S.E.X. Review~ When the Dead Speak by Bailey Bradford

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.

Publisher's Note: This book has previously been published under the same title. It has been expanded, revised and re-edited for re-release with Pride Publishing.

I enjoyed When the Dead Speak and the characters Laine and Severo. The second book in the Southern Spirits series by Bailey Bradford left me feeling fulfilled and excited as much as the first book.

Introduced to Sheriff Laine Stenley in A Subtle Breeze, the closeted sheriff is thrust in the middle of not only a murder investigation, but a new love affair as he’s tossed from behind his safe veil of his hidden sexuality.

Severo is a Medium whom has been summoned by a spirit to McKinton and the aide of Laine. The larger than life, out and proud Sev is a shock to Laine’s system when he quickly falls for the man and jumps out of his security and into the limelight—gay man with a serial killer after him.

Zeke and Brendon, A Subtle Breeze, added depth to the story—the men becoming fast friends, taking Laine and Severo under their wing.

The sex was hot and steamy, Laine and Sev heating up the sheets and scorching my e-reader.

Secondary character Doreen stole the show numerous times. She was a quick draw mama bear who dared anyone to talk about the boys in her presence, and even when she wasn’t there.

When the Dead Speak was filled with intrigue and an unexpected twist. Ms. Bradford also left the door open for the subsequent stories.

Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

Pride Publishing Buy Link

2015 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ A Subtle Breeze by Bailey Bradford

Ezekiel Matthers and Brendon Shanahan are about to find out that sometimes all it takes is a subtle breeze to shift the winds of fate.

Ezekiel Matthers is a reclusive man, forcing himself into the exile of his ranch after a violent assault left him wounded. While the scars on the outside have faded, the damage inside is much harder to conquer. Zeke resigns himself to a solitary existence, aside from his sister Enessa and, of course, his mama's occasional visits.

Brendon Shanahan has a very meddling cousin, Gloria, who is best buds with Enessa Matthers. When the two women convince Brendon that he should hook-up with the reclusive Zeke, a plan is hatched that sets a series of events into motion - with potentially deadly consequences.

Can Ezekiel conquer his fears and accept what Brendon is offering? Or will Brendon walk away, giving up on the love he has waited for? And will the visits from Zeke's mama - deceased for four years now - help the two men find their way to each other?

Only time will tell, and that may be the one thing the lovers don't have, because someone is out to destroy everything Zeke and Brendon hold dear - and this time, the bad guy just might succeed.

Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.

Publisher's Note: This book has previously been published under the same title. It has been expanded, revised and re-edited for re-release with Pride Publishing.

As a fan of Bailey Bradford, I was thrilled to see the re-release of her Southern Spirits series and immediately snatched A Subtle Breeze. A little mystery and a lot of love are the backdrops of this wonderfully written story.

Zeke Matthers has had a rough time in his small Texas town. His God-fearing, hate –spewing older sister was on a mission to hurt Zeke at every chance she got. Good thing Zeke had his new love, Brendon, and his spirited mama on his side.

Ms. Bradford took what could have been a silly cliché and turned it into a believable story of- do we really know what’s on the other side? , and do our loved ones watch over us when they are physically gone?

I loved the premise of this infusion into A Subtle Breeze. The spiritual element was not in your face, but a gentle reminder that with an open mind we are guided by our deceased loved one.

As a story teller, Ms. Bradford is not afraid to take chances with topics usually not found in books. Kudos to her!

The chemistry between Zeke and Brendon, although felt right from the start, added  to the story line of a gentle push by Zeke’s mama. And even though she was not there in the physical, the nuances she contributed had me smiling, as mama always knows best- no matter what.

A Subtle Breeze has been extended and reedited~ a must read.

Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

 Pride Publishing Buy Link

2015 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.