Losing Logan by Sherry D. Ficklin

May 1st, 2014 Kimberly Review 66 Comments

1st May
Losing Logan by Sherry D. Ficklin
Losing Logan
by Sherry D. Ficklin
Genres: Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

What if the one thing you never meant to hold on to, is the one thing you can’t let go of? Normally finding a hot guy in her bedroom wouldn’t irritate Zoe so badly, but finding her childhood friend Logan there is a big problem. Mostly because he’s dead. As the only person he can make contact with, he talks Zoe into helping him put together the pieces surrounding his mysterious death so he can move on. Thrust into his world of ultra popular rich kids, Zoe is out of her element and caught in the cross-hairs of Logan’s suspicious ex-girlfriend and the friends he left behind, each of whom had a reason to want him dead. The deeper they dig to find the truth, the closer Zoe gets to a killer who would do anything to protect his secrets. And that’s just the start of her problems because Zoe is falling for a dead guy.

Last year I read and loved, Extracted, by Sherry D. Ficklin & Tyler Jolley. I was delighted to dive into Ficklin’s young adult paranormal, Losing Logan. This mystery was refreshing, sweet and at times hilarious. Ficklin’s references to science fiction movies and television shows will delight readers. Zoe navigates interacting with a ghost, falling in love and saying good-bye. With fleshed out characters, danger and snark Losing Logan is not to be missed.

Suddenly faced with the ghost of her childhood friend, Zoe is forced to step out of her comfort zone. The back-story Ficklin created between Zoe and Logan tugged at my heart, and many will identify with the path their friendship took. Ficklin does a wonderful job of rekindling their friendship. She adds wicked banter, snark and tender moments as Logan and Zoe work to help him crossover and find themselves caught up in a murder mystery. The tale offers a delightful mix of paranormal, romance and coming of age wrapped with humor.

I could not help but be reminded of a few movies as I read. In particular Ghost and Princess Diaries. References and ideas from popular television shows made me snort. I could just imagine myself doing the exact same thing when faced with a ghost. For example in Supernatural they sprinkle salt and burn the bones of a ghost to make it crossover..bwahaha. These are the thoughts and conversations Zoe had, and I laughed myself silly.

salt-and-burn

Salt and Burn

The romance is beautifully done and perhaps the most romantic I have ever read. I swooned, cried and completely enjoyed the unique storyline. There is more to this then falling for a ghost, and I want to spill so badly, but trust me..it was complicated, so dang sweet and different. In fact for some it will be the first and only time they actually like one of these. (and that is the only hint you are getting)

It's that kind of romance

It’s that kind of romance

I wanted them to find their happy and wow just wow! Losing Logan delivers more than a romance as Ficklin weaved in character growth and a murder mystery that had me flipping the pages. Zoe gets a mini make-over and advice to help her gain acceptance with Logan’s old circle. She suddenly finds herself thrust into the popular crowd while she searches for clues. Along the way, she discovers things about herself and begins to blossom. Zoe is brilliant, witty and has the best zingers. I had a constant smile on my face whenever she argued or spoke her mind. Hilarious, and honest with a strong moral compass I easily connected with her. Zoe’s best friend Carlos was fantastic. He is openly gay and will delight readers looking for more LGBT reads. He is a fashionista and Ficklin delivers a nice little side story about him. I loved how accepted he was and how open he and his friends were. Bruno was Logan’s best friend, and he is such a sweet, shy, well-rounded guy. I loved his interaction with Zoe. Of course we meet the mean girls, the followers, and the insecure. I mean what high school setting would be complete without them?

Ficklin gave us genuine characters that we could identify with from the main characters to the secondary. I picked up subtle clues as to who the murderer was. It was well written, believable  and clever. Ficklin delivered some climatic scenes that had me holding my breath.  Then she wrapped things up with a freakin’ awesome twist. The whole time I was reading I worried how everything was going to work out for these characters. I had come to adore them and fretted over how it would all play out.  How was I going to find happy? I need happy!  It was brilliant, beautiful and perfect… I closed the book with tears and a smile. *truffles soothed me*

I was all Ooh, wipes tears and Grins!

I was all Ooh, wipes tears and Grins!

Losing Logan delivers a suspenseful mystery wrapped in a romance that will touch your soul. Angst FREE, well-paced, and humorous this tale is sure to please. If you have not guessed I totally recommend Losing Logan. Unique, with fleshed out characters, a fascinating storyline and a romance that I will remember.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

66 Responses to “Losing Logan by Sherry D. Ficklin”

  1. Lindy

    Wicked Banter, snark, and tender moments?!!! This story sounds like one I would really enjoy! I love all of the Gifs! Great Review Kim!!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I like this author and loved this one Lindy! Thanks 🙂

  2. Lily

    I’m so excited to read this one now, your review is just …AHHHHHH
    LOL
    Lily

  3. Berls

    Wow – I am so 100% in! I’m actually already a bit nervous because a love story where one character is a ghost obviously is going to pull on those heart strings!! There’s just too much that sounds like a win here – the princess diaries like make over, the friendship, incorporation of LGBT themes, not angst… too good!! Making space on my calendar ASAP!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Woot, enjoy Berls..this was wonderful.

  4. Michelle

    I am so excited to read this one now. I got it a few weeks ago and it seems so interesting.

    There was also a novella for this one free on amazon so I grabbed that too.

    Glad you really liked this one Kimba. Great review!

  5. Lily B

    ha wow, well that sounds different from the usual stuff I have recently read o.o now I am very curious. It sounds like the romance in this one was done so well. Oh and I love the Sam and Dean gif 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I enjoyed this Lily, and yeah Sam and Dean rock.

  6. Michele-A Belle's Tales

    I’ve had my eye on this one ever since I fell in love with the folks at Clean Teen! This sounds amazing and EXACTLY the kind of read I enjoy. Wonderful review, and I love those GIFs *waves to yummy Winchester boys*

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah any chance to use pics of my boys is a good one! LOL I hope you read this one, McKenzie too 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was brilly how it all worked out..you will have to discover it for yourself 🙂

  7. Lauren

    Wow, I need to read this! Angst free, and possibly the most romantic romance you’ve ever read? I’m totally sold! I wouldn’t have guessed this was paranormal or a mystery, the cover looks kind of new adult, so I’m really glad I read you review, or else I honestly would have skipped this one. Fantastic review!

  8. Jessica

    Perhaps the most romantic romance you’ve EVER read?! And it’s funny too? Chou got to stop, LOL. *whispers* Don’t stop 😉

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am so glad you loved it too Lorna 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Enjoy, I look forward to your thoughts 🙂

  9. Sharon - Obsession with Books

    I have seen this book around and I have been intrigued but I am always wary of ghost stories and romance, I need my HEA and I can never see them happening with a ghost if you know what I mean but you have me really curious about this one so I raced to Amazon to buy a copy & thank goodness for no angst!

    Thanks for sharing Kimba! a great review.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am so glad you picked it up and I promise you will smile in the end 🙂

  10. Mary

    I noticed that the publisher is “Clean Teen Books”. Does this mean that there’s no swearing or sex (well, fade-to-black, as people do in YA)? I’m not sure it’s something I’d pick up but it does sound really sweet!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      They rate books, so parents have a fair assessment. This was pretty darn clean

  11. Heidi

    Oh I like the sound of this one. I would have never guessed it was a ghost, mystery from the cover. I am glad you set me straight.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah, this was a lot more then even I imagined Heidi. I was pleased 🙂

  12. Candace

    I hadn’t heard of this yet. I have Extracted (I knew I recognized that name!) but haven’t read it yet. This sounds like something I might enjoy too. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ooo I loved Extracted, and yes I do think you would enjoy this one Candace 🙂

  13. Debbie Haupt

    Angst free, really. I’m on it. Great review. Ghost was the first thing that came to my mind too.
    deb

  14. Jenny

    “The romance is beautifully done and perhaps the most romantic I have ever read. I swooned, cried and completely enjoyed the unique storyline.”

    Wow, that kind of epic romance AND it’s angst-free? I don’t even know what to do with that! Except run to Amazon and buy this one immediately obviously. This sounds like something I would love Kim, thank you, thank you for the recommendation!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh enjoy, Jenny. I adored this and there is so much more that I could not reveal.

  15. kindlemom1

    I agree with the others, angst free is a must some days! This sounds like a great read, I loved Extracted too and had no idea this was by one of the authors. How do I miss these things? What’s worse, I “think” I might even have this one in my TBR pile.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh Ali, I feel you. Sometimes a book release slips by me,. I hope you read this one, I think you will enjoy it 🙂

  16. Lupdilup

    Thank you Kimba! I’ve never heard of this author before, thank you putting her on my radar, this really sounds wonderful… And No, I have to wait and listen to what I already bought before I go and check on audible….. A little self talk there..LOL

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh Loupe, I have those talks with myself every day!

    • Sherry

      Lupdilup, if you prefer audio books, Losing Logan will be available on Audible and ITunes in July! (I’m a tiny bit excited about this!)

      • Lupdilup

        Thank you for the heads up! Perfect timing, that gives me time to catch up with my last purchases.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ooo I added another to your pile..awesome Finley! Enjoy 🙂

  17. Melliane

    wow I didn’t know the book or the author but I love your enthousiasm and now I also want to read it! I want to discover their romance, to see how it evolves. It’s also fun to have so many references like that, I always love that! Thanks for introducing me to the book!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I loved her first book a science fiction fantasy with time travel and this was wonderful.

  18. Jenea

    I could go for a book that has no angst in it. Just a good ole romance sounds great. Zoe and Logan sounds like they certainly have one. Plus the mystery sounds really good. Wonderful review.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ah, but it is so much more than that..:) *evil grin* Enjoy Jenea 🙂

  19. Tanja

    Oh now! You say beautiful romance and funny book in ONE! Sing me in girl. I haven’t heard of this one but I’m sure I’ll love it. Plus there is no angst. Someone is reading my mind, there!!! 😀 Great review, Kim 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It isn’t a genre I rush to read Em, but having read and loved the author’s previous book I couldn’t help myself and I am so glad I did.

    • June Stevens

      Em,
      I’ve read this and it is amazing. It’s not a genre I like either, as a rule. Young Adult Contemporary just throws me off, even with mystery or paranormal elements. BUT THIS BOOK is a perfect blend of all of them, AND it works SOOOO well!

  20. Dre

    Angst-free? I need that in my life! I think I keep going for light romances as of the moment, and this one sounds really good. And Carlos sounds like a great gay BFF! The ghost theme also reminds me of Anna Dressed in Blood, falling for a ghost. Brilliant review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I loved Carlos, and yes this was surprisingly angst free, but kept me on edge,