Lingering Spirits

Soul Connection #4

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

Hope

To him, I’m just an annoying voice in his head.
I never once asked for this ability.
I connect telepathically with people
who don’t realize they need my help.
Once done, I sever the connection.
This man though, he’s different.
Connecting with Russ is refreshing,
but I don’t know why after two months we can’t figure out the reason for the connection.
All I know is I’m getting way too attached.
But until the monster who used my abilities for his personal gain is found,
everyone I’ve ever cared about has to believe I’m no longer alive.

Russ

My mind has been invaded by a mysterious voice.
She can read my thoughts, and see the world through my eyes.
She’s frustrating and doesn’t hesitate to call me out on thoughts I would never share with anyone else.
She also saved me, more than once.
As we start to talk more and I discover she’s always on the run,
she says I’ll be the one to save her.
How can I save someone I’ve never met?
As a friendship develops and feelings grow,
I know that I’ll do whatever I can for her,
Especially when I learn the reason we were brought together.

Unknown Binding

Published January 27, 2022

About the author

No matter where she goes, USA Today Bestselling author Nikki Lynn Barrett hears voices in her head. Instead of calling her crazy and locking her up, her family realizes it's just a product of being an author and allows her to write the stories so that the voices shut up.
But they don't. And probably never will. There's no need to lock her up, Nikki knows she'll never escape the voices, not until each and every last story is written. And for every story she writes, about ten or more ideas pop up.

When she isn't slaving away at her computer writing books that will probably make you cry and keep you in suspense, Nikki plots to take over the world one book at a time. What? It's a sickness. One she can't escape!

Books aren't her only addiction, though. Nikki can be found making up parodies to drive her son crazy, and bantering back and forth with her husband, who somehow manages to steal her away from the fictional world she lives in all the time.

Nikki lives in Arizona with her husband and son, where she can be found using every creativity outlet she can find through music, photography, handcrafted things, and random interests that she may pick up from time to time.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Lingering Spirits is the fourth book in the Soul Connection Series by Nikki Lynn Barrett. As I have mentioned before, I have read all the previous books in the series and loved everyone. So, I was quite excited to dive into this fourth captivating instalment.
Having met Russ previously, I was quite intrigued to read his story, and as expected, Nikki Lynn Barrett kept me engrossed the whole way through. It did have a few unexpected elements, which gave the story a little extra intrigue and interest. I loved the telepathy element of the story too- that was really well done, and very believable. I loved Russ, and Hope is a really wonderful character too.
I can’t wait to see where the series goes from here.
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Nikki Lynn Barrett!

[Krystal Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lingering Spirits (Soul Connection Book 4)
By Nikki Barrett 4 out of 5 Stars

There are so many ways to describe this book. Lingering Spirits is book 4 in the Soul Connection Series. Please go read books 1-3 in book order, you will not regret it at all. Nikki’s stories transcend the normal of human romance and expectation. The first connection of Russ and Hope had me catching my breath and the continuous back and forth between the two kept me going from page to page. Lovers of the Paranormal, Ghost stories, Paranormal romance, and Romance, in general, will love this book, 4 out of 5 stars.

[Rachel Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read! This wasn't my favorite of this series though, because I am extremely biased to the first book and I honestly don't think it can be topped! This installment had everything I love in the rest of the series, like romance, thrills, paranormal shenanigans and a bit of mystery. This was a great addition to the series and I did enjoy reading it. This book was enthralling and a joy to read. I just find the first book really hard to top. This can be read as a standalone, but you see some recurring characters from past books that make it more enjoyable when you read from the first. I'm glad I got to go on this journey with these books, they were all awesome!

[Shauna Slade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Nikki Lynn Barrett.
I really love this book in the Soul Connection Series. The author keeps you turning pages just to find out what happens next. I really love the connection the new characters have and enjoyed reconnecting with Scott and Zelda.

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope is a young woman with an extraordinary ability, she can connect with people, mind to mind and help them with their problems, albeit from a distance and normally she can disconnect as soon as she has done this, but this time it is different. Russ is a young man with a lot of responsibilities, he helps his friends and family out whenever he can, even if it is to his own detriment, that is until one day he starts to hear a mysterious voice in his head and he thinks that something is seriously wrong.

As Hope and Russ begin to talk over this telepathic connection, they try to work out what has brought this on, but as the connection continues, Hope realises that this connection is unlike any other and she has had many, in this case she can see through Russ's eyes and hear his thoughts, much to his annoyance, but the reason behind this situation is still out of reach.

A few months in and Hope has helped to save his life a couple of times and they both acknowledge that they are feeling stronger for each other than they should, but neither of them want to end their connection. One day, Hope makes the decision to tell Russ some things about her past, that she is on the run and that she can never be safe, she can never let her loved ones she is alive, if she does, then a dark figure from her past will return and use her abilities like they have done before. Russ cannot believe what he is hearing, but he promises to help her in any way he can, as soon as he knows how to anyway.

Suddenly, the reason for their connection becomes clear and with this clarity brings truth, but will the truth put both Hope and Russ in danger and will they be able to overcome it and help each other? This is a paranormal romance with a twist and an unconventional timeline that will keep you hooked all the way through, as the mystery surrounding Hope and Russ unravels.

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I read a lot, it's kind of my happy place. I've read good books, bad books, helpful books, books that taught me that holding on to reach a real turning point is amazing and books that have taught me it doesn't matter how long I wait, that will never be the style for me. THIS book, though...really wowed me. I read it cover to cover in a day. I LOVE paranormal books, I love fun, carefree romance, I've discovered I enjoy a decent amount of MC books, all sorts of things. This book really reached out to me and pulled me in, with all of the beauty it offers. Well written, inspirational, romantic, paranormal, action packed, includes beautiful characters and the prose makes me feel like I'm reading something that a person who really knows what I need to hear is writing this...I'm running to find books 1-3. I could NOT put this down. While I was lost in places that I think would have been assisted by reading the first 3 books, it didn't matter in the long run (although I'm sure many aspects would seem a little clearer) - I was enthralled.

Hope has the gift of telepathy and has spent her life "tapping into" people who need her assistance. Once she helps lead them through their needs, she disconnects from them. Russ, though...Russ is different. Hope doesn't just hear his thoughts, she hears EVERYTHING. The noises surrounding him, the whole works. She even sees what Russ is seeing. It's all so new to her. And for Russ, having this voice in his head is not something he is familiar with, either. Is it his conscience? Is he losing his mind? Why won't she just GO AWAY? Eventually, they bond with one another. Once it is revealed why and how they are connected, this book goes from wonderful and interesting to phenomenal. I could talk about this book all day, that's how much I enjoyed it - but I highly recommend it. I cannot imagine regretting reading this book.

[Wendy Wary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a standalone, and life really got in the way of me engulfing this book like I really wanted to. Finished it in about a day and half, despite my objections to other obligations that kept me from reading it straight through. Seriously had a difficult time putting this one down.

Hope has a gift for connecting telepathically with people, usually for her to help them in some way, and since she doesn't choose the connections, it's not initially apparent why she's connected with Russ. After a couple of months, she's still struggling to figure it out while Russ starts to get annoyed with her ability to read his every thought and her questioning of things he'd rather leave in the past while revealing very little about about herself to him.

Along with the ability to connect telepathically, Hope is confused as to why she's suddenly developed a new ability to see through Russ's eyes. Add in her unclear premonitions and the stresses of a life lived in secrecy, and Hope becomes overwhelmed when her own safety is threatened. All she knows is her connection with Russ is different and she finds herself more invested in his life than she should be.

When life and death hang in the balance, the pair figure out that Russ might just be the answer to helping Hope leave her life of hiding behind once and for all, if she can learn to trust him with her secrets. Lots of ghosts and other paranormal activity, and close friendships, help the pair navigate through their lives as they face peril.

I was thoroughly engrossed in this novel and the original story line full of mystery and intrigue. Great writing, wonderful characters, and lots of drama. It's taken me a couple of days to decompress from this one.

[Vanessa Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough good things about this series or this author. She is definitely going to the top of my list and definitely within the top ten series that I have ever read, probably even top 5.

Hope can connect telepathically to other people, in order to help them work through and solve their dilemma. Once she helps them she always disconnects, afterall they do not need her interference more than necessary. That is until she connects with Russ and honestly has no idea why they are connected. Add to that the fact that she can sense everything around him and see through his eyes this journey has taken her to places she has never been before. Meanwhile, Russ cannot get her voice out of his head, though she does keep him on the straight and narrow and has saved his life in the past. So when he tries to help her but she doesn’t know much he is frustrated to no end. After all, how can he help someone with so little information whom he has never met before? Eventually they build a strong connection and Russ realizes that he might be the one that needs to help hope he vows to do everything in his power to help her out. Can Russ figure out how to help Hope in time so they can finally meet? This was a doozy of a novel, beautifully written. A new take on the paranormal but definitely loved seeing the characters from previous books intertwined in this story. This is one journey I didn’t want to end and now must wait with bated breath to see if more books are forthcoming in this series.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Soul Connection series and this series just keeps getting better with every book. The author does an amazing job of making the paranormal and paranormal experiences believable and at times relatable. The characters are well written and engaging and I love how their personalities jump off the page. I would recommend reading the books in order as we do see characters in this story from previous books however it doesn't deter from this story if this is the first book you read.

This story is about Russ and Hope. Hope has the ability to connect to people using telepathy. Using this skill she is able to help people solve their problems. However when she connects with Russ not only cant she connect with him telepathically by she can also see the world through his eyes.
Russ gets a fright and starts to think he is going mad when he hears this womans voice in his head. He gets frustrated over the fact that she has access to him however he knows nothing about her.

While they are trying to find the reason for their connection a relationship grows and once Russ and Hope figure out the reason Russ will stop at nothing to safe Hope like she had saved him before.

This story is heartwarming and full of twists and turns which will keep you guessing to the end. You can't help but fall in love with the characters and their story.

[Lorrene Huisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am huge fan of this author, so of course I picked up this one with excitement! I truly do love how this author writes, and creates a story that captures you and holds you there until the final second possible. I found this one as amazing as the rest of the books written by this author. Truly engaging!

I loved the feels I got when reading this one. The story had more to it than I first thought at my first few pages in. The characters were full of intrigue, the mystery around them really captivated me. They defiantly change from the first few pages to the end. I loved their change as I would call it from beginning to end. The paranormal factors as usual was very well done with the writing! The book was not predictable at all, there were things that happened that I did not expect, and kept me interested in anticipation to what would happen next! Could not put down this wonderful read!

Love this author so much. If you have not checked out their books before I highly say you do so. This book alone, is a high recommendation and a must read. I also suggest you read the other books in the series, they are as spell casting on the reader as this one is! Wonderful read and wonderful series!

[Rosanna Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope has a telepathic gift. She connects with people who need her help. Once situation is resolved, she disconnects. However, her newest link is different The first is that she can hear everything going on around him...not just his thoughts. The second is that she can see the world through his eyes...which is a first for her.

Russ is hearing a woman's voice in his head...and he's not sure if he's going crazy or if it's his conscience. When she informs him that there is a reason for their connection, but she doesn't know what it is, he is eager for her to just disappear. However, as time passes, they start to form a bond. And, when they figure out their connection, he is willing to do whatever he can to help so he can meet this woman that he can't get out of his head (literally...she's always there!).

Once the reasoning for their connection comes to light, the story really takes off and never stops until the end. Secrets becomes truths and it is a doozy! I enjoyed Hope and Russ' characters. I also enjoyed seeing characters from previous books and the roles that they played. When I got to the last page, I kept hoping there was more because I was so invested in these characters. Another great story in the series!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lingering Spirits is the 4th book in the Soul Connection series. It shouldn't be read alone, as you likely wont understand it. While this book focus's on new characters Hope and Russ, the groundwork has been laid in the previous 3 books. The characters all build upon each other and are very close friends/family that work together. Each of them have their own past that has lead them to where they are today, which is not a simple explaination. This is a very interesting story, unlike anything I have read before. It is filled with paranormal, including talking to ghosts, having premenitions, telepathy abilities, out of body experiences, and more. I was really into this book, even more than the others. I stayed up far too late to finish it, but it was so worth it. I can't wait until the next book, as the groundwork was already laid for it. I was left disappointed that we didn't get to know what it was leading to, but at the same time, I look forward to the next book. The characters are all ah-mazing. Hope is a voice inside Russ's head for months before they actually meet. He thinks he is going crazy, and doesn't understand. But, based on his friends and their abilities, he keeps an open mind. This book will give you all the feels!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. This is the fourth book in this series which I highly suggest reading the previous three books as well. They will help with your enhancement of this series as well as get to know the author's writing style. One of the things I enjoy most about this author is her writing style. It is such that she pulls me into her stories from the beginning and her use of details make the stories entertaining. This book is no different. It is a well written paranormal story with a touch of romance to it. The characters are connectable and have great chemistry. I enjoyed how they support each other and the other characters in the story. They have great growth throughout which made the story easy to read. This is alot going on in this story but the author did a great job of keeping things engaging. This is a fast paced story that has a few twists and turns that kept me coming back for more. I really enjoyed this story and what the characters brought to the story. It is worth the pick up for sure. I highly recommend this book.

[Nakyshia Leger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series! Hope has the ability to connect telepathically to people that need her help. When she connects to Russ, she knows this is different. For this particular connection, it is not obvious why they are connected or how long it will take to figure it out. Russ is annoyed by the voice in his head at first. He doesn’t like someone invading his every thought and feeling. The longer they are connected though, the more they develop a friendship that bonds them. As they get to know each other, they try to figure out what is connecting them, and what it will take to make it through.

One thing that I love about this series is that even if you have never read another book in this series, you can still enjoy each book. While the characters are connected, and the story is better knowing the past, there is enough background given to not be lost if you jump in here. The emotions in this story really resonate with the reader. My heart skipped a beat on several occasions! You are really brought into the world of Russ and Hope as if you are right there with them! I can not wait to continue this series!

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is it that Russ McCready can hear and converse with a voice in his head? How can Hope speak with him telepathically and see his every day life through his eyes? Hope is unsure why she has this connection with Russ, but feels that he is the one that will be able to save her. Russ is frustrated by the fact that Hope isn't able to tell him much, but along the way they do begin to develope a friendship. When they finally figure out the reason their connection started he will do everything in his ppwer to help her. This whole series has been great. I don't personally feel that the series needs to be read in order, but some of the characters do show up in the prior books so it would be a good idea. I have ways been fascinated by the paranormal, psychics and telepathy. The way this author tells her stories draws you in from the moment you read the first paragraph. Her story telling seems to flow seamlessly and the characters are all very likeable. As always I am glad I stepped outside of my usual genres and decided to read something by a then unknown author to me.

[Felicia Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lingering Spirits is the fourth book in the Soul Connection series and in my opinion it’s a 4 star story worth reading. When I picked up this book, I was certain I had read the three books prior to it but it turns out I was mistaken. I only realized I missed a book prior to this when I was having trouble visualizing some of the secondary characters and had this sinking feeling I was missing something. It is worth saying that this in no way ruined the storyline for me and I feel a reader would love this story even without prior knowledge of the series. For me, characters were so familiar but just wouldn’t click. I was drawn to this book in particular because of Russ and Hope’s connection. I think this would be a connection intriguing to just about anyone. Overall, I really love the paranormal aspects of this book and the characters. I feel like everyone in the book has great chemistry and it is fun to see how everyone’s lives intertwine. I definitely look forward to more in this genre-especially from this author, in the near future.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lingering Spirits ~ Soul Connection#4 By Nikki Lynn Barrett
Lingering Spirits is now a happy place for me, and I’ve lost count of how many times this author’s writing has made me smile, made me sigh, or made me happy. She’s entertained me, she’s made my heart race. It all comes down to the simple fact that for me, Nikki writes the kind of romance and paranormal that not only keeps me coming back to her work time and time again but also reminds me of why I love these genres so much. Sexy, light-hearted fun, is exactly the type of romance that I prefer to read. All of this coupled with the fact that she consistently delivers this reading pleasure with astonishing regularity, and it’s no surprise that Nikki has earned a top spot on my favorite author's list.
Thank you, Nikki, for another truly excellent read.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed,Easy-to-read,Entertaining,Informative,Inspirational,Page-turner,Realistic , & Wonderful characters

[Kaitlynn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lingering Spirits (Soul Connection #4)
By Nikki Lynn Barrett

5-stars

Seriously this author is one of my all time favorites. She always manages to pull me in right from the start, I become so captivated by her storylines that I end up reading them all in one sitting because I just can’t bring myself to stop reading.

This is the fourth book in the Soul Connection series, a series that I highly recommend reading from start to finish. Though I do think these books can be read as standalones I think it would be best to start from the beginning to get the full picture.

Just like the previous books of the series, I was taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions, kept completely on my toes wondering how everything was going to play out, and falling so in love with the main characters and their amazing connection.

Honestly I will always recommend this series to anyone looking for a one of a kind read!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russ has a voice in his head that doesn't belong there. Hope has telepathy as well as premonitions. She just can't figure out why she is connected to Russ. She has saved his life several times but when something major goes down, the two must work together to figure out what is going on.
Opinion
I'm a fan of this series. It takes on a different look at paranormal activities. The author definitely has an imaginative mind to be able to twist paranormal activities the way she does. This book is no different with Hope and what she can do for Russ. I think, personally, that telepathy would be an interesting ability to have so this book was intriguing to me.
If you are interested in this book, it can be read alone but makes better sense if you go back and read first three books before reading this one.

[Megan Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love series reads and I love when they get more intricate along the way! The Soul Connections series is getting larger and adding more mysteries and I'm so happy!! 😃 I do not believe the other three books needs to be read in order to comprehend this story since there are well informed snippets of background throughout this book as we follow along with Russ McReady and the new voice in his head. You'll most likely love the characters so much you'll end up reading the other three books for insight and sheer desire for another heart felt adventure. It amazes me how wholesome certain people are and how conceptuly twisted others can be.
I had a hard time putting this book down. Reading about how far people go for people they love lightens my spirit. I cannot wait to read about the next problem to solve and learning more about the mysterious Redemption Zone.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away because it's just that amazing. I got pulled in right from the very first page. It was great seeing characters from previous books in this series pop up too. Hope is in such a terrifying situation and Russ is the first real connection she's had in such a long time that she really wants and enjoys. He isn't just work for her and he feels that special connection that he was craving in his loneliness too. There is so much danger and action in this book that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time waiting to see what would happen next. The budding romance between Russ and Hope absolutely made me swoon and the ending was so beautiful. This is one book that you definitely won't want to miss.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really have enjoyed reading this series from the beginning, and I would recommend that you do so as well for the fullest enjoyment of the books. This one really delves right in and takes us on a journey more into the psychic side of things and I just loved every moment of it. I really enjoy how these novels don’t get too odd or overwhelmed with the paranormal side of things and things flow so well that they are believable and realistic like they should be. This makes them so much more enjoyable and relatable for a reader like myself who dabbles in the occult and believes in this type of things. I really enjoyed this one and felt a strong connection to the characters. I look forward to seeing what we will get next!

[Candida Furbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book in this wonderful series. I keep getting more and more captured and invested in these characters with each book I read. It is my suggestion that you read the previous books first for a better understanding of some of the characters and for a better experience. This book had me hooked from the start. This author does an exceptional job writing with such detail that you feel right along with the characters. Hope and Russ go through so much in this story, I was on the edge of my seat turning the pages needing to know what was going to happen next. There is romance, suspense, emotional moments, twists and turns and so much more in this book. I can't wait to read what comes next. I highly recommend this book.

[Jessica Condra · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is wow. The author delivers again in this installment of the series. Every time I read a new book in the series I’m captivated all over again. The author has a way of connecting the reader to the characters and story that is always meaningful and brings life to the story. I feel like it can be challenging to actually connect to a paranormal story, rather than just be entertained by it, but this author very easily draws a reader in and connects them to her stories in a way that is unmatched! The series build on itself very nicely and this story is just as unique as the previous books.

Hope and Russ connect in a way neither of them have experienced before, but why? Truths come to light in this page-turner! Highly recommend!

[Dahnielle Hibbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fourth installment we focus on Hope and Russ. While I missed Scott and Zelda being the main couple, this story had its moments that it shone. Hope can communicate telepathically with people and she does so with Russ. The authors writing style really makes a difference in this type of story. The twists and turns, the emotions and details all make such a difference. This story will get you in its grip and won’t let go even once you are done reading it. I am so looking forward to book five as this one kinda ends on a cliff hanger. While others are saying you can read this as a stand alone I would suggest reading the first three books because you miss so much background and so many emotional details that take this new installment to another level. Now to wait for book five…

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another captivating supernatural romance story in this fantastic series. This is the fourth book in the series, and I recommend that you read them in order. Trust me you won’t be disappointed. I have said it before, but I will say it again Nikki has a way of telling a story that completely consumes you. I love that it is told in from several POV’s that give this story and characters so much more depth and insight. Emotions within the story makes your heart melt and fall in love with the characters.
We meet old friends and discover new ones in this paranormal tale where one connection is like no other.

[Cathy Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lingering Spirits is the 4th book of the Soul Connection series. I read this as a stand alone but I would advise reading the other 2 books first. Mainly because it's just that good but also it will give you a better understanding of the other characters.  This story is an amazing read! It has romance, mystery, suspense,  and paranormal.  Hope is such a unique young woman with special abilities and a traumatizing past. She is just trying to survive and then "meets" Russ. Russ is such a sweetheart and he cares about his loved ones and will do anything for them. He's just a normal guy trying to help out. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat guessing what's next

[Moriah Venable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope has the power of telepathically, which she uses to help people, though she does it from a distance. When she connects with Russ, she is not sure why she is unable to disconnect with him, but she tries to help him nonetheless. In time, the two form a strong bond, but still do not understand the reason for the connection.

I do not want to give too much. I have a few of the other books in the series, and really enjoyed them. This novel was no different. I enjoyed paranormal stories, with telepathic connection. The mystery of why Russ and Hope were connected kept me engaged while reading.

I am hoping for later books in the series.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Flipping Fantastic five-star read. This is number four in the Soul Connection series, and I have read and loved them all, and I would recommend you read them all in order as they do build the world and setting, and you would miss some amazing characters and stories. Russ and Hope have an amazing Soul connection, they face difficulties, and your heart will be pounding along with them as this is such a well written story that you will be sucked into the story and feel like you are part of the conversation. The flow of the story is impeccable, and you will be left wondering along with the main characters what is different this time. This is a great story and one not to be missed.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again another amazing book by our favorite author. While this is the fourth installment in the series, it could be read as a standalone. However, I personally recommend that you read the entire series because the characters are amazing, the plot is fantastic, and the author knows just how to keep you interested enough to keep furiously flipping through the pages. Her writing style though is so unique and beautiful that I have fallen in love with ever book of hers that I have read. So if your looking for a good book this weekend I highly recommend this one.