Always and Forever Love

Aegar Investigations #2

by Lynn Crandall

The presence of a ghost in her life doesn't alarm Lacy Aegar - in fact it makes her happy. Two and a half years ago when her dead husband, Nicholas, reappeared in her life as a full-bodied spirit, she questioned her sanity. But with Nicholas's explanation that things about life are not as she's always believed, she settled into a pleasant routine of working with her sister at their private investigation business and enjoying home life with her now eight-year-old son - with Nicholas never very far away.

Lacey's complacency and sense of stability is sent topsy-turvy when she runs into Jackson Carter, the son of powerful and influential business tycoon William Carter. Typical of the Carter reputation, Jackson's slick new private investigating business is siphoning off clients from the Aegar sisters' business, creating financial difficulty. It's a recurring nightmare for Lacey, who has already seen damage done by the Carter family, and when she encounters Jackson, she wants nothing to do with him.

But things are not what they seem when it comes to Jackson Carter, either. He's fighting a battle to preserve his business, too, and his integrity. For him, it's a fight for his soul. As they work together, Jackson and Lacey not only face death, they come to grips with their feelings about love and life.

Sensuality Level: Sensual

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance

196 pages, ebook

First published December 16, 2013

About the author

I’ve been a reader and a writer all my life. My background is in journalism, but whether writing a magazine or newspaper story or creating a romance, I love the power stories hold to transport, inspire, and uplift.

In my romances, I focus on vulnerable, embraceable characters who don’t back down. I hope that readers discover, over and over, stories of ordinary people who face ordinary life challenges and are transformed by extraordinary love

Reviews

[Duchess]

Review to be posted in upcoming issue of InD'Tale Magazine

www.indtale.com

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jackson and Lacy's romance unfolds fairly slowly due to Lacy's antagonism towards the Carter family. Once it does become apparent that there is something brewing between them however, things pick up very quickly.

Read full review in the 2014 March issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always and Forever Love (Crimson Romance) TITLE: ALWAYS AND FOREVER LOVEAUTHOR: LYNN CRANDALLAUTHOR'S WEBSITE: http://lynn-crandall.com/GENRE: ROMANTIC SUSPENSELENGTH: 196 pagesBUY LINK: AMAZON BLURB: 
The presence of a ghost in her life doesn't alarm Lacy Aegar—in fact it makes her happy. Two and a half years ago when her dead husband, Nicholas, reappeared in her life as a full-bodied spirit, she questioned her sanity. But with Nicholas's explanation that things about life are not as she's always believed, she settled into a pleasant routine of working with her sister at their private investigation business and enjoying home life with her now eight-year-old son—with Nicholas never very far away.Lacey's complacency and sense of stability is sent topsy-turvy when she runs into Jackson Carter, the son of powerful and influential business tycoon William Carter. Typical of the Carter reputation, Jackson's slick, new private investigating business is siphoning off clients from the Aegar sisters' business, creating financial difficulty. It's a recurring nightmare for Lacey, who has already seen damage done by the Carter family, and when she encounters Jackson, she wants nothing to do with him.But things are not what they seem when it comes to Jackson Carter, either. Unbeknownst to Lacey and her sister, Jackson is fighting a battle to preserve his business, too, and his integrity. For him, it's a fight for his soul, and he enlists Lacey's help because of her unique investigative skills and open heart. When she uncovers a mole in his business, she also discovers that one of his clients' drug trials has been given the green light to go to the next phase based on falsified data. As they work together to save both their businesses, Jackson and Lacey not only face death, they come to grips with their feelings about love and life. With Nicholas's help, Lacey comes to understand that love is always and forever, but in choosing Jackson, she chooses a full life, a life worth living.REVIEW
I was somewhat at a loss as to what I was going to write in my review after I had completed reading this story.  My feelings on this are rather mixed and I was not sure if I would have been able to really do justice to this story.
 
First of all the first thing that caught my attention was the blurb.  It sounded rather exciting and right up my alley as I absolutely love romantic suspense. As a result I was expecting a fast paced, edge of your seat read. But alas this was not to be. The story started out really slow and it took sometime before it got to the real exciting stuff and even then I was still not blown over.
 
Now what irked me most about this story was Lacey, the female protagonist.  Now she has been in mourning for her husband for more than two years and she was unwilling to let go of him so much so that he was visiting her from the beyond. She was having conversations with him, having meals with him and sleeping with him bearing in mind she was the only one who was seeing him. . Lacey was using this as an excuse to not go out and have a life.  Personally for me I thought that was rather creepy.  Gimme a break, what comfort can a ghost offer to a human being unless it’s the Holy Ghost?
 
Based on this I found the romance between Jackson and Lacey to be a bit contrived. I found it rather strange here she was still pinning for her dead husband and refusing to let go of him but was still able to fall in love with someone else.  (Oh well I guess I needed to remind myself that this is fantasy and not the real world)
 
The redeeming factor of this story in my opinion is the suspense and the mystery element.  This was enough to hold my attention as I was curious to know who was responsible for sabotaging Jackson’s business and if somehow his father was involved.   I also liked the way Jackson stood up to his father and willing to not allow him to run and ultimately ruin his life.
 
 
Overall for me this was an ok read. It was not my favourite but I will still recommend it as I know everyone’s taste is different.
 
N.B this review was originally  posted at  http://satinsheetsromance.blogspot.co...

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Julie
Book provided by the publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book

Nicholas and Lacey had the always and forever kind of love. Then Nicholas died, leaving Lacey alone to raise their son. But, Lacey soon discovers that she can still see Nicholas. She is the only one who can and so it became their little secret and the secret to how Lacey has managed cope.

If you lost your significant other and then found out they could still be in your life, albiet as a ghost, you might find yourself being thankful to still have that person no matter what. Lacey was just happy and relieved that she could still see him and have him participate in her life to some extent, though she never realized she wasn’t really living her life to it’s full potential. Until Jackson Carter entered her life and awoke long dormant needs and feelings in Lacey.

Although this is a fantasy, it would be hard to let go of someone you loved and move forward without them, by choice. Nicholas knows it’s time for Lacey to realize she can’t continue to live as she has been and helps her adjust to the idea of life without him.

Meanwhile, Jackson is trying to live down his father’s reputation as a ruthless man that apparently has no conscience. Not only that , Jackson has to ward off his father’s manipulations and guilt trips because Jackson has chosen to step out of his father’s shadow and be his own man. He lived his life being judged by others because of his father and is tired of it.

Lacey has already made up her mind about Jackson based on who his father is, but not only that she is super angry that he is stealing away her clients. It was kind of funny when they had their first meeting and Jackson refuses to be the jerk Lacey is convinced he is. When he offers Lacey a job she simply can’t turn it down.

Jackson’s integrity and honor will have you rooting for him as he attempts to uncover a mole in his company and while he tries to investigate a dangerous medical treatment that could have devastating side effects. While we know Jackson’s true heart, Lacey will need some convincing.

This is a sweet love story with strong paranormal elements and suspense. The romance between Lacey and Nicholas will certainly have you reaching for the tissues as the inevitable goodbye takes place, but then when Lacey finally allows Jackson the chance to show her the kind of man he really is, you’ll find a big smile on your face.

Before Lacey and Jackson will have the chance to explore their new relationship they will have to uncover a conspiracy and come out of it alive.

The secondary characters of Sterling and Ben support and love for Lacey as she goes through some major life changes.

The plot regarding the undercover operation was a little rushed and could have been a little more detailed, and the romance between Lacey and Jackson turned serious pretty fast after such a bumpy start. Having said that though I did like the maturity the couple showed by not constantly sniping at each other and saying things to one another just to cause pain. So, even though Lacey was determined to dislike Jackson initially, she did open her mind to the possibility that he was a good guy afer all , which made it possible for her to open her heart to him too. So, yes the romance did move pretty fast, but when you know it’s right, why wait?

This story is pretty light hearted with a low heat level and very little language and no graphic violence. I would recommend it anyone that enjoys romance in contemporary settings.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lacey raises her 10 year old son and works with her sister at their private investigation business. She is good at her job and seems to have a pretty normal life. What others don't know is she also lives with the ghost of her husband. He came back to her two and a half years ago and she is very happy. While she does have some lonely times her biggest concern is keeping her business going. She meets Jackson Carter and while she wants to hate him for taking some of her business and because of his father she finds she can't. Jackson wants her help to figure out who is set to ruin him. She uncovers info that one of his clients has been falsifying information to speed drug trials up. The deeper they dig they find there selves in more danger. They also begin to have feelings for each other. They just have to stay alive to see what may come of those feelings.

Lacey is very smart and she is the type that notices little details. It makes her great at her job. She gets people to open up to her. She is a wonderful mother and you can tell she loved her husband deeply. She still talks to his ghost and while odd it keeps her going. She isn't afraid of danger and will help those she cans. Jackson you would think would be like his father but he is nothing like him. He wants to do things his own way without people comparing them. He also is wonderful with kids even if he at times doesn't listen. He is a great guy who wants things done right. He isn't afraid to put his self in danger to figure things out.

I really enjoyed this book as I got to know Lacey and Jackson as I read. I love how they both are good hearted people who don't back down. Lacey has to learn to let go and maybe say goodbye to her husband. She has relied on his ghost being there for her and she has to see she may want a real person. Jackson keeps after Lacey even when she pushes him away he tries to make her see he isn't a bad guy. There is lots of action in this book as Lacey is helping Jackson find out who is behind not only falsifying records but out to destroy his company. I love how Lacey snoops and goes under cover to try to figure things out. She is such a great character. This book is also about letting go. I love that Lacey has had her husbands ghost with her and how he talks to her about things. She is afraid to move on and he helps her. There is plenty of love in this book. If you like a mystery/action packed book that keeps you intrigued and where love begins and ends be sure to try this one.

[Sassy Moms Say Read Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was NOT what I expected at all! When you start reading, you think you're reading another romantic suspense novel, then BAM, here comes a ghost. But it's written in such a beautiful way that you almost forget you aren't reading a story about a typical married couple. Nicolas and Lacy's love transcends death and she is happy with that. Nicolas wants her to move forward, but will she accept that?
Enter Jackson Carter, the son of Lacy's nemesis. When she helps his nephew find his lost dog, the last thing she wanted to do was make nice with Jackson. Her preconceived notions about him cloud her astute judgement and while she is cool and professional, she is far from being friendly. Especially since his new business is taking clients away from Lacy and her sister.
When a situation arises that requires Jackson to hire Lacy, she reluctantly agrees. Throughout the course of her work, she finds herself thinking more of Jackson, but what will Nicolas think? Is she ready to let go of her husband and welcome a new love in to her life?
Nicolas sets things in to perspective for Lacy. He is her voice of reason, her rock. Jackson is new and has a lot to prove, and Lynn still has a job to do. The longer the job plays out, the more dangerous it becomes, and the more Jackson and Lacy fall for each other.
This is a sweet story of new beginnings. It's a paranormal that isn't a paranormal. Lynn strikes a perfect balance of romance and suspense and throw in a ghost husband and you have yourself a wonderful story. To fully understand Lacy's relationship with her husband you have to read the book. Lynn does a beautiful job giving the reader a glimpse in to their relationship and the love they share. This story makes you happy and opens your eyes to see what could happen when you let someone new in and that it's ok to let go.

[Andrea Guy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I thought I was going to be reading a normal novel of romantic suspense, boy would I have been wrong, but when I saw that there was a ghost involved in this story, I had to make sure I read this one. I love ghosts.

The ghost is Lacey's husband who died a few years back. That's what makes the story a bit more interesting. It is really about her letting go. That's mostly what the first part of this book is about, and for some, it could be slow, but it really sets up the story for you, so you know what type of woman Lacey is.

Then there's the relationship that starts with Jackson and Lacey, two people you wouldn't think would get together. I really liked both characters a lot. Both have things they need to work though, with Jackson, it is his relationship with his manipulative dad.

There was one thing that surprised me about this book. It wasn't your typical suspense novel. In fact it was more or less a mystery. When I think suspense, I think Harlequin Intrigues with the same old plot. Woman is on the run from a bad man who is trying to kill her and a military type swoops in to save the day. Lynn, gives us a heroine that stands on her own and guess what? She saves the day too, without being bumbling or simpering. She's a tough woman with a vulnerable side, and she knows how to do her job. (Sometimes her PI skills remind me a bit of Sherlock)

So glad, this wasn't like that. It was a corporate mystery and that was something refreshing to me.

I really enjoyed this book.

[Rena Koontz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rena KoontzREVIEW COPY PROVIDED BY AUTHOR

It’s an easy relationship that Author Lynn Crandall lulls the reader into on the pages of her newest release, "Always and Forever Love." Her skillful turn of a phrase and slow introduction of Jackson Carter into Lacey Aegar’s life is effortless, allowing the reader to relax into the sofa cushions and smile knowingly as Jackson creeps into Lacey’s heart.

Readers met Lacey in Crandall’s first romantic suspense, "Dancing with Detective Danger," released by Crimson Romance last year. Lacey was a widow whose husband continued to stay by her side from the spirit world. His apparition is better explained by Ms. Crandall in "Always and Forever Love," also a Crimson release, and serves to prove that love prevails beyond the world as we know it. But it is also ongoing in the present, which is the lesson Jackson carefully teaches Lacey. The reader feels comforted knowing that these two will be together with the blessings of dead husband.

Lacey is a partner in the detective agency she and her sister operate and, just as with the romance, Crandall nudges the reader into harm’s way along with Lacey and Jackson as they investigate a mole trying to disrupt Jackson’s life and destroy his career. Their realization is that together, they can win and together is what they want to be.

Thank you, Ms. Crandall, for touching our hearts.

[KyBunnies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted to Bunny's Review


I have a few problems with this book. First, it was too short. Second problem, a few words run together without space. Okay now on to everything I liked.

Loved Lacey and her investigative skills. Her character seems like she might have some disorder but she is just aware of everything around her. Whether that is something learned or acquired while growing up.

I am not a big fan of paranormal. However the paranormal in this book is simply wonderful. It does not overwhelm the characters or plot.

So much happens in the days following Jackson hiring Lacey it seems a little much. But everything felt real.

I really like how Jackson was trying to get away from his tyrant over-bearing father. He was just trying to right his own life.

Thanks for a very enjoyable, fast read.

The bunnies and I give this book carrots.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lacey and her sister, Sterling are private detectives. Jackson Carter has a rival firm which doesn't make Lacy happy. Plus Jackson's father, William, is a ruthless businessman who will do anything to succeed which makes her like him less. When no one takes him seriously, Jackson's nephew, Jason, hires Lacey when his dog, Snickers, disappears.

With her keen powers of observation, Lacey finds Snickers, which impresses Jackson ... so much so that he wants to hire her to find out who is sabotaging his business.

Lacey's husband, Nick, was a cop and had died in the line of duty. For the last couple of years, he has been visiting her ... yes, visiting her. Believing this is enough, she focuses on her work and her son. But when she meets Jackson, this all changes and she fights the attraction she has for him knowing that if she makes a life with Jackson, she will lose Nick forever.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I thought it was okay. It's a quick read ... everything happens pretty quickly. It was an interesting to have the mystery but also have the supernatural aspect.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/12...

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book In the Aegar Investigation series. The first book was amazing and this one did not disappoint either. This series is about two sisters who are private investigators. Book 2 focuses on the second sister Lacey. Jackson also has a private investigating business and his business seems to be taking clients from her business.
The two are in competition with each other but what they don't realize is that each has their own battles they are facing. They ultimately end up working together and also face death together, and they also face the biggest challenge of love. This is a great romantic suspense story that will keep you turning the pages. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading more by this author.

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

[Ashley Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Always and Forever Love, and enjoyed getting to know Lacey and Jackson. I love how they both are good hearted. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat as Lacey is helps Jackson find out who is behind, not only falsifying records, but who is out to destroy his company. I love Lacey's undercover skills! This book is also about letting go, and I couldn't imagine myself in her shoes. I liked the paranormal aspect of this book, but wish it were a bit longer. I also wish there were a bit more time between the actual "leaving" of her husband and the new romance with Jackson. Overall, I'd say this was a good read, but was lacking a little something. I would recommend it to any paranormal fans.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always and Forever Love, by Lynn Crandall, was an enjoyable read. Lacey Aegar and her sister Sterling have a private investigation business. When Jackson Carter enters their lives, Lacey thinks she knows what kind of man he is because he is business tycoon William Carter's son. Over time as she works on getting over the death of her husband, she gets to know Carter and they both change for the better. This story is a mystery, a moving on from a sad childhood story, a getting over the lose of a spouse story, and an importance of family story. I liked the characters, the twists and turns the story took, and the way everything was resolved at the end. Lacey and Sterling's story continues in Dancing with Detective Danger which promises to be another good read!

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two sisters have a private investigation business and a lot of heartache in the backstory. A rich, lawyer, business owner is having family issues and business issues, and looking for help figuring out the mystery of what is going wrong at his company. The characters are very well defined and the storyline is terrific, with lots of twists and turns, and edge-of-the-seat suspense. Loved how the pieces all fit, from the missing dog to the very last minute. Definitely will be reading more from this author. Enjoy.

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

[cagla tastemur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh,well. I wasn't expecting this. Definately not! WOW! Lacey has a very complicated life. She has a son who only ten years old,other hand her husband is died a few years ago and now he's a ghost.She's also working in some case with Jackson and she starts to feeling things for him...even though she loved her husband so much. DOUBLE WOW! I seriously don't know what to say. Reading the book and spending time with the characters was incredible. Enjoyed too much honestly.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is lost without her husband since he died by then he reappears as a ghost. She is very much happier but things are about to get worse when a go starts stealing their customers. Then they reappear and soon things will get very complicated between them. How are they going to cope? Will a new love arrive for her? See just how they get on

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

[Ella Albweitel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a run of the mill romance of a detective with a ghost lover ! HA! This book is romantic, empowering and suspenseful with a little supernatural thrown in for spice!. Lynn Crandall has made a strong female lead who is doing it for her self!



http://blackmambamasbookreview.blogsp...

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always and Forever Love by Lynn Crandall is an awesome story to read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I am hooked on and can not wait to read what this author will write next. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about romantic suspense and contemporary romance.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Aegar Investigations series a well written story that kept me turning pages. An enemies to lovers story that I enjoyed reading. I want to read more in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.