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Speak No Evil
Jamie Kincade's world is turned upside down when Sebastian, a young man who doesn't speak and who shares the ability to see ghosts that Jamie's had since childhood, enters his life. Jamie finds Sebastian fascinating on multiple levels, and is determined to help him learn to speak again. He can barely keep his thoughts--or hands--off Sebastian, who wants him and makes no attempt to hide it.
The age difference between them--Sebastian is almost 15 years Jamie's junior--is a problem for Jamie, but Jamie's reluctance isn't the only thing keeping them from focusing on the potential they might have as a couple; the collection of ghosts Jamie has been living with in relative harmony for more than a decade has no intention of leaving Sebastian alone now that he's here. Their desperate attempts to get Sebastian's attention are a distraction Jamie would be grateful for if they didn't upset Sebastian so much. Jamie is torn between wanting to send Sebastian away for his own good and wanting to drag him off to bed, and with Sebastian tempting him both deliberately and subconsciously, it can't be long before Jamie's self-control snaps...
The age difference between them--Sebastian is almost 15 years Jamie's junior--is a problem for Jamie, but Jamie's reluctance isn't the only thing keeping them from focusing on the potential they might have as a couple; the collection of ghosts Jamie has been living with in relative harmony for more than a decade has no intention of leaving Sebastian alone now that he's here. Their desperate attempts to get Sebastian's attention are a distraction Jamie would be grateful for if they didn't upset Sebastian so much. Jamie is torn between wanting to send Sebastian away for his own good and wanting to drag him off to bed, and with Sebastian tempting him both deliberately and subconsciously, it can't be long before Jamie's self-control snaps...
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2015
74 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Snow
65 books78 followersAlexa Snow is an emotional person who appreciates practicality in others. She's prone to crying at inconvenient times, drinking too much coffee, and staying up too late playing with words (either reading or writing.) A background of schooling she wasn't all that interested in resulted in a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a vague sense of wasted time. Alexa lives in a tiny old house in New England with her husband, young son, and a small collection of pets.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 5, 2015
...Ticked all the right boxes for me, might not be for everyone, but I really, really enjoyed this one.
March 6, 2015
I have so many mixed feelings for this story. I loved the beginning; Alexa Snow drew me in with her words, everything flowing and no jarring moments. The setting and the characters were shown so clearly. Beautiful.
My only problem? As the story continued, I wasn't connecting with the characters. I didn't get a good sense of who they were, or how they felt. Jamie's insistence on throwing up roadblocks between him and Sebastian was annoying, especially as he and Sebastian got to know each other better. Not that I really felt any chemistry between them. I wasn't feeling the tension, need, or want that I expected.
And then, the story itself stumbled for me, with moments of too much telling, and scenes where nothing really happened. At times, the present tense was too distracting, making the writing feel more mechanical. It wasn't consistent, though. I would be struggling with a part, but then a well written scene would catch my interest and I'd get caught up in the story again.
Things I liked were usually countered by something I didn't care for. I started to connect with Sebastian but Jamie continued to leave me feeling indifferent. The elements of hurt/comfort were touching, but sometimes the story was almost too sweet. I liked the paranormal aspect of the story, but it felt a little random at times. The introduction of the shadow ghost seemed to come out of the blue...why the wait, and why was time running out? I had so many questions about that and to have much of it happen off page was disappointing. I also had questions about Sebastian's on/off muteness, which threw me off.
Overall, I liked the story, but for me, it didn't live up to the potential of the blurb or that wonderful beginning.
Note: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Review previously posted on
My only problem? As the story continued, I wasn't connecting with the characters. I didn't get a good sense of who they were, or how they felt. Jamie's insistence on throwing up roadblocks between him and Sebastian was annoying, especially as he and Sebastian got to know each other better. Not that I really felt any chemistry between them. I wasn't feeling the tension, need, or want that I expected.
And then, the story itself stumbled for me, with moments of too much telling, and scenes where nothing really happened. At times, the present tense was too distracting, making the writing feel more mechanical. It wasn't consistent, though. I would be struggling with a part, but then a well written scene would catch my interest and I'd get caught up in the story again.
Things I liked were usually countered by something I didn't care for. I started to connect with Sebastian but Jamie continued to leave me feeling indifferent. The elements of hurt/comfort were touching, but sometimes the story was almost too sweet. I liked the paranormal aspect of the story, but it felt a little random at times. The introduction of the shadow ghost seemed to come out of the blue...why the wait, and why was time running out? I had so many questions about that and to have much of it happen off page was disappointing. I also had questions about Sebastian's on/off muteness, which threw me off.
Overall, I liked the story, but for me, it didn't live up to the potential of the blurb or that wonderful beginning.
Note: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Review previously posted on
March 4, 2015
3.5 stars
I will say this, I think you need to be in a certain mood to get into the story. A mood that appreciates a slow pace where things seem to be mundane. Because while Speak No Evil started quite intriguing, with the ghosts appearances and how one of them seemed to be quite threatening towards Jamie and Sebastian, what followed was not exactly a thrilling storyline. Jamie and Sebastian left the house and dealt with family issues and pretty much discarded the potential of a great ghost story there.
I thought the characterization was well-written. I loved the age gap, I loved the gradual process of Sebastian, from one who was truly scared of ghosts, who refused to try to help them, who didn’t speak, to finally embrace his ability. I liked Jamie’s nonchalant attitude towards the ghosts but at the same time, after he knew Jamie, he wanted to do more. Just because it would help the younger man.
But yes, the flow was slow – and there were some possible horror/suspense plots that I thought were a bit wasted. For me, the switch of location between Jamie’s house and then later to his sister’s house sort of disrupted the story-telling somehow. It was also quite long for this type of plot/conflict, so if you are not in the right mood, I guess you could find it boring. The climax near the end was good, though, it finally gave the adrenaline boost needed.
So all in all, I thought it was quite a worthy reading …
Reader’s Advisory:
Written in third person present tense (I am not a Native English, tenses don’t bother me at all, but I know some people do)
I will say this, I think you need to be in a certain mood to get into the story. A mood that appreciates a slow pace where things seem to be mundane. Because while Speak No Evil started quite intriguing, with the ghosts appearances and how one of them seemed to be quite threatening towards Jamie and Sebastian, what followed was not exactly a thrilling storyline. Jamie and Sebastian left the house and dealt with family issues and pretty much discarded the potential of a great ghost story there.
I thought the characterization was well-written. I loved the age gap, I loved the gradual process of Sebastian, from one who was truly scared of ghosts, who refused to try to help them, who didn’t speak, to finally embrace his ability. I liked Jamie’s nonchalant attitude towards the ghosts but at the same time, after he knew Jamie, he wanted to do more. Just because it would help the younger man.
But yes, the flow was slow – and there were some possible horror/suspense plots that I thought were a bit wasted. For me, the switch of location between Jamie’s house and then later to his sister’s house sort of disrupted the story-telling somehow. It was also quite long for this type of plot/conflict, so if you are not in the right mood, I guess you could find it boring. The climax near the end was good, though, it finally gave the adrenaline boost needed.
So all in all, I thought it was quite a worthy reading …
Reader’s Advisory:
Written in third person present tense (I am not a Native English, tenses don’t bother me at all, but I know some people do)
July 11, 2017
The beginning was interesting and enjoyable, but as soon as the 2 MCs got physical I had to skim the remainder of the story to get the conclusion. Not sure what exactly happened but their physical scenes became a turn-off for me. I was hoping for more in regards to the paranormal aspect as well, but it didn't happen.
March 7, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
3.5 stars
This book started off pretty interesting. I expected some tension to build given the mystery behind Sabastian’s appearance but it never really comes. There were a couple of creepy ghost moments but nothing like I was hoping for. There was plenty of tea time and lots of I’m not worthy of you moments.
One night during a wicked storm Jamie sees a young boy sneak into his shed. Knowing the kid could be crazy but feeling the need to help never the less, he invites him into his home. Jamie learns Sabastian is mute. They communicate by Sabastian writing things down. He’s not very forth coming with information but Jamie realizes he needs a place to stay for a few nights. Jamie quickly learns Sabastian’s secret. One he happens to share. They both see ghosts. Sabastian however can also hear them. It terrifies him. It’s kept him from forming any kind of relationships. Or staying in any place too long. Jamie has put off trying to have a relationship with a man because of his own ghost seeing gift. If only Sabastian weren’t so young and troubled.
I kept waiting for the pace of this book to take off but sadly it did not. Initially I was very turned off by how young Sabastian seemed. A lot of references to him being innocent and 17. I was pretty squicked out at the possibility of a relationship between the two. Sabastian is in his twenties but initially he was made to seem very young. Luckily that tapered off before the guys started hooking up. There was a ton of angst over why they two MCs weren’t worthy of each other’s affection. Sabastian is too young for Jamie. Jamie doesn’t know Sabastian’s deepest darkest secrets and how could he love him if he did. He’s too damaged for a good man like Jamie. Together they conquer some of Sabastian’s demons and form a connection. Then tragedy strikes and they begin to make a good team as well as learn a lot about each other. For me there wasn’t ever any great tension or chemistry had me needing to turn the page. I probably could have put this down and never wondered what happened to these characters. I had a little hope for the end of the book but even that felt anti climactic. Sadly this one just never really engaged me. I have read books by this author that I enjoyed. This one was just okay for me.
3.5 stars
This book started off pretty interesting. I expected some tension to build given the mystery behind Sabastian’s appearance but it never really comes. There were a couple of creepy ghost moments but nothing like I was hoping for. There was plenty of tea time and lots of I’m not worthy of you moments.
One night during a wicked storm Jamie sees a young boy sneak into his shed. Knowing the kid could be crazy but feeling the need to help never the less, he invites him into his home. Jamie learns Sabastian is mute. They communicate by Sabastian writing things down. He’s not very forth coming with information but Jamie realizes he needs a place to stay for a few nights. Jamie quickly learns Sabastian’s secret. One he happens to share. They both see ghosts. Sabastian however can also hear them. It terrifies him. It’s kept him from forming any kind of relationships. Or staying in any place too long. Jamie has put off trying to have a relationship with a man because of his own ghost seeing gift. If only Sabastian weren’t so young and troubled.
I kept waiting for the pace of this book to take off but sadly it did not. Initially I was very turned off by how young Sabastian seemed. A lot of references to him being innocent and 17. I was pretty squicked out at the possibility of a relationship between the two. Sabastian is in his twenties but initially he was made to seem very young. Luckily that tapered off before the guys started hooking up. There was a ton of angst over why they two MCs weren’t worthy of each other’s affection. Sabastian is too young for Jamie. Jamie doesn’t know Sabastian’s deepest darkest secrets and how could he love him if he did. He’s too damaged for a good man like Jamie. Together they conquer some of Sabastian’s demons and form a connection. Then tragedy strikes and they begin to make a good team as well as learn a lot about each other. For me there wasn’t ever any great tension or chemistry had me needing to turn the page. I probably could have put this down and never wondered what happened to these characters. I had a little hope for the end of the book but even that felt anti climactic. Sadly this one just never really engaged me. I have read books by this author that I enjoyed. This one was just okay for me.
February 17, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
My very first reaction when I started reading this book was to groan. It’s written in third person present, and honestly, that’s not a tense that I enjoy. But guys, about a page in, I’d completely forgotten about the tense and was sucked right into the story. The characterizations are wonderful, the pacing great, and the plotline very good.
What we get in this story is a tremendous amount of growth on the part of the MCs. Both Jamie and Sebastian go through substantial changes as the story line progresses. Yes, their meeting and subsequent connection takes a bit of a leap, but take that leap and you’ll thoroughly enjoy the story within. Jamie is a bit of a misanthrope, and has shut himself off from the outside world. Until Sebastian comes into his life and he’s given the chance to care for and help the younger man. I loved that this story was about healing for both men in different ways. Both Jamie and Sebastian had some hard things in their past, and they needed to move forward. By being together, sharing with each other, they were able to do that.
This is a fairly long book, and it needs to be to get all the emotions and story across. The writing is tight for the most part, and there were only one or two small instances where I was ready for the plot to move a little faster. These guys needed to move slowly. For both their healing and growth, as well as their romance. Because of the way the story progressed, I found myself whole heartedly believing in their journey. I was impressed that the author managed to convey so much, and make it so believable. There was a steady rate of growth for these characters, each scene not only moving the plot forward but also helping these guys to move forward as well.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
My very first reaction when I started reading this book was to groan. It’s written in third person present, and honestly, that’s not a tense that I enjoy. But guys, about a page in, I’d completely forgotten about the tense and was sucked right into the story. The characterizations are wonderful, the pacing great, and the plotline very good.
What we get in this story is a tremendous amount of growth on the part of the MCs. Both Jamie and Sebastian go through substantial changes as the story line progresses. Yes, their meeting and subsequent connection takes a bit of a leap, but take that leap and you’ll thoroughly enjoy the story within. Jamie is a bit of a misanthrope, and has shut himself off from the outside world. Until Sebastian comes into his life and he’s given the chance to care for and help the younger man. I loved that this story was about healing for both men in different ways. Both Jamie and Sebastian had some hard things in their past, and they needed to move forward. By being together, sharing with each other, they were able to do that.
This is a fairly long book, and it needs to be to get all the emotions and story across. The writing is tight for the most part, and there were only one or two small instances where I was ready for the plot to move a little faster. These guys needed to move slowly. For both their healing and growth, as well as their romance. Because of the way the story progressed, I found myself whole heartedly believing in their journey. I was impressed that the author managed to convey so much, and make it so believable. There was a steady rate of growth for these characters, each scene not only moving the plot forward but also helping these guys to move forward as well.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
May 19, 2015
Jamie has a house full of ghosts he can see but nothing else. One night he finds a real human, a man, Sebastian, out huddled from the rain in his garden shed. Turns out Sebastian can not only see the ghosts but he can hear and speak to them, too. When he can speak, that is.
Sebastian has been mute since his parents died in a fire years ago and has also been on the run since then, having no other family that he knows of. He wanders into Jamie’s shed one night and finds more than just shelter.
Together they learn more about ghosts and their “abilities” than they’d ever want to know and also find love.
**
From page one this story gripped me and kept me turning pages. It is very well written, captivating and interesting.
Though the romance is a fairly easy going May/December story, the addition of the ghost story and the mystery hiding in Sebastian’s life make this an interesting and fast-paced story.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Sebastian has been mute since his parents died in a fire years ago and has also been on the run since then, having no other family that he knows of. He wanders into Jamie’s shed one night and finds more than just shelter.
Together they learn more about ghosts and their “abilities” than they’d ever want to know and also find love.
**
From page one this story gripped me and kept me turning pages. It is very well written, captivating and interesting.
Though the romance is a fairly easy going May/December story, the addition of the ghost story and the mystery hiding in Sebastian’s life make this an interesting and fast-paced story.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
June 29, 2015
Sadly this was me the entire time I was reading this:
This story is written in third person present tense. I used to think I could read any tense/pov but apparently not. I hated this style. It read like one of those Dick & Jane stories you learn to read with. See Dick run. Run Dick run. Go Jane go. This may have been why I couldn't at all connect with the characters. I don't know. Just really didn't work for me.
This story is written in third person present tense. I used to think I could read any tense/pov but apparently not. I hated this style. It read like one of those Dick & Jane stories you learn to read with. See Dick run. Run Dick run. Go Jane go. This may have been why I couldn't at all connect with the characters. I don't know. Just really didn't work for me.
February 6, 2015
Guess these two were fated to meet. I like how they gradually worked together to help both Sebastian and the ghosts they see.
Only problem is that now I'm on a ghost story quest :)
Recommended.
Only problem is that now I'm on a ghost story quest :)
Recommended.
February 16, 2015
Interesting Story
It took me quite awhile to get thru this story. I did enjoy it but it was a little drawn out. The MCs were sweet, and I enjoyed watching their HEA unfold. The final climax was good.
It took me quite awhile to get thru this story. I did enjoy it but it was a little drawn out. The MCs were sweet, and I enjoyed watching their HEA unfold. The final climax was good.
February 27, 2015
3.5 stars
September 4, 2015
I don't hate it, but I don't like it either. So yeah, just 2* for me.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews