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Gang of Ghouls #2
Criminal Spirits
Not the only psychos in town...
Falling for the ghosts of murdered gangsters who were your imaginary friends once upon a time? I'll admit it's a little unusual. But they're back and totally real, and it's hard to argue with their admittedly obsessive level of devotion.
Unfortunately, their violent dedication isn't enough to bring down the powerful man who hurt my little sister. I have to take matters into my own hands. I just wish I had a better grip on this marshy magic I've discovered in myself.
If that wasn't enough to deal with, the guys are stirring up trouble both in their search for their long-ago murderers and the pasts of the hosts they've taken over. Trouble that's arrived with guns blazing. And I've still got that gaping blank in my memory.
My past holds more secrets than I know. They just might shatter every hope I have of a happily ever after.
*Criminal Spirits is the second book in a darkly humorous new paranormal romance series by bestselling author Eva Chase. If you love sarcastic heroines with unexpected powers, obsessive supernatural men who'll do anything to defend their woman, and plenty of mystery and mayhem, dive right in!*
Falling for the ghosts of murdered gangsters who were your imaginary friends once upon a time? I'll admit it's a little unusual. But they're back and totally real, and it's hard to argue with their admittedly obsessive level of devotion.
Unfortunately, their violent dedication isn't enough to bring down the powerful man who hurt my little sister. I have to take matters into my own hands. I just wish I had a better grip on this marshy magic I've discovered in myself.
If that wasn't enough to deal with, the guys are stirring up trouble both in their search for their long-ago murderers and the pasts of the hosts they've taken over. Trouble that's arrived with guns blazing. And I've still got that gaping blank in my memory.
My past holds more secrets than I know. They just might shatter every hope I have of a happily ever after.
*Criminal Spirits is the second book in a darkly humorous new paranormal romance series by bestselling author Eva Chase. If you love sarcastic heroines with unexpected powers, obsessive supernatural men who'll do anything to defend their woman, and plenty of mystery and mayhem, dive right in!*
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2021
1095 people are currently reading
2133 people want to read
About the author
Eva Chase
124 books3,784 followersEva Chase lives in Canada with her family. She loves stories both swoony and supernatural, and strong women and the men who appreciate them. You can visit her online at www.evachase.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
September 6, 2023
Paranormal motorcycle club!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚❤️💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🤓😉☺️😍🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Lily - something happened over seven years ago, but she has no clue what it was. It was something terrible that she did and was bad enough for her to be put in a mental institution, though the memory of it is completely gone from her mind. It was bad enough for her mother and stepfather to not have visited her during the seven years she was locked up and to not let her return home since she has been out. They also won’t let her see her younger sister whom she feels she needs to help. She is now attending college and has her four protectors.
The Heroes: Nox, Kai, Ruin, Jett - They were a motorcycle gang who were murdered over twenty years ago and dumped in the marsh. They were ghosts who would have disappeared from this earth if it wasn’t for Lily, who could see them and kept them anchored until she returned to town and they came up with a plan to poison 4 men who had bullied Lily and possess their bodies.
Nox - the MC president, he is a dominant leader of the group. He took over the body of Mr. Grimes, a thirty-something professor at the college.
Kai - he is the genius of the group and is always learning. He possessed a guy named Zach who had been an athlete.
Ruin - he is upbeat yet tough. He took over the body of Ansel, a popular college student.
Jett - he is silent and broody and loves to paint. He took over the body of Vince, a bright college student and peer counselor who had secrets.
The Story: Now that Lily and her guys are back together and she knows exactly who they are, they are trying to help her discover what was in her missing memory and help her sister. The guys also want to get their lives back, which includes getting their old clubhouse which has since been turned into a dinnerware store and finding out who murdered them. They also want to find out more about the men they are possessing.
It also seems that the guys have some leftover powers from when they were ghosts and somehow Lily has some powers as well. Possibly it has to do with the marsh. Lily seems to have an affinity for frogs, since they seem to follow her around and show up at the strangest times.
This audiobook was told in multiple points of view via dual narration. It was narrated by Hollie Jackson and Joe Arden. I really like both of these narrators; they each have done a bunch of romance books I have listened to. They both are great at doing a bunch of different voices and are terrific at showing emotion through their voices.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚❤️💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🤓😉☺️😍🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Lily - something happened over seven years ago, but she has no clue what it was. It was something terrible that she did and was bad enough for her to be put in a mental institution, though the memory of it is completely gone from her mind. It was bad enough for her mother and stepfather to not have visited her during the seven years she was locked up and to not let her return home since she has been out. They also won’t let her see her younger sister whom she feels she needs to help. She is now attending college and has her four protectors.
The Heroes: Nox, Kai, Ruin, Jett - They were a motorcycle gang who were murdered over twenty years ago and dumped in the marsh. They were ghosts who would have disappeared from this earth if it wasn’t for Lily, who could see them and kept them anchored until she returned to town and they came up with a plan to poison 4 men who had bullied Lily and possess their bodies.
Nox - the MC president, he is a dominant leader of the group. He took over the body of Mr. Grimes, a thirty-something professor at the college.
Kai - he is the genius of the group and is always learning. He possessed a guy named Zach who had been an athlete.
Ruin - he is upbeat yet tough. He took over the body of Ansel, a popular college student.
Jett - he is silent and broody and loves to paint. He took over the body of Vince, a bright college student and peer counselor who had secrets.
The Story: Now that Lily and her guys are back together and she knows exactly who they are, they are trying to help her discover what was in her missing memory and help her sister. The guys also want to get their lives back, which includes getting their old clubhouse which has since been turned into a dinnerware store and finding out who murdered them. They also want to find out more about the men they are possessing.
It also seems that the guys have some leftover powers from when they were ghosts and somehow Lily has some powers as well. Possibly it has to do with the marsh. Lily seems to have an affinity for frogs, since they seem to follow her around and show up at the strangest times.
This audiobook was told in multiple points of view via dual narration. It was narrated by Hollie Jackson and Joe Arden. I really like both of these narrators; they each have done a bunch of romance books I have listened to. They both are great at doing a bunch of different voices and are terrific at showing emotion through their voices.
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September 29, 2022
Pre-read thoughts (12/15/21): I am dying to get to this! I have one more big exam before I can dive into this. I know it's only been about a month since I read the first one but I can't wait to get back into this world. I pray this is cliff hanger less because those always destroy me.
Initial thoughts (12/19/2021): Ok, I won't have time to write a full review for a bit but I need to share some thoughts. That ending killed me. Not technically a cliff hanger but I'm so damn pissed. Their relationship was headed into a positive place then . This book has such an interesting plot and I liked it a lot, 4.5 stars which is high marks from me. Considering how ranty this little blurb got my full review might be a wild ride.
Final Review (12/28/21): It took me a long time to write this because I really liked it and it was good but I tend to write aggravated reviews much quicker than those that were actually awesome reading experiences so take that as you will. This book was just what I needed at the time. It’s a slow burn at least by RH standards there is only some making out and I love that because with most reverse-harem novels the immediate sexual action makes the relationship feel weak and only based on sex. In these relationships, you get the sense of the guys prioritizing Lily’s needs and that allows for friendships to form. I feel like Jett is the screaming example of this friendship strategy.
I think I’ll throw my normal review structure out the window because we covered all that in my review of The Stalking Dead
In the first book I complained that Jett didn’t get any development as a character but Chase surely rectified that in this novel. He is an artist and soft spoken but no less a badass than the other Skullbreakers. Now the dudes who wrecked murder and mayhem, have toned back the murder which actually bummed me out? These 4 are still psychos on a quest to find out who murdered them and simotaneously protect the girl that love. Lily has definitely impacted how not so killy they are… I don't think I phrased that right.
The reason it is not getting a glowing 5 star rating from me is the boys’ plot. Could they be more stereotypical gang bangers/bikers when they are all together? Probably not. In their quest to solve their own murders they go into a lot of head to heads with sleazy gang members and the diologue felt incredibly weak at those times. Adedi’s review had an excerpt that reflected this idea very well. It comes from Chapter 10.
“Beat it,” Nox snapped, and they took off with a clatter of tapping heels.
“What the fuck, man” one of the hoodie guys protested as the Skullbreakers converged on them. “We are trying to move some product there.”
I feel like Nox, Kai, Ruin and Jett didn’t try and fit into the lives of the people they took over and it caused a ton of unneeded problems. I mean one of the boys gets kidnapped by his parents for an intervention. Had they stuck to the “script” of the lives they took over Lily would have been much safer and this gang nonsense would have been less prominent. I get wanting to solve their murder but you don’t have to bust down doors and beat up people to do that.
Lily definetly needs some love in this review. I really liked how Chase worked her character for this one. Sorry, most of Lily’s bits are so spoilerly. She is transitioning quite well to uni from the mental institute in my opinion.
Overall, this book doesn’t suffer much from middle book syndrome but if you don’t like bikers or gangs maybe skip out. Some of the dialogue can get quite cheesy. I can see why this seems to have so many 5 stars but completely understand some of the 1s. This was definitely a slower paced book than book 1 and the end has me on edge waiting for the next one.
Initial thoughts (12/19/2021): Ok, I won't have time to write a full review for a bit but I need to share some thoughts. That ending killed me. Not technically a cliff hanger but I'm so damn pissed. Their relationship was headed into a positive place then . This book has such an interesting plot and I liked it a lot, 4.5 stars which is high marks from me. Considering how ranty this little blurb got my full review might be a wild ride.
Final Review (12/28/21): It took me a long time to write this because I really liked it and it was good but I tend to write aggravated reviews much quicker than those that were actually awesome reading experiences so take that as you will. This book was just what I needed at the time. It’s a slow burn at least by RH standards there is only some making out and I love that because with most reverse-harem novels the immediate sexual action makes the relationship feel weak and only based on sex. In these relationships, you get the sense of the guys prioritizing Lily’s needs and that allows for friendships to form. I feel like Jett is the screaming example of this friendship strategy.
I think I’ll throw my normal review structure out the window because we covered all that in my review of The Stalking Dead
In the first book I complained that Jett didn’t get any development as a character but Chase surely rectified that in this novel. He is an artist and soft spoken but no less a badass than the other Skullbreakers. Now the dudes who wrecked murder and mayhem, have toned back the murder which actually bummed me out? These 4 are still psychos on a quest to find out who murdered them and simotaneously protect the girl that love. Lily has definitely impacted how not so killy they are… I don't think I phrased that right.
The reason it is not getting a glowing 5 star rating from me is the boys’ plot. Could they be more stereotypical gang bangers/bikers when they are all together? Probably not. In their quest to solve their own murders they go into a lot of head to heads with sleazy gang members and the diologue felt incredibly weak at those times. Adedi’s review had an excerpt that reflected this idea very well. It comes from Chapter 10.
“Beat it,” Nox snapped, and they took off with a clatter of tapping heels.
“What the fuck, man” one of the hoodie guys protested as the Skullbreakers converged on them. “We are trying to move some product there.”
I feel like Nox, Kai, Ruin and Jett didn’t try and fit into the lives of the people they took over and it caused a ton of unneeded problems. I mean one of the boys gets kidnapped by his parents for an intervention. Had they stuck to the “script” of the lives they took over Lily would have been much safer and this gang nonsense would have been less prominent. I get wanting to solve their murder but you don’t have to bust down doors and beat up people to do that.
Lily definetly needs some love in this review. I really liked how Chase worked her character for this one. Sorry, most of Lily’s bits are so spoilerly. She is transitioning quite well to uni from the mental institute in my opinion.
Overall, this book doesn’t suffer much from middle book syndrome but if you don’t like bikers or gangs maybe skip out. Some of the dialogue can get quite cheesy. I can see why this seems to have so many 5 stars but completely understand some of the 1s. This was definitely a slower paced book than book 1 and the end has me on edge waiting for the next one.
March 9, 2022
Criminal Spirits is the second installment of the Gang of Ghouls series. Just like the previous book, I liked this one to a certain point. I still feel like I have so many unanswered questions and I just want to know every little thing before the last book. I also think the pace is playing mind games with me. Sometimes it's fast and things are moving so quickly and then I get bored so easily when nothing is really happening. Maybe it's just me though.
Then there's the family drama on top of all the other crazy ass drama. It can hurt my head at times but that's because I still need so much information. I also can't wrap my mind around the frog situation. Definitely need more coffee and a slow workday in order to digest everything in the next book of this series.
In the end, I need to know more about this marsh, the past, and everything in between. Please give me answers!
Then there's the family drama on top of all the other crazy ass drama. It can hurt my head at times but that's because I still need so much information. I also can't wrap my mind around the frog situation. Definitely need more coffee and a slow workday in order to digest everything in the next book of this series.
In the end, I need to know more about this marsh, the past, and everything in between. Please give me answers!
December 25, 2021
Lily's guys are slightly less murderous in this book, which I admittedly was a little bummed about. Don't get me wrong, they're still psychos, but Lily's sense of right and wrong is obviously wearing off on them, if only to not upset her. And Lily is getting into all sorts of situations in an attempt to protect her sister and uncover what went down all those years ago.
As usual it ends on a cliff hanger. Not a major one, but a little bump of information that will obviously need to be tackled in the next instalment. Colour me hooked.
As usual it ends on a cliff hanger. Not a major one, but a little bump of information that will obviously need to be tackled in the next instalment. Colour me hooked.
March 12, 2022
I didn't love the first book but it sure was better than this one. I didn't even want to rate this one bc I didn't finish, but I need to let you know how long this book is. I struggled to read it, I swear I tried but it's too boring. Not even the hot pays
Not only are the plot, the protagonist and the harem boring. The attempt at humor in each paragraph fails as well
Sorry Eva Chase, I loved Bound to the Fae but you're not funny, don't try hard
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Não gostei do primeiro livro, mas com certeza foi melhor que esse. Eu nem queria avaliar porque eu não terminei, mas preciso que você saiba quanto tempo este livro dura. Lutei para ler, juro que tentei, mas é muito chato. Nem o hot compensa
Não só o enredo, protagonista e o harém são chatos. E a tentativa de humor em cada parágrafo também falha
Desculpe Eva Chase, eu amei Bound to the Fae, mas você não é engraçada, não se esforce tanto
Not only are the plot, the protagonist and the harem boring. The attempt at humor in each paragraph fails as well
Sorry Eva Chase, I loved Bound to the Fae but you're not funny, don't try hard
--------------
Não gostei do primeiro livro, mas com certeza foi melhor que esse. Eu nem queria avaliar porque eu não terminei, mas preciso que você saiba quanto tempo este livro dura. Lutei para ler, juro que tentei, mas é muito chato. Nem o hot compensa
Não só o enredo, protagonista e o harém são chatos. E a tentativa de humor em cada parágrafo também falha
Desculpe Eva Chase, eu amei Bound to the Fae, mas você não é engraçada, não se esforce tanto
January 10, 2023
3,5/5
Akcja zaczyna się rozkręcać, w końcu wiadomo kto jest wrogiem i dlaczego, choć znów zakończenie w takim momencie…
Plusem tej książki jest to, ze w końcu jest więcej Jeffa i Kasia, cho mam wrażenie ze przez to cierpi przedstawienie poprzedniej dwójki. Tak jakby autorka nie mogła jakoś tego sprawiedliwie podzielić. I rozumiem, ze związek z każdym z nich rozwija się w rożnym tępie, a narracja jest jednak skupiona na Lily, jednak trochę brakowało mi Ruina i Noxa.
Niemniej, szybka, fajna książka. Niewymagająca i typowo paranormalna.
Akcja zaczyna się rozkręcać, w końcu wiadomo kto jest wrogiem i dlaczego, choć znów zakończenie w takim momencie…
Plusem tej książki jest to, ze w końcu jest więcej Jeffa i Kasia, cho mam wrażenie ze przez to cierpi przedstawienie poprzedniej dwójki. Tak jakby autorka nie mogła jakoś tego sprawiedliwie podzielić. I rozumiem, ze związek z każdym z nich rozwija się w rożnym tępie, a narracja jest jednak skupiona na Lily, jednak trochę brakowało mi Ruina i Noxa.
Niemniej, szybka, fajna książka. Niewymagająca i typowo paranormalna.
March 2, 2022
This series has been pretty fun and interesting up until this point. I’m still in love with the covers, the mix of creepy + badass just does something for me lol. Lily continues to try to piece together the past she can’t remember while working in the present to guarantee her sisters safety. Along the way a new enemy arises and I have questions how all everything goes together now that there’s a new addition in the mix. It’s interesting watching her men adapt to living in current time rather than twenty years ago when they died. Lily’s four men are also trying to figure out their past and who killed them. Things are tricky for them since the bodies they now inhabit once held other beings with their own lives and problems. Sometimes I’m not sure about the guys. I get their rage and determination to find the truth but their gangster behaviors are sometimes out of control and unnecessary, personally seems like they are just making more and new enemies to worry about. Then again Lily had her moment as well confronting the threat on her own which of course doesn’t end like she planned. I’m still enjoying this crazy ride. Also it wasn’t until this book that I started making note more of the frogs as like their own character. I can’t unsee them on each cover now either and I’m curious if it’s just the marsh connection or if there’s more going on that allows Lily to summon them and in the case of the guys, reanimate spirits?!?
August 20, 2024
Ok, I liked this one. It was good but also not good. It was fun, but it kind of needed something else. I'm hoping the next book is better.
January 25, 2023
~3.75 stars ~
Improvement from the last book, don't know why but still waiting for something
Don't know what yet lol
Improvement from the last book, don't know why but still waiting for something
Don't know what yet lol
February 17, 2022
4.4 stars.
Ok. Im starting to get a better picture of what the fucks going on here.
We learn as the characters learn so it’s been a just as confusing and frustrating for us as it has been for them.
I’m enjoying it so far though.
I think things are moving at a pretty good pace.
I like the relationships and how they’re all forming and growing at different speeds, and in different ways.
I’m excited to see what’s next for them, how everything lays out, and all the how’s and why’s of it all.
Still intrigued.
Still need a ton of answers.
My fingers are still crossed, hoping it all doesn’t just crash and burn when we find out all the answers…
Ok. Im starting to get a better picture of what the fucks going on here.
We learn as the characters learn so it’s been a just as confusing and frustrating for us as it has been for them.
I’m enjoying it so far though.
I think things are moving at a pretty good pace.
I like the relationships and how they’re all forming and growing at different speeds, and in different ways.
I’m excited to see what’s next for them, how everything lays out, and all the how’s and why’s of it all.
Still intrigued.
Still need a ton of answers.
My fingers are still crossed, hoping it all doesn’t just crash and burn when we find out all the answers…
January 19, 2022
A weird first book just got weirder in the second. It seems like the men's bodies are going to eventually morph into their original bodies which is bonkers. A series of small, mostly insignificant events happen culminating in a very underwhelming return of the MC's memories. This was boring, but what's worse was that it was edited horribly, so the already mediocre writing was so difficult to read. The men trying to figure out their powers was probably the better part of this book, but even that the author tried to tie the powers to their individual personalities and made them so incredibly one-note and flat. There was a glimmer of hope for Ruin not being human sunshine for about two seconds, but nothing came of it, no depth. The only reason I read this whole thing is because DNFing books irks my brain for weeks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2023
Noooo that ending! Oh my goodness poor Lily. I knew this couldn't end well.
January 23, 2022
I'm not much of a binge-reader, but I discovered that at least with the books by Eva Chase I prefer not having too much time between the books in a series. So, I waited to read this second book in the series until the last book in the series, the fourth one, would almost release. And since the fourth book is gonna release in two weeks it was now time to pick this one up. I was quite excited about it, because the first book was really entertaining.
The most satisfying part of the first book was Lily's bullies getting what they had coming. And although Lily of course deserves all the happiness in the world, it's almost a pity that she's no longer at college anymore in this book, because I could have enjoyed watching her guys beating everyone up endlessly. Luckily there was still a lot of fighting in this book. Ethically of course totally unacceptable, but so amusing to read about.
Normally I'm not a big fan of guys acting before they're thinking, but in this case it just fits with the personalities of the guys, with the people they've been before they died and with the situation they're in. Of course, quite a lot of issues could have been prevented if they were smarter or just more decent people, but where's the fun in that? This book is meant to be light hearted and that's exactly what it is and why I enjoyed it so much.
Although, I also really enjoyed the supernatural plot that's slowly thickening. Lily discovered in the previous book that she has some powers and in this book she's learning how to control and use them. She might however not be the only one with special talents. I kinda saw the cliffhanger coming and now I'm even happier that I waited to pick this one up, because I now know for sure which book I'm gonna read next week! I'm looking forward to it already!
The most satisfying part of the first book was Lily's bullies getting what they had coming. And although Lily of course deserves all the happiness in the world, it's almost a pity that she's no longer at college anymore in this book, because I could have enjoyed watching her guys beating everyone up endlessly. Luckily there was still a lot of fighting in this book. Ethically of course totally unacceptable, but so amusing to read about.
Normally I'm not a big fan of guys acting before they're thinking, but in this case it just fits with the personalities of the guys, with the people they've been before they died and with the situation they're in. Of course, quite a lot of issues could have been prevented if they were smarter or just more decent people, but where's the fun in that? This book is meant to be light hearted and that's exactly what it is and why I enjoyed it so much.
Although, I also really enjoyed the supernatural plot that's slowly thickening. Lily discovered in the previous book that she has some powers and in this book she's learning how to control and use them. She might however not be the only one with special talents. I kinda saw the cliffhanger coming and now I'm even happier that I waited to pick this one up, because I now know for sure which book I'm gonna read next week! I'm looking forward to it already!
June 23, 2023
Well
Wow
Just wow
Ehm I really loved the book but the part where she fucked with two guys and a sword was a bit much. And i loved all of it. I couldn’t stop grinning. It was awesome.
Tbh I hope she gets together with all four of them and I hope they have sex together. All of them. Nope n the end it would also be nice that they get together and I mean that the boys get together as well. As in love between the boys. Not just every boy loves her. That would be kind of weird.
And damn Kai I didn’t know you had it in you. I mean you were kind of sexy with just your know-it-all attitude and all but fucking her in your workplace? Oho, yes! The fact that you fucked her on the printer was even better because i had to laugh so hard when you made accidentally pictures of her ass and then you started making pictures of her boobs too and the best part: The picture of you holding her boobs. Genius. You are kind of a weirdo fir taking the pictures with you but also it wouldn’t be good to leave them there.
Kai, Ruin, Nox and Jett to be honest I would probably fuck all of you too. Especially Jett and Nox. And tbh I wouldn‘t be that pick-me like Lilly is. I mean what is wrong with her to think she couldn’t share the guys. She is the queen of them? Really? I don’t think so. But ok. Live your delusional life.
Wow
Just wow
Ehm I really loved the book but the part where she fucked with two guys and a sword was a bit much. And i loved all of it. I couldn’t stop grinning. It was awesome.
Tbh I hope she gets together with all four of them and I hope they have sex together. All of them. Nope n the end it would also be nice that they get together and I mean that the boys get together as well. As in love between the boys. Not just every boy loves her. That would be kind of weird.
And damn Kai I didn’t know you had it in you. I mean you were kind of sexy with just your know-it-all attitude and all but fucking her in your workplace? Oho, yes! The fact that you fucked her on the printer was even better because i had to laugh so hard when you made accidentally pictures of her ass and then you started making pictures of her boobs too and the best part: The picture of you holding her boobs. Genius. You are kind of a weirdo fir taking the pictures with you but also it wouldn’t be good to leave them there.
Kai, Ruin, Nox and Jett to be honest I would probably fuck all of you too. Especially Jett and Nox. And tbh I wouldn‘t be that pick-me like Lilly is. I mean what is wrong with her to think she couldn’t share the guys. She is the queen of them? Really? I don’t think so. But ok. Live your delusional life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2022
More magic and mayhem!
More magic and mayhem continue in the second book of Eva Chases’s Gang of Ghouls series, Criminal Spirits—and what a ride it was!
After discoveries in the last book, Lily and her guys are being on a mission to find out more info on the Gauntts, even if that means infiltrating their company to find out what ties Nolan had to Lily's sister, Marisol. And of course that’s not all our crew has to deal with, as there’s also trouble on the horizon for the guys as they try and track down the gang that killed them way back when, to seek some revenge and justice.
This book has quite a few twists and turns, with discoveries being made about some of the original “hosts” of the men, more mysteries revealed about Lily’s past and connections to Nolan and all their magical powers. But just when they think they have it all figured out, they realize they’re not out of the woods yet—and neither is Marisol.
Overall this series is becoming quite the fun and interesting read. Chase gives us a strong emerging FMC and her 4 sexy psychotic guys with tons of searing hot chemistry to keep us going through a plot filled with several mysteries and twists galore. Grab it for yourself to find out if our gang had what it takes to take on rival gangs and a mysterious family that seems to have power over the entire town.
More magic and mayhem continue in the second book of Eva Chases’s Gang of Ghouls series, Criminal Spirits—and what a ride it was!
After discoveries in the last book, Lily and her guys are being on a mission to find out more info on the Gauntts, even if that means infiltrating their company to find out what ties Nolan had to Lily's sister, Marisol. And of course that’s not all our crew has to deal with, as there’s also trouble on the horizon for the guys as they try and track down the gang that killed them way back when, to seek some revenge and justice.
This book has quite a few twists and turns, with discoveries being made about some of the original “hosts” of the men, more mysteries revealed about Lily’s past and connections to Nolan and all their magical powers. But just when they think they have it all figured out, they realize they’re not out of the woods yet—and neither is Marisol.
Overall this series is becoming quite the fun and interesting read. Chase gives us a strong emerging FMC and her 4 sexy psychotic guys with tons of searing hot chemistry to keep us going through a plot filled with several mysteries and twists galore. Grab it for yourself to find out if our gang had what it takes to take on rival gangs and a mysterious family that seems to have power over the entire town.
November 19, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This book felt a little boring honestly. I mean there was a lot of action, which I loved, and a bunch of problems solved and more problems made, but I just felt so incredibly bored reading it.
There isn’t really much character development in this book besides Lily finding out what happened to her when she was 13 and Jett and Kai finally admitting their feelings towards her and getting to know what their own powers were.
Speaking of powers I can confidently say that Kai’s is definitely the strongest out of all of them. I mean being able to manipulate people into doing whatever you want? That’ll be totally affective in the next books.
I really liked that Lily was so committed to getting her sister away from their bad household and finding out that Nolan basically sexually assaulted Marisol was so sad and I’m honestly glad Lily lost her shit on all of them. It was well deserved.
I hope Lily and the boys will be able to help Marisol in the next book, and maybe she’ll have some powers too? 👀
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️
world building: 4/5
kinks: threesome, oral for both fmc and mmc, sex in a workplace setting
tropes: touch her and 💀, supernatural powers, amnesia, childhood friends to lovers, paranormal rh, gangs, hidden feelings
pov: multiple pov’s
🌶️🌶️
This book felt a little boring honestly. I mean there was a lot of action, which I loved, and a bunch of problems solved and more problems made, but I just felt so incredibly bored reading it.
There isn’t really much character development in this book besides Lily finding out what happened to her when she was 13 and Jett and Kai finally admitting their feelings towards her and getting to know what their own powers were.
Speaking of powers I can confidently say that Kai’s is definitely the strongest out of all of them. I mean being able to manipulate people into doing whatever you want? That’ll be totally affective in the next books.
I really liked that Lily was so committed to getting her sister away from their bad household and finding out that Nolan basically sexually assaulted Marisol was so sad and I’m honestly glad Lily lost her shit on all of them. It was well deserved.
I hope Lily and the boys will be able to help Marisol in the next book, and maybe she’ll have some powers too? 👀
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️
world building: 4/5
kinks: threesome, oral for both fmc and mmc, sex in a workplace setting
tropes: touch her and 💀, supernatural powers, amnesia, childhood friends to lovers, paranormal rh, gangs, hidden feelings
pov: multiple pov’s
August 22, 2023
So this book was not as great as the 1st one.
Don't get me wrong, it was funny as usually and it was nice at other parts... but to me, there wasn't much more than the first book. Besides, a bit more development with Kai and Jet. But yeah, ....just okay.
Also, the powers our FMC has are like shifter finding out its animal is a hamster 🐹 among Wolves 🐺.
The smut is ok. it could do with more to increase the interest around the slowly developing plot.
The questions are being answered, although I find it hard to care and like it more when they are getting back at the bullies.
Overall, I may be more harsh than usual because the books end cliffhangers that are not great. They are like, and then she crossed the road type ending, so read the next one to find out if she made it to the other side. But me being harsh is because I like Eva Chase books and am a little disappointed at this one. I could have been 3 book series 😕
3.4 stars
Don't get me wrong, it was funny as usually and it was nice at other parts... but to me, there wasn't much more than the first book. Besides, a bit more development with Kai and Jet. But yeah, ....just okay.
Also, the powers our FMC has are like shifter finding out its animal is a hamster 🐹 among Wolves 🐺.
The smut is ok. it could do with more to increase the interest around the slowly developing plot.
The questions are being answered, although I find it hard to care and like it more when they are getting back at the bullies.
Overall, I may be more harsh than usual because the books end cliffhangers that are not great. They are like, and then she crossed the road type ending, so read the next one to find out if she made it to the other side. But me being harsh is because I like Eva Chase books and am a little disappointed at this one. I could have been 3 book series 😕
3.4 stars
October 13, 2024
My Review:
4 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
Criminal Spirits, the second book in Eva Chase’s Gang of Ghouls series, cranks up the magic, mayhem, and mystery. Lily and her band of misfit ghouls go undercover to spy on the shady Nolan Gauntt, but naturally, they find more trouble than answers—because why make things easy? Along the way, they juggle revenge plots, resurrected powers, and some seriously steamy chemistry that could probably light a room. Jett’s still pretending he’s not into Lily (we’re not buying it), while the other guys are busy playing ghostly knights in shining armor. The plot twists faster than Lily’s growing powers, with cliffhangers that’ll have you gasping—just when you think things are settling down, Chase says, “Surprise!” Though there are a few predictable moments, the action and humor keep it fresh. If you’re into hot ghouls, high stakes, and a heroine who’s done with playing nice, this one’s a wild ride. Buckle up—book three promises even more chaos!
4 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
Criminal Spirits, the second book in Eva Chase’s Gang of Ghouls series, cranks up the magic, mayhem, and mystery. Lily and her band of misfit ghouls go undercover to spy on the shady Nolan Gauntt, but naturally, they find more trouble than answers—because why make things easy? Along the way, they juggle revenge plots, resurrected powers, and some seriously steamy chemistry that could probably light a room. Jett’s still pretending he’s not into Lily (we’re not buying it), while the other guys are busy playing ghostly knights in shining armor. The plot twists faster than Lily’s growing powers, with cliffhangers that’ll have you gasping—just when you think things are settling down, Chase says, “Surprise!” Though there are a few predictable moments, the action and humor keep it fresh. If you’re into hot ghouls, high stakes, and a heroine who’s done with playing nice, this one’s a wild ride. Buckle up—book three promises even more chaos!
November 4, 2025
2.5 🌟
✓ PNR
✓ Multiple pov's
✓ Slow burn
✓ Entertaining plot - 3 / 5
✓ Mature language
✓ Fast paced
✓ Spice 🌶🌶 / 5
✓ Insta love
✓ Touch her and you'll 💀
✓ Found family
✓ Reverse harem
✓ Small town
✓ Ends in a cliffhanger
✓ Long chapters
Honestly, I found this book boring. There was a lot of action, lots of problems were solved, and then more problems were created, but reading it felt boring.
It was funny and nice, but there was little development.
The last 15% of the book is where the pace started to pick up.
I liked Lily's commitment to her sister, and the smut was okay, but there was little plot development.
I really hope the next ones get better and the pace picks up.
✓ PNR
✓ Multiple pov's
✓ Slow burn
✓ Entertaining plot - 3 / 5
✓ Mature language
✓ Fast paced
✓ Spice 🌶🌶 / 5
✓ Insta love
✓ Touch her and you'll 💀
✓ Found family
✓ Reverse harem
✓ Small town
✓ Ends in a cliffhanger
✓ Long chapters
Honestly, I found this book boring. There was a lot of action, lots of problems were solved, and then more problems were created, but reading it felt boring.
It was funny and nice, but there was little development.
The last 15% of the book is where the pace started to pick up.
I liked Lily's commitment to her sister, and the smut was okay, but there was little plot development.
I really hope the next ones get better and the pace picks up.
December 18, 2022
No I’m done. Cant, won’t, FAT no.
I just started this book make it like 100 pages and I couldn’t. I read the first book obviously, and it was not a favorite of mine but THIS ONE???? What!?!? Why, why is a thing? No I feel like even if you did like the first book you wouldn’t like this one! It’s so weird and NOTHING like the first one, somehow it got worse.
So no it’s no good I DNFed this at 52% to try and save what little mental health I have left, till the next one…
I just started this book make it like 100 pages and I couldn’t. I read the first book obviously, and it was not a favorite of mine but THIS ONE???? What!?!? Why, why is a thing? No I feel like even if you did like the first book you wouldn’t like this one! It’s so weird and NOTHING like the first one, somehow it got worse.
So no it’s no good I DNFed this at 52% to try and save what little mental health I have left, till the next one…
January 1, 2022
I am loving this! From the dark dark humour to the mystery and chaos this has grabbed me from the start and I don’t wanna let go. The storyline is becoming more mysterious and intriguing and the characters, well I just love Lily and her sarcasm and sass. It’s intense, a little steamy and so so entertaining that I am loving the uniqueness and mayhem and am so ready for book three!
January 11, 2022
So what did Nolan program into Marisol? Why did it just kick in now? What was he trying to do to the girls? He is a total creep and her parents are the worst!! I loved how she was getting closer to her guys. I need to know more about Jett and what happened to him last time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2022
I’m torn between a 3 and 4 ⭐️s. I got sucked right in with the first book. But this book gives me some bad kung fu movie vibes with the descriptions of the guys actions and the fight scenes. Also just kind of got bored.
April 15, 2025
3.5 stars
I appreciate that we found out some of the mystery, rather than having to wait for the end of the series. There are still questions about everything that's going on, but I'm not dying for answers as much. The spice ramped up a good amount, though there's one guy holding out and I need him to get with it already lol.
I appreciate that we found out some of the mystery, rather than having to wait for the end of the series. There are still questions about everything that's going on, but I'm not dying for answers as much. The spice ramped up a good amount, though there's one guy holding out and I need him to get with it already lol.
October 24, 2025
Rating based on spice
January 8, 2024
This one was a lot harder to read. Especially nearing the end. I really had to push through those last few chapters
I also just didn’t like how she has 4 boyfriends at once lol. Just not my thing
But it was fun while it lasted!
I also just didn’t like how she has 4 boyfriends at once lol. Just not my thing
But it was fun while it lasted!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2024
GASP!
January 15, 2024
Ruin girlies stay winning
September 13, 2024
3.75 ✨
Yeah, I don’t think I like reading books where the hero(s) are part of a gang. At least, not these guys. They’re sooo stupid and excessively violent for no reason 🙄.
But the steamy scenes???? Hellooooo! Knife play??? Of the NON bloody sort? Whew! 🥵🔥.
Also, I don’t recommend the graphic audio version of this series AT ALL because they cut out a BUNCH of stuff, and they’re REALLY vague / non existent on the sex scenes!! Like, why?? Seriously, they could have been SO hot with some of those guys’ voices.
Anyway, I think I might continue the series, sometime in the future.
Yeah, I don’t think I like reading books where the hero(s) are part of a gang. At least, not these guys. They’re sooo stupid and excessively violent for no reason 🙄.
But the steamy scenes???? Hellooooo! Knife play??? Of the NON bloody sort? Whew! 🥵🔥.
Also, I don’t recommend the graphic audio version of this series AT ALL because they cut out a BUNCH of stuff, and they’re REALLY vague / non existent on the sex scenes!! Like, why?? Seriously, they could have been SO hot with some of those guys’ voices.
Anyway, I think I might continue the series, sometime in the future.
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