40 Souls to Keep

Nov 24, 2012 Experiment BL626 rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, mm-paranormal, mm-romance, reviewed

CAUTION: Long Review & Spoilers

The mm-romance was well written, but the characters were plain, the plot had holes, and the ending was scant.

The Characters

+ Jase, the nomad protector

While much of the story was told in Lucas’s PoV, most of the character development occurred with Jase. However, it raised more questions than answers about him. I liked Jase’s mysterious persona in the beginning but by the middle of the book it irritated me. I did like his decisive use of mind-controlling ability,...more

6 likes · like · see review

Nov 23, 2012 Icedave rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Rating:
somewhere between 3.75 and 4 stars.

Genre:
paranormal m-m-romance novel with mystery elements.

Content & Reading:
+ main characters: likable, felt for Jase
+ secondary characters I liked: officer Carla Martinez
+ interesting story idea and plot
+ I really liked the first and the last chapter
o here and there the pacing seemed to be slowed down either due to descriptions of surroundings/background storys (esp. in 2nd chapter) or because I wanted to know what happens next (see also Shirley Fran ...more

5 likes · like · see review

Mar 28, 2013 MLE rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, arc

The premise of this book seemed interesting at first, but the characters and execution left me wanting. I found Jase to be a very manipulative, and unlikable person. It seems like his power was wasted on him, and his petty and shallow self. Having worked customer service jobs the Burger King incident really pissed me off. He could have cost that kid his job, and he felt nothing. Sorry, I hate people who take advantage of other’s like that. Lucas's character was thin, and I never really felt the...more

5 likes · like · see review

Mar 17, 2013 Elspeth rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, kindle, mm, netgalley, 2013

This book wasn’t much, I cant say I hated it because the story never had me emotionally involved. I am even having a hard time writing this review because I just found the book so meh, its hard to come with a conversation topic.
So this review is going to be short, and not so sweet.
The plot started off interesting, but then we had a time skip I am not overly fond of time skips, but I kept reading anyway cause well this is a NetGalley book.
So I pushed forward.
Now about the romance...Yeah, I didn...more

5 likes · like · see review

Dec 11, 2012 Jane Stewart rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-myst-susp-gay-romance, male-male

Good mystery. Kept my interest. But weak spots in the plot, the paranormal rules, and unanswered questions at the end.

STORY BRIEF:
In 2005 Jase awoke with amnesia and the tattoo 40 on his arm. Instinctively he knows his purpose is to heal people. He has visions of one person and finds that person with a sort-of-built-in-GPS-system - the way metal is drawn to a magnet. He heals that person and then wanders until he has visions of the next person to heal.

Most of the story is 2012. Jase is still wan...more

like · see review

Dec 04, 2012 Dlee rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

Nov 09, 2012 Jenn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-romance

I almost hate to tag this as an erotic romance because, despite the M/M content it wasn't an overly erotic story for me. It was, if I dare say it, a little on the sweet side.

This was...one weird ride and yet...I rather enjoyed it.

First I had two heroes I loved reading about. Jase and Lucas. Both are out to save souls just via different methods. These are two warriors who don't rely on weapons or violence. They're fighting for those who don't seem to have it in them to fight for themselves. Jase...more

6 likes · like · see review

Nov 07, 2012 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-booklist

Summary: Seven years ago, Jase awoke with the mystical power to heal people—and no memory of his past. The only clue to his identity is the number forty tattooed on his arm. Driven by a mission he doesn’t understand, Jase follows his visions to those he’s meant to save. He is convinced that the fortieth person he’s drawn to—a little girl named Macy Pearl—is the key to finally learning the truth…

Social worker Lucas Jacobson has made a promise to protect Macy, orphaned when her parents were brutal...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 22, 2012 Annette Gisby rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, mystery

This book has more of a plot than some M/M romances I've read, but that isn't a problem for me, I like a bit of a plot with my romance. The book opens with a man awakening on a park bench with no memory of his past, or even who he is. A kindly grandmother takes him home, feeds him and gives him some money to help him on his way and calls him Jase, the name of her dead son. Before he goes, Jase senses that she has cancer and more than that, he senses he can heal her. He doesn't know how, but just...more This book has more of a plot than some M/M romances I've read, but that isn't a problem for me, I like a bit of a plot with my romance. The book opens with a man awakening on a park bench with no memory of his past, or even who he is. A kindly grandmother takes him home, feeds him and gives him some money to help him on his way and calls him Jase, the name of her dead son. Before he goes, Jase senses that she has cancer and more than that, he senses he can heal her. He doesn't know how, but just by touching her he cures her cancer. She was number one and now he has thirty-nine more people to heal.

Macy Pearl is number forty and Jase is determined to save her and once that is done hopes to discover the secrets of his past. Lucas Jacobson, the social worker called to the scene after Macy's parents are murdered, is standing in his way. As well as being able to heal, Jase also has the power to influence people, but for some reason Lucas is immune to this power.

The sparks fly between Lucas and Jase from the moment they first meet, but Lucas is understandably wary of this stranger and his weird talk of saving people. They grow closer over their concern for Macy and after an intimate moment on the couch, Macy is kidnapped from the bedroom.

You can feel their guilt over this, as they both knew Macy was being targeted by someone, but who and why? The mystery keeps you guessing right till near the end. And, such a treat for me, I didn't guess the culprit until way near the end, even though there were a few hints throughout the book.

We have flashbacks in the book regarding Jase's use of his healing abilities and sometimes his not no nice use of his influence, which might have made him a dislikeable character, but the flashbacks also go to show how much he's grown and how he desperately wants to do the right thing now, and not just because he might get his memory back.

There was a bit too much social commentary for my taste, but as it was from Lucas' point of view, and I could well imagine Lucas thinking these things, it didn't interrupt the flow of the story too much. The love scenes were deftly handled, with most of it concentrating on the emotional connection between the characters rather than just the physical. It was a well-written book with engaging characters and descriptions so vivid you could feel the heat, humidity and torrential rains of Florida and almost see the alligators. Lucas and Jase were both flawed in some ways, but that just made them seem that bit more realistic. There was also a touch of humour dotted throughout the book which helped balance the darker aspects.

An enjoyable read.

Advance review copy supplied by Netgalley and publisher.(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 04, 2013 Monique rated it 4 of 5 stars

This story is heart poundingly good. I loved the plot. It was what interested me about this particular book in the first place. I went into this hoping there would be a great plot, characters that I'll fall in love with, and mystery and action. I can assure you that I wasn't disappointed.

I love Jase and Lucas. Their story wasn't erotic so if you are going into this expecting explicit, hot love scenes, then you will be disappointed. Their relationship is more sweet and sensual than steamy. While...more This story is heart poundingly good. I loved the plot. It was what interested me about this particular book in the first place. I went into this hoping there would be a great plot, characters that I'll fall in love with, and mystery and action. I can assure you that I wasn't disappointed.

I love Jase and Lucas. Their story wasn't erotic so if you are going into this expecting explicit, hot love scenes, then you will be disappointed. Their relationship is more sweet and sensual than steamy. While I love my steamy and passionate m/m couples, I can still appreciate and enjoy couples like Jase and Lucas.

The plot was great. There was a lot of mystery. I suspected the person who kidnapped Macy in the beginning yet I was still shocked when it was confirmed towards the end. The action and adventure in this was great as Jase and Lucas were forced to work together in order to solve this puzzle and find Macy.

The secondary characters in this was so good. Macy was absolutely adorable and so beyond her years. She has a gift, it's as simple as that. Martinez was another character that held my attention. She's a genius and you'll see that in a particular scene that happened towards the end. I could've just kissed her.

I enjoyed the flashbacks of Jase's past and I really liked the twist at the end as well. I know some people had a problem with it but I quite liked it. The end... The last was perfect. Absolutely perfect. The author stopped it at the most perfect place and I couldn't keep the smile off my face. My heart just melted and I just wanted to jump for joy when I read that last page. I know a lot of people were disappointed with the anticlimactic ending when Jase's duty was fulfilled, but I still enjoyed it regardless because it gave Jase, and the reader, closure.

There were a few things I wasn't too happy with that caused me to deduct a star. Firstly, I would have like this story to have been more erotic because I love hot, explicit, detailed, passionate m/m love scenes. And secondly, there were questions that I would have liked answered and explained in this. For example, the story behind Jase's power and Lucas' immunity. There are so many more things left unanswered.

I'd still recommend reading this. It was very enjoyable if you're in the mood to read a stand alone, m/m, light paranormal romance with mystery, suspense and action.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 02, 2012 Shirley Frances rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, read-2-review, mm-read, paranormal-fantasy, glbt

For me, this is one of those books that could have gone either way in the rating department. Although it had all the elements I love to have in a story, I can't help but think that there was something missing. I loved the concept the author, Libby Drew, brought forward - how a normal man goes from everyday life, to a life where his only purpose is to save people. Jase's journey through this ordeal was a trying one. Imagine not knowing your name, your age, or having no idea what you are supposed...more For me, this is one of those books that could have gone either way in the rating department. Although it had all the elements I love to have in a story, I can't help but think that there was something missing. I loved the concept the author, Libby Drew, brought forward - how a normal man goes from everyday life, to a life where his only purpose is to save people. Jase's journey through this ordeal was a trying one. Imagine not knowing your name, your age, or having no idea what you are supposed to do and running from place to place saving strangers. I could not blame him for how he felt - confused, tired and at times thinking about ending it all. It wasn't until he meets a man who helps him understand his mission better that he finally gets to see a blip of light at the end of the tunnel.

So he goes about his mission, looking forward to that long-awaited number 40. And all hell breaks loose. He meets Lucas and Macy, his last soul to save. After some very interesting events, the three of them find themselves on the run. And here is where Lucas and Jase really connect with each other and form a bond with Macy too. I loved the dynamic between them because it felt believable. Lucas was adorable. His humor and sarcasm alone won me over. And Macy, well, she broke my heart. She was a trooper throughout it all.

Then she is kidnapped and Jase's mission is compromised or so he thought. This is where the story dragged me down. I understand Lucas and Jase had to look at all the angles, but it felt too slow for my taste. I found myself skimming through it and going right to the dialog. In the end I didn't need all that narrative to know who was behind it all. I won't get into it much because I really don't want to give anything away. I'll just say that the author had me wondering what the hell was happening up to this point and within a couple of pages into Lucas and Jase's investigation I had it all figured out.

Now the resolution to the plot as a whole was another story. It wasn't a bad resolution to the plot at all and I was not expecting it in the least, but it felt...lacking? I don't know if that's even the right word. But I was expecting something with a bit more punch. But maybe it's just me.

All that said, I do have to say that the author really made the most out of the characters and their situation. They were funny and adorable and I liked them right away. She also went about Lucas and Jase's connection the right way. Anything more and their story would have been unbelievable to me and anything less would have made me lose my interest. I enjoyed their constant banter, their tender moments and how they grew throughout the story. I found the ending to be a bit abrupt but I liked it nonetheless.

All in all, a good story with a very interesting storyline, a very intriguing mystery and great characters with some chemistry thrown in to the mix make it more enjoyable.(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Nov 15, 2012 Cindi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, 2012, m-m, on-blog, net-galley

4.5 stars

This is a very unique story. Seven years earlier, Jase woke up on a park bench with no knowledge of how he got there or of even who he was. The only hint was a tattoo of the number 40 on his arm. He finds out later that he has special abilities and in order to regain his memories he must save 40 people using those abilities.

Lucas works for Child Protective Services and goes to a home to retrieve a child, Macy, who witnessed the murder of her parents. Macy is the 40th person that Jase mu...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 22, 2012 Shirley rated it 4 of 5 stars

I honestly didn’t know what to expect from 40 Souls to Keep. Sure, it sounded interesting and there was enough of a paranormal aspect to catch my interest. The surprise came when I became totally emotionally invested in these characters.

This was an intense book. Much more intense than I originally expected. The emotion was raw, mainly because of the pain that all of these characters experienced. It may have had something to do with the fact that there was a child involved. Not just any child, bu...more I honestly didn’t know what to expect from 40 Souls to Keep. Sure, it sounded interesting and there was enough of a paranormal aspect to catch my interest. The surprise came when I became totally emotionally invested in these characters.

This was an intense book. Much more intense than I originally expected. The emotion was raw, mainly because of the pain that all of these characters experienced. It may have had something to do with the fact that there was a child involved. Not just any child, but a child who was broken, yet seemed to find a way to survive. Lucas was the perfect protector of that child. He impressed me from the first page he was introduced. He was witty, yet totally serious and dedicated to his job. I admired the way he put the children he was there to help above and beyond everything else. Besides that, I just plain liked him as a person from the start. There was just something about him that drew me in. On the flip side, I have to admit that Jase didn’t make quite as good a first impression. Not that i didn’t like Jase. He grew on me. Which, given the way the story progressed was actually perfect. When readers were first introduced to Jase he wasn’t a whole person. The more I got to know him and see how he interacted with Lucas and Macy, the more I grew to like him. Of course, his back story didn’t hurt either. *sigh*

Speaking of the back story. I like the way Libby Drew handled the time lapse in 40 Souls to Keep. It wasn’t forced and it didn’t bounce back and forth. It was just a part of the story – readers learned about how Jase had spent the past seven years at the same time that Lucas did. It made perfect sense and it flowed really well. It could have been awkward, but it wasn’t. It just worked.

As I mentioned before, this book was intense. That intensity covered every aspect. The action, danger, emotion, mystery and even the romance. Speaking of which, there was nothing graphic about said romance at all. The attraction between Lucas and Jase was immediate, mostly due to the circumstances but it was also real and totally heart wrenching at moments. All of which just added to that intensity. I don’t want to say a lot more because a lot of Jase’s attraction to Lucas is something that readers need to discover on their own. It’s worth it, trust me.

There were moments in 40 Souls to Keep that I wondered why characters did what they did. There were also times that I thought that Macy didn’t act or speak exactly like a child her age probably would but those moments were minor compared to the actual story. And for the record, yes there were tears. The bad part was that I knew they were coming. There came a time during the story that I knew that there was no way that things weren’t going to end badly for someone. I kept reading though because I just had to know exactly how Libby Drew would fix it. All the while I was silently praying that she would. Just a warning – the climax and the final chapters just about did me in…. and that’s all I’m going to say.(less)

like · see review

Dec 03, 2012 Bubbles rated it 4 of 5 stars

I wanted to love this book. I started off loving the book. The premise was so intriguing that for two days I did not want to put this book down. I stayed up late reading it one night even though I knew that I had to go to work the next morning. I crafted dream interviews with Libby Drew. Somewhere about two-thirds of the way through the book, the story just lost me. I think it was because the solution to the mystery aspect was simply too obvious. It was staring me in the face even while the hero...more

like · see review

Nov 25, 2012 Stephanie Collins rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ok… I have to say this.. I want more of this world and stories of these poor souls who get saddled with the job of helping souls in trouble.

Jase wakes up on a park bench with no memory of his past, who he is, what he is supposed to do or anything… He's got a strange tattoo of the number 40 on his arm but no idea why. He's helped by a woman and her grandson who inadvertently show him what he is supposed to be doing with his life. He can heal people by taking their sickness and pain in to himself....more

like · see review

Jan 20, 2013 Ari rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-romance

I give 4 stars for all Libby's story I've read, guess this one is not an exception too ^o^

edit after finishing it
3*
A decent paranormal mystery though it's need to be more clearer about the who, the how and the why.
But I'm a bit disappoint with the romance plot, I was expecting a stomach-fluttering romance like Libby always write, but I didn't find it here. Jase & Lucas relationship felt more casual to me.

1 like · like · see review

Oct 19, 2012 Pjm12 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: angsty, ebook, lgbt, netgalley, romantic, sexy, twisty, whodunnit, paranormally

I enjoyed this very much. I guess it's not a new idea, but saving people without the motive of atonement adds an interesting twist.

Jase is developed with the use of flashbacks, but not having any memory of his past makes him a blank slate really. A gorgeous and wise slate.

Lucas is wonderful in both snark and compassion. He has the best lines, although Macy's somber demeanor and prophetic words add mystery and tension.

Not so much with the graphic hotness - more sexy and hopeful. These boys are on...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 25, 2013 DarienMoya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-reads, m-m-crime-mystery-and-dead-people, my-m-m-lovin, otherness, release-2012, too-much-stuff-not-enough-fucking, pants-off-reviews

3.5

This is going to be one of those books that you really love or sort of hate; I am somewhat stuck in the middle. The idea behind the book is somewhat brilliant, and the writing is excellent, I am just very dissatisfied with how it all came together, even though it does have the power to keep you from stop reading. A great effort by Libby Drew, but by the end I kind of stopped caring for the MCs.

A man awakes in a park with no recollection of how he got there, or who he is. A young boy is also a...more 3.5

This is going to be one of those books that you really love or sort of hate; I am somewhat stuck in the middle. The idea behind the book is somewhat brilliant, and the writing is excellent, I am just very dissatisfied with how it all came together, even though it does have the power to keep you from stop reading. A great effort by Libby Drew, but by the end I kind of stopped caring for the MCs.

A man awakes in a park with no recollection of how he got there, or who he is. A young boy is also at the park with his grandmother and they care enough to take him home and feed him. They pick the name Jase for him, and Jase struggles with the fact that he can’t remember anything about himself. What he does discover is that he has a tattoo (a number 40) and he has the power to heal. That little part comes a surprise but Jase knows what he must do, and that tattoo is about to become the bane to his existence.

Lucas Jacobson is with Child Protective Services, and he’s just been called to his worst case yet. Seems the little girl he’s supposed to pick up might have witnessed the murder of her parents. The fact that they lived in poverty and might be surrounded by gators is another sad fact to add to the equation. Lucas Knows one thing, he’s willing to protect the little girl Macy with all he has, and that is exactly what he has to do.

7 years later Jase has saved many a souls and he is down to his last one a little girl called Macy, and then it will all be over and he can go back to the life he forgot. However, Lucas Jacobson wasn’t supposed to be a part of package but he seems to Macy’s protector. The men are thrust into keeping Macy alive while trying to figure out who’s after her, and realizing not everything is, as it seems.

As I said, the idea behind the book is great. The setting is so rich I was instantly caught up in what the author created, from the lavish setting of the rich, to that of the poorest of poor. It was like one giant awesome road trip (with an ominous countdown). That was my fave part of the entire book, them driving around and the description of the scenery. That part is very well done. It’s another one of those books where it’s longer than it needed to be and by time the ending rolled around my interest was gone. I liked Lucas and Jase a lot, but not that much time was spent on them together, so I can’t call them a couple but as individuals I really like them. Again, lots to like, the plot is interesting and as much as I liked the driving and running around this probably will turn some readers off.

Should You Read It? Yes, if you want to read suspense with a nice paranormal twist. I legit will be reading more from Libby Drew; this book has captured my interest with her obvious talent for spinning a tale. 40 Souls To Keep will be a hit or miss for most readers, but for me I liked it.(less)

like · see review

Nov 22, 2012 Lori rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love this book. Drew creates compelling, 3 dimensional characters. This is not, as many GLBT romances, a thin plot providing hooks to have lots of sex. This is an interesting story about two people who eventually come to love one another. The mystery isn't really one--it's fairly easy to figure out--but it doesn't matter unless you're a hard-core mystery buff. Watching the characters figure out the mystery while they slip in and out of danger is tension raising. Aside: I love the cover art. Br...more

like · see review

Nov 19, 2012 Christi Snow rated it 5 of 5 stars

My Review:
This book was so good. I wasn't sure what to expect going into it, but it far surpassed whatever those expectations were. What makes this book so good is the incredibly creative story line... so imaginative and even a little bit eerie that there could be people like Jase and his counterparts out there....and what they are is real live angels and "others" working to balance the world in different ways.

Seven years ago, Jase woke up on a park bench with absolutely no recollection of how h...more My Review:
This book was so good. I wasn't sure what to expect going into it, but it far surpassed whatever those expectations were. What makes this book so good is the incredibly creative story line... so imaginative and even a little bit eerie that there could be people like Jase and his counterparts out there....and what they are is real live angels and "others" working to balance the world in different ways.

Seven years ago, Jase woke up on a park bench with absolutely no recollection of how he got there or who he is. The only clues he has about anything is a tattoo'ed 40 on his arm and an indent on his ring finger with a tan line to match. He feels an inexplicable draw to certain people and soon realizes that's because they are about to die and he has the ability to save them. Along with this ability has come something else. Simply by saying something to someone, he can bend them to his will. This other ability allows him to function and do his job, but it's also a curse because no one can resist the allure of his voice....No. One. And it's not something that he can control...it just is, which sounds really cool on the surface, but the guy hasn't even been able to sleep with anyone over the years without it feeling like he's raping them. He knows they have no resistance to him. He would pull it back if he could.

That's why it's such an amazing breath of fresh air when he meets Lucas...his voice doesn't affect Lucas in any way, shape, or form. Even better, Lucas likes him and is attracted to him. This is the first true, real connection Jase has had to another person in 7 years...that's HUGE to him. The problem is...Lucas is a social worker who's trying to protect Macy. Jase is trying to protect Macy too, but Lucas doesn't trust him. But then they both realize that someone else is out to get Macy so they have to team up to save this precious little girl.

This is a book with a lot of twists and turns. The book starts out with Jase waking up seven years ago and what happened to him when he first wakes up. It's taken 7 years to do his 40 souls and throughout the book, you get to see some of those cases. This poor guy has NOT had an easy 7 years...at all... and your heart just aches for him. On the flip side of Lucas....he's a social worker with real skill and heart about what he does. You can see that he is definitely one of the good guys. And another unexpected character in the story is actually the town of Naples, FL. This book is NOT an ad for tourism. Whoa! The book presents an almost apocalyptical feel to this town that's been hit really hard by the economic and real estate down-turn. Really depressing and sad, especially for the people like Macy's family trying to survive there.

In the middle of all this mystery, suspense, and upheaval is Jase and Lucas. They are literally running for their lives. Along with that are a lot of open-ended questions about when this 40th soul is saved.... what it means for Jase and his life. It's certainly not the perfect place for romance, but Jase and Lucas find it anyway. And I like how subtly that was woven into the story. This is a true romance.... it's not really sexual... circumstances keep that away. Instead it's a story about feelings and how they develop between these two men. It was really beautifully written. I liked it... a LOT!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
(less)

like · see review

Nov 13, 2012 Nadège Richards rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

40 Souls to Keep really drops you off in the middle of the drama, and that's something I can truly appreciate. It's new and fresh, riveting and exactly what I needed to revive my reading dry spell! Though the beginning was somewhat confusing, the reader is soon thrown into this man's jarring world and his race against time. Drew has created a very passionate read I think many will connect to. 40 Souls to Keep is heartfelt and sincere, and has left me in tears more than once. This will be a book...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 02, 2013 Helen Shaw rated it 4 of 5 stars

Loved both the MC's and mystery just the way I like it. Yes, I was fairly sure who the bad guy (or gal) was fairly early on but better that than throwing something or somebody at the reader ala John Grisham right at the end. Was pleased with the twist and it was well fore-shadowed. All my "oh crap hope she clears that up" were cleared up. The action was a little slow in a couple of spots but probably necessary. Excellent job of setting. I could hear the mosquitos and feel the humidity and as a n...more

like · see review

Mar 05, 2013 Fashionta rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, net-galley, carina-press, confessions-from-romaholics

Reviewed for Confessions from Romaholics

Review at Confessions from Romaholics

I can’t even begin to fathom what it would be like to wake up somewhere and have no clue as to who you are. This is precisely what happens to Jase when he wakes in the middle of a park. With the smell of burning leaves, and a quiet yet insistent voice asking if he’s alright, from where he’s been asleep on a park bench. Jase comes face to face with a young boy named Christian who finds him, and along with his grandmother...more Reviewed for Confessions from Romaholics

Review at Confessions from Romaholics

I can’t even begin to fathom what it would be like to wake up somewhere and have no clue as to who you are. This is precisely what happens to Jase when he wakes in the middle of a park. With the smell of burning leaves, and a quiet yet insistent voice asking if he’s alright, from where he’s been asleep on a park bench. Jase comes face to face with a young boy named Christian who finds him, and along with his grandmother Helen, they extend a hand of friendship and help. It’s Helen that gives him the name Jason, the name of her son that died in the war.

Jason’s world is crumbling away at the edges; he can recall what he sees or hears, yet anything personal about himself remains elusive, just beyond his reach. It’s when he goes to clean up that he notices a tattoo on the underside of his arm: 40. Then it’s like a flash, like a vision – nothing about him, but what could it mean … is it the future, maybe? When he touches Helen it’s immediate and he knows that Helen is sick, and dying. With a little faith, Helen places her trust in Jase and through the touch of hands he literally draws the cancer out of her body and into his own, before crushing it completely with the force of his will.

When sleep finally claims Jase, he dreams of unfamiliar faces, 40 faces …then awakes to screaming—his own. Without understanding why he must leave, he somehow knows someone else needs his help.

Lucas has been called to a scene to pick up a little girl named Macy, her parents have just been brutally murdered in front of her. With some gentle coaxing and patience, he slowly encourages a small amount of trust from Macy. Lucas takes her to the nearest hospital where a trusted acquaintance works. As young Macy is being checked out, a disturbance down the hall draws the police officer who’s been keeping a vigil to go check it out. After a moment Lucas follows and almost runs right into Jase.

Seven yrs have elapsed since Jase woke up in the park and he’s finally come to the 40th person to help, believing the dream has lead him to young Macy. The end is so close Jase can almost taste it. Will his memories return? Will he remember these last 7 years and all he’s done and everyone he’s met? So close, but first he has to find a way to get around Lucas, someone he can’t seem to influence with his powers of persuasion that he also obtained with the healing powers. Just when things are starting to go right, two guys wearing dark hooded coats show up, but who are they after, Macy or Lucas?

They make it to a police station hoping they’ll be safe and talk to the detective in charge of Macy’s case. Yet, everything just seems to pile on with no reprieve as they are forced again to make a run for it. Gaining a few moments of solace in a condo, they hope to remain hidden long enough to figure out their next move. The evening’s events have taken their toll. With Macy sound asleep on the couch Lucas and Jase take a moment alone together. With the need for human contact proving to be far too great to pass up, along with a build up of strong yet uncertain attraction, they come together. Finally Jase is able to share his story with Lucas.

Thinking they are relatively safe they lay low, but they also let their guard down. After waking from a nap they realize Macy is missing, someone has snatched her from where she was sleeping. To top it off, Jase can’t sense her, it’s as if she’s vanished into thin air. It becomes a frantic race to try and find Macy before it’s too late, late for what they don’t know. Jase has no idea what will happen if he doesn’t save Macy’s soul. But is it truly Macy’s soul that Jase is meant to save? Who was that guy behind Macy in the dream that lead him here in the first place?

I struggled in the beginning but once the story took off I couldn’t put it down. Jase’s story really pulled me in. How he must have felt waking up not remembering who he was or anything about his past! Then with a vision to suddenly realize he could heal with touch. His journey is long and draining. When he finally makes it to the last one, he’s on a high knowing that at any moment he’ll have his memories back, although somehow knowing something bad has to come before that, makes for a very humbling and an engrossing read.

With Lucas working with Jase, albeit reluctantly at first, they set out on a crazy week of mystery, hope, and new possibilities. Macy is very wise for a 7yr old, almost impossibly so. But nonetheless, she manages to wrap everyone around her little finger as they all seem to trip over themselves to keep her happy and safe. Well … almost everyone. So, if you’re looking for a romance that has a mysterious twist dealing with saving souls, then this is definitely for you!

I give 40 Souls to Keep by Libby Drew 4 couples. Enjoyable and Recommended.(less)

like · see review

Jan 08, 2013 Hpstrangelove rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mp3_listened

I find that in original stories, as opposed to fanfiction, I look more for plot than I do for hot sex scenes. This one has both. I love it when an author can take me by surprise, too. Maybe I'm too easily fooled, but I didn't see this one working out the way it did. Nice touch of the supernatural without going overboard. Good for readers who like m/m with a plot and not too much violence.

like · see review

Mar 23, 2013 Sara rated it 2 of 5 stars

ebook.
Came highly recommended and reviewed. And I liked the premise of a person having a number on them and that number represented the souls they were meant to help. But beyond that it just didn't grab me.

like · see review

Nov 26, 2012 Nikki rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very very good paranormal thriller with a continuous sense of foreboding. Romance is instant but it fits the plot perfectly. Revelations towards the last part are eye popping.

like · see review

Jan 12, 2013 Mrs LB rated it 4 of 5 stars

As a woman of faith and belief, I quite liked this book for some of the same reasons that I saw complaints about from other readers. I have no problem with what most regard as unanswered questions about the who and why's of Jace's situation and overall would recommend the book.

like · see review

Nov 25, 2012 Live Read and Breathe Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review at http://livereadbreathe.blogspot.ca/20...
3.5 to 4 stars

like · see review

Jan 20, 2013 Lori K added it

DNF

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 29, 2012 Tracy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-paranormal-romance, lgbt, netgalley-arc

Review Pending.

like · see review

title link	preview: 40 Souls to Keep
avg rating	preview: 40 Souls to Keep Goodreads rating: 3.83 (75 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15824603-40-souls-to-keep?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344800865l/15824603.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15824603-40-souls-to-keep?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]40 Souls to Keep by Libby Drew[/url]

40 Souls to Keep

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

About Libby Drew

Books by Libby Drew

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About 40 Souls to Keep

40 Souls to Keep

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (2)

Genres

About Libby Drew

Books by Libby Drew

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About 40 Souls to Keep

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)