Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

A Tomb of Ashen Tears #7

Talking with Ghosts, Part 1

Rate this book
Part 1 of 3

In the mafia war, there are no rules.
And in love, rules are meant to be broken.

Sal, Deacon, and Iris have spent years on the same team mounting an assault against their own blood. Their roles are defined. Their boundaries are drawn. And the trinity has been dancing on razor blades, taunting insidious devils, and making a mockery of their enemies.

Until now.

He is missing.
And the precarious house of cards is about to tumble.

Fear of the unknown forces the Lotus Queen and the Dark Prince together, but their fierce competition quickly tears them apart. The search provides few clues, and the outcome looks grim as tensions escalate, threads unravel, and questions quietly surface.

Who went too far?
Who played too hard?
Who deserves the blame?
Was the abduction nothing more than a distraction?

And if so, who is the real target?

Everyone is a suspect as Sal picks apart the case he never wanted to work.
Someone is guilty. Someone is a pawn. And someone is in grave danger.

And he must answer the one question haunting his every thought—who can he trust?


a Tomb of Ashen Tears is an ongoing mafia saga in one world following the same characters throughout the series. Not a “traditional” romance. Love is a winding, sometimes dark road; Iris and Sal’s happily ever after promised at the end.

TAT Books bring an epic-length love story with heartbreaking tragedies and beautiful entanglements. Books 1 and 2 are intentionally slower-paced to build up the backstory. The cast kicks it into high gear in book 3, increasing intensity in each subsequent installment.

810 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2022

3 people are currently reading
26 people want to read

About the author

Kailee Reese Samuels

48 books627 followers
Just a girl who loves pushing boundaries in original, addictive noir/dark fiction with genre-busting elements from dark romance, romantic suspense, psychological thriller, mafia, MC, and realism. Intense, thought-provoking, edge-of-your-seat, gripping page-turners that stick with you long after the last sentence. TAT Books are the perfect escape with a delicious beverage, a box of chocolate, and plenty of tissues.

Dear Readers (Raniero Fangirls) have come to expect my emotionally crippling writing style.

Storyteller embracing diversity. Coffee addict. Mango lover. Blueberry fetishist. Sweet peach tea crazy. Red wine devout. Whiskey deviant. Tattooed & pierced. Bare feet. Sand. Sun. Collects rosaries. Fanatical organizer/cleaner/list-maker. Never sleeps. Hermit and recluse. Social media avoider. Sexy trucks, bad mofo alphas, hot ink, loud music, long nails, and good football. Brisket is a birthright, y’all. Being in the water is a good thing—mermaid in a former life.

I worship everyone who reads one of my books, whether they enjoy it or not, and firmly believe they should all wear a crown.

🥀 FOLLOW KAILEE:
FB Page → http://bit.ly/DirtyPoetry
Instagram → http://bit.ly/InstaKRS

🥀 VISIT my website, blog, and store for signed books → https://kaileereesesamuels.com

🖤 Sal’s Reading List → http://bit.ly/LovetheSal

Peace. Love. & SAL.🖤🥀

Have a beautiful day!

And have FUN reading!

Thank you!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
25 (96%)
4 stars
1 (3%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Mimiorphee.
668 reviews40 followers
April 22, 2022
"You bring disorder; I accelerate decay."

After the maddening ending of TAT 6, Forbidden Sins, I couldn't be more eager to dive into the seventh opus of the series, Talking With Ghosts. It was such a great feeling to find myself immersed back in Juliet's world. From Texas to Europe, from the  strategies to  the delicious erotism that Mrs Samuels' paints, I was riveted to each new revelation and twist as the story builds up.

The author definitely played hard with my emotions. She pushed my limits, delving into the wounded minds of her determined, and ruthless, but no less poignant characters.

This installment marks a new era for Iris, Sal, Dante, Deacon and their tribe.

"Rip the tendons. Break the bones. Spill the blood."

The mystery, the gut-wrenching tragedies, the blown out chess board sent me reeling more than once. My reading bubble was shaken and I loved every moment of it. I shared the characters intense sentiments, felt them deep in my heart...dare I say, my soul. I cried and laughed with them, screamed and felt like the puppet of their games.

"Perspective is everything."

Riveted to the voluptuous darkness, I could only witness the heart pounding plot unfurl. Talking with Ghosts blew my mind, shattered my heart, for my greatest pleasure.

The power and the strength of Mrs. Samuels' words, her audacity always resonate in my core. They never cease to amaze me.

"We're the bomb, running out of time, with the strike of the fuse in our lungs."

I can't wait for the next part!
Profile Image for Gina.
191 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2022
Talking with Ghosts. #7. Part 1. It doesn't matter how many book there are in this series. Every book gets harder and harder to review. I've spent the last week trying to come up with a way to convey my thoughts about where this book took us and how I feel about it. I'm still at a bit of a loss only because I don't think I could possibly say enough to explain the mind blowing events that occurred in the pages..... but I will try my best.

It's almost like Sal and Iris' last horrah. But will Sal and Iris ever have a last horrah? I'm not sure they will ever really be done with eachother. But for now, they are on different pages even though they are working toward the same goal.... I think. We got to hear lots more from Mae. She's a force and VERY important to the balance of Sal right now. She's his indigo child. Which I feel like she gets from him because he spends a lot of the book hearing from, seeing and talking to people who have passed that revealed missing pieces of a very intricate puzzle. Dante is a star in 7. He, too, is very important to the balance of sane and sober Sal. We now have the addition of Jynx Monroe who has become Iris' new protector and Raze Kola. Raze. Yep. But I can't get ahead of myself. This was only part one. You must remember. Nothing is for sure. Nothing is safe. I have been and always will be a fan of Deacon Cruz. But he has completely gone off the rails in this one and my heart is broken. But again, remember, nothing is for sure.

The love/hate relationship I feel for some of these characters is a subject all on its own. But that's what TAT does to you. That's what Kailee does to you. She and her books take you on a journey. These characters.... take you on a journey. You are right there with them. You are in the bedroom kneeling with Iris as she learns what surrendering will look like. You are there sitting at the kitchen table while Sal talks strategy with Dante. You are in Sal's office eating lunch with Mae and Sal. The length Kailee goes to make sure you are right there with the characters experiencing what they are experiencing and feeling what they are feeling, makes you a part of their lives. A part of their world. A part of the family. It's mind blowing and its.... rare. And I love every second of it. I'm in this til the end. For now, we have two more parts to go. Bring it on Ms. Kailee. I'm here for it all.
162 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2022
After each and every book I am more and more at a loss for words. Kailee has taken us on such a beautiful broken twisted journey of mafia, murder and mayhem that gives you every single feel and emotion along the way. Now clean and sober and having two little girls he's responsible for, Sal must decide if he should wait on his true love who can't stop running or more forward with a love like he's never known. Listening to his ghosts of the past is giving him more and more clarity of an arrangement made long ago for his future and coming to realize that sometimes to find peace and happiness you just have to let go. With Iris reigning queen Lotus will she let her heart rule or is nothing more important than protecting that crown. All the players are here and now we start to see the how's and whys but trust, who can really be trusted...34 brutally hurt! Who will remain on board is anyone's guess but I know my heart will be devastated with the tsunami that no doubt is coming!
Profile Image for Romaine Heart.
2,337 reviews30 followers
March 21, 2022
I feel like this part one of the trilogy is setting the stage for what is about to come. Don't get me wrong there is a lot of chaos in this story.  Knowing this author's work the next two books will be a combination of a hurricane, tsunami and earthquake all rolled into one. Look out! You have to expect the unexpected as the author weaves an intricate web of lies, deceit, drama, murder and mayhem.
As we get a glimpse into Sal's mind we feel his emotions down to our core. The struggles he endured past and present. The heartache. The pain. The betrayal. The loss of his soulmate. As the pieces of the puzzle seem to fall in place just who can he really trust? His reason for living and staying sober are his two precious little girls.
The ghosts from his past come in forms of dreams. Some trying to help him see the light while others come with vengeance.
The kings have united but the queen is trying her best cause chaos by flipping the board.
Mae is beautiful and intelligent. Without her I feel Sal would collapse.
The scenes before the nightmare were hilarious. Dante, Deacon and Sal.
Dante and Raze are every women's wet dreams but can Sal really trust them?
I highly recommend anything this talented and unique author creates.
104 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2022
EXQUISITE

Pain. Angst. Emotions.

This latest tome is a work of art. By now and this far into this series, you may think you know who and what our beloved characters are and what they're capable of, but you would be wrong. DEAD WRONG. You must take your time reading this, one chapter at a time. Be sure to breathe after each delicious chapter. Hydrate regularly throughout the book, and snack to keep up your stamina. And remember, DO NOT physically throw your reading device when the incredulity and adrenaline hit you.

Buckle up, book babes, this is a bumpy, bumpy, bumpy ride!
Profile Image for Gina Burkart.
3,448 reviews55 followers
March 31, 2022
Wow wow wow their just isn’t any words to explain this story as it’s so amazingly good. Who doesn’t love the famous Sal. He is just every dream of darkness that words can’t describe. I have to read in days as this story was a lot to process with the heart pounding words and emotions. When Kailee writes she writes with whole heartedly passion and the words are a flowing dark story.
Profile Image for Kristy Lamey.
31 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2022
WOW!!! WOW!! WOW!! Kailee never ceases to amaze me. I love reading everything and anything Sal. This one will turn your life upside down and backwards. But when doesn't she. My heart is still pounding. I want MOREEEEEEE of Mr. Raniero PLEASEEEEEEEEEE.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,962 reviews425 followers
April 3, 2022
I am a big fan of this author. The Tomb of Ashen Tears is a brilliant series and as I read each book I just keep wanting more.

I am finding it harder to review this authors books as I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. She puts me through many emotions with her unique way with words.

If your looking for a crazy read (in a good way) then I highly recommend you read this story. These words, these characters are everything.

Now all I want to do is find the time to read over this series and wait for more words from this author.
Profile Image for Renee.
5,028 reviews71 followers
April 1, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.

In the mafia war, there a no rules. And in love, rules are meant to be broken. Sal, Deacon, and Iris have spent years on the same team mounting an assault against their own blood. Their roles are defined. There boundaries are drawn. And the trinity has been dancing on razor blades, taunting insidious devils, and making a mockery of their enemies. Until now. He is missing. And the precarious house of cards is about to tumble. Fear of the unknow forces the Lotus Queen and the Dark Prince together, but their fierce competition quickly tears them apart. The search provides few clues, and the outcome looks grim as tensions escalate, threads unravel and questions quietly surface. Who went to far? Who played to hard? Who deserves the blame? Was the abduction nothing more than a distraction? And if so who is the real target? Everyone is a suspect as Sal picks apart the case he never wanted to work. Someone is guilty. Someone is a pawn. And someone is in grave danger. And he must answer the one question haunting his every thought-who can he trust.?

This is the first book in a trilogy within the A Tomb of Ashen Tears series form Kailee Reese Samuels. I don't really know how to review this book and not give something away beside to say of the three, Sal, Iris and Deacon, one of them is missing and it's up to the other two to turn the world upside down to find out the why and the who done it of it all. It is not a short read and it felt a lot like Kailee Reese Samuels is setting us up for a earth shattering second book.
Profile Image for Em Dorsey ~ A Darlin’ Doll and Her Books ~.
334 reviews9 followers
March 31, 2022
“Remember— this is our love story. Don’t lose sight of that focal point.”

Talking With Ghost broke part of my heart and I’m not sure I will recover anytime soon. Every book in this series is better than the last. Giddy excitement, devastating heartbreak, unbelievable actions and betrayals. My emotions were all over the place while reading this one. I’m very attached and emotionally invested in this series and it’s characters. I feel they are part of my family so yes, my eyes were a little watery at times but one part completely and utterly destroyed me. I had to put down my kindle and cry. No tissues to wipe away the tears just let them flow and feel the pain within the pages.

“Babygirl, we are never going to be done. I am with you for all eternity. No matter what. I am your lover. I am your soulmate. I am your rogue.”

If you are reading this then you have probably read the previous books and know that what you expect to happen will not happen the way you think it will. KRS will shock you with the unexpected and leave you reeling. The lines have been drawn, enemies have been made and we are nowhere near the end!

“There is no such thing as pure good or pure evil. There are only various shades in between. Everyone has blood on their hands. The real triumph comes in disguising that crimson.”

Iris is and will always forever be my QUEEN!!! I don’t want the next book I NEED IT!!!! Unforgettable and phenomenal freaking read!!!

“Such a grave error to mess with me. To mess with my boys. I am The Devil now.”
Profile Image for Angela.
475 reviews7 followers
March 31, 2022
Hauntingly Beautiful

Such a grave error to mess with me.
To mess with my boys.
I am The Devil now.

Sh&%…this ride is emotional, not meant for the weak.

I’m not sure I have words for the hauntingly amazing book I just read, my head is still spinning and I KNOW it’s not gonna stop for days or weeks! Lies, betrayals, and big ugly cry tears, I FELT it ALL with this installment.

We pick up at the end of book 6 with one of there own missing 😱 buckle up cupcake this one hits HARD! When you think you know… boom 💥 you don’t. Curveballs are thrown, lies are told/revealed, laugh out load moments it’s like you’re living with the characters. The big ugly cry tears 😭 the kind that just roll ya… those they’re rare for me when reading. This series and author has done it more than once. Bravo 🙌🏼 while I sit with my mind blown 🤯 spinning 😵‍💫 out of control and begging for the next book!

I will cry until my last breath for the games we played upon each other’s hearts and pray that in the next life, he will be mine.
24 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2022
Wow Kailee Reese Samuels did it again. Her books will take you through every emotion possible. You will be shocked, cry, love, and snort out loud laughing with the characters. Her words will stay with you. This is book 7 in the TAT series and I am just as hooked as I was with book 1.
We see Sal grow into a fine man and amazing father. His love and protection for his girls will warm your heart. Kailee doesn’t shy away from any topics and that is what I love about her books. There are so many twists and turns in this book my head is still spinning. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book to see what happens.
3,918 reviews31 followers
March 31, 2022
Mind. Blown. Once again!! Talking with Ghosts, Part 1 sets up the backstory for this amazing trilogy in the world of Sal, Iris, Deacon, and Dante. We’ll see the return of our favorites and also meet some new ones. This journey continues to be worth it, every step of the way. Yes, the pace is slower here, but stay with us, as you’ll want to be there 'til the end.

After the way TAT 6 (Forbidden Sins) ended, getting immersed in TWG was just what I needed! This series continues to push me way beyond my boundaries, and I LOVE it! Just when you think you know what’s going to happen, those wicked twists keep you guessing yet again. You’ll laugh out loud, vibrate with erotic passion, bite your nails to the quick, and cry so hard, feeling as though your soul was ripped from your very being. Nothing is guaranteed with this saga, so brace yourself for a series that’s sexy, thrilling, and a complete force to be reckoned with! A real 5-star read!

In the meantime, I will not so patiently await Book 2!
Profile Image for Jenny B.
1,293 reviews28 followers
April 2, 2022
This was the book I didn't know I needed to start but a part of me would have been missing without. I am at a loss for how to even write this review as I don't want to give anything away in this twisted mind blowing book. What I can tell you is that you will be completely immersed into the story when you start reading it with the twists, plot and characters and this one is not going to want to let you go. This was the perfect starting book laying the foundation leaving you longing for book two....
Profile Image for S M Ryan.
317 reviews4 followers
April 1, 2022
Commitment:
This was what I expected (Because Sal!) in that I had no idea what would happen. Except intense; I had little clue where (or how) everybody would end up. Expect the unexpected squared, at least.
Also, was nice (sorta-kinda) to hear from some that have passed on. Also some past mysteries are revealed.
225 reviews7 followers
April 1, 2022
I have been reading the words of Kailee Reese Samuels for quite some time now. And when I review her books, I often find that I’m repeating myself with my praises of her ability to transport me into the world of Sal, Deacon and Iris. It’s been a fairly long journey, a very intense and interesting one to be sure.

There are few authors who can carry on a story for this long and still transfix my attention like KRS does. Each book builds on the one previous to it. Builds so well in fact that there are moments when I feel like these characters are very real, that’s how deeply engrossed I become as I read her words. I find myself going through a myriad of emotions: anger, disbelief, hurt, confusion, joy, laughter, and contentment. How can one writer tap into so many different aspects of the human condition, and do it so well? Well, let me assure you, this one can. She is truly a delight to follow.

This is the continuing story of some people I’ve come to know well, who are darkness and light combined. I cannot recommend the works of KRS highly enough. Don’t miss out on her stories; they are unique, well written, and incredibly interesting.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.3k reviews28 followers
April 2, 2022
Talking With Ghosts Part 1 is book number seven in the Tomb of Ashen Tears series and wow talk about a book hangover. I didn't want this delicious, twisted journey to end and if you have ever read any of KRS's books then you know what I mean. From the unforgettable characters to the unique storyline that took me on an emotional roller coaster ride this book is heartbreakingly beautiful. I don't know how KRS does it but like I've said many times before I don't ever want her to stop writing and after that ending I can't wait to read what happens next.
68 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2022
KRS is a stunning example of someone who can, and will draw up ever emotion known to mankind. I laughed out loud. I ugly cried. I felt hope and despair. Love and absolute hate. If you have not read SKL don't start here! Go back to the beginning and enjoy the ride. If you are a loyal reader, I suggest putting your big girl/boy panties on for this one!
Profile Image for Sara Callaway.
336 reviews
April 1, 2022
I don't know how she does it but every time I think she couldn't do any better, she does. This book tore my heart out and made me cry buckets full. I'm not sure I'm ready for what she has planned next but I'm a glutton for punishment I guess because I can't wait.
Profile Image for Kristina Simkins.
632 reviews9 followers
April 11, 2022
Forget emotional rollercoaster TAT book 7 is Part 1 of Talking With Ghost and is packed with emotional bombs set to detonate like land mines when you least expect them. I’m absolutely addicted to this author’s writing and her knack for detail and surprises. With each new book in Sal’s world I become more and more obsessed with every character and their individual journeys.

Sal is stepping up his game in more ways than one in this one. We see him become an amazing man and an even better father to his two little girls. He will not give up. He will not bend. He will not break. He will continue to prove he is the Capo to be feared. The twists and turns in this book were mind blowing. I want more!! I can’t wait to continue this wild journey in part two.
Profile Image for Mona Livsey.
373 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2022
Dark, Twisted, Emotional - What more could you ask for!
This is a deep look into Salvatore Raniero and all that has come to be the basis of who he is. The who, what, where and why's of all the people that have helped mold him into who he is.
The chaos and cacophony of the Ghosts that remind Sal of all that has conspired, with him and without him. The Kings and Queens in and of Sugar Grove.
Sal Raniero, the Phoenix, who has risen above all that was created, designed and driven him to where he is now. Whether the creators like it or not, he has deviated to his own way, his own choices, without them.
You have Mafia, Motorcycle Members, Secret Alliances, Deadly Consequences.
Author Kailee Reese Samuels brings it all. And leaves you begging for more!!
Well done. Can't wait to see what is in store for Sal next!!
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,926 reviews23 followers
April 1, 2022
🤯🤯🤯. I need to process. All I know is Kailee has out did herself with this one. It’s dark, twisted, delicious, and one for the record books. If you haven’t experienced Sal and Company you are missing out on some of the best writing and stories. More to follow.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.