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40 Souls to Keep
Seven years ago, Jase awoke with the mystical power to heal people—and no memory of his past. The only clue to his identity is the number forty tattooed on his arm. Driven by a mission he doesn't understand, Jase follows his visions to those he's meant to save. He is convinced that the fortieth person he's drawn to—a little girl named Macy Pearl—is the key to finally learning the truth...
Social worker Lucas Jacobson has made a promise to protect Macy, orphaned when her parents were brutally murdered. So when Jase shows up in Naples claiming he's there to heal the child, Lucas is wary, despite his attraction to the enigmatic stranger.
Then Macy is abducted, and Lucas has no choice but to trust in Jase. Scouring the city from its glitzy resorts to its seedy underbelly only deepens the mystery—and draws the two men closer. But Jase is certain of one if Macy dies, a dark fate awaits them all.
92,000 words
Social worker Lucas Jacobson has made a promise to protect Macy, orphaned when her parents were brutally murdered. So when Jase shows up in Naples claiming he's there to heal the child, Lucas is wary, despite his attraction to the enigmatic stranger.
Then Macy is abducted, and Lucas has no choice but to trust in Jase. Scouring the city from its glitzy resorts to its seedy underbelly only deepens the mystery—and draws the two men closer. But Jase is certain of one if Macy dies, a dark fate awaits them all.
92,000 words
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
10 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Libby Drew
16 books110 followersLibby glimpsed her true calling when her first story, an A.A. Milne /Shakespeare crossover, won the grand prize in her elementary school's fiction contest. Her parents explained that writers were quirky, poor, and often talked to themselves in supermarket checkout lines. They implored her to be practical, a request she took to heart for twenty years, earning two degrees, a white-collar job, and an ulcer, before realizing that practical was absolutely no fun.
Today she lives with her husband and four children in an old, impractical house and writes stories about redemption, the supernatural, and love at first sight, all of which do exist. She happens to know from experience.
Libby’s STATE OF MIND received rave reviews for being fast, clever, and relentless and was nominated for a Bookie Award for Best M/M Novel of 2011. 40 SOULS TO KEEP, Libby’s third novel, has been described as intense and heart-poundingly good and was praised by Publishers Weekly for maintaining a high level of suspense.
An avid supporter of gay rights, Libby donates her time to the Trevor Project and organizations that work to support marriage equality.
Today she lives with her husband and four children in an old, impractical house and writes stories about redemption, the supernatural, and love at first sight, all of which do exist. She happens to know from experience.
Libby’s STATE OF MIND received rave reviews for being fast, clever, and relentless and was nominated for a Bookie Award for Best M/M Novel of 2011. 40 SOULS TO KEEP, Libby’s third novel, has been described as intense and heart-poundingly good and was praised by Publishers Weekly for maintaining a high level of suspense.
An avid supporter of gay rights, Libby donates her time to the Trevor Project and organizations that work to support marriage equality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 20, 2014
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book seemed interesting at first, but the characters, and execution left me wanting. I found Jase to be a very manipulative, and unlikable person. It seems like his power was wasted on him, and his petty and shallow self. Having worked customer service jobs, the Burger King incident really pissed me off. He could have cost that kid his job, and he felt nothing. Sorry, I hate people who take advantage of others like that. Lucas's character was thin, and I never really felt the connection these two were supposed to have.
I found the plot to be jumpy, and incoherent. The mystery felt contrived, and shallow. The conclusion was pretty anticlimactic, and by the time I reached it I found I had long since ceased to care. It’s not a bad book; just one that never engaged me enough to work up enough energy to like or dislike it to any degree. Had the mythology, and plot been a bit better developed, the characters given a bit more substance, and Jase's manipulative tendencies toned down, this really could have worked well.
The premise of this book seemed interesting at first, but the characters, and execution left me wanting. I found Jase to be a very manipulative, and unlikable person. It seems like his power was wasted on him, and his petty and shallow self. Having worked customer service jobs, the Burger King incident really pissed me off. He could have cost that kid his job, and he felt nothing. Sorry, I hate people who take advantage of others like that. Lucas's character was thin, and I never really felt the connection these two were supposed to have.
I found the plot to be jumpy, and incoherent. The mystery felt contrived, and shallow. The conclusion was pretty anticlimactic, and by the time I reached it I found I had long since ceased to care. It’s not a bad book; just one that never engaged me enough to work up enough energy to like or dislike it to any degree. Had the mythology, and plot been a bit better developed, the characters given a bit more substance, and Jase's manipulative tendencies toned down, this really could have worked well.
November 24, 2012
CAUTION: Long Review & Spoilers
The mm-romance was well written, but the characters were plain, the plot had holes, and the ending was scant.
The Characters
+ Jase, the nomad protector
While much of the story was told in Lucas’s PoV, most of the character development occurred with Jase. However, it raised more questions than answers about him. I liked Jase’s mysterious persona in the beginning but by the middle of the book it irritated me. I did like his decisive use of mind-controlling ability, but he could have been more effective with it. For one thing, he would have captured the bad guys way faster if he was more clever with it.
+ Lucas, the social worker
I liked Lucas the best but his characterization was shallow. I can count with my hands facts about Lucas and still have a couple fingers left over. I liked Lucas’ relatively fast acceptance of Jase and his paranormal explanations, but I wished Lucas kept some hidden suspicion. Jase’s goal of protecting Macy may have coincided with Lucas’ goal but they both could have different ways to protect a person. For all Lucas knew, Jase could have locked both him and Macy in a cage until the danger passed.
Both Lucas and Jase were a one-note character: the protector. The paranormal part of Jase was only the big thing that distinguished him from Lucas. They never impressed me as palpable individuals as they should have.
+ Macy, the orphan girl
I didn’t like Macy. She was a paradox. One moment she’s sucking her thumb and acting like a typical scared kid, the next she show incredible empathy and gives sage advice like an experienced therapist or a caring grandmother. She’s supposed to be this innocent angel, but the girl slightly creeped me out like something out of those possession horror movies.
The Plot
+ the plot holes
How come Jase never made an attempt to discover and reclaim his identity? How come Jase believed Philip so easily? When Philip said there were others like Jase and that some of them were evil, alarms should have rang in both Jase and Lucas when Jase told him. How come Lucas never brought up these issues to Jase? I would have thought as a social worker Lucas would have a good danger radar and a keen sense of the truth or something similar because of what his job entails.
+ the pacing
The first two chapters took place in the past and were about Jase’s origin as some amnesiac with a “Jesus complex” (Lucas’s word). These chapters were a thinly veiled prologue. Afterward, the story picked up in the present beginning with Lucas’s PoV. In spite of these things, I liked the beginning. It was dark and kind of noir-like, and I didn’t have to wait long for the action scenes.
However, by the middle of the book, the pacing became an irritating paradox. The mystery development was not moving fast enough; by fast, I mean handing out slivers of the answer pie intermittently. The romance development was moving too fast; there wasn’t a proper build up to the emotional connection. I wouldn’t say the romance was insta-love but it did border the trope.
+ the romance
The romance was flat like a tabletop, devoid of chemistry. The story convinced me that the guys made great friends, but as lovers? Not really. When they first kissed, I was indifferent instead of joyful and titillated.
+ the ending
The plot did pick up in pace and substance for the last quarter of the book, but it wasn’t enough to save the story for me. The revelation of the villain disappointed me. For a long while, the villain’s identity eluded me. But then the clues given toward the end made it possible for me to figure out the villain’s identity a couple scenes before Lucas and Jase did. It annoyed me that the couple didn’t deduce the villain’s identity sooner than I did, and that when the villain revealed their motive, it emphasized the plot holes.
For that matter, it was annoying that the couple didn’t think to carry protection, e.g. gun or taser, while they were on the hunt for the bad guys. Jase’s mind-controlling ability, while powerful, doesn’t work if he’s silenced or knocked out or shot to death; the couple should have prepared for the contingencies, but they didn’t to the detriment of my belief in them as smart characters.
The epilogue was a shade of awful.
It was a ridiculous HEA.
+ the loose ends
Many questions were never answered; the book is a standalone but I can see now, after finishing the book, that the book never intended to tie all the loose ends and give a satisfactory ending. We never know why there are amnesics with frightful paranormal abilities, half of them with a Jesus-complex and half with an Anti-Christ one, running around. Or why none appear to do anything to reclaim their identity and life, but instead are bent on pursuing their magical quest, or why they believed so readily the ex-amnesics who conveniently appeared out of nowhere to act momentarily as mentor.
What very little answers were given reeked of shallow world building, and I was greatly disappointed.
In Conclusion
I rate 40 Souls to Keep 2-stars for it was okay because I didn’t actively hate it. The great writing kept my attention, but it wasn’t enough to make me like the story.
The mm-romance was well written, but the characters were plain, the plot had holes, and the ending was scant.
The Characters
+ Jase, the nomad protector
While much of the story was told in Lucas’s PoV, most of the character development occurred with Jase. However, it raised more questions than answers about him. I liked Jase’s mysterious persona in the beginning but by the middle of the book it irritated me. I did like his decisive use of mind-controlling ability, but he could have been more effective with it. For one thing, he would have captured the bad guys way faster if he was more clever with it.
+ Lucas, the social worker
I liked Lucas the best but his characterization was shallow. I can count with my hands facts about Lucas and still have a couple fingers left over. I liked Lucas’ relatively fast acceptance of Jase and his paranormal explanations, but I wished Lucas kept some hidden suspicion. Jase’s goal of protecting Macy may have coincided with Lucas’ goal but they both could have different ways to protect a person. For all Lucas knew, Jase could have locked both him and Macy in a cage until the danger passed.
Both Lucas and Jase were a one-note character: the protector. The paranormal part of Jase was only the big thing that distinguished him from Lucas. They never impressed me as palpable individuals as they should have.
+ Macy, the orphan girl
I didn’t like Macy. She was a paradox. One moment she’s sucking her thumb and acting like a typical scared kid, the next she show incredible empathy and gives sage advice like an experienced therapist or a caring grandmother. She’s supposed to be this innocent angel, but the girl slightly creeped me out like something out of those possession horror movies.
The Plot
+ the plot holes
How come Jase never made an attempt to discover and reclaim his identity? How come Jase believed Philip so easily? When Philip said there were others like Jase and that some of them were evil, alarms should have rang in both Jase and Lucas when Jase told him. How come Lucas never brought up these issues to Jase? I would have thought as a social worker Lucas would have a good danger radar and a keen sense of the truth or something similar because of what his job entails.
+ the pacing
The first two chapters took place in the past and were about Jase’s origin as some amnesiac with a “Jesus complex” (Lucas’s word). These chapters were a thinly veiled prologue. Afterward, the story picked up in the present beginning with Lucas’s PoV. In spite of these things, I liked the beginning. It was dark and kind of noir-like, and I didn’t have to wait long for the action scenes.
However, by the middle of the book, the pacing became an irritating paradox. The mystery development was not moving fast enough; by fast, I mean handing out slivers of the answer pie intermittently. The romance development was moving too fast; there wasn’t a proper build up to the emotional connection. I wouldn’t say the romance was insta-love but it did border the trope.
+ the romance
The romance was flat like a tabletop, devoid of chemistry. The story convinced me that the guys made great friends, but as lovers? Not really. When they first kissed, I was indifferent instead of joyful and titillated.
+ the ending
The plot did pick up in pace and substance for the last quarter of the book, but it wasn’t enough to save the story for me. The revelation of the villain disappointed me. For a long while, the villain’s identity eluded me. But then the clues given toward the end made it possible for me to figure out the villain’s identity a couple scenes before Lucas and Jase did. It annoyed me that the couple didn’t deduce the villain’s identity sooner than I did, and that when the villain revealed their motive, it emphasized the plot holes.
For that matter, it was annoying that the couple didn’t think to carry protection, e.g. gun or taser, while they were on the hunt for the bad guys. Jase’s mind-controlling ability, while powerful, doesn’t work if he’s silenced or knocked out or shot to death; the couple should have prepared for the contingencies, but they didn’t to the detriment of my belief in them as smart characters.
The epilogue was a shade of awful.
It was a ridiculous HEA.
+ the loose ends
Many questions were never answered; the book is a standalone but I can see now, after finishing the book, that the book never intended to tie all the loose ends and give a satisfactory ending. We never know why there are amnesics with frightful paranormal abilities, half of them with a Jesus-complex and half with an Anti-Christ one, running around. Or why none appear to do anything to reclaim their identity and life, but instead are bent on pursuing their magical quest, or why they believed so readily the ex-amnesics who conveniently appeared out of nowhere to act momentarily as mentor.
What very little answers were given reeked of shallow world building, and I was greatly disappointed.
In Conclusion
I rate 40 Souls to Keep 2-stars for it was okay because I didn’t actively hate it. The great writing kept my attention, but it wasn’t enough to make me like the story.
April 30, 2019
3.5
This is going to be one of those books that you really love or sort of hate; I am somewhat stuck in the middle. The idea behind the book is somewhat brilliant, and the writing is excellent, I am just very dissatisfied with how it all came together, even though it does have the power to keep you reading. A great effort by Libby Drew, but by the end I kind of stopped caring for the MCs.
A man awakes in a park with no recollection of how he got there, or who he is. A young boy is also at the park with his grandmother and they care enough to take him home and feed him. They pick the name Jase for him, and Jase struggles with the fact that he can’t remember anything about himself. What he does discover is that he has a tattoo (a number 40) and he has the power to heal. That little part comes a surprise but Jase knows what he must do, and that tattoo is about to become the bane to his existence.
Lucas Jacobson is with Child Protective Services, and he’s just been called to his worst case yet. Seems the little girl he’s supposed to pick up might have witnessed the murder of her parents. The fact that they lived in poverty and might be surrounded by gators is another sad fact to add to the equation. Lucas Knows one thing, he’s willing to protect the little girl Macy with all he has, and that is exactly what he has to do.
7 years later Jase has saved many a souls and he is down to his last one a little girl called Macy, and then it will all be over and he can go back to the life he forgot. However, Lucas Jacobson wasn’t supposed to be a part of package but he seems to be Macy’s protector. The men are thrust into keeping Macy alive while trying to figure out who’s after her, and realizing not everything is, as it seems.
As I said, the idea behind the book is great. The setting is so rich I was instantly caught up in what the author created, from the lavish setting of the rich, to that of the poorest of poor. It was like one giant awesome road trip (with an ominous countdown). That was my fave part of the entire book, them driving around and the description of the scenery. That part is very well done. It’s another one of those books where it’s longer than it needed to be and by time the ending rolled around my interest was gone. I liked Lucas and Jase a lot, but not that much time was spent on them together, so I can’t call them a couple but as individuals I really like them. Again, lots to like, the plot is interesting and as much as I liked the driving and running around this probably will turn some readers off.
Should You Read It? Yes, if you want to read suspense with a nice paranormal twist. I legit will be reading more from Libby Drew; this book has captured my interest with her obvious talent for spinning a tale. 40 Souls To Keep will be a hit or miss for most readers, but for me I liked it.
This is going to be one of those books that you really love or sort of hate; I am somewhat stuck in the middle. The idea behind the book is somewhat brilliant, and the writing is excellent, I am just very dissatisfied with how it all came together, even though it does have the power to keep you reading. A great effort by Libby Drew, but by the end I kind of stopped caring for the MCs.
A man awakes in a park with no recollection of how he got there, or who he is. A young boy is also at the park with his grandmother and they care enough to take him home and feed him. They pick the name Jase for him, and Jase struggles with the fact that he can’t remember anything about himself. What he does discover is that he has a tattoo (a number 40) and he has the power to heal. That little part comes a surprise but Jase knows what he must do, and that tattoo is about to become the bane to his existence.
Lucas Jacobson is with Child Protective Services, and he’s just been called to his worst case yet. Seems the little girl he’s supposed to pick up might have witnessed the murder of her parents. The fact that they lived in poverty and might be surrounded by gators is another sad fact to add to the equation. Lucas Knows one thing, he’s willing to protect the little girl Macy with all he has, and that is exactly what he has to do.
7 years later Jase has saved many a souls and he is down to his last one a little girl called Macy, and then it will all be over and he can go back to the life he forgot. However, Lucas Jacobson wasn’t supposed to be a part of package but he seems to be Macy’s protector. The men are thrust into keeping Macy alive while trying to figure out who’s after her, and realizing not everything is, as it seems.
As I said, the idea behind the book is great. The setting is so rich I was instantly caught up in what the author created, from the lavish setting of the rich, to that of the poorest of poor. It was like one giant awesome road trip (with an ominous countdown). That was my fave part of the entire book, them driving around and the description of the scenery. That part is very well done. It’s another one of those books where it’s longer than it needed to be and by time the ending rolled around my interest was gone. I liked Lucas and Jase a lot, but not that much time was spent on them together, so I can’t call them a couple but as individuals I really like them. Again, lots to like, the plot is interesting and as much as I liked the driving and running around this probably will turn some readers off.
Should You Read It? Yes, if you want to read suspense with a nice paranormal twist. I legit will be reading more from Libby Drew; this book has captured my interest with her obvious talent for spinning a tale. 40 Souls To Keep will be a hit or miss for most readers, but for me I liked it.
November 13, 2023
Well done!
It's November the month for writing. Well at least starting a writing project. Where your lore and research was done in September. Your plot beats figured out in October. While NaNoWriMo Rebels focused on , "What is story writing?"
In the land of stand-alones Harlequin Publishings collects world's. That beg you be explored. Besides I'm a farmers daughter traveling though a society of consumers. It shouldn't be hard to come up wirh an original story idea.
This one here begs to have a Fandom of writers. The irony that Harlequin books are becoming some interesting reading material.
It's November the month for writing. Well at least starting a writing project. Where your lore and research was done in September. Your plot beats figured out in October. While NaNoWriMo Rebels focused on , "What is story writing?"
In the land of stand-alones Harlequin Publishings collects world's. That beg you be explored. Besides I'm a farmers daughter traveling though a society of consumers. It shouldn't be hard to come up wirh an original story idea.
This one here begs to have a Fandom of writers. The irony that Harlequin books are becoming some interesting reading material.
March 8, 2017
4.5 STARS
For a M/M paranormal novel this is really different and quite an original story. Yes there are some slight crossover ideals but in the end this novel stands up in it's own right.
The story is a sad one of such loneliness and of utter confusion and despair for the MC that you really get swept into this book from the beginning. It could also fall under UF as well as paranormal but either way if you love these genre's then chances are you'll love it too.
It's mysterious beginning leads onto a painful past that Jase can't remember what happened to him except for the things he's been forced to do over the last 7 years since he woke up in a strange place and continues on from there.
For a M/M paranormal novel this is really different and quite an original story. Yes there are some slight crossover ideals but in the end this novel stands up in it's own right.
The story is a sad one of such loneliness and of utter confusion and despair for the MC that you really get swept into this book from the beginning. It could also fall under UF as well as paranormal but either way if you love these genre's then chances are you'll love it too.
It's mysterious beginning leads onto a painful past that Jase can't remember what happened to him except for the things he's been forced to do over the last 7 years since he woke up in a strange place and continues on from there.
December 10, 2015
I loved this, it was very, very good. There were problems, sure, but it was so original and interesting that I didn't care. I coudln't put it down. I want you to keep that in mind because I've been sick so this review is crap. Sorry. Don't take it as disinterest in the book as I am wont to do. No, this is pure disease-born lethargy.
It's so great that the little girl isn't gorgeous, she's ordinary, not particularly attractive. Realistic.
Hospitals here are required by law to take you whether you have insurance or not whether they think you need care or not. I thought it was a national law because black people were dying because hospitals refused to take them whether they had insurance or not. That really sucks if it isn't a federal law.
Interesting that his experience is that religious people don't take well to his story. I think agnostics, people who can't figure out what to believe in or are skeptical of everything or whatever, would be a tougher sell. All the people I know who believe in ghosts, and psychics talking to dead relatives, etc., are Christian. They would believe Jase and be convinced he was given a gift by God. I'm officially agnostic because I can't completely believe anything, even that there isn't a god or gods or goddesses. I would never believe his story. Even if he tried to prove it, I would be positive it was a trick. It's really quite sad, really. It would be nice to be free of doubt.
Since when do you order at the actual window at Burger King? Here we don't even have just one window.
Oh good that she speaks of her parents in the present tense. Again realistic.
Awesome that the social worker only had about $100 in his account. They make little and most Americans live pay check to pay check. It always floors me in books when some average guy has $5,000 squared away to pay for something exhorbitant that's needed like a medical bill for someone else.
Ah crap. That's rape. Even if they enjoy it, even if they think it was their idea, it's still rape and he knows it. But somehow the author handled that whole thing very well in the end.
A lot of fat hating going on here. He's judging what the overweight guy's buying to eat, and then he goes and gets three scones himself. BTW, that order--which also included a venti coffee--has never been $4.16 at Starbucks and certainly not in 2007.
How can a police officer wear earbuds at work, especially one who allegedly takes her job very seriously?
The thing about beauty supplies being the main thing someone in the street culture keeps track of is true. Sadly, it's what my eldest (who was "in care" (see below) with me) does. Although she steals it rather than spends money on it.
OMG that book was written for me. Almost nonstop action, great characters, lots of danger and peril, THREE hospital scenes, a little angst, a different sort of paranormal/modern fantasy world that was interesting and creative, stuff about the world we call "in care": CPS, foster care, social workers, etc. I did figure out part of the endgame pretty close to the beginning as well as figure the mystery out long before the main characters, but there were still things unanswered and it just added to the suspense anyway. It wasn't really the most important thing going on.
The relationship between the MCs was beautiful and for once the instalove didn't bother me at all, maybe because a big theme in the book is fate versus choice.
It's so great that the little girl isn't gorgeous, she's ordinary, not particularly attractive. Realistic.
Hospitals here are required by law to take you whether you have insurance or not whether they think you need care or not. I thought it was a national law because black people were dying because hospitals refused to take them whether they had insurance or not. That really sucks if it isn't a federal law.
Interesting that his experience is that religious people don't take well to his story. I think agnostics, people who can't figure out what to believe in or are skeptical of everything or whatever, would be a tougher sell. All the people I know who believe in ghosts, and psychics talking to dead relatives, etc., are Christian. They would believe Jase and be convinced he was given a gift by God. I'm officially agnostic because I can't completely believe anything, even that there isn't a god or gods or goddesses. I would never believe his story. Even if he tried to prove it, I would be positive it was a trick. It's really quite sad, really. It would be nice to be free of doubt.
Since when do you order at the actual window at Burger King? Here we don't even have just one window.
Oh good that she speaks of her parents in the present tense. Again realistic.
Awesome that the social worker only had about $100 in his account. They make little and most Americans live pay check to pay check. It always floors me in books when some average guy has $5,000 squared away to pay for something exhorbitant that's needed like a medical bill for someone else.
Ah crap. That's rape. Even if they enjoy it, even if they think it was their idea, it's still rape and he knows it. But somehow the author handled that whole thing very well in the end.
A lot of fat hating going on here. He's judging what the overweight guy's buying to eat, and then he goes and gets three scones himself. BTW, that order--which also included a venti coffee--has never been $4.16 at Starbucks and certainly not in 2007.
How can a police officer wear earbuds at work, especially one who allegedly takes her job very seriously?
The thing about beauty supplies being the main thing someone in the street culture keeps track of is true. Sadly, it's what my eldest (who was "in care" (see below) with me) does. Although she steals it rather than spends money on it.
OMG that book was written for me. Almost nonstop action, great characters, lots of danger and peril, THREE hospital scenes, a little angst, a different sort of paranormal/modern fantasy world that was interesting and creative, stuff about the world we call "in care": CPS, foster care, social workers, etc. I did figure out part of the endgame pretty close to the beginning as well as figure the mystery out long before the main characters, but there were still things unanswered and it just added to the suspense anyway. It wasn't really the most important thing going on.
The relationship between the MCs was beautiful and for once the instalove didn't bother me at all, maybe because a big theme in the book is fate versus choice.
November 10, 2012
I almost hate to tag this as an erotic romance because, despite the M/M content it wasn't an overly erotic story for me. It was, if I dare say it, a little on the sweet side.
This was...one weird ride and yet...I rather enjoyed it.
First I had two heroes I loved reading about. Jase and Lucas. Both are out to save souls just via different methods. These are two warriors who don't rely on weapons or violence. They're fighting for those who don't seem to have it in them to fight for themselves. Jase doing the "save your soul" angel-ish route while Lucas works for Child Protective Services.
At first I felt it was a little forced - the chemistry between them but then I started to believe. They balance each other. Emotionally and (for a lack of better word) spiritually. They're each other's yin and yang. And the more I read...the more I loved them. The more I wanted this romance to work out.
Yes this is a M/M erotic romance and if you're curious about this genre but not yet ready to dip your toe in the deep end of the pool (ie...it just freaks you out and yet...you just wanna know why readers love this genre) I'd recommend this one. It's not overly explicit but it's sensual. It's romantic without being...sweet. It's funny, it's heart breaking. It's a sexy (though not overly) pay it forward story that doesn't lecture.
Was I left sitting with a few questions about what exactly happened to Jase? Yeah but...I'll forgive it because I loved the characters so much. They wove together really well. I now want to read more Libby Drew stories because, man...can she write amazing male characters.
Advance reader's copy provided by Carina Press via Net Galley
This was...one weird ride and yet...I rather enjoyed it.
First I had two heroes I loved reading about. Jase and Lucas. Both are out to save souls just via different methods. These are two warriors who don't rely on weapons or violence. They're fighting for those who don't seem to have it in them to fight for themselves. Jase doing the "save your soul" angel-ish route while Lucas works for Child Protective Services.
At first I felt it was a little forced - the chemistry between them but then I started to believe. They balance each other. Emotionally and (for a lack of better word) spiritually. They're each other's yin and yang. And the more I read...the more I loved them. The more I wanted this romance to work out.
Yes this is a M/M erotic romance and if you're curious about this genre but not yet ready to dip your toe in the deep end of the pool (ie...it just freaks you out and yet...you just wanna know why readers love this genre) I'd recommend this one. It's not overly explicit but it's sensual. It's romantic without being...sweet. It's funny, it's heart breaking. It's a sexy (though not overly) pay it forward story that doesn't lecture.
Was I left sitting with a few questions about what exactly happened to Jase? Yeah but...I'll forgive it because I loved the characters so much. They wove together really well. I now want to read more Libby Drew stories because, man...can she write amazing male characters.
Advance reader's copy provided by Carina Press via Net Galley
November 3, 2012
For me, this is one of those books that could have gone either way in the rating department. Although it had all the elements I love to have in a story, I can't help but think that there was something missing. I loved the concept the author, Libby Drew, brought forward - how a normal man goes from everyday life, to a life where his only purpose is to save people. Jase's journey through this ordeal was a trying one. Imagine not knowing your name, your age, or having no idea what you are supposed to do and running from place to place saving strangers. I could not blame him for how he felt - confused, tired and at times thinking about ending it all. It wasn't until he meets a man who helps him understand his mission better that he finally gets to see a blip of light at the end of the tunnel.
So he goes about his mission, looking forward to that long-awaited number 40. And all hell breaks loose. He meets Lucas and Macy, his last soul to save. After some very interesting events, the three of them find themselves on the run. And here is where Lucas and Jase really connect with each other and form a bond with Macy too. I loved the dynamic between them because it felt believable. Lucas was adorable. His humor and sarcasm alone won me over. And Macy, well, she broke my heart. She was a trooper throughout it all.
Then she is kidnapped and Jase's mission is compromised or so he thought. This is where the story dragged me down. I understand Lucas and Jase had to look at all the angles, but it felt too slow for my taste. I found myself skimming through it and going right to the dialog. In the end I didn't need all that narrative to know who was behind it all. I won't get into it much because I really don't want to give anything away. I'll just say that the author had me wondering what the hell was happening up to this point and within a couple of pages into Lucas and Jase's investigation I had it all figured out.
Now the resolution to the plot as a whole was another story. It wasn't a bad resolution to the plot at all and I was not expecting it in the least, but it felt...lacking? I don't know if that's even the right word. But I was expecting something with a bit more punch. But maybe it's just me.
All that said, I do have to say that the author really made the most out of the characters and their situation. They were funny and adorable and I liked them right away. She also went about Lucas and Jase's connection the right way. Anything more and their story would have been unbelievable to me and anything less would have made me lose my interest. I enjoyed their constant banter, their tender moments and how they grew throughout the story. I found the ending to be a bit abrupt but I liked it nonetheless.
All in all, a good story with a very interesting storyline, a very intriguing mystery and great characters with some chemistry thrown in to the mix make it more enjoyable.
So he goes about his mission, looking forward to that long-awaited number 40. And all hell breaks loose. He meets Lucas and Macy, his last soul to save. After some very interesting events, the three of them find themselves on the run. And here is where Lucas and Jase really connect with each other and form a bond with Macy too. I loved the dynamic between them because it felt believable. Lucas was adorable. His humor and sarcasm alone won me over. And Macy, well, she broke my heart. She was a trooper throughout it all.
Then she is kidnapped and Jase's mission is compromised or so he thought. This is where the story dragged me down. I understand Lucas and Jase had to look at all the angles, but it felt too slow for my taste. I found myself skimming through it and going right to the dialog. In the end I didn't need all that narrative to know who was behind it all. I won't get into it much because I really don't want to give anything away. I'll just say that the author had me wondering what the hell was happening up to this point and within a couple of pages into Lucas and Jase's investigation I had it all figured out.
Now the resolution to the plot as a whole was another story. It wasn't a bad resolution to the plot at all and I was not expecting it in the least, but it felt...lacking? I don't know if that's even the right word. But I was expecting something with a bit more punch. But maybe it's just me.
All that said, I do have to say that the author really made the most out of the characters and their situation. They were funny and adorable and I liked them right away. She also went about Lucas and Jase's connection the right way. Anything more and their story would have been unbelievable to me and anything less would have made me lose my interest. I enjoyed their constant banter, their tender moments and how they grew throughout the story. I found the ending to be a bit abrupt but I liked it nonetheless.
All in all, a good story with a very interesting storyline, a very intriguing mystery and great characters with some chemistry thrown in to the mix make it more enjoyable.
March 17, 2013
This book wasn’t much, I cant say I hated it because the story never had me emotionally involved. I am even having a hard time writing this review because I just found the book so meh, its hard to come with a conversation topic.
So this review is going to be short, and not so sweet.
The plot started off interesting, but then we had a time skip I am not overly fond of time skips, but I kept reading anyway cause well this is a NetGalley book.
So I pushed forward.
Now about the romance...Yeah, I didn’t feel the love tonight.
You see Jace has this Dune voice going for him, he can make people do things...like buy him stuff. He does this a lot, with very little remorse. Yeah I didn’t like Jase that much.
The voice is supposed to help him in his, yeah I am going to do it, Mission From God.
sigh
You see Lucas is immune to the voodoo that you do, that doesn’t mean instant sexcapades. No that just means Lucas didn’t trust him at first, and yet they run off together.
This is where Jase shows off his cool Jedi mind trick on a poor peon at Burger King, which probably will get him fired, and yet Jase doesn’t care.
Yeah fuck him.
So why the fuck does Lucas still trust this asshat?
You have to trust to love, so I just don't see it.
So after figuring out the bad guy in the beginning, he sticks out like a sore thumb, and the lack of chemistry I just didn’t give a flying fuck anymore.
I got this book off NetGally, and special thanks to Carina Press.
So this review is going to be short, and not so sweet.
The plot started off interesting, but then we had a time skip I am not overly fond of time skips, but I kept reading anyway cause well this is a NetGalley book.
So I pushed forward.
Now about the romance...Yeah, I didn’t feel the love tonight.
You see Jace has this Dune voice going for him, he can make people do things...like buy him stuff. He does this a lot, with very little remorse. Yeah I didn’t like Jase that much.
The voice is supposed to help him in his, yeah I am going to do it, Mission From God.
sigh
You see Lucas is immune to the voodoo that you do, that doesn’t mean instant sexcapades. No that just means Lucas didn’t trust him at first, and yet they run off together.
This is where Jase shows off his cool Jedi mind trick on a poor peon at Burger King, which probably will get him fired, and yet Jase doesn’t care.
Yeah fuck him.
So why the fuck does Lucas still trust this asshat?
You have to trust to love, so I just don't see it.
So after figuring out the bad guy in the beginning, he sticks out like a sore thumb, and the lack of chemistry I just didn’t give a flying fuck anymore.
I got this book off NetGally, and special thanks to Carina Press.
November 23, 2012
Rating:
somewhere between 3.75 and 4 stars.
Genre:
paranormal m-m-romance novel with mystery elements.
Content & Reading:
+ main characters: likable, felt for Jase
+ secondary characters I liked: officer Carla Martinez
+ interesting story idea and plot
+ I really liked the first and the last chapter
o here and there the pacing seemed to be slowed down either due to descriptions of surroundings/background storys (esp. in 2nd chapter) or because I wanted to know what happens next (see also Shirley Frances' review)
+
o
Sex-/Love Scenes:
Quantity: occasional
Quality: rather sensual than explicit (see also Jenn's review)
somewhere between 3.75 and 4 stars.
Genre:
paranormal m-m-romance novel with mystery elements.
Content & Reading:
+ main characters: likable, felt for Jase
+ secondary characters I liked: officer Carla Martinez
+ interesting story idea and plot
+ I really liked the first and the last chapter
o here and there the pacing seemed to be slowed down either due to descriptions of surroundings/background storys (esp. in 2nd chapter) or because I wanted to know what happens next (see also Shirley Frances' review)
+
o
Sex-/Love Scenes:
Quantity: occasional
Quality: rather sensual than explicit (see also Jenn's review)
January 5, 2013
This story is heart poundingly good. I loved the plot. It was what interested me about this particular book in the first place. I went into this hoping there would be a great plot, characters that I'll fall in love with, and mystery and action. I can assure you that I wasn't disappointed.
I love Jase and Lucas. Their story wasn't erotic so if you are going into this expecting explicit, hot love scenes, then you will be disappointed. Their relationship is more sweet and sensual than steamy. While I love my steamy and passionate m/m couples, I can still appreciate and enjoy couples like Jase and Lucas.
The plot was great. There was a lot of mystery. I suspected the person who kidnapped Macy in the beginning yet I was still shocked when it was confirmed towards the end. The action and adventure in this was great as Jase and Lucas were forced to work together in order to solve this puzzle and find Macy.
The secondary characters in this was so good. Macy was absolutely adorable and so beyond her years. She has a gift, it's as simple as that. Martinez was another character that held my attention. She's a genius and you'll see that in a particular scene that happened towards the end. I could've just kissed her.
I enjoyed the flashbacks of Jase's past and I really liked the twist at the end as well. I know some people had a problem with it but I quite liked it. The end... The last was perfect. Absolutely perfect. The author stopped it at the most perfect place and I couldn't keep the smile off my face. My heart just melted and I just wanted to jump for joy when I read that last page. I know a lot of people were disappointed with the anticlimactic ending when Jase's duty was fulfilled, but I still enjoyed it regardless because it gave Jase, and the reader, closure.
There were a few things I wasn't too happy with that caused me to deduct a star. Firstly, I would have like this story to have been more erotic because I love hot, explicit, detailed, passionate m/m love scenes. And secondly, there were questions that I would have liked answered and explained in this. For example, the story behind Jase's power and Lucas' immunity. There are so many more things left unanswered.
I'd still recommend reading this. It was very enjoyable if you're in the mood to read a stand alone, m/m, light paranormal romance with mystery, suspense and action.
I love Jase and Lucas. Their story wasn't erotic so if you are going into this expecting explicit, hot love scenes, then you will be disappointed. Their relationship is more sweet and sensual than steamy. While I love my steamy and passionate m/m couples, I can still appreciate and enjoy couples like Jase and Lucas.
The plot was great. There was a lot of mystery. I suspected the person who kidnapped Macy in the beginning yet I was still shocked when it was confirmed towards the end. The action and adventure in this was great as Jase and Lucas were forced to work together in order to solve this puzzle and find Macy.
The secondary characters in this was so good. Macy was absolutely adorable and so beyond her years. She has a gift, it's as simple as that. Martinez was another character that held my attention. She's a genius and you'll see that in a particular scene that happened towards the end. I could've just kissed her.
I enjoyed the flashbacks of Jase's past and I really liked the twist at the end as well. I know some people had a problem with it but I quite liked it. The end... The last was perfect. Absolutely perfect. The author stopped it at the most perfect place and I couldn't keep the smile off my face. My heart just melted and I just wanted to jump for joy when I read that last page. I know a lot of people were disappointed with the anticlimactic ending when Jase's duty was fulfilled, but I still enjoyed it regardless because it gave Jase, and the reader, closure.
There were a few things I wasn't too happy with that caused me to deduct a star. Firstly, I would have like this story to have been more erotic because I love hot, explicit, detailed, passionate m/m love scenes. And secondly, there were questions that I would have liked answered and explained in this. For example, the story behind Jase's power and Lucas' immunity. There are so many more things left unanswered.
I'd still recommend reading this. It was very enjoyable if you're in the mood to read a stand alone, m/m, light paranormal romance with mystery, suspense and action.
August 11, 2013
4.5 stars
This is a very unique story. Seven years earlier, Jase woke up on a park bench with no knowledge of how he got there or of even who he was. The only hint was a tattoo of the number 40 on his arm. He finds out later that he has special abilities and in order to regain his memories he must save 40 people using those abilities.
Lucas works for Child Protective Services and goes to a home to retrieve a child, Macy, who witnessed the murder of her parents. Macy is the 40th person that Jase must save. Working together, Jase and Lucas must protect Macy from those who try persistently to harm her. When she is kidnapped, they are in a race against time to find the little girl and those who murdered her parents.
This is a very unique book with very unique characters. While I would have liked to have gotten a couple of answers in regards to why certain things happened, this did not detract from my love of the story as a whole. The resolution shocked me... in a good way. I can honestly say I did not see that coming.
Overall, an excellent book. I highly recommend it.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Net Galley and Carina Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is a very unique story. Seven years earlier, Jase woke up on a park bench with no knowledge of how he got there or of even who he was. The only hint was a tattoo of the number 40 on his arm. He finds out later that he has special abilities and in order to regain his memories he must save 40 people using those abilities.
Lucas works for Child Protective Services and goes to a home to retrieve a child, Macy, who witnessed the murder of her parents. Macy is the 40th person that Jase must save. Working together, Jase and Lucas must protect Macy from those who try persistently to harm her. When she is kidnapped, they are in a race against time to find the little girl and those who murdered her parents.
This is a very unique book with very unique characters. While I would have liked to have gotten a couple of answers in regards to why certain things happened, this did not detract from my love of the story as a whole. The resolution shocked me... in a good way. I can honestly say I did not see that coming.
Overall, an excellent book. I highly recommend it.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Net Galley and Carina Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 22, 2012
This book has more of a plot than some M/M romances I've read, but that isn't a problem for me, I like a bit of a plot with my romance. The book opens with a man awakening on a park bench with no memory of his past, or even who he is. A kindly grandmother takes him home, feeds him and gives him some money to help him on his way and calls him Jase, the name of her dead son. Before he goes, Jase senses that she has cancer and more than that, he senses he can heal her. He doesn't know how, but just by touching her he cures her cancer. She was number one and now he has thirty-nine more people to heal.
Macy Pearl is number forty and Jase is determined to save her and once that is done hopes to discover the secrets of his past. Lucas Jacobson, the social worker called to the scene after Macy's parents are murdered, is standing in his way. As well as being able to heal, Jase also has the power to influence people, but for some reason Lucas is immune to this power.
The sparks fly between Lucas and Jase from the moment they first meet, but Lucas is understandably wary of this stranger and his weird talk of saving people. They grow closer over their concern for Macy and after an intimate moment on the couch, Macy is kidnapped from the bedroom.
You can feel their guilt over this, as they both knew Macy was being targeted by someone, but who and why? The mystery keeps you guessing right till near the end. And, such a treat for me, I didn't guess the culprit until way near the end, even though there were a few hints throughout the book.
We have flashbacks in the book regarding Jase's use of his healing abilities and sometimes his not no nice use of his influence, which might have made him a dislikeable character, but the flashbacks also go to show how much he's grown and how he desperately wants to do the right thing now, and not just because he might get his memory back.
There was a bit too much social commentary for my taste, but as it was from Lucas' point of view, and I could well imagine Lucas thinking these things, it didn't interrupt the flow of the story too much. The love scenes were deftly handled, with most of it concentrating on the emotional connection between the characters rather than just the physical. It was a well-written book with engaging characters and descriptions so vivid you could feel the heat, humidity and torrential rains of Florida and almost see the alligators. Lucas and Jase were both flawed in some ways, but that just made them seem that bit more realistic. There was also a touch of humour dotted throughout the book which helped balance the darker aspects.
An enjoyable read.
Advance review copy supplied by Netgalley and publisher.
Macy Pearl is number forty and Jase is determined to save her and once that is done hopes to discover the secrets of his past. Lucas Jacobson, the social worker called to the scene after Macy's parents are murdered, is standing in his way. As well as being able to heal, Jase also has the power to influence people, but for some reason Lucas is immune to this power.
The sparks fly between Lucas and Jase from the moment they first meet, but Lucas is understandably wary of this stranger and his weird talk of saving people. They grow closer over their concern for Macy and after an intimate moment on the couch, Macy is kidnapped from the bedroom.
You can feel their guilt over this, as they both knew Macy was being targeted by someone, but who and why? The mystery keeps you guessing right till near the end. And, such a treat for me, I didn't guess the culprit until way near the end, even though there were a few hints throughout the book.
We have flashbacks in the book regarding Jase's use of his healing abilities and sometimes his not no nice use of his influence, which might have made him a dislikeable character, but the flashbacks also go to show how much he's grown and how he desperately wants to do the right thing now, and not just because he might get his memory back.
There was a bit too much social commentary for my taste, but as it was from Lucas' point of view, and I could well imagine Lucas thinking these things, it didn't interrupt the flow of the story too much. The love scenes were deftly handled, with most of it concentrating on the emotional connection between the characters rather than just the physical. It was a well-written book with engaging characters and descriptions so vivid you could feel the heat, humidity and torrential rains of Florida and almost see the alligators. Lucas and Jase were both flawed in some ways, but that just made them seem that bit more realistic. There was also a touch of humour dotted throughout the book which helped balance the darker aspects.
An enjoyable read.
Advance review copy supplied by Netgalley and publisher.
October 11, 2020
4 Stars
Review:
I really liked this!
Lucas was so good. Just such a good person who cared so much about the kids he was helping as a Child Protective Services worker. And there was more to him than just that; he also had a sense of humor, sarcasm, and confidence in himself. Jase was much more morally questionable and had done some bad things (like using his power to influence people's thoughts in order to get them to sleep with him), although I think that was more in the past. He was also kind of intense and broody and lonely.
The build up to the romance was great. I could feel the connection between the characters. They didn't know each other long, but it didn't feel like instalove because we got to see them spending a lot of time together over those few days, and I could see how maybe they didn't know every single thing about each other yet, but they knew each other.
There was a good plot that felt believable, considering the whole situation, with a nice balance of action and downtime, a bit of a thriller feel, and a good mystery with just the right amount of clues.
The book had a heavy feeling to it, which was appropriate considering the topics of healing powers and kidnapping and murder, but there was ultimately good closure to everything and a happy ending.
The audiobook narration by Charles Carr was great! Sounded natural, characters sounded different, and the voices suited the characters well.
Overall, I enjoyed everything about this---the characters, the romance, the action, the mystery, the supernatural healing elements, and the audio narration!
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes m/m romance, healing abilities, and somewhat heavy stories with happy endings.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
I really liked this!
Lucas was so good. Just such a good person who cared so much about the kids he was helping as a Child Protective Services worker. And there was more to him than just that; he also had a sense of humor, sarcasm, and confidence in himself. Jase was much more morally questionable and had done some bad things (like using his power to influence people's thoughts in order to get them to sleep with him), although I think that was more in the past. He was also kind of intense and broody and lonely.
The build up to the romance was great. I could feel the connection between the characters. They didn't know each other long, but it didn't feel like instalove because we got to see them spending a lot of time together over those few days, and I could see how maybe they didn't know every single thing about each other yet, but they knew each other.
There was a good plot that felt believable, considering the whole situation, with a nice balance of action and downtime, a bit of a thriller feel, and a good mystery with just the right amount of clues.
The book had a heavy feeling to it, which was appropriate considering the topics of healing powers and kidnapping and murder, but there was ultimately good closure to everything and a happy ending.
The audiobook narration by Charles Carr was great! Sounded natural, characters sounded different, and the voices suited the characters well.
Overall, I enjoyed everything about this---the characters, the romance, the action, the mystery, the supernatural healing elements, and the audio narration!
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes m/m romance, healing abilities, and somewhat heavy stories with happy endings.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
June 10, 2020
DNF @ 52%
I just wasn't able to connect to the story or the characters. I found myself constantly checking to see how much I had left to read.
I just wasn't able to connect to the story or the characters. I found myself constantly checking to see how much I had left to read.
March 13, 2014
Okay. First things first, I enjoyed the narration. Don't know if I would have enjoyed reading it as much. Content-wise, much of this was predictable, but the narration helped me get on a roll of wanting to finish the mystery.
For a paranormal murder-mystery, this wasn't bad, but the villain was almost a give-away in the first part of the book! That bummed me, but I did like seeing Lucas's way with Macy as a (for once) decent member of Child Protective Services. In so many books, these individuals have been portrayed fairly callous or clinical, so this was refreshing.
I also thought the 'ethical/morality' questions of how/when "Jase" used his 'influence' to get out of paying for items was interesting, and the flashbacks help us see how he has grown in determining his use of it.
The jumping back and forth between MC POV's worked well in this story, also, as otherwise, I don't know that the story would have been able to make as much sense without knowing what each character was thinking.
I didn't get too attached emotionally to either MC, but the story was an interesting premise, and I like the way things wrapped up, even though I was left with a feeling of sadness and melancholy. Yes, there is an HEA, but to me, it just barely hit the mark.
I would give the story a 3.0 and the narration a 3.5, but I don't know that this is one that will go in my re-read pile. Pretty intense and graphic, and harsh when a child is involved in something so grisly, so once was enough for me, I think.
And yes, I would recommend this as an audiobook, as it wasn't a bad way to wile away the hours :)
For a paranormal murder-mystery, this wasn't bad, but the villain was almost a give-away in the first part of the book! That bummed me, but I did like seeing Lucas's way with Macy as a (for once) decent member of Child Protective Services. In so many books, these individuals have been portrayed fairly callous or clinical, so this was refreshing.
I also thought the 'ethical/morality' questions of how/when "Jase" used his 'influence' to get out of paying for items was interesting, and the flashbacks help us see how he has grown in determining his use of it.
The jumping back and forth between MC POV's worked well in this story, also, as otherwise, I don't know that the story would have been able to make as much sense without knowing what each character was thinking.
I didn't get too attached emotionally to either MC, but the story was an interesting premise, and I like the way things wrapped up, even though I was left with a feeling of sadness and melancholy. Yes, there is an HEA, but to me, it just barely hit the mark.
I would give the story a 3.0 and the narration a 3.5, but I don't know that this is one that will go in my re-read pile. Pretty intense and graphic, and harsh when a child is involved in something so grisly, so once was enough for me, I think.
And yes, I would recommend this as an audiobook, as it wasn't a bad way to wile away the hours :)
September 11, 2017
Very interesting and a bit weird.
Reread, downgrading from 4 to 3 stars.
Reread, downgrading from 4 to 3 stars.
March 16, 2018
3.5/5
This book read like a movie. From the plot progression to the way how a scene is construction. This is not necessary a bad thing, we do get a lot nice description of scene, and I love how the character's personality bleed into their perception of their surrounding. However, it also meant that there are scene that left you wanting more.
The plot is unique, and interesting. However, it does drag at the mid point. Thankfully it picks up the pace again as we are closing in on the climax.
This book read like a movie. From the plot progression to the way how a scene is construction. This is not necessary a bad thing, we do get a lot nice description of scene, and I love how the character's personality bleed into their perception of their surrounding. However, it also meant that there are scene that left you wanting more.
The plot is unique, and interesting. However, it does drag at the mid point. Thankfully it picks up the pace again as we are closing in on the climax.
October 26, 2013
I can't really write a review at this time, so I'll just highlight bits and pieces. I am slightly confused as if I even liked this or not. So for that reason I am throwing a 3 up there and making it stick. There were parts I really liked and others not so much.
THE SPOILERS ARE VERY SPOILER-Y, so don't read them if you haven't read the book!!!!
What I liked:
The concept. Unique to me since I've never read anything like it.
Jase!
What I didn't like:
Lucas. Arrogant and shallow. I couldn't stand him. (Ooo...I know Krav Maga. WELL USE IT!)
Jase and Lucas as a couple. Didn't really work for me :( Maybe it was the setting it was in. Lucas sure did go from not trusting the guy to flirting with him in 6 seconds flat. I didn't buy it.
For me, there was a lot of filler. It was too long in my opinion.
Plot holes.
The ending.
So yeah, this kept me turning pages, but something about it feels...off. Would I recommend it? Maybe.
THE SPOILERS ARE VERY SPOILER-Y, so don't read them if you haven't read the book!!!!
What I liked:
The concept. Unique to me since I've never read anything like it.
Jase!
What I didn't like:
Lucas. Arrogant and shallow. I couldn't stand him. (Ooo...I know Krav Maga. WELL USE IT!)
Jase and Lucas as a couple. Didn't really work for me :( Maybe it was the setting it was in. Lucas sure did go from not trusting the guy to flirting with him in 6 seconds flat. I didn't buy it.
For me, there was a lot of filler. It was too long in my opinion.
Plot holes.
The ending.
So yeah, this kept me turning pages, but something about it feels...off. Would I recommend it? Maybe.
November 7, 2012
Summary: Seven years ago, Jase awoke with the mystical power to heal people—and no memory of his past. The only clue to his identity is the number forty tattooed on his arm. Driven by a mission he doesn’t understand, Jase follows his visions to those he’s meant to save. He is convinced that the fortieth person he’s drawn to—a little girl named Macy Pearl—is the key to finally learning the truth…
Social worker Lucas Jacobson has made a promise to protect Macy, orphaned when her parents were brutally murdered. So when Jase shows up in Naples claiming he’s there to heal the child, Lucas is wary, despite his attraction to the enigmatic stranger.
Review: I found this book absolutely amazing. The plot was really good. The characters were great. It kept me interested from beginning to end. The budding romance between Jase and Lucas is so sweet, made my heart melt. You can't help but adore Macy and her strong-willed self. The trio goes through so much in this book, budding romance, scared little girl, bad people. You must read to see how it ends.
I reviewed this book for Netgalley. These are my thoughts and opinions.
Social worker Lucas Jacobson has made a promise to protect Macy, orphaned when her parents were brutally murdered. So when Jase shows up in Naples claiming he’s there to heal the child, Lucas is wary, despite his attraction to the enigmatic stranger.
Review: I found this book absolutely amazing. The plot was really good. The characters were great. It kept me interested from beginning to end. The budding romance between Jase and Lucas is so sweet, made my heart melt. You can't help but adore Macy and her strong-willed self. The trio goes through so much in this book, budding romance, scared little girl, bad people. You must read to see how it ends.
I reviewed this book for Netgalley. These are my thoughts and opinions.
October 20, 2012
I enjoyed this very much. I guess it's not a new idea, but saving people without the motive of atonement adds an interesting twist.
Jase is developed with the use of flashbacks, but not having any memory of his past makes him a blank slate really. A gorgeous and wise slate.
Lucas is wonderful in both snark and compassion. He has the best lines, although Macy's somber demeanor and prophetic words add mystery and tension.
Not so much with the graphic hotness - more sexy and hopeful. These boys are on the run, trying to save a little girl's life - they really have other priorities...
I have not read this author before, but I will seek out others in the future.
Provided by publishers via Netgalley with thanks.
Jase is developed with the use of flashbacks, but not having any memory of his past makes him a blank slate really. A gorgeous and wise slate.
Lucas is wonderful in both snark and compassion. He has the best lines, although Macy's somber demeanor and prophetic words add mystery and tension.
Not so much with the graphic hotness - more sexy and hopeful. These boys are on the run, trying to save a little girl's life - they really have other priorities...
I have not read this author before, but I will seek out others in the future.
Provided by publishers via Netgalley with thanks.
June 18, 2017
I loved this book! I was hooked right from the beginning. Everything about it was so descriptive; from the horrible smells to the oppressive heat & humidity of a Florida summer day. There was tons of action & suspense with a sprinkling of romance thrown in. An evil bad guy with some really good people. If this book had a sequel, I'd read it because I'd love to know more about what happens to Jase, Lucas, & Macy after this ordeal.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes action/adventure/suspense with a smidge of romance thrown in.
November 13, 2012
40 Souls to Keep really drops you off in the middle of the drama, and that's something I can truly appreciate. It's new and fresh, riveting and exactly what I needed to revive my reading dry spell! Though the beginning was somewhat confusing, the reader is soon thrown into this man's jarring world and his race against time. Drew has created a very passionate read I think many will connect to. 40 Souls to Keep is heartfelt and sincere, and has left me in tears more than once. This will be a book that I will return to time and time again.
December 19, 2014
This is one of those great paranormal reads that feels like it's almost a contemporary. The whole mystery of Jase's mission seems almost plausible and a really interesting take on the idea of good and evil. But the thing that made this book really shine for me was Lucas's character. When you read the blurb and start off with the story of how Jase started on his mission, it's easy to think that Lucas will fade into the background. He doesn't. His wit, sarcasm and cynicism were so crisp and a perfect foil for Jase's nobility.
January 21, 2013
I give 4 stars for all Libby's story I've read, guess this one is not an exception too ^o^
edit after finishing it
3*
A decent paranormal mystery though it's need to be more clearer about the who, the how and the why.
But I'm a bit disappoint with the romance plot, I was expecting a stomach-fluttering romance like Libby always write, but I didn't find it here. Jase & Lucas relationship felt more casual to me.
edit after finishing it
3*
A decent paranormal mystery though it's need to be more clearer about the who, the how and the why.
But I'm a bit disappoint with the romance plot, I was expecting a stomach-fluttering romance like Libby always write, but I didn't find it here. Jase & Lucas relationship felt more casual to me.
June 2, 2015
This book took me ages to get into, but once I did...wow. I just can't seem to forget about it. I keep thinking about it, you know? Turning over aspects of the story in my head, wondering what else might be going on in that world. I feel cheated: there you have it. I feel totally cheated that this isn't number one in a series of 20-plus titles. There you go, a deep and thoughtful review LOL. :) Srsly though, I loved this book so much.
December 18, 2015
3.5 Stars
This is only the second time I've listened to an audio book before reading the ebook. I really enjoyed both the story and narration here. While the mystery aspect was somewhat easy to solve, the relationship and writing are very good. I like Libby Drew's style, and this book is more evidence of why I'm a fangirl.
This is only the second time I've listened to an audio book before reading the ebook. I really enjoyed both the story and narration here. While the mystery aspect was somewhat easy to solve, the relationship and writing are very good. I like Libby Drew's style, and this book is more evidence of why I'm a fangirl.
March 22, 2016
It's not a good sign when listening to an audiobook the mind keeps wandering and eyes start closing. Started out okay and went….ZZzzzz.
September 27, 2024
Absolutely outstanding. Libby Drew, after two books, has become one of my favorite authors.
This is a near perfect novel. There’s not a clumsy, clichéd or mishandled phrase or scene in the whole book. Every sentence, exchange and plot point has a function that’s neatly and beautifully integrated to support both the characters and the storyline. The uneasy, creepy mood is set early on as amnesiac Jase wakes up on a Philadelphia park bench not knowing who he is, while the book’s darkness is made bearable by the snarky humor of Lucas, a Child Protective Services agent. The heart of the story shifts between Jase, Lucas and the endangered child they find themselves protecting, Macy.
This is a mystery-adventure-suspense story more than a romance, and the male leads come off as real and authentic. They get angry and peeved with each other and they sometimes say unfair things. Each has a masculine ego that can cause friction and that both men knows they have to manage. Despite one having the mysterious power to heal and influence others and the other a Krav Maga expert, neither are superheroes - which makes their actions and tenacity in protecting Macy, the 7 year old girl in their care, even more heroic. All of this combines to make several scenes near the end poignant and tender in an unforced, natural way.
I dearly want a hard copy of “40 Souls” for my home library, but none is available. And the ebook is only 50¢? Why, for crying out loud? This is one of the best books I’ve read all year - not that I’m unhappy that it’s easily adorable but I’d hate to think people pass it up by assuming the low price reflects its quality. It’s really phenomenal.
This is a near perfect novel. There’s not a clumsy, clichéd or mishandled phrase or scene in the whole book. Every sentence, exchange and plot point has a function that’s neatly and beautifully integrated to support both the characters and the storyline. The uneasy, creepy mood is set early on as amnesiac Jase wakes up on a Philadelphia park bench not knowing who he is, while the book’s darkness is made bearable by the snarky humor of Lucas, a Child Protective Services agent. The heart of the story shifts between Jase, Lucas and the endangered child they find themselves protecting, Macy.
This is a mystery-adventure-suspense story more than a romance, and the male leads come off as real and authentic. They get angry and peeved with each other and they sometimes say unfair things. Each has a masculine ego that can cause friction and that both men knows they have to manage. Despite one having the mysterious power to heal and influence others and the other a Krav Maga expert, neither are superheroes - which makes their actions and tenacity in protecting Macy, the 7 year old girl in their care, even more heroic. All of this combines to make several scenes near the end poignant and tender in an unforced, natural way.
I dearly want a hard copy of “40 Souls” for my home library, but none is available. And the ebook is only 50¢? Why, for crying out loud? This is one of the best books I’ve read all year - not that I’m unhappy that it’s easily adorable but I’d hate to think people pass it up by assuming the low price reflects its quality. It’s really phenomenal.
March 14, 2019
When the story began, I was a bit concerned about what I had started to listen to. Though the premise was interesting, I thought maybe I was in for a disappointment. Well, that thought was wrong. I so enjoyed this story. Meeting Jase began the questions...then enter in Lucas...I'm thinking...alright here...then as the story unfolds...I seriously could not stop listening to this story. I had to make myself stop listening so I could get to bed and get some rest to work...but the next morning I went into work late...I had to finish this book...I was not disappointed. I really cannot describe better than the book description without giving something away...but definitely I would recommend this book. Great story telling and great narration!
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