Ghost

by R.J. Gray

Cassie Franks finds herself thrust into a dangerous world when she's mistaken for her favorite romantic suspense author, Iris Higgins, at a book signing and abducted by arms dealers. They want to know the source of the author's knowledge on the ghost gun industry but there's one problem - Cassie is not Iris. Alejandro "Ghost" Edwards, works for Spartan Elite, a vigilante security firm, was assigned the easy task of safeguarding Higgens during the signing, as she'd been receiving threats about her latest release. Fate intervenes as Cassie is snatched away instead. Soon he finds himself on a mission to rescue Cassie instead. As they unravel the mystery behind Cassie's abduction, they uncover a shocking truth - the arms dealers are just pawns in someone else's game, someone with a personal vendetta against Iris. Now, Cassie and Ghost must not only protect themselves but also uncover the identity of their true enemy.

Despite their initial differences, their undeniable chemistry sparks a fierce desire to keep each other safe. As danger closes in and their hearts become entangled, they must confront their deepest fears and inner demons. Will their love be enough to overcome the obstacles thrown their way, or will it become their ultimate downfall?

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2024

About the author

RJ Gray is a USA TODAY bestselling author of Explosively Hot Romance. She is also an international bestseller. Residing on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu with her husband, two young sons and their rescue pup, RJ lives an active life. When not writing, her hobbies include whipping up delicious meals, capturing life's beauty with her camera and attending her children's multiple sporting events. Hobbies she shares freely about in her FB Group Gray's Bibliophiles.

Having spent the past fifteen years married to an active duty military bomb technician, and as a veteran herself, RJ has a passion for military and veteran causes. You will find these themes in many of her books.

You can find out more about RJ Gray on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRJGray

Feel free to contact her: AuthorRJGray@gmail.com

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Reviews

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT WILL BE, WILL BE

The Spartan Elite series is another spinoff from the Veterans of Valhalla and Spartan Watchman series. These books are military romantic suspense with members that were former elite military men. The story takes place in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Cassie Franks is an avid reader and her favorite author is Iris Higgins. While Cassie is somewhat of an introvert, she is stepping out of her comfort zone, taking a plane to Charlotte, and purchasing the VIP package to see Iris at a rare book signing. The signing is extremely busy, but her visit with Iris is worth it all.

“Hope is the most powerful weapon a person can wield. The best gift you can give yourself is having the courage to be fully authentic. The only way you will find the table you belong at is being true to yourself.” –Iris Higgins

Alejandro "Ghost" Edwards is a retired Navy SEAL, and now works for Spartan Elite. He will be assigned to be a bodyguard to an author, Iris Higgins. It seems she has received threats and hired Spartan Elite to oversee the event, and dinner following the signing. The event is closed to the public, and when two men enter the bookstore, it sets them on alert—but the men do leave when asked to.

“There had been rumors of threats against Ms. Higgins, and while he wasn’t sure they were credible, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off tonight.”

The story was a fast-paced page-turner with an interesting cast of characters. Cassie takes a chance in her life and goes to the book signing. She bumps into Ghost, and he is kind and even a bit protective. Even when the event is in the works, he is watching the crowd but catches the eye of Cassie often. He is happy when he sees her at the private dinner later that evening. Unfortunately, he doesn’t get a chance to get her number before she leaves. But fate will bring her back in his path when he rescues her from several thugs.

“She felt connected to this man, this stranger. She wasn’t sure if he was sent to be her guardian angel or if he was a devil in disguise.”

I loved Ghost and Cassie together. Both have been alone and neither looking for a relationship, yet fate brings them together. When it becomes a life-and-death situation, he is protective of her and determined to keep her safe. Yes, they do enter an intimate relationship during their time together.

Ghost: Was I right?
Cassie: Right about what?
Ghost: Reality being better than a dream.
Cassie: I don’t know. I’m not convinced this isn’t a dream. If it is, if I’m in a coma somewhere, I hope to God no one wakes me.

“Don’t poke the bear. You might get bitten.”

I read the story in Kindle Unlimited and am enjoying this series by Ms. RJ Gray. It has a real feel to the interactions and characters. I’m looking forward to reading Dozer’s story in the fall.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cassie! Nerdy, geeky, awkward, and curvy, but also feisty as all get out. I think this woman needs to be my new spirit animal. The situation she found herself in was the sort to break lesser individuals, but it kind of just honed her into her best self. It didn’t hurt that she also had Ghost to watch her back and support her, while also loving and cherishing the heck out of her. Ghost’s ‘que sera, sera’ attitude could have been incredibly frustrating. Instead, it was very charming how he was willing to let Fate guide him in certain aspects of his life. I think I’ve gone and fallen head over heels for this pair and I kind of hate that their book is over already.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that Ghost and Cassie first meet at a book signing. She thinks he looks like a book cover model or book hero. He sees a curvy, needy, bit of a klutz beauty. Their eyes meet and the connection is instant. Cassie thought meeting her favorite author would be one of her life's highlights but having Ghost not only flirt with her but kiss her, protect and rescue her certainly trumps the author meeting. Ghost's mother always told him that if somehing's meant to be it will happen. He could only hope that he'd see Cassie again because it was meant to be. He never figured that she'd become his woman. But first Spartan Elite has to keep her safe from a man bent on a bducting her for information.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandro “Ghost” Edward works for Spartan Elite.
Cassie Franks
Iris Higgins is a romantic suspense author.

Ghost and Cassie meet at a book signing he was doing security detail for the author. The chemistry and the attraction was there from the beginning.
Ghost is gentle, alpha, protective male.
Cassie is a shy , introvert and nerdy female.
Cassie was almost kidnapped due to her looking similar to her favorite author,
Iris Higgins. Can Ghost and his team keep her safe and have a Happily Ever After?

This book has intrigue, danger and age gap p, and a chance at love.

Great Job R J Gray !!!!!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Cassie is mistaken for her favorite author, Iris Higgins, Ghost and his team are the ones to save her but the danger is just starting. I loved this story. It had lots of action, lots of drama and of course, lots of steam. Cassie and Iris are drawn into the danger of Iris's past and it's going to take the whole team to keep both of them safe. I was intrigued and couldn't put it down. Iris's past sort of surprised me but given the kinds of stories she wrote, it was believable. All in all, this was a wonderful story to get sucked into for an afternoon!!

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been a fan of this author. She writes about strong women and the strong men that love them. This book is no different. Cassie is the stereotypical nerd, shy and introverted, but she stands up when mistaken for her favorite author and almost kidnapped. Ghost and his team save her, but that is just the start of her troubles. I loved how caring and protective Ghost was. He definitely 'does it' for me. This story was great, and I look forward to reading more books in this wonderful new series.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous book! Be prepared to get pulled in and not be able to put this one down. Ghost is sent to guard Iris Higgins, an author whose latest book has gotten her threatening messages. Cassie is a book fan and is excited to attend a book signing. Cassie looks like she could be related to Iris and this is when things get hairy. An attempted kidnapping, CIA secrets, another kidnapping, a mystery women’s location, an arms dealer this just mentions a few of the event occurring that will drag you into the action. Oh and Ghost and Cassie’s chemistry!

[Karon Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this spin off from the Valhalla Series. Spartan Elite are the guys who live in the grey, the ones who do what needs to be done to make sure the good guys win. Cassie and Ghost seem to have an instant attraction, but she's from out of town, just meeting her favorite author at a book signing, while Ghost is protecting said author from some threat. Things get pretty exciting quickly however when someone mistakes Cassie for the author and tries to kidnap her. I loved the action, I loved the attraction and we see some interesting secondary characters as well. Great HEA.

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you know, you know. Ghost is a goner for Cassie. Curvy and nerdy, loved the glasses too! Gentle and caring are words that I would describe Ghost as, dealing with a shy deer, trying not to scare them off. Very endearing, and wanting to be her “something” I absolutely loved that. Wonderful read for me. Ms. Gray knows how to write her stories so that you as the reader can fit right into the landscape she weaving.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Linda Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational, dramatic, sigh worthy

Cassie and Ghost: Cassie attends a book signing for her fav writer. While there she meets Ghost who is the writers protection. The two have instant chemistry. Then on the way home Cassie is mistaken for the writer and nearly abducted.

I love these Spartan Elite men, so human yet yummy. This book touches on so many emotions. The writing keeps you on the edge of your seat in a good way. Must must read

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie just wants to get her favorite authors signature and to finally meet her. She is totally out of her comfort zone. Ghost is a Spartan Elite guardian, who is protecting Iris Higgins. Well, needless to say things go wonky. I love his saying, "That what was meant to be,was meant to be ". Love R. J. Gray series because they leave you wanting more and more. I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[BookKitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was happy to see Ghost get his own story after reading about him in previous books. He is a very sweet guy and exactly what Cassie deserves. Cassie is an adorable character. She's nerdy and loves to read. This book had a lot of action and some mystery. The steam level in this series is much lower than in RJ's previous books so if you are looking for more mystery with less steamy action, this is the book for you. I prefer the other way around but it was still a cute story.

[Thea Craucamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

So great!

It is such a joy to read books like this! There is enough of everything to make it a well - rounded, satisfying read. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Cassie and Ghost. All the emotions, questions, reassurances and finally the culmination of the relationship is so rewarding. The suspense part of the book is on - the - edge - of - your - seat worthy!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost & Cassie

RJ Gray, I started reading Ghost: A Military Romantic Suspense (Spartan Elite Book 2)and couldn’t stop until I started this review. The characters were mesmerizing. The connections were so deep and intense drawing me through a labyrinth of evil toward the light. Can’t wait for Book 3!!

[Vanessa Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was great seeing how Cassie and Ghost first met and how their connection only deepened as time went on. Their relationship did not get off to a conventional start, but that just made it all the better. I can't wait to see who out of the team is next to first their perfect match!

[Kaaren Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved ghost and cassie's story. She is so in secure in social situations and gets panic attacks. When she stumbles into ghost at a book signing their eyes connect. This is a love story that proves to be a lot more. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghost

I must admit that I read the first chapter from her newsletter and I was hooked. Had to read and was happy it was in KU. Loved both characters. Almost an instalove type story. Just wish it was longer. Great novella though.

[B. Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Other reviewers have given great summaries of this book. All I need to say is that it was a fantastic book, and I highly recommend it!!! It was more than 5 stars for me! I am looking forward to the next books in this series, thank you, Ms. Gray!

[mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost

This story can be read as a standalone but is much better if read in series order. Luckily, this is the second book!
A good action romance. It has just enough suspense, just enough romance to satisfy.

[Toni L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest standalone, HEA set in the Valhalla universe, with this story focusing on Ghost and Cassie.

This couple are adorable together and such a pleasure to read their story. Cassie is a socially awkward slightly geeky, nerdy girl and Ghost sees her value immediately.

Wonderful

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cassie and Ghost together. He was very protective, kind and had a great heart. She sweet, introverted and a lovable bookworm. Their story was a fast paced, non stop romance that was exciting with lots of action and a bit of mystery.

[Liz Sadowsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie and Ghost’s story is a wonderful page turning read. When mistaken identity puts Cassie in the line of fire Ghost is there for her. On paper these two should never be considered soulmates but the more you read you know they are meant to be together. How it all works out is a really special read, loved it!

[Deb Compton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Excellent characters and storyline. I think you’ll enjoy this one. Maybe finding our person is just that easy… 🥰 Enjoy!!

[Beth Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book signing, a case of mistaken identity, and a hot guy to the rescue. A fun story with a great characters. The second book of Spartan Elite lives up to the name.

[Shawn Sluder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked the book

I loved the storyline. The love story bedridden Ghost and Cassie was poignant and sweet. A little more action would Havre been better. Overall a good read!

[Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ghost and Cassie's story. I liked how the author portrayed a normal women who wishes for nothing than to meet a book boyfriend. Add a little danger and ta da!