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Whispers
Theo was everything Hoani wanted in a husband - his best friend, lover and a great papa for Hoani's son Dion.
Only, Theo died, leaving an ache in Hoani's heart and a gap that could never be filled. And that was just the way Hoani wanted it
Except Theo wasn't done yet.
So when Hoani starts to hear his husband's voice, encouraging him to move on, Hoani doesn't want to listen. As if anyone could replace his Theo...
But Theo proves as stubborn as Hoani, and he isn't going to let this go.
Not when Hoani's future happiness is at stake.
Maybe Hoani needs to start listening to those quiet whispers...
Only, Theo died, leaving an ache in Hoani's heart and a gap that could never be filled. And that was just the way Hoani wanted it
Except Theo wasn't done yet.
So when Hoani starts to hear his husband's voice, encouraging him to move on, Hoani doesn't want to listen. As if anyone could replace his Theo...
But Theo proves as stubborn as Hoani, and he isn't going to let this go.
Not when Hoani's future happiness is at stake.
Maybe Hoani needs to start listening to those quiet whispers...
- GenresM M Romance
116 pages, Paperback
First published December 7, 2014
1 person is currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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January 6, 2015
Yes, yes I know....yet another edit. I have asked Amazon for a refund for this story, and in view of the circumstances, they have agreed and removed the story from my kindle SO anyone who's bought it *legitimately* (not a number boosting freebie from the 'author') and wants to show their disgust by sending it back, please feel free.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*** OK, so everything has kicked off on Facebook, and the truth has come out AT LAST....ES Skipper/Dylan Wilson/Trent are one and the same person...a woman called Natalie Leith. This is why I said what I did in my review. For the people 'taken in' by this con artist/crazy woman, I am truly sorry. ***
I have removed my rating, but my recommendation to read
Always Have, Always Will still stands. It is a superb read!!
I am not connected to the author in any way, shape or form so am under no obligation whatsoever to give it 5 stars in order to 'manipulate' or inflate the ratings. Does Goodreads even allow that??
The story was OK, all the buttons that the author could push, he did BUT please, PLEASE take the 5 star reviews at face value. There is a lot that I could say about the veracity of some of the 'reviewers', I do not believe that many of the reviews are truly independent and it is obvious that a few of the reviewers joined Goodreads in December just to post a rating for this story. I personally don't think that's acceptable, but I don't make the rules.
Finally, all I can say is if you want a truly emotional read, with big ugly tears, then please read Always Have, Always Will by BJ Sheppard...and no, I'm not connected to Barney either but his story deserves a huge audience!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*** OK, so everything has kicked off on Facebook, and the truth has come out AT LAST....ES Skipper/Dylan Wilson/Trent are one and the same person...a woman called Natalie Leith. This is why I said what I did in my review. For the people 'taken in' by this con artist/crazy woman, I am truly sorry. ***
I have removed my rating, but my recommendation to read
Always Have, Always Will still stands. It is a superb read!!I am not connected to the author in any way, shape or form so am under no obligation whatsoever to give it 5 stars in order to 'manipulate' or inflate the ratings. Does Goodreads even allow that??
The story was OK, all the buttons that the author could push, he did BUT please, PLEASE take the 5 star reviews at face value. There is a lot that I could say about the veracity of some of the 'reviewers', I do not believe that many of the reviews are truly independent and it is obvious that a few of the reviewers joined Goodreads in December just to post a rating for this story. I personally don't think that's acceptable, but I don't make the rules.
Finally, all I can say is if you want a truly emotional read, with big ugly tears, then please read Always Have, Always Will by BJ Sheppard...and no, I'm not connected to Barney either but his story deserves a huge audience!!
not-gonna-happen-will-not-read
January 6, 2015Edit 1/6/15 to add:
For those still asking what is going on, especially those not on Facebook, this post is a good place to start.
http://lilygblunt.wordpress.com/2015/...
Although I already own this, it is going onto my not going to read shelf at the moment as it looks like there has been quite a horrible deception pulled off by the "author" (and I'm not talking about using a pen name or masking your gender).
For those still asking what is going on, especially those not on Facebook, this post is a good place to start.
http://lilygblunt.wordpress.com/2015/...
Although I already own this, it is going onto my not going to read shelf at the moment as it looks like there has been quite a horrible deception pulled off by the "author" (and I'm not talking about using a pen name or masking your gender).
January 6, 2015
Will not read. For hurting fellow GLBT authors, for hurting GLBT readers, not to mention the reviewers -- for hurting a close friend over many months. Disgusted. Utterly, utterly disgusted.
All hugs to Liy G. Blunt and everyone involved in discovering just who this con lady is:
http://lilygblunt.wordpress.com/2015/...
All hugs to Liy G. Blunt and everyone involved in discovering just who this con lady is:
http://lilygblunt.wordpress.com/2015/...
never-ever-ever-land
January 5, 2015sometimes you come across people that have way too much time on their hands....
case in point.
i didnt think anyone was as horrible as my sister in law.
damn
I was proved wrong.
I dont care if you are male/female/dog/cat/big bird, as long as you write a good story i'll be all over it.
But when you are a devious person and fuck with people's emotions, it should be known.
tagged to never ever land. never ever
Mare~Slitsread
case in point.
i didnt think anyone was as horrible as my sister in law.
damn
I was proved wrong.
I dont care if you are male/female/dog/cat/big bird, as long as you write a good story i'll be all over it.
But when you are a devious person and fuck with people's emotions, it should be known.
tagged to never ever land. never ever
Mare~Slitsread
January 5, 2015
E.S. Skipper is a fraud
January 5, 2015
Don't even go here
September 14, 2015
After everything that's come to light about this person I'll never read anything by HER. Karma will get you eventually. That, I can assure you.
Read
January 7, 2015BEWARE. DO NOT BUY. READ THIS BEFORE YOU BUY ANYTHING FROM THIS AUTHIOR. CON ARTSIST. SHE'S NOT REALLY AN AUTHOR
http://lilygblunt.wordpress.com/2015/...
http://lilygblunt.wordpress.com/2015/...
January 6, 2015
This author, namely Natalie Leith aka E.S. Skipper is a con artist, as hundreds have found out over the past 2 days
January 6, 2015
I choose to remove my review.
January 5, 2015
Despicable Author. I will never read any of HER books!
Read
January 5, 2015Whispers of Fraud
this author does not exist and is a fraud. her real name is Natalie and has killed off family members to gain the trust of others. do not read anything from this person.
this author does not exist and is a fraud. her real name is Natalie and has killed off family members to gain the trust of others. do not read anything from this person.
Read
January 8, 2015RETRACTED my rating. E.S. SKIPPER DOES NOT EXIST, THE PERSON POSING AS A GAY MAN OBTAINED A LOT BY FRAUDULENT MEANS, USING HER FANS IN THE MOST WORST POSSIBLE WAY,
NOTHING SHORT OF BETRAYAL.
NOTHING SHORT OF BETRAYAL.
January 5, 2015
This person is a fraud.
January 7, 2015
If i could give this no starts i would!
January 8, 2015
E.S. Skipper is a fraud! Save your money. Don't help this person to perpetuate another scam.
December 9, 2014
This is about a journey of life that Theo and Hoani travel through. The story effortlessly takes you through the past, present and the promise of the future. The author flows these elements together seamlessly and makes each character very real with real issues, bad moods, and the best loving part. I highly recommend this book but be aware that your emotions will be involved (box of tissues will help).
I have traveled a similar journey and know that sometimes I hear the "whispers" of the one I loved so dearly (truly, not making this up). This author is a gifted and versatile writer and I hope to see more books soon. I hope that there won't be any complaints about the story not being longer or that certain scenes should have been longer because if it were any longer then I think that my emotions would overwhelm me.
I have traveled a similar journey and know that sometimes I hear the "whispers" of the one I loved so dearly (truly, not making this up). This author is a gifted and versatile writer and I hope to see more books soon. I hope that there won't be any complaints about the story not being longer or that certain scenes should have been longer because if it were any longer then I think that my emotions would overwhelm me.
January 7, 2015
Unread. Deleted.
December 10, 2014
4.5 star review by Dan
This book is told in a series of flashbacks. It ends in the winter of 2014, but the majority of the story is told in alternating chapters from 1994 and 1998. When the story begins, it is the fall of 1998, six months after one of the MCs has been killed by a stallion’s kick to his head. I was instantly thinking, whoa what a way to start a book!
In the next chapter, we’re at the beginning of the actual story, in the fall of 1994. Hoani Mataku is a young, but very successful writer from New Zealand. While attending a LGBT writer’s conference in the United States, he meets Theo McElroy, a writer from Florida.
Although neither knows it is mutual, they both are instantly attracted to each other. It isn’t long before they take things to the next level and end up in bed with each other. One note, this book doesn’t have any direct sex, but refers to it indirectly. Sex is inferred, and not on every page as with many books in this genre. That was a refreshing change for this reader.
Throughout the rest of the book, we jump back and forth between 1994 and 1998, learning more about what happens with Hoani and Theo after the conference, and what is happening in 1998 which for most of the book appears to be the current day timeframe of the book. Hoani also has an adopted young son, Dion, that fits into the mix.
I really liked how the author wrote the “after Theo’s death” sections. Hoani is portrayed as a devoted grieving spouse, visiting the grave every day at the same time. So precisely that the people in Pittman, FL, where they live, can set their watches by him.
This book is the tale of two men finding their soul-mate, and one’s journey on after his soul-mate is killed. Along the way Hoani’s mother also passes away, adding a second grief to his burden. What happens when Theo starts whispering to Hoani, six months after his death? Will Hoani ever be able to let go? Is there another love for him down the road? You will just have to read the book to find out, now won’t you?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The book reads as perhaps partially semi-autobiographical, or at least influenced by real life events and individuals. I feel the writer’s own personal pain came through and probably helped, rather than hindered, in his telling of this tale.
I highly recommend you purchase the book today, and think you will enjoy it!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
This book is told in a series of flashbacks. It ends in the winter of 2014, but the majority of the story is told in alternating chapters from 1994 and 1998. When the story begins, it is the fall of 1998, six months after one of the MCs has been killed by a stallion’s kick to his head. I was instantly thinking, whoa what a way to start a book!
In the next chapter, we’re at the beginning of the actual story, in the fall of 1994. Hoani Mataku is a young, but very successful writer from New Zealand. While attending a LGBT writer’s conference in the United States, he meets Theo McElroy, a writer from Florida.
Although neither knows it is mutual, they both are instantly attracted to each other. It isn’t long before they take things to the next level and end up in bed with each other. One note, this book doesn’t have any direct sex, but refers to it indirectly. Sex is inferred, and not on every page as with many books in this genre. That was a refreshing change for this reader.
Throughout the rest of the book, we jump back and forth between 1994 and 1998, learning more about what happens with Hoani and Theo after the conference, and what is happening in 1998 which for most of the book appears to be the current day timeframe of the book. Hoani also has an adopted young son, Dion, that fits into the mix.
I really liked how the author wrote the “after Theo’s death” sections. Hoani is portrayed as a devoted grieving spouse, visiting the grave every day at the same time. So precisely that the people in Pittman, FL, where they live, can set their watches by him.
This book is the tale of two men finding their soul-mate, and one’s journey on after his soul-mate is killed. Along the way Hoani’s mother also passes away, adding a second grief to his burden. What happens when Theo starts whispering to Hoani, six months after his death? Will Hoani ever be able to let go? Is there another love for him down the road? You will just have to read the book to find out, now won’t you?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The book reads as perhaps partially semi-autobiographical, or at least influenced by real life events and individuals. I feel the writer’s own personal pain came through and probably helped, rather than hindered, in his telling of this tale.
I highly recommend you purchase the book today, and think you will enjoy it!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
December 11, 2014
I cannot say enough about this story. A wonderful account of a man and his soul mate as they take you on a journey, past and present, through happiness and grief as Hoani struggles to heal. The story is filled with love and tenderness, angst and worry, and a ghostly presence you can't help but love. The supporting characters are amazing as well. E.S. is at his best in this story and you owe it to yourself to grab a copy today. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Five Stars.
January 11, 2015
Minus five stars...never to be read, user, cheat, fraud, liar
http://lilygblunt.wordpress.com/2015/...
http://lilygblunt.wordpress.com/2015/...
January 18, 2015
Its not worth the 1* for all that this person put other good people through!! Disgusting hurting people lime that.
June 22, 2016
If I could I would give it minus stars, the reason?, here: https://lilygblunt.wordpress.com/2015...
December 10, 2014
I’m a bit at a loss as to what to say about this book.
Let me start with the story itself, which I loved. This is a touching story about finding love, losing who you assume to be your one and only, and finding a way to continue living and loving despite the pain. It tells about a love that can’t be broken despite death separating the two partners, and shows the generosity which flows from loving someone with your whole being.
This book read as if the author had poured his heart and soul into it. I couldn’t help feeling E.M. Skipper wrote either from personal experience or personal fears and as such the book touched my heart, had me rooting for Hoani, blinking away quite a few tears, and smiling when he at last listened to the whispers and gave life and love a second chance.
My issue is that the writing style didn’t quite work for me. I felt the story would have been even more powerful if it had been written straight from the character’s perspective rather than described by a third-person omniscient narrator. Not because I didn’t enjoy also seeing the story unfold from Theo and Finn’s perspective, but because it seemed to keep me at a distance from their individual feelings.
Overall ‘Whispers’ captured my imagination immediately and kept me up well past my bedtime, because I needed to find of if Hoani would manage to allow himself to open his heart one more time.
And just in case my review gives you the impression this might be a depressing story, let me reassure you. Yes, this story will give you all the feels and you may well find yourself reaching for tissues while reading. There are however also quite a few moments which will make you smile or even laugh.
In short this was a heartfelt and captivating story that I probably would have loved even more had it been written in a different way. That however is on me and not the author, and I wouldn’t be surprised if others disagree with me.
Let me start with the story itself, which I loved. This is a touching story about finding love, losing who you assume to be your one and only, and finding a way to continue living and loving despite the pain. It tells about a love that can’t be broken despite death separating the two partners, and shows the generosity which flows from loving someone with your whole being.
This book read as if the author had poured his heart and soul into it. I couldn’t help feeling E.M. Skipper wrote either from personal experience or personal fears and as such the book touched my heart, had me rooting for Hoani, blinking away quite a few tears, and smiling when he at last listened to the whispers and gave life and love a second chance.
My issue is that the writing style didn’t quite work for me. I felt the story would have been even more powerful if it had been written straight from the character’s perspective rather than described by a third-person omniscient narrator. Not because I didn’t enjoy also seeing the story unfold from Theo and Finn’s perspective, but because it seemed to keep me at a distance from their individual feelings.
Overall ‘Whispers’ captured my imagination immediately and kept me up well past my bedtime, because I needed to find of if Hoani would manage to allow himself to open his heart one more time.
And just in case my review gives you the impression this might be a depressing story, let me reassure you. Yes, this story will give you all the feels and you may well find yourself reaching for tissues while reading. There are however also quite a few moments which will make you smile or even laugh.
In short this was a heartfelt and captivating story that I probably would have loved even more had it been written in a different way. That however is on me and not the author, and I wouldn’t be surprised if others disagree with me.
January 2, 2015
We begin with Hoani in mourning over the loss of his husband and soulmate. Hoani has a son but is not doing well with his loss. As the story goes on we get bits of how Hoani and Theo met at a writer’s convention and fell in love in a whirlwind romance. Totally swoon worthy!
We also have a concerned best friend Jools that tries to play matchmaker with him and another friend of hers that also needs a good man. There is a few breathtaking scary moments involving the child, lots of tear-jerking moments when Hoani remembers Theo and a touch of supernatural when Theo tries to help his husband move on.
Whispers is a beautiful, sad story with a happy ending. We get the sweet sad romance of Hoani and Theo through memories. I would have loved to read their story as it happened it was so beautiful. I am such a sucker for tearjerkers and soulmate type stories.
There are lots of elements to this story and it’s a real page turner. There will be some to say the writing is a bit disconnected and jumpy, but it didn’t bother me. I am rating on the story itself and I found it awesome. I will say it moves very fast and I would have loved this to have been a much longer book so we got both Theo and Hoani’s story in real time and this part as well with Finn and Hoani.
If you like sweet sad romance, happy endings, a tear jerker, animals, kids and soulmates this is for you!
We also have a concerned best friend Jools that tries to play matchmaker with him and another friend of hers that also needs a good man. There is a few breathtaking scary moments involving the child, lots of tear-jerking moments when Hoani remembers Theo and a touch of supernatural when Theo tries to help his husband move on.
Whispers is a beautiful, sad story with a happy ending. We get the sweet sad romance of Hoani and Theo through memories. I would have loved to read their story as it happened it was so beautiful. I am such a sucker for tearjerkers and soulmate type stories.
There are lots of elements to this story and it’s a real page turner. There will be some to say the writing is a bit disconnected and jumpy, but it didn’t bother me. I am rating on the story itself and I found it awesome. I will say it moves very fast and I would have loved this to have been a much longer book so we got both Theo and Hoani’s story in real time and this part as well with Finn and Hoani.
If you like sweet sad romance, happy endings, a tear jerker, animals, kids and soulmates this is for you!
December 20, 2014
From time to time you come across a story that not only stays with you but it shapes your heart and makes you think of what you have and what you have lost. The story centres on the lives of two finely crafted characters ,their love their passion and their anguish. E S Skipper has the ability through flashbacks to take the reader on a very special bond between two beautiful souls. Whispers is a story of family. The enduring love family have for each other transended through time and space to some degree. I cried for the love, I cried for the loss and I cried for the celebration of hearts coming together.Any reader looks to an author to take them to the very core of their emotions, E S skipper has successfully done this in every sense of the word. He has wrapped his words around your heart and squeezed,if you want a true account of life in its highs and lows grab a copy of whispers. Whispers will be on my re read list any time I want to experience life love family and enduring passion. Whispers , aptly named as it will continue to haunt your soul and leave you with a box of empty tissues and a feeling of utter contentment. Well done E S Skipper, a true mastercraftsman.
January 16, 2016
Messy.
Edit: Welp. I gave it one star because I read the book and it was rubbish but, after reading the other reviews and links, I'm now adding this catfishing author to my do not buy bookshelf. Really gross.
Edit: Welp. I gave it one star because I read the book and it was rubbish but, after reading the other reviews and links, I'm now adding this catfishing author to my do not buy bookshelf. Really gross.
December 28, 2014
A lovely story.
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