GHOSTS (The Syndicate 4) by RG Angel-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 18, 2023

Jiro
Haunted by my past, I came close to ruining my best friend’s life.
To atone for my sins, I had to return to the place where it all began.
Unexpectedly, solace arrived as a crying girl with purple hair, a haunting link to my history that rendered her untouchable.
Her plea for help compelled me to answer.
Perhaps by aiding her, I could find redemption for myself.
Hope
Amid my brother’s disappearance, I longed for a savior.
Little did I expect to find one in a cemetery.
Jiro Saito, my late sister’s ex-boyfriend and my childhood crush, emerged as that unexpected hero.
He’s a complex blend of danger, scars, and haunting memories.
Strangely, I still long for him, despite knowing he views me only as a way to soothe his guilt.
Perhaps he can help my brother.
And maybe, just maybe, I can rescue Jiro too.

•••••

REVIEW:  GHOSTS is the fourth instalment in RG Angel’s contemporary, adult THE SYNDICATE erotic, crime world romance series. This is thirty four year old former Yakuza second in command Jiro Saito, and twenty-two year old Hope Myers’ story line. GHOSTS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jiro and Hope) following two time lines, GHOSTS focuses on the hunt for our heroine’s missing brother. Twelves years earlier, a then twenty-two year old Jiro Saito’s girlfriend Anna was gunned down, and our hero believed the bullet was meant for him. Fast forward to present day, Jiro’s guilt has yet to be alleviated but when Anna’s sister Hope asks Jiro for help finding her missing brother, Jiro had no idea that Hope would be the balm to his pain. As Jiro and the Yakuza go in search of Hope’s brother Leo, secrets with reveal a pain like no other for our story line heroine. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jiro and Hope, and the potential fall-out as Jiro’s time with Hope comes to a close.

The world building continues to look at the blended yet separate worlds of the underground, criminal lifestyle. The deeper Jiro begins to dig, the more he suspects that Hope’s brother is involved in something bad. Still struggling with the murder of the woman he once loved, Jiro knows it is only a matter of time before his life bleeds into the heart of our story line heroine.

The relationship between Jiro and Hope is one of immediate attraction but Jiro continues to carry too much guilt and grief, and with the reappearance of Hope Myers, Jiro suspects the guilt will never be assuaged. As our couple circle one another with their barely veiled sexual attraction, Jiro suspects Hope is the only woman who could ever control his heart, even though he believes he does not deserve a second chance at love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include the return of Jiro’s former boss Hoka and his wife Violet (Her Ruthless Warrior 1) , Jiro’s man Oda, as well as Hope’s boss Max, and Hope’s struggling mother. Most of the previous story line characters are present or by way of mention.

GHOSTS is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, dysfunctional family dynamics, forgiveness, acceptance and love but to add, not as dark as many Mafia related story lines. The fast paced premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are desperate and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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In addition to being an International Bestselling Author, I wear many hats – a trained lawyer, a globe-trotter, a coffee addict, and a cheese aficionado.

When I’m not immersed in lawyerly mayhem or crafting Contemporary Romance stories filled with heart, heat, and a touch of darkness, you’ll find me enjoying indoor activities in rainy (yet beautiful) Britain. These activities often include reading, indulging in TV series, and playing with my crazy puppies.

I hope my stories transport you to dreamlike worlds and bring as much joy to your heart as they bring to mine while writing them.

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