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Ghostly Guardians #3

Conduit Crisis

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Being in love with my straight friend isn’t easy…

I thought pining for Daniel was an epic tragedy, but then I found out I’m a conduit—someone who can communicate with beings from the otherworld—and my unrequited love for one of my best friends seems less of a problem.

So when a spirit is destroyed while trying to warn me of an approaching disaster, it makes sense for Daniel to step up and help me search for more information. Or it does until my mom turns up twenty years after abandoning me and Daniel turns into Mr. Protective. One thing leads to another, and somehow the whole town now thinks we’re dating.

As if all that isn’t enough to deal with, Daniel’s having a bisexual awakening, and he’s looking to me, his gay friend, to guide him through it. I’d do anything for him, but the thought of being with him and then watching him move on to another guy… I don’t know if my heart can take it.

But I have to toughen up and get on with it, because whatever’s happening in the otherworld is spilling over to here, and it’s going to take everyone we’ve got to keep humanity safe… if we can.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 2023

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About the author

Louisa Masters

69 books1,386 followers
LOUISA MASTERS started reading romance much earlier than her mother thought she should. While other teenagers were sneaking out of the house, Louisa was sneaking romance novels in and working out how to read them without being discovered. She’s spent most of her life feeling sorry for people who don’t read, convinced that books are the solution to every problem. As an adult, she feeds her addiction in every spare second, only occasionally tearing herself away to do things like answer the phone and pay bills. She spent years trying to build a “sensible” career, working in bookstores, recruitment, resource management, administration, and as a travel agent, before finally conceding defeat and devoting herself to the world of romance novels. Louisa has a long list of places first discovered in books that she wants to visit, and every so often she overcomes her loathing of jet lag and takes a trip that charges her imagination. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, where she whines about the weather for most of the year while secretly admitting she’ll probably never move.

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5 stars
904 (45%)
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752 (37%)
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290 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,799 reviews392 followers
February 8, 2023
Holy cliffhanger paranormal fans!

Totally expected as this is a series with an ongoing story arc, but even so, the twisty in the tale here came as a surprise and I loved it.

Just like I loved seeing Skye get his man as Daniel realised that the reason he'd always been drawn to him was more than just friendship.

This is a generally low angst - demonic threats aside - romance in which the guy who's been in love with his 'straight' friend gets the best kind of surprise when it turns out he's actually crushing on him too.

With the same humorous element that's been present throughout this series so far, we get a plot that develops more about Skye's ability to interact with spirits from the otherworld and that sees him facing his past when his mother returned to town after deserting him when he was only seven.

When Daniel and Skye end up in a fake boyfriend situation after Skye's mother confronts him and pairs scorn on his small town life, it doesn't take him long to discover he likes the thought of being able to kiss Skye.

Surprisingly, we don't actually get much on page exploration but there is a super hot frotting scene before Skye plucks up the courage to ask Daniel if he's just an experiment.

Skye and Daniel are incredibly sweet together, I loved how Daniel was so chill about realising he was bisexual and had been attracted to men before without really understanding his feeling.

By the time we reach the end of this book, there's been all kinds of excitement, not least the discovery of a demon plot with the potential to end the world!

Roll on June for the final book, which will be The Collective's Gatekeeper Gabe and Skye's best friend Tom, whose ghostly Nonna haunts his taxi cab passing judgement on everything!

I can't wait for it.
Profile Image for Reem .
286 reviews
Read
April 6, 2024
reread review:
still enjoyable but not a favorite. and boy was I wrong predicting the next couple 😂, but to be honest that would have made more sense?


original review:
Ohmygod, someone please tell me when the next one is coming out? Do you think it’s going to be about Gabe and the devil person?

I enjoyed this book a lot 🙌🏻♥️
Profile Image for Gustaf.
1,442 reviews173 followers
February 13, 2023
I hate the author a little bit for the massive cliffhanger but I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Dan.
1,521 reviews42 followers
April 27, 2024
Here we see the stakes getting higher, and for the first time in this series we are getting a cliffhanger (to the demon plot, not the romance one). Skye and Daniel came together pretty easy, but it didn't feel off due to them knowing each other for years
Profile Image for Reflections of a Swede.
382 reviews26 followers
February 26, 2023
I feel cheated.
Sort of.

I can safely say that of all of Masters' books, this is my least favourite. Despite me being pretty psyched about finally getting Skye's story.

Conduit Crisis has all the same characteristics as the other ones in the series. The two threads in the story are the romance part and the paranormal "mystery" part. Everything that happens is centered around the Mannix estate, most of the story is conveyed through conversations, and a lot of those conversations are just people sitting around speculating about what's happening and what they should do about it - and never really coming up with anything or bringing the story forward.

A pervading problem (at least in my eyes) with Masters' books is the lack of real-time action. Conversations and romance are about 95% of the story while the remaining 5% is the aftermath of some sort of action. Mostly, the events of whatever mystery there is are retellings of events - which gets old real fast.

In Conduit Crisis, this writing technique failed quite spectacularly since neither the romance or the dash of action in the story were up to par.

First, about Skye and Daniel. Here we have a "straight" man who discovers he's bisexual. My first thought on that? *Yummy!* and *Emotional journey*. But there was none of that. Daniel is all of a sudden sexually attracted to Skye, kisses him, and the next night they're frotting and telling everybody they're dating. While Skye who's been in love with Daniel for years don't seem to be very apprehensive. I mean, I get it's a short story but still.
And the missed opportunities! For example, when Skye and Daniel became official, Skye's dad (who's married to the (male) town sheriff btw) invites them for dinner. That could have been a hilarious scene. It should have been. With Daniel all uncomfortable, maybe having his intentions questioned. But instead, that dinner was only referenced later using just a few sentences.
Also, Skye's and Daniel's "first time" was even off page! I mean, really!?! (Okay, I'm a lech, I'm not denying that.)

Now, about the mystery arc. There was a spirit that talked to Skye, and then all of the characters kept having meetings and discussing and speculating away. Until the end where there was a cliffhanger. Right, I'm exaggerating a bit here, but not by much.

To summarize, it wasn't the quirky fun I expected. And I'm disappointed.
I will still read the next and last in the series because, well, I want to know the ending since I've come this far.

Anyway, 3 frustrated stars.
Profile Image for Elley Murray.
1,232 reviews142 followers
January 25, 2023
Holy crap.

FINALLYYYYYYYY! I feel like I've been waiting AGES for Skye and Daniel's book basically since the MOMENT I met them in book one (Spirited Situation). HOO BOY, were they worth the wait! I adore the way Daniel over-reacts and embellishes the truth a bit in order to protect Skye. We got to see how protective they are over each other in book two (Vortex Conundrum), and that vibe continues in this third book in the series, with the added bonus of getting to see into both of their inner thoughts and feelings!

I love how Skye and Daniel are both the "sunshine one," but they share their sunshine in such different ways. Their chemistry, whether as friends (or sometimes frenemies) or more is so delicious, and I was invested for every single moment of it. The ghosts and the rest of the crew at Mannix Estate remain their wonderful, wacky selves.

The book got to about the 90% mark and I was like "Okay, either this is ending on a cliffhanger, or they're all gonna die right now." TALK ABOUT INTENSE.

This is the third book in the Ghostly Guardians series. The books have a larger overarching plotline and are best read in order. I CANNOT WAIT for the next book, which is about Gabe and Tom! Wow, I did not see that coming, but I am SO here for it!
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
2,785 reviews24 followers
January 22, 2023
I have been looking forward to Skye’s book since I first met him in Spirited Situation. He is full of optimism and sunshine from the top of his pastel colored head to the tips of his toes. Dealing with his new identity as a conduit is taxing enough without everything else going in too. And dear sweet Daniel. He is so protective of his best friend, it is really not surprising he starts to develop feelings. Now they have a vague threat of a coming fight with a higher demon making plans against earth. Connor, Gabe, Kiernan, Josh and Ewan will be by their side as they try to find the hidden gateway and stop the total destruction of all they hold dear.

I absolutely love these guys. The ghosts are just as tenacious and nosy as ever. This book is mostly about their budding relationship and a build up to the conflict that will be in the next book but that doesn’t mean this one isn’t worth reading. Far from it. This is definitely worth a read. I can’t sit to see what happens next!
Profile Image for SophiaH.
575 reviews7 followers
February 27, 2023
***3.5***

How could you do this to us Louisa Masters? Letting us dangle just in front of this deep cliff?

I quite appreciated the slow pace at the beginning as it was some time since I've read the previous book of this series and my mind needed the time to place itself back in that world.

Daniel is a real sweetheart. I also enjoyed Skye's and his relationship from the start. It was so nice how protective and loving they both acted toward one another. What didn't ring true to me was the casual way Daniel accepted hall aspects of his newfound relationship with Skye. There were no hickups, no fumbling, no questioning. I can see him accepting his feelings toward Skye as they were so close for quite some time beforehand but I would expect at least some struggle with the reality of things at the beginning. It doesn't have to be a bad reaction, but some acknowledgement of the fact that he is holding a mans hand, kissing a man after a lifetime of thinking one was straight. But maybe it's just me. And to be honest, in the end it didn't matter all that much (well maybe a little as it stuck in my mind until now). A nice afternoon read on a cold Sunday evening for sure. (would have enjoyed it more if the next installment was already in my hands :-P)
Profile Image for The Word Nerd Reviews Blog.
913 reviews59 followers
April 1, 2023
3.5 stars for story. 4 stars for Skye & Daniel.

This one felt like a bridging book. Apart from Skye and Daniel's relationship, not much ghostly happens until right at the end where we are left with a mild cliffhanger for the next book.

There's a lot of build up for the last book in the series, and it's important information, but it did make the story drag a bit in parts. I'm sure we'll all be glad for it though in the next chapter.

Skye and Daniel's story was great though, although I was disappointed that much of the physical component happened off page.

Nick Russo did a great job with the narration.

Looking forward to the grand finale.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,199 reviews126 followers
February 11, 2023
Gosh, I hate it when work gets in the way of reading a book I've been looking forward to.
I have to say it took me a couple of chapters to remember some of the characters, I'd forgotten about the gatekeeper.
However, I loved this story and the fact that the whole cast took part including the ghosts although they didn't seem to be as prominent. I did worry when I got to around 30 pages from the end and there wasn't a conclusion, I thought it might be rushed, but no. The demons arrival at the end was pure class and now we have to waiting 4 months for the conclusion to the story.
Profile Image for Ronie Reads.
1,444 reviews22 followers
January 22, 2024
Usually when giving a piggy back ride. One gives permission before accepting the added weight. That way your knees don't buckle.
Profile Image for K.R. Phoenix.
620 reviews27 followers
February 8, 2023
Omg, Daniel and Skye! All the feels!

And that ending omg! Argh...and so long to the next one!

I love this unique collection of quirky and lovable characters and Skye's love story is beautiful. I loved that Daniel trusted his feelings and thoughts, there was no extended bi-crisis or unnecessary drawn-out identity crisis. Daniel is a down-to-earth, laid-back, every man, and this was reflected in his realization of his feelings for Skye.

They get together relatively quickly and the overarching demon story is more of a focus. The story is fast-paced and fun while keeping you on the edge of your seat for the next danger.

I've enjoyed this world and all these characters and can't wait to see what happens next!! Highly recommended series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,308 reviews61 followers
March 15, 2023
All of the books in this series have been great. There has been so much chemistry in all the relationships. And not just lover kind of chemistry and relationships, but also friendship chemistry with all the characters. Masters doesn't cheap out on the friendships, which are really important in the overall story, so that works really well.

I love that Skye and Daniel start out as friends before anything. It gives their relationship a better foundation.
Profile Image for Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡.
1,409 reviews93 followers
February 1, 2023
"We're opposites in almost every way - I was telling him about my camping vacation once, and he said his ancestors evolved so he'd never have to sleep on the ground."


Oh Skye. You are a man after my own heart. This one had sort of a slow start, but sped up around 25%. The relationship between Skye and Daniel was quite cute. I loved how fiercely protective the normally so sweet and kind Daniel became of Skye. Even before they embarked on a relationship, Daniel always made sure he had Skye's back. He sure had some zingers when it came to putting a certain unexpected woman in her place. At one point I honestly started laughing out loud while yelling OHHH BURN! Yes, I am a child at heart.

We are coming up on the last book in the series so things are definitely charged up. There was an intense feeling of foreboding during my read of Conduit Crisis. The book was very plot based since the big climax is coming. I'd definitely say this one ends on a mini cliffy. That being said, I am very excited that Gabe is getting his own book next. I'm sad this is the end of the series, but happy that the Gatekeeper will finally get his HEA.
Profile Image for Kristel (hungryandhappy).
1,594 reviews83 followers
January 11, 2024
Paranormal romance is one of my favorite genres. Give me all the ghosts and two beautiful people falling in love surrounded by them. This is book 3 in this series and I'm loving them more the more I read them. I already loved Skye and Daniel and seeing them getting even closer with Daniel wanting to protect Skye and realizing that maybe his feelings weren't only of friendship, it was a wild journey and I loved every second of it.

Skye has been pining for his straight friend for a while now and he knows it will never be more than that, friendship. Then we have Daniel questioning his straightness and telling Skye's mom they're together and then the gossip mills explodes and the rest is history. Nothing like a fake boyfriends scenario to let them see what was right in front of their faces. Well, Skye already knew that, and Daniel, already on his way to seeing that, just rolls with these new feelings. Like a champ. Good boy, Daniel. I loved the humor and seeing them being all cute together, even while being spied on and interrupted by ghosts, was just perfect.

The ghost part was as usual very well done and the right amount of scary leaving us with an incredible cliffhanger and me shaking with wanting the next book asap.
Profile Image for P Leslie.
3,050 reviews17 followers
April 19, 2023
My heart is still pounding away like crazy - talk about intense, I didn’t think I’d have any nails left, with all the nail biting I was doing.

Daniel surprised me at every turn when it came to his bi-awakening. He went with the flow and didn’t let silly things hold him back.

Skye and Daniel were so freaking hot together. Personally, things wouldn’t be the same without the shameless ghosts, who had a habit of dropping in or eavesdropping when they were getting down and dirty. I was cracking up when the ghosts were disappointed when they missed out on all that action lol.

Absolutely fantastic book. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next one.

Highly recommend this series!

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Profile Image for Stacie Streck.
360 reviews
March 7, 2023
While I'm happy Sky got his boy, this entire book felt like a filler episode. The beginning had some happenings, and the ending, too, but this felt like 90% sappy relationship. If this was meant to be exclusively a romance novel it would be fine, but this series doesn't feel like it should be this romancey. The writing itself is totally fine, and I like the characters, but it just wasn't what I was expecting after the first two.
Profile Image for Aubrey.
509 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2024
As the plot ramps up, so too does the drama around Mannix Estate.

Skye and Daniel have been best friends since Daniel's arrival at Mannix Estate. Skye is also completely in love with a very straight Daniel. But when circumstances lead to Daniel insinuating he and Skye are in a relationship, everything is thrown into chaos. Well, more so than usual.

As Daniel explores his bisexuality, he can't help but be drawn to Skye. His best friend. His support system. And the man he's loved for a very, very long time. As they grow into the new dynamics of their relationship, they realize just how well they work together - as colleagues, friends, and partners.

And as danger lurks on the horizon, they know that they can face it head on, right alongside their Mannix Estate family.

As the parameters of what's coming ahead become clearer, things have never been more dire. But the crew of the Mannix Estate, ghosts included, band together, and come up with a plan.

Even if that plan involves siding with a very, very unlikely, and apparently very handsome, ally.
Profile Image for Tam.
Author 21 books102 followers
February 11, 2023
Okay, I was tempted to give this one star for leaving me hanging. LOL Not the romance, that is wrapped up nicely and while Skye and Daniel were sweet and friends turned lovers, I was less absorbed by their romance than by the on-going story-line with demons and portals and spirits and then to just leave it on a giant cliff-hanger? Seriously? And I have to wait until the end of June to find out what happens next? Sigh.

But I just love this author's stories and how it's a complete ensemble cast. While the POVs this time were Skye and Daniel you get to see everyone else and interact with them as well and see how they are doing and all the ghosts. It's a big crew but you want to see them all and see what they are up to and get their comments on the various issues. Each one with their own personality, especially the ghosts.

So now I have to wait. Boo hiss. But an awesome series.
Profile Image for DLB2572.
2,784 reviews24 followers
January 24, 2023
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I love the story of the gang trying to stop the demon's plans while still learning how to do it all. I'm so glad Skye and Daniel finally got their story and I'm looking forward to seeing how everything wraps up in the next book.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Profile Image for Imanewreader ✨.
862 reviews185 followers
May 8, 2024
happy to have the whole bunche together. cliffhanger at the end is nice !!

it's a pity the fake dating wasn't developed further along with the dan's bi-awakening.
skye is adorable and hilarious and i NEED kevin and patrick's story (which seems ro exist so i am very excited about it)
Profile Image for Liza.
1,429 reviews16 followers
December 12, 2024
This was a fun and sweet read. I loved Skye and Daniel together, their friendship and chemistry was off the charts. And their fumbling around at first was adorable, but then things got hot, fast! But damn, that cliffhanger!!!
Profile Image for Jane (PS).
2,696 reviews94 followers
May 27, 2023
This book is almost a bridge book in terms of the Mannix Estate ghostly traumas, but is full of self-realisation for MCs Daniel and Skye; Dan with his sexuality and Skye with his conduit ability and back story with his mother. Loved this pairing!

The next book would appear to be a blockbuster ;)

Narrated by Nick J Russo - 5 stars
Profile Image for Sammy Higgins.
440 reviews8 followers
February 12, 2023
I waited patiently for Skye & Daniel's story and it's finally here.

Skye gets a warning from a spirit and it leads to our group ramping up their efforts to find the hidden gateway. Skye stays at the Mannix Estate to be safe, and so he isn't alone if the spirit communicates again.

Skye has a blast from the past when his mum turns up. She left when Skye was young and she never looks back. After she says some hurtful things to Skye, Daniel sticks up for him and declares that he's Skyes's boyfriend. He didn't think it through, and now everyone thinks they are together, even after being told the truth.

Daniel is starting to question his sexuality and thinks he might be bisexual, especially because he has some feelings for Skye. I love his reaction to his revelation, he just has a very easy acceptance of it. He ends up having sex with Skye, and then he sets out to prove to Skye that he truly wants to be with him. Skye had been in love with Daniel for ages and finds it hard to accept it. I'm just glad that Daniel is so determined to show Skye how much he means to him.

Skye's situation with his mum is very similar to what I went through, so I understood how it feels. You get so happy and worried about seeing them, and it doesn't always turn out the way you hope. I just wanted to hug him and tell him that everything would be ok. He has an amazing father and step-father, and I need to know how they met. Skye also had the whole town looking out for him and they do that here in bucked fulls!

I loved catching up with everyone and seeing new spirits popping up. We learn a lot about what is happening in the Otherworld, and we learn loads about it.

The ghostly going on are ramping up and we learn how serious things are getting. I'm just glad they have the right help, and we end on one heck of a cliffhanger! I can't wait for the last book.

I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Kate Reads.
674 reviews29 followers
March 11, 2024
love these two!

I was excited about the possibility of Daniel and Skye from early in the first book in the series, Spirited Situations. Skye’s crush on Dan and their friendship was catnip to me from the jump. I’m such a huge fan of bisexual awakenings and best friends falling in love. With the all the time I spent building their story up in my head, I was low-key worried that Conduit Crisis wouldn’t be able to live up to my hopes. I didn’t need to worry.

Conduit Crisis was wonderful, and Dan and Skye are perfect. In fact, please excuse me while I sob about them. I adore them. Their friendship is beautiful. All their interactions are full of teasing and warmth. Everything that happens between them is so tender I want to scream. Dear God, it hurts me to think about how lovely they are.

The plot for the overarching story for the series ramps up here. We see the big picture crystalizing, and it’s exciting. The ending isn’t a cliffhanger the way I usually think of them, but it leaves you with increased tension for the series rather than less. I’m going to spend a lot of time reminding myself not to hold my breath for the next one! It’s going to be great.
633 reviews
May 22, 2023
It's been a little bit since I read the last installment and I thought I'd been fine. I wasn't. At about 35-40%, I wanted to DNF, I kept trying to figure out who all these people were, I remembered Kieran and Connor, but the 1st couple, no idea, and who was Gabe? It took me to about 40% to realize Josh was one part of the first couple and not a ghost. And I couldn't figure out how all the staff could see the ghosts. I pushed forward hoping for more. I didn't buy Daniel and Skye, I liked them both but there was no chemistry between them. Both MCs read like they could have been from any of the books, nothing set them apart. At 70% I was ready to DNF again, but I was so close. The story ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. I had assumed going in to this book that this was the conclusion to the series, but I was wrong. Unsure if I will continue with the next book.
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