Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Ghosts
SERIES: The Power of Zero #2
AUTHOR: Jackie Keswick
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 119 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 10, 2016
BLURB:
Jack Horwood doesn’t do families. Or Christmas. From the time his mother sold him to her pimp to the moment he walked out on the man he loved, Christmas has always been about change and painful choices. This year seems no different. Helping Daniel and Nico recover from their imprisonment and hunting down those responsible puts Jack in a frame of mind he doesn’t want to inflict on anyone. Least of all Gareth and the tentative relationship they’ve started to rebuild.
But Gareth, for whom Christmas is all about new beginnings, won’t let Jack take the easy way out. He makes him face his ghosts instead. Even when said ghosts invade their bedroom.
When Daniel’s parents are found, Jack is determined to settle the matter without involving Daniel at all. But fate decrees otherwise, and it’s Gareth who helps him finally understand that the strongest bonds are those forged together. Once he gets that, Jack can step up and make a decision designed to lay his ghosts to rest—for good.
REVIEW:
Geez. Louise. I just don’t even. Wow.
Ok. First. Business. TRIGGERS! If by any chance you have read my review of book 1, Job Hunt, or hopefully read the book (you’re missing out if you haven’t), this is an ongoing series with the same characters. Nico and Daniel are back. With Jack and Gareth. If you haven’t read either, Nico, Daniel and Jack are all survivors of child trafficking (selling of children), abuse, rape, beatings and much more. If ANY of this triggers you in any way, please take care of yourselves first. You are more important.
If you are interested, and have read book one, this one will blow you away. If you haven’t read book 1, you need to first. As I said, it is an ongoing series.
It’s Christmas time. Jack is freaking out. Nico and Daniel are freaking out. Well, Nico more than Daniel. They don’t do ‘families’. Gareth has always had a big to-do, since the military, for those who couldn’t be with their families or had none. But these boys can’t handle all those people. It’s too people-y. But after seeing how Nico is handling it, Jack realizes he needs to step up. He’s been there since day one in finding them and he’s not going to stop now. No matter what, they stick together. But during this holiday season, just when things seemed to somewhat settle, for them anyway, ghosts from Jack’s past stop and evening of passion. And soon after, Daniel’s past comes to his present. Along with finding the last abuser/trafficker that Nico has to recount memories over. And all the old ghosts and nightmares are brought to life. But steady Gareth has had a little help in how to handle things, and is helping to focus Jack’s thoughts into laying things to rest for good. As well as help with the boys doing the same. And with a small nudge, Jack goes in a direction that will prove once and for all, family is who you make it and no one will be left alone.
After reading the hells these boys have been through, even Jack, I have never been more proud of how they are fairing. There are very bad days, especially with helping the police, but they are learning how to cope. Nico has found solace in both Gareth and Jack in different ways. Daniel has too, but for Daniel, it’s more. Gareth is teaching him to cook, and laughter is heard for the first time in a while. Gareth and Jack are so amazing with these boys. Jack, because he’s been there. He understands everything they’re going through. Gareth, because he’s the rock, the support, the quiet strength in which they all sink into.
This book has its share of hells as well. Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean crime takes a break. It blows over Nico, Daniel and Jack. Memories, nightmares and and all. But it’s also hope. And finally finding they can really make their own family. And that it’s ok. They can be happy, just the four of them, if need be. Although there are more.
And it’s a beautiful story.
RATING: 
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