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Like a Fly on the Wall
From talented debut author Simone Kelly comes this suspenseful novel that crackles with intrigue, sex, and plenty of surprises—perfect for fans of Eric Jerome Dickey and Carl Weber.
Meet Jacques Berradi. Moroccan-born and Manhattan-raised, his genuine, sexy-smooth allure goes hand in hand with a unique gift. Since Jacques was young, he has had the ability to read peoples’ energies, communicate with spirit guides, and even catch glimpses of people’s futures. Now a professional “intuitive counselor,” Jacques’s clients pay him handsomely for his insight. Unfortunately, Jacques’s psychic abilities don’t come with an off switch to tune out the world’s noise, nor do they always provide him with easy answers; recently Jacques has begun having dark, alarming dreams about his beloved father, a Moroccan immigrant who died when he was a boy.
Meet Kylie Collins, an adventurous, Miami twentysomething who is trying to find her footing after being laid off from a cushy music industry job. When a mishap brings them together, Kylie is instantly mesmerized by Jacques’s cool demeanor and intuitive abilities, and he’s captivated by her outgoing charm and breezy good looks. Seeking to learn more about her family history—including the identity of the father she’s never known—Kylie visits Jacques’s office to gain some insight about her future, and about her free-spirited and headstrong Jamaican mother, True.
But on the night that they meet, a rolling blackout cuts off power throughout Miami. Kylie and Jacques, and a few of his clients, head to the only place in the neighborhood with enough light to see: Like a Fly on the Wall Detective Agency. There, Kylie serendipitously lands herself the perfect new job as an apprentice private eye.
As partners, Jacques and Kylie are an unstoppable duo. Can Jacques’s intuition reveal the scandalous history of Kylie’s mother and father? Will Kylie’s newfound detective skills uncover evidence about the death of Jacques’s father? And will the chemistry that charges their friendship bubble over into something much, much hotter…?
Meet Jacques Berradi. Moroccan-born and Manhattan-raised, his genuine, sexy-smooth allure goes hand in hand with a unique gift. Since Jacques was young, he has had the ability to read peoples’ energies, communicate with spirit guides, and even catch glimpses of people’s futures. Now a professional “intuitive counselor,” Jacques’s clients pay him handsomely for his insight. Unfortunately, Jacques’s psychic abilities don’t come with an off switch to tune out the world’s noise, nor do they always provide him with easy answers; recently Jacques has begun having dark, alarming dreams about his beloved father, a Moroccan immigrant who died when he was a boy.
Meet Kylie Collins, an adventurous, Miami twentysomething who is trying to find her footing after being laid off from a cushy music industry job. When a mishap brings them together, Kylie is instantly mesmerized by Jacques’s cool demeanor and intuitive abilities, and he’s captivated by her outgoing charm and breezy good looks. Seeking to learn more about her family history—including the identity of the father she’s never known—Kylie visits Jacques’s office to gain some insight about her future, and about her free-spirited and headstrong Jamaican mother, True.
But on the night that they meet, a rolling blackout cuts off power throughout Miami. Kylie and Jacques, and a few of his clients, head to the only place in the neighborhood with enough light to see: Like a Fly on the Wall Detective Agency. There, Kylie serendipitously lands herself the perfect new job as an apprentice private eye.
As partners, Jacques and Kylie are an unstoppable duo. Can Jacques’s intuition reveal the scandalous history of Kylie’s mother and father? Will Kylie’s newfound detective skills uncover evidence about the death of Jacques’s father? And will the chemistry that charges their friendship bubble over into something much, much hotter…?
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2017
28 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
Simone Kelly
10 books51 followersNovelist Simone Kelly has managed to bring love, dating, mystery, the supernatural and all of her other passions into the all-encompassing realm of storytelling. This includes business, since Kelly used to write books and draw its illustrations as far back as the third grade, when her mother made copies for her to sell in school.
The New Yorker’s playful sense of humor and love of adventure developed through the years to serve her well in international travels to locations like Peru, enlightening experiences as a certified Reiki-Master and in the demanding pace of being a media personality. Kelly enjoyed stints as a producer, manager and director with record-breaking startups during the dotcom explosion like theglobe.com, volume.com (HBO), and uproar.com.
As her resume and contacts began to expand, she unwittingly developed an affinity for artists, writers and philosophers ranging from the always engaging Eric Jerome Dickey, to the cerebral Octavia Butler, the masterful Stephen King and poignant Terry McMillian. Anyone reading Kelly’s work will also get a sense of powerhouse motivational speakers like Esther Hicks, Wayne Dyer and Louise Hay. Her quick wit and rapid fire delivery is a trademark that runs in step with the uber-talented Tina Fey and prolific Shonda Rimes.
Simone Kelly, CEO of Own Your Power® Communications, Inc., is an author, internet radio host & producer, holistic business, and intuitive life coach. Her previous books include a self-help book on marketing called, Jack of All Trades, Master of None? Her second book is a novel entitled At Second Glance that has set the stage for the smart and sexy Like A Fly on the Wall. It is now part of a two-book deal with William Marrow/Harper Collins and will be released Spring 2017. She currently resides in Hollywood, Florida.
For more info go to www.ownyourpower.biz,
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 17, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
You are a precious jewel. You don’t need to be treated like a cubic zirconia.
I can only take Vince in small doses… He’s like an Italian Shrek. He bites his nails down to the nub. He’ll burp, fart, talk loud on the phone like ain’t nobody in there with him.
He knew how to do so much by saying so little.
I’m getting paid to nosy. It’s a girls dream come true!
My Review:
Like a Fly On the Wall proved to be a unique read. An interesting hybrid of women’s fiction, adult contemporary romance, suspense, urban, paranormal, and family drama. Lots and lots of family drama with unraveling devastating secrets, shocking revelations, and murky family histories. I found the storyline to be highly creative, intriguing, and salaciously sensual – fans were required on the highest setting. Ms. Kelly has conjured a unique collection of colorful, quirky, vivid, and vibrant characters who were not all likable or admirable, yet always enthralling. Some were cringe-worthy and some were a total train wreck. I was fascinated by the many thoughtful details that went into the “Intuitive Counselor” role of Jacques; he was extremely compelling. Despite its exceptional length, I had a hard time putting this book down.
You are a precious jewel. You don’t need to be treated like a cubic zirconia.
I can only take Vince in small doses… He’s like an Italian Shrek. He bites his nails down to the nub. He’ll burp, fart, talk loud on the phone like ain’t nobody in there with him.
He knew how to do so much by saying so little.
I’m getting paid to nosy. It’s a girls dream come true!
My Review:
Like a Fly On the Wall proved to be a unique read. An interesting hybrid of women’s fiction, adult contemporary romance, suspense, urban, paranormal, and family drama. Lots and lots of family drama with unraveling devastating secrets, shocking revelations, and murky family histories. I found the storyline to be highly creative, intriguing, and salaciously sensual – fans were required on the highest setting. Ms. Kelly has conjured a unique collection of colorful, quirky, vivid, and vibrant characters who were not all likable or admirable, yet always enthralling. Some were cringe-worthy and some were a total train wreck. I was fascinated by the many thoughtful details that went into the “Intuitive Counselor” role of Jacques; he was extremely compelling. Despite its exceptional length, I had a hard time putting this book down.
July 20, 2017
For a while I was staring at a blank screen. I wasn't sure how to describe Like a Fly on the Wall by Simone Kelly. It's a book with a lot of different themes: romance, suspense, family drama, and mysticism. In my opinion, there isn't really a plot. I don't say that as a bad thing. The lack of a traditional plot works here and let me tell you why!
The characters and how they interact are what make this book work. Jacques Berradi is a good-looking and intelligent man--with a unique talent. Ever since he was young, Jacques could communicate with spirits/spirit guides, which help him see the future. His robust list of clients pay him to guide them down the right path to personal and professional success.
Read the rest of my review at: http://asiturnthepages.blogspot.com/2...
The characters and how they interact are what make this book work. Jacques Berradi is a good-looking and intelligent man--with a unique talent. Ever since he was young, Jacques could communicate with spirits/spirit guides, which help him see the future. His robust list of clients pay him to guide them down the right path to personal and professional success.
Read the rest of my review at: http://asiturnthepages.blogspot.com/2...
October 2, 2017
This book was AWESOME! I've never read a mystery before but I will start reading more of them from here on out! :)
November 9, 2017
Great first book!! I would have liked a little more closure at the end for Kylie and Jacques, but overall good read.
July 25, 2017
Sexy. Tense. Fun. Suspenseful. Great characters I found myself invested in!
July 16, 2019
I want to know what happens with Jacques can we get a sequel
July 19, 2017
Throughly enjoyed reading "Like A Fly on the Wall". An easier page turner that you can get done in a few days. The characters will have you thinking and wondering and just maybe, jump on a plane to Morocco. Oh yes Jacques Berradi is all that and a bag of chips. You will definitely enjoy this ....Happy Reading...
July 26, 2017
This was a great read! I didn't want to put it down once I started. It was easy to identify with the characters and get caught up in their circumstances. I will be looking for more books by this author.
February 18, 2019
This was a FANTASTIC book!! I highly recommend it’s
June 15, 2017
I received this book after entering a goodreads drawing.
This is an adult book from the beginning. There is little story and character development so I found what little story was presented a bit boring. Not until the book was almost ending did a story come to light.
This is an adult book from the beginning. There is little story and character development so I found what little story was presented a bit boring. Not until the book was almost ending did a story come to light.
April 26, 2017
Awesome book! Can't wait until part 2!
July 2, 2018
A little shocking at first, but once I got used to the style, the writing is interesting. The story didn't end, but then the author says she is writing a series of further adventures of the same characters. Parts are a bit too steamy for my taste, but the main characters are well-developed and interesting.
November 28, 2017
Great Read !
I loved the book overall it was full of mystery, twists and turns it was sexy and intriguing. But i was shocked at the ending and hoping that there is a sequel because i felt like there was so much more to the story and questions that i had.
I loved the book overall it was full of mystery, twists and turns it was sexy and intriguing. But i was shocked at the ending and hoping that there is a sequel because i felt like there was so much more to the story and questions that i had.
July 11, 2017
***** Complicated review for this one with a 3 star rating. Scroll down to see some of my thoughts. Full review over at G. Jacks Writes (About Everything) ****
I had a lot of mixed feelings about his book because I really liked most of the characters, the chemistry, the natural flirtation, the humor and brutally honest elements of this book came across beautifully. I found big portions of what Kylie and Jacques thought and said resonated with thoughts I've had or similar to how I might react in certain circumstances.
The intriguing and shrouded method that the writer uses when describing Jacques' visions and dreams were really engrossing and effective. It made me believe Jacques was truly clairvoyant and moved by how affected by others' energies and presences he was in this book. I could not imagine being as young as he was experiencing spirits or having the visions or dreams that he had. Something I don't think most would get just by looking at this book is that some of the content is a lot darker and heavier than they might imagine, particularly with Kylie's story and her background.
Likewise, Kylie and Jacques' orbits regarding their pasts really didn't pick up until after the midpoint and by that time, I was confused about their connection because Kylie had done most of the work on her own without him. I didn't see this as a bad or negative thing because I liked getting to know each of them separately, but I was expecting them to interact more in the first half.
With that being said, this book was a really easy read and I respected how true to themselves the main characters were. No one is perfect and as much as Kylie or Jacques had to say about those around them at any given point, the two were always honest about their own issues and faults.
They also had pretty good chemistry with each other (and others, if you get what I mean). The two go through a lot before finding their way to each other, but I think that is something other readers will appreciate.
I had a lot of mixed feelings about his book because I really liked most of the characters, the chemistry, the natural flirtation, the humor and brutally honest elements of this book came across beautifully. I found big portions of what Kylie and Jacques thought and said resonated with thoughts I've had or similar to how I might react in certain circumstances.
The intriguing and shrouded method that the writer uses when describing Jacques' visions and dreams were really engrossing and effective. It made me believe Jacques was truly clairvoyant and moved by how affected by others' energies and presences he was in this book. I could not imagine being as young as he was experiencing spirits or having the visions or dreams that he had. Something I don't think most would get just by looking at this book is that some of the content is a lot darker and heavier than they might imagine, particularly with Kylie's story and her background.
Likewise, Kylie and Jacques' orbits regarding their pasts really didn't pick up until after the midpoint and by that time, I was confused about their connection because Kylie had done most of the work on her own without him. I didn't see this as a bad or negative thing because I liked getting to know each of them separately, but I was expecting them to interact more in the first half.
With that being said, this book was a really easy read and I respected how true to themselves the main characters were. No one is perfect and as much as Kylie or Jacques had to say about those around them at any given point, the two were always honest about their own issues and faults.
They also had pretty good chemistry with each other (and others, if you get what I mean). The two go through a lot before finding their way to each other, but I think that is something other readers will appreciate.
February 21, 2021
3 star for this book. A handsome psychic who helped people straighten their life,struggle to find a truth about his father death. His good look always invites trouble, beauties kept flirting with him. He struggle to protect his honesty toward his lovely cop girlfriend. A mix of mystery, thriller, love and psyco. Its really a good concoction to me.
In a big picture, this novel discussed around relationship of people, how outbringing mold the personality of people, honesty,loyal and how to manage toxicity in your life. I like how the writer portrayed a different view and characterization through her main character.
It's really sad when people can not find the answer to the mystery of a death.Death is always a mystery, because that's a god secret from mankind, but to been hide from the cause of it, its really depressing. Tragically, her mother poisoned his father slowly.This cruelty and her betrayal with other men, had it own logical reason. Its really hurt when everybody had the shared in this betrayal.
Not a happy ending, its kind of hanging when the protagonist helped both his parent to cross the path afterlife,that it. He just discuss about his problem and how it will end with a helpful friend,then finished. But I think, the writer try to pursued a mystery touch in a hopeful way. A sequel or a better path in his life. I really hope he will mend his relationship with Vicky, also his brother get back on a right track. *still improved my English. #fatimahmanaf #timahbacaapa #timahreviewbuku #malaysiamembaca
In a big picture, this novel discussed around relationship of people, how outbringing mold the personality of people, honesty,loyal and how to manage toxicity in your life. I like how the writer portrayed a different view and characterization through her main character.
It's really sad when people can not find the answer to the mystery of a death.Death is always a mystery, because that's a god secret from mankind, but to been hide from the cause of it, its really depressing. Tragically, her mother poisoned his father slowly.This cruelty and her betrayal with other men, had it own logical reason. Its really hurt when everybody had the shared in this betrayal.
Not a happy ending, its kind of hanging when the protagonist helped both his parent to cross the path afterlife,that it. He just discuss about his problem and how it will end with a helpful friend,then finished. But I think, the writer try to pursued a mystery touch in a hopeful way. A sequel or a better path in his life. I really hope he will mend his relationship with Vicky, also his brother get back on a right track. *still improved my English. #fatimahmanaf #timahbacaapa #timahreviewbuku #malaysiamembaca
May 18, 2018
Gosh, I liked the book because of the eclectic characters and how easily they move through each other's world. That possibility was due to what clearly is the author's strength - understanding and interacting in various cultures. I smelled the Moroccan food being in Jacques' mom's kitchen, briefly brunched in Jamaica with Aunt Daphne, and always on the look out for Jacques' 'law and order' Puerto Rican girlfriend Vicky how have every right to be jealous of his female clients. They are all single, insecure, and beautiful.
I loved Jacques' psychic connection to his spiritual guides and his ability to communicate with the spirits of his clients. The author did not overdo the scion ability with Jacques which made the story more believable.
His brother Hicham is crazy! Did he or did he not kill their mother? That question was never answered to my satisfaction.
I loved Jacques' psychic connection to his spiritual guides and his ability to communicate with the spirits of his clients. The author did not overdo the scion ability with Jacques which made the story more believable.
His brother Hicham is crazy! Did he or did he not kill their mother? That question was never answered to my satisfaction.
April 5, 2021
DNF
I made it 25% in but should have bailed sooner. I should have researched the author but from the blurb I got the impression this was suspense not erotica. TBH I had not gotten a hint as to what the plot was by the time I bailed.
Pretty much what I got from what I did read is that a 40-something psychic is seemingly uber attractive to women (partially because of his exotic heritage) and is torn between staying faithful to his girlfriend of several years (“we’re not serious, just casual) and giving in to all the temptation around him.
The language was offensive (to me and I’m not a prude), and I finally threw in the towel when the 20-something heroine slept with her mother’s boyfriend at 16 and continued a “relationship” with him for years. Ahhh, NO.
I did not like how women were treated here and the hero was just creepy.
I made it 25% in but should have bailed sooner. I should have researched the author but from the blurb I got the impression this was suspense not erotica. TBH I had not gotten a hint as to what the plot was by the time I bailed.
Pretty much what I got from what I did read is that a 40-something psychic is seemingly uber attractive to women (partially because of his exotic heritage) and is torn between staying faithful to his girlfriend of several years (“we’re not serious, just casual) and giving in to all the temptation around him.
The language was offensive (to me and I’m not a prude), and I finally threw in the towel when the 20-something heroine slept with her mother’s boyfriend at 16 and continued a “relationship” with him for years. Ahhh, NO.
I did not like how women were treated here and the hero was just creepy.
August 17, 2017
*I received this book from goodreads giveaways* I really liked this story and the characters involved however, I felt like the book was unfinished. The ending left many plots still open and I feel like the book needed a few more chapters, especially to close out Kylie's plot. Otherwise the story telling was great and the characters were intriguing. They had interesting back stories and how Jacques and Kylie met was unique but also realistic. I liked how Jacques abilities were discussed, made it more realistic rather then making it all about him being a physic. The story moved at a good pace and there was enough detail to help imagine every scene.
July 22, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
I really hate to write a bad review. I keep thinking I must have missed something. But, this story simple did not grab me. The plot was good, but the story took too much time meandering all over the place, that I had to remind myself what the tale was really about.
I really hate to write a bad review. I keep thinking I must have missed something. But, this story simple did not grab me. The plot was good, but the story took too much time meandering all over the place, that I had to remind myself what the tale was really about.
July 6, 2017
This was a DNF at 30%. I got a hundred pages in and there was no plot, and I didn't have any desire to keep reading to see if one ever appeared.
**I received an ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss. All opinions are my own.**
**I received an ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss. All opinions are my own.**
January 31, 2018
I won a copy of this book on Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. The author has a talent for writing but the story line was not to my interests. I don't really care for the talking to the dead and paranormal things. The story had lots of people and I felt like at the end it was left dangling and you wondered what happens to some of the people. The people had rather dysfunctional lives and each had their own problems to deal with. Jacques was the main character who could hear from spirits and the story deals with his family and other clients. Liked some of the mystery and story lines but without the paranormal part.
December 6, 2017
This book brought a lot of information of the Psychic world.
January 24, 2021
I expected more from this book, from beginning to end. I was disappointed because I wanted the main characters to develop more.
February 2, 2026
this was one of the best books I've ever read. so well written vivid descriptions and also easy to read and understand.
June 19, 2020
Can't put this book down. Definitely a good read ! Great debut !
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews