Spirited

Treasured #4

by Cari Z.

Detective Andrea Haney is tracking down the manufacturers of a new drug, fairy dust, that is dangerously toxic and killing an alarming number of users. After three months of difficult investigations she’s disgusted to learn that her superiors have brought her former partner and lover, Darren O’Connel, in to help with the case. The drug has a magical component that makes it very difficult to preserve, and Darren’s magical abilities lend themselves to the task. They had parted five years earlier under painful circumstances, and while he seems eager to get back in her good graces, she’s not sure she can trust him.

After a rocky start Andrea begins to care for him again, but the case is going badly. The drug is difficult to track and more people are dying, so Andrea and Darren resort to desperate measures. Andrea can push her spirit from her body and track almost anyone in that form, but it’s a dangerous procedure. Darren convinces her to try, and swears he can keep her body safe from damage while she tracks down the sorcerer behind it all. Can she trust him to keep his word? Can she trust herself to put her life in his hands?

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Contemporary, LGBT, M M Romance

Nook

First published August 6, 2009

About the author

Cari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.

Reviews

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story full of action, suspense and learning to love again!

Wow! For something short the author packed full with great characters, magic and two men moving back to love again! Fast paced and snarky at times! I loved it!

[Maygirl7]

What even was that?

Normally I quite enjoy Cari Z’s stories and writing, but that didn’t even seem like she wrote it.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two side characters who finally received their own story.

Jack and Garrick weren't as riveting as the previous books in the series but it was a still a good read. Perhaps they would have benefited better from a longer story.

Full of magic, intrigue and fantasy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and Betrayal... And Love Again ? . . .

Detective Jack Haney saw a blue orchid growing out of his coffee cup and furiously stormed down the hall to argue with his supervisor, Paul Myers. Jack is working a case to track the source of a dangerous toxic hallucinogen named Dream, manufactured by magic. The drug dissolved into thin air as soon as the detectives touched it, magically reading the user’s intent for the drug and making it disappear as evidence. And if you “bought” it and didn’t use it within 10 minutes, again it would disappear.

Just as he is closing in, he sees that Garrick O’Connell, his former lover and partner, is being assigned to back him up due to his magical strengths. The commissioner insisted on it. Garrick’s grandstanding had led to the incident that broke them up where he captured a troll convict while Jack literally drowned in the swamp… until he finally remembered he was there. He trivialized the incident saying he knew he could bring Jack back, it was a simple enough trick, he would never have let him die, would always be there to “save the day”... except he had let Jack actually die. Though it was only seconds, to Jack’s mind it was an eternity. Jack no longer trusts Garrick and doesn’t want him back in his life, no matter how much he longs for him.

But when Paul and his wife have a get-together, Garrick is unexpectedly there with his sister who works with Paul’s wife, Moira. Having angrily told Garrick all the things he hated him for, Jack was ready to apologize and the two were at least on good speaking terms. When Garrick asked Jack if he was familiar with the dangerous tracking by blood, Garrick offered to get a blood sample from a dealer that Jack’s spiritual form could track. Garrick swore he would keep him safe in this vulnerable situation. If this failed, they would lose jurisdiction to the Feds and it would be a black-eye to the department – and their funding would be cut. But would Jack agree to it? Could he put himself at risk like that where his life was again in Garrick’s hands?

The writing here is so terrific, pulling the reader deeply into the story and emotions of the characters. It felt wonderful to see them make moves toward maybe getting back together. Then the life-threatening situation came up, and Jack had to be concerned about trusting Garrick. How would he decide? Could they crack the case, saving many lives? Or would Garrick let Jack down once again?

[UltraMeital · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts are a bit jumbled. I liked this one but I can't say I loved it. It was action packed which was great, moving the plot and allowing the two MCs to work together and through that work their own issues with one another. The magical part was pretty cool! Each on his own as well as when they finally joined forces near the end.

Detective Jack Haney is working a case and he isn't getting closer to solving it. There's a new drug on the market and since there's magic involved, it's almost impossible to track. That's where Garrick O'Connel - his former partner and lover comes in. They are assigned together AGAIN to try and catch the sorcerer who is making and distributing the drug.

Jack says he hates Garrick for the way their relationship ended 5 years ago. He says there's a fine line between love and hate. But truth being told it's obvious he's just not over Garrick. He still loves him and he is upset with himself that one look at the guy and he can't handle himself and the emotions he awakens in him. From Garrick's actions it's obvious he never stopped loving Jack, it was Jack who was unable to forgive him and thus Garrick simply couldn't forgive himself. Working together allowed them to re-build the trust they lost.

My main complaint about this one was Jack being TOO emotional. Even if he was a woman I would have thought the same. Why I'm saying that? Because it seems the first edition of this novella was a M/F (Jack being called Andrea). I'm not sure how much of the story was changed but his emotions were simply ALL OVER THE PLACE going from hate -> anger -> frustration -> hurt -> love in a whirlwind I was lost in. Garrick made one HELL of a mistake, I'll give him that. He deserved Jack's anger and hurt but Jack should have dealt with the whole thing better (and sooner).

All of that being said, I DID enjoy this one as we basically get everything in not so many pages - drama and action as well as a sweet rekindling of a not so old flame.

More Reviews HERE

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, first things first: this book is pretty great on several really important levels. World building: awesome. Magic? Yes. Magical law enforcement with a tough case to solve, plus cops and villains with pretty awesome magical talents. You’re not going to look at flowers quite the same way again, is all I’m saying. Character development: on point. Jack is complicated and driven and a ball of noble intentions and hurt feelings. Garrick has the smoldering aura of power and mystery plus what’s clearly some deeply felt angst and remorse. That said, I do have one bone to pick with this story: if you look at the plot arc carefully, it’s not really the redemption narrative it seems to be (I’m going to be vague, because spoilers are the worst) but...Garrick did something to Jack in the past that caused a lot of trauma and ended their relationship. And then he does EXACTLY the same thing in the present, only it takes more of his magic to “fix” it, and this is somehow growth? The man seriously has the exact same blindspots and Jack pays for it in the exact same way, but this time is different because... Jack is resigned to it this time? Garrick is extra extra sorry? Like love is worth it, even if this dude will literally imperil your life on a regular basis? I can’t say I get it. Still, it’s an engrossing, enjoyable read, especially if you don’t think too hard about Garrick’s priorities.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Jack and Garrick who are side characters from the other books in this series. Second chance love is not one of my favorite tropes but I do love Cari Z’s writing and have been enjoying this series so I gave it a try and really enjoyed it. The back and forth between the two main characters is fun and I love the idea of this designer drug that is magical and therefore hard to capture as are the people who sell it. This seems especially topical as so many new mind altering drugs are being sold lately and the sellers don’t seem to care what the drugs do to people even if it goes so far as to kill their customers. I enjoy a book that while fun to read also brings up points for you to think about without feeling like they have to hit you over the head with it. A terrific read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

3.5 stars

This is a different couple than the previous books in the series, but set in the same world.
Was the story interesting?...yes. Was it as good as the previous 3 books in the series?...not to me.

Although I liked Jack, I didn't feel like I got enough of Garrick to really get a good feel for him. I thought the case they were working was different and unique. I thought there was a good base to the world-building, but the story is so short there just wasn't enough depth. I really think this story just needed a bit more to completely round it out. I was really drawn into the story. I'm hoping we'll get to visit this world again.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book in the Treasured series follows a different couple than the first three books. Daniel and Rhys are a hard act to follow, and Jack and Garrick weren't quite as compelling to me. However, I did still enjoy this book. It's a mix of magic, fantasy, and urban fantasy as Detective Jack Haney tries to track down the source of a dangerous new drug. His former partner and lover is brought in to help, but can Jack trust him with his life...and love. I liked the plot-line. There is action, suspense, danger, and magic. I like the Treasured world and hope there will be more stories to come.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novelette has the potential to grow into a full-fledged novel with some revisions (and additions, obviously). I think that would really improve everyone's opinions of it. The couple's story this time around is so truncated that you really don't spend enough time developing any feelings towards either character or towards their relationship. It almost felt like the author wanted to make a prequel about this couple's story for a second trilogy in the same world, but then decided to make this a bonus novelette instead. I enjoyed reading this, but definitely wish the author had written a lot more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Jack and Garrick were an item before but parted ways. Jack is working a case of stopping a magic drug and Garrick is brought in to help him. During the case, they bury the past but solving the case almost costs them both. However Garrick manages to save the day and Jack. Their relationship becomes stronger for the turmoil faced. The investigation was very interesting to read.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Jack and Garrick's story was enchanting, for two men apart for 5 years to have a second chance to get it right this time. I wish it had been longer, but I still enjoyed it. Recommend reading.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I've read about them in another book, perhaps there's an expanded version of this story. I'm not sure that the forgiveness was earned, but they are sweet together.