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Speak No Evil
Weston doesn’t believe in voodoo but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t believe in him. His life and family were steeped in the stuff and it was fine, until voodoo took everything from him, ripped his life from his grasp. And when it swallowed whole the person he loved most he had to escape.
But there were consequences. His voodoo goddess wasn’t going to let go of him so easily, and her revenge was the pinnacle of evil. He could have dealt with something like impotence or boils, but this was purely depraved. She came for him and hit him where it hurts. She might as well have taken his guns.
Weston found himself unable to lie. A hitman who can’t lie. What a joke.
When his handler throws him a bone, a job that requires no interaction only observation, Weston takes it. He should be able to do this in his sleep, but he’s off his game. He gets way too close. Nothing is as it seems, and someone else, maybe someone worse than him, is stalking his mark. But he can’t leave the kid high and dry. Not when Eli is all he can think about.
But there were consequences. His voodoo goddess wasn’t going to let go of him so easily, and her revenge was the pinnacle of evil. He could have dealt with something like impotence or boils, but this was purely depraved. She came for him and hit him where it hurts. She might as well have taken his guns.
Weston found himself unable to lie. A hitman who can’t lie. What a joke.
When his handler throws him a bone, a job that requires no interaction only observation, Weston takes it. He should be able to do this in his sleep, but he’s off his game. He gets way too close. Nothing is as it seems, and someone else, maybe someone worse than him, is stalking his mark. But he can’t leave the kid high and dry. Not when Eli is all he can think about.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2019
58 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Gray
59 books1,271 followersWhen not staying up all night writing, J.R. Gray can be found at the gym where it's half assumed he is a permanent resident to fulfill his self-inflicted masochism. A dominant and a pilot, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. He frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns and conversations, to jot down notes or plot bunnies. Commas are the bane of his existence even though it's been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder. If Gray wasn't writing…well, that's not possible. The buildup of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave, insanity or both. The idea of haunting has always appealed to him. J.R. Gray is genderqueer and prefers he/him pronouns.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 26, 2019
5 Stars!
Enjoyed this one!
This was a fun, crazy, and intense ride. This is a NTMA and I can honestly say I am really happy I took a chance on this book and this author because I really enjoyed the story and the authors humor.
This book seemed to have a little bit of everything. Voodoo, magic, witch doctors, crazy ex's, the mob, hit-men, action, betrayal, and some crazy hot man on man loving.
Weston is a hit-man who can't lie thanks to his soon to be ex wife. She's a voodoo magic willing woman scorned and she is making his life hard to live. His family and friends have all taken his ex, Ava's side. All he has is his work. So when his handler, basically they only one who is still talking to Weston, gives him a new case of just observing a target he jumps at the chance to take it. What should have been an easy job turns out to be one that once again has Weston's world turning upside down. Eli was just supposed to be a job. But now he's got Weston breaking all his rules and risking his job and life just to keep him.
Eli works as a coast-guard and has his own problems he's trying to deal with. He witnessed something he shouldn't have while on the job and was told to keep quiet about it. But now he's a bit paranoid and feels like he's being watched. If only he knew the guy he's been watching is the guy who was hired to watch him.
Weston didn't start exploring his attraction to men until after leaving his wife and they pretty much only been bathroom hook-ups. Eli is pretty comfortable in the closet and has no plans of stepping out of it which has cost him past relationships. But the pull these men have towards each other have them both taking risks that neither have ever taken for anyone else. They are so good together. They bicker about everything in a hilarious fashion. The snark is strong in both of them. Their relationship might be new but they have a connection that makes them seem like they've known each other for years. They just fit.
The story and characters are completely entertaining and the action, humor, and suspense kept me glued to the pages. I can't help but hope that this story isn't over and there will be another book soon. With all that crazy the ex brought there has to be more. Plus I felt the ending was unfinished. Not in the sense that we were left with a cliffhanger, but just that it felt like there was more to be told. So this gal is hoping for more. I will definitely be looking out for more books from this author.
Happy reading dolls! xx
**I received an ARC from IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.**
Enjoyed this one!
This was a fun, crazy, and intense ride. This is a NTMA and I can honestly say I am really happy I took a chance on this book and this author because I really enjoyed the story and the authors humor.
This book seemed to have a little bit of everything. Voodoo, magic, witch doctors, crazy ex's, the mob, hit-men, action, betrayal, and some crazy hot man on man loving.
Weston is a hit-man who can't lie thanks to his soon to be ex wife. She's a voodoo magic willing woman scorned and she is making his life hard to live. His family and friends have all taken his ex, Ava's side. All he has is his work. So when his handler, basically they only one who is still talking to Weston, gives him a new case of just observing a target he jumps at the chance to take it. What should have been an easy job turns out to be one that once again has Weston's world turning upside down. Eli was just supposed to be a job. But now he's got Weston breaking all his rules and risking his job and life just to keep him.
Eli works as a coast-guard and has his own problems he's trying to deal with. He witnessed something he shouldn't have while on the job and was told to keep quiet about it. But now he's a bit paranoid and feels like he's being watched. If only he knew the guy he's been watching is the guy who was hired to watch him.
Weston didn't start exploring his attraction to men until after leaving his wife and they pretty much only been bathroom hook-ups. Eli is pretty comfortable in the closet and has no plans of stepping out of it which has cost him past relationships. But the pull these men have towards each other have them both taking risks that neither have ever taken for anyone else. They are so good together. They bicker about everything in a hilarious fashion. The snark is strong in both of them. Their relationship might be new but they have a connection that makes them seem like they've known each other for years. They just fit.
The story and characters are completely entertaining and the action, humor, and suspense kept me glued to the pages. I can't help but hope that this story isn't over and there will be another book soon. With all that crazy the ex brought there has to be more. Plus I felt the ending was unfinished. Not in the sense that we were left with a cliffhanger, but just that it felt like there was more to be told. So this gal is hoping for more. I will definitely be looking out for more books from this author.
Happy reading dolls! xx
**I received an ARC from IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.**
April 25, 2020
This is my first book by JR Gray and holy shit balls, this is incredible and going into my list of top reads of the year. I have a thing for hitman, so there's that, but Weston and Eli really stood out to me.
Weston is a hitman with the worst luck ever since he broke up with his wife. He had been cursed by the scorned ex, who is totally cray cray. I've read some crazy exes, but Ava takes the cake. Weston is having all the bad juju and although I feel bad for him, I also find it hilarious to see his suffering. I'm such a sadist and Weston is the kind of character that is easy to make fun of.
Eli is a Coast Guard and he also facing his own set of problem that will threaten his job and safety. These two men, each with one foot in the closet door and the worst of luck got together was just epic with bullet flying and everything.
I just love the way they bicker about everything from who is topping who, about gun fetish to opinion on furniture. They might not know each other well, but they bicker like husbands who find the other half truly annoying, but love him anyway. I will always remember the funniest scene in the book when Weston was high and off his rocker at the hospital and Eli trying to break him out without strangling Weston himself. There are simply too many instances whereby I was making all the weird faces in front of my kindle trying to avoid laughing out loud and my husband looking over at me making sure I'm still sane.
The suspense and the mystery keep me guessing till the end. My mind keep thinking 'What the hell is happening??', 'why is the wife so crazy?', someone please explain to me STAT because I need answers! I had no idea whether this will be a standalone or a series, but finger crossed I'm hoping the author will announce the sequel soon because I couldn't get enough of these two and there are things still unresolved. And for those who needs to know how this end in terms of romance, .
Weston is a hitman with the worst luck ever since he broke up with his wife. He had been cursed by the scorned ex, who is totally cray cray. I've read some crazy exes, but Ava takes the cake. Weston is having all the bad juju and although I feel bad for him, I also find it hilarious to see his suffering. I'm such a sadist and Weston is the kind of character that is easy to make fun of.
Eli is a Coast Guard and he also facing his own set of problem that will threaten his job and safety. These two men, each with one foot in the closet door and the worst of luck got together was just epic with bullet flying and everything.
I just love the way they bicker about everything from who is topping who, about gun fetish to opinion on furniture. They might not know each other well, but they bicker like husbands who find the other half truly annoying, but love him anyway. I will always remember the funniest scene in the book when Weston was high and off his rocker at the hospital and Eli trying to break him out without strangling Weston himself. There are simply too many instances whereby I was making all the weird faces in front of my kindle trying to avoid laughing out loud and my husband looking over at me making sure I'm still sane.
The suspense and the mystery keep me guessing till the end. My mind keep thinking 'What the hell is happening??', 'why is the wife so crazy?', someone please explain to me STAT because I need answers! I had no idea whether this will be a standalone or a series, but finger crossed I'm hoping the author will announce the sequel soon because I couldn't get enough of these two and there are things still unresolved. And for those who needs to know how this end in terms of romance, .
March 29, 2019
4.5 Stars
‘It wasn’t easy to find trustworthy people in this line of work anymore, but Weston had always been one of them, even before the curse.’
Speak No Evil by JR Gray is our first book by this Author and now we feel like going on a binge read of all his books. We loved the writing style, the character development and the thrilling and addictive storyline which had such emotion, peppered with bouts of humour. We couldn’t even begin to tell you how enthralled this story had us and we loved that! Nothing was predictable nor superfluous. Rather, it had us intrigued and captivated from the first till the last page. The setting felt otherworldly yet wasn’t and it served as its very own important character part of the story.
‘He hoped he wouldn’t have to kill Eli Jensen.’
A hitman who can’t lie….that was what had us eagerly wanting to find out more about Weston. He was a bit of an enigma. A hitman with a cursed heart, a crazy voodoo practicing ex and a handler who is sending him down the garden path. Weston is a classic example of why we love our anti-heroes. They have a hard and fierce exterior yet a soft vulnerability which only that one person can unearth and expose.
‘This was purely a fantasy Eli needed to get out of his system, or so he told himself.’
Eli is a marked man, but why? Weston has been given a job to finish but not only is his curiosity raised as to why but so is his lust for Eli. The attraction is as intense and heated as the thrilling investigation is addicting. Elia and Weston had fabulous banter and a connection that scorched the pages. However, the interactions and relationship which grew through the story was also sweet, funny and in a way endearing. Sometimes life builds up to what was meant to be, not always taking an easy path.
‘Roses are red, violets are blue, your fucking sheets itch like a bitch, get new ones if I’m going to sleep in your bed.’
Suspense, twisted double-crossing drama, and a saucy romance. What more could we ask for in a story? We just wished the ending didn’t come as abruptly as it did after everything our heroes had been through. Maybe we’re being greedy but it’s only because we fell in love with Weston and Eli and needed a bit more ‘afters’.
‘Roses are red, nuts are brown, shirts go up, pants go down, please bend over and turn around. Tulips are purple, they bloom in the sun, don’t miss me too much, I’m going for a run.’
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April 6, 2019
This book had such a fascinating premise: A hitman who could not lie and was being haunted by a devious , evil voodoo ex? I was like "Sign me up!". However, the execution left much to be desired...
First of all, the dialogue between our MCs, was not engaging; it was choppy at some points and plain confusing at other points. It was not that they were both reticent, the dialogue just didn't flow properly. With other characters it did, but between our MCs, something felt off.
Also, for a book with hitmen, voodoo and mysterious components, the pacing lagged too much. It dragged out all throughout and if it wasn't for how I wanted to know what happened at the end, I'm sure I would've pushed it aside many times.
Speaking of endings, this book did not have one. It just stopped. There were many questions left unanswered, with even the big villain out in the wind. There were also many things up in the air, especially concerning our MCs that, it just stopping like it did frankly annoyed me. I had expected my perseverance throughout the good and bad of the book to at least pay off in a well rounded ending.Alas, it wasn't to be so.
Bummer.
First of all, the dialogue between our MCs, was not engaging; it was choppy at some points and plain confusing at other points. It was not that they were both reticent, the dialogue just didn't flow properly. With other characters it did, but between our MCs, something felt off.
Also, for a book with hitmen, voodoo and mysterious components, the pacing lagged too much. It dragged out all throughout and if it wasn't for how I wanted to know what happened at the end, I'm sure I would've pushed it aside many times.
Speaking of endings, this book did not have one. It just stopped. There were many questions left unanswered, with even the big villain out in the wind. There were also many things up in the air, especially concerning our MCs that, it just stopping like it did frankly annoyed me. I had expected my perseverance throughout the good and bad of the book to at least pay off in a well rounded ending.Alas, it wasn't to be so.
Bummer.
April 26, 2019
3.5 Stars
This started out so awesome, but somewhere along the way I was feeling a bit ho-hum. It was a tad predictable, which makes no sense because for over half of the book I had no idea what the hell was going on, but I still knew what was coming. Then it started to get good, and I do mean good, and BAM, the worst word...END.
This started out so awesome, but somewhere along the way I was feeling a bit ho-hum. It was a tad predictable, which makes no sense because for over half of the book I had no idea what the hell was going on, but I still knew what was coming. Then it started to get good, and I do mean good, and BAM, the worst word...END.
April 21, 2019
This story had a great, unique premise but the execution fell flat for me. That was a huge disappointment because I really wanted to love it.
November 13, 2021
*mild spoilers ahead*
I must admit I got really bored in the middle so I went and finished a whole other book before continuing but at least it got better after that😁. I loved Eli and Weston. Especially Weston's grouchy but snarky hitman self and Eli who couldn't accept that they were actually boyfriends and not mutual fuck buddies till he's almost sacrificed by his not-boyfriend's terrible ex...I think that was a spoiler, sorry.
It had the best chemistry I've seen in a while and the smut was on-point 😏*insert wiggling eyebrow*.
I must admit I got really bored in the middle so I went and finished a whole other book before continuing but at least it got better after that😁. I loved Eli and Weston. Especially Weston's grouchy but snarky hitman self and Eli who couldn't accept that they were actually boyfriends and not mutual fuck buddies till he's almost sacrificed by his not-boyfriend's terrible ex...I think that was a spoiler, sorry.
It had the best chemistry I've seen in a while and the smut was on-point 😏*insert wiggling eyebrow*.
April 11, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
For a book about voodoo and curses and a hitman, this story was more entertaining and lighter than I thought given the heavier tone of the blurb. Weston is a professional hitman, but he is off his game. His marriage ended and his ex-wife is set on revenge as she placed a voodoo curse on him and Weston finds himself unable to lie.
This book really captured my attention and held it all of the way through the book as I found myself reading it quickly to see what would happen next to these men. But I was also conflicted as there are so many plot points that are not fully explored and many loose ends not tied up at the end.
Weston and Eli were a lot of fun together. They are attracted to each other first and then realize they enjoy being with each other as well. Weston likes a partner he can dominate and he thinks that’s who Eli is, but Eli surprises him in and out of the bedroom. It’s touched on that Weston has a lot of internalized issues about roles in the bedroom due to his upbringing, but there isn’t a lot of exploration or resolution to it.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
For a book about voodoo and curses and a hitman, this story was more entertaining and lighter than I thought given the heavier tone of the blurb. Weston is a professional hitman, but he is off his game. His marriage ended and his ex-wife is set on revenge as she placed a voodoo curse on him and Weston finds himself unable to lie.
This book really captured my attention and held it all of the way through the book as I found myself reading it quickly to see what would happen next to these men. But I was also conflicted as there are so many plot points that are not fully explored and many loose ends not tied up at the end.
Weston and Eli were a lot of fun together. They are attracted to each other first and then realize they enjoy being with each other as well. Weston likes a partner he can dominate and he thinks that’s who Eli is, but Eli surprises him in and out of the bedroom. It’s touched on that Weston has a lot of internalized issues about roles in the bedroom due to his upbringing, but there isn’t a lot of exploration or resolution to it.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
April 1, 2019
This was an interesting premise but I struggled at times to get through it. The blurb is amazing but it took me a long time to finish this. I don't know why I didn't connect with the MC's together. I like them both but I don't get them together.
This also ended in a weird place with a Together For Now. While these guys are willing to sacrifice for each other, their relationship is not solid at all since Ava has such an unhealthy/paranatural hold on Weston. Eli has a few weird relationships of his own.
I'm assuming this is the beginning of a series, I hope so or the ending was even weirder and remarkably disappointing.
This also ended in a weird place with a Together For Now. While these guys are willing to sacrifice for each other, their relationship is not solid at all since Ava has such an unhealthy/paranatural hold on Weston. Eli has a few weird relationships of his own.
I'm assuming this is the beginning of a series, I hope so or the ending was even weirder and remarkably disappointing.
May 7, 2020
What a way to pop my J.R. Gray cherry! A fast moving thriller, Speak No Evil has a nicely developed plot with clever twists and turns, a dash of voodoo, and lots of good old, kinky fun. It might have just been the way Justin R. Berkey read it, but did I detect a healthy dose of very dry humor as well? Great audiobook!
It’s also my first experience with narrator Justin R. Berkey. His delivery is engaging and, especially with Weston, Berkey brought these characters to life.
I’ve got several more novels by J.R. Gray on my tbr shelf and I’m looking forward to reading them. As for Justin R. Berkey, I hope this is the start of a long career in audiobook narration.
an audiobook copy of Speak No Evil was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
It’s also my first experience with narrator Justin R. Berkey. His delivery is engaging and, especially with Weston, Berkey brought these characters to life.
I’ve got several more novels by J.R. Gray on my tbr shelf and I’m looking forward to reading them. As for Justin R. Berkey, I hope this is the start of a long career in audiobook narration.
an audiobook copy of Speak No Evil was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
March 28, 2019
4.5 Stars
‘It wasn’t easy to find trustworthy people in this line of work anymore, but Weston had always been one of them, even before the curse.’
Speak No Evil by JR Gray is our first book by this Author and now we feel like going on a binge read of all his books. We loved the writing style, the character development and the thrilling and addictive storyline which had such emotion, peppered with bouts of humour. We couldn’t even begin to tell you how enthralled this story had us and we loved that! Nothing was predictable nor superfluous. Rather, it had us intrigued and captivated from the first till the last page. The setting felt otherworldly yet wasn’t and it served as its very own important character part of the story.
‘He hoped he wouldn’t have to kill Eli Jensen.’
A hitman who can’t lie….that was what had us eagerly wanting to find out more about Weston. He was a bit of an enigma. A hitman with a cursed heart, a crazy voodoo practicing ex and a handler who is sending him down the garden path. Weston is a classic example of why we love our anti-heroes. They have a hard and fierce exterior yet a soft vulnerability which only that one person can unearth and expose.
‘This was purely a fantasy Eli needed to get out of his system, or so he told himself.’
Eli is a marked man, but why? Weston has been given a job to finish but not only is his curiosity raised as to why but so is his lust for Eli. The attraction is as intense and heated as the thrilling investigation is addicting. Elia and Weston had fabulous banter and a connection that scorched the pages. However, the interactions and relationship which grew through the story was also sweet, funny and in a way endearing. Sometimes life builds up to what was meant to be, not always taking an easy path.
‘Roses are red, violets are blue, your fucking sheets itch like a bitch, get new ones if I’m going to sleep in your bed.’
Suspense, twisted double-crossing drama, and a saucy romance. What more could we ask for in a story? We just wished the ending didn’t come as abruptly as it did after everything our heroes had been through. Maybe we’re being greedy but it’s only because we fell in love with Weston and Eli and needed a bit more ‘afters’.
‘Roses are red, nuts are brown, shirts go up, pants go down, please bend over and turn around. Tulips are purple, they bloom in the sun, don’t miss me too much, I’m going for a run.’
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallyBookedBlog
✲ TBB on Facebook
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October 6, 2019
Against my expectations, pretty much nothing in this book ended up working for me.
Content warnings include: violence, graphic describtions of injury, character is given medication against his will, strong reaction to medication, sex on-page, internalized homophobia/biphobia/misogyny and toxic masculinity (only partly challenged on-page).
The first and foremost part of what didn't work for me was the writing. This is the first book I read by this author and I read an unproofed advanced copy, so I can't tell if this was a one off or what changes the final copy will have. While some of the issues I had will probably be solved with final edits (like missing commas, repetetive sentence structure, or continuity errors) I don't think all of them will be gone.
For the most part it just felt incredibly disconnected. Transitions between scenes, moods and what the story was focussing on were missing completely. I frequently had no idea what was going on because things changed from one sentence to the next - it almost felt like entire sentences were missing??
This was emphasized by how I couldn't follow who was talking during some of the dialogues, and at times I couldn't follow what the characters were even talking about in the moment.
Especially the beginning was confusing, because there were so many side sentences that alluded to the characters' pasts or habits, but since they were not explained at all I didn't know what they meant. And these side sentences didn't just happen once or twice, but often several times per page, which quickly became frustrating.
I also wasn't a fan of the romance. Because of the missing transitions it just felt so unfitting and random. One moment the characters were all professional and doing their job and the next they had their cocks out. Or the other way around, one moment they were all lovey dovey and the next they were in the middle of a gunfight.
And even if that hadn't been an issue, I just wasn't feeling Eli and Weston together. I had a very hard time figuring out what the mood between them was, which was another thing that changed frequently and without warning. This was only emphasized by their tendency to be rough with each other, both verbally and physically - I often couldn't tell if they were flirting or genuinely fighting.
Then there's the characters themselves. They were not bad, but I didn't get a good feel for them either.
For example, I still have no idea how old Eli is. In the beginning Weston referrs to him as "kid", and when Eli hangs out with his friends they are described as barely over 18, but once Eli and Weston get closer the age thing is never brought up again, aside from Weston not wanting to tell Eli how old he is because he is a decade older - which would speak against Eli being 18 because Weston is in his mid to late thirties (or at least that's what I gathered.)
Besides, Eli didn't read like a guy in his late teens, and his backstory seems to have too many chapters for someone so young (I might be wrong about that though, I have no idea how long all the miltary stuff things he did take.)
Which brings me the to be backstories. They just.... felt so anticlimatic. I expected way more from them than what they were, and some of them (along with some big events) were just dropped halfway through and never brought up again.
This ties in with the antagonist - Ava, Weston's soon-to-be ex-wife. She just.... had no motive? I have no idea what her goals or reasons were. I also had really mixed feelings about her backstory: Nerdy-somewhat-shy girl turning into femme fatal.... that trope just left a bad taste in my mouth, especially with how Weston is contstantly musing about how much makeup she is wearing now and how much more he liked her without makeup.
Along with that internalized misogyny there was also a healthy dose of low-key biphobia and a lot of internalized homophobia and toxic masculinity. Only the last of the two are addressed and challenged on page.
I also wish there had been more worldbuilding. The book plays in New Orleans and draws from voodoo culture/religion - I previously had no idea about the connection between voodoo and New Orleans, and pretty much nothing is explained. I thought Speak No Evil would be paranormal, and while it has paranormal aspects I wouldn't really put it in that genre.
Lastly, I was disappointed by how irrelevant the whole No Lying thing was. From the blurb I got the impression that Weston being unable to lie would be a big plot point and play an important role, but... nope. Other than Weston musing about how annoying it is, it doesn't really come into play.
Overall Speak No Evil is a book with a great concept whose execution sadly didn't work out at all for me personally.
I received an ARC and reviewed voluntarily.
Content warnings include: violence, graphic describtions of injury, character is given medication against his will, strong reaction to medication, sex on-page, internalized homophobia/biphobia/misogyny and toxic masculinity (only partly challenged on-page).
The first and foremost part of what didn't work for me was the writing. This is the first book I read by this author and I read an unproofed advanced copy, so I can't tell if this was a one off or what changes the final copy will have. While some of the issues I had will probably be solved with final edits (like missing commas, repetetive sentence structure, or continuity errors) I don't think all of them will be gone.
For the most part it just felt incredibly disconnected. Transitions between scenes, moods and what the story was focussing on were missing completely. I frequently had no idea what was going on because things changed from one sentence to the next - it almost felt like entire sentences were missing??
This was emphasized by how I couldn't follow who was talking during some of the dialogues, and at times I couldn't follow what the characters were even talking about in the moment.
Especially the beginning was confusing, because there were so many side sentences that alluded to the characters' pasts or habits, but since they were not explained at all I didn't know what they meant. And these side sentences didn't just happen once or twice, but often several times per page, which quickly became frustrating.
I also wasn't a fan of the romance. Because of the missing transitions it just felt so unfitting and random. One moment the characters were all professional and doing their job and the next they had their cocks out. Or the other way around, one moment they were all lovey dovey and the next they were in the middle of a gunfight.
And even if that hadn't been an issue, I just wasn't feeling Eli and Weston together. I had a very hard time figuring out what the mood between them was, which was another thing that changed frequently and without warning. This was only emphasized by their tendency to be rough with each other, both verbally and physically - I often couldn't tell if they were flirting or genuinely fighting.
Then there's the characters themselves. They were not bad, but I didn't get a good feel for them either.
For example, I still have no idea how old Eli is. In the beginning Weston referrs to him as "kid", and when Eli hangs out with his friends they are described as barely over 18, but once Eli and Weston get closer the age thing is never brought up again, aside from Weston not wanting to tell Eli how old he is because he is a decade older - which would speak against Eli being 18 because Weston is in his mid to late thirties (or at least that's what I gathered.)
Besides, Eli didn't read like a guy in his late teens, and his backstory seems to have too many chapters for someone so young (I might be wrong about that though, I have no idea how long all the miltary stuff things he did take.)
Which brings me the to be backstories. They just.... felt so anticlimatic. I expected way more from them than what they were, and some of them (along with some big events) were just dropped halfway through and never brought up again.
This ties in with the antagonist - Ava, Weston's soon-to-be ex-wife. She just.... had no motive? I have no idea what her goals or reasons were. I also had really mixed feelings about her backstory: Nerdy-somewhat-shy girl turning into femme fatal.... that trope just left a bad taste in my mouth, especially with how Weston is contstantly musing about how much makeup she is wearing now and how much more he liked her without makeup.
Along with that internalized misogyny there was also a healthy dose of low-key biphobia and a lot of internalized homophobia and toxic masculinity. Only the last of the two are addressed and challenged on page.
I also wish there had been more worldbuilding. The book plays in New Orleans and draws from voodoo culture/religion - I previously had no idea about the connection between voodoo and New Orleans, and pretty much nothing is explained. I thought Speak No Evil would be paranormal, and while it has paranormal aspects I wouldn't really put it in that genre.
Lastly, I was disappointed by how irrelevant the whole No Lying thing was. From the blurb I got the impression that Weston being unable to lie would be a big plot point and play an important role, but... nope. Other than Weston musing about how annoying it is, it doesn't really come into play.
Overall Speak No Evil is a book with a great concept whose execution sadly didn't work out at all for me personally.
I received an ARC and reviewed voluntarily.
March 22, 2019
The book and I didn't really connect on a deeper level. I quite enjoyed the story, especially Eli. But something was missing. And because I didn't get really deep into it, I noticed some things in the writing style that annoyed me, especially the switching of perspective within a chapter, paragraph or even sentence. Maybe that wasn't intentional but simply a not-correct use of pronouns but that drove me crazy!
Also, I would have loved to hear more about Weston and Eli's background, especially Eli's.
But maybe it's just me and Voodoo. We have a difficult relationship. Annoying because I would loved to like this book more. After all, it was a great story.
Also, I would have loved to hear more about Weston and Eli's background, especially Eli's.
But maybe it's just me and Voodoo. We have a difficult relationship. Annoying because I would loved to like this book more. After all, it was a great story.
March 16, 2019
♥.•🌟¨)☆♡¸.•🌟´¨)☆♡¸.•♥🌟´¨)☆♡♥
♡🌟(¸.•♥´🌟Murder and Curses and Voodoo, Oh My!
Add Drama and Mystery and Romance, I sigh.
"A hit man who cannot lie! What a joke!"
From the day I first caught wind of this book, I was on edge. I had read JR Gray's books and they have all kept my interest. But this story, infused with drama, mystery and curses, hinting at all things southern, read like a John Grisham murder mystery, set in a Hollywood movie, dosed with a seasoning of the paranormal. Any southerner, or person blessed with being raised with African culture has had first hand knowledge of the depth that voodooism plays in the culture. And this book was liberally dosed with it. With a hit man cursed to tell the truth, a coast guard military man who found himself caught up in his world unbeknownst and more fire power than a Fast and the Furious movie; the author aimed to captured his reader's attention and hold it until the end.
I don't think there is one part of this book that I didn't like except the end, mainly because it stated "END". I am hoping that we the readers, are graced with more Weston and Eli, because in my opinion, their story has not ended. There is so much questions that are still unanswered and definitely not covered and I feel like another book can make it happen.
This was a five star read for me, despite the happy for now ending. Action, drama, romance. The plot was a delight and fulfilled enough to keep me satisfied for now. I could not get enough of the times these two guys spent together. From the cheesy poems to the dominating bedroom scenes, even the dialogue kept me riveted. For Weston and Eli, what should have been a hit and run turned out to be something special. Weston grew in personality the more time he spent with Eli, yay and Eli was remains just the sweetest thing ever. A definite recommendation!! I want more!!
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author. Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
♡🌟(¸.•♥´🌟Murder and Curses and Voodoo, Oh My!
Add Drama and Mystery and Romance, I sigh.
"A hit man who cannot lie! What a joke!"
From the day I first caught wind of this book, I was on edge. I had read JR Gray's books and they have all kept my interest. But this story, infused with drama, mystery and curses, hinting at all things southern, read like a John Grisham murder mystery, set in a Hollywood movie, dosed with a seasoning of the paranormal. Any southerner, or person blessed with being raised with African culture has had first hand knowledge of the depth that voodooism plays in the culture. And this book was liberally dosed with it. With a hit man cursed to tell the truth, a coast guard military man who found himself caught up in his world unbeknownst and more fire power than a Fast and the Furious movie; the author aimed to captured his reader's attention and hold it until the end.
I don't think there is one part of this book that I didn't like except the end, mainly because it stated "END". I am hoping that we the readers, are graced with more Weston and Eli, because in my opinion, their story has not ended. There is so much questions that are still unanswered and definitely not covered and I feel like another book can make it happen.
This was a five star read for me, despite the happy for now ending. Action, drama, romance. The plot was a delight and fulfilled enough to keep me satisfied for now. I could not get enough of the times these two guys spent together. From the cheesy poems to the dominating bedroom scenes, even the dialogue kept me riveted. For Weston and Eli, what should have been a hit and run turned out to be something special. Weston grew in personality the more time he spent with Eli, yay and Eli was remains just the sweetest thing ever. A definite recommendation!! I want more!!
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author. Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
April 2, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5
A gripping start…
I enjoyed the thrilling start of this book and the cat and mouse game between Eli and Weston. Weston was a dynamic character and I enjoyed his wit and humor. He was cursed by his now psychotic ex (who seriously needed some karmic leveling!) and now cannot lie. I enjoyed his inability to lie and his brash nature.
Eli was an endearing closeted soul and the chemistry between him and West was hot. I loved the ‘fights’ for power/control. There are elements of toxic masculinity in this that was hard to read and occasionally confronting.
I think it’s just me but, I did feel lost at some points during the story and felt like it when back and forth a bit, or there were moments that were quick to anger and spun off into voodoo and got lost but the overall thrill was still there even though I didn’t ‘feel’ Eli and West worked as a ‘couple’. I wanted more feelings, more explanations and more research into the voodoo elements. It could have been super creepy/scary with the gris-gris bags everywhere!
The book ends on a sort of cliffhanger and I am intrigued as to were it will go next.
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5
A gripping start…
I enjoyed the thrilling start of this book and the cat and mouse game between Eli and Weston. Weston was a dynamic character and I enjoyed his wit and humor. He was cursed by his now psychotic ex (who seriously needed some karmic leveling!) and now cannot lie. I enjoyed his inability to lie and his brash nature.
Eli was an endearing closeted soul and the chemistry between him and West was hot. I loved the ‘fights’ for power/control. There are elements of toxic masculinity in this that was hard to read and occasionally confronting.
I think it’s just me but, I did feel lost at some points during the story and felt like it when back and forth a bit, or there were moments that were quick to anger and spun off into voodoo and got lost but the overall thrill was still there even though I didn’t ‘feel’ Eli and West worked as a ‘couple’. I wanted more feelings, more explanations and more research into the voodoo elements. It could have been super creepy/scary with the gris-gris bags everywhere!
The book ends on a sort of cliffhanger and I am intrigued as to were it will go next.
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
March 20, 2019
This story was really enjoyable. It was easy going and fun and the characters totally grew on me.
Weston is a contract killer who is trying to dissolve his marriage. A native of NOLA, he's shied away from Voodoo all his life, but his ex has cursed him and vows that she will never let him leave her.
Eli is a military man who's seen too much. He is a closeted gay man with a thing for a guy he doesn't know has a contract to watch him. And once they meet, everything erupts and all they can do is stick together.
There isn't a cliffhanger at the end, but not all of the strings are tied off, so I'm hoping there will be a sequel in the works. And honestly, I got really invested in Eli and Weston as their story progressed.
It took me a while to get into this, first because I didn't care much for Weston. He told his story with the use of flashbacks, which aren't my favorite. He just seemed like kind of a jerk, honestly. But things changed once he got caught up with Eli and did a little dance in the hospital whilst drugged. Things changed between them and Weston seemed to soften at his edges.
From there the action never stopped. There were guns and chases and black magic. It was thrilling and funny and sweet. I quite enjoyed the story, the characters and the craziness of the voodoo goddess. I can't wait to find out what happens next in their story.
*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
Weston is a contract killer who is trying to dissolve his marriage. A native of NOLA, he's shied away from Voodoo all his life, but his ex has cursed him and vows that she will never let him leave her.
Eli is a military man who's seen too much. He is a closeted gay man with a thing for a guy he doesn't know has a contract to watch him. And once they meet, everything erupts and all they can do is stick together.
There isn't a cliffhanger at the end, but not all of the strings are tied off, so I'm hoping there will be a sequel in the works. And honestly, I got really invested in Eli and Weston as their story progressed.
It took me a while to get into this, first because I didn't care much for Weston. He told his story with the use of flashbacks, which aren't my favorite. He just seemed like kind of a jerk, honestly. But things changed once he got caught up with Eli and did a little dance in the hospital whilst drugged. Things changed between them and Weston seemed to soften at his edges.
From there the action never stopped. There were guns and chases and black magic. It was thrilling and funny and sweet. I quite enjoyed the story, the characters and the craziness of the voodoo goddess. I can't wait to find out what happens next in their story.
*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
April 2, 2019
3.5 stars
July 28, 2021
This book started with an awesome premise... Voodoo, hitmen, gay love all great stuff! And then the characters happened. They were fine in the first few chapters, when we didn't know them yet but it's like we never moved past that stage. We went through an entire book and we didn't know them any better in the end. That coupled with the choppy dialogue, the simplistic plot and an abrupt ending, only made the book an even bigger disappointment to me. And the cherry on top; I hated the sex scenes which were more like fighting than actual sex.
Read
March 27, 2019DNF at 53%
I really, really wanted to love this one, but I could never seem to connect to the story. I felt like the tone was inconsistent and the POV switches were abrupt, often leaving me confused and re-reading passages. I also found some continuity issues that will hopefully be fixed in the final edit. For example, a hospital gown became a tee and then a hospital gown again.
I liked Weston and Eli and the sex was certainly hot, but it wasn't enough to keep me invested. Based on the previous reviews, this appears to be a big hit, so hopefully I'm an anomaly.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
I really, really wanted to love this one, but I could never seem to connect to the story. I felt like the tone was inconsistent and the POV switches were abrupt, often leaving me confused and re-reading passages. I also found some continuity issues that will hopefully be fixed in the final edit. For example, a hospital gown became a tee and then a hospital gown again.
I liked Weston and Eli and the sex was certainly hot, but it wasn't enough to keep me invested. Based on the previous reviews, this appears to be a big hit, so hopefully I'm an anomaly.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2019
Man, I really hope there's going to be another book to go with this. Or that this turns into a series. If not, I may seriously ugly cry. This book was so good and the way it leaves off screams of another. I really don't want to ugly cry lol. Hint hint.
I can think of a lot of things in life I could do without, but really stop and think what you're love would be like if you could NEVER lie. Especially if you are in a job where it's really needed. Like being a Hitman. Weston knew his life was going to tell in a handbasket, but this curse his ex put on him just made it worse. Thinking he can relax maybe a bit with this new 'mission’ he's on, he settles in to watch this mark. But what he's being told and what he is seeing are two different things. As much corruption as he's around, he should have known something was up, but it never occurred to him the way some things are turning out. With things he's finding and finding out, he only knows one thing. He needs to protect this mark, Eli. Eli has started to mean something to him and with what's coming their, he would rather die himself then let harm come to this man. He only hopes he can stay alive long enough to keep Eli alive.
A Hitman with morals. I guess not unheard of. I know you think about things like that if you're watching an action movie or reading a book, at least I do. I would assume it's true, considering. It's hell on Weston, though. He's having to censor himself like crazy in order not to let real truths escape in his world. It's not an easy thing. Also doesn't help when you start to feel a little more than you want to let on about somebody. I feel for the man, for sure. His whole world has been turned upside down in more ways than one. And all because of his crazy ass ex. I had a feeling something was off with her during his flashbacks. She just screamed nuts. And heaven forbid he get to move on with his life. And knowing her, she would follow him anywhere to mess with him. All while betraying him. Funny how people are like that.
Even though Eli was supposed to be a 'mark’, I'm glad Weston got involved with him. It sucks, because of Eli’s past, there's some issues there. Hell, Weston's past has more issues than just his psycho ex. And for both of them, it makes things extremely difficult. But they are so good together. To me, they're like a perfect fit. They challenge each other. They are so many things together. It sucks just as bad for Eli as well with all this. When Weston finds out what's really been going on, he knows Eli has been caught in hell himself. These guys just need a break. And I don't think that's coming any time soon.
The twists and turns in this book are just awesome. I knew something was up with a few people. I wasn't quite sure how involved or how deep it went, but I had a feeling. It will keep you on your toes. For sure. On hell of a book. And please let there be another.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
I can think of a lot of things in life I could do without, but really stop and think what you're love would be like if you could NEVER lie. Especially if you are in a job where it's really needed. Like being a Hitman. Weston knew his life was going to tell in a handbasket, but this curse his ex put on him just made it worse. Thinking he can relax maybe a bit with this new 'mission’ he's on, he settles in to watch this mark. But what he's being told and what he is seeing are two different things. As much corruption as he's around, he should have known something was up, but it never occurred to him the way some things are turning out. With things he's finding and finding out, he only knows one thing. He needs to protect this mark, Eli. Eli has started to mean something to him and with what's coming their, he would rather die himself then let harm come to this man. He only hopes he can stay alive long enough to keep Eli alive.
A Hitman with morals. I guess not unheard of. I know you think about things like that if you're watching an action movie or reading a book, at least I do. I would assume it's true, considering. It's hell on Weston, though. He's having to censor himself like crazy in order not to let real truths escape in his world. It's not an easy thing. Also doesn't help when you start to feel a little more than you want to let on about somebody. I feel for the man, for sure. His whole world has been turned upside down in more ways than one. And all because of his crazy ass ex. I had a feeling something was off with her during his flashbacks. She just screamed nuts. And heaven forbid he get to move on with his life. And knowing her, she would follow him anywhere to mess with him. All while betraying him. Funny how people are like that.
Even though Eli was supposed to be a 'mark’, I'm glad Weston got involved with him. It sucks, because of Eli’s past, there's some issues there. Hell, Weston's past has more issues than just his psycho ex. And for both of them, it makes things extremely difficult. But they are so good together. To me, they're like a perfect fit. They challenge each other. They are so many things together. It sucks just as bad for Eli as well with all this. When Weston finds out what's really been going on, he knows Eli has been caught in hell himself. These guys just need a break. And I don't think that's coming any time soon.
The twists and turns in this book are just awesome. I knew something was up with a few people. I wasn't quite sure how involved or how deep it went, but I had a feeling. It will keep you on your toes. For sure. On hell of a book. And please let there be another.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
March 28, 2019
What to say about Weston and Eli... what to say... except WOW!
J.R. Gray has once again shown why he is a master storyteller. I have never read a book that touches on voodoo in such a manner that seemed so well researched, but also so well twisted into the story. I have found a love for the "darker" side of romance, that touches on taboo subjects, in the way that Gray weaves his tales.
What happens when a hitman falls for his newest target? Steamy goodness is what! Weston is working through leaving his wife, though Ava doesn't want to leave him, and figuring out his sexuality when he gets a hit for some coastguard diver that saw something he shouldn't have. What Weston isn't planning on is for Eli to work his way into his psyche and heart.
Eli has had his eye on this stormy man for weeks, watching him drag men into the bathroom and using them, only to become more and more intrigued... when Weston finally approaches him. What Eli doesn't know as he gets more involved with Wes, is that there is a reason he is so persistent with him... Only neither realize the target they both have on their backs as they get closer.
Gray gives us a wonderful mix of steam, action, mystery, spine-shivering sex, and intrigue that has left me wanting more of these two!
J.R. Gray has once again shown why he is a master storyteller. I have never read a book that touches on voodoo in such a manner that seemed so well researched, but also so well twisted into the story. I have found a love for the "darker" side of romance, that touches on taboo subjects, in the way that Gray weaves his tales.
What happens when a hitman falls for his newest target? Steamy goodness is what! Weston is working through leaving his wife, though Ava doesn't want to leave him, and figuring out his sexuality when he gets a hit for some coastguard diver that saw something he shouldn't have. What Weston isn't planning on is for Eli to work his way into his psyche and heart.
Eli has had his eye on this stormy man for weeks, watching him drag men into the bathroom and using them, only to become more and more intrigued... when Weston finally approaches him. What Eli doesn't know as he gets more involved with Wes, is that there is a reason he is so persistent with him... Only neither realize the target they both have on their backs as they get closer.
Gray gives us a wonderful mix of steam, action, mystery, spine-shivering sex, and intrigue that has left me wanting more of these two!
April 2, 2019
Speak no Evil
Arc provided by LesCourt
All reviews are my voluntary and honest opinion.
Well, I have a thing for assassins in love, and we've got two alpha guys who enjoy fighting for the top spot. Sarcasm, banter. Yum!
I'm not sure how successful a 6'7 hitman who presumably leaves blood all over the place would be, even with disguises, but it's fiction and totally hot, so I'll roll with it.
Some paranormal elements with voodoo, curses, and a vindictive ex-wife.
Big guy/smaller guy, dominance fights, the hospital drugged me hijinks-- these are a few of my favorite things.
Weston and Eli definitely have chemistry. It sizzles between them.
The end was a little hmm, but in the sense that I need another book asap.
Heat 3/5
Rating 4/5
Arc provided by LesCourt
All reviews are my voluntary and honest opinion.
Well, I have a thing for assassins in love, and we've got two alpha guys who enjoy fighting for the top spot. Sarcasm, banter. Yum!
I'm not sure how successful a 6'7 hitman who presumably leaves blood all over the place would be, even with disguises, but it's fiction and totally hot, so I'll roll with it.
Some paranormal elements with voodoo, curses, and a vindictive ex-wife.
Big guy/smaller guy, dominance fights, the hospital drugged me hijinks-- these are a few of my favorite things.
Weston and Eli definitely have chemistry. It sizzles between them.
The end was a little hmm, but in the sense that I need another book asap.
Heat 3/5
Rating 4/5
May 17, 2019
Good
I received this book by the author and This is my honest opinion.
This was anew to me author but the book description had me hook, line and sinker so I was eager to start this book. I loved the concept of a curse and all the repercussions from this. An assassin who can't lie, and a target which arouses his interest but waiting in the wings is someone biding there time. This was a good read which flowed nicely and kept me on my toes . It was interesting and held intrigue though I would of loved a little more detail. All in all a good book and an author I will be looking out for with more books
I received this book by the author and This is my honest opinion.
This was anew to me author but the book description had me hook, line and sinker so I was eager to start this book. I loved the concept of a curse and all the repercussions from this. An assassin who can't lie, and a target which arouses his interest but waiting in the wings is someone biding there time. This was a good read which flowed nicely and kept me on my toes . It was interesting and held intrigue though I would of loved a little more detail. All in all a good book and an author I will be looking out for with more books
March 12, 2019
Talk about a woman scorned
Weston and Eli meet under less than auspicious circumstances to say the least, theirs is a relationship than happened as they actively tried to not have one. They just couldn't stay away from each other. The next thing they know they're dodging bullets and that's on top over the s#@t storm that is Weston's ex, Ava. She was an absolute bi@#h but I have to admit her revenge was positively diabolical.
Weston and Eli were great characters and I know that this is not labeled as part of a series but I'm holding out hope for a book two because there was so much left up in the air. So, fingers crossed.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*
Weston and Eli meet under less than auspicious circumstances to say the least, theirs is a relationship than happened as they actively tried to not have one. They just couldn't stay away from each other. The next thing they know they're dodging bullets and that's on top over the s#@t storm that is Weston's ex, Ava. She was an absolute bi@#h but I have to admit her revenge was positively diabolical.
Weston and Eli were great characters and I know that this is not labeled as part of a series but I'm holding out hope for a book two because there was so much left up in the air. So, fingers crossed.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*
March 27, 2019
Feels 1
Steam 5
Storyline 5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Weston grew up in New Orleans and voodoo surrounded him but he never really believed in it. Until the woman closest to him dove into voodoo and Weston had to escape. After she curses him, his profession as a hitman takes a hit. While on a job for surveillance, he finds himself growing more obsessed with his target. After getting way too close, Eli is all he can think about but will their relationship end up getting one of them killed?
“Weston loved the fight for dominance. It was cute how Eli actually thought he was in control here. Weston ate guys like him for breakfast, and he sure as hell didn’t do anything without wanting to.”
Action, Mystery, Voodoo stuff...what more could you want? I loved being on edge with the twists and running from hit men. Lots of intense moments and crazy curses from a voodoo practitioner. Talk about an angry ex! This story was quite the page turner and I was not disappointed.
This story is fast paced with some stalking thrown in for fun. I loved trying to figure out who was betraying them while they set the sheets on fire. WHOOSH! Definitely a steamy, action packed book that made my heart beat just a little bit faster.
Steam 5
Storyline 5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Weston grew up in New Orleans and voodoo surrounded him but he never really believed in it. Until the woman closest to him dove into voodoo and Weston had to escape. After she curses him, his profession as a hitman takes a hit. While on a job for surveillance, he finds himself growing more obsessed with his target. After getting way too close, Eli is all he can think about but will their relationship end up getting one of them killed?
“Weston loved the fight for dominance. It was cute how Eli actually thought he was in control here. Weston ate guys like him for breakfast, and he sure as hell didn’t do anything without wanting to.”
Action, Mystery, Voodoo stuff...what more could you want? I loved being on edge with the twists and running from hit men. Lots of intense moments and crazy curses from a voodoo practitioner. Talk about an angry ex! This story was quite the page turner and I was not disappointed.
This story is fast paced with some stalking thrown in for fun. I loved trying to figure out who was betraying them while they set the sheets on fire. WHOOSH! Definitely a steamy, action packed book that made my heart beat just a little bit faster.
March 26, 2019
Ok so I gave this book a rating of five but I can be honest and say that I really debated this rating. I debated this rating because even though this was an extremely good read, the ending kind of left me blowingnin the wind instead of grounding me. The ending was abrupt and I feel that there is more that was not resolved. So I am giving this a five rating but I am giving that rating With he hope that there will be another book to finish this story out. Because let’s be honest, Ava is not done with these two men by a long shot in my opinion. So hopefully there will be another book. Other then the ending I truly enjoyed this book. It is action packed, an air of danger to it, mysterious, definitely lots of anguish on both the main characters parts but with different reasons for each of them, and maybe some love.
Weston is a hired hitman. He is the best at what he does and he knows it. But to be a hitman, he also has a code of ethics he plays by. Namely that the people he kills, they have to be the worst ord the worst. So when Weston’s handler has his start his information gathering on a possible hit, Weston never thought he would find himself attracted to the man he may have to kill.
His new job is a man named Eli. Eli is far from being a bad person. He is in the military and just happened upon finding the wrong thing that put him in danger. Eli never figured that the man he has seen in the distance so many times would end up talking to him, mich less anything else. But that is what happens one afternoon while out with his military buddies. Eli is thrilled to finally talk to Westin and get to know him.
Weston knows he is making a mistake by taking to Eli but he cannot help himself. And he can help himself even less when he ends up sleeping with Eli. Now Weston just has to figure out how to keep Eli alive. But what Weston does not realize is, Eli may not be the only one in danger, Weston may be in danger as well. And the curse his ex wife placed on Weston does not help the situation in the least either. Can these two men work together to stay alive?
This really was a good read. I do hope that there will be another book because it would be a shame to end this book like it did. J.R. Gray did an amazing job on this book and again I hope to have at least a follow up story!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Weston is a hired hitman. He is the best at what he does and he knows it. But to be a hitman, he also has a code of ethics he plays by. Namely that the people he kills, they have to be the worst ord the worst. So when Weston’s handler has his start his information gathering on a possible hit, Weston never thought he would find himself attracted to the man he may have to kill.
His new job is a man named Eli. Eli is far from being a bad person. He is in the military and just happened upon finding the wrong thing that put him in danger. Eli never figured that the man he has seen in the distance so many times would end up talking to him, mich less anything else. But that is what happens one afternoon while out with his military buddies. Eli is thrilled to finally talk to Westin and get to know him.
Weston knows he is making a mistake by taking to Eli but he cannot help himself. And he can help himself even less when he ends up sleeping with Eli. Now Weston just has to figure out how to keep Eli alive. But what Weston does not realize is, Eli may not be the only one in danger, Weston may be in danger as well. And the curse his ex wife placed on Weston does not help the situation in the least either. Can these two men work together to stay alive?
This really was a good read. I do hope that there will be another book because it would be a shame to end this book like it did. J.R. Gray did an amazing job on this book and again I hope to have at least a follow up story!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
April 2, 2019
4 Stars!
Weston had a pretty good life. He was lucky enough to marry Ava, the woman of his dreams. He had a great career, as a contract killer, money and family. But when Ava’s obsession to have a baby and her disturbing devotion to voodoo begins to overtake their lives, the physical and mental repercussions consume the once beautiful and loving Ava leaving only a repulsive shell. Weston has no choice other than to walk away. But Ava isn’t ready to let him go. Whether Weston believes in Voodoo or not he realizes that Ava has begun her plot against him with a curse. He is now unable to tell a lie, something a man in his business needs in order to survive.
Now Weston has no one, his family and friends have turned their backs on him afraid of Ava who is obviously more powerful than he’d originally thought. Torn between feeling disloyal to Ava and Vowing not to fall for a woman again, he lies to himself that only hooking up with men for quickies will save him the heartache of falling in love again.
When Smith, his handler, assigns him what should be an easy money recon case, he snatches it up. From the beginning, he knows something is off and to add insult to injury he finds himself completely drawn to his target.
While getting close to Eli, Weston searches for why he has become a mark in the first place. The more he tries to find out the closer they get and soon it all becomes a lot more personal than Wes imagined.
So, I loved how unique Speak No Evil is. I was pretty much hooked at the beginning and quickly found myself liking Weston.
Speak No Evil is full of action, suspense and intrigue. It’s funny and sometimes had me a bit sad. It’s fun, crazy and has plenty of steamy sexiness to it as well. I will admit I was much more invested in the first half of the story than the second half which was somewhat convoluted. However, I was still very much entertained. The ending was left open and without knowing if more books are to come I felt frustrated it didn’t get wrapped up with a HEA. Thankfully we got a HFN but I definitely have unanswered questions.
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***
Weston had a pretty good life. He was lucky enough to marry Ava, the woman of his dreams. He had a great career, as a contract killer, money and family. But when Ava’s obsession to have a baby and her disturbing devotion to voodoo begins to overtake their lives, the physical and mental repercussions consume the once beautiful and loving Ava leaving only a repulsive shell. Weston has no choice other than to walk away. But Ava isn’t ready to let him go. Whether Weston believes in Voodoo or not he realizes that Ava has begun her plot against him with a curse. He is now unable to tell a lie, something a man in his business needs in order to survive.
Now Weston has no one, his family and friends have turned their backs on him afraid of Ava who is obviously more powerful than he’d originally thought. Torn between feeling disloyal to Ava and Vowing not to fall for a woman again, he lies to himself that only hooking up with men for quickies will save him the heartache of falling in love again.
When Smith, his handler, assigns him what should be an easy money recon case, he snatches it up. From the beginning, he knows something is off and to add insult to injury he finds himself completely drawn to his target.
While getting close to Eli, Weston searches for why he has become a mark in the first place. The more he tries to find out the closer they get and soon it all becomes a lot more personal than Wes imagined.
So, I loved how unique Speak No Evil is. I was pretty much hooked at the beginning and quickly found myself liking Weston.
Speak No Evil is full of action, suspense and intrigue. It’s funny and sometimes had me a bit sad. It’s fun, crazy and has plenty of steamy sexiness to it as well. I will admit I was much more invested in the first half of the story than the second half which was somewhat convoluted. However, I was still very much entertained. The ending was left open and without knowing if more books are to come I felt frustrated it didn’t get wrapped up with a HEA. Thankfully we got a HFN but I definitely have unanswered questions.
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***
March 28, 2019
This was my first experience with J.R. Gray’s. I was so attracted to the teasers and the small snippets of the story that I didn’t even read the blurb. Well, imagine my surprise when I realized that this is a MM story. I don’t normally read MM romance but I have read a couple of them. With that being said, I love Speak No Evil. I really enjoyed Weston and Eli. They are both very strong in personality. I really thought it was fun (for me anyway, perhaps not for Weston) to have a cursed situation and to see all the people surrounding it that believed. I really found the aspect of voodoo and curses to add this fun but kind of intense-type of feel. It really pulled me into the storyline more than I had expected.
Who doesn’t love a good hitman story, especially when it’s a romance? We all want the big, bad man to fall in love. He was quite the man. Having to deal with Ava and this budding attraction that he tried to fight but just couldn’t. But, you can’t help but giggle a bit at all of Weston’s misfortune! Eli is a character that I was seriously rooting for. It could be that coast guard aspect. I do love me a good military-type man. Eli is pretty confused over this attraction too. I mean, I never would have guessed either of these men as being gay but… why not?
J.R. Gray is a fantastic writer! I was shocked with the humor level of this book. I don’t know if it’s because of the cover or the teasers, I didn’t expect so much funny! Weston and Eli bicker and fight so much through the story. So, we bicker and fight but there’s some amazing suspense too! Really, it’s my favorite type of stories… so full of fantastic writing and really entertaining me from start to finish. It’s something I can’t help but appreciate… some real and true writing talent. Plus, I mean, these guys finding their sexual way was pretty friggin’ delicious! I’m really excited to read more from this author! He’s going to have her a new follower!
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
Who doesn’t love a good hitman story, especially when it’s a romance? We all want the big, bad man to fall in love. He was quite the man. Having to deal with Ava and this budding attraction that he tried to fight but just couldn’t. But, you can’t help but giggle a bit at all of Weston’s misfortune! Eli is a character that I was seriously rooting for. It could be that coast guard aspect. I do love me a good military-type man. Eli is pretty confused over this attraction too. I mean, I never would have guessed either of these men as being gay but… why not?
J.R. Gray is a fantastic writer! I was shocked with the humor level of this book. I don’t know if it’s because of the cover or the teasers, I didn’t expect so much funny! Weston and Eli bicker and fight so much through the story. So, we bicker and fight but there’s some amazing suspense too! Really, it’s my favorite type of stories… so full of fantastic writing and really entertaining me from start to finish. It’s something I can’t help but appreciate… some real and true writing talent. Plus, I mean, these guys finding their sexual way was pretty friggin’ delicious! I’m really excited to read more from this author! He’s going to have her a new follower!
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
March 28, 2019
This was an enjoyable read. It has the mystical aspects of voodoo and bad juju, suspense, action, and a grudgingly budding romance.
Weston married the girl of his dreams, or so he thought. When her obsession with the local religion, voodoo, starts to take over their lives, and physically mentally change Ava, he has to walk away. The only problem with this is, she is not willing to let him go. Her first act of revenge is to curse Weston so that he can never tell a lie.
Weston has been shunned by family and friends alike due to the divorce. But due to his own personal hang-ups, he feels that if he only has brief hookups with men, he is somehow not being disloyal to his ex; I think it also has to do with his insistence that he won't do "feelings" ever again.
When his handler assigns him a recon case, he gets to work. However, his mark seems innocent to him; and also, kind of irresistible. Sparks soon fly between the two MCs, but that's when things start going wrong.
Eli is not only hiding the story that caused him to become a mark in the first place, but also something deeply personal. Weston has been able to keep the actual reason they met a secret, but events lead him to believe he has been betrayed.
As the action comes to a head, secrets are revealed, and the true nature of the betrayal becomes clear.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. I cannot say for certain, but I believe this is going to have a sequel. If not, there are a lot of loose ends not tied up, and it is definitely only a HFN. My rating is based on the belief that the author plans to continue with Weston and Eli's story. If not, it would have been a much lower rating, because I absolutely hate loose ends.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book. *
Weston married the girl of his dreams, or so he thought. When her obsession with the local religion, voodoo, starts to take over their lives, and physically mentally change Ava, he has to walk away. The only problem with this is, she is not willing to let him go. Her first act of revenge is to curse Weston so that he can never tell a lie.
Weston has been shunned by family and friends alike due to the divorce. But due to his own personal hang-ups, he feels that if he only has brief hookups with men, he is somehow not being disloyal to his ex; I think it also has to do with his insistence that he won't do "feelings" ever again.
When his handler assigns him a recon case, he gets to work. However, his mark seems innocent to him; and also, kind of irresistible. Sparks soon fly between the two MCs, but that's when things start going wrong.
Eli is not only hiding the story that caused him to become a mark in the first place, but also something deeply personal. Weston has been able to keep the actual reason they met a secret, but events lead him to believe he has been betrayed.
As the action comes to a head, secrets are revealed, and the true nature of the betrayal becomes clear.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. I cannot say for certain, but I believe this is going to have a sequel. If not, there are a lot of loose ends not tied up, and it is definitely only a HFN. My rating is based on the belief that the author plans to continue with Weston and Eli's story. If not, it would have been a much lower rating, because I absolutely hate loose ends.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book. *
April 2, 2019
4.5 Stars!
Speak No Evil was unexpected and fun and just what I needed to read atm.
The story was told from Weston's POV, with a few chapters from Eli's perspective. Weston was definitely my favorite, he was a handsome giant hitman who, after being cursed by his ex-wife, can't lie. I can't say he's a good man, but he's really good at what he does and man, if he doesn't love his guns, LOL! There's a scene where he's high on pain killers that had me in stitches. Hahahaha. Anyway, he was charismatic and self-deprecating and I loved seeing him in action. The one thing I didn't like about him was his ex, Ava, or the hold she still has on him.
It took me longer to warm up to Eli. He confused me at first and I wasn't sure what to make of him. He grew on me, though, when he was so ready to help Weston, no questions asked. Of course, the out-of-this-world chemistry between him and Weston and their banter didn't hurt.
Speak No Evil was a fun, witty, steamy, very entertaining read, very action-packed and fast-paced with several characters that I wouldn't mind getting to know better like Brit and Bones and maybe even Rick, Eli's roommate and while I'm not fond of loose ends, the book ended in a good place, with a satisfying HFN, although it's obvious Ava will keep giving Weston and Eli trouble in the future. Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Speak No Evil was unexpected and fun and just what I needed to read atm.
The story was told from Weston's POV, with a few chapters from Eli's perspective. Weston was definitely my favorite, he was a handsome giant hitman who, after being cursed by his ex-wife, can't lie. I can't say he's a good man, but he's really good at what he does and man, if he doesn't love his guns, LOL! There's a scene where he's high on pain killers that had me in stitches. Hahahaha. Anyway, he was charismatic and self-deprecating and I loved seeing him in action. The one thing I didn't like about him was his ex, Ava, or the hold she still has on him.
It took me longer to warm up to Eli. He confused me at first and I wasn't sure what to make of him. He grew on me, though, when he was so ready to help Weston, no questions asked. Of course, the out-of-this-world chemistry between him and Weston and their banter didn't hurt.
Speak No Evil was a fun, witty, steamy, very entertaining read, very action-packed and fast-paced with several characters that I wouldn't mind getting to know better like Brit and Bones and maybe even Rick, Eli's roommate and while I'm not fond of loose ends, the book ended in a good place, with a satisfying HFN, although it's obvious Ava will keep giving Weston and Eli trouble in the future. Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
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