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Medium Trouble #4
Ghost of Retribution
Maddox
Rules for keeping Hiro nice and safe (who am I kidding?):
#1: Don’t go anywhere alone with ghosts
#2: Don’t leave your cell phone sitting ten feet away when you frequently run into trouble
#3: Don’t play dirty movies for my boss and blame it on the dead
#4: Have a peaceful and romantic vacation with no interruptions
Hiro
Maddox foolishly believes we need any rules when we’re simply going to Japan to meet my extended family. What’s he think we’re going to do? Run into a serial killer? Like that would ever happen (let’s pretend it didn’t happen recently).
We’re going to relax, see the sights, spend some romantic nights together, try not to fret about meeting my family… and stop someone from being killed. (Weirdly, that last one wasn’t on the itinerary.)
When my cousin’s boyfriend shows up surrounded by ghosts, I wonder whether it’s some kind of premonition of what’s to come. The ghosts are unresponsive and fixated on their target, making Maddox and me question if we’re working against the clock to save this man. The two of us discover a disturbing pattern of people haunted by ghosts who are predicting their imminent death, and we’re swept into danger. Far from home, we’re left relying on my found family of rather unique ghosts who would risk their lives for me… if they still had lives to risk.
Maybe Maddox needs to change his rules a bit.
Rules for keeping Hiro nice and safe (who am I kidding?):
#1: Don’t go anywhere alone with ghosts
#2: Don’t leave your cell phone sitting ten feet away when you frequently run into trouble
#3: Don’t play dirty movies for my boss and blame it on the dead
#4: Have a peaceful and romantic vacation with no interruptions
Hiro
Maddox foolishly believes we need any rules when we’re simply going to Japan to meet my extended family. What’s he think we’re going to do? Run into a serial killer? Like that would ever happen (let’s pretend it didn’t happen recently).
We’re going to relax, see the sights, spend some romantic nights together, try not to fret about meeting my family… and stop someone from being killed. (Weirdly, that last one wasn’t on the itinerary.)
When my cousin’s boyfriend shows up surrounded by ghosts, I wonder whether it’s some kind of premonition of what’s to come. The ghosts are unresponsive and fixated on their target, making Maddox and me question if we’re working against the clock to save this man. The two of us discover a disturbing pattern of people haunted by ghosts who are predicting their imminent death, and we’re swept into danger. Far from home, we’re left relying on my found family of rather unique ghosts who would risk their lives for me… if they still had lives to risk.
Maybe Maddox needs to change his rules a bit.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2024
171 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Alice Winters
62 books2,754 followersAlice Winters started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to turn her ideas into written words. She loves writing a variety of things from romance and comedy to action. She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
January 27, 2025
✅ Hilarious moments
✅ Ghost crew
✅ Pace
✅ Romance
✅ Some smut
✅ Characters
✅(🆗) New secondary characters
✅🆗 Plot
🆗 Villain and villain’s motivations
This fourth book in the series is good, but overall, it failed to hold my attention at times.
Hiro and Maddox are traveling to Japan, to meet with Hiro’s biological family. What should have been a relaxing holiday, turns into a series of weird interactions with creepy ghosts, with a few murder attempts along the way. Hiro and Maddox thought the worst was behind them once they were back in America, only to realize that trouble followed them across the ocean, and Hiro must now find who is manipulating people and ghosts around him before someone he loves or himself gets hurt or killed.
While I enjoyed the humor and banter, I found that the plot was weaker in this book. It felt a little underdeveloped at times, and even a little all over the place too. The first half focuses on Hiro visiting his biological family in Japan and running into strange ghosts, and the second half focuses on problems that followed him all the way to America. In the end though, when the how and the why were explained, it felt a little flimsy and anticlimactic.
There is also a bit with Maddox’s mother thrown in there, but her presence was not really necessary to the plot. It only created more questions because we got a little glimpse of her complicated relationship with Maddox, but got no real backstory or details.
Shion is a new secondary character introduced in this book. He is a police officer working on one of the mysterious incidents that happened in Japan while Hiro was with his family, but I just couldn’t connect with him. He first appeared as an earnest and stern police officer, only to do a complete turnaround and end up being a sassy, typical Alice Winters character. I usually love her sassy characters, but with Shion, I just feel that it didn’t fit the way he was first introduced and it was weird to see him go from the serious police officer to the bubbly and exuberant side character.
Hiro and Maddox’s relationship is strong and well-established by now, and it continues to progress and strengthen in this book. They complete each other well and give strength to each other too whenever they have a tough time, either because of their past or because of Hiro’s abilities. I loved seeing them together, as always, and it was also nice to see how Reggie, Keaton, and Natalie are part of their family, even though Maddox can’t see them.
One thing that I really liked about this book is that we get to see a little more of Nicolás and Patricia, even if it is not a lot. I always enjoy these moments with Hiro's family, and it is heartwarming to see how much they love each other.
1. Ghost of Lies ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
2. Ghost of Truth ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Ghost of Deceit ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Ghost crew
✅ Pace
✅ Romance
✅ Some smut
✅ Characters
✅(🆗) New secondary characters
✅🆗 Plot
🆗 Villain and villain’s motivations
This fourth book in the series is good, but overall, it failed to hold my attention at times.
“I can see the airport,” I say as a plane cruises right above us. “I’m… I’ve decided maybe I’ll just stay here. Nicolás, you can go and pretend to be me.”
“I am very Japanese and super in love with Maddox,” Nicolás intones. “No one will be confused at all.”
Hiro and Maddox are traveling to Japan, to meet with Hiro’s biological family. What should have been a relaxing holiday, turns into a series of weird interactions with creepy ghosts, with a few murder attempts along the way. Hiro and Maddox thought the worst was behind them once they were back in America, only to realize that trouble followed them across the ocean, and Hiro must now find who is manipulating people and ghosts around him before someone he loves or himself gets hurt or killed.
While I enjoyed the humor and banter, I found that the plot was weaker in this book. It felt a little underdeveloped at times, and even a little all over the place too. The first half focuses on Hiro visiting his biological family in Japan and running into strange ghosts, and the second half focuses on problems that followed him all the way to America. In the end though, when the how and the why were explained, it felt a little flimsy and anticlimactic.
There is also a bit with Maddox’s mother thrown in there, but her presence was not really necessary to the plot. It only created more questions because we got a little glimpse of her complicated relationship with Maddox, but got no real backstory or details.
Shion is a new secondary character introduced in this book. He is a police officer working on one of the mysterious incidents that happened in Japan while Hiro was with his family, but I just couldn’t connect with him. He first appeared as an earnest and stern police officer, only to do a complete turnaround and end up being a sassy, typical Alice Winters character. I usually love her sassy characters, but with Shion, I just feel that it didn’t fit the way he was first introduced and it was weird to see him go from the serious police officer to the bubbly and exuberant side character.
Hiro and Maddox’s relationship is strong and well-established by now, and it continues to progress and strengthen in this book. They complete each other well and give strength to each other too whenever they have a tough time, either because of their past or because of Hiro’s abilities. I loved seeing them together, as always, and it was also nice to see how Reggie, Keaton, and Natalie are part of their family, even though Maddox can’t see them.
“I will never live that down, will I?” Nicolás says with a sigh. “I burn one shed down, but I also go to college, I get a master’s, I get a good job, a nice house, but nope… I will forever be known as the shed burner.”
I grin before giving his shoulder a smack. “At least you weren’t summoning demons in the corner like Patricia clearly thought I was.”
One thing that I really liked about this book is that we get to see a little more of Nicolás and Patricia, even if it is not a lot. I always enjoy these moments with Hiro's family, and it is heartwarming to see how much they love each other.
1. Ghost of Lies ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
2. Ghost of Truth ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Ghost of Deceit ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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December 15, 2024
3.5
This was a nice addition to the series because we get Maddox's history and more about the friendship he had with Reggie, but the humour was missing for me and I struggled to be interested in the plot. I didn't particularly care about the fates of all the side character victims and the reveal of who was behind it felt kind of anti-climactic.
I do have a hit and miss history with Alice Winters - some books I love, but others just fall a bit flat and unfortunately this was one of them.
This was a nice addition to the series because we get Maddox's history and more about the friendship he had with Reggie, but the humour was missing for me and I struggled to be interested in the plot. I didn't particularly care about the fates of all the side character victims and the reveal of who was behind it felt kind of anti-climactic.
I do have a hit and miss history with Alice Winters - some books I love, but others just fall a bit flat and unfortunately this was one of them.
January 31, 2025
More ghostly chaos with Hiro and Maddox
I'm not sure I really quite understood the reason for what had been going on with the ghosts in this one, but it was still a fun read all the same.
We get a few new characters, including Hiro's ghost grandfather, plus a Japanese police officer who started off all serious and stuff and then turned into a sassy twink-ish guy crushing on Nicolaś.
I liked finding out more about Hiro's Japanese family, as well as getting more details about Maddox's awful upbringing with husband hideous mother.
The tension never quite ramped up as much in this book as with the earlier ones though, but this did have a few personal relationship moments that made up for it.
I'm not sure I really quite understood the reason for what had been going on with the ghosts in this one, but it was still a fun read all the same.
We get a few new characters, including Hiro's ghost grandfather, plus a Japanese police officer who started off all serious and stuff and then turned into a sassy twink-ish guy crushing on Nicolaś.
I liked finding out more about Hiro's Japanese family, as well as getting more details about Maddox's awful upbringing with husband hideous mother.
The tension never quite ramped up as much in this book as with the earlier ones though, but this did have a few personal relationship moments that made up for it.
October 20, 2025
I’m absolutely in love with the entire Medium Trouble series by Alice Winters!
From page one I knew this was going to be something special — it’s that perfect mix of paranormal mystery, chaotic humor, found family, and the most heartwarming romance ever ❤️.
Alice Winters’ writing style is just so easy to read — light, fast, funny, and addictive! Every chapter flew by and before I knew it, I had devoured all four books!
🕵️♂️ Plot & Atmosphere
The detective-paranormal storyline grabbed me right away! Talking to ghosts while solving murder cases sounds like a piece of cake, right? WRONG
Every case was twisted in the funniest way possible — clever, unpredictable, and full of chaotic ghostly nonsense. The pacing was perfect: never too heavy, always balanced with that signature Alice Winters humor.
And that humor… oh my god. I laughed out loud so many times — like, actual tears. There were lines that had me wheezing because the sarcasm and ridiculous situations were just peak comedy 🤣
💞 The Main Couple: Hiro & Maddox
My precious chaotic duo 🥹❤️. From enemies to lovers — and what a ride that was! The tension, the banter, the slow burn, the soft moments — everything was perfect.
At first, they couldn’t stand each other, but once the walls started to crack… AHHH 😭 the chemistry exploded.
Maddox — my grumpy teddy bear) He tries so hard to look tough and distant, but deep down he’s just soft and caring and way too in love.
And Hiro — literal sunshine. Funny, patient, emotionally mature, and somehow still managing to run a BOOKSTORE?! 📚He’s pure gold.
Their relationship felt so real — full of communication, understanding, and growth. No dumb drama, no third-act breakups. Just two adults learning, loving, and healing together 🥺.
And that proposal scene?? I was gone. I actually teared up. It was everything I wanted and more 💍😭
👻 The Ghosts (and Chaos Crew)
I can’t not talk about the ghosts — they were half the magic of this series!
Natalie and Reggie — my chaotic, murderous, adorable idiots 🤣 The way they bicker, flirt, and cause trouble was pure gold. A deadly duo in every sense 💀❤️.
Keaton — at first so closed-off and quiet, but by the end, this “found family” literally dragged him out of his shell (and probably his emotional cave 😆). Reggie pulling him out of his comfort zone was hilarious and heart-melting.
And honestly, I’m praying Reggie keeps “draining his energy” for years to come 😏
😍 Side Characters (who totally deserve their own spin-offs!)
Patricia — mother of the year, queen of sass, and absolute FIRE! She was iconic, strong, witty, and so full of heart. Every scene with her was a joy
Also, shoutout to every single female character in this series — they were all powerful, independent, and badass women doing important work 👏
Hiro’s brothers — literal cinnamon roll chaos. Every time they appeared, I was either laughing or smiling.
Sean (the ghost) and Nicolas? The kings of sarcasm 🤣 their banter is unmatched.
Shion showing up in the last book was the best surprise ever — I fell in love instantly! The photos he kept sending Hiro and Maddox?? I was SCREAMING 🤣🤣🤣
Please, please let him end up with Nicolas — I’m begging. They’d be the perfect mix of chaotic and soft 🥹
And then Nicolás x Shion and Reggie x Keaton… those couples (or at least, potential couples 👀) completely stole my heart. They were as captivating and emotional as the main pair — just pure serotonin every time they appeared 💞
🔥 Spice & Emotion
Okay, real talk — I kinda wish there were more spicy scenes 🤭 Maybe one per book just wasn’t enough 😅
With all that flirty tension and those sexual jokes flying around on every page, I was ready for a bit more action 🫠
But honestly, it didn’t even matter that much — the chemistry was so strong, the intimacy felt natural, and you could feel the love bursting out of every moment 🥹❤️🔥
There were also sad moments — scenes that made me tear up (not too much, but enough to feel it deeply 😭). The emotional parts hit hard but always led to healing and happy endings 🩵
💫 Final Thoughts
This series had everything I love:
💀 Murder mysteries
👻 Ghostly chaos
💞 Found family
😂 Hilarious banter
🥹 Emotional growth
🔥 Healthy love
It made me laugh, cry, and fall completely in love with every single character.
I’m obsessed.
10/10 – a perfect blend of mystery, humor, love, and paranormal magic.
Would read again in a heartbeat 💘
From page one I knew this was going to be something special — it’s that perfect mix of paranormal mystery, chaotic humor, found family, and the most heartwarming romance ever ❤️.
Alice Winters’ writing style is just so easy to read — light, fast, funny, and addictive! Every chapter flew by and before I knew it, I had devoured all four books!
🕵️♂️ Plot & Atmosphere
The detective-paranormal storyline grabbed me right away! Talking to ghosts while solving murder cases sounds like a piece of cake, right? WRONG
Every case was twisted in the funniest way possible — clever, unpredictable, and full of chaotic ghostly nonsense. The pacing was perfect: never too heavy, always balanced with that signature Alice Winters humor.
And that humor… oh my god. I laughed out loud so many times — like, actual tears. There were lines that had me wheezing because the sarcasm and ridiculous situations were just peak comedy 🤣
💞 The Main Couple: Hiro & Maddox
My precious chaotic duo 🥹❤️. From enemies to lovers — and what a ride that was! The tension, the banter, the slow burn, the soft moments — everything was perfect.
At first, they couldn’t stand each other, but once the walls started to crack… AHHH 😭 the chemistry exploded.
Maddox — my grumpy teddy bear) He tries so hard to look tough and distant, but deep down he’s just soft and caring and way too in love.
And Hiro — literal sunshine. Funny, patient, emotionally mature, and somehow still managing to run a BOOKSTORE?! 📚He’s pure gold.
Their relationship felt so real — full of communication, understanding, and growth. No dumb drama, no third-act breakups. Just two adults learning, loving, and healing together 🥺.
And that proposal scene?? I was gone. I actually teared up. It was everything I wanted and more 💍😭
👻 The Ghosts (and Chaos Crew)
I can’t not talk about the ghosts — they were half the magic of this series!
Natalie and Reggie — my chaotic, murderous, adorable idiots 🤣 The way they bicker, flirt, and cause trouble was pure gold. A deadly duo in every sense 💀❤️.
Keaton — at first so closed-off and quiet, but by the end, this “found family” literally dragged him out of his shell (and probably his emotional cave 😆). Reggie pulling him out of his comfort zone was hilarious and heart-melting.
And honestly, I’m praying Reggie keeps “draining his energy” for years to come 😏
😍 Side Characters (who totally deserve their own spin-offs!)
Patricia — mother of the year, queen of sass, and absolute FIRE! She was iconic, strong, witty, and so full of heart. Every scene with her was a joy
Also, shoutout to every single female character in this series — they were all powerful, independent, and badass women doing important work 👏
Hiro’s brothers — literal cinnamon roll chaos. Every time they appeared, I was either laughing or smiling.
Sean (the ghost) and Nicolas? The kings of sarcasm 🤣 their banter is unmatched.
Shion showing up in the last book was the best surprise ever — I fell in love instantly! The photos he kept sending Hiro and Maddox?? I was SCREAMING 🤣🤣🤣
Please, please let him end up with Nicolas — I’m begging. They’d be the perfect mix of chaotic and soft 🥹
And then Nicolás x Shion and Reggie x Keaton… those couples (or at least, potential couples 👀) completely stole my heart. They were as captivating and emotional as the main pair — just pure serotonin every time they appeared 💞
🔥 Spice & Emotion
Okay, real talk — I kinda wish there were more spicy scenes 🤭 Maybe one per book just wasn’t enough 😅
With all that flirty tension and those sexual jokes flying around on every page, I was ready for a bit more action 🫠
But honestly, it didn’t even matter that much — the chemistry was so strong, the intimacy felt natural, and you could feel the love bursting out of every moment 🥹❤️🔥
There were also sad moments — scenes that made me tear up (not too much, but enough to feel it deeply 😭). The emotional parts hit hard but always led to healing and happy endings 🩵
💫 Final Thoughts
This series had everything I love:
💀 Murder mysteries
👻 Ghostly chaos
💞 Found family
😂 Hilarious banter
🥹 Emotional growth
🔥 Healthy love
It made me laugh, cry, and fall completely in love with every single character.
I’m obsessed.
10/10 – a perfect blend of mystery, humor, love, and paranormal magic.
Would read again in a heartbeat 💘
December 17, 2024
Updating my review because I've listened to it now.
Patricia is just the best. She had to deal with Hiro visiting his birth family and her own feelings there. Then how she was with Maddox when Hiro was away was precious. That scene was just too lovely.
I need the locket to be investigated more, but I get the feeling the story is heading there.
Shion is so fun! Petition for him and Nicholas to have their own book here!
Hiro and Maddox visit Japan and the family who couldn't take Hiro in when his parents died. He has some conflicted feelings about meeting them, but a new mystery overshadows them. Who is targeting Hikaru and how? Why is the police officer being pulled into it?
There are a couple of new additions to the cast, and they are very welcome ones. I really hope we see more of them as the series continues, because there has to be at least 1 more book, right? Personally, I hope for many more. There's so much scope with the world Alice has built here.
I love series with established relationships like Hiro's and Maddox's. The way they are with each other is just so loving, but fun. We get to see more of Maddox's past in this book and Reggie really proves why he's still around. The bond he has with Maddox is so special. Reggie also really loves Hiro, and it's shown in this book.
A great mystery, fun group of friends, and some feels from Patricia. I just love how she's written!
Patricia is just the best. She had to deal with Hiro visiting his birth family and her own feelings there. Then how she was with Maddox when Hiro was away was precious. That scene was just too lovely.
I need the locket to be investigated more, but I get the feeling the story is heading there.
Shion is so fun! Petition for him and Nicholas to have their own book here!
Hiro and Maddox visit Japan and the family who couldn't take Hiro in when his parents died. He has some conflicted feelings about meeting them, but a new mystery overshadows them. Who is targeting Hikaru and how? Why is the police officer being pulled into it?
There are a couple of new additions to the cast, and they are very welcome ones. I really hope we see more of them as the series continues, because there has to be at least 1 more book, right? Personally, I hope for many more. There's so much scope with the world Alice has built here.
I love series with established relationships like Hiro's and Maddox's. The way they are with each other is just so loving, but fun. We get to see more of Maddox's past in this book and Reggie really proves why he's still around. The bond he has with Maddox is so special. Reggie also really loves Hiro, and it's shown in this book.
A great mystery, fun group of friends, and some feels from Patricia. I just love how she's written!
December 14, 2024
No surprise here! I love this new adventure from Alice about Hiro, Maddox and their family of ghosts! And love Greg Boudreaux doing the narration just as much.
December 20, 2025
Alice really excels in her stories that are longer series I feel like, where the characters and dynamics are all established and then they can just let loose and go crazy and she can write about hilarious situations and moments.
This whole series is a bit of a surprise hit for me. I enjoyed the first book but it didn't grab me as much as Hitman and VRC did, but I guess I'm also looking at those series as a whole? Instead of comparing first book to first book.
I adore this crazy group of friends and found family. Hiro and Maddox are just couple goals, and this one was especially sweet! And then we have Hiro's group of ghosts - Reggie, Keaton, and Natalie. And now we have new friends! Both of the ghost variety and human! I absolutely LOVED these new additions and I think it will make for more great stories - which I do hope we're getting more in this series?
As always, I highly recommend reading Alice's books as audiobook format - Greg and Michael bring their A game with every Alice book and I feel like that is how her brand of humor truly shines. Greg had a lot of accents in this one! I thought his Japanese was pretty solid!
I do hope we get a new book in this world next year!
This whole series is a bit of a surprise hit for me. I enjoyed the first book but it didn't grab me as much as Hitman and VRC did, but I guess I'm also looking at those series as a whole? Instead of comparing first book to first book.
I adore this crazy group of friends and found family. Hiro and Maddox are just couple goals, and this one was especially sweet! And then we have Hiro's group of ghosts - Reggie, Keaton, and Natalie. And now we have new friends! Both of the ghost variety and human! I absolutely LOVED these new additions and I think it will make for more great stories - which I do hope we're getting more in this series?
As always, I highly recommend reading Alice's books as audiobook format - Greg and Michael bring their A game with every Alice book and I feel like that is how her brand of humor truly shines. Greg had a lot of accents in this one! I thought his Japanese was pretty solid!
I do hope we get a new book in this world next year!
December 6, 2024
I'm abandoning this @ 27%. I just don't care about these characters being in a relationship. And the most exciting thing happened in the last book. The series should have been wrapped up then.
March 23, 2025
Ah, now that was delightful
December 5, 2024
This was a delight. It has the nix of humor and seriousness that Alice has mastered and that I really enjoy, plus enough twists and turns to keep you guessing but not too much as to be overwhelming. I really enjoyed it
November 28, 2024
This was nice. Easy read. Not my favourite from this author.
November 19, 2024
This time we have the merry gang of humans and ghosts on a trip to Japan to visit Hiro's relatives. Ghosts who don't know the meaning of personal space plus tight places are not a good combo. I loved seeing them in a new place, being extremely lucky they kept meeting japanese people who spoke perfect english, and recognising some of the things I also visited when I went there a few years ago.
Hiro is a trouble magnet and Maddox knows it very well so they shouldn't have been surprised when they stumbled upon a hoard of what seemed like zombie ghosts and a ghost who likes to kick Hiro's luggage to the ground for no apparent reason.
This book had, like the previous ones, a mix of scary and comedy and the story with the ghostly mystery kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen. Each and every character is such a big presence that just thinking about one of them being hurt or, if a ghost, moving on, had me anxiously on edge!
Do not read in the dark!
Alice Winters knows how to get you glued to the pages and each new friendly character she introduces to the story brings joy to my heart because I know they're going to be hilarious!
Between Japan and the US, Ghost of Retribution is a race against time, a race to safe people in danger while also dealing with personal issues both good and bad. Some past events have left a big impression on Hiro and we finally get insight in Maddox's past, so both need to rely on the other, because they give each other strength. Their relationship is strong and they care so much. Seeing their growth has been fantastic and I can't wait to see what else is in store for Hiro and Maddox and their merry gang of humans and ghots!
Hiro is a trouble magnet and Maddox knows it very well so they shouldn't have been surprised when they stumbled upon a hoard of what seemed like zombie ghosts and a ghost who likes to kick Hiro's luggage to the ground for no apparent reason.
This book had, like the previous ones, a mix of scary and comedy and the story with the ghostly mystery kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen. Each and every character is such a big presence that just thinking about one of them being hurt or, if a ghost, moving on, had me anxiously on edge!
Do not read in the dark!
Alice Winters knows how to get you glued to the pages and each new friendly character she introduces to the story brings joy to my heart because I know they're going to be hilarious!
Between Japan and the US, Ghost of Retribution is a race against time, a race to safe people in danger while also dealing with personal issues both good and bad. Some past events have left a big impression on Hiro and we finally get insight in Maddox's past, so both need to rely on the other, because they give each other strength. Their relationship is strong and they care so much. Seeing their growth has been fantastic and I can't wait to see what else is in store for Hiro and Maddox and their merry gang of humans and ghots!
November 29, 2025
4.5 Stars ⭐️
What can I say? I absolutely love most everything Ms. Winters writes and this series is one of my favorites. I mean seriously, what can go wrong when Hiro and Maddox decide to go on a trip to Japan, and Hiro (who happens to be able to see and talk to ghosts) finds himself trapped on a plane full of ghosts for the 13 hour flight? And that is only the beginning....
What makes this series so much fun has always been the secondary characters. Don't get me wrong, Hiro and Maddox are great, but the crazy crew of ghosts that tag along with Hiro's every move are hilarious by themselves. Add the once boring and dull detective who is now on the ghost team - and happens to be the ghost who seems the most sane, and it is always a crazy party.
It wouldn't be right if Hiro didn't end up in the middle of a crime and to make things REALLY fun, this time there are all kinds of craziness afoot - different country notwithstanding..
Another winner for Ms. Winters and I honestly cannot wait for book 5.
What can I say? I absolutely love most everything Ms. Winters writes and this series is one of my favorites. I mean seriously, what can go wrong when Hiro and Maddox decide to go on a trip to Japan, and Hiro (who happens to be able to see and talk to ghosts) finds himself trapped on a plane full of ghosts for the 13 hour flight? And that is only the beginning....
What makes this series so much fun has always been the secondary characters. Don't get me wrong, Hiro and Maddox are great, but the crazy crew of ghosts that tag along with Hiro's every move are hilarious by themselves. Add the once boring and dull detective who is now on the ghost team - and happens to be the ghost who seems the most sane, and it is always a crazy party.
It wouldn't be right if Hiro didn't end up in the middle of a crime and to make things REALLY fun, this time there are all kinds of craziness afoot - different country notwithstanding..
Another winner for Ms. Winters and I honestly cannot wait for book 5.
November 30, 2024
This was... nice? I'm not sure why, but this one just couldn't hold my attention. It seemed to take forever for me to finish... grr
As always, Maddox and Hiro were great together and I just wanted to take them home with me... but, Patricia would miss them, so I guess that is a no-go. 🤔🥰
As always, Maddox and Hiro were great together and I just wanted to take them home with me... but, Patricia would miss them, so I guess that is a no-go. 🤔🥰
November 19, 2024
I love Maddox and Hiro. They are such a fun couple and all the side characters are so engaging that you get sucked into the story. Another fantastic tale that keeps you guessing. Some big heart moments, some sexy times and some times when I was laughing so much, I got asked if I wasn’t losing it! I hope we get many more books from this series.
November 21, 2024
I freaking LOVE Hiro! He has to be the best medium around. The fact that he can get into shenanigans anywhere is hilarious. Here he is on his way to meet his relatives and is immediately bombarded with ghosts. My guy can't catch a break. Can't go on vacation without being tossed into chaos. And Maddox, just resigns himself to this. He knows he can't do anything about it so he just rolls with it. That is until the trouble they find in Japan follows them home. Then our Maddox is forced to confront his past in order to save his future.
This vol was so fun to read. I liked that we got to visit a new place and meet new people. Hearing about why Hiro's biofamily didn't take him after his parents death was sad. But, also so realistic. Finding out where Hiro's gift comes from was a nice little surprise.
Obviously I recommend reading this book. You need to continue learning more about our boys, their ghosts and future potential relationships.
This vol was so fun to read. I liked that we got to visit a new place and meet new people. Hearing about why Hiro's biofamily didn't take him after his parents death was sad. But, also so realistic. Finding out where Hiro's gift comes from was a nice little surprise.
Obviously I recommend reading this book. You need to continue learning more about our boys, their ghosts and future potential relationships.
November 28, 2025
Series: Medium Trouble #4
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
When Hiro and Maddox take a vacation to Japan to meet Hiro’s extended family, they plan to lay low and not end up on another case. Unfortunately that doesn’t work out and before they even arrive in Japan they are already dealing with a ghost problem. Now they have a case that seems to be bouncing between continents with no connection and a lot of ghosts surrounding the victims.
Like the previous books, I enjoyed Hiro and Maddox’s crazy adventures dealing with ghosts and solving crimes. It was great to see Hiro meet his extended family and grandparent, and experience Japan a little. Maddox and Hiro continue to be a great couple and I loved seeing them work together to deal with ghosts and solve crimes. Also Maddox’s proposal was adorable and I loved it.
This was an interesting case because it took awhile to figure out the main person behind it, and why. I enjoyed it because it was so unique but it did feel a bit all over the place with them jumping between Japan and the US and following all the leads. We also finally meet Maddox’s mother and learn how terrible she is. I understood why she was introduced, but I felt like her storyline was just thrown in and didn’t really help the plot a lot, besides giving more information about Maddox’s tragic past and why he is being targeted by the killer.
Overall, I still enjoyed this adventure and really hope there will be more cases with these two. Also I really liked Nakamura and wonder if we will eventually see him and Nicolas get together because I want to know more about Hiro’s brother.
TW: domestic violence; death; toxic and manipulative mother;
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
When Hiro and Maddox take a vacation to Japan to meet Hiro’s extended family, they plan to lay low and not end up on another case. Unfortunately that doesn’t work out and before they even arrive in Japan they are already dealing with a ghost problem. Now they have a case that seems to be bouncing between continents with no connection and a lot of ghosts surrounding the victims.
Like the previous books, I enjoyed Hiro and Maddox’s crazy adventures dealing with ghosts and solving crimes. It was great to see Hiro meet his extended family and grandparent, and experience Japan a little. Maddox and Hiro continue to be a great couple and I loved seeing them work together to deal with ghosts and solve crimes. Also Maddox’s proposal was adorable and I loved it.
This was an interesting case because it took awhile to figure out the main person behind it, and why. I enjoyed it because it was so unique but it did feel a bit all over the place with them jumping between Japan and the US and following all the leads. We also finally meet Maddox’s mother and learn how terrible she is. I understood why she was introduced, but I felt like her storyline was just thrown in and didn’t really help the plot a lot, besides giving more information about Maddox’s tragic past and why he is being targeted by the killer.
Overall, I still enjoyed this adventure and really hope there will be more cases with these two. Also I really liked Nakamura and wonder if we will eventually see him and Nicolas get together because I want to know more about Hiro’s brother.
TW: domestic violence; death; toxic and manipulative mother;
November 18, 2024
Hiro and Maddox are visiting Japan, Hiro is going to visit his mom’s family he doesn’t remember them but he got in contact with his cousin and they want to see him, poor Hiro has some conflict feelings about meeting them since they couldn't take him in when his parents died. Since we know that Hiro is a troubled magnet they were able to get into troubles even in the worst place… an airplane flying to Japan.
I like how the story develops, we have new additions to the story and the mystery was very interesting and entertaining, they guys know how to get in troubles! I love watching Hiro and Maddox are able to enjoy time together and have fun and of course get thrown into some murder mystery, chasing, ghost fighting and also some cute moments. I adore Hiro and Maddox!! Reggie, Natalie, Keaton are a very important part of this story too and I have so much fun watching them banter and bully Hiro too! This was a great read! Highly recommended! Looking forward for more of this series!
I like how the story develops, we have new additions to the story and the mystery was very interesting and entertaining, they guys know how to get in troubles! I love watching Hiro and Maddox are able to enjoy time together and have fun and of course get thrown into some murder mystery, chasing, ghost fighting and also some cute moments. I adore Hiro and Maddox!! Reggie, Natalie, Keaton are a very important part of this story too and I have so much fun watching them banter and bully Hiro too! This was a great read! Highly recommended! Looking forward for more of this series!
November 26, 2025
Ghost of Retribution by Alice Winters
💙 Grumpy Homicide Detective MC
💙 Bookstore Owner/Medium MC
💙 Established Couple
💙 Opposites Attract
💙 Age Gap (9 Years)
💙 Paranormal Romance
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Humour: 🤭🤭🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺.5
First person dual pov 👀
Content Warnings
On page: threat, violence, injury, blood, gore, death, murder, attempted murder, hospitalisation, anxiety, panic attacks
Mentioned: death of a sibling (past), parent death (past), animal death (pigeon), child abuse (physical & mental), drug abuse, alcoholism, domestic abuse
💙 Grumpy Homicide Detective MC
💙 Bookstore Owner/Medium MC
💙 Established Couple
💙 Opposites Attract
💙 Age Gap (9 Years)
💙 Paranormal Romance
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Humour: 🤭🤭🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺.5
First person dual pov 👀
Content Warnings
On page: threat, violence, injury, blood, gore, death, murder, attempted murder, hospitalisation, anxiety, panic attacks
Mentioned: death of a sibling (past), parent death (past), animal death (pigeon), child abuse (physical & mental), drug abuse, alcoholism, domestic abuse
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2024
This is my favourite series by Alice Winters, and I was worried after so long between books that I might feel a little disconnected from it. However, I’m so grateful that this book was just as good as the others. It was fun and sweet, while also showcasing an interesting mystery. I love these characters, I love the heart in this book, and I hope we don’t have to wait too long for more. Audio was also great. Highly recommend.
June 2, 2025
I need more. I need like 10 more books of this series. Please Alice, You have to give us more!!!
Beautiful romance, found family done well, interesting mystery, paranormal elements played very well.
All in all, amazing book in this amazing series. I always read Alice Winters when I need to recover and she always manages to heal my wounds with lovely and funny stories.
Seriously, I need more. please please write more.
Beautiful romance, found family done well, interesting mystery, paranormal elements played very well.
All in all, amazing book in this amazing series. I always read Alice Winters when I need to recover and she always manages to heal my wounds with lovely and funny stories.
Seriously, I need more. please please write more.
November 19, 2024
It felt so good to be back with hiro and maddox I loved bring back there along side then
The story has mystery and Action and a new adventure to follow I just loved it
We get Action fun mystery and how strong the connection has become with hiro and maddox we also meet some new fun characters to get to know
The story has mystery and Action and a new adventure to follow I just loved it
We get Action fun mystery and how strong the connection has become with hiro and maddox we also meet some new fun characters to get to know
February 11, 2025
This series just keeps getting better and better. I love Hiro and Maddox and all of their (found) family. Fine, except for some.. Family.
This adventure was another fun one and I laughed a lot when reading this book! If I didn't had to go to work I would have finished this one in a day! Could not put it down.
This adventure was another fun one and I laughed a lot when reading this book! If I didn't had to go to work I would have finished this one in a day! Could not put it down.
November 12, 2024
Alice Winters has such a magic touch with her books! Maddox and Hiro get caught up in trouble again, which provides us amazing comedy, some adventure, loveable characters, and some steamy fun! This series is genius and each new book makes me love it more and more.
November 20, 2024
I want my own ghost pals
Fantastic as always. I adore Hiro and his band of merry ghosts. I was very excited to see Hiro meet some of his family in this book. And as per usual he can't keep from getting caught up in trouble, much to Maddox's dismay. We also get a little extra taste of Maddox's family in this book and Reggie was having none of it. The new characters were super fun, especially one suitcase tipping elderly ghost *wink* I also can't wait for the next book for reasons I won't disclose (we hate spoilers!) and because I just can't get enough of Hiro and Maddox.
Fantastic as always. I adore Hiro and his band of merry ghosts. I was very excited to see Hiro meet some of his family in this book. And as per usual he can't keep from getting caught up in trouble, much to Maddox's dismay. We also get a little extra taste of Maddox's family in this book and Reggie was having none of it. The new characters were super fun, especially one suitcase tipping elderly ghost *wink* I also can't wait for the next book for reasons I won't disclose (we hate spoilers!) and because I just can't get enough of Hiro and Maddox.
November 19, 2024
Hiro and Maddox are back. Along with all our favourite ghosts. This book was chaos in the best way. I laughed a lot while reading this. I love the new additions in this one. I would very much like to see a certain pairing happen in future books.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
November 19, 2024
Grandpa
Learning about Hiro family and where he came from was really good and realized that his “gift” is genetic.
I do want to see his gift get stronger and see what else he can do.
Grandpa is wicked hope to read about him more.
Learning about Hiro family and where he came from was really good and realized that his “gift” is genetic.
I do want to see his gift get stronger and see what else he can do.
Grandpa is wicked hope to read about him more.
November 19, 2024
I was cracking up from beginning to end. The ghosts had me laughing out loud: they were entertaining, funny and kept Hiro on his toes.
This story was full of chaos, mayhem and banter and I absolutely loved every second of it.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
This story was full of chaos, mayhem and banter and I absolutely loved every second of it.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
December 5, 2024
I am a Hiro and Maddox stan. That being said, this book didn't do it for me. I'm wondering if the author recently went on a trip to Japan and wanted to work in some sightseeing scenes. It just, didn't work. The Japanese characters speaking perfect English complete with slang and colloquialisms was completely unrealistic.
December 19, 2024
This is book 4 in the Medium Trouble series and once again Hiro and Maddox find themselves running into trouble with some chaos on the side. It all starts in the plane on the way to Japan and it’s pretty much full on and non stop until the very end. Of course Reggie, Natalie and Keaton are included in the mayhem as well as some new and very interesting side characters. I was hooked from the very beginning as this intriguing storyline wound its way through some twists and turns until Hiro, Maddox (and their human and ghostly helpers) bested the baddies. Of course there’s the signature hilarity, sass and banter this author is well known known for, some steam, some sweet, a very satisfying conclusion to the chaos and one very swoon worthy “oh my heart” moment that left me a touch giddy and with a huge smile 😊.
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