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Zoe’s shy. Like really shy. Even simple conversations with her best friend, Becca, can have her lost in her head, worrying about all the things she might have said or done wrong. But there’s this part of Zoe that’s as ferocious as a tiger, this part that paces in frustration whenever Zoe gets quiet, and urges her to do things that push her out of her comfort zone - her very small comfort zone.
The tiger gets its way when Zoe meets Noah at her favorite bar, because Zoe is so not comfortable. First, Noah’s absolutely gorgeous. Second, every time he touches her, she feels these golden pings of … something … that calm her and soothe her and make her feel like the answers to all her questions are right around the corner. And third, it looks like Becca is keeping a dangerous secret, a secret that Noah is in on and isn’t happy about at all.
With Noah’s help, Zoe’s gonna have to learn to speak, because her words hold power … more power than she ever dreamed possible.
The tiger gets its way when Zoe meets Noah at her favorite bar, because Zoe is so not comfortable. First, Noah’s absolutely gorgeous. Second, every time he touches her, she feels these golden pings of … something … that calm her and soothe her and make her feel like the answers to all her questions are right around the corner. And third, it looks like Becca is keeping a dangerous secret, a secret that Noah is in on and isn’t happy about at all.
With Noah’s help, Zoe’s gonna have to learn to speak, because her words hold power … more power than she ever dreamed possible.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2015
43 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 9, 2015
FREE on Kindle Unlimited to find more paranormal reads check out https://www.facebook.com/ParanormalBo...
I found the first half of this really good reading, until it threw a 360deg turn and from there went downhill. I hit dead-zones which lagged, statements to the obvious, and a personality transplant which was explained away perhaps a little too much. So, in the last half, loads of skimming.
The writing is well done with the first person well expressed.
For many readers who love a bit of black and white magic, go full speed ahead.
Sex quotient: barely recognizable romance which is possibly heading towards the dreaded Bermuda Triangle.
Soundtrack: https://youtu.be/5Juql7cnplc
I found the first half of this really good reading, until it threw a 360deg turn and from there went downhill. I hit dead-zones which lagged, statements to the obvious, and a personality transplant which was explained away perhaps a little too much. So, in the last half, loads of skimming.
The writing is well done with the first person well expressed.
For many readers who love a bit of black and white magic, go full speed ahead.
Sex quotient: barely recognizable romance which is possibly heading towards the dreaded Bermuda Triangle.
Soundtrack: https://youtu.be/5Juql7cnplc
November 11, 2016
I don’t read much urban fantasy, but this one grabbed me from the opening pages. There’s an intensity to it that I don’t often find in any kind of fantasy, which tends to concern itself much more with actions, events, reactions, battles and magicky stuff. This one is all about Zoe, and is so well embedded in her head that I felt everything that she felt, heard everything she heard, responded exactly as she did. That’s a rare talent, for an author to get under a character’s skin so strongly.
Here’s the premise: Zoe seems like just another girl — quieter than most, a bit subdued, a bit odd, perhaps. She has trouble talking to people, and sometimes she just goes into sensory overload, and can hear everything, every last detail. She has a best friend, Becca, who looks out for her, understands her and protects her from the world. And then, one evening at the bar, she meets Noah, who has a weird effect on her…
Since this is urban fantasy, it’s obvious that Zoe is ‘special’ but it takes a long time to get to the discovery point. By then, the action begins to get fast and furious, much is revealed and much, naturally, remains to be discovered about Zoe and the world she belongs to, because this is, after all, the first part of a series.
For regular fans of this type of story, there perhaps won’t be much that’s new, but the depth of reader investment in Zoe makes this a special read. I loved it. Five stars.
Here’s the premise: Zoe seems like just another girl — quieter than most, a bit subdued, a bit odd, perhaps. She has trouble talking to people, and sometimes she just goes into sensory overload, and can hear everything, every last detail. She has a best friend, Becca, who looks out for her, understands her and protects her from the world. And then, one evening at the bar, she meets Noah, who has a weird effect on her…
Since this is urban fantasy, it’s obvious that Zoe is ‘special’ but it takes a long time to get to the discovery point. By then, the action begins to get fast and furious, much is revealed and much, naturally, remains to be discovered about Zoe and the world she belongs to, because this is, after all, the first part of a series.
For regular fans of this type of story, there perhaps won’t be much that’s new, but the depth of reader investment in Zoe makes this a special read. I loved it. Five stars.
September 18, 2015
I was really surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. I'll be honest with you, I chose to read this book because I got it for free and the cover caught my 'oh pretty ADD button'.
Sometimes I love that button. Like today, for example, with this book.
The author does a fabulous job with the writing and inner monologue. The writing pecks at your mind while you read it making you want to read more, know more... To attain that higher level of understanding. I absolutely loved that.
The plot is pretty awesome and while this is a genre that has been washed and hung out to dry way too many times, this book maintains its own originality throughout the entire story. This was an awesome breakaway from your typical witches and warlocks and magic, oh my!
I'm excited to see where this author takes this series!
Sometimes I love that button. Like today, for example, with this book.
The author does a fabulous job with the writing and inner monologue. The writing pecks at your mind while you read it making you want to read more, know more... To attain that higher level of understanding. I absolutely loved that.
The plot is pretty awesome and while this is a genre that has been washed and hung out to dry way too many times, this book maintains its own originality throughout the entire story. This was an awesome breakaway from your typical witches and warlocks and magic, oh my!
I'm excited to see where this author takes this series!
August 15, 2015
Speak was a great, page turning read. Zoe is so easy to relate to with her amazing awkwardness and super sense of humor. Because she is such a wonderfully developed character, you don't want to leave her alone, as she unexpectedly faces changes and challenges! You won't regret reading this book!
July 26, 2018
The description was way more exciting than the actual book. A book filled with self-deprecation, exposition that leads down rabbit holes, and whiny. Where the main character thinks that being wierd is tantamount to having a disability. Maybe this book will find someone who enjoys it; however that someone isn't me.
December 18, 2016
Cliffhanger
This was a decent start, worth the time I spent reading it. I don't like the vague ending, and there are a few points where I wanted more information, but as this is a series, I get why the author held some things back. I'll pick up the next installment soon.
This was a decent start, worth the time I spent reading it. I don't like the vague ending, and there are a few points where I wanted more information, but as this is a series, I get why the author held some things back. I'll pick up the next installment soon.
November 19, 2017
Difficult characters
The plot shows great promise but the characters are difficult. They are every gray and the reader is unsure where they stand on anything. The world building is awkward and more details are needed.
The plot shows great promise but the characters are difficult. They are every gray and the reader is unsure where they stand on anything. The world building is awkward and more details are needed.
February 15, 2022
A good story with a strong and independent plot.
January 28, 2016
This story was very interesting, and I really wanted to like it more, but there were a few things that just bothered me too much.
The pacing. The whole book was a rush of the main character's thoughts. It was hard to follow, and we didn't get much background into the character's life, making it hard to connect. Things were referenced like a job or parents, but we were given nothing else, making the characters feel very one dimensional. Everything felt skimmed over, even the magic, and it was hard to really follow what was happening most of the book, let alone visualize it.
Over use of certain words. Is 'Ya' something people actually say? Because I've never heard it said, and it was uses so much in this book. It was awkward. 'Yeah' is what I think (?) the author was going for, but the spelling turned it into an entire different word. I kept changing it to 'yeah' in my head just make it read smoother. 'Cause was another overused word. Part of the awkwardness of this book was all of it written as if the character were speaking it to you. First person is meant to get into the main character's head, but you don't have to write like they're speaking. It makes for a very choppy read.
The main thing that got to me was the treatment of Zoe's incapability to function like a normal human around strangers. Striking up conversation is difficult, and going out on her own is pretty much out of the question. I was looking forward to reading a book about a character who struggles with similar things that I do, and it was relatable up until it was a convenient magic spell and turns out the character is normal after all once that spell is gone. Not exactly something you can relate to.
I am intrigued enough that I may check out the first book. It was still an entertaining, quick read, and it did leave me curious as to what happens next.
The pacing. The whole book was a rush of the main character's thoughts. It was hard to follow, and we didn't get much background into the character's life, making it hard to connect. Things were referenced like a job or parents, but we were given nothing else, making the characters feel very one dimensional. Everything felt skimmed over, even the magic, and it was hard to really follow what was happening most of the book, let alone visualize it.
Over use of certain words. Is 'Ya' something people actually say? Because I've never heard it said, and it was uses so much in this book. It was awkward. 'Yeah' is what I think (?) the author was going for, but the spelling turned it into an entire different word. I kept changing it to 'yeah' in my head just make it read smoother. 'Cause was another overused word. Part of the awkwardness of this book was all of it written as if the character were speaking it to you. First person is meant to get into the main character's head, but you don't have to write like they're speaking. It makes for a very choppy read.
The main thing that got to me was the treatment of Zoe's incapability to function like a normal human around strangers. Striking up conversation is difficult, and going out on her own is pretty much out of the question. I was looking forward to reading a book about a character who struggles with similar things that I do, and it was relatable up until it was a convenient magic spell and turns out the character is normal after all once that spell is gone. Not exactly something you can relate to.
I am intrigued enough that I may check out the first book. It was still an entertaining, quick read, and it did leave me curious as to what happens next.
September 3, 2015
Speak is the first novel in R.M. Webb’s Witches and Warlocks series. I was delighted when the author asked me for a review quote, as the book cover artwork (created by the author) is both beautiful and captivating. As I read, I became more and more intrigued by what was happening to the main character, Zoe Tate. I found myself not wanting to put the book down and, toward the end, just kept on reading into the wee hours of the morning.
Speak is a book that can be read on multiple levels. On the level of fantasy novel, the reader enters a strange new world, along with Zoe as she struggles to find her place in it and figure out exactly who she is. On another level, however, Speak is a story about a painfully shy and self-conscious young woman under the control of her Svengali-type best friend, Becca. The title of the book says it all: Zoe must learn to understand herself and speak in her own voice in order to become the person she’s meant to be.
I think that many young women will recognize themselves in the main character. Women of all ages will recognize the pressure on women to silence themselves, to hold themselves back from speaking their truth and developing their full potential. Speak tells the story of how destructive it became for the main character to spend her whole life silencing herself. The ending of this novel suggests that she is finally on the path to discovering her true worth and setting herself free. I’m curious about the next book in the series and plan to buy it as soon as it’s available.
* I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Speak is a book that can be read on multiple levels. On the level of fantasy novel, the reader enters a strange new world, along with Zoe as she struggles to find her place in it and figure out exactly who she is. On another level, however, Speak is a story about a painfully shy and self-conscious young woman under the control of her Svengali-type best friend, Becca. The title of the book says it all: Zoe must learn to understand herself and speak in her own voice in order to become the person she’s meant to be.
I think that many young women will recognize themselves in the main character. Women of all ages will recognize the pressure on women to silence themselves, to hold themselves back from speaking their truth and developing their full potential. Speak tells the story of how destructive it became for the main character to spend her whole life silencing herself. The ending of this novel suggests that she is finally on the path to discovering her true worth and setting herself free. I’m curious about the next book in the series and plan to buy it as soon as it’s available.
* I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2016
I don't know what to think of this book. I've been putting it away for some time now and the main reason is that the first 45% of it is a little too boring and slow.
Zoe is a quiet girl and I get that but even I wouldn't let someone control her life like Becca does. There's a lot of inside the head talking and for me that was reading, I do get the impression that Zoe had to figure out there's something wrong with the whole "can't say what's on my mind" problem.
After almost half the book, things get a little better and Zoe is finally trying to figure herself out, but Becca and Luke are always there to make her question herself.
There's a lot to be learned by the end of the book, whether Zoe's magic is white or black , who she really is and what her feelings towards Luke and Noah are her own of if she was completely manipulate to feel like that.
Even though this is not the best beginning of series, I'll read the next one and hope to learn more about the whole magic and spells, and also about Zoe and her relationships.
Update: Great following books after this one!!
Zoe is a quiet girl and I get that but even I wouldn't let someone control her life like Becca does. There's a lot of inside the head talking and for me that was reading, I do get the impression that Zoe had to figure out there's something wrong with the whole "can't say what's on my mind" problem.
After almost half the book, things get a little better and Zoe is finally trying to figure herself out, but Becca and Luke are always there to make her question herself.
There's a lot to be learned by the end of the book, whether Zoe's magic is white or black , who she really is and what her feelings towards Luke and Noah are her own of if she was completely manipulate to feel like that.
Even though this is not the best beginning of series, I'll read the next one and hope to learn more about the whole magic and spells, and also about Zoe and her relationships.
Update: Great following books after this one!!
December 4, 2015
Speak was a really interesting read for me. You have Zoe, who's shy but she can't find the right words to use. Like their right there but they aren't coming out. She feels caged, like a restless Tiger. Zoe's best friend Becca is the one she really talks to and honestly, the only one who understands her.
But things in Zoe's life begin to Change and she finds that there are some who aren't telling her the truth. There is something about her and she feels it deep inside.
The whole time, you're just really in Zoe's head. You know as much as she knows. There's a point where I was like, Come on! I need to know what was going on. I think the whole idea is to keep the reader on the edge.
The action scenes were Vivid and done well. So it really made you feel some form of anxiety. I really did enjoys this one and I 'am interested to see where it leads. What's going to happen with Zoe?...Lissa
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But things in Zoe's life begin to Change and she finds that there are some who aren't telling her the truth. There is something about her and she feels it deep inside.
The whole time, you're just really in Zoe's head. You know as much as she knows. There's a point where I was like, Come on! I need to know what was going on. I think the whole idea is to keep the reader on the edge.
The action scenes were Vivid and done well. So it really made you feel some form of anxiety. I really did enjoys this one and I 'am interested to see where it leads. What's going to happen with Zoe?...Lissa
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
March 28, 2016
Okay let me start off by saying that I feel for Zoe Tate and already (3 chapters in) despise Becca. As I read further into the book, my assumptions of Becca are true! Zoe meets (sighs) Noah, and he brings her world to life. Becca is torn between Noah and Becca b/cause Becca doesn't like Noah.
Well unfortunately, or fortunately, Becca has to bounce outta town for a little bit to deal with "family issues". Zoe seizes her chance to "be normal" and bold and outspoken. Low and behold she goes back to the spot she met Noah. Well I'm not gonna say the whole story but let's FF a little bit.
Zoe finally figures out a lot about herself and no thanks to her circle of friends, stuff....well happens.. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the Speak series. Hands down 5 stars!
Well unfortunately, or fortunately, Becca has to bounce outta town for a little bit to deal with "family issues". Zoe seizes her chance to "be normal" and bold and outspoken. Low and behold she goes back to the spot she met Noah. Well I'm not gonna say the whole story but let's FF a little bit.
Zoe finally figures out a lot about herself and no thanks to her circle of friends, stuff....well happens.. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the Speak series. Hands down 5 stars!
November 4, 2015
This book was surprisingly great! It's the first book I read by this author and I was entertained. I loved the main character, Zoe! She goes through so much, that you can't help but have all the feels for her.
Learning how all the other characters fit into the story was fun. It was a mystery I wanted to solve!
Then, there were the guys, Noah and Luke. While I'm not so excited by how that played out, a was hoping she would choose a certain guy, but no, she cares for the other. Bummer.
I did like how the author made sure to wrap up the majority of the plot, yet left just enough to make you want more. I already got the sequel, Hush, and I can't wait to read it!
Five glittery stars!
Learning how all the other characters fit into the story was fun. It was a mystery I wanted to solve!
Then, there were the guys, Noah and Luke. While I'm not so excited by how that played out, a was hoping she would choose a certain guy, but no, she cares for the other. Bummer.
I did like how the author made sure to wrap up the majority of the plot, yet left just enough to make you want more. I already got the sequel, Hush, and I can't wait to read it!
Five glittery stars!
October 14, 2015
A fresh take on an old subject...
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Holy crow. I couldn't put this book down. I hung on every word and was surprised constantly. I absolutely love Zoe, Noah and maybe even Luke. I'm not so sure about him though and there's something about Becca that I didn't like from the beginning. I can't wait to read book 2. I really hope we get to find out what Zoe is and find out the truth about Luke.
R.M. Webb is a great writer. Her writing was some of the best I've seen in a while and her story was refreshingly unique. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a fresh take on a very well written subject.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Holy crow. I couldn't put this book down. I hung on every word and was surprised constantly. I absolutely love Zoe, Noah and maybe even Luke. I'm not so sure about him though and there's something about Becca that I didn't like from the beginning. I can't wait to read book 2. I really hope we get to find out what Zoe is and find out the truth about Luke.
R.M. Webb is a great writer. Her writing was some of the best I've seen in a while and her story was refreshingly unique. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a fresh take on a very well written subject.
April 18, 2016
I love Kindle Unlimited! Its been a while since i grabbed a paranormal/urban fantasy story, and if not for this book being a part of KU, it might have been longer.
This was a very enjoyable read. It was pretty fast-paced and at times the inner monologue could be a bit much, but overall, my only major complaint with this story is that I didn't feel the connection between Zoe and Luke. I had no trouble with anything else, just that pairing. I look forward to reading the next book to see how Zoe progresses, and how Luke fits into her story
This was a very enjoyable read. It was pretty fast-paced and at times the inner monologue could be a bit much, but overall, my only major complaint with this story is that I didn't feel the connection between Zoe and Luke. I had no trouble with anything else, just that pairing. I look forward to reading the next book to see how Zoe progresses, and how Luke fits into her story
December 10, 2015
Good plot. Better story telling
Took a little time getting there, but can recommend a good read. Time will tell if the new plot twists can promise a great series. Things have to pick the pace if there is another set of plots or a drawn out retelling without some kind of gusto. I look forward to find out cause the story is unique and full of possibilities. I recommend you find join me for the next installment.
Took a little time getting there, but can recommend a good read. Time will tell if the new plot twists can promise a great series. Things have to pick the pace if there is another set of plots or a drawn out retelling without some kind of gusto. I look forward to find out cause the story is unique and full of possibilities. I recommend you find join me for the next installment.
January 12, 2016
I couldn't get into this, the writing is disjointed--a stream of consciousness, first person POV that I struggled to get into but gave up three chapters in without ever getting a sense of the story getting underway. The book description sounded interesting, but that synopsis turned out to be the best part of the book.
February 25, 2016
I found this book on Kindle Unlimited so I thought I'd give it a try. The main character, Zoe had a lot of internal dialogue. I know the story called for it, but it seemed a bit much at times. There wasn't enough world building for me or character development. It had a good plot and with more character building I would have like it much better.
February 23, 2016
Ok, what is a nice way to put this? This book was terrible. I'm sorry, but terrible. Zoe talks like a kid and that annoyed me to no end. You already know where the book is heading because you have been there before. I hope the next one can change my mind.
April 22, 2016
Eh...
The book is alright, but it just lacks excitement... It's almost too fast paced and lacks much detail... Not worth reading if you are someone who HAS to finish the series because 3.99 each for the other books are NOT worth it! They're also shorter reads.
The book is alright, but it just lacks excitement... It's almost too fast paced and lacks much detail... Not worth reading if you are someone who HAS to finish the series because 3.99 each for the other books are NOT worth it! They're also shorter reads.
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February 12, 2016(4) I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Review will be up on Boundless Book Reviews.
February 21, 2016
Not a bad book, it felt a little rushed, but it was enjoyable enough.
March 27, 2016
Unique story
I enjoyed the story. It was pretty fast paced. There are still some unanswered questions but the ending left me satisfied until the next book.
I enjoyed the story. It was pretty fast paced. There are still some unanswered questions but the ending left me satisfied until the next book.
July 19, 2016
Fantastic
The only reason I didn't finish this book in one sitting was because a pesky little thing called work got in the way. The characters really came alive for me!
The only reason I didn't finish this book in one sitting was because a pesky little thing called work got in the way. The characters really came alive for me!
August 29, 2016
Rate the book!
I enjoyed this story very much. Am looking forward to the other ones in the series. It was a very realistic storytelling.
I enjoyed this story very much. Am looking forward to the other ones in the series. It was a very realistic storytelling.
September 18, 2016
Really don't know how I feel about this book... It wasn't bad but something's just nagging at me. This was a 3.5 for me.
September 20, 2016
Not bad. The main character acts more like a 12 year old girl all twiterpated over the boys than the 22 year old she is supposed to be. But the story was entertaining and kept me reading it.
October 8, 2016
It started out very slow. I even gave up for a time, but I am glad I got back into it. Speeds up and makes a great read! Looking forward to reading Hush and seeing where Zoe is taken next.
June 26, 2016
It is a great book to read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews