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Can you ever hold on to a ghost?

Elliot is tracking an elusive killer, codenamed Ghost, with ties to organized crime. Every time the Sanctuary team gets close, Ghost slips their grasp.

Cole has nowhere left to turn. With his father dying and his sister in danger, he turns for help to the very people trying to track him down. Sanctuary’s assistance is what he needs to punch another hole in Varga’s organization.

When Elliot and Cole meet, it isn’t just passion that consumes them. When lust becomes something more, Elliot realizes that sometimes you can’t hold on to a ghost, and that sacrifice is often the only way to make things right.

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First published February 26, 2017

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302 people want to read

About the author

R.J. Scott

307 books2,720 followers
RJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk

Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,712 reviews
August 15, 2018
I didn’t need to read book 7 but I did anyway. Reread 8 and now things make more sense. This was a little edgier than some others. Cole and Elliott are interesting but I still couldn’t quite see them together. Cole was an a-hole sometimes. Not bad at all

Should have reread 8

Maybe 7 too. This is continuing the Varga case and the man Elliott has been trying to find. It's just been too long since I read the last one and I had a hard time recalling details. So I was a bit confused. I can't say I totally "got" Cole and Elliott together. I enjoy all the subterfuge, danger and suspense elements in these stories. I'll reread most of them, probably, before the final book, 10.
Profile Image for Trisha Harrington.
Author 3 books144 followers
March 9, 2017
I'm a huge fan of RJ's books. And the Sanctuary series has been a favourite of mine for years. The books are all so addictive and re-readable. I've been looking forward to Ghost since I finished the last one.

Like the other books in the Sanctuary series, Ghost was an entertaining and exciting read that held my had my attention from the first page. I loved both characters, Cole and Elliot, as individual characters. They were both really easy to like. And I really liked how they had their similarities, but also their differences. It made them a more intersting couple and I found myself rooting so hard for them.

These guys had some amazing chemistry from the beginning. The early interactions were mostly bickering and teasing which were fun to read and brought a lightness to the story. It was also where I first felt the connection and that something more. That something that kept me invested in their evolving relationship.

I LOVED the action. It was exciting and not something I've read much of lately and RJ Scott writes some brilliant action in her books.

Waiting for the truth about Cole to come out was extra thrilling. Guessing how everything would unfold and if it would come out all at once or slowly over time is something that always keeps my interest. And then how Elliot and Cole would be at the end. It was oh so satisfying to read. I was extra happy reading the final chapter and epilogue.

I'm excited for the next book and also sad becasue it will be the last. This series has been wonderful to read and has left me wanting more every time. So I'll always hope for more and I will always be happy to go back and read the books already released.
Profile Image for Cadiva.
4,011 reviews444 followers
January 12, 2024
Another great entry

I liked this one a lot, it had a great balance between the investigation and action stuff and the growing relationship.

Both Cole and Elliot were intriguing characters who sparked well together and on their own. They had complicated reasons for their behaviour, as well as determination to make sure the bad guys got their just reward.

It's not quite an enemies to lovers romance, but it still brings plenty of bite on their interactions.
Profile Image for Cee Brown.
1,310 reviews38 followers
March 19, 2017
¸.•*´¨)4.5 Stars
(¸.•´ ★¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ ★The ghost with a deleted past.

They had chemistry even before they met, and when they did, it rocketed. Former DEA, now Sanctuary agent Elliot was placed in the position of finding and taking down the man who had become known as Ghost.

Who was keeping secrets? Who was this sister, and who the hell was Cole?

His name had been mentioned several books ahead and apparently, Cole Egan, the perfect cop was that man. He was a man of various names and identities. A ghost always one step ahead of Sanctuary, until Elliot came close enough. For many reasons, the team wanted him, preferably alive. Cole was a man of secrets, and there was no way he was getting out alive without imparting many of them. He was also cited as the person responsible for Simon's partner Jamie's death in the previous novel, [please read the previous book Accidental Hero (Sanctuary 8) to catch up]; Cole also had a long history that was slowly being unraveled.

All is not as it seemed.

The whole premise of the story was Cole's and Sanctuary's involvement in ending the Varga's case and righting the wrong of that organization. No one expected the case to involve so many or to cross the paths they did. Elliott and Cain needed answer and they were going to get it, guns blazing and all.

And what of Elliot and Cole? It wasn't hard to see the need in both men. Now if they could stop all the teasing and get work out of the way, then maybe, just MAYBE, they could make a go at it?

Elliot and Cole may not be my favorite Sanctuary characters, but they sure were the most fun. When Cole teased: "Everyone already knows I’m the one in charge," you could almost SEE the steam coming off off Elliot. The twists and turns author RJ Scott embedded in this tale was absolute pleasurable. There were old time favorites coming into play and new bad guys who was not into leaving anyone alive. I don't know about anyone else, but I am on pins and needles for By The Numbers (Sanctuary 10).

I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
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10 reviews
February 28, 2017
This long awaited book, where were you people screaming for Ghost when it got pushed back, was well worth the wait. For long time readers of the Sanctuary series we have a brief cameo by Kaden, Manny, and a bit more substantial role for a certain Chicago Cop.

This story picks up where Accidental Hero leaves off so I strongly recommend picking up Accidental Hero and re-reading it before diving into the Cole and Elliot story. Elliot is still tracking the elusive Cole who is a Ghost a person that exists solely on paper this is both a back story for Cole as well as a continuation of the Vargas/Chicago Arc.

This is one of the more action packed books in the series and I greatly enjoyed the romance which came across as completely natural and a matter of chemistry.
Profile Image for Heather York.
Author 5 books53 followers
March 16, 2017
Another great read by the masterful RJ Scott! I have not read everything she's written but I have never been disappointed with the work that has crossed my Kindle and Ghost is no exception to that. I always enjoy a good enemies to lovers tale, okay maybe enemies is a bit harsh for how Elliot and Cole begin but they certainly are not friends, perhaps adversaries is a better word.

Sanctuary does what is does best, protect the hurting, I can't quite say innocent because lets face it, the cases, protectors, and protectees can fall into a bit of a grey area when it comes to the legal side of the table. The chemistry between the boys is off the charts, whether it's mud-slinging, easy going banter, or just existing within the same four walls, you can just feel the heat emanating off your e-reader. If you are sitting down to read the print version you better be prepared for spontaneous combustion because Ghost is full-on foreplay.

I won't touch on the mystery aspect of Ghost which is a continuation of the Vargas case that began the Chicago arc in Accidental Hero because I don't do spoilers but I will say it kept me intrigued from beginning to end. As I type this I am patiently waiting, or not so patiently to be honest, for the next and possibly final installment By the Numbers. If you haven't read Sanctuary, Inc yet I highly recommend getting your fingers walking, prepare tons of your caffeine beverage of choice, and diving in because you won't surface till you finished.
Profile Image for Nicole.
2,163 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2017
Bk 9 of the Sanctuary series. A entertaining and exciting read. Readers of this series waited with anticipation for this book, it was worth the wait. Would be best reading the other books in the series before starting this one.
Profile Image for LeeAnn.
819 reviews
March 12, 2017
Excellent, as always!

I wanted to hug Cole so badly when I first got into this story, for so many reasons. Then Elliott showed up and I wanted to hug him too, and ok have them hug each other. What can I say? I love a connection. The spark, the flame, the intense...disagreements with the underlying of mistrust....peppered with the WANT to trust, to confide in someone. To save someone you are beginning to care about.
This story flowed so beautifully. Had a bit of everything I love when reading a book by R.j. She is able make me see, feel and understand what the main characters are going through. I am REALLY looking forward to the next book!
A MUST read.
Profile Image for Juli.
115 reviews43 followers
March 11, 2017
The latest in the Sanctuary series (the second to last) and it did not disappoint. There seemed to be less filler in this book, more action, and definitely more answers.

Elliott is chasing Ghost who Sanctuary believes has murdered someone important to their investigation and when Cole allows himself to be captured after a deal gone bad they must work together to find out who the culprit is and just how Cole and Elliott are going to work together.

A lot of action, great back story for Cole (I wish we could have met the sister) and some nice sex scenes make this a great addition to the series and I can't wait for the next one to come out.
Profile Image for TracyG..
363 reviews
March 9, 2017
I've waited a long time for this book. Well worth the wait.
Continues on from where Accidental Hero finishes, Elliot is hunting the Ghost, bad guy, murderer only all is not as it seems.

This book has a fantastic storyline and an intriguing plot that made the book an exceptional read. I just couldn't put the book down.

I'm now counting the days till the next book is published. Well done RJ
Profile Image for Missy Clifton.
75 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2017
RJ Scott has some great books out, but I have to say I am loving this series especially this most recent book the best. Ghost playing the cat and mouse game with Elliot till he realizes he needs to get caught to get the help he needs. I'm happy Simon got in his one punch to Ghost after all he went through in the last book, he needed it. I'm also happy that the two of them got their stuff together in the end, they need each other and are perfect for each other.
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,296 reviews28 followers
March 20, 2017
4 Stars!

Ghost is book 9 in the series, second in The Chicago Arc, so you’ll need to at least read Accidental Hero beforehand or you’ll be lost.

I liked Elliot and Cole, they had great chemistry, even if it took a while for them to actually get together. I found Cole’s story to be very intriguing and I loved how it tied up with the previous book.

This was a very enjoyable read, fast-paced and detail-oriented, jam-packed with lots of action. These books are not really romances, seeing as they are more focused on following the arc than the couple, but it was still nice to see them falling for each other in between all of the twists and turns. I’m looking forward to the last book in the series to see how it will all unfold!

Very recommendable!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. ***
Profile Image for Paul.
433 reviews46 followers
February 28, 2017
I'm a huge RJ Scott fan and this entry in the Sanctuary series did NOT disappoint. There was intrigue, action, and best of all: romance! This book answered some long-standing questions that have been on-going in the series and still left enough mystery that I can't wait for the next book. Elliott and Cole were terrific and the set-up for the next romance was interesting. If you've been enjoying the Sanctuary series, this is not to be missed and if you haven't tried this series yet, grab Guarding Morgan and get started!!
Profile Image for Jangler.
1,006 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2020
Not for me

In order to enjoy a book I have to like the characters, unfortunately I found one of the main characters really unpleasant, and how a supposedly super duper agency went along with letting a murderer help them and an agent of said agency falling in love with them was just too much for me. However, I will try the next book because I quite enjoyed some of the previous ones.
Profile Image for Susan65.
1,650 reviews53 followers
March 3, 2017
The Blogger Girls

I do love this series…and I am very excited to read the next installment, yet sad it will be the last. In this book, though, we have Cole, codename Ghost, and Sanctuary operative, Elliot, doing the tango. Their story starts out as a kind of cat and mouse game, where Elliot dogs Cole’s every step, but just can’t seem to get to him…until he does, and then the story just takes off.

Sanctuary have been hunting Cole because they believe he killed Simon’s partner, Jamie, which occurred in the last book. But, of course, things are not always what they seem and Cole becomes this big enigma that Elliot, and the rest of the Sanctuary guys, just can’t figure out. As soon as they “catch” him, he acts like it’s no big deal, like he wanted it to happen, and requests their help. Of course, Simon just wants to kick his ass. He seems to have forgotten what it’s like to be accused of a murder you didn’t commit.

But basically, it was typical badass Sanctuary operatives trying to save the world and get a little something-something on the side. Fortunately for me, that something-something, wrapped around some tough BAMF's, is what keeps me coming back because R.J. Scott has a way with keeping the sexy times interesting and, well, sexy. Don’t miss this installment of Sanctuary, it was worth the wait.
Profile Image for Saimi Vasquez.
1,968 reviews94 followers
November 26, 2019
Despues de que Simon demostrara su inocencia, un nuevo sospechoso entro en la mira de Sanctuary y Elliot fue asignado a perseguirlo para ponerlo en manos de la justicia. Lo que no se esperaba es que el "Fantasma" fuera a el buscando ayuda.
Cole "Fantasma", dejo que Elliot lo encontrara para poder usar la informacion de Sanctury para hacer caer a una organizacion que lleva persiguiendo toda su vida. Sin embargo, la atraccion entre el y Elliot se vuelve mas grande cada vez y sucumbiran a su quimica.
Ambos Elliot y Cole hacen equipo junto con la gente de Sanctury para poder destruir una organizacion de trata de personas que ha estado operando durance años dentro de USA, y junto a la confianza entre ellos crece tambien el amor y se dan cuenta que siempre van a ser mas fuertes juntos que separados.
Una relacion mucho mas interesante de esta segunda parte de la saga de Sanctuary, y me parece que logra emocionarte mas y llenarte de mas emocion y expectativa que el libro anterior, mucho mas entretenido, facil y rapido de leer.
Profile Image for Sarina.
766 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2017
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

The Sanctuary series has been full of unique characters and situations but none of the books had managed to grab my attention quite like the last book (Accidental Hero) which had me really excited to get into this one. Cole was an enigma in the last book and the mystery of who he is and what he’s really up to continues in Ghost.

Let me start off by saying that nothing was straight forward in this story; getting information both about what’s really going on (even with the people from the end of the previous book) and with Cole himself was an exercise in patience. Cole has worked on his own for so long that trusting others is extremely difficult; add in the fact that he actually got caught by Elliot and then needed Sanctuary’s help and I could understand his reticence. I do have to say, however, that while I’ve enjoyed quite a few of the character pairings throughout this series, Elliot and Cole had probably my favorite interactions; Elliot is just so straight laced and serious and it was a lot of fun seeing Cole do and say things in order to get a reaction from him. Despite the opposite sides of the field they happened to be playing on, these two actually made really good partners, both bringing skills and an outlook that makes up for the other man’s lack. Keeping in mind that Cole was fighting his attraction to Elliot pretty determinedly and that Elliot wasn’t completely convinced that Cole wasn’t a murderer, there isn’t a lot of sex in this book so if that’s your thing, I’m sorry to say you’ll be disappointed. I actually loved that part of their dynamic, seeing them pull together and then push each other apart; when they finally did get together it was just that much more rewarding.

The book was really good and even when I wanted to strangle Cole for just not telling everyone what was really going on, I still enjoyed it. So far this latest story arc has been great and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all ends. If you’ve read the other books, you’ll like this one for sure but if you haven’t checked out the Sanctuary series I’d recommend you do so.
Profile Image for Carra.
1,733 reviews31 followers
March 8, 2017
You know when you're reading a book and you don't want to put it down because the tension and suspense have swallowed you up so you don't want to look away? That's how Ghost was for me. It didn't hurt that Cole was such an enigmatic character either...and yes, he was my favorite one in this story.

Cole definitely had my complete attention-he's supremely talented physically when up against pretty much anyone, has a confident personality that has others around him going along with what his plans are, and can be as snarky and as much of a smartass as you'll ever find. In some characters all of this together might come across as annoying, but with Cole it just makes him fascinating and desirable. He definitely winds up charming Elliot--much to Elliot's consternation I'm sure. Elliot's pretty talented himself, and is a strong character who makes a great complement to Cole. There's a nice dose of tension between them-sexual and otherwise-though readers are kept wanting through much of the story for intimate contact between them (though you'll find plenty of teasing).

There's lots of action, and the suspense level stays high most of the time which had me not wanting to put this book down. Cole and Elliot played off each other well, and worked great together as a team-even when Elliot probably wanted to strangle Cole. There's a lot about Cole and his past that is kept secret through much of the story, and as his secrets start coming out, there's plenty of friction created between him and the guys from Sanctuary. It all made for a very intriguing read, and since things from this series story arc are not yet fully resolved, Ghost kept me totally on the hook for the next book.

4.5 stars for Ghost, it's a great addition to the Sanctuary series and has me excited for the conclusion in the upcoming final book of the series. You do need to read The Accidental Hero first before starting Ghost since the story arc here does start in that book; I think you'll find though that if you haven't read anything in this series that these books will have you wanting to go back and read every single one just to get the stories for all of the other guys at Sanctuary. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and M/M sexual content.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,834 reviews179 followers
August 29, 2020
There is a very fine line between good and bad and the one man that travels that line the most is Cole. Known as the Ghost because no one really knows who he is and where he will show up next, Cole has his own agenda to getting revenge on those who have crossed him and his family. When Elliott catches up to Cole his thoughts on him are all over the place but can he really be all that bad when he is actually saving children from a life of captivity. Together they work through family issues and secrets are revealed leaving the reader breathless.
Profile Image for Kelly (Maybedog).
3,535 reviews239 followers
March 14, 2023
There was lots of action, danger, and excitement. Not a lot of omg he’s gonna die but still some nervous moments. The first half of the book was better than this series has been in a while. It was suspenseful and doling out tidbits of information a little at a time that turned out to be interesting with a huge twist. I really liked Cole. I didn’t really buy their love but it was still good.

On to the last book of the series.
Profile Image for Lily.
Author 19 books152 followers
March 20, 2017
Ghost follows directly on from Accidental Hero (#8) and the team have now tracked down Cole, the elusive Ghost who is believed to be a ruthless killer. But not all is as it seems.

Cole and Elliott reluctantly work together with plenty of snarky comments and mistrust at first, but gradually they fall for each other. And of course, they blow hot and cold. They kiss and make-out, and then take a step back for a time. By the end of the story they manage to sort themselves out.

There’s lots of action, chases, and excitement, as well as time when the characters are holed-up in a safe house. Cole and Elliott work well together professionally and also support each other emotionally when Cole reveals his past and his family’s personal connection to the criminals. They manage to snatch a couple of steamy moments together.

This is a James Bond type of story of tracking down a baddie called Varga with the support of the Sanctuary team, some super gadgets, and their topnotch tracking capabilities.

I started reading the series at book 8 and, although I caught on to this plot line and the new story arc, I felt I was missing out on some details about Sanctuary and some of the characters who featured in earlier stories. I’ll need to go back to the beginning of the series and catch up before Book 10 is released.

This story sets up the next romance and the final instalment with two of the guys featured here and with Varga still at large.

Review also posted on my blog:
https://lilygblunt.wordpress.com/2017...
Profile Image for Elayne.
988 reviews
March 9, 2017
This series of books although individual in the story and main characters each leads nicely into the next, but without nasty cliffhangers. This book tells of Elliott the Sanctuary operative and Cole the Ghost of the title. The book is full of the action and intrigue expected with a healthy dose action romance. It also shows that Cole isn't quite the cold blooded enemy Sanctuary thought and that Elliott is definitely a good match. I love this series and am looking forward to book 10.
Profile Image for Dennis Crotts.
351 reviews45 followers
March 25, 2017
Great storyline and well connected to the other books in the series

Highly recommend reading this book and the full series of books. RJ Scott has been able to connect all the books to each other so you do not loose track of the story and in this book show a very close connection to an earlier book where Cole is part of Sanctuary but leaves and Elliott brother is killed and Cole is blamed. In reading this book you get the whole story and the reason why things happen the way they did.
Profile Image for Erin.
273 reviews2 followers
March 27, 2017
Ghost

I love this series a lot. RJ is an excellent writer that keeps you interested in the characters. I can not wait for the next book. Erin
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
4,960 reviews46 followers
November 4, 2025
Elliot is a relentless tracker of criminals, sworn to bring down Ghost—a notorious assassin tied to a powerful crime syndicate. But when his pursuit leads him to Cole, the mission takes an unexpected turn. Cole, born into a violent legacy he never chose, is desperate to protect his sister and escape the shadow of his dying father. Forced into a fragile alliance, Elliot and Cole navigate a web of secrets, danger, and emotional tension. As their mission spirals out of control, the line between enemy and ally blurs—and the forbidden connection between them deepens. In a world where trust is lethal and love is a liability, Elliot and Cole must decide whether loyalty lies in duty… or in each other.

I struggled a bit with this story which was a rich tapestry of emotional tension, moral complexity, and forbidden connection. I think I found it hard to understand the connection between the lack of trust and cooperation from Cole and the way that the story ended up with them together. I could, however, see that both men needed to decide what they’re willing to sacrifice—for the mission, for each other, and for the chance at a future. I found this hard work to read which was sad when compared to the rest of the series. This was an MM story with mature content.
Profile Image for Donna.
3,397 reviews42 followers
March 29, 2019
OK, before I begin my usual glowing review of books in this series... I have one HUGE complaint! There were way too many errors in this book! Mostly missing words, but a few other things also. It certainly wasn't a deal breaker for me... but it sure was annoying as hell! :(

Now, my praise for this wonderful series and this book in particular! *grin*

WOW... this one sure didn't give us much down time!!! Now, for the guys... Cole? Can I just wrap him up in a warm blanket and take him home with me? Elliot? Let me go find another blankie for him! OK... it is obvious from the start that these two come as a pair and no matter how hard they fight it? Yep, love takes them down for the count... eventually! *headdesk* LOL!!!

As always, it was good to catch up with the rest of the guys from Sanctuary. Didn't get a glimpse of Jake though, dang it! :(

But, Kayden was his usual excellent, growly self and pops in a few times to help save the day!

Looking forward to reading By the Numbers! Not sure that we have heard much about Daniel, but I am sure that this book will be just as entertaining as the last 9 were! *grin*
888 reviews6 followers
February 26, 2024
4/5 I liked this one quite a bit. Elliot and Cole already had a cat-and-mouse game going on from the previous book, so while they didn’t exactly know one another, it felt like a connection was already established. The one thing that really annoyed me was that the last book ended with Cain and Simon theorising that Amy and Cole were related, and they’d heard Amy call Abraham “father”. Yet for some reason, this was the big shocker reveal at 60%+ of this book, when Elliot was working with Cain and Simon…. I assume this was just a retcon moment I need to get over, but it niggled the whole time in this book.

Otherwise, I enjoyed how Elliot’s perceptions of Cole kept changing, how Cole had a whole bunch of conflicting motivations of his own, how family bonds are messy and complicated. These two did convince me that they had feelings they didn’t want to admit to themselves or one another. The end was a bit rushed, but building in a bit more time helped with making the actual discussion of feelings feel more believable.

Looking forward to the final one!
1,533 reviews31 followers
June 4, 2017
There are a lot of twists and turns in this one. We get some questions answered but of course there are still more to be answered. The writing and the story are really good in the two books I’ve read in the series. I think once I’m done with book 10 I’m going to go back and get caught up on all the characters and stories I missed in books 1 – 7.

Cole’s story is a pretty gruesome one and he’s kind of a mess. He’s very closed off (with good reason) but somehow Elliott gets to him. Elliott is pretty reserved as well so between the two of them there isn’t much romance here although they clearly care for each other by the end. I know the main part of the story is the mystery but I wouldn’t have minded a bit more emotion from the two of them.

Brandon and Daniel are up in the next one and I’m hoping we get all this resolved. There aren’t any other unattached characters at this point so unless we meet new folks in book 10, we should get this wrapped up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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