Connection

by Morgan Locklear

Olivia McCourtney knows a terrible secret, ghosts are everywhere, and they're furious at the world.When she leaves her hometown of Savannah, Georgia, to study in New York City, she is confronted by billions of sour spirits. But on the subway train from Queens to NYU, Olivia meets Patrick, a traveler trapped on the Broadway Line.Olivia is obsessed with helping her newfound friend, but soon realizes that she's the one who needs to be saved when she draws too much attention from both the living and the dead. Can Olivia and Patrick help each other survive the perils of two different worlds that share a connection?

Genres: Paranormal

351 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2018

About the author

Morgan Locklear is a novelist and musician living on the Oregon coast with his wife, author Jennifer Locklear. The two write books, together and separately, including multiple charity anthologies and guest appearances in short story collections.

Morgan has performed in, or directed over thirty community theatre shows, and has recorded a half dozen albums with the bands, Cool Beans, Miracle Max, and Absolute Value. You can search his name on Spotify and find all sorts of wild stuff.

He writes romance adventures with a focus on humor, and few ghosts thrown in from time to time. He has a thing for ghosts, trains, and New York City, culminating in his debut solo novel, Connection.

Morgan is a legally blind triplet, which means that growing up, he could see just well enough to get himself into trouble, but had plenty of sisters to bail him out. (Not literally, of course.)

Morgan loves Seinfeld, R.E.M., Mel Brooks, and big historical novels.

Represented by Stephanie Phillips of SBR Media.

Reviews

[Sylvain Reynard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this novel and I really enjoyed it.
The novel itself is a paranormal tale, with elements of Southern Gothic. Much of the novel takes place in New York City in 1982. The novelist has done an incredible job of recreating the city and the times, the mood and the music. The city of New York is almost a character in itself.

I don't want to say too much about the plot lest I spoil it but there are unique twists on ghost stories in these pages and two characters you will be cheering for. There's also the development of the twin themes of redemption and loss ...

An enjoyable read. Recommended.

[Doris · Rating 3 out of 5]

"ARC generously provided by Buoni Amici Press in exchange for honest review."

I highly enjoy receiving advanced reader copies of new books, it gives me a opportunity to read a new author and their works. This one is in the paranormal genre, my absolute favorite read.
'Connections' has a different take on what happens to us when we die. Olivia our main character has the gift or maybe the curse of being able to see the dead. She graduates and goes to New York to study and meets a young man who has been dead for over twenty years. She wants to help him to move on but just doesn't know how.
That is the plot to this story, her journey to using her gift to help others. I give this one 3.5 stars, I will admit that it was a bit slow in the beginning but as the story progressed I did enjoy it.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Buoni Amici Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I love this story. This girl has a real sixth sense. Seeing ghosts at such an early age must have been terrifying. Living with this "gift" has been a real challenge.

There is so much I want to say about this story, but I am afraid to reveal spoilers.

I really enjoyed the love story. This is the first story I have read that the couple met about twenty years after the hero died. While there is no dinners and dancing, this couple does share some very intimate time together. This is just one of those stories that you cannot put down.

This is a definite must read.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paranormal has always been a favorite genre of mine because there is a compelling experience for me as a reader when the average mortal faces a challenge from the supernatural. Having spent much of the past decade immersed in one vampire fiction after another, Connection offered a refreshing opportunity to settle down with a good, old-fashioned ghost story.

This book is the story of Olivia. We are introduced to her when she is a grade school aged girl, just as she realizes that she can see and interact with spirits. She quickly understands that the ability is unique to her, forcing her to straddle the world of the living and the dead all on her own. There are frustrating limitations with her ghostly interactions that ultimately drive her to avoid or ignore one spirit after another. Her ignorance and fear of ghosts is compounded just before her high school graduation when she realizes that the frenzied phantoms she’s surrounded by often steal from the recently deceased.

After several years of failing to find her place and purpose in life, Olivia decides to change her way of thinking. She moves to New York City, a metropolis absolutely teeming with ghosts. She rooms with another woman in Astoria, Queens and enrolls in NYU. During her daily commute into Manhattan on the N train, Olivia meets the man who will change the rest of her life. She learns his name is Patrick and that he was murdered on the subway twenty years earlier. He’s been trapped on the train ever since and happily embraces the opportunity to connect with another soul. Intrigued by the ghost’s charming personality, Olivia sets her lifelong aversions aside and befriends him. As her affection for Patrick grows, Olivia’s tentative hold on reality begins to loosen.

In addition to the intriguing plot and strong character development, I was drawn into this novel by the lyrical narrative and the vivid depiction of early 1980’s New York City. Connection is one of those rare books that elicits multiple emotions from the reader. The author has struck that perfect balance of humor, romance, suspense, and wonder. At its core, this story illustrates just how spectacular the human experience can be.

There are plenty of spoilers within the pages, none of which I want to share in a review, but I will say there are few books that bring tears to my eyes. Connection had me openly crying several times as I read it. It is a leading contender for my favorite read of 2018, and easily earns a 5 star rating from me.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 * and still counting!

Why do we believe children can see more than adults? Because they see without baggage, with innocence and curiosity.

Olivia first contact was scary but at the same time inviting, she hasn’t lost her curiosity after growing up, she did realize the light after passing is very competitive and makes a promise to learn more about it and try to help at some point.

After meeting a friendly one, she must understand if she is helping or trying to save herself ?

I was gifted this Arc and I really enjoyed this paranormal journey.

Love every chapter title!

The author has an amazing point of view on art, music, air that was New York back in the 80’s. I’ve completed all senses.

Very colorful painting.

Maybe I’ve confused you with my weird choice of words. I hope I can convince you to read without spoiling it for you.

I recommend this book so very much. I’ll be reading this again soon because I know I’ll miss it.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure where to start!
Connection was a great paranormal read. The life Olivia had growing up was weird only because of what she saw. I believe it runs in her family, only she doesn't really find out until the end of the book.

Moving to NYC for college Olivia braves a whole new world of ghosts and monsters. She finds herself immersed in a world where she wants to help but is scared. She finally puts her foot down to help the one person who has always been there for her on the subway, Patrick!

Weird things happen, not weird to Olivia but to us who can't see what she see's. There were a few times where I wanted to smack Olivia for letting herself be treated the way she did.
The way the book ends I was like wait that's it? There has to be more, it can't end like that!!

It's a great read, you'll enjoy it.

[Lisa Barrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy of this story for a review. And where to begin!!! There are many things I feel the need to address in my review but I think I’ll begin with Morgan Locklear’s ability to paint a picture with words! Sometimes when reading a story I don’t really feel a connection with the characters because I don’t see the world from their points of view. Well, Locklear is the king of similes! In some books, their use can seem gratuitous, but I found that in Connection, I really felt their use was for my benefit. I now understand why and how a good simile is used. Bravo!!
The pace of the story was good and kept my attention. Kept my curiosity piqued. I read dozens of books per year so story lines can become repetitive and lose my interest. Not so with Connection. I liked the characters and wanted what was best for them and was happily surprised to find that this was what they wanted too. Even though they met with some bumps along the way, they were given an unusual HEA that that takes into consideration thousands of other people, not just themselves. And that’s a very welcome ending to a story these days!
(Note to author: Excellent music choice for ending. Very touching!)

[Karen Komarinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG as a reader you are in for a real paranormal treat and by the end of the story you will asking yourself what just happened and let’s do this again. Morgan is an incredible story teller, I don’t want to spoil the adventure for anyone, but I can tell you that from the first sentence you are going to be by Olivia’s side and be apart of the experience. I found myself laughing, crying, you will feel heart ache and unconditional love and Joy! I’ve never been to New York City, it’s been on my bucket list; but the picture Morgan created with his words I feel like NYC & I are old friends. I want to thank Morgan and Jenn for asking me to be apart of Locklear books review team. I’m grateful for are friendship and to celebrate their successes. Congratulations Morgan for me you hit it out of the park & I can hardly wait for October 1st when everyone gets to experience the light. Cheers my friend! Don’t forget to seek out other works by Morgan & Jennifer Locklear.

[Joyce Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a fantastic paranormal that should come with its own sound track!!

A supernatural story of a young girl in 1980’s NYC.
College student Olivia McCoutney takes the subway train daily from Queens to NYU. Here is where she meets Patrick. Olivia who has an unexplainable ability becomes obsessed with helping Patrick.

I don’t want to spoil this outstanding ghost story but let me just say this epic tale comes packed with all the feels and more. Author Morgan Locklear’s keen and intelligent ability to pen the tiniest of details is mind blowing!

I was honored to receive an ARC of this novel for an honest review and I totally enjoyed it!
5 stars. Definitely recommend it!

[Effie Kammenou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy a good ghost story. And one with romantic elements is sure to pull me in. But Connection by Morgan Locklear is so much more than a paranormal romance. Locklear brings fresh and unique imaginings on how souls become trapped between two worlds and the ways in which they might finally find eternal peace. Through these theories, college student, Olivia, who has seen ghosts most of her life, and trapped soul, Patrick, connect spiritually, find a way to communicate and help each other. This is truly a beautiful story of love, selflessness, sacrifice and bravery.
I only have one complaint, not to be confused with a criticism - the ending was a little abrupt for me. This is only because I wanted more. I felt connected to these young adults and would love to learn the after story. I believe Olivia will have an interesting future. Maybe a sequel?

[Serendipitous · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy paranormal romance, you will absolutely love this book. If you haven’t read any paranormal romance novels, “Connection” is the perfect one to start with.

We meet Olivia, the heroine, when she is a young girl in elementary school. She’s in class listening to her teacher read to the students when she closes her eyes in blissful leisure, only to see ghost-like creatures appear behind her eyelids. They are at first beautiful but then turn violent.

It turns out Olivia has the gift of seeing spectral beings. Some of them are nice; many of them are not. A lot of them are just plain creepy, as ghosts often are. But one of the best things about this book is that the horror Olivia encounters doesn’t turn her into a shrew, or a coward. Her courage increases as she encounters more spectral beings, and while she never completely gets used to it all, she begins to understand more about what they want, what they need, and how to interact with them without losing her own sanity.

Olivia blooms when she leaves her Texas home for New York City, several years after she graduates high school. She finds an apartment with a cheerful, sweet and funny roommate named Samantha who becomes her best friend.

Eventually, Olivia reveals her secret to Samantha, who is not only sympathetic but enthusiastic. They solve a family mystery thanks to Olivia’s ability to communicate with ghosts. Eventually, Olivia meets a spectral young man on the subway (as one does) whose clothing divulges him as someone who lived quite a long time before she was born. She and Patrick become more than friends, though the fact that he lacks a corporeal presence always keeps them physically apart.
The relationship between Olivia and Patrick develops slowly, naturally, and beautifully. You can tell they’re falling in love even when they can’t. It’s heartbreaking because we, as the readers, know it’s physically impossible for them to truly be together. But we keep rooting for these two amazing young people because it’s so clear they’re soul mates, pun intended.

The ending will have you in tears. It’s perfect, and perfectly written. Morgan Locklear has written a delightful and thoughtful book on what it means to be different at a time when you’re struggling to understand and accept yourself. He infuses it with warmth and humor. You’ll want to read more.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia can see ghosts and when she moves to New York to study she is confronted with billions of them. Olivia meets Patrick, trapped on the Broadway Line. Will she be able to help him or has she found danger of her own? Fast-paced, fun and an entertaining read. I really liked it.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book. Loved when Olivia figured out a way to help Patrick, and he just took in 10 times farther than she ever thought possible. He really was a beautiful soul. I really hope she does get in touch, at least, with his sister and tell her it worked. And, as I got to the last chapter, I realized I had tears streaming down my cheeks. So beautiful.

[Sandi Layne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia is a brave soul, with a large heart. Her courage and determination to.save the one she loves is beautiful. There are constraints on this story, but they work to keep the focus tight on what matters. A worthwhile read.