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Southern Spirits #2
When the Dead Speak
Book two in the Southern Spirits Series
The only way to stay alive is to listen when the dead speak…
Sheriff Laine Stenley thinks he might just be losing his mind. Ever since he’d encountered the spirit of his friend’s deceased mother, strange things have been happening. His sheriff’s tin star keeps popping off, his Stetson tends to fly off his head at the most inconvenient times—and then there are the subtle caresses that remind him of a lover’s touch… Something Laine has been without for years—since the violent murder of his partner—and figures to be without well into the future if he wants to retain his position as the sheriff in the small town of McKinton, Texas. Laine doesn’t want to risk his career or his heart ever again, but he may not have a choice, not if he wants to stay alive.
A man who listens to spirits, Severo has come to McKinton to deliver a message of danger. One look at the sexy sheriff and Severo finds himself in a different sort of danger. He’s not ready to find a man who can claim him heart, soul, and body, but ready or not, the attraction that simmers between them is undeniable—and irresistible.
Together, they will race against time, because something evil is coming to McKinton. Severo and Laine must learn to trust each other—and themselves— and listen when the dead speak.
Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
The only way to stay alive is to listen when the dead speak…
Sheriff Laine Stenley thinks he might just be losing his mind. Ever since he’d encountered the spirit of his friend’s deceased mother, strange things have been happening. His sheriff’s tin star keeps popping off, his Stetson tends to fly off his head at the most inconvenient times—and then there are the subtle caresses that remind him of a lover’s touch… Something Laine has been without for years—since the violent murder of his partner—and figures to be without well into the future if he wants to retain his position as the sheriff in the small town of McKinton, Texas. Laine doesn’t want to risk his career or his heart ever again, but he may not have a choice, not if he wants to stay alive.
A man who listens to spirits, Severo has come to McKinton to deliver a message of danger. One look at the sexy sheriff and Severo finds himself in a different sort of danger. He’s not ready to find a man who can claim him heart, soul, and body, but ready or not, the attraction that simmers between them is undeniable—and irresistible.
Together, they will race against time, because something evil is coming to McKinton. Severo and Laine must learn to trust each other—and themselves— and listen when the dead speak.
Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
146 pages, ebook
First published September 20, 2010
4 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Bailey Bradford
191 books552 followersA few things about me...
I am a married mom of four who spends most of the day writing, either on stories or at the blog. I love to write as much as I love to read. I am generally quiet and laid back, choosing to let things slide off me rather than stick and irritate me.
And it's really hard trying to think of descriptives for myself, so I'll just let y'all e-mail me or comment at the blog if there's something specific you'd like to know, and spare you from reading a boring bio:D
I am a married mom of four who spends most of the day writing, either on stories or at the blog. I love to write as much as I love to read. I am generally quiet and laid back, choosing to let things slide off me rather than stick and irritate me.
And it's really hard trying to think of descriptives for myself, so I'll just let y'all e-mail me or comment at the blog if there's something specific you'd like to know, and spare you from reading a boring bio:D
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 27, 2010
This story (the second in a series of which I somehow missed the first volume) is a mix between a murder mystery, an m/m romance, and a little bit of a supernatural ghost story. Each element alone would have made for an interesting read, but mixing all three together made it not just gripping, but entertaining as well. That is, until all the threads come together and it turns into more of an "Oh my God, that isn't what's going to happen - is it?"
Laine is a tortured character with a lot of pain and a few secrets, and I liked him from the start. He's the sheriff in the small Texas town of McKinton and trying very hard to ignore the harmless ghost who seems to be haunting him. Laine isn't having much luck, the ghost is very persistent.
Severo, a man who has learnt to listen to the messages dead people pass to him, comes to McKinton because "he feels the urge". He identifies the ghost that's plaguing Laine and the road to figuring out what is going on is free.
Both men struggle with their attraction to each other, for very different reasons. I liked the way neither of them denied what was going on, even though they both hesitated to give in. But in the end their growing love is what enables them to deal with the horror of Laine's past.
Note: This book was provided by TEB for the purpose of a review.
Laine is a tortured character with a lot of pain and a few secrets, and I liked him from the start. He's the sheriff in the small Texas town of McKinton and trying very hard to ignore the harmless ghost who seems to be haunting him. Laine isn't having much luck, the ghost is very persistent.
Severo, a man who has learnt to listen to the messages dead people pass to him, comes to McKinton because "he feels the urge". He identifies the ghost that's plaguing Laine and the road to figuring out what is going on is free.
Both men struggle with their attraction to each other, for very different reasons. I liked the way neither of them denied what was going on, even though they both hesitated to give in. But in the end their growing love is what enables them to deal with the horror of Laine's past.
Note: This book was provided by TEB for the purpose of a review.
December 4, 2013
Bailey Bradfords second book in the Southern Spirits series was once more a wonderful storyline. Bothe the first and second books have had good subjects, but a little heavy handed in the sex area. It is my humble opinion that Ms. Bradford could use less sex and more substance in her stories, which would enhance the love scenes instead of relying on them to carry the book.
So many times in the M/M genera authors feel they must have 20% story and 80% sex, when the great writers of this type of book have the exact opposite. By doing this the author makes the Love Scenes so much more intense. Or that's the way I read it.
But all in all the story line for this book is wonderfully complex and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
So many times in the M/M genera authors feel they must have 20% story and 80% sex, when the great writers of this type of book have the exact opposite. By doing this the author makes the Love Scenes so much more intense. Or that's the way I read it.
But all in all the story line for this book is wonderfully complex and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
May 9, 2011
This is the second in the Southern Spirit series. I thought it was not as strong as the previous installment simply because Bradford had the chance to write a wonderful mystery/love-story but got too bogged down with too much sex. Think about it, if a killer was after you would you use handcuffs during sex? I really enjoyed the characters up to a point because Bradford started writing Sev as if he was " a little woman" something she didn't do in the first book. It was wonderful to see Brandon, Zeke and meet new characters that I hope she uses in future books.
September 9, 2015
This book had a lot of potential, but the insta-devotion between the heroes really ruined it for me. One hero is Laine, a sheriff who is firmly in the closet. He's also thoughtful and methodical. The other is Sev, a medium who wanders the US when he is called by spirits to help someone. It's jarring to have someone like Laine go from zero to one hundred in two days.
The men meet at breakfast and are in bed together at Sev's hotel that evening. The following morning Sev realizes that a ghost named Conner is haunting them in the room. Conner is Laine's dead boyfriend so Laine is understandably freaked out. Later that morning Sev is contacted by Conner, but Conner nearly kills him by mistake. Despite being firmly in the closet due to the town's homophobia, Laine takes Sev to stay at his house to recover knowing that doing so is in effect coming out (and it is). They have sex again and now Laine wants to keep Sev forever.
After this there is a bit of plot about a crazed killer trying to find Laine interspersed between sex scenes. Since any character development has to share time with plot development between long sex scenes, there isn't much of it. Laine is a typical lawman colored gay and Sev is the typical heroine without agency also colored gay. Making these two characters gay doesn't constitute character depth and any possible plot development about Laine coming out in a small town is instantly squashed in favor of more sex scenes. Despite all this sex, the book didn't strike me a erotica for some reason, which I guess, for me anyway, makes it not.
The men meet at breakfast and are in bed together at Sev's hotel that evening. The following morning Sev realizes that a ghost named Conner is haunting them in the room. Conner is Laine's dead boyfriend so Laine is understandably freaked out. Later that morning Sev is contacted by Conner, but Conner nearly kills him by mistake. Despite being firmly in the closet due to the town's homophobia, Laine takes Sev to stay at his house to recover knowing that doing so is in effect coming out (and it is). They have sex again and now Laine wants to keep Sev forever.
After this there is a bit of plot about a crazed killer trying to find Laine interspersed between sex scenes. Since any character development has to share time with plot development between long sex scenes, there isn't much of it. Laine is a typical lawman colored gay and Sev is the typical heroine without agency also colored gay. Making these two characters gay doesn't constitute character depth and any possible plot development about Laine coming out in a small town is instantly squashed in favor of more sex scenes. Despite all this sex, the book didn't strike me a erotica for some reason, which I guess, for me anyway, makes it not.
October 17, 2014
While I am a fan of paranormal type books, I don’t usually enjoy books about ghosts. It might be because I do completely believe that they exist and I worry that by reading about them, it might make other ghosts mad. Crazy I know, but that’s just how strange I am. But anyway, back to the review!
I have read other books by Ms. Bradford and I have quite enjoyed them. I was shocked at how much I did end up enjoying this story. I thought that the twists and turns that were in the story were done very well. The ghost part of the story was done extremely well in my opinion. It wasn’t as in your face as I feared, but it was more a constant in the background that would pop forward every now and then.
I felt like the characters were really well written for the story as well. I was a bit confused as to what was going on when the story first started, but as I progressed further along, I was able to figure everything out. That is one the of the things that I do enjoy about Ms. Bradford’s books, they may start out a little slow, but they quickly pick up speed and end up being an enjoyable read.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the other books in the series to see what else Ms. Bradford has in store for us.
*Copy provided for review*
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
I have read other books by Ms. Bradford and I have quite enjoyed them. I was shocked at how much I did end up enjoying this story. I thought that the twists and turns that were in the story were done very well. The ghost part of the story was done extremely well in my opinion. It wasn’t as in your face as I feared, but it was more a constant in the background that would pop forward every now and then.
I felt like the characters were really well written for the story as well. I was a bit confused as to what was going on when the story first started, but as I progressed further along, I was able to figure everything out. That is one the of the things that I do enjoy about Ms. Bradford’s books, they may start out a little slow, but they quickly pick up speed and end up being an enjoyable read.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the other books in the series to see what else Ms. Bradford has in store for us.
*Copy provided for review*
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
October 25, 2015
In order to retain his position as Sheriff, Laine Stenley intends to remain without a partner until a spirit intervenes and brings Severo to McKinton to deliver a message…one that they’d better heed if they want to stay alive in this thrilling paranormal romance. The author has created a fascinating world of ghosts in the intriguing town of McKinton that seems to be friendly and low on crime but beneath the surface is some who live with hate and are controlled by their own twisted passions. I was completely enthralled with Laine and Severo’s story and I am looking forward to visiting McKinton again. On a side note, I appreciated the glimpse of their future provided by the author.
See my full romance at:
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
See my full romance at:
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
February 6, 2016
4.5 Heart Review by Tammy
Laine Stenley has been Sheriff of McKinton for almost three years and he’s convinced himself that no-one knows that he’s gay. He has tried very hard to keep his preferences to himself but the people closest to him know and don’t care. Laine has been feeling incredibly depressed ever since Zeke Matthers sister Eva ran him over trying to rid the world of an evil gay! He feels seriously guilty for not putting her in jail sooner and as a consequence of his guilt he has become cold and withdrawn. The only thing that seems to get a rise out of Laine lately is the ghost who loves to mess with his paperwork, hair, hat, star anything to get a reaction. Laine thinks the ghost is Zeke’s mother and he actually becomes scared when Zeke informs him it isn’t his mother messing with him.
Severo Robledo is a psychic/medium who can talk to the dead. Severo has come to McKinton because he has had ‘someone’ or something urging him with the urgency of this particular mission. When he gets into town Severo knows immediately who he has come there to help, Sheriff Laine Stenley. When Severo explains to Laine about the urgent message of danger he has for him Laine knows exactly who is sending him the message, his dead lover Conner. Conner was horrifically tortured, raped and murdered several years ago and Laine is still having trouble moving on from him. The thing that has Laine most regretful is the fact that although they loved each other neither Conner nor himself thought enough of their relationship to come out to their respective workmates. When Conner tells him that danger is on its way Laine must admit it takes a while before he understands the true meaning. Conner’s killer is on his way because Conner was never the killers target, Laine was!
Whilst they’re searching for clues as to who it could be both Severo and Laine find that although, for completely different reasons, neither one of them want a relationship they can’t help but fall in love each other. The timing couldn’t be worse what with the murderer hot on Laine’s trail and Severo finding that McKinton is a hothouse for spirits but as the saying goes, the heart wants what the heart wants! When Laine’s ex-partner Richard Montoya shows up to help with the investigation then promptly gets kidnapped, Laine and Severo realise time has run out. Although they do find Richard, he has been raped and tortured so horrifically that no-one really believes that he will ever be able to recover. Luckily for Laine he has Severo to not only comfort him but love him.
I must say that one of my favourite things about Bailey Bradford’s series is the fact that they all run into each other so when you’re reading Southern Spirits remember you have to read all the books in order. The characters all know each other so you get constant updates on all of your favourites. I also love the way Bailey has incorporated the spirits so smoothly into the storylines that you forget you’re reading about people who have died.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Laine Stenley has been Sheriff of McKinton for almost three years and he’s convinced himself that no-one knows that he’s gay. He has tried very hard to keep his preferences to himself but the people closest to him know and don’t care. Laine has been feeling incredibly depressed ever since Zeke Matthers sister Eva ran him over trying to rid the world of an evil gay! He feels seriously guilty for not putting her in jail sooner and as a consequence of his guilt he has become cold and withdrawn. The only thing that seems to get a rise out of Laine lately is the ghost who loves to mess with his paperwork, hair, hat, star anything to get a reaction. Laine thinks the ghost is Zeke’s mother and he actually becomes scared when Zeke informs him it isn’t his mother messing with him.
Severo Robledo is a psychic/medium who can talk to the dead. Severo has come to McKinton because he has had ‘someone’ or something urging him with the urgency of this particular mission. When he gets into town Severo knows immediately who he has come there to help, Sheriff Laine Stenley. When Severo explains to Laine about the urgent message of danger he has for him Laine knows exactly who is sending him the message, his dead lover Conner. Conner was horrifically tortured, raped and murdered several years ago and Laine is still having trouble moving on from him. The thing that has Laine most regretful is the fact that although they loved each other neither Conner nor himself thought enough of their relationship to come out to their respective workmates. When Conner tells him that danger is on its way Laine must admit it takes a while before he understands the true meaning. Conner’s killer is on his way because Conner was never the killers target, Laine was!
Whilst they’re searching for clues as to who it could be both Severo and Laine find that although, for completely different reasons, neither one of them want a relationship they can’t help but fall in love each other. The timing couldn’t be worse what with the murderer hot on Laine’s trail and Severo finding that McKinton is a hothouse for spirits but as the saying goes, the heart wants what the heart wants! When Laine’s ex-partner Richard Montoya shows up to help with the investigation then promptly gets kidnapped, Laine and Severo realise time has run out. Although they do find Richard, he has been raped and tortured so horrifically that no-one really believes that he will ever be able to recover. Luckily for Laine he has Severo to not only comfort him but love him.
I must say that one of my favourite things about Bailey Bradford’s series is the fact that they all run into each other so when you’re reading Southern Spirits remember you have to read all the books in order. The characters all know each other so you get constant updates on all of your favourites. I also love the way Bailey has incorporated the spirits so smoothly into the storylines that you forget you’re reading about people who have died.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
November 1, 2015
Oh this one was goooood!!! Not only did When the Dead Speak deliver the romance, heat, and appropriate level of conflict I’ve come to appreciate from Bradford’s writing, but the author also served up a serial killer – an unknown, undetected, stalker of a serial killer. So not only was I treated to high levels of sexual tension, but there were also high levels of danger-related tension. And you know what happens when those two combine, don’t you? Oh yeah, my Kindle needed a cigarette a time or two while reading Laine and Sev’s bedroom action.
When I finished reading A Subtle Breeze I wanted to dive right into this book, but alas I had to wait a few days. But I queued it up as soon as I could because I wanted Laine’s story. No, I needed Laine’s story. Despite the guilt he’s shouldering over Zeke’s injuries, Laine’s actions made him the hero in my book and I wanted to see him get his chance at romance. Bradford did not disappoint. It seems that Laine’s run-in with Zeke’s mother’s spirit made him more receptive to them and he now has his own spirit making its presence known. Because we didn’t learn Laine’s history in the previous book, readers are at as much of a loss to the spirit’s identity as Laine is – or as Laine wants to be because he’s not sure his heart can take it if his suspicions are proven correct. But Laine’s spirit experience proves to be vital in his accepting Sev at face value when he finds out why the man has made his way to McKinton. And I have to say that Sev’s first impression was one of the best I’ve read in a long time. I only wish I could have seen Doreen give Irma the smack down she deserved.
I quite enjoyed the dual conflicts that Sev and Laine experienced as they got to know one another. The relationship angle with Sev���s personal hesitations and Laine’s concerns about his career provided an appropriate level of relationship conflict without getting too angsty. The criminal element involving the murder of Laine’s former lover Conner and Laine being hunted by a serial killer led to some extremely intense moments as Laine’s would-be stalker got too close more than once. That the author chose to have the reader learn details at the same time as Laine learned them kept those tensions high and had me on edge multiple times, especially after some of the details surrounding Conner’s murder were revealed. I absolutely loved the Epilogue and was glad to see how accepting of Conner’s continued presence Sev was. I haven’t sneaked a peek yet to find out who the next book in the series is about, but I have a pretty good idea based on how When the Dead Speak ended as to who it is – so I’m about to take advantage of being a teensy bit ahead on my reading schedule and I’m going to delve into All of the Voices next.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
When I finished reading A Subtle Breeze I wanted to dive right into this book, but alas I had to wait a few days. But I queued it up as soon as I could because I wanted Laine’s story. No, I needed Laine’s story. Despite the guilt he’s shouldering over Zeke’s injuries, Laine’s actions made him the hero in my book and I wanted to see him get his chance at romance. Bradford did not disappoint. It seems that Laine’s run-in with Zeke’s mother’s spirit made him more receptive to them and he now has his own spirit making its presence known. Because we didn’t learn Laine’s history in the previous book, readers are at as much of a loss to the spirit’s identity as Laine is – or as Laine wants to be because he’s not sure his heart can take it if his suspicions are proven correct. But Laine’s spirit experience proves to be vital in his accepting Sev at face value when he finds out why the man has made his way to McKinton. And I have to say that Sev’s first impression was one of the best I’ve read in a long time. I only wish I could have seen Doreen give Irma the smack down she deserved.
I quite enjoyed the dual conflicts that Sev and Laine experienced as they got to know one another. The relationship angle with Sev���s personal hesitations and Laine’s concerns about his career provided an appropriate level of relationship conflict without getting too angsty. The criminal element involving the murder of Laine’s former lover Conner and Laine being hunted by a serial killer led to some extremely intense moments as Laine’s would-be stalker got too close more than once. That the author chose to have the reader learn details at the same time as Laine learned them kept those tensions high and had me on edge multiple times, especially after some of the details surrounding Conner’s murder were revealed. I absolutely loved the Epilogue and was glad to see how accepting of Conner’s continued presence Sev was. I haven’t sneaked a peek yet to find out who the next book in the series is about, but I have a pretty good idea based on how When the Dead Speak ended as to who it is – so I’m about to take advantage of being a teensy bit ahead on my reading schedule and I’m going to delve into All of the Voices next.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
October 26, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
When we met Sheriff Laine Stenley in book 1 it was obvious there was more to come for him and I’m really glad that book 2 gave us his story.
Laine is a man stuck in the past unable to move past the horror and grief of events in Houston. Being in the closet and unable to grieve he ran from his demons and took a job in the small town of McKinton. Meeting Zeke and learning of the abuse he had suffered for being a gay man further prevented him from being honest with others and again he keeps his private life just that…private. Meeting Zeke’s mother, who happens to be a ghost, seems to have opened something in him that makes him receptive to sensing other ghosts and he is being driven mad as they seem to be around every corner. What he takes at first for playful yet annoying antics are actually warnings.
When Severo arrives in town the only explanation he can give for being there is that he felt driven to come. He can also feel and speak to the spirts and he currently has one telling him that someone in the town is in serious danger. There is a spark between Severo and Laine as soon as they meet but both men fight against it for all they are worth.
The author did a really good job tying up the past with the present and as in book 1 there wasn’t a huge amount of angst but rather a slow burning realisation between Severo and Laine played out whilst someone is trying to kill them. I loved watching Laine go from grumpy to smitten and realising what’s important in life and that he shouldn’t just assume that people won’t understand him.
The ghost was once again a pivotal character in the story and where Zeke’s mama was a calming influence giving out gentle nudges this one was impish and a lot of fun. By the end of the book he felt like one of the family. It’s Matt’s story next but I really hope we get to see more of Rich at some stage too.
When we met Sheriff Laine Stenley in book 1 it was obvious there was more to come for him and I’m really glad that book 2 gave us his story.
Laine is a man stuck in the past unable to move past the horror and grief of events in Houston. Being in the closet and unable to grieve he ran from his demons and took a job in the small town of McKinton. Meeting Zeke and learning of the abuse he had suffered for being a gay man further prevented him from being honest with others and again he keeps his private life just that…private. Meeting Zeke’s mother, who happens to be a ghost, seems to have opened something in him that makes him receptive to sensing other ghosts and he is being driven mad as they seem to be around every corner. What he takes at first for playful yet annoying antics are actually warnings.
When Severo arrives in town the only explanation he can give for being there is that he felt driven to come. He can also feel and speak to the spirts and he currently has one telling him that someone in the town is in serious danger. There is a spark between Severo and Laine as soon as they meet but both men fight against it for all they are worth.
The author did a really good job tying up the past with the present and as in book 1 there wasn’t a huge amount of angst but rather a slow burning realisation between Severo and Laine played out whilst someone is trying to kill them. I loved watching Laine go from grumpy to smitten and realising what’s important in life and that he shouldn’t just assume that people won’t understand him.
The ghost was once again a pivotal character in the story and where Zeke’s mama was a calming influence giving out gentle nudges this one was impish and a lot of fun. By the end of the book he felt like one of the family. It’s Matt’s story next but I really hope we get to see more of Rich at some stage too.
November 12, 2016
I didn't quite hate 'When the Dead Speak', as it actually showed promise at the beginning, and I was genuinely interested in the main character, the Sheriff Laine Stenley. (I also liked the character Doreen). Its major downfall was in it's over-abundance of sex scenes, with very little story. Now don't get me wrong - I'm a straight woman, and I knew going in that this was about a gay couple with some M/M action. But...like my complaints about the more 'traditional' M/F relationships in many books, I was immediately turned off by the same old c and d words. (Well - I guess I got off a bit easy, as the p-word wasn't needed...lol).
As I stated before, there was a ton of sex, and not much of a story. I got glimpses and bits of murders, spirits giving out a helping hand, and not much in the way of police work with Laine...most of his time was spent in bed with his new boy-toy Sev. When we finally get to the bad guy, he's easily taken out, and there is a happily-ever-after...WTF? I kept reading the book to get to the meat...there wasn't any. I thought that the killer's obsession with Laine - who I thought was pretty sexy, by the way - would have ignited some serious Sturm und Drang. Nothing...a major let-down.
Unlike my usual reading pattern when I begin to become pissed off by a book, I actually read most of this to its conclusion (I did skip some of the sex scenes, as they were repetitive and took up around 70% of the book. (I have to admit that the scene with Laine handcuffed to the bed was hot...lol. Also note that while I can't abide anal stuff with M/F characters, for M/M, it's fine).
There were a few grammatical/editing issues with this book as well.
I don't think I'll be interested in reading about what goes on in the little mythical town of McKinton, Texas in the future. Others may actually like it though.
As I stated before, there was a ton of sex, and not much of a story. I got glimpses and bits of murders, spirits giving out a helping hand, and not much in the way of police work with Laine...most of his time was spent in bed with his new boy-toy Sev. When we finally get to the bad guy, he's easily taken out, and there is a happily-ever-after...WTF? I kept reading the book to get to the meat...there wasn't any. I thought that the killer's obsession with Laine - who I thought was pretty sexy, by the way - would have ignited some serious Sturm und Drang. Nothing...a major let-down.
Unlike my usual reading pattern when I begin to become pissed off by a book, I actually read most of this to its conclusion (I did skip some of the sex scenes, as they were repetitive and took up around 70% of the book. (I have to admit that the scene with Laine handcuffed to the bed was hot...lol. Also note that while I can't abide anal stuff with M/F characters, for M/M, it's fine).
There were a few grammatical/editing issues with this book as well.
I don't think I'll be interested in reading about what goes on in the little mythical town of McKinton, Texas in the future. Others may actually like it though.
August 8, 2013
I'm just getting more and more hook with this serie... "When the Dead Speak" is Laine o Sheriff Stenley story, who we met in the previous book.
Laine had been sheriff for 3 years now in McKinton, he is gay but because McKintin is a small city, and not so open with the gay community, Laine is still in the closet. And not only because been open about his sexuality can make him lose is job; but also Laine suffer a huge lost in the past when his previos lover was brutally murder, and since then Laine hasn´t been able to love someone else the way he did with Connor.
Then we have Severo who is able to listen to spirits of the dead who still walks with us; and Severo is at McKinton because certain spirit nag him to get there and deliver a message. Severe had suffer a lot in his infancy because of his gift but he had been able to overcome this and became the excellent man hi is now.
When Laine and Severo met is love at first sight, just that neither of them know it yet. But with Connor's help and a series of events they overcome their fears and insecurities and find their HEA.
I really like the plot on this book, with the psycho who is obsessed with Laine and is the same guy who kill Connor; how the spirits help the MC, I particularly love Connor with his sense of hummor and the way he freaks everyone.
Laine had been sheriff for 3 years now in McKinton, he is gay but because McKintin is a small city, and not so open with the gay community, Laine is still in the closet. And not only because been open about his sexuality can make him lose is job; but also Laine suffer a huge lost in the past when his previos lover was brutally murder, and since then Laine hasn´t been able to love someone else the way he did with Connor.
Then we have Severo who is able to listen to spirits of the dead who still walks with us; and Severo is at McKinton because certain spirit nag him to get there and deliver a message. Severe had suffer a lot in his infancy because of his gift but he had been able to overcome this and became the excellent man hi is now.
When Laine and Severo met is love at first sight, just that neither of them know it yet. But with Connor's help and a series of events they overcome their fears and insecurities and find their HEA.
I really like the plot on this book, with the psycho who is obsessed with Laine and is the same guy who kill Connor; how the spirits help the MC, I particularly love Connor with his sense of hummor and the way he freaks everyone.
April 3, 2016
Read by Christina for QUEERcentric Books
When the Dead Speak is the second book of the Southern Spirits series written by Bailey Bradford.
We were introduced to Sheriff Laine Stenley in Southern Spirits series when he promised under his reign there will be equality and justice.
After experiencing Zeke’s mama’s presence, Sheriff Stenley has his own ghost bothering him.
The ghost knocks off his sheriff’s star, swirls papers around, along with other mischief. He’s pretty annoyed by this—who wouldn’t be—but doesn’t consider much of it until a stranger comes to town.
Severo “Sev” Adulio Robledo is a medium and was led from the comforts of his home to the little town. He doesn’t know anything about the spirit that is guiding him there. Nor the reason he needs to be there or who he is there to help until he has a run in with Laine.
Laine hasn’t been sexual since his last partner was brutally murdered. When he comes face to face with Sev though, he doesn’t think he’ll be able to remain celibate.
Read Christina's full review at QUEERcentric Books!
When the Dead Speak is the second book of the Southern Spirits series written by Bailey Bradford.
We were introduced to Sheriff Laine Stenley in Southern Spirits series when he promised under his reign there will be equality and justice.
After experiencing Zeke’s mama’s presence, Sheriff Stenley has his own ghost bothering him.
The ghost knocks off his sheriff’s star, swirls papers around, along with other mischief. He’s pretty annoyed by this—who wouldn’t be—but doesn’t consider much of it until a stranger comes to town.
Severo “Sev” Adulio Robledo is a medium and was led from the comforts of his home to the little town. He doesn’t know anything about the spirit that is guiding him there. Nor the reason he needs to be there or who he is there to help until he has a run in with Laine.
Laine hasn’t been sexual since his last partner was brutally murdered. When he comes face to face with Sev though, he doesn’t think he’ll be able to remain celibate.
Read Christina's full review at QUEERcentric Books!
January 12, 2016
This book was so good!
Laine the sheriff can't come out for fear of being fired from his job by the people in town. His is such a strong character after losing someone he loved, then working through that while having a stalker and a ghost pulling pranks on him trying to tell him something important. I really liked his character!
Then there was Sev who can communicate with ghosts and came to town when something pushed him telling him he needed to be there. He is more of a hook ups only kind of guy until he meets Laine and then its love at first site. There was just something about Laine that drew him in.
You get a lot of mystery while they track down his stalker and you get to see a lot of Zeke and Brendon which I loved! Plus you get introduced to a few more new characters in this book also.
Altogether I really liked this book! I would definitely recommend this book!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
Laine the sheriff can't come out for fear of being fired from his job by the people in town. His is such a strong character after losing someone he loved, then working through that while having a stalker and a ghost pulling pranks on him trying to tell him something important. I really liked his character!
Then there was Sev who can communicate with ghosts and came to town when something pushed him telling him he needed to be there. He is more of a hook ups only kind of guy until he meets Laine and then its love at first site. There was just something about Laine that drew him in.
You get a lot of mystery while they track down his stalker and you get to see a lot of Zeke and Brendon which I loved! Plus you get introduced to a few more new characters in this book also.
Altogether I really liked this book! I would definitely recommend this book!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
April 18, 2023
This is the second book in the Southern Spirits series which is turning out to be absolutely brilliant! When The Dead Speak is Laine and Sev's story. Laine, as we already know, is the Sheriff of McKinton, and Sev is someone who has just arrived in town which quite an unusual resume! The attraction between the two is instantaneous but they still have their own issues to work through, which makes so much more sense to me than insta-love. I loved seeing Zeke and Brendon in this, and how their relationship with Laine has developed into a strong friendship.
Well-written and with an intriguing storyline, this story also has some amazingly hot scenes. I can't wait to read the next one. Highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 12, 2015
Well-written and with an intriguing storyline, this story also has some amazingly hot scenes. I can't wait to read the next one. Highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 12, 2015
September 15, 2015
When the Dead Speak by Bailey Bradford
M/M
4 stars
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads for an honest review.
I really liked this book. I'm really enjoying this series it has me hooked.
I love that the characters from the last book are included once again in this book. I loved the Sheriff and Sev together as a couple. Once again it was an instant love romance, but I thought it just worked with these two. I also enjoyed reading the loyalty that is growing among the friends.
I'm loving the paranormal parts of the book. It makes a nice twist to the story.
So far both books were wrapped up very nicely at the end, I hate when the story stops and you are left wondering what happens next, these books have nice epilogue's.
M/M
4 stars
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads for an honest review.
I really liked this book. I'm really enjoying this series it has me hooked.
I love that the characters from the last book are included once again in this book. I loved the Sheriff and Sev together as a couple. Once again it was an instant love romance, but I thought it just worked with these two. I also enjoyed reading the loyalty that is growing among the friends.
I'm loving the paranormal parts of the book. It makes a nice twist to the story.
So far both books were wrapped up very nicely at the end, I hate when the story stops and you are left wondering what happens next, these books have nice epilogue's.
November 20, 2015
I really liked Sheriff Laine Stenley when I read A Subtle Breeze and was happy to see that he got his own book. He's a complex character who carries around an awful lot of baggage. It was nice to see him meet his match in a much smaller, much less reserved partner. Severo was adorable and a lot of fun. His being able to speak with the dead ought to come in handy later in this series, I'm sure. I can't wait to see what's up next.
November 12, 2013
3.5 stars
This story has a little mystery and lots of loving. I did enjoy it quite a bit. I'm hoping there will be a third story in the series. The author definitely has a couple of characters who need their own story/stories.
This story has a little mystery and lots of loving. I did enjoy it quite a bit. I'm hoping there will be a third story in the series. The author definitely has a couple of characters who need their own story/stories.
January 19, 2011
3,5 stars
August 9, 2011
3,5 stars
Read
August 25, 2011What?...the ending was too abrupt. Too many questions left behind. Not even gonna rate it.
October 23, 2011
4.5 I am loving this series.
March 6, 2012
3.5 stars rounded to 4. A good murder mystery with ghosts. I liked it!
July 26, 2013
Nice - Laine is gorgeous! Liked the first one better though! :)
March 18, 2013
even worse sorry do not enjoy these books
September 6, 2015
4.5 stars
December 7, 2015
I loved the paranormal touch. Definitely a series to read.
Read
December 11, 2012Meh... Don't gonna rate it.
March 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this mixture of paranormal, mystery, and m/m romance. The leads maybe became devoted too quickly, but who can argue love at first sight when they read a romance?
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