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Fieldwork
Agent Ignacio Ritter is happy serving the CXO, the Central Xenomorph Organization, from the safety of his desk. He has good reasons for avoiding field work like the his parents died in the field, leaving him to be raised among wolf-shifters. Because of his adopted family, everyone thinks he is a wolf, a lie that protects him from the ridicule he'd face if he revealed the truth.
When the charming and dangerous tiger-shifter Agent Reed Daily chooses Ignacio to help close the book on a gang threatening to tear Chicago apart, Ignacio can’t refuse. Perhaps it’s the chance to avenge his parents, or perhaps it’s the tight fit of Reed’s suit and heat Reed's smile ignites in Ignacio. When the chips are down and whole city's depending on him, will Ignacio prove himself man or ...
When the charming and dangerous tiger-shifter Agent Reed Daily chooses Ignacio to help close the book on a gang threatening to tear Chicago apart, Ignacio can’t refuse. Perhaps it’s the chance to avenge his parents, or perhaps it’s the tight fit of Reed’s suit and heat Reed's smile ignites in Ignacio. When the chips are down and whole city's depending on him, will Ignacio prove himself man or ...
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2016
27 people want to read
About the author
Charles Payseur
76 books134 followersCharles Payseur is an avid reader, writer, and reviewer of speculative fiction. His works have appeared in The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy, Lightspeed Magazine, and Beneath Ceaseless Skies, among others, and many are included in his debut collection, The Burning Day and Other Strange Stories (Lethe Press 2021). He is the series editor of We’re Here: The Best Queer Speculative Fiction (Neon Hemlock Press) and a multiple-time Hugo and Ignyte Award finalist for his work at Quick Sip Reviews. When not drunkenly discussing Goosebumps, X-Men comic books, and his cats on his Patreon (/quicksipreviews) and Twitter (@ClowderofTwo), he can probably found raising a beer with his husband, Matt, in their home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 17, 2016
Whenever some super-secret organization fighting for the good of anyone who is an underdog is mentioned, I sit up straight. Make it a paranormal or otherwise nonhuman group and I become all ears, leaning forward in my seat to make sure I don’t miss anything. So ‘Fieldwork’ pretty much had me at “CXO” – the Central Xenomorph Organization. Then there is Agent Ignacio who insists on doing a desk job and not just because he is great at tracking financial transactions – he keeps the kind of shifter he is top secret. Then pair him with the CXO’s most dangerous, successful, and utterly charming Agent Reed, a tiger shifter who is merciless in his dealings with terrorists and criminals, and you had me hooked before I read the first sentence of the story.
Ignacio lost his parents to the same criminals he is now helping to bring to justice. The one thing he refuses to do is fieldwork – his parents died during an assignment in the field, and Ignacio believes, due to the type of shifter he is, that he is not suited to working anywhere but in the safety of his office. So when he gets paired up with Reed by a boss who knows his issues, Ignacio is in shock. But his quiet courage, determination to overcome his fears, and mind-boggling ability to save the entire mission prove that appearances are not always the sole deciding factor in someone’s choice of profession.
Reed is self-confident to the point of arrogance, a top agent, and always works alone. His record is the stuff of legends, and he has the attitude to match. But in this case he needs Ignacio’s help –financial transactions and “computer stuff” are not in his arsenal of talents. He respects Ignacio not just because he thinks his fellow agent is a wolf, but when Ignacio has to reveal what his shifter animal is, Ignacio proves he is a bigger man than his somewhat shallow reputation led me to suspect. Absolutely perfect!
It is fair to say that my expectations were pretty high, but Charles Payseur managed to exceed them by far. The combination of a somewhat shy agent with one who could not be more outgoing is very well done, and not just based on Ignacio and Reed’s personalities. The way they think, the secrets they keep, and how they work together all add to the atmosphere of the story. The initial mystery around what Ignacio shifts into, if not a wolf, keeps up the tension until the second it is revealed – only to have the entire mission succeed based on Ignacio’s shifter nature. Very well played indeed!
If you like stories about secret agents and their missions, if you think that two men who could not be more different might just be perfect partners on and off the job, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining, full of mystery, suspenseful, and touching, then you will probably love this short story as much as I do. All I can say: more Ignacio and Reed, pretty please!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Ignacio lost his parents to the same criminals he is now helping to bring to justice. The one thing he refuses to do is fieldwork – his parents died during an assignment in the field, and Ignacio believes, due to the type of shifter he is, that he is not suited to working anywhere but in the safety of his office. So when he gets paired up with Reed by a boss who knows his issues, Ignacio is in shock. But his quiet courage, determination to overcome his fears, and mind-boggling ability to save the entire mission prove that appearances are not always the sole deciding factor in someone’s choice of profession.
Reed is self-confident to the point of arrogance, a top agent, and always works alone. His record is the stuff of legends, and he has the attitude to match. But in this case he needs Ignacio’s help –financial transactions and “computer stuff” are not in his arsenal of talents. He respects Ignacio not just because he thinks his fellow agent is a wolf, but when Ignacio has to reveal what his shifter animal is, Ignacio proves he is a bigger man than his somewhat shallow reputation led me to suspect. Absolutely perfect!
It is fair to say that my expectations were pretty high, but Charles Payseur managed to exceed them by far. The combination of a somewhat shy agent with one who could not be more outgoing is very well done, and not just based on Ignacio and Reed’s personalities. The way they think, the secrets they keep, and how they work together all add to the atmosphere of the story. The initial mystery around what Ignacio shifts into, if not a wolf, keeps up the tension until the second it is revealed – only to have the entire mission succeed based on Ignacio’s shifter nature. Very well played indeed!
If you like stories about secret agents and their missions, if you think that two men who could not be more different might just be perfect partners on and off the job, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining, full of mystery, suspenseful, and touching, then you will probably love this short story as much as I do. All I can say: more Ignacio and Reed, pretty please!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
April 27, 2023
The description for 'Fieldwork' had me intrigued. I love urban fantasy and throw shifters in and I'm practically ecstatic. The thought of a shifter group, the Central Xenomorph Organization no less, had me excited to see what kind of world building the author was going to surprise me with.
Ignacio doesn't do fieldwork. End of discussion. He's a happy little desk jockey and he'd like to stay that way. Fieldwork is dangerous. It gets people killed. It got his parents killed which is why he was raised in a wolf pack by his godmother after he was orphaned. He's never told anyone at CXO that he's not a wolf and he is terrified to have to take this assignment. Then he meets Reed, a gorgeous tiger shifter and the star of the ops division. Reed is a one-man, err tiger, killing machine who takes assignments alone and comes back with not a scratch and a trail of bodies behind him. Gulp.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Ignacio doesn't do fieldwork. End of discussion. He's a happy little desk jockey and he'd like to stay that way. Fieldwork is dangerous. It gets people killed. It got his parents killed which is why he was raised in a wolf pack by his godmother after he was orphaned. He's never told anyone at CXO that he's not a wolf and he is terrified to have to take this assignment. Then he meets Reed, a gorgeous tiger shifter and the star of the ops division. Reed is a one-man, err tiger, killing machine who takes assignments alone and comes back with not a scratch and a trail of bodies behind him. Gulp.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
June 12, 2016
'...Ignacio felt an overwhelming danger he didn't want to run from, that he wanted to embrace...'
Hands up, this short shifter story is completely adorable. Agent Ignacio Ritter is more than dubious as to whether his talents or nerves are suited to working in the field. The organization CXO, Central Xenomorph Organization has other ideas, and Ignacio finds himself partnered with Tiger shifter Reed Daily, who seems keen to know both man and shifter on a much more personal level. Ignacio likes that most people assume he is a wolf, although Reed seems to be able to sniff out the differences.
This and other Shifter Stories reviews on Sunday Funday at Boy Meets Boy Reviews
A Walk on the Wild Side Anthology was provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Hands up, this short shifter story is completely adorable. Agent Ignacio Ritter is more than dubious as to whether his talents or nerves are suited to working in the field. The organization CXO, Central Xenomorph Organization has other ideas, and Ignacio finds himself partnered with Tiger shifter Reed Daily, who seems keen to know both man and shifter on a much more personal level. Ignacio likes that most people assume he is a wolf, although Reed seems to be able to sniff out the differences.
This and other Shifter Stories reviews on Sunday Funday at Boy Meets Boy Reviews
A Walk on the Wild Side Anthology was provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2016
I really liked the flavor of this story. (full review and comments)
Overall, this was an enjoyable, quick jaunt into the life of an accountant with a “shameful” secret being drawn out into dangerous but important situation and exposed to a big, tough, and interesting man. I’m a sucker for the shy, quiet protagonist being drawn out by more agresssive characters around them, and this aspect of the story worked very well for me. As a reserved anti-hero, Nacho was not too passive, but for me had a nice balance of awkwardness with a reason or two to stand forth. Reed was not very complex, but a pleasantly tantalizing and accepting foil for the more introverted protagonist. The Chicago mob theme added an interesting flavor, with a shifter twist, but was mostly dressing for Nacho’s personal struggle and story.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, quick jaunt into the life of an accountant with a “shameful” secret being drawn out into dangerous but important situation and exposed to a big, tough, and interesting man. I’m a sucker for the shy, quiet protagonist being drawn out by more agresssive characters around them, and this aspect of the story worked very well for me. As a reserved anti-hero, Nacho was not too passive, but for me had a nice balance of awkwardness with a reason or two to stand forth. Reed was not very complex, but a pleasantly tantalizing and accepting foil for the more introverted protagonist. The Chicago mob theme added an interesting flavor, with a shifter twist, but was mostly dressing for Nacho’s personal struggle and story.
August 17, 2019
A nice short story.
July 10, 2016
Ignacio “Nacho” Ritter is a government worker for a shifter organization. He’s a desk jockey and he likes it that way. His expertise is spread sheets and finances, so when a mob like situation arises he’s called out to work “in the field” and he’s terrified to do so. Everyone thinks he’s a wolf shifter – but he isn’t – he was only adopted by wolf shifters and it’s been easier to let the lie remain in place than tell the truth.
When Reed, another agent assigned to the case shows he’s interested in Ignacio, he can’t keep the secret to himself any longer or risk leaving his new found love interest in danger.
**
This was a fairly interesting, but very short story. It didn’t feel quite as fleshed out as some of the others in the collection, but it did have an interesting twist.
The romance took a back seat to Ignacio’s own growth, but it was still a guiding force.
It was fun, an enjoyable read.
3.5 of 5 stars
When Reed, another agent assigned to the case shows he’s interested in Ignacio, he can’t keep the secret to himself any longer or risk leaving his new found love interest in danger.
**
This was a fairly interesting, but very short story. It didn’t feel quite as fleshed out as some of the others in the collection, but it did have an interesting twist.
The romance took a back seat to Ignacio’s own growth, but it was still a guiding force.
It was fun, an enjoyable read.
3.5 of 5 stars
January 5, 2017
I enjoyed this story of the mouse letting everyone believe he's a wolf. Ignacio's parents were killed on the job and he's been raised by wolves. Everyone assumes he's a wolf and he's happy to let that be the case and work his desk job where he's safe. Then his finance skills end up bringing him to the attention of the agents and he's pegged to work with tiger-shifter Reed to figure out where the gang is getting their money. He finally agrees and is forced to reveal himself to save them when it all goes haywire. I enjoyed the stress Ignacio had in hiding his true self. He didn't really hide, he just never said and if people assumed, not his problem. I could understand his reluctance to get involved in anything more than behind the scenes and I thought Reed could have come off as a cocky asshole (at first it seems that way) but he was a pretty decent guy. So on the whole one of the ones in this packet I read that I enjoyed the most.
June 27, 2016
What a crazy wild ride this story is. To see Ignacio use what he's always thought of as his "disability" be thing thing that solves the day. I like the it isn't just his shifting that is part of solving the problem but that he is also allowed to show us his brain. Reed is also more than just muscle and he is sure a quick thinker when he needs to be. I really enjoyed this little story.
June 5, 2016
I really liked this story :D
It would also be great to read more about the world, the MC's and the others :D I want to meet Mama Tasha and the brother! XD
So: More please? ^_^
It would also be great to read more about the world, the MC's and the others :D I want to meet Mama Tasha and the brother! XD
So: More please? ^_^
December 3, 2017
Reviewed on The Blogger Girls
Ignacio Ritter is content with his life and his job behind a desk for the Central Xenomorph Organization, CXO, because that means no one can find out his secret. He’s never wanted to do fieldwork so when he gets an assignment to go out into the field, he’s absolutely terrified. Then he meets Agent Reed Daily who sparks all kinds of feelings inside him and convinces him he can get revenge for his parents if he does this one assignment. Will he be able to withstand the pressure of being a field agent and possibly letting out the one secret he’s managed to keep from his coworkers?
This was such a cute story! I loved that Ignacio was so scared of people finding out he was a mouse instead of a wolf. Poor guy was so afraid of doing fieldwork because of that reason! But I really enjoyed how broken up he was about it and I loved the chemistry between Reed and Ignacio. I just wished the story had been a little longer! I would have liked for Reed and Ignacio to actually get to know each other because they’re still virtual strangers.
In the end, this was a totally cute story. I absolutely loved it and the world this author created. Ignacio and Reed were such great characters but I also adored the secondary characters. I hope this isn’t the last wee see of them because I want more, dammit!
Ignacio Ritter is content with his life and his job behind a desk for the Central Xenomorph Organization, CXO, because that means no one can find out his secret. He’s never wanted to do fieldwork so when he gets an assignment to go out into the field, he’s absolutely terrified. Then he meets Agent Reed Daily who sparks all kinds of feelings inside him and convinces him he can get revenge for his parents if he does this one assignment. Will he be able to withstand the pressure of being a field agent and possibly letting out the one secret he’s managed to keep from his coworkers?
This was such a cute story! I loved that Ignacio was so scared of people finding out he was a mouse instead of a wolf. Poor guy was so afraid of doing fieldwork because of that reason! But I really enjoyed how broken up he was about it and I loved the chemistry between Reed and Ignacio. I just wished the story had been a little longer! I would have liked for Reed and Ignacio to actually get to know each other because they’re still virtual strangers.
In the end, this was a totally cute story. I absolutely loved it and the world this author created. Ignacio and Reed were such great characters but I also adored the secondary characters. I hope this isn’t the last wee see of them because I want more, dammit!
October 14, 2017
This was a nice little peek of a short story. Set up in a world where shifters are known and have their own government organization, they have also had their own criminal organizations. Ignacio is a mouse shifter that works for the CXO, the shifters government agency, but with his parents having died in fieldwork he is too afraid to ever do that himself. However with The Pack making a move towards criminal enterprise again, Ignacio's particular work makes him vital to investigate their finances in the field. Fieldwork superstar, Reed, a tiger shifter, has been assigned to work with Ignacio. A great agent, Ignacio is afraid that working with Reed will bring him out to his worst fear; fieldwork and the reveal that he is a mouse amongst wolves.
While Ignacio is nervous around Reed, Reed himself is laid back and very kind. There is genuine interest in between the two of them which encourages Ignacio to relax a bit himself and bring up the courage to work out in the field. They also work together well making them a great team and sparking interest together for the future.
While Ignacio is nervous around Reed, Reed himself is laid back and very kind. There is genuine interest in between the two of them which encourages Ignacio to relax a bit himself and bring up the courage to work out in the field. They also work together well making them a great team and sparking interest together for the future.
February 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. Ignacio's character was very relatable and I didn't expect his shifter form (), and I love that Reed is big and buff but gentle and doesn't crowd Ignacio.
The action part was a bit rushed but of course the text is only 10k, so we see only one part of the operation and not a whole investigation from start to finish, which is just as well, I didn't feel like reading an overly complicate plot.
The use of "xenomorph" for "shifter" made me cackle though because my brain definitely didn't picture "werewolves" when I read "xenomorphs" xD
The action part was a bit rushed but of course the text is only 10k, so we see only one part of the operation and not a whole investigation from start to finish, which is just as well, I didn't feel like reading an overly complicate plot.
The use of "xenomorph" for "shifter" made me cackle though because my brain definitely didn't picture "werewolves" when I read "xenomorphs" xD
July 31, 2019
So ridiculously, adorably cute and sweet. Would love to see more of these characters. Payseur never disappoints!
August 20, 2024
Very enjoyable shifter romance.
June 6, 2016
3 Hearts
This was a cute, short shifter story. There was nothing super intriguing about this story. I thought the writing was good. I’d be interested in other stories from this author, maybe something longer with more developed characters.
Ignacio has kept secrets most of his life. Lies are now a part of his everyday existence so when his boss pulls him into her office to explain she needs him for a dangerous op, he’s extremely hesitant. Tragedy has impacted Ignacio’s life already and he runs from incredibly dangerous situations. He’s happiest behind a computer screen. Unfortunately not only is he assigned a new case but he also gets a new partner who happens to be gorgeous and a tiger shifter. Both men are attracted to each other from the onset but Ignacio runs scared and Reed does what tigers do…he tracks him down.
I think my favorite part of this book was Reed. I wanted to know all about him. And then on the other hand, my least favorite thing was Ignacio. He was incredibly whiny throughout the story. A little frustrating but I understood why he was the way he was. Also, the bad guy/pack element was a little muddled. I didn’t really get it. For instance, who were the bad guys? Why were they bad? Where did they come from? It just left me with quite a few questions that we never get answers to.
Like I said, this story was ok. Nothing spectacular but not awful either.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
This was a cute, short shifter story. There was nothing super intriguing about this story. I thought the writing was good. I’d be interested in other stories from this author, maybe something longer with more developed characters.
Ignacio has kept secrets most of his life. Lies are now a part of his everyday existence so when his boss pulls him into her office to explain she needs him for a dangerous op, he’s extremely hesitant. Tragedy has impacted Ignacio’s life already and he runs from incredibly dangerous situations. He’s happiest behind a computer screen. Unfortunately not only is he assigned a new case but he also gets a new partner who happens to be gorgeous and a tiger shifter. Both men are attracted to each other from the onset but Ignacio runs scared and Reed does what tigers do…he tracks him down.
I think my favorite part of this book was Reed. I wanted to know all about him. And then on the other hand, my least favorite thing was Ignacio. He was incredibly whiny throughout the story. A little frustrating but I understood why he was the way he was. Also, the bad guy/pack element was a little muddled. I didn’t really get it. For instance, who were the bad guys? Why were they bad? Where did they come from? It just left me with quite a few questions that we never get answers to.
Like I said, this story was ok. Nothing spectacular but not awful either.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
June 3, 2016
1.5 stars
Read
June 30, 2016This a completely adorable story that left me smiling.
January 9, 2017
Why's the story so short??? It had potential abounds and this was just like a teaser. I hope the author will write a longer story about the two of them.
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