ghost duo, is back and after the fight with the Demon from book 1, things have changed, some good – Hudson, Iskander, and Wes have opened their PI agency, Evan is settling into his vampiric nature, And some not so good changes – the result of defeating the Demon has left Wes with his magic a bit wonky, he is barely able to contain it, which has some disastrous consequences, so he selfishly keeps quiet about it, which worked about as well as you can imagine! This in turn put his relationships with everyone else in jeopardy.
There is also a lot of ghostly goings-on, with a blast from Wes’ past popping in and out, but are they here to help or hinder. Wes has a monumental decision to make but has he changed enough to make the right choice.
I love this series, it is full of complex characters, that are well written, which I hope to read more about as Hudson and Wes move forward in their business partnership and their personal relationship.
I totally recommend that all those who are paranormal books read this series.
I love this series and this addition may even be better then the previous one.
Ghosts, vampires, witches, magic and romance really what more could you want out of a book?!? I loved this story, I pretty much instantly fell in love with all the characters, but I do have to say Wes above them all has my heart. Wes and Hudson’s relationship alone made this book worth the read, but this story has so much more to offer. I must also commend the author on her ability to paint the different worlds in such vivid detail that you could picture each perfectly right before your eyes. With amazing characters, a vividly detailed setting, and a complex plot full of mystery and supernatural folklore this book is one that I can not say enough good things about, it really does have a little something for everyone.
OMG!! this book is better that the first one! I don’t want to spoiler it for you, but the twists Jenn Burke make on the plot are amazing. Of course, the relationship between Wesley and Hudson got stronger than ever after all that happen in the book that helped them to learn how to be a couple. Full of action, more magic and danger in almost every chapter, the story had me holding my breath until the final chapter when everything ended just fine in a lovely scene that made me cry a lot. Wonderful reading!!!
I absolutely adore Wes and Hudson, love them and their friends and can’t wait for the third book to come out this fall!
The characters from Not Dead Yet are back in a wonderful, heartbreaking sequel. Wes is more powerful than ever, but his decision making skills still need work. He manages to unintentionally cause problems that endanger everyone and everything he cares about. There is more spine chilling creepiness happening in this installment, with human and paranormal evil characters who are easy to loathe. Meanwhile, the central characters each suffer in different ways. (Again, Evan steals the limelight for me in parts of this book. I need him to find someone to love him the way Wes and Hudson love each other.) Despite the impulsiveness that causes him to keep making bad choices, I adore Wes and the love he feels for Hudson and their friends. Hudson is so much more likeable this time around. He wants to keep Wes, Evan, and the rest of their “family” out of harm’s way. HIs bossiness comes from a place of caring.
There is a lot to keep up with here, as the hits keep coming at our heroes. Some moments are frightening, and some make me cry. There are times when it is impossible to see how things can get better. This story is completely engrossing and completely wonderful. I’m so glad to know that there will be another installment later this year. I really can’t wait to spend more time with these characters who I adore!
What I love more than anything is when books have a sequel! I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, so reading the second book in this series was enjoyable! I love seeing how the relationship between Wes and Hudson evolved! Also reading about how they get thrown into another case, while Wes is working on his powers! Another great book by Jenn Burke!
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 4
Another winner!!!!
I love Wes and Husdon and their off on another unfortunate adventure. Dealing with the repercussions from book 1, there are secrets, lies and so hard truths that need to be addressed. I love Wes but unfortunately, he did some things in this book I didn’t agree with but his journey back to finding himself and his new ‘power’ was great. Hudson’s as surly as always and he too has another secret that opens the doors to the past and the possibilities of a new friendship.
I think in this book Evan is my favorite character. He’s passionate, gentle, loyal and at moments sad but he has an innate sweetness about him that just makes you want to hug him!! He goes through some hard times in this book but Jenn does it with such love, respect, and honor.
This book is a thrilling adventure with many ups and downs with a horror-inducing creation that was straight out of my nightmares and so well articulated! My only other comment was that this ‘horror’ wasn’t exactly resolved (which I found the ending a little disappointing) but still can’t wait to see what Jenn does with book 3 (coming September – which is TOO far away)!!!
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Having read and loved the first book I couldn’t wait for this book. I was not disappointed! This book is filled with humor, a great mystery and wonderful characters, main and secondary! The author has created such a wonderfully imperfect character in Wes. I love that Hudson loves him unconditionally and loves Wes for who he is.
There is great snark and wonderful chemistry between Wes and Hudson. As a reader you will be pulled into their world. I can’t wait for the next book in this amazing series!
I had a list of things to do on my day off, but then I started Give Up the Ghost and my list fell to the wayside. I was immediately pulled into the story and couldn’t tear myself away but for a few minutes at a time. It’s so rare for two back-to-back books in a series to wow me enough to garner 5 stars, but the Not Dead Yet series continues to deliver fun dialogue, interesting storylines, great characters, and addicting suspense complete with well-timed twists. There is plenty of back story provided by the author in Give Up the Ghost to allow it to standalone, but given the history of the characters, I think this series works best if they are read in order.
I was again struck by the array of characters the series offers. The multitude of vibrant, different personalities create a wonderful community/family within the book I’m happy to be lost in. The loving but fun and snarky comradery makes for a pleasurable read that never fails to bring a smile to my face. And though there was plenty of humor in this book, Give Up the Ghost also delivered a deeper, palpable emotion than the first book with the individual character progressions, the relationships among the secondary and main characters, and the romance between Hudson and Wes. I loved that the author capitalized on all the relationships cultivated in the first and second book and I found myself caught up in the angst, swooning over the sweet romance, and celebrating the joyful moments alongside the characters.
As with the first book, the storyline and paranormal side of things continues to be unique and exciting with a brisk pacing and great action scenes that make it impossible to set this one down. Honestly, Give Up the Ghost delivers on all fronts. This is definitely not your run of the mill paranormal romantic suspense and I’d highly recommend the series to anyone who enjoys the trope.
*eARC received via Netgalley. Reviewed for Alpha Book Club*
You really need to have read the first book in this series before tackling this one.
This picks up a couple of months after the first ended. Wes is keeping secrets that threatens to destroy all his relationships and puts the lives and livelihoods of friends and acquaintances in danger.
It’s told all from Wes’ POV and if you’ve read the first book you’ll know Wes doesn’t always make the best decisions.
In this book the ghost story held up really well, and while the bad guy is obvious from the first meeting that pleases me, I like to know who I’m rooting against.
An excellent series. I’m really looking forward to the next one.
Athira’s review May 24, 2019 · edit
it was amazing
bookshelves: awesome-saga, lgbt
I loved this. Absolutely. Completely. I read this in one night when I should’ve been studying for exams.
This is the second book in the series I loved it even more than the first. Fully from Wes’s POV, this book is one of my favourites this year.
It’s so wonderfully written and funny and heartbreakingly beautiful. Wes and Hudson are one of my favourite couples. I loved Evan and Lexi and Iskander.
I don’t want to say much as I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. READ IT!!
Highly recommended!!!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
I loved this book! It was filled with humor, a wonderfully written mystery and lovable characters. After defeating the demon Hudson, Wes and Iskander open up their own PI agency. Evan seems to be getting the hang of being a vampire, Lexi is on board as well but not all is as it should be. The spell that Wes was a part of has changed him so profoundly that he barely controls his magic. He in his naive belief hides this new part of himself from others resulting in consequences of epic proportions. He angers his friends and puts in question his relationship with Hudson.
But what seems like a massive ghost haunting turns out to be an elaborate plan for revenge from the beyond. Carefully executed, it unleashes an angry creature that will not stop from destroying the city of Toronto and all those that wronged it in life. People get killed, property is destroyed, ghosts get trapped and angry, and this time Wes has no other choice but to act if he wants his loved ones to survive. I loved this elaborate mystery. It developed slowly, bit by bit giving me small clues as to what might be happening. Every piece of the puzzle fit neatly until the whole picture was complete.
The end was very interesting. I loved how author made me wonder about what happens next. Wes, I think, despite his belief that he never matured and stayed the same, has changed in many ways. Yes, he had his selfish moments and perhaps small temper tantrums but he was willing to give his all when his family was in danger. Because everybody in the agency have become one big family, and Wes finally have seen that he is not alone anymore, that he is surrounded by people who genuinely care for him. I loved how they helped each other, how they comforted each other, how affectionate they were, even how they bickered – all warmhearted and in good fun. This was a very good book that I thoroughly enjoyed, and highly recommend it! I can’t wait to see what Hudson and his band are up to next time! Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
Give Up the Ghost is the second book in the Paranormal mystery romance series Not Dead Yet by Jenn Burke. This continues the story of Hudson, Wes and their band of friends/”family” as they work their new business adventure. There is a lot of mysterious paranormal events occurring and it’s up to them to solve the case. I am loving the characters and the storylines… definitely cant wait for more.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I read book 1 in this series earlier this year and really enjoyed it, so as soon as I saw the sign-up form for an ARC copy of book 2 I jumped on the chance to read book 2 early. Give up the Ghost is an excellent sequel, just like the first book there is suspense, a lot of paranormal stuff, secrets, reveals, a great romance and a tight group of friends. There so much to like about this series.
In Give Up The Ghost Wesley and some of his friends started their own investigation company and while they are already busy with non paranormal cases they get involved in some paranormal stuff as well. Multiple ghosts are on a place they shouldn’t be, imps in a café and other strange happenings. They try to figure out what’s going on. I had a theory, that was sort of correct or in the right directions at least, but also wrong on other points. It was a nice reveal when we find out what’s causing some of the trouble.
Besides the paranormal suspense plot line there is enough other paranormal stuff and character focused plot lines going on. Wesley is keeping a big secret from everyone and you just know it’s going to come out at some point and be worse than when he told everyone earlier. And that’s exactly what happens, but I also liked how it wasn’t blown out of proportion. It was a big thing and he hurt people by keeping it a secret, but they deal with it in a realistic way.
I really like the way the author blends the multiple aspects of this book, it has paranormal, suspense and romance all in one book and it’s all done so well. And I love this tight group of friends around Wesley and seeing how they all interact and work together. There are new side characters as well and more about the the characters we already know. I love how they have each other’s back and are there for each other, even while things don’t always go smoothly, it’s clear they care and are there for each other.
The romance is also well done. Wesley and Hudson are having some struggles they need to deal with. Wesley is keeping this big secret and has his own fears. Hudson is acting secretive too and it’s clear they have to deal with this before they move further. There are some relationship difficulties they have to deal with in this book, but at the end they emerge closer than before. I also like how even with the troubles they have, their love for one another is clear and there are a bunch of sweet and intimate scenes as well.
I also liked seeing how Wesley develops in this book, he has to make some big decisions and learn to deal with his new magic and what it means. I like how he still is the same character, but also changes. And after this book he probably has even more developing to do.
The world building turns a bit into an anything exist type of paranormal worlds, of which I am not a fan, but I like we don’t get overwhelmed with a multitude of paranormal creatures in this book and only get to see a few new ones in this book. I liked learning a bit more of the world and the paranormal creatures that exist in this world. I am not fully sure what to think of something that happens at the end, but I do like how it got resolved.
The main storyline of this book gets resolved, but there’s enough left open for future books in the series and I am already looking forward to book 3!
To summarize: To Give up the Ghost was an exciting sequel. It has paranormal, suspense, great characters and some romance too. And everything is blended well together. There are some strange paranormal happenings they’re investigating and I was partly thinking in the right direction, but also was surprised by a reveal. Wesley is keeping a big secret from his friends and I was waiting to see what would happen when the secret comes to light, and it was bad when it does, but I also liked how it doesn’t get blown up and was dealt with realistically. With Wesley’s secret and Hudson acting secretive they have some relationship issues to work through, but I also like how there are enough sweet and intimate moments and by the end of he book they seem closer than ever. It’s also great to see how Wesley develops and has to learn to deal with his new magic and what it means. The tight group of friends around Wesley is also great to read about and how they have each other’s back. There is more about the paranormal world we learn too. All in all this was a great read and I am eagerly awaiting book 3!