The Things We Lose

Mystical Markings #2

by B.L. Maxwell

Dane Jones has been touched by the spirit world. Once his powers were awakened by a cursed object, he’s tried to find peace with them. But the forces from beyond don’t play by the rules, and soon he’s wondering why he thought he had any hope of control over them.
Griff Warren loves Dane, and no matter how weird things may seem, he’ll always be there for him. But strange occurrences make him wonder if Dane’s keeping a secret, or if there’s more to the strange marks Dane bears.
Dane and Griff are thrown into more supernatural trouble than they can handle, and Janis, their psychic guide, knows it. She arranges for help from The Running Scared Paranormal guys and two strangers from the morgue, Bran and Jordan. First, they’ll lose their abilities, next they’ll have their powers challenged, and if they can’t stop what has been put into motion, no one will survive. #paranormalromance #supernatural #ghosthorror #urbanfantasy #hea

Genres: Paranormal

180 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2023

Reviews

[T Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just as exciting as book one. Same great characters show up on this adventure and what an adventure it is. It definitely kept you reading at least for me, I was glued to the pages. The villain wasn’t necessarily a surprise but wasn’t blatantly obvious either. She did her job well. The good guys were great. They strengthened the favorable opinion I already had of them as they were just as likable as before. The climatic ending was well done and worth the wait.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book more than the first as what the characters did made more sense (and the lack of creepy dolls was a big plus). There were some interesting and unusual events and the whole group of characters were good. I particularly liked the dogs involved, especially the ghost.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Things We Lose is the second book in the Mystical Markings series. A new adventure, a new story. There is mixture of excitement, betrayal, and a love strengthened. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brei-ayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The Things We Lose is a amazing story. Dane Jones has powers that were awoken by a cursed object. He and Griff get into supernatural trouble that is to big for them. Will they survive the obstacles they face.

[Sammy Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited about having the guys from Valley Ghosts in this one and also a new pair, Bran and Jordan. We got to see everyone's special abilities in play because they all have to work together to solve this one. It was still so spooky, and some of the ghosts really creeped me out. I knew who the bad guys were straight away, but it was still fun watching them get what was coming to them, especially the big show down near the end.

I still felt lost at places because so much isn't explained or is mentioned in other books, especially Bran and Jordans' book, which hasn't been released yet; that is a prequel to this. I had now clue about the prophecy and what it was because we didn't witness it here; we are just told about it. I just wished things were explained better, but I'm just glad I read all of the Valley Ghost books because that helped.

Their relationship is even stronger now, and I love how they communicate with each other and make decisions together. I hated seeing Dane hurt or in trouble because of what it does to poor Griff. They are just so sweet together.

I can't wait to read the new series about Jordan and Bran, especially after the ending of this one.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Things We Lose by BL Maxwell ramps up the excitement over The Things We Find, the first book starring Griff and Dane. The guys are happy to not have had any brushes with ghosts for six months and hope to keep it that way, but their luck is not that good. They actually get involved with everyone from the first book and have to save the world for humanity. This involves several hazardous encounters of a ghostly nature. Most readers will not be surprised by who the villain is and the types of powers arrayed against the good guys. Even once the bad guy is revealed, there is still plenty of action right up to the conclusion. I was happy to find that even despite the title, the things lost do not include any harm to animals and specifically Dane’s dogs. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorting Things Out . . .

There is a great deal of action and interaction among characters in this one! Dane Jones had his powers awakened by a cursed object and some trouble begins. Fortunately, Griff Warren will stand by him no matter what the situation, although things are getting strange and he is curious about the strange marks on Dane. Psychic guide Janis recognizes they have a serious problem and brings in some ghost hunters, including morgue friendlies, Bran and Jordan, to help defeat a powerful witch with evil ambitious intentions!

I loved meeting all of the characters, each putting their special skills into the battle and working together. Who is the traitor? And can they stop the evil crowding in on them to save humanity? I really enjoyed this one and its exciting conclusion! Well done!

[Sharon L · Rating 4 out of 5]

The supernatural evil never ends!!!

This is book 2 in the Mystical Markings series by BL Maxwell. When I saw this pop-up on Booksprout I had to grab it before it was gone. I listened to the first book, in the series, on Audible and I enjoyed it enough to want to hear more. Grabbing this story was a no brainer.

The narrator takes a little bit of getting used to, with his OTT narration, but once you start getting into the story you get used to his style. If I listened to this series narrated by someone else it just wouldn't be the same.

Dane and Griff are getting pummeled again, Dane is like a big old spirit magnet. Can't wait to see what's in-store for these guys.

Battling the bad guys, cute dogs, new friends, old friends, knowing someone is there to take care of you through it all

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dane with his supernatural powers and Griff with his unwavering support are back again, fighting a supernatural force that wants to use spirits and the dead to take over the natural world. With the help of Janis, their psychic guide, as well as the ghost hunters and a couple of morgue workers, they battle a “friend” whose body has been taken over by the spirit of a powerful witch, putting all in jeopardy, until they come out on top by combining their unique talents and working together to defeat the evil. Lots of action, some to speed up the blood pressure, but triumphing in the end. Great read, kept my interest and attention throughout.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPELLBINDING AND MYSTIC!

The conclusion to the series leaves you as reader spellbound and entranced with the esoteric mystery regarding a need for power by a dark force…. Dane and Griff embark on an exciting adventure to find out the meaning behind the markings with the help of the gang of ghost hunters and their psychic guide Janice but during their quest they discover there is a traitor in their mids of ghost hunters… and all is not what it seems… This is their sweet but haunting journey filled with necromancers, spiritual empaths, amplifiers and so much more so buckle up and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yvonne M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and loved the continued connection between Dane and Griff. They are so close and really listen to each other and the dogs love them both too. The fact that they are feeling a pull from the vail is a bit off putting, but it’s even worse when it’s the evil forces that are pulling. These men were lucky enough to have strong friends who help them stay safe and alive and stop the evil witch and end her life. I really enjoyed this story and I recommend this story to everyone who loves mm mystery stories with a happy ending too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOWZA! WOWZA!

This book continues from the last one and it might be better, too! This is the first time in a long time that a book held me in suspense. The story flowed well which made it easy to read. Most of the characters are from the previous book and become more described. The scenery is rich. But BL Maxwell's imagination for this book is gorgeous! If you've read Book 1: "The Things We Find", you MUST read this!

[stardragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griff and Dane are urban explorers that have found a group of other explorers with special abilities. The first book in this series is “The Things We Find” it gives some background information. The spirits are riled up and there is a traitor in the group. Each explorer has an ability and they all need to use those to save everyone involved. This story keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat.

[Mrs.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What you see is not always the truth. And sometimes the truth is hiding behind a lie.”
A fast-paced and exciting sequel to The Things We Find where Dane and Griff, now an established couple, must face many things they don’t fully understand and are ill-prepared for. Add to that an undercurrent of deception to someone they thought a friend, and what they are up against is taxing, to say the least.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their Adventure Continues. Dane and Greg are on an adventure that mixes unforeseen betrayal, (Like stab in the back kind), saving a trusted friend, tangling with a vengeful Mom (dead witch), and reinforcing their love for each other. An exciting conclusion to this two-book series Mystical Markings. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and the author does not disappoint! She takes Griff and Dane an another adventure in this entertaining paranormal story. She moves it fluidly with her descriptive scenes, has a great cast of supporting characters and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and the author does not disappoint!, Griff and Dane take us on another adventure in this great paranormal story, We get some questions answered from book one (like who the traitor was) again the story kept my attention from start to finish, with great characters and side characters I’m looking forward to reading more from this series in the future.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great spooky season tale

Dale and Griff are back for another paranormal adventure.
This time, though, Dale is harboring a secret from Griff that could have irreparable consequences.
Dale is out of his league with this one because he can barely control his powers so outside help is necessary.
This was a quick spooky season tale that's sweet with a touch of heart.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I really enjoyed this story. It was so much fun and so interesting. The perfect ghost story to get in the mood for Fall, not too scary and a little bit sweet. I really enjoyed seeing all of the gang again also. This was a great story.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read with wonderful world building! I love Griff and Dane together! They certainly make things interesting in this suspenseful story! It kept me turning the pages. Very entertaining story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Shelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Left Wanting More

This book was better than the prior one in the series, but I was still left with wanting more. I’ve read other books by this author that are so much better. BL’s nonPNR books are much better.

[Golden Child · Rating 4 out of 5]

Griff & Dane pt 2

A wrap up to Dane gaining powers, the two of them getting wrapped up in a war among the veil and then solidifying their relationship. A bit quirky and lots of action. Entertaining story.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dane and Griff are back again, their adventures are not over yet, or should I say their trials? In the first book of the Mystical Markings stories they had their first experience of urban exploring in Sacramento. They began with a warehouse but being spooked, they decided a ranch house would be a safer option. That however left Dane possessed. After he was saved from the spirit a tattoo was left on his arm, one that should protect him from spirits but it was also apparent he has now had some powers awakened.

He thought he had worked out how to control them but it seems that they have other ideas and that they want to control Dane. Griff is trying to support the man he is coming to love. A year has passed since the events of book one.

They now have a spirit guide to support them and she introduces them to some characters you might recognise from another of BL Maxwell's books... Are the pair, and their new contacts, getting in too deep? Can their feelings for one another win over the supernatural powers?

Griff does care for Dane but he is wondering what Dane is keeping from him. He knows there is more going on than anyone is willing to share with him and. he doesn't know why. First of all their friends hid the paranormal under their urban exploring sessions, then that paranormal came into their lives with more force and now... Now they seem to be in too deep to stop but Griff doesn't know how they can beat whatever it is that is trying to take Dane.

The spirits are not friendly, there are plenty of battles Dane is going to have to fight and he needs Griff by his side. Griff was not a believer before he saw this with his own eyes but, seeing it doesn't mean that he would really like it to be a part of his life but it is and he is going to have to find a way to live with it if he wants to keep Dane in his life.

It is haunting, twisted and twisting ~ the story takes us on a rollercoaster journey. There are times when you might find yourself checking over your shoulder to check there really is nothing there, but there are also tender moments between Dane and Griff (and the dogs). Writing about the supernatural is not an easy topic to get right, BL Maxwell has nailed it, listening to her books on audio adds a great dimension, really bringing the stories to life, engaging us with the characters and events, wishing the best for them, through their good and bad times!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Things We Lose is the second book in the Mystical Markings series. This book follows Dane and Griff in another haunting adventure. I love Dane and Griff together. I love the way the story is told. The world building and character development is well done. I love seeing the old and new characters in this story. I really enjoy a good paranormal story and this is a good one. BL Maxwell is an amazing author and I look forward more books by her. If you get the audio narration, Allen Jeffries does a wonderful job of narrating this series. He makes the change in characters seamlessly. I can't wait to listen to the next book. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traitor Revealed

This is a good follow-up to book one. We get some answers to questions raised before and get to find out who's a traitor amongst the group. I enjoyed reading this very much.
Update: I enjoyed this story even more while listening to the audiobook. The great narration by Allen Jeffries really helps to bring the story to life.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion