A review by redhairedashreads
Not Dead Yet by Jenn Burke

5.0

 

5 stars - I loved it!

Well this book was such a wonderful surprise and I couldn’t put it down. Wesley Cooper is a ghost who travels between the living plane and the otherplane and he uses this ability to be a  “recovery specialist” for those who want him to steal items. When he meets Hudson in the 1980s, he finally finds someone he can trust with his heart and his secret but it falls apart due to Hudson’s undercover work and their inability to communicate. Now 33 years after they broke up, circumstances push them back together again and this time they might actually be able to make it work. 

Wes was a fun and sarcastic character who uses humor to deflect whenever he feels uncomfortable. Hudson is a grumpy, straightforward and hardworking guy who has spent his life working in law enforcement. These two were the complete opposites but they were so fun together and their banter was wonderful. I loved how their relationship was a perfect balance of humor and serious and emotional conversations. 

These two are a truly great couple that are going on my favorite couples list. They may have had issues communicating during their first relationship but we get to see them actually learn to communicate this time around. I love seeing these two men who struggle with expressing their feelings open up. Also while it is never specifically stated I do love how Wes talks about his general lack of interest in sex except with Hudson, and how he hasn’t been with anyone since his breakup. It makes Hudson and Wes’s connection even more powerful and emotional this second time around. I also love that we are getting romances with gray ace or demisexual leads because we need more. 

The mystery in this was fascinating. I was surprised by who the villain was and why the reasoning behind the murders. I love when I am surprised by the mystery because it makes the story so much better. It will be very interesting to see how the events in this affected Wes and his abilities. 

Overall, this was a wonderful story and a wonderful couple. I couldn’t put the book down and I can’t wait to read more of Wes and Hudson’s story. I also love all of their friends and hope we see more of them in the next book. 

CW: drug use briefly mentioned; retelling of Wes’s death via a suicide pact with his lover (not Hudson); Evan was dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts before his turning and discusses this with Wes; cheating (side characters); gun violence; kidnapping; murder; family abandonment mentioned;