Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Dying sucks, but the afterlife is one hot place to be.

Stefan wasn’t physically perfect in life, and his search for someone to love him resulted in his murder. Now he’s been dead for years, and he’s lonelier than he ever was when he was alive. His physical problems might have vanished when his body ceased to live, but his spirit has to deal with the memories of the past.

Jordan and Gideon are friends who share eager guys when they can find them, but being in a war zone hasn’t allowed for that to happen often. One roadside stop puts an end to their lives. Jordan and Gideon are at a loss to understand what happens to them, why they stay behind when others go up into the light. Searching for answers, they head to Jordan’s hometown—McKinton, Texas—but a hell of a lot of things have changed in the decade and a half since Jordan left.

Namely, the arrival of one wicked, joyful spirit named Stefan.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of voyeurism.

Publisher's Note: This book has previously been released by Totally Bound Publishing. It has been expanded, revised and re-edited for re-release.

 

Book Review

Sometimes it takes longer than a lifetime to find that special person, or persons as is the case with Stefan, from 'Whirlwind' by Bailey Bradford. Although he's left his developmental problems behind, Stefan is still as different in the afterlife as he was in his life on Earth. He tries to continue on as a happy-go-lucky spirit just as he did before he died, but, especially after Connor and Ro hooked up, he is lonelier than ever; he still believes that no one wants him. Meeting Jordan and Gideon presents new possibilities, if he can just get past his insecurities.

Stefan is handsome, playful, considerate, and tired of being a third wheel. He has a lot to give if he could just find someone who appreciates what he has to offer and if he could realize what a catch he actually is instead of letting his low self-esteem short circuit any offers he may get for companionship. When his anger catches up with his self-pity, he becomes a force to be reckoned with. Even though he's being offered companionship from two very sexy, handsome men, he still can't believe that Jordan and Gideon want him for anything more than brief entertainment. He wants the real thing and refuses to settle, even if it means being alone again. He won't be taken advantage of and be used again.

Jordan and Gideon have been friends forever, doing almost everything together including dying. Once on the other side, they are befuddled and confused. In life, Gideon wanted to be more than friends with Jordan, but it seemed best to leave things they way they were; since both wanted to be on top, Gideon didn't see how a relationship could possibly work. Now, on the other side, they both realize that the possibilities are endless. While visiting his grave, which was quite poignant, Gideon confronts Stefan with unnecessary force and Stefan is thrown right into a PTSD episode of being raped again. Gideon and Jordan feel awful for scaring him. When Stefan shoots out of there, showing Jordan and Gideon just how little they know about being spirits, they follow. Instead of being angry, they are intrigued. They pursue Stefan but can't catch him. They get into a lot of trouble with Connor, who is quite protective, and learn that hurting Stefan has serious consequences. The longer they are dead, the better they understand the rules and the more attached they become to Stefan and want to prove that they are serious about needing him with them.

This is an odd, but interesting story giving Stefan his happy ending. He's been through so much that it was good to see him happy. Bailey has a unique idea of spirits in the afterlife, which is both intriguing and a bit confusing, but that's what makes the tale fun. The idea of feeling good all the time and having glorious sex whenever you want it is certainly appealing as is the idea of being able to communicate with the loved ones left behind. This is a continuation of the Southern Spirits series, and needs to be read sequentially in order to get the full meaning of what's going on. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories about the supernatural, men in love and lust, and happy endings. Thanks, Bailey, for another wild walk on the other side.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novella, 103 pages/32592 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	29-September-2015
Price	$4.50 ebook, $10.50 paperback (Vol 4)
Buy Link	https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/whirlwind