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Claws Clause #4
Ghost of Jealousy
He spent a hundred years waiting for her. She hated him in a heartbeat.
In a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance 7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized.
Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place. Now the government just has to get involved…
I exist—
Dodge McCoy is dead.
Died more than a century ago, one of countless who never made it out of his New York City slum. And while a bullet might've ended his life, his afterlife was only just beginning.
He's a ghost. A phantom. A spirit.
And he’s just about gone.
Without his fated mate—without his “key”—Dodge will experience his second (and final) death. For years, he put off searching, mainly because he still harbors scars over the betrayal that led to his first death. In his eyes, it would be better to fade away than let another woman tear his heart to shreds.
Too bad it isn’t as easy as that. Turns out there’s a catch that no one’s ever mentioned to him before: when he dies again, so does his key.
Which would be fine—if Dodge didn’t know who his key was. Since he does, and he’s been avoiding her for more than a decade, it doesn’t seem right to take the talented beauty with him when he goes.
So, using the last of his energy, he leaves the Bumptown behind in search of the one woman who could save him…
I escape—
Laurel Kane is a star.
America’s sweetheart since she was a teen, she stepped away from the limelight a few years ago. Rumors swirled, gossip bloggers coming up with the most outrageous reasons why she walked away from her high-profile career. Laurel heard it all and said nothing.
What could she say?
That she saw dead people?
She always knew that Paras were out there. In Hollywood, nearly everyone had some kind of power—there just wasn’t anyone like her.
Afraid she was losing her mind, she sought help and treatment, whatever it would take to stop the visions. But, ust when she thought she had, right on the cusp of her comeback, he shows up.
Brash. Cocky. Arrogant. A relic from the past, the century-old ghost bumps into her and, to her surprise, she actually feels it.
And that’s when she realizes her new sitcom might just have to be put on hold…
With time running out and Death literally at their back, these two will have to get along long enough to break the curse tying them together—or else Dodge won’t be the only ghost.
* Ghost of Jealousy is the fourth full-length novel in the Claws Clause series. It’s the story of a ghostly hero from another time and the secretive starlet who holds his life—and his heart—in her hands.
In a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance 7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized.
Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place. Now the government just has to get involved…
I exist—
Dodge McCoy is dead.
Died more than a century ago, one of countless who never made it out of his New York City slum. And while a bullet might've ended his life, his afterlife was only just beginning.
He's a ghost. A phantom. A spirit.
And he’s just about gone.
Without his fated mate—without his “key”—Dodge will experience his second (and final) death. For years, he put off searching, mainly because he still harbors scars over the betrayal that led to his first death. In his eyes, it would be better to fade away than let another woman tear his heart to shreds.
Too bad it isn’t as easy as that. Turns out there’s a catch that no one’s ever mentioned to him before: when he dies again, so does his key.
Which would be fine—if Dodge didn’t know who his key was. Since he does, and he’s been avoiding her for more than a decade, it doesn’t seem right to take the talented beauty with him when he goes.
So, using the last of his energy, he leaves the Bumptown behind in search of the one woman who could save him…
I escape—
Laurel Kane is a star.
America’s sweetheart since she was a teen, she stepped away from the limelight a few years ago. Rumors swirled, gossip bloggers coming up with the most outrageous reasons why she walked away from her high-profile career. Laurel heard it all and said nothing.
What could she say?
That she saw dead people?
She always knew that Paras were out there. In Hollywood, nearly everyone had some kind of power—there just wasn’t anyone like her.
Afraid she was losing her mind, she sought help and treatment, whatever it would take to stop the visions. But, ust when she thought she had, right on the cusp of her comeback, he shows up.
Brash. Cocky. Arrogant. A relic from the past, the century-old ghost bumps into her and, to her surprise, she actually feels it.
And that’s when she realizes her new sitcom might just have to be put on hold…
With time running out and Death literally at their back, these two will have to get along long enough to break the curse tying them together—or else Dodge won’t be the only ghost.
* Ghost of Jealousy is the fourth full-length novel in the Claws Clause series. It’s the story of a ghostly hero from another time and the secretive starlet who holds his life—and his heart—in her hands.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2021
74 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Lynch
65 books167 followersJessica Lynch loves to write! She's been writing ever since she was a child, and spent years writing fan fiction before deciding at the end of 2017 to begin focusing on her original works of fiction. A 14-time winner of NaNoWriMo, Jessica has tons of manuscripts waiting to be formed and shaped and introduced to the world -- plus countless more milling around in her brain. She just wishes she could type fast enough to get them all out!
When she's not writing or working, she's either reading, playing with her family of cats in Central New Jersey, rooting for her beloved Mets, or working on her graphic arts skills to bring her characters and cover art to life.
When she's not writing or working, she's either reading, playing with her family of cats in Central New Jersey, rooting for her beloved Mets, or working on her graphic arts skills to bring her characters and cover art to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
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April 14, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/14/2022)! 🎁
March 16, 2021
“Ghost of Jealousy”, the fourth full-length book in the Claws Clause Series, is a wonderful and very original addiction to the series. This is Dodge McCoy and Laurel Kane story. A paranormal romance involving a ghost is always interesting, when that ghost happens to be Dodge the story reach a whole new level. Dodge died over a century ago, but it did not move on. He has seen his share while waiting for his mate, the one and only who not only owns his heart, but can also save him from the ultimate fate, fading into nothingness. Good news: he found her, Lauren, his true mate, his everything; Bad news: she doesn’t want to have anything to do with him, like anything! Worse news: if Dodge dies anew, so does Lauren.
Dodge would never, under any normal circumstances force a woman to love him, but this are not normal circumstances, this is really a matter of life and death, and he is not talking about his own. When Dodge appears, Lauren is convinced she is losing her wits, total breakdown, Paras she knows about, and have done everything to ‘forget’ about, full on therapy and now she will be able to just go on with her life, as a Hollywood star. This ghost not only appears out of thin air, he makes himself ‘noticed’, she can feel him, or just loosing her mind, again? This is not opposites attract, this is two magnets stubbornly trying to approach each other with the wrong side.
This could be possibly be the very best story in the series (I am partial to Maddox, but that is me, and Maddox), Dodge is an amazing characters, witnessing his inner struggle between trying to not force Lauren to love him and having to save her from sure death is everything. Dodge is a true gentleman, even when saving Lauren from herself 😉
True to her own original style Jessica Lynch mixes paranormal romance and non-stop action with hearty doses of dry humor. It’s a fast-paced book, fill up with action, intrigue and twisted banter, with a generous dosage of adult romance and can be read as a stand-alone story.
Dodge would never, under any normal circumstances force a woman to love him, but this are not normal circumstances, this is really a matter of life and death, and he is not talking about his own. When Dodge appears, Lauren is convinced she is losing her wits, total breakdown, Paras she knows about, and have done everything to ‘forget’ about, full on therapy and now she will be able to just go on with her life, as a Hollywood star. This ghost not only appears out of thin air, he makes himself ‘noticed’, she can feel him, or just loosing her mind, again? This is not opposites attract, this is two magnets stubbornly trying to approach each other with the wrong side.
This could be possibly be the very best story in the series (I am partial to Maddox, but that is me, and Maddox), Dodge is an amazing characters, witnessing his inner struggle between trying to not force Lauren to love him and having to save her from sure death is everything. Dodge is a true gentleman, even when saving Lauren from herself 😉
True to her own original style Jessica Lynch mixes paranormal romance and non-stop action with hearty doses of dry humor. It’s a fast-paced book, fill up with action, intrigue and twisted banter, with a generous dosage of adult romance and can be read as a stand-alone story.
March 28, 2021
Ghost of Jealousy is a very slow-flowing book. It was initially difficult for me to get into for that reason. The characters are a Ghost named Dodge, whose story you learn through his frequent mental meanderings to his past. Laurel is his key and a very well-known actress on the come-back trail who is human and can see ghosts. That is not a "gift" that most humans have. Initially, I did not like them as a couple. However, things work out, and you finally get to the HEA. What is cool about the book is that other characters from the previous three books in the Claws Cause series make appearances. From one of those books, Colt happens to be his anchor and BFF, well as long as forever can last for a ghost who is about to fade into forever unless he bonds with his key. Unfortunately for Dodge, he is quite the A-hole, and Laurel dislikes him intensely, and who can blame her! We see that Priscilla is still a villain, and boy, do we hope the Coven takes her down. There is a lot of paranormal action along with a myriad of supernatural beings which keeps things interesting. A few twists and surprises engage the reader, making you want to root for Laurel and Dodge.
All and all, not a bad storyline, just not so easy to get into, but it does pick up as the story progresses when Laurel and Dodge go on an eventful road trip.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All and all, not a bad storyline, just not so easy to get into, but it does pick up as the story progresses when Laurel and Dodge go on an eventful road trip.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2021
Ghost of Jealousy is the fourth book in the Claws Clause series by Jessica Lynch. This series continues with Dodge McCoy and Laurel Kane.
Dodge is a ghost who has been avoiding his key/mate for years. He is arrogant and kind of annoying. As, he finds out that he must find his key/mate or not only will he die a true death but so will his key/mate.
Laurel is a Hollywood star who stepped out of the spot light because she is seeing ghosts. Laurel seeks help with her “gift”. When she thinks she is cured, low and behold she bumps into Dodge.
At first, Laurel and Dodge don’t like each other. As characters they learn and grow together as they work toward both surviving to live another day. The chemistry is good between them. Will they bond and save each other from death?
In general this book is full of surprises, action, and some twists. It is a little slow on the up take at first but it is worth the read. Good addition to the Claws Clause series.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an arc copy for an honest review.
Dodge is a ghost who has been avoiding his key/mate for years. He is arrogant and kind of annoying. As, he finds out that he must find his key/mate or not only will he die a true death but so will his key/mate.
Laurel is a Hollywood star who stepped out of the spot light because she is seeing ghosts. Laurel seeks help with her “gift”. When she thinks she is cured, low and behold she bumps into Dodge.
At first, Laurel and Dodge don’t like each other. As characters they learn and grow together as they work toward both surviving to live another day. The chemistry is good between them. Will they bond and save each other from death?
In general this book is full of surprises, action, and some twists. It is a little slow on the up take at first but it is worth the read. Good addition to the Claws Clause series.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an arc copy for an honest review.
March 31, 2021
In this story line, our ghostly character, Dodge McCoy, has started to fade away and will become “dead dead” unless he bonds with his key (mate). He hasn’t particularly cared about that until he discovers that his key will also die if they don’t connect and bond.
Laurel Kane, a former Hollywood actress who will be doing a come-back in a new show, is his key. Laurel can see ghosts, which is a handy skill when your mate is one. Unfortunately, Dodge can be a bit of an arrogant irritant, so Laurel is not feeling very charitable toward him when they meet. Will she believe him when he tells her about their situation? Will she be willing to bond with him? Or will she not accept what he tells her and walk away to resume her career, which may be an extremely short one?
I enjoyed this story, especially since we don’t see that many involving ghosts. It was satisfying to see both of the main characters subtly change as they learn to accept each other.
Laurel Kane, a former Hollywood actress who will be doing a come-back in a new show, is his key. Laurel can see ghosts, which is a handy skill when your mate is one. Unfortunately, Dodge can be a bit of an arrogant irritant, so Laurel is not feeling very charitable toward him when they meet. Will she believe him when he tells her about their situation? Will she be willing to bond with him? Or will she not accept what he tells her and walk away to resume her career, which may be an extremely short one?
I enjoyed this story, especially since we don’t see that many involving ghosts. It was satisfying to see both of the main characters subtly change as they learn to accept each other.
March 28, 2021
4.5 stars. This story is an intricate and detailed story which is an existing world, yet still stands alone from previous stories (I say with confidence because I've only read one other). I really enjoyed the female lead and her willingness to stick to her position, even when faced with the male lead's charm and persuasiveness. I really enjoyed the male lead's self-discovery and his self-reflection, building him into a strong character, not a caricature, as he initially presented himself. The building on the overarching story line was also intriguing and woven well throughout the main romance.
The story is dual POV, well written, and a full length novel that was well worth the time. I enjoyed it immensely and intend to go back for the others in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is dual POV, well written, and a full length novel that was well worth the time. I enjoyed it immensely and intend to go back for the others in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2021
Fourth novel in the Claws Clause series (the series also has a short story between each novel, sometimes more than one), Ghost of Jealousy follows Dodge as he finds his version of a "fate mate" - ghosts have Keys. The question is, will his Key be willing to operate his lock. Laurel has been dealing with unwanted ghosts her entire life and now another one has shown up saying she is his key -- well, she is having none of that!
Each book of the series shows the author's growth as a writer, and this one is no exception - introducing historical flashbacks. It's always interesting seeing an author master her skills. Of course, during the mastery process, there are some rough spots. But the end product is worth it. Go Ms. Lynch! I am interested in seeing what your next stretch goal is.
(Read through Kindle Unlimited)
Each book of the series shows the author's growth as a writer, and this one is no exception - introducing historical flashbacks. It's always interesting seeing an author master her skills. Of course, during the mastery process, there are some rough spots. But the end product is worth it. Go Ms. Lynch! I am interested in seeing what your next stretch goal is.
(Read through Kindle Unlimited)
March 30, 2021
Entertaining and fun! Love the premise of Dodge being a ghost type of character; he’s about to become dead dead if he doesn’t bond with his key/mate, but he’s been denying that connection. When he finds out that if he doesn’t bond with his key she’ll die too, he sets out to connect with her. His key is Laurel, who has been famous in Hollywood; not my favorite premise for a lead, but I loved that she has the ability to see ghosts. I get a bit annoyed with how much she tries to deny the paranormal aspects in the world, but I liked her. Dodge is also a bit annoying at times, but both characters do grow and learn. They do have some sweet moments and good chemistry; I liked them together. Loved that some of the past characters are in this book too! Overall, a fun, interesting read!
March 30, 2021
This book is part of a series, but it can be read as a stand alone novel. It is better having read the other books for me as I know the supporting characters backgrounds. I love Dodge. He is a ghost who had a life that was hard in the 1800's. Death is coming for him. His only hope is his key. His key just so happens to be a starlet who sees ghosts and is making a comeback. This is their story and it is a good one. It is easy to read and entertaining. The characters are well written and the romance is believable. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it. It has a HEA!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2023
New take on supernaturals.
Dodge is ghost, a human murdered at 24 years of age in the late 1800’s. Hid soulmate is a young, beautiful human actress. He does’t think he deserves being ties to a ghost like him who grew up with nothing and the was murdered. Then he learns 2 things. First, of course he doesn’t mate her, not only will he really die this time, but she will too, and second, she can see ghosts. Lots of problems later, the angel of death is after him and he has limited time to save her and himself. Good story with lots of problem solving to be done by the characters. I enjoyed the story a lot.
Dodge is ghost, a human murdered at 24 years of age in the late 1800’s. Hid soulmate is a young, beautiful human actress. He does’t think he deserves being ties to a ghost like him who grew up with nothing and the was murdered. Then he learns 2 things. First, of course he doesn’t mate her, not only will he really die this time, but she will too, and second, she can see ghosts. Lots of problems later, the angel of death is after him and he has limited time to save her and himself. Good story with lots of problem solving to be done by the characters. I enjoyed the story a lot.
September 28, 2023
So satisfied with Dodge's story!!
So glad to finally read Dodge's story! He is such a delight, and his backstory is both fascinating and heart-rending. Dodge's character and sense of fun make him a lead worth rooting for. Laurel, however, is a different story; she's so closed off as to be rather unlikable. The author skillfully allows Laurel to reveal herself organically, and it actually adds to the story! The HEA is sublime, and I'm totally behind Declan's idea for dealing with Gadriel and look forward to seeing that play out. There are editing/proofing issues, but Jessica Lynch continues to prove her mastery over storytelling and world weaving.
So glad to finally read Dodge's story! He is such a delight, and his backstory is both fascinating and heart-rending. Dodge's character and sense of fun make him a lead worth rooting for. Laurel, however, is a different story; she's so closed off as to be rather unlikable. The author skillfully allows Laurel to reveal herself organically, and it actually adds to the story! The HEA is sublime, and I'm totally behind Declan's idea for dealing with Gadriel and look forward to seeing that play out. There are editing/proofing issues, but Jessica Lynch continues to prove her mastery over storytelling and world weaving.
March 29, 2021
He left finding his mate until it was almost two late after he was betrayed. He learns he will not be the only one to die if he does not find her. She will dies as well now he needs to find her before time runs out. How can a ghost connect to her? Will it happen? Or will it end in disaster? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2021
Ghost of Jealousy by Jessica Lynch is a fantastic story I loved reading. This is book number four in this fantastic series that I have been so hooked on since the beginning and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about wolf shifters and paranormal romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2022
Dodge
Book 4 I did not expect the ghost Dodge to get a love story so that was a surprise and to be corporal again. This really was a HEA.
We learn that keys are ghost soulmates and their life bonds together so they die together but also be turns human again but if she does he dies.mates don't want to live without each other anyway.poor Dodge had a sad life.
A Angel story next and a cameo cross over in this one with the angel cam. (See spin spin off series)
Book 4 I did not expect the ghost Dodge to get a love story so that was a surprise and to be corporal again. This really was a HEA.
We learn that keys are ghost soulmates and their life bonds together so they die together but also be turns human again but if she does he dies.mates don't want to live without each other anyway.poor Dodge had a sad life.
A Angel story next and a cameo cross over in this one with the angel cam. (See spin spin off series)
March 21, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 1, 2021
The fourth book in the Claws Clause series a well written story that kept me turning pages. I found Ghost Dodge McCoy and America’s sweetheart Laurel Kane's story to be a fun story to read. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2023
keeps getting better
This series is not perfect but the stories are great. The series keeps getting better with every book so far. I am breezing through them and the flow seems to have been something that may have just been a slow start. Overall I love that it keeps getting better. Here we go for the next!
This series is not perfect but the stories are great. The series keeps getting better with every book so far. I am breezing through them and the flow seems to have been something that may have just been a slow start. Overall I love that it keeps getting better. Here we go for the next!
March 17, 2021
This is an awesome paranormal romance!! I loved it! It is unique and special, mysterious and truly wonderful..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2021
The ghost finds his key, the ending is happy, and the story is entertaining and imaginative. The characters are complex, with great backstories and I simply enjoyed this story from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2021
Not for me
“Ghost of Jealousy” is a slow-burn that I had a hard time getting into. After reading all the previous books, this was unexpected. It takes so long to get to the point that I did not finish the book.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review
“Ghost of Jealousy” is a slow-burn that I had a hard time getting into. After reading all the previous books, this was unexpected. It takes so long to get to the point that I did not finish the book.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review
April 4, 2021
This series just keeps getting better and better with each book written. The characters are engaging and well developed with plenty of chemistry throughout the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2023
This. book. Lauren was feisty and could most definitely take care of herself. No damsel in distress on this one. And Dodge and her together were surprisingly heartwarming that I actually teared up at some parts.
September 15, 2023
Loved it
I really liked this book and the characters .
It's obvious that There are previous books with some of the other characters and I can't wait to find them and read those as well . This looks like a great series
I really liked this book and the characters .
It's obvious that There are previous books with some of the other characters and I can't wait to find them and read those as well . This looks like a great series
not_yet_published
July 17, 2020Dodge & Laurel.
Read
May 8, 2022Read the first chapter and realized I wasn’t interested. It might be for somebody so I’m not going to rate it.
February 16, 2023
Ghost of jealousy
A good read for people who are into the series recommended highly a good read but quick shaping up to be a good series must read the next one of the series
A good read for people who are into the series recommended highly a good read but quick shaping up to be a good series must read the next one of the series
May 25, 2023
😁😁😁😁🔥
This series has such an eclectic group of shifters and multiple other paranormals that it is amazing ... there are even ants (humans) included!
This series has such an eclectic group of shifters and multiple other paranormals that it is amazing ... there are even ants (humans) included!
June 6, 2023
2.5 stars
This book made absolutely zero sense.
It was free to purchase on Kindle, so I’m not too disappointed, but I had hope that I would like the plot.
Laurel seemed nice, so the 2.5 stars are for her, but there was little to no romantic plot between her and Dodge. It was all about Dodge and his obsession with Mary Catherine…
This book made absolutely zero sense.
It was free to purchase on Kindle, so I’m not too disappointed, but I had hope that I would like the plot.
Laurel seemed nice, so the 2.5 stars are for her, but there was little to no romantic plot between her and Dodge. It was all about Dodge and his obsession with Mary Catherine…
June 4, 2023
Great book
I really enjoyed this book it was hard to put down. I'm so glad that Dodge got his mate. I cant wait to see what happens with Death.
Samantha
I really enjoyed this book it was hard to put down. I'm so glad that Dodge got his mate. I cant wait to see what happens with Death.
Samantha
September 18, 2023
Enjoyed the book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews