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He Speaks Dead
*This book was previously published with a different cover. Charlie Harrington not only sees the dead and speaks with them, he can make them real. Lucky for him, because the love of his life, Ethan, isn't among the living. While their relationship is unusual, things are good between them until Charlie is accused of murder and Detective Daniel Briggs walks into his life. Then, for the first time in years, Charlie is attracted to someone alive. Ethan knows he should step aside and let Charlie live his life, but he just can’t give Charlie up--even if staying with Charlie may eventually kill him.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2012
45 people are currently reading
681 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Wilder
50 books1,794 followersGeorgia born and bred, I am an artist, a writer, and a general pain in the ass.
I spend most of my days working on my next book or bettering my art.
Writing is my identity and I love every minute of it. It's work, lots of work (sometimes I work 12+ hours a day and I never get a vacation) but I don't regret doing it.
I currently share my house with a myriad of dogs, a few cats, a saltwater aquarium filled with coral and fish, as well as my partner who's great at giving hugs when the day's been rough.
And of course, my editor and PA, who helps me keep life reasonably organized. At least so I won't walk out the door without wearing pants.
I spend most of my days working on my next book or bettering my art.
Writing is my identity and I love every minute of it. It's work, lots of work (sometimes I work 12+ hours a day and I never get a vacation) but I don't regret doing it.
I currently share my house with a myriad of dogs, a few cats, a saltwater aquarium filled with coral and fish, as well as my partner who's great at giving hugs when the day's been rough.
And of course, my editor and PA, who helps me keep life reasonably organized. At least so I won't walk out the door without wearing pants.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
October 29, 2016
*Awesome price drop to $0.99 at Amazon right now, 10/29/16!*
**4.5 stars**
I don't think I'll ever do a proper review for this because it has been a few weeks since I read it and the details are fuzzy now. Suffice it to say that this is an excellent ghost paranormal; dark, angsty, and bittersweet at times. This author had me hooked to this book and, despite my issues with how Briggs was treated, it was a huge win for me.
**4.5 stars**
I don't think I'll ever do a proper review for this because it has been a few weeks since I read it and the details are fuzzy now. Suffice it to say that this is an excellent ghost paranormal; dark, angsty, and bittersweet at times. This author had me hooked to this book and, despite my issues with how Briggs was treated, it was a huge win for me.
March 18, 2014
Definitely makes me reevaluate my thoughts on ghost stories.
Wilder writes engaging action/thriller stories with strong relationships. The love triangle between Charlie, Ethan and Briggs is an fascinating one and the resolution--intriguing. Along the way is pain, violence, sadness and some revelations. Another entertaining read that kept me flipping the pages.
Favorite quotes:
Wilder writes engaging action/thriller stories with strong relationships. The love triangle between Charlie, Ethan and Briggs is an fascinating one and the resolution--intriguing. Along the way is pain, violence, sadness and some revelations. Another entertaining read that kept me flipping the pages.
Favorite quotes:
"Love is supposed to be about sacrifice, but since I’d been with Charlie, I’d learned it was also about greed
"If it will make you feel better, I can hate him enough for both of us.”
September 6, 2012
This book is written in Ethan’s first person POV – which is worth mentioning mostly because Ethan dies in the very first paragraph. Or rather, recalls his death. He can’t remember much else from his life except his last few minutes. And right afterward, the first thing he remembers is meeting Charlie as Charlie is brought back into his life by a pair of EMT’s.
Charlie is a very special person. He can’t only see dead people and speak to them, he can also make the dead corporeal, sharing his life force through his touch. In the early days of their relationship this was how Charlie and Ethan used to make love, but over the course of the years, it took its toll on Charlie, and so they resorted to Charlie helping Ethan taking over random strangers’ bodies for a limited amount of time as a means for them to have sex.
Just having Ethan around, being with him, weakens Charlie. He’s aware that the connection might eventually kill him, but thinks loving Ethan, being with Ethan is worth it. Besides, he’s been hovering between the worlds of the living and the dead for almost all of his life, and after working for the FBI even when he was a child, the world of the living doesn’t appeal too much to Charlie. That is, until Charlie meets Daniel, and for the first time in years feels attracted to a living person. Very much attracted, in fact, and the feeling is mutual.
Ethan can see the attraction, and of course he can also see how dear being with him costs Charlie. Since he loves Charlie and wishes for him to live, Ethan is even willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, to give Charlie up so he can be with Daniel and live. But he hadn’t reckoned with Charlie’s stubborn determination, nor with the strength of his own feelings for Charlie. But Daniel is stubborn too, and his feelings are just as strong. Strong enough that he might be willing to share Charlie with a ghost. ..
However, bigger things are going on than this bizarre love triangle. What brought the three of them together in the first place was the murder of Charlie’s old mentor Roy Sullivan, a metaphysicist. Apparently Sullivan, like a modern day Dr. Faustus, dabbled with forces he couldn’t really control, and paid the highest price for underestimating them. However, darker, scarier beings than mere ghosts were set free through Sullivan’s hybris, and Charlie is the only one who can stop them. But he might very well be lost to a faith worse than death if Daniel and Ethan don’t combine forces in order to save the man they both love.
The narrator’s voice captured me right from the start, Easygoing, humorous without being snarky, wise and naive at the same time, Ethan comes alive on the pages. His feelings for Charlie are clearly strong, strong enough to keep him in the here and now, even make him human enough to be selfish and possessive while at the same time he’s selfless enough to try and give up Charlie, and with him his own very existence, to keep Charlie alive.
We only see Charlie through Ethan’s eyes, which may be why he often appeared larger than life, but Charlie certainly is a very special person. Being in love with a ghost isn’t easy, Charlie won’t deny that, but he’s committed for better or worse, and faithful to fault. And Daniel, who fell in lust with Charlie on first sight, and in love with him almost reluctantly later, must learn to accept this fact.
Although character development, Ethan’s in particular, was an important element here, this was mostly a plot-driven story. There were some outrightly grueling scenes, like the actual murder (thankfully somewhat concealed in a way I thought pretty smart), and some thrilling action. I also found the mystery well done; I, for my part, had a good and entertaining time figuring out what was going on along with Ethan. The author took a real effort in finding scientific explanations for some of the occurrences in the story; in fact, too much for my liking, as sometimes I felt hit over the head with facts . Likely rather a matter of taste.
I also had mixed feelings about the ending of the story. It was actually the best solution I could’ve imagined–and somewhat unexpected–it was also sad, even as beautiful as it was.
Overlooking the metaphysical musings, I’d warmly recommend this unusual, gripping, entertaining and well-written “ghost” story.
Charlie is a very special person. He can’t only see dead people and speak to them, he can also make the dead corporeal, sharing his life force through his touch. In the early days of their relationship this was how Charlie and Ethan used to make love, but over the course of the years, it took its toll on Charlie, and so they resorted to Charlie helping Ethan taking over random strangers’ bodies for a limited amount of time as a means for them to have sex.
Just having Ethan around, being with him, weakens Charlie. He’s aware that the connection might eventually kill him, but thinks loving Ethan, being with Ethan is worth it. Besides, he’s been hovering between the worlds of the living and the dead for almost all of his life, and after working for the FBI even when he was a child, the world of the living doesn’t appeal too much to Charlie. That is, until Charlie meets Daniel, and for the first time in years feels attracted to a living person. Very much attracted, in fact, and the feeling is mutual.
Ethan can see the attraction, and of course he can also see how dear being with him costs Charlie. Since he loves Charlie and wishes for him to live, Ethan is even willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, to give Charlie up so he can be with Daniel and live. But he hadn’t reckoned with Charlie’s stubborn determination, nor with the strength of his own feelings for Charlie. But Daniel is stubborn too, and his feelings are just as strong. Strong enough that he might be willing to share Charlie with a ghost. ..
However, bigger things are going on than this bizarre love triangle. What brought the three of them together in the first place was the murder of Charlie’s old mentor Roy Sullivan, a metaphysicist. Apparently Sullivan, like a modern day Dr. Faustus, dabbled with forces he couldn’t really control, and paid the highest price for underestimating them. However, darker, scarier beings than mere ghosts were set free through Sullivan’s hybris, and Charlie is the only one who can stop them. But he might very well be lost to a faith worse than death if Daniel and Ethan don’t combine forces in order to save the man they both love.
The narrator’s voice captured me right from the start, Easygoing, humorous without being snarky, wise and naive at the same time, Ethan comes alive on the pages. His feelings for Charlie are clearly strong, strong enough to keep him in the here and now, even make him human enough to be selfish and possessive while at the same time he’s selfless enough to try and give up Charlie, and with him his own very existence, to keep Charlie alive.
We only see Charlie through Ethan’s eyes, which may be why he often appeared larger than life, but Charlie certainly is a very special person. Being in love with a ghost isn’t easy, Charlie won’t deny that, but he’s committed for better or worse, and faithful to fault. And Daniel, who fell in lust with Charlie on first sight, and in love with him almost reluctantly later, must learn to accept this fact.
Although character development, Ethan’s in particular, was an important element here, this was mostly a plot-driven story. There were some outrightly grueling scenes, like the actual murder (thankfully somewhat concealed in a way I thought pretty smart), and some thrilling action. I also found the mystery well done; I, for my part, had a good and entertaining time figuring out what was going on along with Ethan. The author took a real effort in finding scientific explanations for some of the occurrences in the story; in fact, too much for my liking, as sometimes I felt hit over the head with facts . Likely rather a matter of taste.
I also had mixed feelings about the ending of the story. It was actually the best solution I could’ve imagined–and somewhat unexpected–it was also sad, even as beautiful as it was.
Overlooking the metaphysical musings, I’d warmly recommend this unusual, gripping, entertaining and well-written “ghost” story.
September 6, 2012
I finished this over two weeks ago and i am still upset over the ending.
I keep reading the other reviews, and i know some loved it, but the whole unfairness factor just crushed me.
Ethan, i feel bad for you, really i do,but go into the light and give someone else a chance at life.
I keep reading the other reviews, and i know some loved it, but the whole unfairness factor just crushed me.
Ethan, i feel bad for you, really i do,but go into the light and give someone else a chance at life.
August 7, 2017
Damn, Briggs!
I am not happy! :/
How can Charlie and Ethan live with themselves after all that happened, I have no idea.
This book left me mad.
===========================
SPOILERS BELOW!!!
===========================
I went through the reviews and I am glad to find out that I am not the only one who is upset about Briggs being disposable. He was treated like crap during the whole book, used and abused through its entirety (except for the first chapter, granted)
While Ethan is at least reflecting on the events of the fateful night and their current predicament, Charlie is perfectly cool with having a bright shiny old boyfriend in a brand-spanking new meat-suit all to himself. Who's Briggs again? Only a person who saved their asses and the rest of the world :/ How can he look into Briggs's face every day and not think how the whole situation is royally f*cked up?
Anyway, I do realise RL is a bitch, but the two MC's are callused jerks. A nice tribute to Briggs in the epilogue might have done the trick, as it is, 2 stars.
And there goes my respect for the author.
I am not happy! :/
How can Charlie and Ethan live with themselves after all that happened, I have no idea.
This book left me mad.
===========================
SPOILERS BELOW!!!
===========================
I went through the reviews and I am glad to find out that I am not the only one who is upset about Briggs being disposable. He was treated like crap during the whole book, used and abused through its entirety (except for the first chapter, granted)
While Ethan is at least reflecting on the events of the fateful night and their current predicament, Charlie is perfectly cool with having a bright shiny old boyfriend in a brand-spanking new meat-suit all to himself. Who's Briggs again? Only a person who saved their asses and the rest of the world :/ How can he look into Briggs's face every day and not think how the whole situation is royally f*cked up?
Anyway, I do realise RL is a bitch, but the two MC's are callused jerks. A nice tribute to Briggs in the epilogue might have done the trick, as it is, 2 stars.
And there goes my respect for the author.
July 27, 2017
A solid 4.5 stars in my opinion. Hopefully without sounding too shallow, what drew me first to the book was its catching title and then the synopsis. I had read previous works by Adrienne Wilder so I did anticipate it would be pretty good. Still, it managed to exceed those expectations and kept me glued to my ereader until the end.
First, a few general remarks. I would describe this one as a mystery novel with romance in the background, a dash of thriller and some dark undertones. While Charlie's established relationship with Ethan and the unusual triangle with Briggs played an essential part, it was not the central focus of the book. The main plot follows the clues behind different murders committed in the past or present, all gravitating in one way or another around Charlie and the entities (human or otherwise) trying to exploit him. I found that the writing style kept a good balance, not letting the more depressing moments to become too overwhelming. Even so, it was heartbreaking for me when .
In a similar vein, the author skilfully used the triangle to deepen the protagonists' relationship, without crossing the fine line into cheating territory - physical or emotional. Let me tell you that I tend to have a hard time accepting triangles and they often spoil my enjoyment of everything else. Here the story is conveyed through Ethan's voice and I liked him very much from the beginning, also quickly realising how much he loved Charlie. That is why I was afraid that Charlie's attraction to Detective Briggs would affect negatively my perceptions regarding the novel.
Simply put, it did not because Charlie clearly and consistently showed via words and actions that, although he may crave human touch after the years spent interacting almost exclusively with a ghost lover, he would not change anything and could not love anyone except Ethan no matter the consequences to his own life. I understood Charlie's need for what Briggs represented as a corporeal lover, yet admired his unwavering feelings towards Ethan and the unconventional relationship they had built together. As for Briggs himself, he was a complicated character whom I could only partially understand due to the limited background information offered. He was often too judgemental for me to like him, but he cared deeply for Charlie and .
The ending was incredibly touching and I felt at peace with how everything was resolved. I would say this book has a five star quality, it is just personal preference to give that rating rarely and only to books very special to my heart. A highly recommended read!
First, a few general remarks. I would describe this one as a mystery novel with romance in the background, a dash of thriller and some dark undertones. While Charlie's established relationship with Ethan and the unusual triangle with Briggs played an essential part, it was not the central focus of the book. The main plot follows the clues behind different murders committed in the past or present, all gravitating in one way or another around Charlie and the entities (human or otherwise) trying to exploit him. I found that the writing style kept a good balance, not letting the more depressing moments to become too overwhelming. Even so, it was heartbreaking for me when .
In a similar vein, the author skilfully used the triangle to deepen the protagonists' relationship, without crossing the fine line into cheating territory - physical or emotional. Let me tell you that I tend to have a hard time accepting triangles and they often spoil my enjoyment of everything else. Here the story is conveyed through Ethan's voice and I liked him very much from the beginning, also quickly realising how much he loved Charlie. That is why I was afraid that Charlie's attraction to Detective Briggs would affect negatively my perceptions regarding the novel.
Simply put, it did not because Charlie clearly and consistently showed via words and actions that, although he may crave human touch after the years spent interacting almost exclusively with a ghost lover, he would not change anything and could not love anyone except Ethan no matter the consequences to his own life. I understood Charlie's need for what Briggs represented as a corporeal lover, yet admired his unwavering feelings towards Ethan and the unconventional relationship they had built together. As for Briggs himself, he was a complicated character whom I could only partially understand due to the limited background information offered. He was often too judgemental for me to like him, but he cared deeply for Charlie and .
The ending was incredibly touching and I felt at peace with how everything was resolved. I would say this book has a five star quality, it is just personal preference to give that rating rarely and only to books very special to my heart. A highly recommended read!
October 29, 2016
Read this awhile back, and it stuck with me. I am not going to write too much here, because I could honestly write full length essays on what I love about this author's books. Simply put, this is great. Wilder has a way of making you fall in love with the characters, and this is no exception. The sex scenes are so full of emotion that I could cry (okay, HAVE cried). My only complaint is not really a complaint. Briggs.. I liked him. He deserved better. Ethan feels a little selfish to me. It took awhile before I decided whether that was a bad or a good thing, and yeah.. I think it's the latter. Selfish, stupid love that rips out a reader's heart? A writer who has the ability to reduce me to a puddle of tears? I kind of love those things. If you like some angst and a bit of a head trip, READ THIS.
August 6, 2016
I am conflicted about the ending - seemed a bit too easy - but I'm still giving this 5 stars because it is one of the mostly uniquely written urban fantasy stories that I have read in a long time. This was a smart, sexy and angsty ride about a ghost, the man he loves and the new detective that threatens it all.
Want to read
September 18, 20199/18/19 Currently FREE via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
October 28, 2015
Really enjoyed it. I stayed away for some time as I wasn't sure whether I would like it. But the combination of paranormal, mystery, romance and mm kept me interested and wanting to read it in one session.
I had expected that the story would be told from Charlie's point of view. It was a pleasant surprise to see the events unfold through Ethan's eyes.
I would definitely want to read a sequel of these two.
I had expected that the story would be told from Charlie's point of view. It was a pleasant surprise to see the events unfold through Ethan's eyes.
I would definitely want to read a sequel of these two.
August 9, 2015
AMAZING!!!!
I'm not much of a PNR reader and I don't go looking for it, but sometimes certain M/M titles that are in fact PNR find me. This is one of these and boy am I glad I read this.
Part of the reason why this book worked for me was crime/mystery to be solved. I was way into it. The other reason was who the narrator is.
There have been times in my reading adventures where I had to struggle or was sorely taxed to suspend disbelief. This highly improbable story (hey, it's fiction) was so skillfully executed that it was all plausible--that a living human could be in a relationship with a ghost and other supernatural situations etc.
Often when I begin to read a novel, story etc. and it's 1st pers POV as this one was, I groan because I'm not crazy about 1st pers narration. However, I won't dismiss a book out of hand because of it. I like to give the author a chance with it and if said author "handles" it ok, then I read the book. Well A. Wilder's handling of the dreaded 1st pers narrative was just brilliant because the story was narrated by the funny, snarky ghost "Ethan."
In conclusion, I highly recco this book and I intend to try more of Adrienne Wilder's novels. A very satisfying read.
I'm not much of a PNR reader and I don't go looking for it, but sometimes certain M/M titles that are in fact PNR find me. This is one of these and boy am I glad I read this.
Part of the reason why this book worked for me was crime/mystery to be solved. I was way into it. The other reason was who the narrator is.
There have been times in my reading adventures where I had to struggle or was sorely taxed to suspend disbelief. This highly improbable story (hey, it's fiction) was so skillfully executed that it was all plausible--that a living human could be in a relationship with a ghost and other supernatural situations etc.
Often when I begin to read a novel, story etc. and it's 1st pers POV as this one was, I groan because I'm not crazy about 1st pers narration. However, I won't dismiss a book out of hand because of it. I like to give the author a chance with it and if said author "handles" it ok, then I read the book. Well A. Wilder's handling of the dreaded 1st pers narrative was just brilliant because the story was narrated by the funny, snarky ghost "Ethan."
In conclusion, I highly recco this book and I intend to try more of Adrienne Wilder's novels. A very satisfying read.
Read
February 2, 2017Stopping at 63% for a break. Not DNF'ing.
It's not because I don't like it or it's bad writing. The writing is actually stellar, the plot really pulls you in, and the characters are engaging.....but, BUT I think I want Charlie with Briggs instead of Ethan....the ghost. I like Ethan but Briggs is ALIVE, dammit. I have a bad feeling and I think I need a break before I continue.
It's not because I don't like it or it's bad writing. The writing is actually stellar, the plot really pulls you in, and the characters are engaging.....but, BUT I think I want Charlie with Briggs instead of Ethan....the ghost. I like Ethan but Briggs is ALIVE, dammit. I have a bad feeling and I think I need a break before I continue.
April 26, 2017
The whole time I was reading this I was thinking: how will Charlie and Ethan and Briggs end up together? I kept thinking of different scenarios, and I had my favorite idea, but that's not how it all ended up. It was a little bittersweet for me how things did end up. I won't even tell you under spoiler tags as you need to read that part for yourself.
I really enjoyed this book!! It's more like 4.25 stars for me. I loved Ethan. He was sweet, loving, comforting, and so, so jealous! :-) Charlie can see and talk to the dead, Ethan is ghost, and Briggs is a cop investing the death of Sullivan - the man Charlie had a "relationship" with when Charlie was 16 and Sullivan around 40. Sullivan uses Charlie to cross through the layers of "death." He is looking for someone, but we don't learn the full story of why until later. Briggs gets involved because Sullivan is found dead (very gruesome), and Charlie's association with him is known, so Briggs goes to question Charlie.
Ethan can tell that Briggs likes Charlie because Ethan can see Briggs's aura. Yep, no hiding your lust from an aura seeing ghost, LOL. And since Ethan knows Charlie so well, he knows that Charlie has some interest in Briggs.
Since Ethan is a ghost, the only way for Charlie and him to be together is for Ethan to take over another man's body, with Charlie's help - acting as the middle man. Ethan is in control of the strange man's body and it's his awareness that is in charge. I found that really cool! They only do this to men who are already ready and willing to have sex with Charlie so I don't see them doing anything wrong. They do what they must to be together.
With Briggs, Ethan is jealous because before, Charlie always selected men for Ethan to inhabit because they looked like Ethan, but Briggs looks nothing like Ethan. There is just something about the man that Charlie likes, and grudgingly so does Ethan. I forget the actual step by step process in how Briggs agreed to let Ethan into his body, but it all centered around sex, and since Briggs would be able to see and feel everything that was going on, he just wouldn't be in control of his body, Ethan inhabits Briggs, and Ethan and Charlie have sex (with Briggs's body). Like I said before, when Ethan inhabits another man to have sex with Charlie, I liked that; it didn't bother me. This time, I kind of bothered me because Briggs isn't a stranger, he isn't drunk, and he will remember everything that happens. Plus, Briggs has feelings for Charlie, and Charlie does feel something for Briggs but he refuses to act on it because he is in love with Ethan. So many emotions going around I felt kind of weird about this half ménage thing going on. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and it was Briggs who suggested to Ethan using his body, but still, it was weird.
I really, really liked this story. It had so many cool things going on, new spins on old ideas and Ethan's comic relief tossed in. I would have liked to have learned more about Ethan's past (as a ghost he can't remember who he used to be or how/why he died) and why he had a special connection with Briggs .
I hope there will be a sequel!!
I really enjoyed this book!! It's more like 4.25 stars for me. I loved Ethan. He was sweet, loving, comforting, and so, so jealous! :-) Charlie can see and talk to the dead, Ethan is ghost, and Briggs is a cop investing the death of Sullivan - the man Charlie had a "relationship" with when Charlie was 16 and Sullivan around 40. Sullivan uses Charlie to cross through the layers of "death." He is looking for someone, but we don't learn the full story of why until later. Briggs gets involved because Sullivan is found dead (very gruesome), and Charlie's association with him is known, so Briggs goes to question Charlie.
Ethan can tell that Briggs likes Charlie because Ethan can see Briggs's aura. Yep, no hiding your lust from an aura seeing ghost, LOL. And since Ethan knows Charlie so well, he knows that Charlie has some interest in Briggs.
Since Ethan is a ghost, the only way for Charlie and him to be together is for Ethan to take over another man's body, with Charlie's help - acting as the middle man. Ethan is in control of the strange man's body and it's his awareness that is in charge. I found that really cool! They only do this to men who are already ready and willing to have sex with Charlie so I don't see them doing anything wrong. They do what they must to be together.
With Briggs, Ethan is jealous because before, Charlie always selected men for Ethan to inhabit because they looked like Ethan, but Briggs looks nothing like Ethan. There is just something about the man that Charlie likes, and grudgingly so does Ethan. I forget the actual step by step process in how Briggs agreed to let Ethan into his body, but it all centered around sex, and since Briggs would be able to see and feel everything that was going on, he just wouldn't be in control of his body, Ethan inhabits Briggs, and Ethan and Charlie have sex (with Briggs's body). Like I said before, when Ethan inhabits another man to have sex with Charlie, I liked that; it didn't bother me. This time, I kind of bothered me because Briggs isn't a stranger, he isn't drunk, and he will remember everything that happens. Plus, Briggs has feelings for Charlie, and Charlie does feel something for Briggs but he refuses to act on it because he is in love with Ethan. So many emotions going around I felt kind of weird about this half ménage thing going on. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and it was Briggs who suggested to Ethan using his body, but still, it was weird.
I really, really liked this story. It had so many cool things going on, new spins on old ideas and Ethan's comic relief tossed in. I would have liked to have learned more about Ethan's past (as a ghost he can't remember who he used to be or how/why he died) and why he had a special connection with Briggs .
I hope there will be a sequel!!
December 11, 2021
I've loved every book I've read by AW. He Speaks Dead has an interesting premise: a love story between a ghost and a living man, with evil spirits and dead men colluding to allow an even darker being to inhabit the MC.
I was convinced throughout most of the book that Ethan would let go of Charlie and Charlie would get together with Brigg's, or possibly that Briggs and Ethan would coinhabit Briggs body. I really didn't like the ending. I understand that Ethan and Charlie loved each other. But how did Briggs deserve that ending?
I was convinced throughout most of the book that Ethan would let go of Charlie and Charlie would get together with Brigg's, or possibly that Briggs and Ethan would coinhabit Briggs body. I really didn't like the ending. I understand that Ethan and Charlie loved each other. But how did Briggs deserve that ending?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2013
The ending has me going back and forth. Doesn't seem fair, but life never is.
May 29, 2018
Oh man, this one truly broke my heart. *deep sighs*
It’s not sad, as in angst, but the whole life and death theme really got to me. I had never read a book before where the MC is in love with a “ghost”. And it’s not like Ethan was alive and then died and Charlie couldn’t let go. It’s not like that. Charlie sees ad talks to dead people and he fell in love with Ethan after Ethan was dead. It’s super crazy but somehow it works.
The whole book is told by Ethan’s POV, so you get to experience what is like to be dead and in love with someone who is alive. Ethan knows he’s taking away an essential part of Charlie but they love each other so much, they just can’t stay away. Then Charlie meets Briggs and things get more complicated because Briggs can offer Charlie everything Ethan can’t.
There’s a murder and good versus evil plot going on and it’s very entertaining. It was kinda scary at some parts too. I like the way Wilder takes you there with the detailed descriptions. Surprisingly at some parts it’s even funny...like when Ethan sees Briggs naked and is surprised by the size of the guy’s junk.
Just to make it clear, it has a HEA and I don’t really know what I was expecting to happen but tho the HEA is there, it sort of made me cry. I supposed Briggs deserved better. That’s what made me sad. I guess I won’t be forgetting this one any time soon.
It’s not sad, as in angst, but the whole life and death theme really got to me. I had never read a book before where the MC is in love with a “ghost”. And it’s not like Ethan was alive and then died and Charlie couldn’t let go. It’s not like that. Charlie sees ad talks to dead people and he fell in love with Ethan after Ethan was dead. It’s super crazy but somehow it works.
The whole book is told by Ethan’s POV, so you get to experience what is like to be dead and in love with someone who is alive. Ethan knows he’s taking away an essential part of Charlie but they love each other so much, they just can’t stay away. Then Charlie meets Briggs and things get more complicated because Briggs can offer Charlie everything Ethan can’t.
There’s a murder and good versus evil plot going on and it’s very entertaining. It was kinda scary at some parts too. I like the way Wilder takes you there with the detailed descriptions. Surprisingly at some parts it’s even funny...like when Ethan sees Briggs naked and is surprised by the size of the guy’s junk.
Just to make it clear, it has a HEA and I don’t really know what I was expecting to happen but tho the HEA is there, it sort of made me cry. I supposed Briggs deserved better. That’s what made me sad. I guess I won’t be forgetting this one any time soon.
April 13, 2021
4.5 stars
This was definitely different. Urban fantasy but not anything I’ve ever read nor would I have been able to anticipate anything about the book.
I love that it’s a 1st person POV from Ethan and that’s interesting because he’s well, dead. I truly didn’t know how it would end and I’d say it was a bit bittersweet because...no spoilers 🙊
I feel like we needed more backstory. That would’ve really brought out more emotions. But reading this in one sitting really kept me immersed in the story and I was really having an awesome time!
I was in a bit of a book slump for the past week or so. Nothing really caught my attention so I’m super happy this one brought me out of my funk! 🤩
This was definitely different. Urban fantasy but not anything I’ve ever read nor would I have been able to anticipate anything about the book.
I love that it’s a 1st person POV from Ethan and that’s interesting because he’s well, dead. I truly didn’t know how it would end and I’d say it was a bit bittersweet because...no spoilers 🙊
I feel like we needed more backstory. That would’ve really brought out more emotions. But reading this in one sitting really kept me immersed in the story and I was really having an awesome time!
I was in a bit of a book slump for the past week or so. Nothing really caught my attention so I’m super happy this one brought me out of my funk! 🤩
January 30, 2013
4.5 stars.
Love between a ghost and a human? This can’t be easy – and it isn’t. Even so, Ethan and Charlie are happy with what they have, until they meet Briggs. For the first time in years Charlie is attracted to someone who’s living and Ethan, who knows exactly how dangerous he can be for Charlie, has two options: Giving Charlie up or staying with him. And as if that weren’t enough, there’s another, darker problem they need to solve…
I immediately liked Ethan, who’s telling the story. His love for Charlie, his sense of humor and his reluctance to leave his lover made him almost real, even though he’s a ghost. The same goes for Charlie, his past and his special talent. He may like Briggs a little bit more than he wants, but he’s sure he will never stop loving Ethan. And Briggs? God, I liked him too! Big bad cop who doesn’t believe in ghosts. Perfect!
For the most part of the book I wondered how it would end. Would Charlie stay with Ethan? Would he really fall in love with Briggs? Would all three of them…?
Besides the romance, there’s also a mystery part (and a good one), action, suspense, more ghosts and some darker things. Exactly what I like!
Love between a ghost and a human? This can’t be easy – and it isn’t. Even so, Ethan and Charlie are happy with what they have, until they meet Briggs. For the first time in years Charlie is attracted to someone who’s living and Ethan, who knows exactly how dangerous he can be for Charlie, has two options: Giving Charlie up or staying with him. And as if that weren’t enough, there’s another, darker problem they need to solve…
I immediately liked Ethan, who’s telling the story. His love for Charlie, his sense of humor and his reluctance to leave his lover made him almost real, even though he’s a ghost. The same goes for Charlie, his past and his special talent. He may like Briggs a little bit more than he wants, but he’s sure he will never stop loving Ethan. And Briggs? God, I liked him too! Big bad cop who doesn’t believe in ghosts. Perfect!
For the most part of the book I wondered how it would end. Would Charlie stay with Ethan? Would he really fall in love with Briggs? Would all three of them…?
Besides the romance, there’s also a mystery part (and a good one), action, suspense, more ghosts and some darker things. Exactly what I like!
August 1, 2013
I started reading the sample a few weeks ago but somehow it didn't work with me that day so I stopped and read something else. Now yesterday I decided to check the sample again and either buy or delete...wups, sucked in after I had been over that point right in the beginning where I had jumped off the last time.
I got sucked in. Wow, I mean, this book could have gone wrong in soooo many ways, building of the whole ghost thing, too many explanations or making one of the three MCs too much to like or dislike.
Nope, the balance with all that was really good. We got information about the whole ghost levels, abilites etc. on the run, never too much but enough to get the story. And the "love triangle" was perfectly balanced, it was always clear who the couple was and despite that the attraction between Briggs and Charlie was portrayed in a way that you had to understand and feel it without resenting anyone. The author made me like Briggs enough to accept it but not too much to be seriously unhappy about the end. Ethan was a strong and enjoyable character. And I seriously laughed tears during their lovemaking with Briggs....yup.
As said before, I had a bit of a time to get into it and the big showdown was kind of...too obvious, but I enjoyed this book without getting the feeling "been there, read that". So it's going to be 4,5 stars.
I got sucked in. Wow, I mean, this book could have gone wrong in soooo many ways, building of the whole ghost thing, too many explanations or making one of the three MCs too much to like or dislike.
Nope, the balance with all that was really good. We got information about the whole ghost levels, abilites etc. on the run, never too much but enough to get the story. And the "love triangle" was perfectly balanced, it was always clear who the couple was and despite that the attraction between Briggs and Charlie was portrayed in a way that you had to understand and feel it without resenting anyone. The author made me like Briggs enough to accept it but not too much to be seriously unhappy about the end. Ethan was a strong and enjoyable character. And I seriously laughed tears during their lovemaking with Briggs....yup.
As said before, I had a bit of a time to get into it and the big showdown was kind of...too obvious, but I enjoyed this book without getting the feeling "been there, read that". So it's going to be 4,5 stars.
July 29, 2012
This book gave me a lot to think about. Charlie and Ethan had a pretty special relationship but it was far from perfect for obvious reasons. Briggs grew on me as the story progressed The mystery was just as important to the storyline as the romance was and the pace built towards a stunning conclusion.
December 5, 2017
Enjoyable read. Charlie was engaging and a hero even if he doesn't think so. Ethan seemed to me to be selfish. Briggs to me seemed the most developed character.
All in all I enjoyed the story even if I didn't agree with the choices made by the characters. I do recommend it, it'll make you think.
All in all I enjoyed the story even if I didn't agree with the choices made by the characters. I do recommend it, it'll make you think.
March 1, 2019
That was....completely unexpected and felt a bit uncomfortable.
November 20, 2016
ALL THE STARS!! All the blinding, dazzling, shimmering stars!! ALL OF THEM!! If I could give this book a supernova, a Milky Way, a galaxy, a meteor shower, hell … the SUN, I would <3!!
This isn’t a review … this is a jumble of thoughts. I am going to be all over the place here, because HOLY FRIGGIN BOOK HANGOVER <3333!!! This book moved me. It moved me to tears, to happiness, to grief, to hope, to acceptance, and to joy. This book just ... MOVED me :-)!!
Adrienne Wilder. Our brilliant, gifted, ingenius, talented, skillful, imaginative, awe-inspiring author, Ms. Adrienne Wilder. YOU, my dear author, are without a doubt, an absolute auto-buy for me (though to be honest, you’ve won that position books ago). So let me clarify where things stand for me right now. I think it’s safe to say you’re as close to an auto-5 star an author can or will ever get. I almost never say that … ever … and I am saying it now. Because ... just … WOOOOW!!! One of my ultimate favorite books, EVER!! I would say that this is Wilder's Magnum Opus, but 'In The Absence of Light' shares that honor as well. So I think I'll just point out that it's safe to conclude Wilder knows how to create M/M masterpieces :-)!!
This book. This … prepare for a ridiculously long run-on sentence … book. This amazing, magnificent, evocative, spell-binding, unputdownable, heart-wrenching, mind-blowing, core-shaking, heart pounding, joyful, eloquent, thrilling, intense, impressive, awe-inspiring, brilliant, page-turning, glorious, exceptional, breathtaking, captivating, amazing … amazing … AMAZING, book <3!! I could go on … but in all frankness, I COULD GO ON … and on … an on! This was love at first read and probably THEE EASIEST gazillion-star rating I’ve ever wanted to give :-)! It shares in the ranks of VERY few books I feel this way about and it’s SUCH an awesome thing to feel compelled to do it again now. In fact, I don’t just want to give this books stars, I think this book IS a star <3!!
This experience, this book, has been a practice of contradictions … it was exciting and it was soothing; it had its heart in its pages and it was mysterious, it was profoundly deep and it was lighthearted in its hope, it was … EVERYTHING!! I wanted time to slow down so I could savor the pages; I wanted time to speed up so I could know what happens in the end. This was absolutely unputdownable!! You get shoved, wholeheartedly, into the glorious appreciation of life and BEING ALIVE, and you feel compelled to stand in awe of life’s parallels. There is beauty in all things here … even in death. But most importantly and I emphasize, this books highlights how wonderful it is that we are so incredible blessed to just BE.
Wilder’s ability to captivate an audience is sheer testament to her mastery … and let me be clear, this author truly IS a MASTER of her craft. A wizard, if you will … because this book, her work, it’s pure magic <3!!!
I have never been one to gush … but here? I can’t help myself. I must … and yet, I don’t think I could ever express in words how much I enjoyed this book. I loved it. It’s as simple as that I suppose. I loved it <333!!
*** I have so much more to say, but I need to collect my thoughts and will of course come back to this and will revise. I WILL also point out that if you read the blurb and think even for a second that there’s any form of a love triangle or cheating of any kind, you’d be so incredibly wrong. There is NONE of that in any way, shape, or form … whatsoever :-). It’s all about Ethan & Charlie. To understand the magnitude of just how much truth this statement holds, you’ll have to read the book, and you’ll see. Unwaveringly faithful, passionate, tender, loving, pure, and true!! It’s just Ethan & Charlie <333!! Briggs DOES have a profound/integral role here and I adore him … but it’s definitely not what you might think AT ALL!!
Read this book. Seriously. READ … THIS … BOOK!!
P.S. My updates add worlds to this post ... because they say, well, everything <333!!!
*****
Reader's Note::
I'm only at 48% and in an unprecedented and gloriously special move, I'm giving this book 5 glorious stars before I've even gotten close to finishing it. This book deserves a sky full of stars <333!! The imagination, the creativity, the imagery, the depth, the EMOTION, the sexiness, the passion, the LOVE, the raw sexual chemistry, the eloquence, the ...EVERYTHING ... just, my goodness <333!! This book, for me, it was 'favorite at first read' ... I just KNEW:-)!!
Frankly? It works out well, because if by the end of this book, I feel this deserves an additional 5, this book will have earned a dazzling 10 of them. If my assessment stays true, and I have absolutely NO doubt it will, this creation ... this wonderful book, deserves all the stars I can possibly give it, because HOLY FRIGGIN' WOW!!!!!
This isn’t a review … this is a jumble of thoughts. I am going to be all over the place here, because HOLY FRIGGIN BOOK HANGOVER <3333!!! This book moved me. It moved me to tears, to happiness, to grief, to hope, to acceptance, and to joy. This book just ... MOVED me :-)!!
Adrienne Wilder. Our brilliant, gifted, ingenius, talented, skillful, imaginative, awe-inspiring author, Ms. Adrienne Wilder. YOU, my dear author, are without a doubt, an absolute auto-buy for me (though to be honest, you’ve won that position books ago). So let me clarify where things stand for me right now. I think it’s safe to say you’re as close to an auto-5 star an author can or will ever get. I almost never say that … ever … and I am saying it now. Because ... just … WOOOOW!!! One of my ultimate favorite books, EVER!! I would say that this is Wilder's Magnum Opus, but 'In The Absence of Light' shares that honor as well. So I think I'll just point out that it's safe to conclude Wilder knows how to create M/M masterpieces :-)!!
This book. This … prepare for a ridiculously long run-on sentence … book. This amazing, magnificent, evocative, spell-binding, unputdownable, heart-wrenching, mind-blowing, core-shaking, heart pounding, joyful, eloquent, thrilling, intense, impressive, awe-inspiring, brilliant, page-turning, glorious, exceptional, breathtaking, captivating, amazing … amazing … AMAZING, book <3!! I could go on … but in all frankness, I COULD GO ON … and on … an on! This was love at first read and probably THEE EASIEST gazillion-star rating I’ve ever wanted to give :-)! It shares in the ranks of VERY few books I feel this way about and it’s SUCH an awesome thing to feel compelled to do it again now. In fact, I don’t just want to give this books stars, I think this book IS a star <3!!
This experience, this book, has been a practice of contradictions … it was exciting and it was soothing; it had its heart in its pages and it was mysterious, it was profoundly deep and it was lighthearted in its hope, it was … EVERYTHING!! I wanted time to slow down so I could savor the pages; I wanted time to speed up so I could know what happens in the end. This was absolutely unputdownable!! You get shoved, wholeheartedly, into the glorious appreciation of life and BEING ALIVE, and you feel compelled to stand in awe of life’s parallels. There is beauty in all things here … even in death. But most importantly and I emphasize, this books highlights how wonderful it is that we are so incredible blessed to just BE.
Wilder’s ability to captivate an audience is sheer testament to her mastery … and let me be clear, this author truly IS a MASTER of her craft. A wizard, if you will … because this book, her work, it’s pure magic <3!!!
I have never been one to gush … but here? I can’t help myself. I must … and yet, I don’t think I could ever express in words how much I enjoyed this book. I loved it. It’s as simple as that I suppose. I loved it <333!!
*** I have so much more to say, but I need to collect my thoughts and will of course come back to this and will revise. I WILL also point out that if you read the blurb and think even for a second that there’s any form of a love triangle or cheating of any kind, you’d be so incredibly wrong. There is NONE of that in any way, shape, or form … whatsoever :-). It’s all about Ethan & Charlie. To understand the magnitude of just how much truth this statement holds, you’ll have to read the book, and you’ll see. Unwaveringly faithful, passionate, tender, loving, pure, and true!! It’s just Ethan & Charlie <333!! Briggs DOES have a profound/integral role here and I adore him … but it’s definitely not what you might think AT ALL!!
Read this book. Seriously. READ … THIS … BOOK!!
P.S. My updates add worlds to this post ... because they say, well, everything <333!!!
*****
Reader's Note::
I'm only at 48% and in an unprecedented and gloriously special move, I'm giving this book 5 glorious stars before I've even gotten close to finishing it. This book deserves a sky full of stars <333!! The imagination, the creativity, the imagery, the depth, the EMOTION, the sexiness, the passion, the LOVE, the raw sexual chemistry, the eloquence, the ...EVERYTHING ... just, my goodness <333!! This book, for me, it was 'favorite at first read' ... I just KNEW:-)!!
Frankly? It works out well, because if by the end of this book, I feel this deserves an additional 5, this book will have earned a dazzling 10 of them. If my assessment stays true, and I have absolutely NO doubt it will, this creation ... this wonderful book, deserves all the stars I can possibly give it, because HOLY FRIGGIN' WOW!!!!!
April 12, 2022
This is a slightly dark and angsty paranormal romance tale. Charlie can hear and speak to the dead. Not only that he can make them real and help them possess living bodies. This is a good thing since his boyfriend is dead. Ethan is dead. Charlie is his love, his obsession, and his addiction. It's only through Charlie that Ethan can experience life again. Their love for each other is slowly draining Charlie and Ethan knows that it will one day kill him. Charlie doesn't care. Then the past comes after Charlie and Detective Briggs enters the story. Briggs is the first person that Charlie is attracted to, other than Ethan, and he's alive. Ethan knows that he needs to let Charlie go but Charlie is having none of that. The mysterious goings on were engaging. That ending though. I'm happy on one hand but kind of weirded out on the other.
October 3, 2015
Solidly 3.5 stars. Rounding down just because it isn't a four star book for me.
This started off really sad and had a melancholy air throughout. It might have been affected by the fact that I had just read Prey and was really stressed and upset. Don't worry, though. It's all okay. The sex scenes were hot, especially the one with The MCs were sweet and the world was definitely interesting--it stood on its own and I wanted more. The ending was weak, though. Still, if Wilder writes a sequel I will definitely read it.
This started off really sad and had a melancholy air throughout. It might have been affected by the fact that I had just read Prey and was really stressed and upset. Don't worry, though. It's all okay. The sex scenes were hot, especially the one with The MCs were sweet and the world was definitely interesting--it stood on its own and I wanted more. The ending was weak, though. Still, if Wilder writes a sequel I will definitely read it.
December 6, 2020
**4 stars**
I really enjoyed this story. It was very unique. I’ve said it before, Wilder is a fantastic story teller.
This story was told in the first person by Ethan, who is not alive. Yet he has such strong emotions for Charlie that clearly come across. He was my favorite character.
It also seems Wilder always has a child or animal in his stories that are just so damn cute. In this book, the minor cute character James was also heartbreakingly lost. **sigh**
One can’t help but be a little sad for Briggs, the cop in the story, a secondary but major player in the book. I could see a paranormal sequel for him at some point!
Recommended for those who love this author, paranormal, sci-fi, mysteries, and MM HEAs. ❤️
I really enjoyed this story. It was very unique. I’ve said it before, Wilder is a fantastic story teller.
This story was told in the first person by Ethan, who is not alive. Yet he has such strong emotions for Charlie that clearly come across. He was my favorite character.
It also seems Wilder always has a child or animal in his stories that are just so damn cute. In this book, the minor cute character James was also heartbreakingly lost. **sigh**
One can’t help but be a little sad for Briggs, the cop in the story, a secondary but major player in the book. I could see a paranormal sequel for him at some point!
Recommended for those who love this author, paranormal, sci-fi, mysteries, and MM HEAs. ❤️
Want to read
August 13, 2016Ghosts? Suspense? I'm going to delve in. *gulps*
April 2, 2015
reread 4/2015
Even better the second time around. 4.5 stars.
Even better the second time around. 4.5 stars.
April 30, 2015
this is the sort of paranormal novels I love.
September 12, 2018
Very unique story from the perspective of a ghost. The ending blew me away and I did not see that coming.
Ethan is a ghost and he doesn't remember anything about his past life except that he loves Charlie.
Charlie is a very special person. He has the ability to see ghosts, allow them to "possess" other people, and when touching, he can make them corporeal. Because of his talents, Charlie's been manipulated his whole life. Briggs is sent in to investigate some strange murders that seem to revolve around Charlie and then the shit really hits the fan.
Ethan is a ghost and he doesn't remember anything about his past life except that he loves Charlie.
Charlie is a very special person. He has the ability to see ghosts, allow them to "possess" other people, and when touching, he can make them corporeal. Because of his talents, Charlie's been manipulated his whole life. Briggs is sent in to investigate some strange murders that seem to revolve around Charlie and then the shit really hits the fan.
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