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Skyeholm #2
The Masks of John Brooks
Are Skye Evans and John Brooks soulmates-or is she suffering from Stockholm Syndrome? The Masks of John Brooks is a continuation of Tamara Lynne Rector's mystery/thriller, Skyeholm, set in the fictitious town of Braxton, Ontario.
Detective John Brooks is a law enforcement officer with a dark side that has bubbled to the surface from his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which led to his kidnapping of Skye and her friends. Even worse, his mental health has escalated into dissociative identity disorder (DID).
Skye settles into her new life with John, becoming enamoured by the enigmatic detective. He's trying to solve his last case only to discover an unsettling truth that complicates his life even further.
Detective John Brooks is a law enforcement officer with a dark side that has bubbled to the surface from his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which led to his kidnapping of Skye and her friends. Even worse, his mental health has escalated into dissociative identity disorder (DID).
Skye settles into her new life with John, becoming enamoured by the enigmatic detective. He's trying to solve his last case only to discover an unsettling truth that complicates his life even further.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published March 29, 2023
14 people want to read
About the author
Tamara Lynne Rector
2 books28 followersTamara Lynne Rector has a background in criminal justice and psychology. She has also studied spiritual cultures but writing fiction has always been her calling from a young age. She lives in Sainte-Anne-de-Kent, New Brunswick, with her husband, their daughter, and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 15, 2023
I wanted to thank everyone who has been on the Skyeholm journey with me. Writing this series helped me through the most difficult time in my life where I didn’t even know if I was going to recover, but writing Skyeholm, The Masks of John Brooks, and book 3 helped me get to where I am now. I am grateful to everyone who has read Skyeholm, and I hope you enjoy the sequel. There is one more book in the series, so follow me on all my socials under Tamara Lynne Rector for updates. God bless🙏🖤💚
May 8, 2023
I really really enjoyed The Masks of John Brooks.
I am obsessed with this series and cannot wait for book 3.
The planning of the story, characters development, the plots, the sub plots are all outstanding.
The story continues about the life of Detective John Brookes. He has many masks but so many layers. Then each mask has it's own layers. And they all combine together to unfold the most complex, but well written story. This story makes the DNA double helix look like one piece of spaghetti, but Tamara writes it brilliantly and you do not get lost!
I still cannot fathom on how Tamara has planned these books, not one character drops their essence, the masks of John are so complex, but so individual. The metaphor of a lead driver and passengers, doesn't do justice to the importance of the masks in each key event in the timeline of the book, and you can slowly see them twisting together, but so much hasn't be revealed I feel, so we cannot predict how it ends for any of them.
Skye is the main love interest, her complex history was explored in detail in this book, and there huge OMG moments. These make me believe that it isn't all Stockholm syndrome in play but true love as their foundation started so long before. I have more questions after this book, and cannot wait until book 3, so far, all I hope is they manage to get out of this in a way that gives me a HEA, however, these characters stay so true to their characters, that right now I cannot see the directions they need to take to make that happen for all 6 of them! Hopefully the 4 year trigger that had them both dreaming of each reveals a lot to help me get my HEA.
I am obsessed with this series and cannot wait for book 3.
The planning of the story, characters development, the plots, the sub plots are all outstanding.
The story continues about the life of Detective John Brookes. He has many masks but so many layers. Then each mask has it's own layers. And they all combine together to unfold the most complex, but well written story. This story makes the DNA double helix look like one piece of spaghetti, but Tamara writes it brilliantly and you do not get lost!
I still cannot fathom on how Tamara has planned these books, not one character drops their essence, the masks of John are so complex, but so individual. The metaphor of a lead driver and passengers, doesn't do justice to the importance of the masks in each key event in the timeline of the book, and you can slowly see them twisting together, but so much hasn't be revealed I feel, so we cannot predict how it ends for any of them.
Skye is the main love interest, her complex history was explored in detail in this book, and there huge OMG moments. These make me believe that it isn't all Stockholm syndrome in play but true love as their foundation started so long before. I have more questions after this book, and cannot wait until book 3, so far, all I hope is they manage to get out of this in a way that gives me a HEA, however, these characters stay so true to their characters, that right now I cannot see the directions they need to take to make that happen for all 6 of them! Hopefully the 4 year trigger that had them both dreaming of each reveals a lot to help me get my HEA.
September 4, 2023
The Masks of John Brooks is the second book in the Skyeholm series. This book is primarily focused on developing John and Skye’s characters, their romance and how their trauma and mental illness binds them. A lot of pieces fell into place during this novel, but I now have some questions that will probably be resolved in the next novel.
Spoilers Ahead!
I loved how psychotic Charlie’s character is; specifically, how everything he did tied back to Skye and his obsession with her. I am hoping the third novel in the series highlights this parallel between Charlie’s and John’s characters and develops that piece of the plot. John’s epiphany about Charlie’s role in the murders and Charlie’s subsequent confession was very intense and well-played.
I also loved the connection between John and Skye twenty years before. That electric connection remained throughout their lives, never to be replicated. The romance of that (regardless of age at the time of connection) really spoke volumes to me.
The last fifty pages had me on the edge of my seat! The fact that John realized that he would’ve met Skye without the kidnapping was a powerful moment and it beautifully illustrated their connection. While the book did a good job highlighting John’s mental illness, it really came together and showed the true depths and intensity at the end.
Spoilers Ahead!
I loved how psychotic Charlie’s character is; specifically, how everything he did tied back to Skye and his obsession with her. I am hoping the third novel in the series highlights this parallel between Charlie’s and John’s characters and develops that piece of the plot. John’s epiphany about Charlie’s role in the murders and Charlie’s subsequent confession was very intense and well-played.
I also loved the connection between John and Skye twenty years before. That electric connection remained throughout their lives, never to be replicated. The romance of that (regardless of age at the time of connection) really spoke volumes to me.
The last fifty pages had me on the edge of my seat! The fact that John realized that he would’ve met Skye without the kidnapping was a powerful moment and it beautifully illustrated their connection. While the book did a good job highlighting John’s mental illness, it really came together and showed the true depths and intensity at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2023
The Masks of John Brooks was a good read. It was a wonderful sequel to Skyeholm (book 1) and some of the questions I had were answered!
This book is darker than the first (which is great because I love dark books) and John was totally unhinged. I got to witness how bad his PTSD had gotten and my guess that something was wrong with John was fully explored in this book! Not only that, Skye was falling in deeper and I kind of feel that it had some elements of Stockholm syndrome because her friends were still caged in John’s attic and witnessing a whole of John’s epic outbursts (no spoilers here, sorry).
Again, I did find it weird that Skye left her family to be with John. I know they had their issues, but it was. . . I don’t know, it just didn’t sit right with me. Also, Charlie’s weird fixation with Skye was partly explained in this book and the suspense was really killing me.
I gave it a 4 stars tho, because I kind of got lost in some dialogues and it made it hard for me to follow. Also, things were moving slowly, unlike the first book and apart from these issues, it was a nice read for me! Looking forward to book three, which is the final one!
This book is darker than the first (which is great because I love dark books) and John was totally unhinged. I got to witness how bad his PTSD had gotten and my guess that something was wrong with John was fully explored in this book! Not only that, Skye was falling in deeper and I kind of feel that it had some elements of Stockholm syndrome because her friends were still caged in John’s attic and witnessing a whole of John’s epic outbursts (no spoilers here, sorry).
Again, I did find it weird that Skye left her family to be with John. I know they had their issues, but it was. . . I don’t know, it just didn’t sit right with me. Also, Charlie’s weird fixation with Skye was partly explained in this book and the suspense was really killing me.
I gave it a 4 stars tho, because I kind of got lost in some dialogues and it made it hard for me to follow. Also, things were moving slowly, unlike the first book and apart from these issues, it was a nice read for me! Looking forward to book three, which is the final one!
July 22, 2023
“I saw a man who treated the world as his stage. He used his anger as a mask so the audience couldn’t see the true face of the man behind it.”
•
Wow. That ending. Those last few chapters just has you so hooked you have to keep reading until you know what happens. Then it ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger leaving you wanting the next book. This book dives more into the mental health aspects than even the first book does. It does a lot closer look at John’s, and the twist at the end is just so shocking. You even get a further glimpse into Skye’s mental health, and you get to see how she uncovers traumatic memories that she has blocked out. Just when John starts to finally reach out to get help for his mental health, things seem to take a spin for the worst which leaves you wondering what will happen to Skye and her friends. A fantastic sequel to the first book. I am hooked, and I can’t wait to see how it all wraps up in book 3.
•
Wow. That ending. Those last few chapters just has you so hooked you have to keep reading until you know what happens. Then it ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger leaving you wanting the next book. This book dives more into the mental health aspects than even the first book does. It does a lot closer look at John’s, and the twist at the end is just so shocking. You even get a further glimpse into Skye’s mental health, and you get to see how she uncovers traumatic memories that she has blocked out. Just when John starts to finally reach out to get help for his mental health, things seem to take a spin for the worst which leaves you wondering what will happen to Skye and her friends. A fantastic sequel to the first book. I am hooked, and I can’t wait to see how it all wraps up in book 3.
July 19, 2023
Okay so I jumped straight into book two and immediately you can tell that it’s wrote in a different layout. I found it hard to keep straight but also I understand why it was wrote this way, I mean the name is The Masks of John Brooks.
I gave this one only 3 stars because it was harder to read and didn’t flow as well as the first one for me. I do appreciate the way each personality is given it’s own voice and how Tamara writes about it when this isn’t a subject most people would dare try.
I found myself having to put the book down for a few minutes and then I could continue reading. At no point did I think I wouldn’t finish the book just had to take some breathers.
When book 3 is released I will be reading it as well, gotta know how this story is going to end!!
I gave this one only 3 stars because it was harder to read and didn’t flow as well as the first one for me. I do appreciate the way each personality is given it’s own voice and how Tamara writes about it when this isn’t a subject most people would dare try.
I found myself having to put the book down for a few minutes and then I could continue reading. At no point did I think I wouldn’t finish the book just had to take some breathers.
When book 3 is released I will be reading it as well, gotta know how this story is going to end!!
January 2, 2025
The biggest case of the year is still on going. But when John’s memories start to come back with the help of skye, he is able to close it. But the toll of all past trauma is finally hitting him. What will happen, will getting help be all he needs or is there more to it? Will he eventually let Skye ‘s friends in the attic out or are they forever stuck there? This book is amazing, it kept me on my toes, and had me sucked in. It’s amazing book full of suspense. It’s filled with love, suspense, laughter. All the emotions you look for in a book. It definitely leaves you on your toes at the end because you still don’t know what is going to happen.
December 26, 2025
Omw I've throughly enjoyed the masks of john brooks. The was so much twists and turns. And Tamara really gets into the mind of someone suffering with ptsd and mental health issues. So parts I was actually feeling afraid for the friends in the attic. And they way John questioned Charlie was relentless as he knew which buttons to push. John and SKYE love story continues to grow. But does Skype know what she's getting into with John let's wait and see. If book 3 reveals if she can truly cope with John on her own. I'm thrilled to have been given the opportunity to read this series. My ratings have nothing to do with been given the novels to review. I find this interesting and informative.
June 23, 2023
Book review!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book: The Mask of John Brooks
Author: Tamara Lynne
Genre: Forbidden romance, thriller, crime, mystery…
WOW!! Just WOW!! 🤩 Book 2 blew my mind away!! 🤯 Tamara you went in with a lot of information here about mental health, PTSD, the Stockholm syndrome… on how really John and Syke meet before everything… the Charlie Pierce case… it’s was a lot… just the many faces/masks John had before the real one really came back… just wow 😮… now I really can’t wait for book 3 to see what will happen next….
Book: The Mask of John Brooks
Author: Tamara Lynne
Genre: Forbidden romance, thriller, crime, mystery…
WOW!! Just WOW!! 🤩 Book 2 blew my mind away!! 🤯 Tamara you went in with a lot of information here about mental health, PTSD, the Stockholm syndrome… on how really John and Syke meet before everything… the Charlie Pierce case… it’s was a lot… just the many faces/masks John had before the real one really came back… just wow 😮… now I really can’t wait for book 3 to see what will happen next….
July 10, 2023
This is the second book in this series the first was the beginning of John brooks and the second is a continuation of it showing the different masks John has it goes into and explains everything that is wrong with John with his ptsd the story line is absolutely amazing it’s a tremendous story you don’t read a lot of stories like this and it’s nice to see an author put this into a story and learn ptsd and the sky Holme syndrome the end of the book leaves you wanting to know the rest and there is a third book coming can’t wait for this
July 30, 2023
My rating is 3.5 stars. I jumped right into reading the masks of John brooks because I had to know what was going to happen.
This one was alittle more confusing to read with all the times John has spells of confusion and paranoia. I wish we would've gotten more things figured out instead of waiting for a 3rd book. I'm terrible with reading books with more then 2 books in a series because I tend to loose interest but that's just me. Nevertheless - I will defiantly be reading book 3 because I have to know what's going to happen!
This one was alittle more confusing to read with all the times John has spells of confusion and paranoia. I wish we would've gotten more things figured out instead of waiting for a 3rd book. I'm terrible with reading books with more then 2 books in a series because I tend to loose interest but that's just me. Nevertheless - I will defiantly be reading book 3 because I have to know what's going to happen!
June 30, 2023
Actually 4.5 stars! The entire last half half of the book kept me on edge, I could not stop reading. I was overjoyed that we received chapters in the POV of Miles, Karrie, Leslie, and Alexis. It definitely added so much more depth to the story, though I wish we could have seen those chapters a bit more frequently, especially during that final scene. I am super excited to read the next book when it comes out!
August 28, 2023
First off, Woah. I absolutely loved this book. Reading through everyone’s POV’s and also learning about the waves that John and Skye jump through with his mental health. The way that Tamara has written through everything is spectacular. Overall this is just a fantastic series and I’m at a loss for words on how to describe how much I enjoyed it and how amazing it was. I am so excited to read the third book and find out what happens with everyone!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. One or two of the chapters I felt like I didn’t need but other wise I really enjoyed seeing how John and skyes relationship really grows. John himself is good for sky but everything going on around them is against them. I hope in the third one we have some better for John and the friends get out of the attic. I wonder if John and sky will stay together.
October 6, 2023
5 ⭐️
This is the second book in the series. We meet John and Skye in the first book, Skyeholm. I loved all the twists and turns! Plenty of surprising moments. I really enjoyed unraveling John's many layers. Tamara did a wonderful job creating characters with such depth. I cannot wait to read more from her!
This is the second book in the series. We meet John and Skye in the first book, Skyeholm. I loved all the twists and turns! Plenty of surprising moments. I really enjoyed unraveling John's many layers. Tamara did a wonderful job creating characters with such depth. I cannot wait to read more from her!
May 24, 2025
Amazing! This is book 2 in the series! Wowza!! This draws the emotions! Perfectly written! This grabs and truly shows what anyone who suffers ptsd and did suffers! This is written so beautifully and grabs your attention! It was hard to put down! I can’t say enough how much and how amazing this book is!
June 18, 2023
Wow this book was amazing! Even better than the first book! I couldn’t put this book down and was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I can’t wait for the next book to come out. I NEED to know what happens next!
August 5, 2023
I was so excited to be able to read the second book in the series! There’s so much progress with learning about John’s mental health and learning more about why they’re drawn together. This was a really sweet book to compliment the first! I can’t wait to read the third!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2024
The book continues the case that John Brooks works on in the first book. Still trying to crack the case he faces a mental health issue. It puts a strain on everyone in the house. Now John has to find away to crack this case before his mental health gets in the away.
March 19, 2025
This book we learn more about Johns mind and the voices he hears, when they began and why.
He is still investigating Charlie, the man who stalked Skye through school and is involved in crime against women.
The 4 are still in the attic, they start to see the change in Johns personality.
Skye is falling more in love with John, wanting to be with him all the time. Firds forever.
I can not wait to get into Book 3
He is still investigating Charlie, the man who stalked Skye through school and is involved in crime against women.
The 4 are still in the attic, they start to see the change in Johns personality.
Skye is falling more in love with John, wanting to be with him all the time. Firds forever.
I can not wait to get into Book 3
May 8, 2023
I really really enjoyed The Masks of John Brooks.
I am obsessed with this series and cannot wait for book 3.
The planning of the story, characters development, the plots, the sub plots are all outstanding.
The story continues about the life of Detective John Brookes. He has many masks but so many layers. Then each mask has it's own layers. And they all combine together to unfold the most complex, but well written story. This story makes the DNA double helix look like one piece of spaghetti, but Tamara writes it brilliantly and you do not get lost!
I still cannot fathom on how Tamara has planned these books, not one character drops their essence, the masks of John are so complex, but so individual. The metaphor of a lead driver and passengers, doesn't do justice to the importance of the masks in each key event in the timeline of the book, and you can slowly see them twisting together, but so much hasn't be revealed I feel, so we cannot predict how it ends for any of them.
Skye is the main love interest, her complex history was explored in detail in this book, and there huge OMG moments. These make me believe that it isn't all Stockholm syndrome in play but true love as their foundation started so long before. I have more questions after this book, and cannot wait until book 3, so far, all I hope is they manage to get out of this in a way that gives me a HEA, however, these characters stay so true to their characters, that right now I cannot see the directions they need to take to make that happen for all 6 of them! Hopefully the 4 year trigger that had them both dreaming of each reveals a lot to help me get my HEA.
I am obsessed with this series and cannot wait for book 3.
The planning of the story, characters development, the plots, the sub plots are all outstanding.
The story continues about the life of Detective John Brookes. He has many masks but so many layers. Then each mask has it's own layers. And they all combine together to unfold the most complex, but well written story. This story makes the DNA double helix look like one piece of spaghetti, but Tamara writes it brilliantly and you do not get lost!
I still cannot fathom on how Tamara has planned these books, not one character drops their essence, the masks of John are so complex, but so individual. The metaphor of a lead driver and passengers, doesn't do justice to the importance of the masks in each key event in the timeline of the book, and you can slowly see them twisting together, but so much hasn't be revealed I feel, so we cannot predict how it ends for any of them.
Skye is the main love interest, her complex history was explored in detail in this book, and there huge OMG moments. These make me believe that it isn't all Stockholm syndrome in play but true love as their foundation started so long before. I have more questions after this book, and cannot wait until book 3, so far, all I hope is they manage to get out of this in a way that gives me a HEA, however, these characters stay so true to their characters, that right now I cannot see the directions they need to take to make that happen for all 6 of them! Hopefully the 4 year trigger that had them both dreaming of each reveals a lot to help me get my HEA.
April 14, 2025
Currently reading this phenomenal book, second in a trilogy. First with reading Skyeholm and then reading this one, you know Tamara is an exceptional author with how talented she is when she writes. As a very dear friend to me, watching her pursue her passion makes me so excited to see what else she has in store and getting to collect her books in this trilogy. Thank you Tami and love you lots, xoxo
March 1, 2025
Book two of the Skyeholm series by Tamara Rector.
Oh. My. Goodness. The series of events in this one, the way things cycle back and tie in together......yes!!!
I love John Brooks. I'm cheering for him and Skye and cannot wait to see how this plays out.
Being on the next book!!!
Oh. My. Goodness. The series of events in this one, the way things cycle back and tie in together......yes!!!
I love John Brooks. I'm cheering for him and Skye and cannot wait to see how this plays out.
Being on the next book!!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews