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Barrow and Sparrow #1
The Reluctant Ghost Whisperer
All you need is love, or so they say!
Owning a building company means long hours, lonely days and too much physical labour.
When Adam Barrow employs a fit capable guy, life begins to look up. His business thrives from the extra muscle, and so does Adam. Being around chatty Johnny really helps the time fly past. Adam is shy and inexperienced in ways of the heart but very soon his awkwardness eases and he finds himself flirting and having fun.
Johnny Sparrow has a mysterious past and seems to have a knack of stirring up inexplicable presences. From the day he arrives on a motorbike, weird things begin to happen, like strange noises and creepy mists. Even motorbike Angus has a personality!
All you need is love, but can Adam find the strength to confront the ghostly goings-on? Can Johnny find a use for the egg whisk, and can Angus really carry them both to safety?
A story of paranormal divas, supernatural aromas and head-over-heels romance.
Barrow and Sparrow book one.
Length: 22,500 words (approx.).
This story is also part of Buried Desires 3.
Owning a building company means long hours, lonely days and too much physical labour.
When Adam Barrow employs a fit capable guy, life begins to look up. His business thrives from the extra muscle, and so does Adam. Being around chatty Johnny really helps the time fly past. Adam is shy and inexperienced in ways of the heart but very soon his awkwardness eases and he finds himself flirting and having fun.
Johnny Sparrow has a mysterious past and seems to have a knack of stirring up inexplicable presences. From the day he arrives on a motorbike, weird things begin to happen, like strange noises and creepy mists. Even motorbike Angus has a personality!
All you need is love, but can Adam find the strength to confront the ghostly goings-on? Can Johnny find a use for the egg whisk, and can Angus really carry them both to safety?
A story of paranormal divas, supernatural aromas and head-over-heels romance.
Barrow and Sparrow book one.
Length: 22,500 words (approx.).
This story is also part of Buried Desires 3.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2018
1 person is currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Neptune Flowers
5 books7 followersWriter of short stories, songs and articles.
neptuneflowers.blogspot.com
Release the sparkle...
neptuneflowers.blogspot.com
Release the sparkle...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 6, 2018
4.5
This short story definitely had me gripped.I loved the composition of this book.A then and now is one of my favourite things.From the moment the book opened and Adam spotted Johnny across the bar,after months,I was totally invested in the story.
Adam and Johnny made me happy.Super cute,just the right amount of sexiness,and the Ghost element was well incorporated into the story.
Adam is just a bit hot (long hair + a man bun!!),adorably shy and awkward....(it's like he was created just for me).Inexperienced with men his world is about to be turned upside down,in more ways than one,when Johnny enters his world.
But is Johnny all he appears to be??
Johnny,with his messy blonde hair,riding a motorcycle...a bit of a sexy God who Ghosts seem to have a bit of a thing for...
Spooky,funny,a cute love story...this was such an easy book to read...there wasn't anything I didn't like here.Fingers crossed there's more...
Review copy
This short story definitely had me gripped.I loved the composition of this book.A then and now is one of my favourite things.From the moment the book opened and Adam spotted Johnny across the bar,after months,I was totally invested in the story.
Adam and Johnny made me happy.Super cute,just the right amount of sexiness,and the Ghost element was well incorporated into the story.
Adam is just a bit hot (long hair + a man bun!!),adorably shy and awkward....(it's like he was created just for me).Inexperienced with men his world is about to be turned upside down,in more ways than one,when Johnny enters his world.
But is Johnny all he appears to be??
Johnny,with his messy blonde hair,riding a motorcycle...a bit of a sexy God who Ghosts seem to have a bit of a thing for...
Spooky,funny,a cute love story...this was such an easy book to read...there wasn't anything I didn't like here.Fingers crossed there's more...
Review copy
October 5, 2018
*4.5 stars*
Well! What a nice little surprise! I'm not a paranormal kind of girl and I definitely don't do horror. But I'm glad I decided to give this one a chance because I ended up loving it. Have you ever watched Ghost Whisperer, the TV series? This is the MM version of it, but even more light on the ghostly stuff. Not really scary, just spooky.
So the ghosts might play a huge role but what drove the plot for me was the romance. I absolutely loved the narration which alternates between now and then. Before, when Adam and Johnny met and got together. Then, when Johnny Sparrow left Adam, breaking his heart in the process. And now, six months later, that Johnny came back. Predictably, the now part was my favorite since I love separation periods and second chances in my books. It's where the writing got so evocative but sharp and simple at the same time.
I also liked that the characters were more like real people with regular bodies, imperfect hair and not so good habits.
The story is told from Adam's single POV. It's short but complete, with very well sketched secondary characters, and some nice, sexy times. In a few words, The Reluctant Ghost Whisperer is a quirky, pretty funny, romantic, spooky little Halloween story.
It's hinted that there will be more in this universe. Please let it be more.
Recommended!
*Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
"I want him to see me hiding. I want him to see me losing it. I want him to know about the emptiness of every fucking morning since he left, me sitting with head in hands, unable to face the day."
Well! What a nice little surprise! I'm not a paranormal kind of girl and I definitely don't do horror. But I'm glad I decided to give this one a chance because I ended up loving it. Have you ever watched Ghost Whisperer, the TV series? This is the MM version of it, but even more light on the ghostly stuff. Not really scary, just spooky.
So the ghosts might play a huge role but what drove the plot for me was the romance. I absolutely loved the narration which alternates between now and then. Before, when Adam and Johnny met and got together. Then, when Johnny Sparrow left Adam, breaking his heart in the process. And now, six months later, that Johnny came back. Predictably, the now part was my favorite since I love separation periods and second chances in my books. It's where the writing got so evocative but sharp and simple at the same time.
"He's wearing clothes I don't recognize and haven't touched, not ever. It cuts, bad enough to make me struggle for air. He's been shopping alone, made decisions and choices without asking for my opinion."
I also liked that the characters were more like real people with regular bodies, imperfect hair and not so good habits.
The story is told from Adam's single POV. It's short but complete, with very well sketched secondary characters, and some nice, sexy times. In a few words, The Reluctant Ghost Whisperer is a quirky, pretty funny, romantic, spooky little Halloween story.
It's hinted that there will be more in this universe. Please let it be more.
Recommended!
"I fell asleep with my head on his chest and my heart in a mess. I woke up in the middle off the night a whole other person, one who was part Johnny, part Adam."
*Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
November 12, 2018
Veeeeerrrrryyyyyyy British story this is. And cute.
I am veeerrryyyyyyyyy American so getting the hang of this author's writing style took a minute. I even had to start over because I realized at a certain point I really had no clue what was happening. I guess you could say I got a running start at it.
I'm glad I stuck with it though because it is cheeky and a bit peculiar if I'm being entirely honest. I would encourage anyone looking for a bit of fun to give this a try even if you're not a fan of ghost stories. This isn't spooky and that's coming from someone who spooks easily. The ghosts are actually mostly amusing, popping up at some very inopportune moments.
After Adam and Johnny meet through work they quickly fall into a relationship and are at the heart of this story. I feel like I was told more than shown their connection but that could be cultural differences since several other people have rating this higher than I.
I will say Adam's brain is a quirky place but the author does an excellent job of giving him a very distinct and unique voice. Johnny is less well defined aside from looking like Crocodile Dundee, that is.
This may sound silly as all get out but what consistently made me smile with this story was the damn egg whisk!
Every time.
Every single time!
If ever I run into a ghost (please god, no) I will scramble to find the egg whisk thanks to this story. I punned!
"The Reluctant Ghost Whisperer" is a bit eccentric but a fun diversion and one I would recommend.
A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I am veeerrryyyyyyyyy American so getting the hang of this author's writing style took a minute. I even had to start over because I realized at a certain point I really had no clue what was happening. I guess you could say I got a running start at it.
I'm glad I stuck with it though because it is cheeky and a bit peculiar if I'm being entirely honest. I would encourage anyone looking for a bit of fun to give this a try even if you're not a fan of ghost stories. This isn't spooky and that's coming from someone who spooks easily. The ghosts are actually mostly amusing, popping up at some very inopportune moments.
After Adam and Johnny meet through work they quickly fall into a relationship and are at the heart of this story. I feel like I was told more than shown their connection but that could be cultural differences since several other people have rating this higher than I.
I will say Adam's brain is a quirky place but the author does an excellent job of giving him a very distinct and unique voice. Johnny is less well defined aside from looking like Crocodile Dundee, that is.
This may sound silly as all get out but what consistently made me smile with this story was the damn egg whisk!
Every time.
Every single time!
If ever I run into a ghost (please god, no) I will scramble to find the egg whisk thanks to this story. I punned!
"The Reluctant Ghost Whisperer" is a bit eccentric but a fun diversion and one I would recommend.
A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2018
A delicious ghostly read with all the feels !! It will light up your day!
Underneath a cool charade Adam is one lonely shy whirlpool of feelings.
Under a flirty and hot attitude Johnny is one complicated guy with a lot of company.
“We are apart. A-part. He’s the A grade and I’m in parts.”
They work together on a job from Adam’s building company and when strange noises and colors appears from out nowhere Johnny is less surprised than Adam.
Omg I laughed loudly, more than once. The humor was so delightful.
Johnny with his always cute lines. He is the funniest guy I’ve ever seen. I’m not the only one Adam finds this too. And Adam when he leaves his save cave he is blooming.
The sexiness between them was so sweet and appetizing, I wanted to bite them both!
“To say jealousy consumes me is like calling a tornado windy”
Johnny brings a lot of commotion into Adams life and the way Adam coop with that you must read yourself... it was just wonderful.
All the little details that got revealed throughout this story was more than fun! Adam is just a luscious goof and Johnny brings him not only mist and firework... no...much more!
An adorable read with a good balance between fun and earnestness.
Recommended to all the ones who need some ghostly sunshine.
Kindly received an arc from the author.
Underneath a cool charade Adam is one lonely shy whirlpool of feelings.
Under a flirty and hot attitude Johnny is one complicated guy with a lot of company.
“We are apart. A-part. He’s the A grade and I’m in parts.”
They work together on a job from Adam’s building company and when strange noises and colors appears from out nowhere Johnny is less surprised than Adam.
Omg I laughed loudly, more than once. The humor was so delightful.
Johnny with his always cute lines. He is the funniest guy I’ve ever seen. I’m not the only one Adam finds this too. And Adam when he leaves his save cave he is blooming.
The sexiness between them was so sweet and appetizing, I wanted to bite them both!
“To say jealousy consumes me is like calling a tornado windy”
Johnny brings a lot of commotion into Adams life and the way Adam coop with that you must read yourself... it was just wonderful.
All the little details that got revealed throughout this story was more than fun! Adam is just a luscious goof and Johnny brings him not only mist and firework... no...much more!
An adorable read with a good balance between fun and earnestness.
Recommended to all the ones who need some ghostly sunshine.
Kindly received an arc from the author.
October 10, 2018
Sometimes you expect a book to be a certain way based on the blurb and the reviews you’ve read. Well, this was total different from what I expected!
First of all the way it was told was not like other books. And I’m not sure I liked it to be honest. This started with present day which is in italic (so it reads like a flashback), then we get 6 months earlier which is in regular font, so it reads like the present. We then constantly skip to present (in italic) and past (in regular font). Somehow that made the 6 month separation period more bearable, but it also made me feel a bit distant from the story.
Adam is running a construction company with his best friend Nick. When they are in desperate need of people to hire, someone recommends Johnny Sparrow.
Adam hires Johnny on the spot and the two of them immediately start a job building a house conservatory.
In the next few weeks they both feel weird vibes coming from the place where they are digging into the ground, but when they find a box, it expels this light. After this they suddenly see the ghost of a woman standing nearby.
Adam is more freaked out about this than Johnny is, but somehow the ghosts won’t leave them alone.
Adam says he can’t handle the ghosts and asks Johnny if it is ever going to stop. And that’s when Johnny suddenly breaks things off with Adam and moves to Germany….
What stood out to me was that the ghost plot in this could have been left out. I felt that there was enough relationship material to fill this (short) book. The ghost plot felt a bit like an afterthought at times. And while I love ghost stories, I would have been fine without the ghosts in this one. And the rules about the ghosts and how they could communicate were kind of ridiculous.
The relationship was sweet, but because of the format of the book I couldn’t quite connect with either guy. I thought Johnny was a bit strange and the whole ghost thing made him stranger.
I think if the format appeals to you, you will love this book. I had some trouble with it, so while I liked the story, I wasn’t a fan of the way it was written.
And for those of you who don’t like separation periods like me, there were no other people for either of them during this time and both were miserable without the other.
------------------------------
An ARC of The Reluctant Ghost Whisperer was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
First of all the way it was told was not like other books. And I’m not sure I liked it to be honest. This started with present day which is in italic (so it reads like a flashback), then we get 6 months earlier which is in regular font, so it reads like the present. We then constantly skip to present (in italic) and past (in regular font). Somehow that made the 6 month separation period more bearable, but it also made me feel a bit distant from the story.
Adam is running a construction company with his best friend Nick. When they are in desperate need of people to hire, someone recommends Johnny Sparrow.
Adam hires Johnny on the spot and the two of them immediately start a job building a house conservatory.
In the next few weeks they both feel weird vibes coming from the place where they are digging into the ground, but when they find a box, it expels this light. After this they suddenly see the ghost of a woman standing nearby.
Adam is more freaked out about this than Johnny is, but somehow the ghosts won’t leave them alone.
Adam says he can’t handle the ghosts and asks Johnny if it is ever going to stop. And that’s when Johnny suddenly breaks things off with Adam and moves to Germany….
What stood out to me was that the ghost plot in this could have been left out. I felt that there was enough relationship material to fill this (short) book. The ghost plot felt a bit like an afterthought at times. And while I love ghost stories, I would have been fine without the ghosts in this one. And the rules about the ghosts and how they could communicate were kind of ridiculous.
The relationship was sweet, but because of the format of the book I couldn’t quite connect with either guy. I thought Johnny was a bit strange and the whole ghost thing made him stranger.
I think if the format appeals to you, you will love this book. I had some trouble with it, so while I liked the story, I wasn’t a fan of the way it was written.
And for those of you who don’t like separation periods like me, there were no other people for either of them during this time and both were miserable without the other.
------------------------------
An ARC of The Reluctant Ghost Whisperer was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
October 4, 2018
4.5 Stars
This was such a fun story with humor, love, motorcycles and ghosts!
Johnny Sparrow is sad and out of work. His sister has died and he’s being followed by strange noises and apparitions.
Adam Barrow is a construction worker in need of assistance. When a friend suggests that Johnny would be a good fit, he offers him the job.
Adam is hilariously unsure of himself and desperate for affection from Johnny. When Johnny shows interest and delivers cheesy lines, it hard not to laugh and hope for the best. Pretty soon it becomes obvious that Johnny has an issue with ghosts and Adam decides it time to organize his time so they don’t take over.
Funny jokes and fights with egg whisks abound in this hilarious ghost story of love and romance. I can't wait to read the next one!
This was such a fun story with humor, love, motorcycles and ghosts!
Johnny Sparrow is sad and out of work. His sister has died and he’s being followed by strange noises and apparitions.
Adam Barrow is a construction worker in need of assistance. When a friend suggests that Johnny would be a good fit, he offers him the job.
Adam is hilariously unsure of himself and desperate for affection from Johnny. When Johnny shows interest and delivers cheesy lines, it hard not to laugh and hope for the best. Pretty soon it becomes obvious that Johnny has an issue with ghosts and Adam decides it time to organize his time so they don’t take over.
Funny jokes and fights with egg whisks abound in this hilarious ghost story of love and romance. I can't wait to read the next one!
October 27, 2018
This was quite good fun, but felt a little bit underdeveloped.
Everything happens very fast and with only very few explanations. Johnny's excuse for leaving seems odd and (maybe that's totally on me) I never quite understood why some of the first few chapters are in italics when the same timeline eventually carries on anyway. Or did I miss something vital here???
However, there's some good humour, and Adam was very likeable and cute. I quite enjoyed this, but feel unsure whether I'll continue with this series.
Everything happens very fast and with only very few explanations. Johnny's excuse for leaving seems odd and (maybe that's totally on me) I never quite understood why some of the first few chapters are in italics when the same timeline eventually carries on anyway. Or did I miss something vital here???
However, there's some good humour, and Adam was very likeable and cute. I quite enjoyed this, but feel unsure whether I'll continue with this series.
October 18, 2018
Adorable, sweet, funny & a light quick read. Thoroughly enjoyable!
October 10, 2018
The Reluctant Ghost Whisperer is about Adam Barrow, a shy, down to earth guy who owns a building company. He needs an extra pair of hands, and there is Johnny Sparrow. Johnny has Adam talking and flirting, but the more the two see of each other, the weirder things get around them.
Adam falls asleep in Johnny’s arms and wakes up with ghosts sitting on the bedside…and Johnny is talking to them or desperately clutching an egg whisk, either or.
I was laughing out loud several times while reading this story, Adam is hilarious. I can't wait for book 2 in the Barrow & Sparrow series.
October 7, 2018
It was a lovely book to read. I loved the main characters and I found some particular interest in the beginning of each chapter that was so bittersweet. A little angst that I always love in a book, but not too much that made it hard to read.
It was a very enjoyable read. It is the first book that I read from the author. I did have a few expectations that weren’t truly meet. I was expecting more horror, as this was part of a horror anthology that it’s previous installments have been perfect delivering also a little bit of dark humor, which I love. On that matter, I would like it to be a little spookier than it was, but considering it individually, it was really a fun story to read.
What I liked the most was the sorrowful emotions. The yearning felt so real, I truly loved that part. I couldn’t read fast enough to get to a point where I could know what was going on. Adam and Johnny were nice characters, but I think Adam was the one I care the most. Their relationship was so sweet, some of their interactions made me smile a lot.
It does have some paranormal elements, but I guess it wasn’t the stronger part of the book. I still liked it too and sure, there were some spooky moments, but I got more interested on their relationship than the actual mystery. Overall it was a fun book to read, surely will be keeping a track on the author.
It was a very enjoyable read. It is the first book that I read from the author. I did have a few expectations that weren’t truly meet. I was expecting more horror, as this was part of a horror anthology that it’s previous installments have been perfect delivering also a little bit of dark humor, which I love. On that matter, I would like it to be a little spookier than it was, but considering it individually, it was really a fun story to read.
What I liked the most was the sorrowful emotions. The yearning felt so real, I truly loved that part. I couldn’t read fast enough to get to a point where I could know what was going on. Adam and Johnny were nice characters, but I think Adam was the one I care the most. Their relationship was so sweet, some of their interactions made me smile a lot.
It does have some paranormal elements, but I guess it wasn’t the stronger part of the book. I still liked it too and sure, there were some spooky moments, but I got more interested on their relationship than the actual mystery. Overall it was a fun book to read, surely will be keeping a track on the author.
October 11, 2018
Editor's Review
This is a lovely romance featuring builders. That's not really important to the ghostly theme, but it did have me wondering when I was parked in the middle of a building site the other day...what's behind the hard hats and hi-viz jackets? Anyway... On Adam and Johnny's first job together, things get a bit spooky - cold spots, oppressive feelings, that sort of thing, but it's only the start of both their blossoming romance and their mission, should they choose to accept it. Because ghosts have problems too, and who better to call than a builder with an egg whisk and a sentient motorbike?
This is a lovely romance featuring builders. That's not really important to the ghostly theme, but it did have me wondering when I was parked in the middle of a building site the other day...what's behind the hard hats and hi-viz jackets? Anyway... On Adam and Johnny's first job together, things get a bit spooky - cold spots, oppressive feelings, that sort of thing, but it's only the start of both their blossoming romance and their mission, should they choose to accept it. Because ghosts have problems too, and who better to call than a builder with an egg whisk and a sentient motorbike?
October 12, 2018
First, I have to confess, I did not make any assumptions from the get-go as to who the narrator was in the first chapter, and I think that made the first half of the book with its flashbacks a little more mysterious, eerie, and suspenseful. Was the narrator a ghost, stranger, stalker...I didn't know who it was or what the connection to Johnny was. Therefore, other readers may not have the same experience of shivers that I did. After things were clarified in Chapter 6, there was a lot less mystery and suspense, and it became more a normal romance, albeit with ghosts. It was still a very enjoyable, sweet love story, but it was like reading a different story in the first half and second half for me. I loved Adam's character most, because he seemed so fragile, whereas Johnny seemed more confident and self-assured. I loved Nick and his support of Adam, too. This is a funny, sweet, sexy, medium angst story with a wonderful ending. I wouldn't classify this as a horror story, because there is minimal gore or danger, but that was just fine for me. I guarantee that after reading about Adam's visualizations, you will never look at a whisk the same way again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2018
This is a short book but a brilliant one. It is a really great story about Johnny and Adam an thier journey together. I really loved this book very much, it had paranormal and romance what more can you ask for. Sometimes I get so frustrated when a story is short because alot of authors seem to rush the story and not let it flow because they feel like its not enough space to put everything in. But with this author, who I am reading for the first time, it was a great flowing book with an exciting story line. I will definitely be reading further books of this author.
This is a definitely must grab book get it asap.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a definitely must grab book get it asap.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2018
All he needed was love. He had a business and when he sees him, he hires them. His business gets even better get he is shy. They seemed to have brought something with them. What is going on? Will he find out? Will love bloom? Follow them to see
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2018
Ghosts and longing. Such a lovely combination!
I really can't say enough good things about this. I'm a huge fan of ghost stories and this is a perfect, ghostly start to a paranormal series.
Shy, inexperience Adam falls for handsome, mysterious Johnny. Hell, if I hadn't fallen for Adam already, I'd have fallen for Johnny myself! But the closer they get, the more things around them start to happen. Weird, unnerving things.
Yeah, Adam reacts just about the way I would!
A wonderful love story, with laughs, and some spooky fun.
I can't wait until books two!
I really can't say enough good things about this. I'm a huge fan of ghost stories and this is a perfect, ghostly start to a paranormal series.
Shy, inexperience Adam falls for handsome, mysterious Johnny. Hell, if I hadn't fallen for Adam already, I'd have fallen for Johnny myself! But the closer they get, the more things around them start to happen. Weird, unnerving things.
Yeah, Adam reacts just about the way I would!
A wonderful love story, with laughs, and some spooky fun.
I can't wait until books two!
October 8, 2018
All you need is love… and a bit of paranormal activity to spice up your life!
Adam Barrow’s life changed completely the day he met Johnny Sparrow. He discovered love, sex and heartbreak. He also discovered that there is much more to reality than meets the eye, and that sometimes you have to be brave to fight for love, and to face what you fear most…
This is such a great story! It is the perfect mixture of ghost story, romance, mystery and humour. I loved both Adam and Johnny, their exchanges are hilarious, their relationship both broke my heart and made me laugh aloud. The oh-so-mundane ghost are also comical, their exchanges a very successful mixture of creepy and absurd.
I do love this is one in a series, and there is more of these two on the way!
Very recommendable
Adam Barrow’s life changed completely the day he met Johnny Sparrow. He discovered love, sex and heartbreak. He also discovered that there is much more to reality than meets the eye, and that sometimes you have to be brave to fight for love, and to face what you fear most…
This is such a great story! It is the perfect mixture of ghost story, romance, mystery and humour. I loved both Adam and Johnny, their exchanges are hilarious, their relationship both broke my heart and made me laugh aloud. The oh-so-mundane ghost are also comical, their exchanges a very successful mixture of creepy and absurd.
I do love this is one in a series, and there is more of these two on the way!
Very recommendable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2018
A story of love with ghosts in the background. Is Adam ready to face his fear for the guy he loves? How to solve the supernatural issues?.
A well written story of love and exploration of paranormal reality. How to help ghosts? How to face all issues that are there?
Well created characters and story. Great composition of now and than.
A well written story of love and exploration of paranormal reality. How to help ghosts? How to face all issues that are there?
Well created characters and story. Great composition of now and than.
October 15, 2018
I am new to this author and I must say we are off to a great start. I loved the characters however it was a great book. It was sad when Johnny had to walk away from Adam. Regardless of the reason it was easy to see how much this broke Adam. This is a short story packed with lots of ghosts mixed in with some steam in the bedroom. I truly wished this story was longer as I wanted at the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
This book opened in a style I like where we see Adam and Johnny meet several months in the past. We then alternate briefly between past and present as we learn about the relationship between the men and then the fact they are currently not together.
The book is titled The Reluctant Ghost Whisperer and that is what Johnny is seen to be. The men spend time working together, but something about the two of them together brings Johnny’s abilities more front and center. The guys fall for each other and they have a tender relationship and that aspect worked fairly well for me. The overall style of writing however, was a little fuzzy.
The men work on a property that doesn’t feel right to either of them and then unexplained things start to happen and the ghost aspect didn’t work as well for me. There is mention of a box and blue lights and then sightings of spirits and it was all too basic for me and not nearly explained in any kind of depth. The stories of what the spirits wanted didn’t add anything to this book for me and while Johnny and Adam seem to be committed to each other, the rest of the story around them didn’t engage me as much.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
This book opened in a style I like where we see Adam and Johnny meet several months in the past. We then alternate briefly between past and present as we learn about the relationship between the men and then the fact they are currently not together.
The book is titled The Reluctant Ghost Whisperer and that is what Johnny is seen to be. The men spend time working together, but something about the two of them together brings Johnny’s abilities more front and center. The guys fall for each other and they have a tender relationship and that aspect worked fairly well for me. The overall style of writing however, was a little fuzzy.
The men work on a property that doesn’t feel right to either of them and then unexplained things start to happen and the ghost aspect didn’t work as well for me. There is mention of a box and blue lights and then sightings of spirits and it was all too basic for me and not nearly explained in any kind of depth. The stories of what the spirits wanted didn’t add anything to this book for me and while Johnny and Adam seem to be committed to each other, the rest of the story around them didn’t engage me as much.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
October 27, 2018
A sweet little romance and spooky. We are shown the before and after. My how love hurts. Have no fear, all will resolve itself in good time.
Everyday objects become extraordinary and props for much laughter. I loved the whole ‘talks to dead people vibe.’
Turn and face the strange. So cool.
More please. 4.5 stars
Everyday objects become extraordinary and props for much laughter. I loved the whole ‘talks to dead people vibe.’
Turn and face the strange. So cool.
More please. 4.5 stars
Read
October 25, 2018(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews.)
Review to follow.
Review to follow.
November 7, 2018
This had the making of a good book but I think its too short and the ideas didnt really get full explored and we leapt from one thing to another.
Want to read
November 25, 2018THANK YOU Elf sleuthing a la Elmer Fudd for gifting me this! Loving all the elf names this year!
October 15, 2018
Review to come!
October 23, 2018
The book is an intriguing ghostly romance story that is captivating. Characters are engaging and well developed. I appreciate reading this book.
October 13, 2018
This was odd - I don’t think I even enjoyed it but I wanted to.
October 23, 2018
Je suis un peu désappointée par ce court roman... L'histoire était pourtant prometteuse avec des héros sexy à souhait (aaaaah que j'aime ces mâles aux longues crinières...) mais j'ai trouvé l'aspect paranormal du roman mal exploité et assez confus.
Adam gère une entreprise de construction avec l'aide de son ami Nick (avec qui je partage la phobie du téléphone lol) et a rapidement besoin de nouveaux bras. C'est ainsi qu'il rencontre et embauche Johnny Sparrow...Et quand Adam et son nouvel employé bossent ensemble sur un chantier, dans le jardin d'une maison assez lugubre, des phénomènes étranges ne tardent pas à se produire...
La construction de l'histoire est assez atypique car les premiers chapitres sont inaugurés par une sorte de flashbackmais de l'instant présent (en italique), où nous assistons progressivement aux "retrouvailles" du couple, avant de plonger dans le passé (6 mois plus tôt). C'est un peu déroutant mais cela m'a bien plu car ces passages en italiques ont été les plus intenses. Par contre, j'aurais aimé que l'auteur approfondisse davantage les sentiments de ses héros, je n'ai que trop rarement ressenti la force de leur connexion. Il est vrai que le format plus court rend l'exercice plus difficile...
Mais pour moi, le plus gros défaut de ce roman est, comme je le répète, lié à la présence de fantômes puisque Johnny s'avère être un Ghost whisperer... Mais cela reste bien mystérieux, je suis restée avec des interrogations et de nombreuses incompréhensions, par exemple Du coup, je ne suis pas parvenue à entrer dans l'histoire et à me prendre au jeu car le cadre n'était pas assez précis.
Alors, il s'agit d'un premier opus et la suite éclairera peut-être ma lanterne mais je ne sais pas si j'aurais le courage de m'y lancer.
Adam gère une entreprise de construction avec l'aide de son ami Nick (avec qui je partage la phobie du téléphone lol) et a rapidement besoin de nouveaux bras. C'est ainsi qu'il rencontre et embauche Johnny Sparrow...Et quand Adam et son nouvel employé bossent ensemble sur un chantier, dans le jardin d'une maison assez lugubre, des phénomènes étranges ne tardent pas à se produire...
La construction de l'histoire est assez atypique car les premiers chapitres sont inaugurés par une sorte de flashbackmais de l'instant présent (en italique), où nous assistons progressivement aux "retrouvailles" du couple, avant de plonger dans le passé (6 mois plus tôt). C'est un peu déroutant mais cela m'a bien plu car ces passages en italiques ont été les plus intenses. Par contre, j'aurais aimé que l'auteur approfondisse davantage les sentiments de ses héros, je n'ai que trop rarement ressenti la force de leur connexion. Il est vrai que le format plus court rend l'exercice plus difficile...
Mais pour moi, le plus gros défaut de ce roman est, comme je le répète, lié à la présence de fantômes puisque Johnny s'avère être un Ghost whisperer... Mais cela reste bien mystérieux, je suis restée avec des interrogations et de nombreuses incompréhensions, par exemple Du coup, je ne suis pas parvenue à entrer dans l'histoire et à me prendre au jeu car le cadre n'était pas assez précis.
Alors, il s'agit d'un premier opus et la suite éclairera peut-être ma lanterne mais je ne sais pas si j'aurais le courage de m'y lancer.
September 24, 2021
I received this book from Neptune Flowers during the Goodreads Anniversary Celebration.
When I started reading this story I was a little confused as to what was going on. Once I continued reading I realized we were going from the future to the past with these two characters. The use of the whisk was a very inventive idea and funny at the same time. Quite a fun read.
When I started reading this story I was a little confused as to what was going on. Once I continued reading I realized we were going from the future to the past with these two characters. The use of the whisk was a very inventive idea and funny at the same time. Quite a fun read.
August 15, 2025
3/3.5*
Light hearted, though Adam spends most of the story in retrospective pining.
Adam and Johnny have a deep and meaningful affair, prior to Johnny moving to Germany. Though a work site gives Johnny more than he expected, as he becomes the go to guy to solve ghostky dilemmas.
Light hearted, though Adam spends most of the story in retrospective pining.
Adam and Johnny have a deep and meaningful affair, prior to Johnny moving to Germany. Though a work site gives Johnny more than he expected, as he becomes the go to guy to solve ghostky dilemmas.
November 9, 2018
3.5 liked this story, but it very British which I really liked!
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