Ghosts

The Power of Zero #2

by Jackie Keswick

The Power of Book Two

Jack Horwood doesn’t do families. Or Christmas. From the time his mother sold him to her pimp to the moment he walked out on the man he loved, Christmas has always been about change and painful choices. This year seems no different. Helping Daniel and Nico recover from their imprisonment and hunting down those responsible puts Jack in a frame of mind he doesn’t want to inflict on anyone. Least of all Gareth and the tentative relationship they’ve started to rebuild.

But Gareth, for whom Christmas is all about new beginnings, won’t let Jack take the easy way out. He makes him face his ghosts instead. Even when said ghosts invade their bedroom.

When Daniel’s parents are found, Jack is determined to settle the matter without involving Daniel at all. But fate decrees otherwise, and it’s Gareth who helps him finally understand that the strongest bonds are those forged together. Once he gets that, Jack can step up and make a decision designed to lay his ghosts to rest—for good.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Mystery, Crime, Christmas, Novella

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2016

About the author

Jackie Keswick writes a mix of suspense, action adventure, fantasy and magical realism. She loves stories with layers, plots with twists and characters with hidden depths. She adores friends to lovers stories, tales of unexpected reunions and second chances, and men who write their own rules. She blogs about English history and food, has a thing for green eyes, and is a great believer in making up soundtracks for everything, including her characters and the cat.

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LIST OF BOOKS

Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

More brilliant romantic suspense from Jackie

Jack and Gareth's relationship continues to grow stronger while they carry out an emotionally draining investigation into the pimp who had Nico and Daniel.

These books are perfectly paced to mix the romance with the suspense without one suffering for the other. There's a lot of hard reading as the events taking place are not for the faint hearted.

But, as always, the strength of Jack and his new found relationships with both Gareth and his newer friends, provides an on going element of hope throughout.

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Ghosts’ continues the story of Jack’s journey from an uncertain and brutal past to a more or less settled life with Gareth, who is not just his new boss at Nancarrow Mining, but also his lover. It is set right after the breathtakingly intense and suspenseful events of ‘Job Hunt’, the first book in this series and one you have to read before this one. So much so, that I have to issue a spoiler alert for this review for anyone who has not yet read ‘Job Hunt’. The focus in this installment is on some of the loose ends from book one, specifically teenagers Nico and Daniel, the two boys Jack rescued from the pimp who made their lives hell. Gareth’s mother may be their foster mother, but their attachment to Jack is significant. And just as good is the fact that this novella gave me another glimpse at the ever-developing relationship between Jack and Gareth. I enjoyed seeing them handle stress, the winter holiday season, and even Valentine’s Day in a much more secure way now that they are more of a couple.


Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars I really loved this story. Being back with these two guys was fantastic. This would have been a 5 star read for me if not for one little niggling dangling thought. There was one little storyline that didn't get wrapped up and it's eating at my brain. Since it's a storyline that doesn't seem to be something that would be wrapped up in the next book I can't just let it go. So that little niggle takes this down a half notch for me.

I love the holiday push with this story. It really makes Jack face some things that he's uncomfortable with. He's not used to thinking about family first and being a part of something. But Gareth's natural joy in the holidays is something he and the boys are going to have to get used to. I enjoyed seeing all three of these guys Jack, Daniel, and Nico healing just that little bit. Such a good story.

[Ezi Chinny · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s holiday time and 30 year old Jack Horwood is having a sort of post-traumatic stress disorder. Christmas time is full of bad memories for him, so this year, his partner Gareth Flynn tried to life Jack’s spirits by reminding him of the good things he has in his life now. Gareth has known Jack since Jack was 17 years old and Gareth used to be his Commanding Officer. So while they have known each other for a long time, but Gareth had hard time trying to decipher Jack’s moods. Adding to Jack’s own issues, was the unease that Nico and Daniel felt with their chief victimizer still on the loose, Jack had a full plate trying to keep his past ghosts at bay.

I enjoyed the story but I had difficulty with connecting with the romantic relationship because it felt like Jack and Gareth didn’t really communicate well other than work related issues. For people who had saved each other from life and death situations, their couple vibe felt superficial. They obviously had a physical intimacy, but their emotional intimacy felt like it was held in place by other things, like a thirst for justice and advocating for the abused. I did enjoy the unraveling of the mystery surrounding Daniel’s parents. It made this story feel like an episode of Law & Order SVU. The crime solving aspect of this book overtook the romance part. Gareth and Jack did love each other, I wish I felt their passion. There were glimpses of it here and there.

"Love is something enduring that lets you deal with your past, live in the present, and look towards a future."

But I guess Jack's pasts still ruled him and he hadn't laid those fears to rest enough to fully let Gareth in. Gareth deserves an award for his patience and steadfast loyalty. Jack's mom really damaged his trust by selling him to a pimp and the hell Jack endured would be hard for anyone to overcome.

The secondary characters in this story were likeable from Gareth's mom to Daniel and Nico. I wish I read book 1 for a better understanding of the journey Jack and Gareth took to get Daniel and Nico. I was happy with the placement of these two young boys. The writing style was easy to follow and smooth. I didn’t feel like Jack and Gareth were developed as characters in this book, but I suspect it was done in book 1. At the end of the book, I finally felt that Jack was truly letting Gareth in. It was an HEA so I felt satisfied in the end. The writing was good so I blame myself for not starting at book 1.


*Special Thanks to Dreamspinner Press for the e-arc given in exchange for an honest review.

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Ghosts’ continues the story of Jack’s journey from an uncertain and brutal past to a more or less settled life with Gareth, who is not just his new boss at Nancarrow Mining, but also his lover. It is set right after the breathtakingly intense and suspenseful events of ‘Job Hunt’, the first book in this series and one you have to read before this one. So much so, that I have to issue a spoiler alert for this review for anyone who has not yet read ‘Job Hunt’. The focus in this installment is on some of the loose ends from book one, specifically teenagers Nico and Daniel, the two boys Jack rescued from the pimp who made their lives hell. Gareth’s mother may be their foster mother, but their attachment to Jack is significant. And just as good is the fact that this novella gave me another glimpse at the ever-developing relationship between Jack and Gareth. I enjoyed seeing them handle stress, the winter holiday season, and even Valentine’s Day in a much more secure way now that they are more of a couple.


Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this couple.
They’re both kind, smart, and sexy.
And they’ll be great dads.

[1000storie1000vite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questo romanzo breve si legge in un attimo, non solo per le poche pagine che lo compongono, ma anche perché ti conquista talmente profondamente che è impossibile staccarsene.

Rispetto al primo libro il ritmo è molto più calmo. Mi sono ritrovata a pochi mesi dalla conclusione del volume precedente e ho incontrato  tutti i personaggi che avevo già amato.

Questo è un racconto fatto di emozioni che gorgogliano, di sentimenti che fioriscono, di paure che si spengono, di fantasmi che si affrontano e poi svaniscono.

È una lettura coinvolgente e commovente. 

Jack si mostra in tutta la sua fragilità emotiva e in tutta la sua forza d'animo, esponendo le sue ferite per poterle finalmente curare e trasformare in cicatrici. 

Gareth sarà sempre al suo fianco, affrontando anche lui la sua paura più grande, quella di perderlo. Entrambi scaldano il cuore e si fanno amare profondamente.

I giovani  Nico e Daniel sono il fulcro pulsante di questa storia, che parla non solo di vita che ricomincia, ma anche del meraviglioso e un po' spaventoso processo di scelta e formazione di una famiglia.

Non fraintendetemi, ci sono momenti duri e davvero dolorosi, ma sono questo, momenti passeggeri, che lasciano certamente un strascico, ma che sono ampiamente superati dai legami che si cementano e fioriscono.

Lo stile narrativo è pulsante, vivo, avvolgente, la resa italiana curatissima.

Bellissimo e, a suo modo, poetico.

Questa serie è davvero superlativa.

Hugs&kisses

[Amneris Cesare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Con questo secondo è andata meglio, ma perché c'era meno azione, meno spionaggio e più dinamiche personali. Jack e Garreth si stanno praticamente conoscendo sotto il punto di vista sentimentale e lentamente Garreth scioglie tutte le riserve di Jack a lasciarsi andare. Nello stesso tempo, Jack si sta attaccando sempre di più a Nico e Daniel e la parte in cui il giovane hacker si lega ai due ragazzini è davvero appassionante. Soprattutto perché, finalmente, si riesce a percepire qualcosa dei caratteri dei vari personaggi. Ma siamo ben lontani dalle chimiche esplosive di altri romanzi MM. Qui c'è calma, molta calma, e un po' di introspezione. Ma va bene. Il romanzo vale la fatica e la spesa.

[Reflection · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much more spiky read than expected.
I was anticipating a story with a dash of season's cheer sprinkled with some angst, and instead I got a mellower, slightly introspective read with a beauty all of its own. The crisp writing style worked well to highlight an intensity of emotion with much being left unsaid.

Actions speak louder than words, as Jack and Gareth set in place the foundations for a future together and consider who else is important in their lives. Gareth helps Jack to understand that family can be so much more than the one you are born into.

Full guest review to follow on 15th April 2016 at Boy Meets Boy Reviews

A copy was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.

[Christina Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

RATING: 2.5 stars

This just isn't a series for me, so I won't be continuing after the book (if there's more). I'm not going to review this one.

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review.
The holidays is ruff for Jack but with Gareth there maybe this year's festival want be so bad on dragging him down to his dark place. Nico and Daniel trying to survive in this new world, Jake may see that a lot is possible given just the right tools to live with. Can ghost of the past be left behind or will they resurface to swallow him whole?
Sometimes ghost just can't delayed for long with events unfolding for two teens in need of love and support can Jake and Gareth hurdle the fallout. Such an emotional and physical struggle with the pain these characters go through.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anche il 2° volume mi è piaciuto tantissimo. 🤩
La storia d'amore tra Jack e Garrett tra alti e bassi continua.
I fantasmi e i demoni di Jack sono duri da distruggere, così come per i 2 adolescenti Caleb e Nico, salvati da Jack, nel 1 ° volume.
Quì la storia è più concentrata a saldare l'unione tra i 4 personaggi, a risolvere alcuni conflitti, ad arrestare delle persone orribili e anche ad arrivare ad una decisione veramente sorprendente!! 💖
Aspetterò con ansia il prossimo libro!! 🙏🏻
💖💖💖💖💖

Ps. Mi sarebbe piaciuto che fosse stati tradotti i primi 2 volumi Prequel della Serie, con un Jack dodicenne ch'è riuscito a fuggire e il suo arruolamento e dove conosce il suo comandante Garrett.

[The Novel Approach · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the holiday season and Gareth Flynn’s favorite time of year: family, friends, food and celebrations, and especially cooking. Gareth has awesome culinary skills. But Jack Horwood is not totally comfortable with all the things that comprise family. The holidays just don’t bring good memories for Jack, and we find him taking a serious look at his ghosts from the past.

Jack is also facing the issues ahead, in Nico still having to identify people associated with the pimp who’d enslaved him and Daniel. Gareth’s mother, Roz, Nico and Daniel’s foster parent, believes she has come across Daniel’s biological parents. Jack becomes involved in finding another missing boy, and the more Jack examines his ghosts and starts to let go, we see him take a big step in his life. We also see a special bond really start to develop between Nico, Daniel, Jack and Gareth, which really gives Ghosts a very warm feeling.

This is a story of finding a place that Jack can be safe and call home, along with Nico and Daniel. I really liked Gareth’s part in this book, needing to keep Jack safe and building a stable life for Nico and Daniel too. Jackie Keswick gives more depth to Jack and Gareth’s growing relationship, and we get to see Nico and Daniel start to grow and become more expressive around Jack and Gareth.

There are points in Ghosts where there are setbacks, and we see the fragility of Daniel, Nico and Jack. Gareth proves to be that solid person that all three need as the bond between them keeps growing. I liked the way Ms. Keswick gave Gareth and Jack their own special wisdom too, with Gareth telling Jack, “The best families, the strongest ones, are always the ones we make for ourselves.” The special gift that Jack gives to Gareth really tells the story: “Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. All they’ve been. All they were. All they might ever be.”

And, I can’t help but mention Aidan Conrad once again; he’s there with his little tidbits of advice for Jack and Gareth. For me, he’s one character that always stands out.

I highly recommend that Job Hunt, book one in The Power of Zero series, be read before Ghosts in order to understand the full dynamics of this story.

§§§§§§

In House Hunt, we find Jack Horwood surprising Gareth Flynn with a day to themselves. Gareth is willing to give Jack this special outing after all the chaos that occurred through the holidays, especially if this alone time will help Jack feel comfortable and tell Gareth what’s on his mind. Gareth has always worried about Jack and knows that Jack’s past still haunts him and makes him feel worthless. After all, Gareth is the only one who has a fairly good understanding of how Jack’s mind works.

After their day out, a particular vehicle piques Jack’s interest more than once. His curiosity gets the better of him and he discovers drugs. Gareth is not excited about this at all, and the discovery winds up dragging Jack back undercover for three months. Jack is torn about leaving Gareth and the boys for that long, as it isn’t something he wanted to do, but Jack can’t help the need to fight for what’s right. Gareth fears loosing Jack if he goes undercover again.

Nico and Daniel are finally going to school and getting more comfortable with their way of life now. We see Gareth’s closeness with Daniel growing as they share the joy of cooking. Nico is more like Jack and has interest in video games and learning more about the skills of protecting himself. Then there’s a slight setback for Daniel when an incident happens at school.

Jack is still working for Nancarrow Mining and he discovers another data thief. As he gets deeper in recovering the cryptic stick, he finds himself kidnapped. Gareth and Aidan make a stand and call in Mel and Khandi, two very interesting characters, to help get Jack out of this dangerous situation.

House Hunt is another double thriller from Jackie Keswick. It’s suspenseful, fast paced and action packed, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. And, once again, Ms. Keswick brings us an amazing cast of characters that will peak your interest. We also get to learn a little more about Aidan Conrad’s life.

I liked that she gave that little flaw of jealousy to Gareth in this story, but she also brings love and warmth with Roz, Nico and Daniel. No matter what Jack’s endeavors are, there is a family for him. I’m hoping Ms. Keswick is going to add another book to the Power of Zero series because there are two major questions that haven’t really been resolved. One does concern Nico and Daniel, and the other involves Jack, Garth and the boys. This is an intriguing series and I highly recommend all three books: Job Hunt, Ghosts and House Hunt.

Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great, in a way more of a continuation of the previous books events than a new story. Sure, last time Garrett and Jack got the man that had been hurting the kids they saved, and they decided to make a go of a relationship, but what now? How will it go actually being at the trial when they know the boys involved? And what does being in a relationship really mean? This book takes the time to explore these two things in an excellent way.

All of this takes place around the time of the holiday season. That in and of itself is a big step in Garrett and Jack's relationship; Christmas and family. Being in a relationship is one thing, but family is something completely foreign to Jack. Yet he has taken the time to build a family without even realizing it, even though that is something he teaches Nico and Daniel all the time. It takes Jack time with Garrett and also really seeing what family can be to let him make the decisions eh needs to make.

All tangled up in that is the trial. Jack has been involved in cases and even trials before, but he has never really known the kids that he saved in those circumstances. Having to think of Nico and Daniel while doing it all affects him more than he expects, and decisions he is sued to make unilaterally suddenly have the chance to involve more people. It ends up circling back to the family he makes and deciding how to approach that. It is all very well thought out and explored for such a short book.

The events here were of a smaller timeline with many great development sin the characters. I look forward to seeing where this series goes next and what life will have in store for Jack and Garrett!

[Kitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these stories of Jack and Gareth, Daniel and Nico. and their family and friends! Jack is such a strange, quirky, lovable character. After surviving trauma and abuse at a young age, and for all his knowledge and abilities, he still suffers from fear, insecurities, and social anxiety. Gareth is a strong, self-assured, and commanding presence, but even he suffers from angst and concern that he may not be able to hold on to Jack or keep those he loves safe. As readers, we know they are the best thing to ever happen to each other, and I love the way they strengthen and support each other. And Daniel and Nico...I can't say enough about the beautiful, courageous characters the author has drawn here. I have to keep reminding myself (with a shudder) that they are only 14 years old. My mind keeps wanting to make then 16 or 17. I know their story is real somewhere out there, and it makes me wish those poor souls had people like Jack and Gareth on their side! This series is painful sometimes, but I so heartily recommend it!

I received a free ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment of the Jack and Gareth adventures is less action and more introspection, particularly on Jack’s part, but it’s no less intense than Job Hunt. They’ve been together several months now, and Gareth is starting to worry that Jack might fold under pressure and do a runner. It’s clear they are in love and, even better, very good together. Yet they have divergent views of where they are in their relationship due to their vastly different histories. I love that it’s not just Jack’s struggle; protective Gareth has some work to do as well. Daniel and Nico are deeply involved in this story, as are the other employees of Nancarrow Mining whom we’ve come to know and appreciate. There’s also a dash of espionage to keep things interesting. I received an advance copy of this fabulous episode, and I anxiously await the next book.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book definitely needs to be read with the first, Job Hunt but as with all Jackie books, it takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions.
Jack and Gareth are settling into their relationship as well as the one with the two boys, Daniel and Nico. There are tons of bumps in the road but the four men are finding their way into a cohesive unit.

I love the way that Jackie writes. You can feel the emotion, you taste the food Gareth makes. You’re there in the room. I love reading this. I love being able to see how Jack comes to find himself.
There is less action in this one compared to Job Hunt as it focuses on the family.

Highly recommend

I received an ARC for my honest review

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the action-packed Job Hunt, Ghosts provides all the atmosphere and emotional reckoning for Jack as his working and personal relationship with Gareth settles and he takes responsibility for the two boys in his care, Nico and Daniel.

I really enjoyed the reflective tone of this story as Jack attempts to lay old ghosts in an attempt to embrace new beginnings. There's plenty of suspense and action in this story tying up loose ends from the first book, but it was the combination with emotional growth for Jack which made this a must-read for me. Excellent!

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant addition to Jack's story. Jack, Gareth, Daniel, and Nico continue be amazing characters. I loved seeing Jack navigate his relationship with Gareth and Daniel and Nico take one more step towards healing. I love this series and I cannot wait to read House Hunt.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*

[Julian White · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Kobo (EPub 3 DRM-Free

Second books in a series aren't always easy to work out - but this managed to do it. Possibly due to the somewhat fractured nature of their pasts the four central characters managed to be almost real!

Now I need to track down the previous book (and another series set before that one... )

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but worthwhile read. Jack is putting away the past and reaching for the future with the ever patient Gareth at his back. Seeing Daniel and Nico is a balm to the soul after the horrors they endured from when we were first introduced. I love the way the relationships are coming together from all angles and the family being built. I'm looking forward to reading the books to come!

[CB · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE Jack and Gareth. I held onto these books because it was a new author and the blurbs sounded interesting but didn't put the books to the top of my list - well, the blurbs didn't do them justice. I loved them more than I thought I would.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a real great second book and although it was very short it was perfect. contrary to the first book it did not have a suspense part but concentrated on the feelings and emotional developments of Jack, Nico and Daniel but also Gareth

I adore this series.

[Fredicka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if I was just in a mood when I read the first one, or if I was just prepared for the authors writing style going into this one, but I actually like this book. It makes me think that it might be worth going back and rereading the first book in a few years.

[Alexis Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sort of in between book, but needed to move the story along. Only a little adventure/mystery in this one that is quickly sorted. Relationships are cemented and family dynamics explored.

[Zane Kage · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[BAS]

1/29/2020

[Josy · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ 3.5 stars ~