Despite the Ghosts

by Dylan Newton

For spirit medium and parapsychology professor Nola Richards, love is as dead as the ghosts she communicates with. Then one spirit’s cryptic message on her shower door forces her out of the paranormal and into the arms of his hot bachelor brother—business tycoon and complete skeptic Parker Sebastian. As if dealing with funeral arrangements, an ugly internal audit and his greedy step-family weren’t enough, Parker’s newest problem arrives in a gorgeous, if eccentric, package. After hearing Nola’s “message from beyond,” Parker knows two he wants her…and she’s a con artist somehow responsible for his brother’s death. To help this restless ghost, Nola must overcome Parker’s disbelief. Although sexual energy crackles between them, she knows corporation and meditation don’t mix. It’ll take more than spirit interference and otherworldly signs to make their romance work, Despite the Ghosts.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2010

About the author

Dylan Newton was born and raised in a small town where the library was her favorite hang-out. After over a decade working in corporate America, Dylan quit to pursue her passion: writing books. The gamble paid off with seven published novels, and more to come! When she isn’t writing, Dylan is pursuing her own happily ever after with her high school sweetheart as they split time between Florida and Upstate New York with their two much cooler daughters.
Visit Dylan at her website or on her Facebook page.

Reviews

[Katherine Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page, this engaging paranormal romance (with a touch of mystery) pulls the reader into the fascinating world of Nola Richards, a psychic who makes a living by helping the bereaved communicate with the ghosts of their loved ones. Nola can see ghosts and can somewhat understand what they want, although the ghosts don’t speak. Usually, people come to see Nola at her home in the psychic community of Lily Dale in upstate New York, seeking her help in passing messages to and from their loved ones. However, this time the ghost seeks out Nola, attempting to tell her something about his death. Although he is unusually strong and persistent, for a ghost, at first she is not able to understand what he wants or who he wants her to contact. All she knows is that he won’t leave her alone until she helps him and he won’t follow any of her rules, bothering her at all times of the day and night, even in the bathroom! When Nola figures out what he wants her to do, she immediately plans to contact the family so she can finally get rid of the ghost and get back to her paying clients. Nola isn’t looking for a relationship. The last man she loved made off with most of the money in her bank account. Still reeling, Nola keeps her guard up when it comes to men, but the ghost’s brother turns out to be a hunk who she might consider for a one night stand, if he would quit acting like such a jerk.

Parker Sebastian is grieving the loss of his brother, Paul, who recently committed suicide. When he meets Nola at his office, handcuffed by his security guards and shouting about ghosts, he is sure she is nothing more than a con artist, trying to take advantage of his grief. Although he finds himself intensely attracted to her, he wants nothing to do with anyone who would exploit someone else’s loss in that way. But Nola knows details about Paul’s death that no one else should know. Did she have something to do with his brother’s death? Parker has to find out.

This book was a fast paced, pleasure to read. I couldn’t help rooting for Nola, getting mad at Parker for his male denseness and laughing at ghost Paul’s antics. The mystery unfolded with just enough clues to hint at what really happened, but not enough to give away the resolution. This book was extremely well written and had a very satisfying ending. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good love story with some steamy scenes and an intriguing story.

[LynnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter’s Review

I loved everything about this book. The heroine is quirky, smart, and interesting. Even in first person, which doesn’t always work for me, I found I could like her. She was funny without being snarky. I think sometimes authors feel they need to make their first person heroines totally sarcastic to be interesting, they don’t, and Dylan Newton avoids that trap like the plague. In Nola, she has created a real person with psychic abilities. She accepts it, so you do. It works.

Parker is hot, if sometimes predictable, and I loved watching these two fall in love. The ghosts running around keep the plot moving forward fast and I found myself excited to read every chapter. I’m so glad this book came my way.

It was a great read and I think everyone will love it!



5 Tea Cups!

[Mikki Cober · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, with a fun plot that includes ghosts, romance, suspense, a lovely heroine and a terrific hero! Loved the little plot twists.

[Teresa Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book

[Jeanette Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I really enjoyed the way you got to put yourself into the viewpoint of the different characters. It was an interesting book. Looking forward to the next book.

[Mandi]

Made it to the 40%ish mark - but I dislike the hero too much to go on. He comes across so sleazy as he leers at the heroine. Not romantic.

I enjoyed the heroine - especially in the beginning. She is very cute and has some witty moments. But I can't enjoy a book when I dislike the hero so much.

[Rhonda Kauffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Dylan Newton's debut book. I love the author's voice. I was immediately drawn into the story. The book is unique as it is told from both Nola's and Parker's points of view. What I enjoyed most is there is a real story in this romance book.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks Linda - I enjoyed the story.

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I met the author today. She has a beautiful smile and a very positive attitude. :)