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Life After Death

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Chelsea Karmikel has led a pretty uneventful life…until she finds herself electrocuted. Now, she’s discovered her family’s secret heritage. She’s a seer of the dead, lending her sight to help those in need. Ghosts are her new reality.

Her mission is to encourage those who have lost their way to follow the Watchman, the crazed guide for the Inbetween…a way station where souls move from one existence to the next. But, there’s something deeper and darker than the ghosts who come to her for help. If Chelsea’s not careful, those eager to swallow her soul’s light may devour her alive… if she allows herself be drawn into the Nevernever.

When Brad Rearden, a darkly handsome, insufferable private detective and walks into her life, he touches off a wild-fire of desire that entraps them both, scorching them with need.
Together, they work to solve the mystery of his Aunt Deloris’s death, because Chelsea’s next on the murderer’s list. But who will catch whom—the murderer or Chelsea?

222 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2013

31 people want to read

About the author

Lillie J. Roberts

11 books29 followers
Lillie J. Roberts is a debut author with Crimson Romance. She lives in the middle of nowhere, USA (literally... well, really rural central Illinois) but far from the maddening crowds with her husband, three kids, and one wicked westie (but not far from farm machinery, cows, horses, and various wild animals who like to come and peek in her front door). She loves paranormal romance, urban fantasy, spicy romance reads, and young adult of all kinds... and writes them too.

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5 stars
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6 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Blodeuedd Finland.
3,723 reviews310 followers
July 8, 2013
I confess that I do know the author so I wondered first and hoped it would be good ;) Well it was. Lillie Roberts has a wonderful voice, there was this warmth in the book (even when death and danger was near). There was also an easiness to the book, which was short, but good at getting it's point through.

To the book then. Chelsea the heroine sees dead people, well not at first as it has a taken a while for her gift to emerge. And like any sane person she thinks she is loosing it. But she does her best, and she is scared. Which I also liked cos she felt very human, crying in her PJs.

Right that was Chelsea, dealing with her new life. In comes the book's love interest and there is distrust and anger at once. A little drama to overcome is always nice. And Brad is a good guy when we get to know him. Sweet and protective. So there is romance growing and plenty of passion.

What to call this book? Well there is the passion, suspense and mystery so just mix all those things. There is danger and creepy ghosts and secrets to find out.

A good book that kept me hooked. All sweetness and suspense.
Profile Image for Louann Carroll.
Author 15 books137 followers
March 18, 2013
Accident prone, Chelsea Karmikel, electrocutes herself when her hair dryer meets the shower. This is not the first time Chelsea has died. No, it's happened quite a few times. She's worried this might be the last of her many resurrections, when a strange man turns up on her doorstep asking her to contact his wife to let her know he's okay.

He is, she does, but it turns out he's dead.

Chelsea discovers she has inherited her family's predisposition to, ah, seeing ghosts. Not that she minds, but it can be upsetting when they turn up out of nowhere or even at her front door.

After discussing her new state of being with her grandmother, an elderly woman well-grounded in things paranormal, yet skipped over genetically, she receives a phone call from a detective tied by family to one of the oldest law firms in the area.

Hunky, handsome Brad Rearden believes his aunt has been tricked when he discovers she has left her estate to an unknown female named Chelsea Karmikel. When the offender shows up at his office he lets her have it, believing she has somehow stolen his family's inheritance.

Taken totally by surprise, Chelsea, accompanied by her grandmother, denies Brad's accusation and storms out of the office. Consumed by guilt, Brad realizes he's wrong and sets out to win her affections. There is no question he is drawn to her and wants to make her his own, but before he can accomplish his mission, he is accosted by his brother, who demands that Brad find a way to return his aunt's farm and surrounding acreage to the Rearden family.

Sparks fly, forcing Brad and Chelsea into each others arms. The death of Brad's aunt turns out to be anything but accidental, and together, Brad and Chelsea race to discover the murderer before they are next. Chelsea's nightmares take a turn for the worse. Between longing for Brad's acceptance of her paranormal abilities and the unexpected dream where she is introduced to the other-side, a place that is determined to grab her and make her its own, there are times she feels she is losing her sanity. But, Chelsea's grandmother, once again to the rescue, introduces her to a hill-country woman who guided Chelsea's great-grandmother. There, she is instructed on her skills and begins to understand the gift she's inherited.

Miss Robert's Life After Death is a well-written paranormal romance turned crime novel that will capture your attention and NOT LET GO. I know, I read it in two days, in a total of six hours. The characters are believable and sympathetic. The verbiage is snappy, the writing is clean, and the storyline fantastic. The sex wasn't bad either. At one point, I headed over to the author's FB page and left her a note. This is one lady who knows how to put together a romance novel. In addition, I can promise you the ending is just as shocking as the beginning (no pun intended).

Congratulations on a well-written debut novel, Ms. Roberts. Thank you for allowing me to review Life After Death before the release date.
Profile Image for Erin Richards.
Author 27 books134 followers
August 7, 2013
I loved how this book started with Chelsea Karmikel electrocuting herself and living to tell about! She’s like a cat with nine lives! Right off the bat you know something is unique about her, and the accident sets a train of electrifying events, paranormal thrills, mystery, and romance in motion. I love ghost stories and I would add LIFE AFTER DEATH to the best of them.

Out of the blue, as Chelsea is discovering her strange new ability to see and talk to ghosts, she gets a phone call from private investigator, Brad Reardon. They immediately butt heads when he tells Chelsea that she’s the heir to Brad’s aunt’s estate for seemingly no reason. He immediately mistrusts her and great conflict ensues as Chelsea tries to make him understand her position. Then their lives intertwine further when Brad’s aunt contacts Chelsea from the dead, and she has to make Brad understand her newfound abilities to talk to ghosts. Of course, Brad is skeptical of Chelsea’s abilities and it makes for even more conflict. As these events are going on, Chelsea’s trying to understand her family’s paranormal past and is further embroiled in another nightmare…one that could destroy her.

The romance between Chelsea and Brad is sweet and although it progresses a little too fast for my tastes (which is subjective) when Brad moves in with her right away, it felt natural. As they become engulfed in thrilling mysteries, murder, and family secrets, they have time and opportunity to explore the passion building between them, with sex scenes that sizzle on the page.

Ms. Roberts definitely knows how to create nail-biting tension with expert characterization and great story telling. You almost needed a seat belt to hang onto this roller-coaster ride. The sparks and passion flying between Chelsea and Brad was just as heart-pounding, adding to the chills and thrills of this well-written novel. I highly recommend LIFE AFTER DEATH to all fans of ghost stories and paranormal romance.
Profile Image for Leslie Garcia.
Author 35 books33 followers
June 23, 2013
How many times do you have to die in one lifetime just to live? Chelsea Karmikel’s accidents have been frequent and severe. When she accidentally drops her hairdryer in the shower, it’s just fate and dedicated doctors that can keep her alive, although the after-effects of electrocution make Chelsea wonder if they really succeeded.

Fortunately, Chelsea’s strong and spirited, so when a P. I. she’s never met calls her into his office and attacks her and her grandmother, she’s infuriated. How dare this Brad Rearden accuse her of stealing his dead aunt’s property?

For his part, black sheep Brad Rearden could care less if his wealthy family loses his aunt’s farm to a stranger—a crazy, if beautiful stranger no less. What wounds him is that clearly Chelsea must have defrauded an ill and aging woman to be named the sole heiress of his aunt’s estate.

Brad and Chelsea find solace and passion in each other’s arms—but where will their unknown and dangerous paths lead them?

Ms. Roberts just wowed me with Life After Death. If you’ve seen Ghost, The Sixth Sense, if you’ve read paranormal—you’ll begin the book as I did. I’d been captured by an excerpt, wanted to read it—but I figured I knew just where the story would take me. I was wrong. And wrong, and wrong.

It’s hard to imagine a book where the love scenes sizzle, and then suddenly events plunge you back into a world of chills and doubt—but Ms. Roberts pulls it off in this one.

Life After Death is an amazing read and a convincing 5 stars!
Profile Image for Andrea Cooper.
Author 40 books328 followers
July 12, 2013
Chelsea Karmikel has escaped death several times, the last one, an electrocution leaves her with the ability to see and talk to ghosts. Brad Rearden, a private detective, is at first a skeptic – but even he witnesses things he can’t explain. Together they battle both a seen and unseen foe.

If you like thrillers, romance, and The Sixth Sense, this should be on your reading list. Ms. Roberts knows how to keep you turning pages. She builds the tension until you are biting your fingernails to find out what happens next.

The romance between Chelsea and Brad is sweet and shows a logical progression from their first rough meeting until the last kiss. However, it did seem like there could be a sequel for this couple on the horizon?

A thrilling read from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Lisa White.
Author 3 books4 followers
July 27, 2013
Roberts debut is a thrilling ride you don’t want to end. From Chelsea’s death in the opening scene to her sensual kisses at the end, Life After Death keeps you turning pages. A fast-paced paranormal read, if you like ghosts and twists, you will like this book. Entwined with the plot’s intrigue, the romance between Brad and Chelsea does not disappoint. Can’t wait for Roberts’ next book!
Note: I was a provided an ARC for review as a professional courtesy. No monetary or other compensation was involved.
Profile Image for Leslie G..
39 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2013
A mix of paranormal romance and suspense, this novel's beginning was exciting, but the number of typographical errors detracted from the story and its conclusion.
Profile Image for Mary Moore.
24 reviews7 followers
August 30, 2019
Life After Death

This is one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure to read!
It had suspense, romance and the newly appointed short-lived and
Truly the gift hat the gal had inherited. She was not prepared to understand
how or why she was able to see deceased people and be able to help them!
Wow! What an extraordinary experience! Thankfully her grandmother
Knew about the gift, as her grandmother had explained it to her.
Lots of raging sex as well as hot temper. The ending was surprising!
I sure hope this author writes about more of this 23 year-old's
Experience and of her unusual life experiences!

Profile Image for Kathryn Cook.
72 reviews5 followers
June 25, 2017
Looking for More?

OK, so yes it was interesting and rather short. Although it was interesting I kept looking for something more of the story
Profile Image for Carole Rae.
1,656 reviews42 followers
August 26, 2013
Like earlier stated I was given this by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion. I will admit...I know the author and am pals with her, but I shall be completely honest and unbiased!

Poor Chelsea...all she wanted was a simple life with a simple job. However, she is a klutz and due to this she accidentally electrocuted herself and it awoken a gene in her body that allows her to communicate with ghosts. Not only can she talk to them, but she can see them and feel them when they touch her. It is now her job as a "seer" to help the ghosts find peace. Poor chit...not an easy gig and I do not envy her. Then things get EXTRA complicated when a P.I comes into play. The daft man...I don't like Brad. Okay...its not that I dislike him, but I don't get how Chelsea forgave him so quickly. I would have been a bitter woman for a while. Gah. I guess love conquers all. Meh.

Events happened really quickly in this, but I contribute that its a novella in a way. There are only like 130 pages, so I think it falls under that category. So far warning...things happen pretty quickly, but things have to, so the story can move on. Like Chelsea and Brad falling deeply and madly in love and lust. I still don't like how quickly she forgave him for the huge insult and misunderstanding he had not only against Chelsea, but also against her Grandma.

The book was a fun read, I enjoyed it immensely. It was short and quick, but never boring or cheesy. The voice and tone of the writer was very good and it kept me hooked and I read this in no time. I wish, though, she had made this bigger. Haha. I also wish that she went more in depth on Chelsea's power.

In the end, I liked this book. It was a nice and quick read. I just wish it was longer and explained more about her power as a seer. I feel as if we just scratched the surface. Perhaps a sequel is in our mists? ^.^ I would recommend this to those that love a paranormal blended with romance and mystery. This book shall be stamped with 4 stars.

Favorite Character(s): Chelsea, Grandma, and Aunt Deloris.
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Sam & Brad (I had a love-hate thing with him)
Profile Image for Kathryn.
26 reviews
December 3, 2013
Chelsea Karmikel accidentally electrocutes herself in the shower one day and soon discovers dead people can now talk to her and give her messages for their relatives, an ability she discovers runs in her family. Then she is informed, by a man who clearly dislikes her, that she has inherited his aunt’s farm. It is all too much for Chelsea, who tells the man to keep the property and stalks off.

The man, Bradley Reardon, a private detective, realizes he has misjudged Chelsea and calls her to apologize. Their mutual attraction soon ripens into love, even though Brad finds Chelsea’s new ability scary, especially when his dead aunt comes to tell Chelsea that he is in danger. He realizes his aunt’s death might not have been an accident, and worse, that his younger brother, who badly wants the property, might have had something to do with her death.

Chelsea has her hands full trying to master her new abilities while keeping the darkness at bay and trying to protect Brad from the danger that stalks them both as they come closer and closer to the truth of his aunt’s death. Even if Brad can accept what she does, can they both stay alive long enough to give their love a chance?

Lillie J. Roberts’ Life After Death is a delight to read, with a plucky, determined heroine and a strong, steadfast hero guaranteed to lift your spirits, and enough suspense to keep you turning those pages long after bedtime. Don’t miss this one!
Profile Image for Liv Rancourt.
Author 58 books189 followers
December 13, 2013
Chelsea's always been accident prone, but her latest near-death experience has left a deeper mark than the others. She develops the ability to talk to spirits, ghosts who come to her for help in resolving the issues that death interrupted. Although it's more than a little disconcerting, she discovers it's a family trait, one she can learn to live with.

Brad's a private investigator who's very interested in learning more about the stranger his favorite aunt left her home to. Chelsea is that stranger, and while their relationship starts off antagonistically, they soon find a connection. Her burgeoning paranormal talent presents challenges, as do his family secrets, and it soon becomes clear that the danger is coming from both this world and the next.

"Life After Death" is a charming paranormal romance with a great sense of it's location, sympathetic main characters, and a deft mix of the paranormal with the mundane. I found myself rooting for Brad and Chelsea as they faced challenges that could either bring them together or drive them apart. Ms. Roberts did a nice job of weaving a satisfying conclusion, and I'll definitely look for more by this author.

The author provided me with a complimentary copy in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Nancy Weeks.
Author 28 books154 followers
September 11, 2013
Life After Death by Lillie J. Roberts was a delight to read. The premise of Life After Death is similar to a wonderful series I enjoyed years ago called Ghost Whispers. Ms. Roberts captured my attention, kept me clued to my seat [with the lights on]in a chilling ghost story while giving me an exciting, sizzling romance. I just loved watching Brad and Chelsea find their way to each other while Chelsea comes to turns with her new,intriguing ability.

This is one of those books you will not be able to put down. Life After Death more than earned it's 5 stars. Well done Ms. Roberts! I will definitely be looking for more of your books in the future.
15 reviews
April 12, 2014
Chelsea Karmikel thought she was just a klutz when her latest mishap happened but when she realized she was seeing dead people, she was quite frightened. When she meets Brad Rearden, a PI, it is the beginning of her life turning upside down. She has inherited his aunt's estate, a lady she does not even remember meeting, and therefore, does not want it. Brad's brother thinks it should go to him and he is very insistent about that. Chelsea and Brad are very attracted to each other and Brad must choose ....love or family. Lots of twists and turns and a little love-making. Very good read.

Profile Image for Lucy Oliver.
Author 19 books17 followers
October 15, 2013
Right from the first line, I loved this book! It's very well written with great characters and a very unusual premise. It starts with Chelsea electrocuting herself in the bath, and discovering a new gift. (I won't say too much because I wouldn't want to spoil the story)But this chilling ghost story, mixed with hot romance, had me turning the pages well after midnight.

I definitely recommend this book, it is an excellent paranormal romance with likable and believable characters.
Profile Image for Kelly.
359 reviews4 followers
May 19, 2016
This is great mystery/ romance book

Great book!!! Very entertaining!!! I just loved reading this book!! I'd really love to read more books about Chelsea and Brad!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews