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Seeing is Believing: book 1
Max Cooke, a sweet lonely man who writes romance stories, is the only witness to the murder of a police detective. Struggling with the aftermath of the killing, Max never dreamed that the dead detective’s ghost would appear at the foot of his bed two days later.
Nick Horvath must learn what being a ghost means, sometimes with hilarious results. The two men discover that they are somehow bound together as they explore the feelings developing between them.
When the murderer comes looking for Max, however, it’s up to Nick to find a way to stop him. But if he succeeds in stopping the killer, will he be forced to leave the man he’s come to love? After a couple of near misses, Nick no longer has a choice because if he fails, Max will become the killer’s next victim.
Nick Horvath must learn what being a ghost means, sometimes with hilarious results. The two men discover that they are somehow bound together as they explore the feelings developing between them.
When the murderer comes looking for Max, however, it’s up to Nick to find a way to stop him. But if he succeeds in stopping the killer, will he be forced to leave the man he’s come to love? After a couple of near misses, Nick no longer has a choice because if he fails, Max will become the killer’s next victim.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2016
4 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Terry Poole
12 books24 followersTerry makes her home between the two massive lakes that bisect Manitoba in central Canada. She’s always written in one form or another. Her very first book, at age five, consisted of stick figures drawn upon a roll of adding machine paper. When Terry isn't writing (which isn’t often), she can be found crocheting, making handmade soap or hanging out on Facebook.
Her mind has been compared to a train station filled with runaway trains. The trick is to catch one and hang on. So many stories, so little time.
Her mind has been compared to a train station filled with runaway trains. The trick is to catch one and hang on. So many stories, so little time.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 18, 2016
Review can be read at It's About The Book
2.5 stars
Max held Nick’s hand as Nick died. Max found himself surprisingly heartbroken. He didn’t even learn Nick’s name until after his death. Then he woke up to Nick standing at the end of his bed. Technically, it’s Nick’s ghost standing at the end of his bed. Neither man nor ghost really knows what to do about the situation, but they’re both aware of the intense attraction between the two of them. Unfortunately for Max he is the only witness to Nick’s murder. Murderers don’t appreciate witnesses. Since Nick was a cop during his life he’s aware of how much danger Max is in. Max has trouble accepting not only that he’s in danger, but that Nick could conceivably have a legitimate romantic interest in him. The killer strikes closer than is comfortable for Nick and the police. The investigation into Nick’s murder becomes more serious and there is now an investigation into Max’s attempted murder. Despite falling in love, Max and Nick need to figure out how to make a relationship work between a still living person and a ghost when the crime is finally solved.
This book is a fun weekend read if you want to turn off your brain and escape into a fantasy. There is insta-love, possessive/protective behaviors, and a bond so deep it transcends death itself. Those things can all be fun to read. I tend to prefer greater depth when I read, though. Despite being a love story involving a ghost, the world building was set up in such a way that the romance worked physically between Max and Nick. I had no worry things may not work between them because of Nick being a ghost. I need to worry things may not work. I have to feel the characters worked for their HEA.
I never really understood the killer’s motive. In terms of the mystery aspects several things felt off to me. Paranormal stories do require suspension of disbelief, but I still want the mystery aspects to make sense. Killing a cop is a pretty serious thing to cops. The only one who seemed to care was Nick’s partner? Really? Bucci would know the cops would be pissed one of them died. Given the way Nick’s murder happened he’d also know exactly who did it. The murder investigation central to the story didn’t really work for me.
If you’re looking for pure fantasy this book has plenty of enjoyable qualities that would be just right. If you’re looking for a book where the characters have to work hard and you truly fear they may not make it to their HEA you may want to take a pass on this one.
2.5 stars
Max held Nick’s hand as Nick died. Max found himself surprisingly heartbroken. He didn’t even learn Nick’s name until after his death. Then he woke up to Nick standing at the end of his bed. Technically, it’s Nick’s ghost standing at the end of his bed. Neither man nor ghost really knows what to do about the situation, but they’re both aware of the intense attraction between the two of them. Unfortunately for Max he is the only witness to Nick’s murder. Murderers don’t appreciate witnesses. Since Nick was a cop during his life he’s aware of how much danger Max is in. Max has trouble accepting not only that he’s in danger, but that Nick could conceivably have a legitimate romantic interest in him. The killer strikes closer than is comfortable for Nick and the police. The investigation into Nick’s murder becomes more serious and there is now an investigation into Max’s attempted murder. Despite falling in love, Max and Nick need to figure out how to make a relationship work between a still living person and a ghost when the crime is finally solved.
This book is a fun weekend read if you want to turn off your brain and escape into a fantasy. There is insta-love, possessive/protective behaviors, and a bond so deep it transcends death itself. Those things can all be fun to read. I tend to prefer greater depth when I read, though. Despite being a love story involving a ghost, the world building was set up in such a way that the romance worked physically between Max and Nick. I had no worry things may not work between them because of Nick being a ghost. I need to worry things may not work. I have to feel the characters worked for their HEA.
I never really understood the killer’s motive. In terms of the mystery aspects several things felt off to me. Paranormal stories do require suspension of disbelief, but I still want the mystery aspects to make sense. Killing a cop is a pretty serious thing to cops. The only one who seemed to care was Nick’s partner? Really? Bucci would know the cops would be pissed one of them died. Given the way Nick’s murder happened he’d also know exactly who did it. The murder investigation central to the story didn’t really work for me.
If you’re looking for pure fantasy this book has plenty of enjoyable qualities that would be just right. If you’re looking for a book where the characters have to work hard and you truly fear they may not make it to their HEA you may want to take a pass on this one.
March 30, 2016
That one has really a little bit of ridiculous story plot. It's for sure not my cup of tea.
May 4, 2019
Maximillian John Cooke aka Max is a successful author of romance novels and just caught the biggest break ever. His books have been picked up for a movie. Max is on his way home to celebrate with companion Alfred. Alfred and Jackie Marshall, Max’s publisher/agent, are his only friends. With an ending to an abusive relationship and his writing, he has isolated himself but in his own way he’s very self-sufficient but he’s still fragile and shy. Max’s moment of celebration is cut short when he’s witness to a horrendous crime. For Detective Dominik Horvat aka Nick the last thing he sees is Max. Something passes between them and Max is devastated with the passing of a man he doesn’t know.
With Max being the only witness to the crime and the strange event that occurs he has no choice but to talk with Detective Erik James, Nick’s partner. The visit to see Erik becomes even more of a surprise when Doctor Kevin Stuart makes an appearance. It seems Kevin has a very special talent that he’s kept secret.
Terry Poole creates an entertaining and intriguing story that’s easy reading. There’s so many secrets and surprises that I don’t want to give anything away. Paranormal/fantasy mix certainly has a lot of interesting ideas of the how the afterlife is controlled.
There’s also humor and some very heart warming and heart-rending moments. The one scene that really was so emotionally powerful is when Max tries to save the Nick.
The secondary characters: Detective Erik James, Kevin, Jackie Marshall, Sarah, Mitchell,
are well developed along with the “gift” that they have.
The murder mystery and what becomes of Nick, Max, Erick and Kevin leave us with many questions that are answered in the sequel “Seeing Is A Curse”.
I have to say I like the new cover art by Shelby Rhodes on this one, it really tells a story.
With Max being the only witness to the crime and the strange event that occurs he has no choice but to talk with Detective Erik James, Nick’s partner. The visit to see Erik becomes even more of a surprise when Doctor Kevin Stuart makes an appearance. It seems Kevin has a very special talent that he’s kept secret.
Terry Poole creates an entertaining and intriguing story that’s easy reading. There’s so many secrets and surprises that I don’t want to give anything away. Paranormal/fantasy mix certainly has a lot of interesting ideas of the how the afterlife is controlled.
There’s also humor and some very heart warming and heart-rending moments. The one scene that really was so emotionally powerful is when Max tries to save the Nick.
The secondary characters: Detective Erik James, Kevin, Jackie Marshall, Sarah, Mitchell,
are well developed along with the “gift” that they have.
The murder mystery and what becomes of Nick, Max, Erick and Kevin leave us with many questions that are answered in the sequel “Seeing Is A Curse”.
I have to say I like the new cover art by Shelby Rhodes on this one, it really tells a story.
November 4, 2017
It made me laugh an cry. I found it thoroughly enjoyable and can't wait to read the next one!
April 27, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
At the center of this story are, of course, Max and Nick. Max works as a writer and has just managed to sell one of his series to a production company. His professional success is something of a triumph since the character has survived an off-page, now-defunct relationship with a man who was both emotionally and physically abusive. These two aspects make Max a mix of self-sufficient and vulnerable. Clearly, the reader can imagine that Max has carved out an independent, functional life for himself. However, the story picks up almost immediately with Max meeting they dying Nick, so most of what we see of Max is done in such a way that highlights how deeply his former lover affected him. Mostly, I found the penchant for hurt-comfort scenes between Max and Nick appealing. Like my inner princess complex, I like to think all “good” relationships are all about both characters being unconditionally supportive of the other. There was a time or two, however, where I thought these kind of vignettes crossed into “comfort-by-way-of-sex” and while I’m not necessarily against that, the timing with regards to what was going on plot-wise to drive the need for comfort irked me (more on that below).
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
At the center of this story are, of course, Max and Nick. Max works as a writer and has just managed to sell one of his series to a production company. His professional success is something of a triumph since the character has survived an off-page, now-defunct relationship with a man who was both emotionally and physically abusive. These two aspects make Max a mix of self-sufficient and vulnerable. Clearly, the reader can imagine that Max has carved out an independent, functional life for himself. However, the story picks up almost immediately with Max meeting they dying Nick, so most of what we see of Max is done in such a way that highlights how deeply his former lover affected him. Mostly, I found the penchant for hurt-comfort scenes between Max and Nick appealing. Like my inner princess complex, I like to think all “good” relationships are all about both characters being unconditionally supportive of the other. There was a time or two, however, where I thought these kind of vignettes crossed into “comfort-by-way-of-sex” and while I’m not necessarily against that, the timing with regards to what was going on plot-wise to drive the need for comfort irked me (more on that below).
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
December 26, 2016
3.75 stars
“Seeing is Believing” by Terry Poole is an erotic m/m fantasy romance that follows author Maximillian (Max) John Cooke, inadvertent witness of the murder of Detective Dominik (Nick) Horvath, which not only give him nightmares but saddles him with the presence of the man’s ghost. Their uncanny connection deepens into a relationship that has to overcome Max’s insecurity from his troubled past, threats to his life, and…Nick’s existence as a ghost!
This tale is a nice twist on a ghost story, enhanced by inventive explanations for the occurrence as well as the mystery behind the murder. I love Alfred, who acts according to his own rules, like most cats I have known, and his bond with Max is wonderful to see. The sizzling intensity between the main characters is nicely balanced by the gradual revelations, and it was lovely to see the care that Nick took to deal with Max’s issues. I thought the resolution was incomplete, both in terms of the motivations for the initial crime and dealing with the bad guys, and the way new roles are created is a little too pat a solution for me but I enjoyed the overall story and hope that some of the dangling threads are because a sequel is in the works. This was an entertaining and exciting story and I will be on the lookout for more works by this author.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review, a version of which was submitted to Night Owl Reviews
“Seeing is Believing” by Terry Poole is an erotic m/m fantasy romance that follows author Maximillian (Max) John Cooke, inadvertent witness of the murder of Detective Dominik (Nick) Horvath, which not only give him nightmares but saddles him with the presence of the man’s ghost. Their uncanny connection deepens into a relationship that has to overcome Max’s insecurity from his troubled past, threats to his life, and…Nick’s existence as a ghost!
This tale is a nice twist on a ghost story, enhanced by inventive explanations for the occurrence as well as the mystery behind the murder. I love Alfred, who acts according to his own rules, like most cats I have known, and his bond with Max is wonderful to see. The sizzling intensity between the main characters is nicely balanced by the gradual revelations, and it was lovely to see the care that Nick took to deal with Max’s issues. I thought the resolution was incomplete, both in terms of the motivations for the initial crime and dealing with the bad guys, and the way new roles are created is a little too pat a solution for me but I enjoyed the overall story and hope that some of the dangling threads are because a sequel is in the works. This was an entertaining and exciting story and I will be on the lookout for more works by this author.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review, a version of which was submitted to Night Owl Reviews
July 30, 2016
This is a really hard book for me to review.
When I read the blurb, I couldn’t wait to get started on the book. I’m a paranormal junkie, and I especially love books about ghosts. So I dove right in.
I do want to say that yes — I do understand when reading paranormal you have to stretch your imagination, but this book just required way too much stretching to be able to grasp it.
I loved the characters – that part of the book was great. I did love the twists that the author had put in about the paranormal and spiritual world. All of that was great.
The problem I had was the actual relationship between Max and Nick. How Nick changed (literally) throughout the course of the book, and all of that. (Yes, I know that sounds super confusing, it’s confusing to me and I already read the book, but I don’t want to give away spoilers!)
Because of that, I just couldn’t rate this book any higher than I did. I loved so much about it, but everything with Nick was just way to strange and didn’t even make sense to me.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
When I read the blurb, I couldn’t wait to get started on the book. I’m a paranormal junkie, and I especially love books about ghosts. So I dove right in.
I do want to say that yes — I do understand when reading paranormal you have to stretch your imagination, but this book just required way too much stretching to be able to grasp it.
I loved the characters – that part of the book was great. I did love the twists that the author had put in about the paranormal and spiritual world. All of that was great.
The problem I had was the actual relationship between Max and Nick. How Nick changed (literally) throughout the course of the book, and all of that. (Yes, I know that sounds super confusing, it’s confusing to me and I already read the book, but I don’t want to give away spoilers!)
Because of that, I just couldn’t rate this book any higher than I did. I loved so much about it, but everything with Nick was just way to strange and didn’t even make sense to me.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
March 20, 2016
I love me some ghost stories! I'm always interested in how the author will write the ghost-ness of the character, how "believable" it will be, and how the ending will be resolved (whether it's Ghost-like with the MC leaving, or somehow staying, either as a ghost or back to human).
I definitely enjoyed this one! I liked the story, I liked the characters. I do think the love was a bit *too* quick for me, but the whole pace of the story was quick. I liked what Nick could and could not do, how he worked around things, and how he communicated.
I don't want to give anything away to spoil the ending, but I love the resolution, and did love reading about Max and Nick falling in love! I look forward to more from this author!
I definitely enjoyed this one! I liked the story, I liked the characters. I do think the love was a bit *too* quick for me, but the whole pace of the story was quick. I liked what Nick could and could not do, how he worked around things, and how he communicated.
I don't want to give anything away to spoil the ending, but I love the resolution, and did love reading about Max and Nick falling in love! I look forward to more from this author!
June 8, 2020
This was a pleasure to read and a first read with this author.
A fantastic book about Max who was a witness to seeing Nick murdered who happened to die in his arms. I can highly recommend this book to everyone. You'll certainly love the ending which I didn't see coming but was perfect. I'll be looking for more of Terry Poole books.. More ghost books yes please.. Highly Recommended for Ghost lovers and all.
A fantastic book about Max who was a witness to seeing Nick murdered who happened to die in his arms. I can highly recommend this book to everyone. You'll certainly love the ending which I didn't see coming but was perfect. I'll be looking for more of Terry Poole books.. More ghost books yes please.. Highly Recommended for Ghost lovers and all.
March 30, 2016
This is the first book that I've read of Terry Poole's and it was fantastic! Yes, there was insta-love, but it was believable. I haven't read many romances that involve ghosts, but this had an ending I haven't read before! I loved it! I hope
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews