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Gifted #2

Connection

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From the author of Healer comes Connection, a tale of supernatural suspense in which one man's search for redemption pits him against a cunning religious leader and his community who are preparing for a violent end of the world.

Retired Army Captain Jackson Howe views his ability to "connect" with others as invasive and inconvenient, but he deals with it by only using his power to help others. He's found purpose at Havenhart Academy using art therapy with child victims of trauma and his friends have embraced him and his quirky behavior, but after meeting Delaney's friend Cassidy—and developing a stronger than usual "connection" with her—he fears he's destined to forever be on the outside looking in.

But when Cassidy's link to Havenhart makes her a target and the plane she's flying is hijacked, she's forced to crashland in the Florida Everglades and becomes a pawn in the struggle between good and evil. Jackson will call on his training—and special skills—to save her from an enemy determined to spread evil and hurt those Jackson holds dear.

Follow the continuing saga of Havenhart Academy in Book Two of the Gifted Series.

18+ for violence and language. Best read after Healer: Gifted Book One

430 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2022

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About the author

R.L. Merrill

62 books683 followers
Whether she’s writing contemporary romance featuring quirky, queer, and relatable characters or diving deep into the supernatural to give readers a shiver, R.L. Merrill loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after closing the book. Ro writes inclusive romance for the Happily Ever After collective, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and pens horror-inspired tales and music reviews for HorrorAddicts.net. A mom, wife, daughter, and former educator, you can find her rocking out in her Bronco with Great Dane pup Velma, being terrorized by feline twins Dracula and Frankenstein, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more…

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Laura Baird.
Author 38 books1,329 followers
July 16, 2022
WOW! What an amazing story of fierceness and perseverance. An emotional roller coaster with tense action and rewarding romance. A story line unlike anything R. has ever written and worth every moment of your time. Will absolutely look forward to more.
Profile Image for Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews).
905 reviews21 followers
April 5, 2022
Where has this author been? I read Healer to "catch up" before reading Connection, and I am so glad I did. YOU HAD ME AT LED ZEPPELIN II. I enjoyed all the characters, the setting, the pacing, the storyline, the heroes, the heroines, the paranormal, the emotions, and ALL THE GREAT ROCK REFERENCES. I have not read any of RL Merrill's other books, but I will be checking them out. From reading the author's notes at the end of Connection, I know it took a very long time to get these two books out into the world for us readers, but thank you for persisting and persevering. I enjoyed both of these books so very very much. And for anyone who has not read these books, you definitely need to read Healer before reading Connection. Another thing, the main characters are in their 40's and older, so very fabulous. Thank you!

These books have a unique setting in Arkansas at a school for gifted youth. These youth have suffered some form of trauma that brought their gifts forth, and the school spends much time protecting them and helping them come to grips with their "gifts." An evil guy features in both books, and at the end of Connection, he's still on the loose, which leaves me with the hope of more books in this series. Just suffice for me to say that you cannot go wrong with these books if you enjoy PNR. They are superb!
Profile Image for SiKReviews.
1,284 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2022
Been waiting for this book for a very long time. Jackson formed a deep Connection with Cassidy in the previous book. You knew they were destined to be together, but Cassidy was yet to be free. Now that she is, Cassidy needs to decide what comes next. She has her own gift that she doesn't listen to when she should have and she finds herself hurt and imprisoned by a cult. Jackson Sees the whole thing and NEEDS to be the one to save her and anyone else he can. Nothing will stop him from getting the woman he loves. Loved this book. It was very different from the first book, but just as entertaining. Very action packed and you can feel the love between Jackson and Cassidy without them even being together. I cannot wait to see what is next!
224 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2022
I enjoyed the first of this series healer and was waiting for the second book. Connection did not disappoint that's for sure. Cassidy is a phenomenon that Jackson is trying to understand but the brief contact they had has made a connection with his unusual curse or talent depends on the day. He knows something is wrong immediately and is determined to find her. Cassidy is in some deep problems and doesn't know what she is going to do then she starts thinking about Jackson who she thinks of as her Superman and prays she will get a chance to see him again. Lots of action and suspense. A definite must read if you liked healer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews166 followers
April 5, 2022
WOW WOW AND WOW! The moment I read the description of this book I was truly intrigued as I'm doing my best to branch out with different genres these days, but I had no clue as to the goodness that would head my way from the moment I opened it up to the last word. The Gifted series takes place at a school in Arkansas that has gifted students with what seem like superpowers but with a kicker of angst since most have gone through some stuff. It follows Cassidy (super gifted) & Jackson, who isn't too fond of his gift most days but he does use his powers for good. They instantly have a bond of the supernatural variety, so he's the one who knows pretty quickly that she's in hot water. This story sucked me in from the jump & held all my attention hostage in this colorful world that R.L. Merrill has created so brilliantly, and I AM ALL IN BABY! Not only was there originality in the pages but also had a great kicker of suspense with an evil that needs to be taken down. I'm chomping at the bit for more and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
741 reviews8 followers
May 23, 2022
Wow...I thought Healer was great and now Connection lives up to the first books reputation in my mind!

The idea that there are people with specific gifts that can be used for good is a great premise. The fleshing out of the story can be difficult but this author seemingly does it effortlessly. I know this isn't easy, but, on the page it's magic!

A connection made that lets one person see/feel/hear what the other is going through. The ability for others to sense conversations and information via a connection. Helping others while using these gifts is fabulous. Helping take down people who are using their gifts for evil, I love these people!! More please!
Profile Image for stardragon.
793 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2022
Jackson Howe is retired Army who teaches art therapy with victim’s of trauma. Jackson crosses paths with a religious leader and his followers who are preparing for a violent end of the world. Cassidy is Delaney friend and Jackson really connected with her, which brought her to the attention of the religious leaders group.When flying to Florida Cassidy is hijacked and crash lands in the Everglades . Jackson goes to her rescue. Again like the last you don’t want to put it down. The details are amazing and draw you into the story.
Profile Image for Staci Black.
524 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2022
Mystery, Adventure and Love

This rollercoaster of emotion and adventure with a bit of something extra is perfect break from mediocrity. Unexpected twists bringing something new around each corner. Perfect entertainment for this weekend without power, phone or internet.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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