Sidelined Afterlife, blurb
Veronica Matthews hates her psychic-medium “gift”—being able to communicate with ghosts and dying people. All it’s ever brought her is pain and grief. When her neighbor Hunter Anderson, an ER doctor, realizes her talent, he begs her to help get rid of the ghost that’s been haunting him for two years and endangering his job. She’s torn. Her need to help the attractive man who saves peoples’ lives wars with her guilt over not being able to lead police to crime victims before they’re dead. She agrees to help Hunter. They soon find out the ghost is likely to turn dangerous if he doesn’t cross over to the next world.
After losing his wife in a tragic accident, Hunter’s only solace is his work. The ghost that haunts him jeopardizes the one thing he cares about. But spending time with Veronica, getting to know her passionate lips and sassy attitude, gives him something new to care about.
She can’t risk her heart. He’s afraid to love and lose again. Can a ghost help them break through and start again?
Excerpt:
“I am an idiot. The biggest idiot ever. If you want me to pierce something for you, to prove I’m an idiot, I have some sterilized instruments upstairs in my apartment.”
Her tongue poked against her cheek, signaling a laugh that wanted to erupt. Suddenly, he really wanted to be the one who could make her laugh. “Maybe I could do your lower lip?”
Her short laugh erupted. A sweet, melodic sound that filled the small apartment.
His gaze stayed on that full mouth and he lifted his fingers closer, compelled to touch her. She stared at him with wide eyes as he traced the corner of her mouth lightly with his finger.
“I’m a liar. I could never tarnish something as beautiful as this.”
Christ. What a line. Where had those words come from? But he meant it.
Her breath was hot against his finger as he traced the line of her lower lip. Her gaze held his. His stomach growled again, breaking the spell, and she blinked and leaned against the sofa.
“You know what? We never had dessert,” she said.
He had room for dessert. But not the food kind. He swallowed to quell his appetite for her. “Uh…how about I make an ice cream run? Then we’ll get to work.” Enough of this temptation. He needed to get away from her, from this pull she had on his body and emotions.
I have read every book in this series and I have to admit, this is my favorite. There is a certain sadness but hope, sorrow and happiness but above all love that Ms. Fields has weaved into this book. I talked to Ms. Fields about how much I loved the book and she was worried that I would think the book was either too heavy or dark. I thought neither. Yes, the subject matter, especially with the ghost is gut wrenching and sad, there is hope for him at the end of the book. 🙂
I will also have to say that the ghost in this story broke me heart. I felt so bad for him. He had his whole life in front of him and then it was quickly taken away from him in a split second. Haunting Hunter seemed the natural thing for him to do but it was costing Hunter is sanity. When Hunter, Roni and the ghost (Wade) finally come together, it was real. Yes, real. Again, my heart was breaking at this point for all three of them. They had a connection that they could not deny and needed the help of each other for each of them to have their happy ending.
I was completely blown away by the characterizations in the book. Hunter is richly drawn out and I felt his sorrow and self loathing at the same time. Plus, his sexiness, too. He had playful side and didn’t push Roni. Roni, to me, was the character with the most sadness. To have such a gift and feel like a failure is a heavy burden to carry around on your shoulders. I never thought she failed with her gift but she did. Wade was the happiest. Yes, he had a happiness about him and just didn’t understand what was going on. He needed answers and finding Roni & Hunter seemed like the best place to start.
I will not give away the ending. I never saw the turn that the book took but Ms. Fields wrote it with heart and lots of love. I fist pumped for Wade. *wipes tear* As for Hunter & Roni, it was the perfect way for the book to end for them, too. By the way…characters from the first two books make an appearance on the 8th floor. 😉 And no, I’m not telling you what happens. Let’s just say I was pleased and that they understood what Hunter & Roni were doing.
My dear readers, please and I’m begging you…read Ms. Fields. She writes with an authencity in her characters and plot. She brings a richness to light paranormal that is unmatched in the genre. She doesn’t dumb it down for you and keeps it just spicy enough between her characters that it always leaves you wanting more.
Author Bio:
Joya Fields has had over 100 stories and articles published in local and national magazines. Her debut novel, a romantic suspense, was a NJRW GOLDEN LEAF WINNER FOR BEST FIRST BOOK OF 2012 and was nominated for RT Book Reviews 2012 Indie Press/Self-Published Contemporary Romance award. She’s since released three more books.
Over the years, Joya has taught arts and crafts, worked in public relations, owned a daycare center, helped her children raise prize-winning 4-H livestock, competed in three marathons, and even spent a year as a Baltimore Colts cheerleader. Joya loves spending time with her high school sweetheart/husband of over twenty-five years, two very supportive children, and a pug who follows her everywhere. www.joyafields.com
Find Joya:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=joya+fields
Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5395700.Joya_Fields
Twitter: @joyafields
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/JoyaFieldsAuthor
You brought tears to my eyes with this review, Harlie!!!! This is a dream come true to have a reader fall in love with the characters as much as I did. You really GOT them. Thank you so much for reading, for taking the time to post such an detailed and heart-felt review, and for all of your wonderful support.
Its a beautifully written book that I connected with immediately. Wade stole my heart and I’m still looking for it.
You’re welcome!
Harlie