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Spirit
Jason Day, brilliant designer of video games, is not only a confirmed bachelor, but he’s as gay as a maypole. One wouldn’t think being saddled with his precocious four-year-old nephew for four weeks would be enough to throw him off-kilter. Wrong. Timmy, Jason’s nephew, is a true handful. But just when Timmy and Uncle Jason begin to bond, and Jason feels he’s getting a grip on this babysitting business once and for all, he’s thrown for a loop by a couple of visitors—one from Tucson, the other from beyond the grave. I’m sorry. Say what? Toss a murder, a hot young stud, an unexpected love affair, and a spooky-ass ghost with a weird sense of humor into Jason’s summer plans, and you’ve got the makings for one hell of a ride.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2014
14 people are currently reading
891 people want to read
About the author
John Inman
42 books441 followersA Lambda Literary Award finalist and the author of over forty novels, John has been writing fiction for as long as he can remember. Born on a small farm in Indiana, he now resides in San Diego, California where he spends his time gardening, pampering his pets, hiking and biking the trails and canyons of San Diego, and of course, writing. He and his partner share a passion for theater, books, film, and the continuing fight for marriage equality. If you would like to know more about John, check out his website at----
http://www.johninmanauthor.com/John_I... or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/john.inman.79
http://www.johninmanauthor.com/John_I... or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/john.inman.79
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
June 8, 2015
Well I think it's safe to say ghosts aren't really my thing either!
This one had some nail biting moments.
But despite that, I quite enjoyed this one. I think the humor in the story really helped lighten it.
I don't always enjoy reading about kids in my books, especially MM books. But damn if 4 year old Timmy didn't steal the show in this one.
My favorite conversation between Timmy and Jason....
So yeah, Timmy helped to lighten things up once the ghost made an appearance.
This one ended up being a fun little read. Angst-free like I like. With just enough steam to keep me happy.
This one had some nail biting moments.
But despite that, I quite enjoyed this one. I think the humor in the story really helped lighten it.
I don't always enjoy reading about kids in my books, especially MM books. But damn if 4 year old Timmy didn't steal the show in this one.
My favorite conversation between Timmy and Jason....
"What's a zit?"
"A zit's an annoying little thing that pops up out of nowhere right when you really don't want it to. Like you."
"So I'm a zit?"
"Yes. You're a zit. A big pimply one. The kind that hurts. The kind that when you squeeze it hard enough a big glob of cream cheese flies out."
"Jack says you're a butthole."
"Jack's a hemorrhoid."
"Is that like a zit?"
"Yes. Only browner. And when you squeeze it you don't get cream cheese, you get fudge."
"I'm confused."
So yeah, Timmy helped to lighten things up once the ghost made an appearance.
This one ended up being a fun little read. Angst-free like I like. With just enough steam to keep me happy.
September 15, 2018
“The man in the basement is nice.”
Well! that was some unexpected creepy-funny read.
The mystery part is so predictable but i still had some fun with the 2 and half men, trying to solve the ghost mystery.
MC1- Jason- this guy was funny and damn right adorable.
MC2- Sam-Sweet, funny and so lovable.
MC 1/2- Timmy- The four year old nephew of Jason and Sam. I loved this kid, he was funny,cute, smart without being annoying, and gross like a 4 year old should be, and on top of that he can cut his own hair.
Who cut your hair?”
Timmy straightened his shoulders a battered peacock putting every ruffled feather on proud display after a heart stopping run-in with a passing automobile. “I did. Why? You want me to cut yours?”
MC 4- Thumper the old sleepy dog.
MC 5 - The Ghost in the basement
The first part of the story is sweet, then we dive into the creepy territory, supernatural style and let's just say, i do not want to live with a ghost in my house ever.
The relationship is Insta, Jason and Sam got some major chemistry and they fit together perfectly.
The sex scene were well written, hot and sensual. I have to say there is a difference between MM sex scenes written by a Man and those written by a Woman.
If you are looking for an angst-free funny and a little creepy read, then give this one a try. The humor alone will make you stay till the end.
“Ever hear of extortion?”
“No,” he said, “but if you make hot dogs tonight, we can have ’stortion tomorrow.”
“Fine,” I said. I wasn’t a complete idiot. I’d serve him salmon tomorrow andtell him it was extortion. The kid was four years old, for Christ’s sake. He’d believe anything I told him, right?
The next day
“What are we having?”
“The extortion we didn’t eat yesterday.”
“Is it still good?”
“Extortion is always good.”
He was obviously leery. “Well, okay, then, I guess.”
“This ’stortion tastes like fish.”
I smiled to myself. “Imagine that.”
“Where does it come from?”
“What?”
“’Stortion.”
“It comes from Argentina. Great herds of them roam the Pampas looking for little boys to eat. You’re lucky. You ate this one before he ate you.”
Well! that was some unexpected creepy-funny read.
The mystery part is so predictable but i still had some fun with the 2 and half men, trying to solve the ghost mystery.
MC1- Jason- this guy was funny and damn right adorable.
MC2- Sam-Sweet, funny and so lovable.
MC 1/2- Timmy- The four year old nephew of Jason and Sam. I loved this kid, he was funny,cute, smart without being annoying, and gross like a 4 year old should be, and on top of that he can cut his own hair.
Who cut your hair?”
Timmy straightened his shoulders a battered peacock putting every ruffled feather on proud display after a heart stopping run-in with a passing automobile. “I did. Why? You want me to cut yours?”
MC 4- Thumper the old sleepy dog.
MC 5 - The Ghost in the basement
The first part of the story is sweet, then we dive into the creepy territory, supernatural style and let's just say, i do not want to live with a ghost in my house ever.
The relationship is Insta, Jason and Sam got some major chemistry and they fit together perfectly.
The sex scene were well written, hot and sensual. I have to say there is a difference between MM sex scenes written by a Man and those written by a Woman.
If you are looking for an angst-free funny and a little creepy read, then give this one a try. The humor alone will make you stay till the end.
“Ever hear of extortion?”
“No,” he said, “but if you make hot dogs tonight, we can have ’stortion tomorrow.”
“Fine,” I said. I wasn’t a complete idiot. I’d serve him salmon tomorrow andtell him it was extortion. The kid was four years old, for Christ’s sake. He’d believe anything I told him, right?
The next day
“What are we having?”
“The extortion we didn’t eat yesterday.”
“Is it still good?”
“Extortion is always good.”
He was obviously leery. “Well, okay, then, I guess.”
“This ’stortion tastes like fish.”
I smiled to myself. “Imagine that.”
“Where does it come from?”
“What?”
“’Stortion.”
“It comes from Argentina. Great herds of them roam the Pampas looking for little boys to eat. You’re lucky. You ate this one before he ate you.”
October 24, 2018
Wow...that was way better than I expected... Fun, sexy but also a bit creepy and sad... Review to come ;)
September 4, 2014
♥♥♥ 4.5 Spooky Stars ♥♥♥
As soon as I read the blurb, I knew I had to give this a try. It was m/m, it had a funny little four year old boy, and there was a hot guy that shows up. Oh yeah, and there was a ghost thrown into the mix, what's not to love?
From pretty much the start of this book, I could not stop chuckling. I just loved Jason's narration and once you got to meet his little nephew, I was a goner. I knew I would end up loving this book and I really did. Jason is left in charge of his four year old nephew Timmy while his sister is off on a trip with her boyfriend. Jason thinks it's an easy enough task to do for a month, but soon things get a whole lot interesting.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"Are you and Uncle Jason boyfriends?"
"Not yet, but we'll tell you when we are."
"Don't forget."
"You'll be the first to know. I promise."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Timmy was the best!! I loved this intelligent little boy. He was this little ball of energy and just as sarcastic as his uncle Jason. He won my heart completely, he was just so freaking adorable. Whenever he was hanging around with Thumper, Jason's old narcoleptic dog, my heart melted. It was so darn cute.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"I like being around you. I dig the hell out of having sex with you. I get a funny feeling inside when I think of you."
"You get a funny feeling when you think of me?"
"Yes," he said. "And I don't think it's a tapeworm. What do you feel when you think of me?"
"I'm not sure. I never seem to be not thinking of you."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Jason was really great. I thought he was a wonderful uncle to Timmy and I loved his sarcastic humour. I couldn't help but laugh at some of the conversations he had with Timmy, it was too funny. Especially when Timmy somehow out smarted Jason.
Sam is Timmy's uncle from his father's side, and I loved him just as much as the other characters. He was so kind hearted and loving. I loved how sweet he could be with both Timmy and Jason. And, how he was there whenever Timmy and Jason needed him.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"Never," I said. "I’ll never stop loving you. No matter what happens."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
The story was definitely and interesting one. I found that I didn't want to put it down while reading. The silly banter, and the paranormal activity that occurs, had me hooked. You would think that sexy steam and the spooky wouldn't really go well together in the same book, but it actually did. There were some things that I had not seen coming, while others, I figured out pretty quick. Overall, it was a funny, scary, steamy, and romantic read. I am definitely going to be checking out more from this author.
August 19, 2014
Br with the Girls!!
** 5 startling the bejesus out of me Stars **
I've enjoyed very much every book I've read by this author, and this is no exception.
John Inman’s Spirit is a wonderful story with brilliant humour that made me giggle in delight, and a mystery suspense plot, that glued me to my reader, the writing and dialogues were SPOT ON, it has the perfect balance of humour and sadness.
We have a funny loving gorgeous uncle, a brown-eyed hunky, a four-year-old hilarious terror with a fearless strength, a geriatric sweet canine and a Ghost!
There is plenty of steam and a lot of feels, and the ending is pure amazingness!
Jason and Sam have now joined my other all-time favourite couples <3
Thanks lovelies for another awesome BR!!
September 16, 2014
Written September 16, 2014
3.7 Spooky Stars - An adorable cute ghost story - like a nice family movie - you both giggles and shivers
Spitit - by a lot of M/M readers very loved and written about ghost story this summer. I'm late on this wagon by at last have I done it I too.
We where three BR ladies who started to read this book a week ago. Non of us were that super-über-amazed or impressed, but we all thought it was an amusing and pretty fun story. —There are so many good quotes and cute funny (..from an darling 4 years old) lines in this book.— Maybe was I, who struggled the longest time with it, in the end the most happy one of us three.
~ For me was Spirit giggly fun, scary mysterious, cute and in many parts adorable sweet. ~
***********************************************************
There are our MC cast...
# Gay Uncle Jason:
# Old Lady-dog Thumber:
# Smart Nephew Timmy:
# New Uncle Sam;
***********************************************************
Jason Day, a thirty something gay San Diego video games designer, has just got his wild four-year-old nephew, little Timmy for a four weeks summer visit when his mum Sally is on a vacation with her new boyfriend Jack.
Arrives; Sam, little Timmy's other uncle. - The brother of Timmy's lost father Paul who abandoned his son and wife, Jason's sister Sally, when Timmy was just a toddler. An uncle none of them met in years.
So are they suddenly three boys and a lady dog in the house. - The house where Timmy was born and which Jason later took over when his sister Sally no longer wanted to stay there for emotional reasons (a by now hated ex hubby who betrayed her and ran away..).
Is there a ghost in the basement as well? ~ Boo!!
***********************************************************
None of the four 4-years old boys I have spent a lot of time with has been as precocious, and witty in their mouths at that age, as this amazing Timmy character. But never the same, it's the lad and the wonderful old doggie Thumber that makes this story so good in many respects.
Whatever doubts about the credibility of characters and the plot (...yeez, for God's sake, this is a fictional story with a ghost topic), nevertheless describes this (male) author —this frisky Timmy boy, the nice romance (and smexy steam) between Jason and Sam, and this old dog's valiant efforts— in a most charming way.
This story is actually more than a bit scary, and I may not love all the paranormal / thriller elements here, but the light horror plot still give this book a unique feeling.
Spirit differs slightly, in a good way, from the large amount of (sweet) contemporary M/M romances out here. ~ Well worth reading!
***********************************************************
More of a heartbreakingly sweet family saga with creepy spooky parts than a steamy romance. - For me at least!
I LIKE - in some parts irresistible charming
*********
A BR with Andrea and Bev with start September 7, 2014. ~ Thanks!!
3.7 Spooky Stars - An adorable cute ghost story - like a nice family movie - you both giggles and shivers
Spitit - by a lot of M/M readers very loved and written about ghost story this summer. I'm late on this wagon by at last have I done it I too.
We where three BR ladies who started to read this book a week ago. Non of us were that super-über-amazed or impressed, but we all thought it was an amusing and pretty fun story. —There are so many good quotes and cute funny (..from an darling 4 years old) lines in this book.— Maybe was I, who struggled the longest time with it, in the end the most happy one of us three.
••
~ For me was Spirit giggly fun, scary mysterious, cute and in many parts adorable sweet. ~
***********************************************************
There are our MC cast...
# Gay Uncle Jason:
‘An all-around decent package of manhood, if I say so myself. So yes, in case you're wondering, I was happy being me.’
# Old Lady-dog Thumber:
‘..., she stood in front of the sofa looking up like the Queen Mother waiting for the carriage door to be opened until I scooped her off the floor and redeposited her among the cushions.’
# Smart Nephew Timmy:
“There's a scary movie on TV tonight, Uncle Jason. If you're good, I'll let you watch it.”
“Screw you, kid. I'll let you watch it.”
Timmy clapped his hands and almost dropped a plate. “Yay, we're watching a scary movie!”
# New Uncle Sam;
‘He smiled a gentle, sexy smile, his eyes at half-mast. “You're cute when you're horny.”
“Then I'm perpetually cute.”
***********************************************************
Jason Day, a thirty something gay San Diego video games designer, has just got his wild four-year-old nephew, little Timmy for a four weeks summer visit when his mum Sally is on a vacation with her new boyfriend Jack.
Arrives; Sam, little Timmy's other uncle. - The brother of Timmy's lost father Paul who abandoned his son and wife, Jason's sister Sally, when Timmy was just a toddler. An uncle none of them met in years.
So are they suddenly three boys and a lady dog in the house. - The house where Timmy was born and which Jason later took over when his sister Sally no longer wanted to stay there for emotional reasons (a by now hated ex hubby who betrayed her and ran away..).
Is there a ghost in the basement as well? ~ Boo!!
***********************************************************
None of the four 4-years old boys I have spent a lot of time with has been as precocious, and witty in their mouths at that age, as this amazing Timmy character. But never the same, it's the lad and the wonderful old doggie Thumber that makes this story so good in many respects.
“I look like a sissy. People will think I like boys,” Timmy grumped and bitched and whined...’
Whatever doubts about the credibility of characters and the plot (...yeez, for God's sake, this is a fictional story with a ghost topic), nevertheless describes this (male) author —this frisky Timmy boy, the nice romance (and smexy steam) between Jason and Sam, and this old dog's valiant efforts— in a most charming way.
This story is actually more than a bit scary, and I may not love all the paranormal / thriller elements here, but the light horror plot still give this book a unique feeling.
Spirit differs slightly, in a good way, from the large amount of (sweet) contemporary M/M romances out here. ~ Well worth reading!
***********************************************************
More of a heartbreakingly sweet family saga with creepy spooky parts than a steamy romance. - For me at least!
I LIKE - in some parts irresistible charming
*********
A BR with Andrea and Bev with start September 7, 2014. ~ Thanks!!
September 17, 2018
This was my first John Inman book and it did not disappoint. Mixed with humor and suspense with an underlying paranormal element, you're left guessing until the end just what is what.
Sam and Jason are a terrific couple. Jason is the funny uncle who mixes humor with his love for Sam and Timmy. Personally, I felt like he was in denial a little too long about what was going on. I saw one review that said Sam is the heart of the family and I agree. He's sweet and loving. I admired his need to know what happened to his brother. And then there's Timmy. A grown-up in a four year old body who loves the dog and his two uncles but has a mouth on him that would make you blush and crack you up at the same time. And....he sees dead people. Yep, I said that.
I truly was left guessing until the end of what exactly happened to Paul. The clues were there but like Jason, I kind of wanted to stick my head in the sand and not "go there".
My only complaint and what kept it from being a 5 star read for me, is I felt like the humor overshadowed the creepiness. I wanted the creepiness. I wanted to be scared and have the hairs stand up on my arms as I read. Unfortunately, with the humor intermixed with what was supposed to be creepy and scary scenes, kind of ruined that part for me. It was still good, but I wanted more of the creepy. And I have to say, if shit like that happened in my house, it wouldn't take a time or two before I burnt the house to the ground, collected the insurance money and moved across the world. Just saying lol.
Sam and Jason are a terrific couple. Jason is the funny uncle who mixes humor with his love for Sam and Timmy. Personally, I felt like he was in denial a little too long about what was going on. I saw one review that said Sam is the heart of the family and I agree. He's sweet and loving. I admired his need to know what happened to his brother. And then there's Timmy. A grown-up in a four year old body who loves the dog and his two uncles but has a mouth on him that would make you blush and crack you up at the same time. And....he sees dead people. Yep, I said that.
I truly was left guessing until the end of what exactly happened to Paul. The clues were there but like Jason, I kind of wanted to stick my head in the sand and not "go there".
My only complaint and what kept it from being a 5 star read for me, is I felt like the humor overshadowed the creepiness. I wanted the creepiness. I wanted to be scared and have the hairs stand up on my arms as I read. Unfortunately, with the humor intermixed with what was supposed to be creepy and scary scenes, kind of ruined that part for me. It was still good, but I wanted more of the creepy. And I have to say, if shit like that happened in my house, it wouldn't take a time or two before I burnt the house to the ground, collected the insurance money and moved across the world. Just saying lol.
March 17, 2014
So not only is John Inman a funny man he's also got spooky down to a T as well. I've laughed, cried, shivered and goosebumped my way through this entertaining book. The plot had me nose to kindle and as always I fell hard and fast for the characters I was supposed to and boo'd and hissed at the ones I wasn't!
Before I go any further I have to talk about Timmy!! OMG! I adored that little scamp. Four years old going on forty and one of the best kids I've ever come across in a book. I hate precocious, sickly sweet children but Timmy is far from that. He's funny, manipulative, tiring, inquisitive, naughty, cute, mischievous, full on, loveable, impish and did I say hilarious? Then on the opposite side, because of the nature of the plot, he's also a sad little soul at times and there were a couple of little incidents that had me tearing up and reaching for the tissues! Yes there's some poignant and sad moments in this too. Not forgetting a few creepy moments involving the little tyke that had tingles running up my spine!
Basically the book is set around a small ensemble of people, the main guys being Jason, Timmy his nephew and Sam, Jason's love interest (who arrives with a few secrets of his own). Then there's Sally, Jason's sister and Jack, the skeezy boyfriend, so there's not really that many characters involved, yet the story flowed and twisted and turned so that one minute I was sure I knew what was going on, the next minute...not so certain! I mean come on, out of that small amount of people surely its going to be easy to see what direction this is going in? Well yes and no. There are things that you see coming, that are pretty obvious to us the reader, that take Jason a bit longer to cotton on to but there's also directions that I think John very cleverly uses to play with us! I can't really say much else for fear of spoilers but I came away really impressed by the underlying mystery/ suspense plot.
Then of course there's the paranormal side to the book and the haunting. Did that satisfy this ghost loving reader? DO RABBITS LOVE BUNNY SEX Of course it did! I loved every spooktastic, spine chilling minute of it! Who is the ghost? Why hasn't Jason been bothered by him before Timmy came to stay? What message is this spirit trying to convey to him? Why is bugs bunny talking to them through the TV screen ( HA! now you're intrigued aren't you?) and Who is Timmy talking too through the murky basement windows? That's just the tip of the iceberg. Lots of really eerie, uncanny things start happening and when Sam appears things escalate even more! Like I said, it wasn't long before I guessed the nature of the haunting and I'm pretty sure you will but don't get complacent because there's more afoot!
Jason and Sam have now joined all my other favourite John Inman characters. Every time I'm seduced by his couples so it was a no brainer I'd fall for them both. Jason is a very funny guy, as always, he's self deprecating and the conversations, banter and interactions between him and that ' old beyond his years' four year old had me in stitches. Sam is gorgeous, a perfect fit for Jason and the attraction between them turns pretty quickly to love but it just seems right! I never question the fast falling in love between his guys, for me it just works without feeling the eye rolls coming on. The love scenes are hot and sexy but always the romance shines through and you feel the chemistry and connection in the relationship. There's things they discover about each other that could make or break their love affair but love prevails and in this case its a bloody good job it does! And despite the seriousness of the subject matter I still got my belly laughs. Not easy to balance humour against sadness and get it right. That's why I love these books.
All I can say is, if you're a fan of Mr Inman's I doubt very much you'll be disappointed. This had everything for me. A well thought out plot, a delightful hot, sexy romance, a proper chilling ghost story, vibrant, three dimensional characters, humour, pathos, excitement and best of all .... another of Johns colourful doggie characters! Not the same without one of those... Aww thumper...I loved you too old girl!
Oh yeah and Timmy, I just have to mention him again!
As for the ghost....he has a name too but you'll have to meet him yourselves!
" Did you hear that???? "
Whooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!
Follow link~
May 13, 2014
Running the gauntlet of emotions.
Nice balance in the story. Starts off hysterical with some real zingers all courtesy of Timmy--a force of nature and Jason's nephew. Then things start to shift and there's a seesawing back and forth between creepy like a scary movie, sad like it hurts inside, and scorching, hold the presses, sexy as all, damn-->
I wouldn't think it would work so well, but I'm not going to complain, merely accept the largess for what it is and be thankful. Highly entertaining, and I should note that I am not usually enamored with ghost stories. So, if that was an element causing reservation then I'd say give it a shot.
Favorite passage:
Nice balance in the story. Starts off hysterical with some real zingers all courtesy of Timmy--a force of nature and Jason's nephew. Then things start to shift and there's a seesawing back and forth between creepy like a scary movie, sad like it hurts inside, and scorching, hold the presses, sexy as all, damn-->
I wouldn't think it would work so well, but I'm not going to complain, merely accept the largess for what it is and be thankful. Highly entertaining, and I should note that I am not usually enamored with ghost stories. So, if that was an element causing reservation then I'd say give it a shot.
Favorite passage:
"Who cut your hair?”
Timmy straightened his shoulders—a battered peacock putting every ruffled feather on proud display after a heart-stopping run-in with a passing automobile. “I did. Why? You want me to cut yours?”
October 22, 2018
**SO entertaining !!!** I laughed SO, SO much reading this one 😂 😂 😂
This is a “paranormal” MM romance, a “ghost story”, with 4 MCs. Yes, four of them but it wouldn’t work at all if they were not all there.
You have Jason, so funny, adorable, loyal and having a blast trying and amusingly falling to get the upper hand when babysitting…
and Sam, the sexy Sam, who is of course going to be a perfect mismatch for Jason…
and Timmy, a lively 4-year-old kid, the kind that can make you run around like crazy, makes you laugh when you should show authority and you look fondly at when, oh finally, he sleeps…
and THE GHOST (more a Casper than anything else), haunting the house where Jason, Sam and Timmy are going to spend together one month that will change their lives.
It’s such a fun and sexy ride : when in need for a good laugh with some good steam and a touch of fantasy.
This is a “paranormal” MM romance, a “ghost story”, with 4 MCs. Yes, four of them but it wouldn’t work at all if they were not all there.
You have Jason, so funny, adorable, loyal and having a blast trying and amusingly falling to get the upper hand when babysitting…
and Sam, the sexy Sam, who is of course going to be a perfect mismatch for Jason…
and Timmy, a lively 4-year-old kid, the kind that can make you run around like crazy, makes you laugh when you should show authority and you look fondly at when, oh finally, he sleeps…
and THE GHOST (more a Casper than anything else), haunting the house where Jason, Sam and Timmy are going to spend together one month that will change their lives.
It’s such a fun and sexy ride : when in need for a good laugh with some good steam and a touch of fantasy.
February 9, 2019
I don’t think I have ever laughed so much while reading a creepy story before!! I absolutely adored the main characters, Jason and Sam, but Jason’s 4 year old nephew, Timmy, stole the show.
Jason is babysitting his nephew for 4 weeks while his sister goes on vacation. From the start, Jason has his hands full, add in a new visitor and a ghost, things can get a little crazy.
I loved the story, my only complaint is that it was to insta love for me. Then again, I adored Jason and Sam together.
Thank you, Shile, for selecting this one for the PMC!!
October 24, 2015
4.5*
This was my second book that I have had the pleasure of reading from the very funny man, John Inman. I have completely enjoyed both books. They both were laugh out loud fun and had amazing characters.
Spirit was a fast enjoyable riot. I found myself in hysterics in the first chapter and the laughs just kept coming. Timmy was the star of this book. The 4 yr. old is a quick, sarcastic, smart, adorable boy. He is also quite the handful for his two Uncles, Jason and Sam. I adored these two men as well and loved their relationship with not only each other, but with Timmy.
Jason is hard not to love. He and Timmy are very much alike. Like Timmy, Jason has quite to quirky sarcastic attitude as well. I loved the conversations between him and Timmy. It was the battle of wits with these two and Jason never came out on top, lol. The young boy is just too smart for his own good.
Sam is definitely the heart of the trio. He’s soft and gentle and just down right lovable. I loved him and Jason together. Their relationship was just so damn sweet. Toothache sweet. I’m usually not a fan of that kind of sweet, but lately I find myself enjoying that kind of sweet.
Spirit was a predictable ghost tale, but I didn’t mind. The characters and chaos of the story made up for it. I love a good ghost story and I was not disappointed and fully enjoyed this one. I definitely will be reading this again in the future.
This was my second book that I have had the pleasure of reading from the very funny man, John Inman. I have completely enjoyed both books. They both were laugh out loud fun and had amazing characters.
Spirit was a fast enjoyable riot. I found myself in hysterics in the first chapter and the laughs just kept coming. Timmy was the star of this book. The 4 yr. old is a quick, sarcastic, smart, adorable boy. He is also quite the handful for his two Uncles, Jason and Sam. I adored these two men as well and loved their relationship with not only each other, but with Timmy.
Jason is hard not to love. He and Timmy are very much alike. Like Timmy, Jason has quite to quirky sarcastic attitude as well. I loved the conversations between him and Timmy. It was the battle of wits with these two and Jason never came out on top, lol. The young boy is just too smart for his own good.
Sam is definitely the heart of the trio. He’s soft and gentle and just down right lovable. I loved him and Jason together. Their relationship was just so damn sweet. Toothache sweet. I’m usually not a fan of that kind of sweet, but lately I find myself enjoying that kind of sweet.
Spirit was a predictable ghost tale, but I didn’t mind. The characters and chaos of the story made up for it. I love a good ghost story and I was not disappointed and fully enjoyed this one. I definitely will be reading this again in the future.
August 21, 2016
Spirit is by far one of my favorite John Inman books so far.
This is just an observation, in no way trying to be mean, but some of John's 'under 30' characters tend to come across as being written by someone from a very different generation. Most of my friends are under 30, varying from extremely femme to very masculine, but some of their interests and ways that John's under 30's think simply don't ring very true for me.
However, I was very pleased that this wasn't the case in this book. Both Jason and Sam came across as spot on for their stated ages and I felt immediate connections with both characters as being genuine.
Plus, Jason and Sam are biological uncles to 4 y.o. Timmy, who's very entertaining. Unlike some stories with kids, Timmy (with his 2 second long 'short attention span theater' thing going on) felt real and not like a plot gimmick, which was great. Nothing gripes my ass more than reading a book when kids are written in as "look at me, look at me, aren't I cute?" little attention whores. No, I don't like that in adults either, so no ageism going on here. ;- )
Not really a spoiler, but I was shocked when no one in the book immediately thought that the ghost could be Timmy's missing-for-3-years father. (Because it was pretty damn obvious.) And who buys a house with basement windows on *4* sides of the house outside, but only *3* walls of basement windows on the inside of the house and doesn't scratch their ass and say, "Hmmm, WTF?" But maybe I'm alone in being observant that way. :- ?
Anyway, feigning cluelessness on several occasions aside, the book was pretty awesome. It was a very nice mix of chasing a 4 year old, watching a budding romance bloom, spooky encounters from beyond the grave and murder mystery. Very entertaining and highly-recommended.
** PS -- If you like Spirit, you would probably like John Inman's book from a few years back, A Hard Winter Rain, which is also set in my hometown of San Diego. We don't get much rain here in SD, but when we do, let me tell you, this book nailed that little experience for me. :- ) I also recommend that book.
March 26, 2014
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one but the blurb intrigued me. What did I get? Fabulous characters, fabulous storyline, fabulous sexual chemistry, and a ghost! A great read from page one. I really liked this story a lot.
July 30, 2017
Gay bachelor and game programmer Jason doesn't mind watching over his 4 year old nephew Timmy while his sister goes on a 4 week vacation with her lover. However, he does mind the kid seemingly talking to a mysterious 'man in the basement'. It doesn't take Jason long to figure out that his house *might* be haunted - and the ghost takes a more and more active approach in communicating with the inhabitants of the house.
When Timmy's other uncle, Sam, (from the father's side, don't worry) shows up, Jason immediately takes a liking to the charming younger guy who treats Timmy with all the love and affection that the boy never received from his jerk of a father who disappeared one day, leaving his wife and baby son behind without another word.
Sam and Jason soon become an item and find themselves key figures in protecting the boy against evil forces threatening to tear their happy new-found rainbow family apart.
I absolutely loved this. I truly think many female authors should take a look at the love scenes between Jason and Sam. They are very, very realistic and well done. I really like seeing gay characters who truly think and feel like genuine gay men. Really impressive!
My only complaint would be the mystery of the story. I felt early on that I knew what was going on in that house and I somehow expected some kind of plot twist to shuffle the cards. But things went pretty straightforward until the end. So don't expect any big surprises there. It *is* what you think it is right when Timmy starts looking through the basement windows. So Jason might seem a bit dense at times, not realizing what is going on right under his nose, LOL.
Still, this story was very well executed and extremely funny at times. I couldn't put it down - and that's what makes a book truly great in my opinion.
5 stars and a favorite!
When Timmy's other uncle, Sam, (from the father's side, don't worry) shows up, Jason immediately takes a liking to the charming younger guy who treats Timmy with all the love and affection that the boy never received from his jerk of a father who disappeared one day, leaving his wife and baby son behind without another word.
Sam and Jason soon become an item and find themselves key figures in protecting the boy against evil forces threatening to tear their happy new-found rainbow family apart.
I absolutely loved this. I truly think many female authors should take a look at the love scenes between Jason and Sam. They are very, very realistic and well done. I really like seeing gay characters who truly think and feel like genuine gay men. Really impressive!
My only complaint would be the mystery of the story. I felt early on that I knew what was going on in that house and I somehow expected some kind of plot twist to shuffle the cards. But things went pretty straightforward until the end. So don't expect any big surprises there. It *is* what you think it is right when Timmy starts looking through the basement windows. So Jason might seem a bit dense at times, not realizing what is going on right under his nose, LOL.
Still, this story was very well executed and extremely funny at times. I couldn't put it down - and that's what makes a book truly great in my opinion.
5 stars and a favorite!
February 14, 2016
**UPDATED FOR AUDIO REVIEW BELOW**
Original review for the book read - - - -
Loved this one. Don't tell the other fictional characters that this may be favorite John Inman story yet.
I love a good ghost story. I love haunted houses. Put those two things together with likable MC’s, a mystery, a charming kid, a geriatric dog, lots of good humor and romance; now, set it in my hometown of San Diego and you have one happy reader right here. Spirit has everything I love about John Inman’s stories, I always find them totally entertaining and I never want to put them down. This one has more mystery and paranormal activity going on, but not so much that the spirit of the romance was lost in the shuffle (see what I did there?).
When I was first introduced to Jason, his sister Sally and his nephew Timmy I was a little surprised that Sally would be leaving her son for 4 weeks. As a mom I was thinking, nooooo way, even if it was with his uncle. As the story progressed though and I got a better picture of Sally it made more sense. Mother of the Year, she ain’t. But, being allegedly abandoned by her husband and left with a newborn I could sympathize a little. She had a chance to get away with her new beau, jackass extraordinaire, Jack, so she took it. Jack doesn’t like Jason and Jason doesn’t like Jack. Having a character to hate, guilt free, is a lot of fun. Jack has no redeeming qualities and I cheered for Jason with every zinger he sent Jack’s way. After Jack and Sally hit the road Timmy and Jason settle into a routine of sorts. As much routine you can get with a 4 year old who isn’t yours, when Sam comes calling. Sam is Paul’s (the allegedly abandoning husband) younger brother. He isn’t totally convinced that Paul took off, Paul wasn’t that kind of guy and he wants to do a little snooping and see if he can get some answers. What Sam doesn’t expect is the attraction to Jason and vice versa.
So, now all three of them are settling into a little routine. Sam is getting to know Timmy and Sam and Jason are doing the sexual chemistry dance. While all of this is going on, strange things are happening at home. The house really doesn’t like it when Sally calls to check in and whatever is in the basement has taken an interest in Timmy. It’s a great mix of mystery, sexy times and funny banter. Reading about kids in books isn’t always my favorite. More often than not the kids are not age appropriate and to me they just become distracting because they are so unrealistic. Timmy though? Timmy is great. Sure, he’s precocious, but he’s also hilarious and read like a little kid. His banter with Jason is gold and I loved their relationship. Not to mention Timmy’s new best friend, Jason’s geriatric dog, Thumper. There really isn’t anything much better than boy and his dog moments and these two are perfect for each other. Thumper may not be able to get around much, or keep up like she would like to, but having Timmy around is giving her a second lease on life and she comforts and protects Timmy so well. It was just too darned heartwarming not to mention.
Jason is a really likable guy and he and Sam have a real connection brewing that is so very sweet and very low angst which I think worked well. They had enough going on in the house and with Timmy without added relationship drama. They discussed their feelings realistically (as realistically as you can in a haunted house) and honestly. I know I’ve said this before, but that is basically what I love best about John Inman’ stories, the MC’s get together earlier than in a lot of books and while they may have a little relationship drama it’s not angst just for the sake of it. I get to see more than just the very beginning of the relationship and I can appreciate them as a couple for a good part of the story we well as individuals.
This may be my favorite John Inman book so far that I’ve read. Saying that, I feel like I’m cheating on all my favorite characters in his other books, but as I’ve said I do love an entertaining ghost story and this is all that and more. I didn’t want to put it down and would highly recommend it.
***********************************************
Audio Review - - - -
I originally read, reviewed and LOVED Spirit by John Inman back in May of 2014
http://boymeetsboyreviews.blogspot.co...
And everything I felt the first time around was reaffirmed in the audio version. From, my like of Jason and Timmy right away, to my distrust of Sally, then my delicious hatred of Jack and most importantly my huge crush on Sam.
This was the first time I listened to any book narrated by John Anthony Davis and I really liked his voice and tone for this story, and especially for Jason and Timmy. He has a deliberate way of speaking and he pulls off Jason’s dry sense of humor and snark perfectly. Plus, he read Timmy so well. Having a kid as a main character, and Timmy has a huge role in Spirit, can make or break a story. Timmy helps make this story as good as it is and John Anthony Davis does him justice. The banter between Jason and Timmy is my second favorite thing about Spirit, next to anything having to do with Sam of course.
My only niggles with the narration had to do with a few mispronunciations that got by editing. It wasn’t anything to major and I can easily let a few go by in a long narration, but a few too many snuck through for me. For instance instead of “rivulets of sweat” I heard “revolts of sweat”. It wasn’t enough to drag me out of the story, but enough to notice. A little extra careful editing would have cleaned those up.
The scenes with The Spirit were balanced well, they weren’t overdone and had just the right level of creepiness and edge to keep me hooked. Listening to Sam speak of his missing brother Paul broke my heart all over again. But, Sam had Jason and I loved listening to the evolution of their relationship. When the sexy times came along I was completely smitten with them both, even more so than in the beginning.
The ending was awesome! More creepiness and tension with a foreboding feeling that permeated the whole scene. They were solving the mystery of The Spirit and while they both KNEW what was coming it didn’t make it any easier. The epilogue rounded out the story and made me terribly happy.
The story overall is still a favorite of mine and while I did have those few editing/production issues, overall I enjoyed the narration of the story. I would definitely listen to John Anthony Davis read to me some more.
Original review for the book read - - - -
Loved this one. Don't tell the other fictional characters that this may be favorite John Inman story yet.
I love a good ghost story. I love haunted houses. Put those two things together with likable MC’s, a mystery, a charming kid, a geriatric dog, lots of good humor and romance; now, set it in my hometown of San Diego and you have one happy reader right here. Spirit has everything I love about John Inman’s stories, I always find them totally entertaining and I never want to put them down. This one has more mystery and paranormal activity going on, but not so much that the spirit of the romance was lost in the shuffle (see what I did there?).
When I was first introduced to Jason, his sister Sally and his nephew Timmy I was a little surprised that Sally would be leaving her son for 4 weeks. As a mom I was thinking, nooooo way, even if it was with his uncle. As the story progressed though and I got a better picture of Sally it made more sense. Mother of the Year, she ain’t. But, being allegedly abandoned by her husband and left with a newborn I could sympathize a little. She had a chance to get away with her new beau, jackass extraordinaire, Jack, so she took it. Jack doesn’t like Jason and Jason doesn’t like Jack. Having a character to hate, guilt free, is a lot of fun. Jack has no redeeming qualities and I cheered for Jason with every zinger he sent Jack’s way. After Jack and Sally hit the road Timmy and Jason settle into a routine of sorts. As much routine you can get with a 4 year old who isn’t yours, when Sam comes calling. Sam is Paul’s (the allegedly abandoning husband) younger brother. He isn’t totally convinced that Paul took off, Paul wasn’t that kind of guy and he wants to do a little snooping and see if he can get some answers. What Sam doesn’t expect is the attraction to Jason and vice versa.
So, now all three of them are settling into a little routine. Sam is getting to know Timmy and Sam and Jason are doing the sexual chemistry dance. While all of this is going on, strange things are happening at home. The house really doesn’t like it when Sally calls to check in and whatever is in the basement has taken an interest in Timmy. It’s a great mix of mystery, sexy times and funny banter. Reading about kids in books isn’t always my favorite. More often than not the kids are not age appropriate and to me they just become distracting because they are so unrealistic. Timmy though? Timmy is great. Sure, he’s precocious, but he’s also hilarious and read like a little kid. His banter with Jason is gold and I loved their relationship. Not to mention Timmy’s new best friend, Jason’s geriatric dog, Thumper. There really isn’t anything much better than boy and his dog moments and these two are perfect for each other. Thumper may not be able to get around much, or keep up like she would like to, but having Timmy around is giving her a second lease on life and she comforts and protects Timmy so well. It was just too darned heartwarming not to mention.
Jason is a really likable guy and he and Sam have a real connection brewing that is so very sweet and very low angst which I think worked well. They had enough going on in the house and with Timmy without added relationship drama. They discussed their feelings realistically (as realistically as you can in a haunted house) and honestly. I know I’ve said this before, but that is basically what I love best about John Inman’ stories, the MC’s get together earlier than in a lot of books and while they may have a little relationship drama it’s not angst just for the sake of it. I get to see more than just the very beginning of the relationship and I can appreciate them as a couple for a good part of the story we well as individuals.
This may be my favorite John Inman book so far that I’ve read. Saying that, I feel like I’m cheating on all my favorite characters in his other books, but as I’ve said I do love an entertaining ghost story and this is all that and more. I didn’t want to put it down and would highly recommend it.
***********************************************
Audio Review - - - -
I originally read, reviewed and LOVED Spirit by John Inman back in May of 2014
http://boymeetsboyreviews.blogspot.co...
And everything I felt the first time around was reaffirmed in the audio version. From, my like of Jason and Timmy right away, to my distrust of Sally, then my delicious hatred of Jack and most importantly my huge crush on Sam.
This was the first time I listened to any book narrated by John Anthony Davis and I really liked his voice and tone for this story, and especially for Jason and Timmy. He has a deliberate way of speaking and he pulls off Jason’s dry sense of humor and snark perfectly. Plus, he read Timmy so well. Having a kid as a main character, and Timmy has a huge role in Spirit, can make or break a story. Timmy helps make this story as good as it is and John Anthony Davis does him justice. The banter between Jason and Timmy is my second favorite thing about Spirit, next to anything having to do with Sam of course.
My only niggles with the narration had to do with a few mispronunciations that got by editing. It wasn’t anything to major and I can easily let a few go by in a long narration, but a few too many snuck through for me. For instance instead of “rivulets of sweat” I heard “revolts of sweat”. It wasn’t enough to drag me out of the story, but enough to notice. A little extra careful editing would have cleaned those up.
The scenes with The Spirit were balanced well, they weren’t overdone and had just the right level of creepiness and edge to keep me hooked. Listening to Sam speak of his missing brother Paul broke my heart all over again. But, Sam had Jason and I loved listening to the evolution of their relationship. When the sexy times came along I was completely smitten with them both, even more so than in the beginning.
The ending was awesome! More creepiness and tension with a foreboding feeling that permeated the whole scene. They were solving the mystery of The Spirit and while they both KNEW what was coming it didn’t make it any easier. The epilogue rounded out the story and made me terribly happy.
The story overall is still a favorite of mine and while I did have those few editing/production issues, overall I enjoyed the narration of the story. I would definitely listen to John Anthony Davis read to me some more.
April 3, 2014
First of all, isn’t this one of the best blurbs ever??!! And the cover? Gorgeous!!
Let me count some of the ways I loved this book:
1. I loved Jason’s voice! It was snappy and quick and snarky. He immediately pulled me in and I didn’t want to stop until the end…then I didn’t want it to end.
2. Thank god there was no baby talk! So yes, Timmy sounded very adult like, but I figured with as chatty as that kid was, baby talk throughout the entire book would have been waaaaaay to exhausting and tedious.
3. It was freakin’ hilarious! I’m serious, I found myself laughing out loud too many times to count. I even had to put my Kindle down a few times because I was laughing so hard…doubled over and clutching my tummy laughing!
4. It was creepy! A perfect book to stay up all night reading…alone…with all the lights out. I dare ya! Even though much of this story is humorous, there’s plenty of hair-raising spookiness.
5. It was suspenseful! I admit the mystery was a bit predictable, but my heart and my brain didn’t want to believe it to be true. Still, there’s plenty of nail-biting scenes.
6. It was sexy! There was so much great tension between Jason and Sam…ohmygod it was yummylicious…on the dinner table. No, it wasn’t overloaded with sex; I felt that all the scenes that made it to the page fit appropriately with the progression of the story.
7. It was sweet! Not sappy sweet, though. Jason and Sam fall for each other pretty fast and there really isn’t any romantic angst at all. Just two sexy guys falling in love during the middle of a pretty intense situation.
Recommended!
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
Let me count some of the ways I loved this book:
1. I loved Jason’s voice! It was snappy and quick and snarky. He immediately pulled me in and I didn’t want to stop until the end…then I didn’t want it to end.
2. Thank god there was no baby talk! So yes, Timmy sounded very adult like, but I figured with as chatty as that kid was, baby talk throughout the entire book would have been waaaaaay to exhausting and tedious.
3. It was freakin’ hilarious! I’m serious, I found myself laughing out loud too many times to count. I even had to put my Kindle down a few times because I was laughing so hard…doubled over and clutching my tummy laughing!
4. It was creepy! A perfect book to stay up all night reading…alone…with all the lights out. I dare ya! Even though much of this story is humorous, there’s plenty of hair-raising spookiness.
5. It was suspenseful! I admit the mystery was a bit predictable, but my heart and my brain didn’t want to believe it to be true. Still, there’s plenty of nail-biting scenes.
6. It was sexy! There was so much great tension between Jason and Sam…ohmygod it was yummylicious…on the dinner table. No, it wasn’t overloaded with sex; I felt that all the scenes that made it to the page fit appropriately with the progression of the story.
7. It was sweet! Not sappy sweet, though. Jason and Sam fall for each other pretty fast and there really isn’t any romantic angst at all. Just two sexy guys falling in love during the middle of a pretty intense situation.
Recommended!
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
March 23, 2014
4.5
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
It had me laughing my butt off before I was even halfway through the first chapter (ALWAYS a good sign!), and steadily continued throughout!
Timmy was a hoot! He's a little 4 yo quick-witted spitfire, who gave his Uncles, Jason and Sam, a run for their money...and then some! (psst, Timmy, I don't like 'Stortion either...lol!)
Although the 'mystery' was sorta easy to figure out early on, it didn't, in any way, diminish my enjoyment of this wonderfully entertaining book.
If you love a good LOL story as much as I do, then you should definitely give John Inman a try. You won't be sorry!
*Highly (and happily) recommended!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
It had me laughing my butt off before I was even halfway through the first chapter (ALWAYS a good sign!), and steadily continued throughout!
Timmy was a hoot! He's a little 4 yo quick-witted spitfire, who gave his Uncles, Jason and Sam, a run for their money...and then some! (psst, Timmy, I don't like 'Stortion either...lol!)
Although the 'mystery' was sorta easy to figure out early on, it didn't, in any way, diminish my enjoyment of this wonderfully entertaining book.
If you love a good LOL story as much as I do, then you should definitely give John Inman a try. You won't be sorry!
*Highly (and happily) recommended!
June 12, 2014
THIS IS A BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY.
*murmurs* now I know what Oasis meant…
Spirit is my first encounter with this author and absolutely will not be the last. This book is funny, witty, charming as all get out, smart, sometimes sexy, definitely pulls on the heart strings, and contains substantial supernatural creepiness. I'm easily spooked and even I enjoyed this to the fullest. However, had I actually been in that house... unh uh, I would've been at the nearest Marriot with a quickness and pleading with a medium to do something. ANYTHING!
Strange things happen when Timmy arrives to stay with Uncle Jason. Timmy, the 4 yr old hurricane as I've affectionately dubbed him, is the star of this dope show. Timmy outwits his uncle, Jason, on more than one occasion and unabashedly hoodwinks his geriatric dog, Thumper. Timmy and Thumper are adorbs. Thumper steadfastly guards her new charge with everything she's got left in her arthritic little body. At one point, she's even sleeping on the table. What a centerpiece! I'm getting off track here. Apologies. So, Timmy comes to spend time with Uncle Jason while his mother and her douchebag boyfriend go on vacation. Jason lives in his sister's former abode and upon Timmy's arrival a spirit makes itself known in some bizarre ways. Timmy's estranged Uncle Sam *snort* happens to arrive around the same time and may have an ulterior motive. But the important topic on deck is who is this spirit and why is he/she/it making itself known now? That is the question.
The adventure to find the answer was gripping and kept me on the edge of my seat. Spirit wrapped me around its little finger and that noose just kept getting tighter the further I got into it. There are several clues along the way about the spirit, what probably happened and who it may be, but it's no less heartbreaking as the mystery unfolds. Well, maybe not heartbreaking so much as bittersweet. There are some decisions that get made regarding Timmy's involvement in this adventure that gave me pause, but I honestly can't say I wouldn't have done the same.
Highly recommend Spirit. Some of the banter between these characters is comedy gold. There are zero editing issues. It's just good. Really good.
I would like to thank DSP for providing me with a review copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.
Reviewed for
June 2, 2016
This was a sweet, sexy and romantic story..I loved the voice of Jason and his nephew Timmy. Jason's sister goes on vacation for a few weeks and Jason is babysitting his nephew.Timmy was funny and a little too smart for my liking. But I had quite a few giggles from the bantering between these guys.
During the stay we meet Sam. Sam is Timmy's uncle of his father's side, Paul. Paul miraculously disappeared a few years before. Sam hasn't seen Timmy a long time and wants to really get to know him. Jason and his dog Thumper have been living in Timmy's old home. Strange things begin to happen in Jason's home....
Is the house haunted?
Screaming cell-phones and cartoon characters speaking to them through the television.
"What's up, Doc". the rabbit asked. But there was no humor on the face. The eyes were cold, the voice almost an accusation. Bugs stared from me to Sam, then back again.
"Keep the boy safe", he said.
The ghost-mystery story was a bit predictable but I didn't care.. I loved the smexy times between Jason and Sam.
Loved the ending
May 24, 2014
This author clearly knows how to turn a phrase. There are some excellent lines in this book, both the very right (When the 4-year-old is playing at being a dog... "Is he normal?" she asked. I smiled and said, "Define normal.") And the laugh-out-loud funny of a young man trying in a relaxed way to parent a small boy. "Don't lick the dog," I said..."
There is a bit of an uneasy balance though. On the one hand we have the humor of a small, irrepressible and precocious boy, left with two men who are rapidly falling for each other, and a haunted house. On the other we have a child whose father deserted his mother without warning, and completely out of character, a young guy whose beloved older brother is missing, plus murder, rage and danger. If the ghost in the house hadn't been so tied into personal pain, I think it would have worked better. As it was the love story, the humor, and the deeply personal mystery, battled each other for the right tone. The humor won, more often than not. And while I enjoyed that, I think there were times when I was distanced, thinking that it made the adult characters seem painfully shallow.
So over all, a fun read, but not one to take too seriously on either the romance or the mystery front. I will definitely pick up this author again, though, when I need a lighthearted break from other reading.
There is a bit of an uneasy balance though. On the one hand we have the humor of a small, irrepressible and precocious boy, left with two men who are rapidly falling for each other, and a haunted house. On the other we have a child whose father deserted his mother without warning, and completely out of character, a young guy whose beloved older brother is missing, plus murder, rage and danger. If the ghost in the house hadn't been so tied into personal pain, I think it would have worked better. As it was the love story, the humor, and the deeply personal mystery, battled each other for the right tone. The humor won, more often than not. And while I enjoyed that, I think there were times when I was distanced, thinking that it made the adult characters seem painfully shallow.
So over all, a fun read, but not one to take too seriously on either the romance or the mystery front. I will definitely pick up this author again, though, when I need a lighthearted break from other reading.
May 14, 2014
So, this is a sexy, funny, romantic ghost story. What more do you want?
August 13, 2014
Awesome buddy read!
I love John Inman books. I've read some, and I loved them all! Spirit is absolutely brilliant!
It's a ghost story... yes, there is a ghost! It's a love story... that's right, there is love, a beautiful and wonderful love... And it's a family book... what a magnificent family there is!
Jason is babysitting his four years old nephew, Timmy, while his sister is on vacation! He is not expecting a handsome visitor, but when he meets Sam, Timmy's uncle and brother of Timmy's father, his heart will belong to Sam forever! They have a fabulous relationship, taking care of their nephew. Timmy is energetic like every little boy, but is also so intelligent, smart and funny! Sam's purpose, however, is not only to meet his nephew, is also to unravel the mystery surrounding his brother disappearance. What they discover is a terrible truth that will change their life completely!
I couldn't stop reading this spooky story, even when I wanted to close my eyes and not imagine what I was reading... But this book is awesome and I walked over my fears and read it almost non-stop! (I will, probably, have nightmares with ghosts and spirits, but it is worth it)
This book has some scary parts, but is funny, intelligent and lovely! The relationship between uncles and nephew is adorable! Jason and Sam share a chemistry that I will never forget! The mystery is not that difficult to solve, but is very captivating nevertheless! One more book that I will read again!
I love John Inman books. I've read some, and I loved them all! Spirit is absolutely brilliant!
It's a ghost story... yes, there is a ghost! It's a love story... that's right, there is love, a beautiful and wonderful love... And it's a family book... what a magnificent family there is!
Jason is babysitting his four years old nephew, Timmy, while his sister is on vacation! He is not expecting a handsome visitor, but when he meets Sam, Timmy's uncle and brother of Timmy's father, his heart will belong to Sam forever! They have a fabulous relationship, taking care of their nephew. Timmy is energetic like every little boy, but is also so intelligent, smart and funny! Sam's purpose, however, is not only to meet his nephew, is also to unravel the mystery surrounding his brother disappearance. What they discover is a terrible truth that will change their life completely!
I couldn't stop reading this spooky story, even when I wanted to close my eyes and not imagine what I was reading... But this book is awesome and I walked over my fears and read it almost non-stop! (I will, probably, have nightmares with ghosts and spirits, but it is worth it)
This book has some scary parts, but is funny, intelligent and lovely! The relationship between uncles and nephew is adorable! Jason and Sam share a chemistry that I will never forget! The mystery is not that difficult to solve, but is very captivating nevertheless! One more book that I will read again!
April 10, 2014
Full review can be found at
I love books with kids in them, and in Spirit we have Timmy. I love humor. I started giggling on the first page and didn't stop until I got to the end. I'm a sucker for a good romance and we have that with Jason and Sam. If it has a ghost and a bit of mystery, I'm so there. It's hard finding a book that has all of that in it, so I really lucked out with Spirit. The fact that John Inman wrote it makes it that much better.
Timmy is staying with his Uncle Jason while his mother is gone on a four week vacation with herloser boyfriend. It doesn't take long after Timmy's arrival before weird things start happening at Jason's house. Throw in a surprise visit by Timmy's Uncle Sam (Timmy's father's brother) and a ghost in the basement, and things really start to get interesting.
If you can read about Timmy's antics and not laugh out loud, you don't have a sense of humor. He is a rambunctious bundle of energy who keeps his uncles on their toes.
Then there is the ghost, who only wants his story known.
If you're already a fan of John Inman's writing, you will love this. If you haven't read him yet, I highly recommend this.
A very entertaining read.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I love books with kids in them, and in Spirit we have Timmy. I love humor. I started giggling on the first page and didn't stop until I got to the end. I'm a sucker for a good romance and we have that with Jason and Sam. If it has a ghost and a bit of mystery, I'm so there. It's hard finding a book that has all of that in it, so I really lucked out with Spirit. The fact that John Inman wrote it makes it that much better.
Timmy is staying with his Uncle Jason while his mother is gone on a four week vacation with her
If you can read about Timmy's antics and not laugh out loud, you don't have a sense of humor. He is a rambunctious bundle of energy who keeps his uncles on their toes.
Then there is the ghost, who only wants his story known.
If you're already a fan of John Inman's writing, you will love this. If you haven't read him yet, I highly recommend this.
A very entertaining read.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 30, 2014
This was excellent and a real treat.
So far it is the best book of 2014 for me. I really like this author's stories but this one out does the others I have read.
The story has a good romance, suspense, mystery, hauntings and an adorable child and a dog. The author has brought all these elements together and created a gripping story that is both funny and serious, and held my attention to the end.
A fab story which will stay with me as one of my favourite m/m books.
So far it is the best book of 2014 for me. I really like this author's stories but this one out does the others I have read.
The story has a good romance, suspense, mystery, hauntings and an adorable child and a dog. The author has brought all these elements together and created a gripping story that is both funny and serious, and held my attention to the end.
A fab story which will stay with me as one of my favourite m/m books.
March 17, 2014
Not the normal type of book I give five stars to but a great read nonetheless. The characters are funny and endearing. The nephew a complete laugh a minute and I'm glad he's not mine to chase after and keep up with. The main characters had a wonderful sense of right and wrong and making lemonade out of lemons.. If you're in the mood for a sweet, paranormal suspense with a lot of gig,Es, you will enjoy this book. It came along right when I needed some giggles. Highly recommended!
March 21, 2014
Wow... What a ride!
It's sooo funny but most of all, this book is scary! Damn... I loved it but cant reread it now... My poor heart can't deal with that amount of suspense again so soon.
5 solid stars! Loved it :)
It's sooo funny but most of all, this book is scary! Damn... I loved it but cant reread it now... My poor heart can't deal with that amount of suspense again so soon.
5 solid stars! Loved it :)
January 18, 2015
Loved. Loved. Loved.
Twist
Sexy, funny and romantic
Don't want to give any spoilers ... If you're in the mood for a sweet, paranormal mystery with a lot of giggles you will enjoy this book.
Loved.
Recommended.
Enjoyed with Isabel and Barbara
“See?” he said, still dangling down my back like a feather boa. “Told ya. Ghost.”
Twist
Sexy, funny and romantic
"I lifted my head and tried to kiss the tears away, stop them in their tracks. “Never,” I said. “I’ll never stop loving you. No matter what happens."
Don't want to give any spoilers ... If you're in the mood for a sweet, paranormal mystery with a lot of giggles you will enjoy this book.
Loved.
Recommended.
Enjoyed with Isabel and Barbara
September 12, 2014
Story: predictable, unfortunately. It was pretty easy to see what was what... and who was who.
A little laughable at points, it took me out of the read.
I do like the characters and their collective hearts, even if some of their actions and reactions didn't make a lick of sense. Timmy is one of a kind, Sam is the smart one (probably the most fully formed of all of them) and Jason is a bit of an idiot, but wonderfully snarky and very loving. It takes a lot for him to think badly of someone, which isn't a bad thing.
Most of the stars are for the writing, which is strong. The story, not so much.
Fun humor and some good tension at the end. But then that epilogue. Kinda highlights all of the not so good.
A little laughable at points, it took me out of the read.
I do like the characters and their collective hearts, even if some of their actions and reactions didn't make a lick of sense. Timmy is one of a kind, Sam is the smart one (probably the most fully formed of all of them) and Jason is a bit of an idiot, but wonderfully snarky and very loving. It takes a lot for him to think badly of someone, which isn't a bad thing.
Most of the stars are for the writing, which is strong. The story, not so much.
Fun humor and some good tension at the end. But then that epilogue. Kinda highlights all of the not so good.
August 5, 2014
A very enjoyable read, with a very funny and well sketched main character and a lot of hilarious moments.
Although the plot is a bit predictable and the presence of a very gross kid* almost killed all the hot sexual scenes, I highly recommend it as a nice funny and slightly creepy read.
*I'm kidding, the kid is adorable. Gross, but adorable.
"I like being around you. I dig the hell out of having sex with you. I get a funny feeling inside when I think of you.”
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