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Shifty Magic #1
Shifty Magic
A tough teenaged girl hunts a serial killer in a paranormal dystopian world.
Abandoned at birth, Addison Kittner's been on her own since she was a kid--ever since the paranormal terrorists attacked cities around the world. Battling creatures that go bump in the night nearly destroyed human society. Good thing not all paranormals were evil and the terrorists were eventually stopped. Bad thing? Nothing would ever be the same again.
Now Addison makes her living as a private investigator and bounty hunter. One night she comes across a girl about to be killed by three rogue vampires. Addison kicks some vamp butt and saves the girl, even when one of the vamps escapes. Just her luck, he turns up dead the next morning, inspiring the vampire leaders to put pressure on her to solve the case or take the rap. As if that wasn't bad enough, her ex-lover, werewolf FBI agent, Cooper Daine, approaches her and gives her an offer she can't refuse...a paycheck. Mixing business with lust is never a good idea, but neither is starving, so she accepts.
But as the body count builds, Addison finds herself embroiled in an ever deepening and dangerous mystery. One that leads her to something frighteningly personal. Her unknown heritage.
Abandoned at birth, Addison Kittner's been on her own since she was a kid--ever since the paranormal terrorists attacked cities around the world. Battling creatures that go bump in the night nearly destroyed human society. Good thing not all paranormals were evil and the terrorists were eventually stopped. Bad thing? Nothing would ever be the same again.
Now Addison makes her living as a private investigator and bounty hunter. One night she comes across a girl about to be killed by three rogue vampires. Addison kicks some vamp butt and saves the girl, even when one of the vamps escapes. Just her luck, he turns up dead the next morning, inspiring the vampire leaders to put pressure on her to solve the case or take the rap. As if that wasn't bad enough, her ex-lover, werewolf FBI agent, Cooper Daine, approaches her and gives her an offer she can't refuse...a paycheck. Mixing business with lust is never a good idea, but neither is starving, so she accepts.
But as the body count builds, Addison finds herself embroiled in an ever deepening and dangerous mystery. One that leads her to something frighteningly personal. Her unknown heritage.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2013
71 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Judy Teel
16 books114 followers–Teller of tales.
–Blaster of boredom.
–Creator of your next adventurous experience.
Judy Teel was born in Virginia and moved to North Carolina just before middle school. She’s a fiction author and novelist writing in the dystopian urban fantasy genre. Her stories deliver mystery with some thriller elements, a kick-butt heroine with a large dash of snark in her, a bit more than a touch of romance with a guy that makes readers’ hearts beat a little faster, and a wild ride full of action and emotion from start to finish.
–Blaster of boredom.
–Creator of your next adventurous experience.
Judy Teel was born in Virginia and moved to North Carolina just before middle school. She’s a fiction author and novelist writing in the dystopian urban fantasy genre. Her stories deliver mystery with some thriller elements, a kick-butt heroine with a large dash of snark in her, a bit more than a touch of romance with a guy that makes readers’ hearts beat a little faster, and a wild ride full of action and emotion from start to finish.
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November 10, 2015
Shifty Magic is book one in the Shifty Magic series by Judy Teel. I read this book as part of the Powers, Spice, and Not So Nice anthology.
Addison Kittner is one tough woman. I don’t usually connect with main characters that are tough or brash but Addie I did. She was the perfect mixture of tough and soft. She was smart, quick witted and as I said, tough. But she was inexperienced in the romance department and I loved watching her struggle with her developing feelings for Cooper.
Addie was abandoned as a child and knew nothing of her heritage. She is classified as a human but there are doubts as to what she really is. Addie is trying to make is as a private investigator and bounty hunter in a world that includes vampires, werewolves, magic practioners and who knows what else. Bills are due and regular meals would be nice but Addie doesn’t see anything on the horizon that will change. That is until one night when she is looking for her cat, she comes upon a bunch of vampires getting ready to attack a woman. This is the night everything changed.
Cooper Daine is a werewolf and an FBI agent. And, Cooper has a history with Addie. It was just one night, but it is a night Cooper won’t forget. Cooper is investigating the case of a murdered vampire and requests that Addie be brought in on it. But can they work together without revisiting the past? Or is that what Cooper wants? You don’t get to know Cooper real well but I still really fell for him. He is a tough agent but the way he felt about Addie was evident from the start. I can’t help but to love this guy and his sweetness towards Addie.
There are more murders, one from each race. What does it all mean? Cooper and Addie work together to try to unravel the mystery but Addie’s propensity for getting herself into trouble makes it quite difficult for Cooper to protect her.
I really liked this book. It was a great start into this series and I’d love to follow it through to see what Addie gets herself in to next. I’m so glad I read this one.
October 5, 2014
2.5
Potentially good. The heroine was supposed to be 19, and sounded 29. (I can't see the reason for such an age choice. ) And 19, even in a futuristic setting, she would have been a babe in the woods, not the supposedly battle weary PI she "is".
A good plot, except for the "I wish it dead" trope of the orphan who is revealed a unique power to be. The main problem was the romantic thread, it really had no place here. It muddied the waters trasforming the hero into a unprofessional idiot and diluited much the tension. Moreover it's not easy to pull the one night stand under a spell into a love match. I thought it bollocks. But then I often do, don't I?
A usual UF without much to recommend in a crowded field. But still nice for a Sunday afternoon.
Potentially good. The heroine was supposed to be 19, and sounded 29. (I can't see the reason for such an age choice. ) And 19, even in a futuristic setting, she would have been a babe in the woods, not the supposedly battle weary PI she "is".
A good plot, except for the "I wish it dead" trope of the orphan who is revealed a unique power to be. The main problem was the romantic thread, it really had no place here. It muddied the waters trasforming the hero into a unprofessional idiot and diluited much the tension. Moreover it's not easy to pull the one night stand under a spell into a love match. I thought it bollocks. But then I often do, don't I?
A usual UF without much to recommend in a crowded field. But still nice for a Sunday afternoon.
June 17, 2014
Favorite Lines “I wondered when my tendency to take risks would finally use up all my luck.
I had a feeling that day might be sooner than I liked.”
“Only fools and heroes faced down a Regent in his lair after dark. Guess which one I was?
I'll give you a hint.”
“Love and the grim specter of murder didn't seem like concepts that would enjoy spending time together in a person's psyche. I couldn't have been more wrong”
“You're going to kiss me, aren't you?" I accused, staring up into eyes the color of a moonlit meadow.
"I am. You won't shoot me will you?" He bent his head toward me, moving with slow deliberation.
"I might,”
“I don't think I'd like my life as much without you in it,”
Man I loved this book! This heroine is kick booty! She takes nothing from no one! Reading about Addie take on Lord Bellmonte was epic! She doesn't like to be pushed around or told what to do. When a vampire that she got I to a fight with ends up dead she's the prime suspect and she is forced to work with the OMG OMG drool worthy Connor! Connor is FBI and he wants Addie. Connor and Addie end up going head to head with a god who tells Addie's she's family! Does Connor care? Nope! Love him!
Those two together make a spectacular team and I'm dying to read book 2! I'm so glad I signed up for this book and discovered a exceptional author! I look forward to what comes next and will recommend this series to all lovers of action packed paranormal reads!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review
FIVE UNDERDOG FAIRIES
I had a feeling that day might be sooner than I liked.”
“Only fools and heroes faced down a Regent in his lair after dark. Guess which one I was?
I'll give you a hint.”
“Love and the grim specter of murder didn't seem like concepts that would enjoy spending time together in a person's psyche. I couldn't have been more wrong”
“You're going to kiss me, aren't you?" I accused, staring up into eyes the color of a moonlit meadow.
"I am. You won't shoot me will you?" He bent his head toward me, moving with slow deliberation.
"I might,”
“I don't think I'd like my life as much without you in it,”
Man I loved this book! This heroine is kick booty! She takes nothing from no one! Reading about Addie take on Lord Bellmonte was epic! She doesn't like to be pushed around or told what to do. When a vampire that she got I to a fight with ends up dead she's the prime suspect and she is forced to work with the OMG OMG drool worthy Connor! Connor is FBI and he wants Addie. Connor and Addie end up going head to head with a god who tells Addie's she's family! Does Connor care? Nope! Love him!
Those two together make a spectacular team and I'm dying to read book 2! I'm so glad I signed up for this book and discovered a exceptional author! I look forward to what comes next and will recommend this series to all lovers of action packed paranormal reads!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review
FIVE UNDERDOG FAIRIES
July 16, 2013
Fun! Yep, that one word sums it up pretty well.
This is not a book filled with deep meaning, and the romance is more of a light sprinkle of nuts on a sundae than a rich chocolate sauce, but for this story, more would just get in the way.
The main character is a tough woman with a rough past, and it's exactly what she needs to deal with those pesky, criminal paranormals. From page one, she fights her way through the story, making even the strongest vampire's fangs quiver with fear. (Buffy, watch-out!) Luckily, she's not indestructible, and has enough close calls to keep the action scenes tense and exciting.
But Shifty Magic isn't only about fighting. There's a big case involved, one the heroine has to solve quickly if she wants to save herself and others. The clues were nicely spread throughout the story and by no means easy to put together - almost too difficult. The actual 'bad-guy' was a complete surprise, and although the story comes together in the end, without the heroine's explanation on the last pages, I wouldn't have understood all of the connections.
The plot was fast paced. I never felt the urge to put it down and would have read it in one sitting, if I could have. It wouldn't have hurt my feelings if the romance was puffed up just a little bit more, but really only a tiny, little bit.
In another words, I really enjoyed this!
This is not a book filled with deep meaning, and the romance is more of a light sprinkle of nuts on a sundae than a rich chocolate sauce, but for this story, more would just get in the way.
The main character is a tough woman with a rough past, and it's exactly what she needs to deal with those pesky, criminal paranormals. From page one, she fights her way through the story, making even the strongest vampire's fangs quiver with fear. (Buffy, watch-out!) Luckily, she's not indestructible, and has enough close calls to keep the action scenes tense and exciting.
But Shifty Magic isn't only about fighting. There's a big case involved, one the heroine has to solve quickly if she wants to save herself and others. The clues were nicely spread throughout the story and by no means easy to put together - almost too difficult. The actual 'bad-guy' was a complete surprise, and although the story comes together in the end, without the heroine's explanation on the last pages, I wouldn't have understood all of the connections.
The plot was fast paced. I never felt the urge to put it down and would have read it in one sitting, if I could have. It wouldn't have hurt my feelings if the romance was puffed up just a little bit more, but really only a tiny, little bit.
In another words, I really enjoyed this!
October 1, 2015
First time reading this author and I quite enjoyed it. Slight overtones of Secret McQueen, but only in a general way.
Addison Kittner is a PI/Bounty Hunter, registers as human, but has some strange abilities, and has a cat named Wizard. She's living a fairly hand to mouth existence when she rescues a girl in the back alley behind her place from 3 vamps. She catches 2 and 1 escapes. Addy calls in Paranormal FBI, and her old squeeze werewolf Cooper Daine turns up to haul off the vamps. The escaped vamp turns up dead the next morning and Addy gets sucked into the investigation, against her better judgment.
There are lots of supes in this story, the vamps & werewolves hate each other, the practioners (magic users) work for the highest bidder, demons (dimensional beings) and of course humans. Then there's Addy. Addy was abandoned as a baby and whilst she always scans as a human, she isn't one and no one knows what she is. She pretends to herself that she's human and almost believes it.
This was a fairly enjoyable story and I'll be reading the next one.
Addison Kittner is a PI/Bounty Hunter, registers as human, but has some strange abilities, and has a cat named Wizard. She's living a fairly hand to mouth existence when she rescues a girl in the back alley behind her place from 3 vamps. She catches 2 and 1 escapes. Addy calls in Paranormal FBI, and her old squeeze werewolf Cooper Daine turns up to haul off the vamps. The escaped vamp turns up dead the next morning and Addy gets sucked into the investigation, against her better judgment.
There are lots of supes in this story, the vamps & werewolves hate each other, the practioners (magic users) work for the highest bidder, demons (dimensional beings) and of course humans. Then there's Addy. Addy was abandoned as a baby and whilst she always scans as a human, she isn't one and no one knows what she is. She pretends to herself that she's human and almost believes it.
This was a fairly enjoyable story and I'll be reading the next one.
January 6, 2014
** Originally written for Book Bliss book blog. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review**
Review: 4 stars
General: Shifty Magic is a great combination read, no element was overwhelming but all blended together well from romance, to mystery to the paranormal element. I enjoyed that as I couldn’t quite tell which would be stronger based on the synopsis and liked that it was evenly split. The writing overall was well done, the rules of the world were laid out, albeit in an info dump and the characters had a good tension and chemistry between them. I felt for a YA it was a bit closer to the new NA designation in some of the scenes – not to say anything is wrong with it just that based on all my reading I don’t think this one was truly a YA as the category stands now.
The mystery itself was a little too convenient. I am a big mystery solver so perhaps I’m biased but I would have liked to see it be a bit deeper, even in a novel for a younger audience. Addison was a well written character but I for some reason had trouble connecting with her, I think it is do to the overwhelming number of fiesty/spunky females being written that she was good but not stand out in comparison and my brain didn’t connect with her.
Characters:Addison- Addison is another in the line of females with a rough and tough past that makes her essentially kick ass and ask questions after. She was well written and believable but I couldn’t connect with her as she felt too in between and back and forth with her badass attitude and then her almost fearful/concerned moments.
Review: 4 stars
General: Shifty Magic is a great combination read, no element was overwhelming but all blended together well from romance, to mystery to the paranormal element. I enjoyed that as I couldn’t quite tell which would be stronger based on the synopsis and liked that it was evenly split. The writing overall was well done, the rules of the world were laid out, albeit in an info dump and the characters had a good tension and chemistry between them. I felt for a YA it was a bit closer to the new NA designation in some of the scenes – not to say anything is wrong with it just that based on all my reading I don’t think this one was truly a YA as the category stands now.
The mystery itself was a little too convenient. I am a big mystery solver so perhaps I’m biased but I would have liked to see it be a bit deeper, even in a novel for a younger audience. Addison was a well written character but I for some reason had trouble connecting with her, I think it is do to the overwhelming number of fiesty/spunky females being written that she was good but not stand out in comparison and my brain didn’t connect with her.
Characters:Addison- Addison is another in the line of females with a rough and tough past that makes her essentially kick ass and ask questions after. She was well written and believable but I couldn’t connect with her as she felt too in between and back and forth with her badass attitude and then her almost fearful/concerned moments.
April 8, 2015
I downloaded Shifty Magic as a free book from Amazon. This was a pleasant surprise. Well developed characters, and a fast-paced plot which kept me reading way past bedtime. I loved the characters, especially the competent strength of the heroine, Addison. A great read and I look forward to book two, Undercover Magic, which I bumped up my TBR to read right away. Some spelling errors (for example, discrete and discreet are NOT interchangeable)but nothing too distracting from the storyline.
May 25, 2016
I'm a huge fan of Urban Fantasy with some romance or sexual tension and Ms. Teel delivers! Addison is hard, tough as nails but deep down inside, is a softy. I love how she's made it on her own and taken in Falcon and others along the way. Belmonte is what you expect in a vampire, terrifying and an a**hole. Cooper is yummy but a little bit of that said a**hole is present as well. Addison makes some strides in her personal life and also solving a mystery. Kudos to Ms. Teel for an excellent book!
July 29, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I think it is great to detective mystery and magic together. I think it works well. There is also lots of action in this book which helps keep things interesting. The heroine is bad ass in it as well.
December 8, 2013
A very pleasant surprise!Very well written, interesting story, very cool heroine. Can't wait for the next installment.
February 1, 2014
I found this a good mix of the paranormal - vampires, magic, werewolves with some fine throw in of detectives and mystery.
Definitely worth a read with some good characters.
Definitely worth a read with some good characters.
April 6, 2015
interesting premise. mysterious young woman who tests as human but has special abilities.....involved with the paranormal community in dangerous work.
June 20, 2018
I actually was doubting I was going to like this.
The cover isn't the best I have seen but the story is pretty good underneath.
We have quite a stereotypical story line: unusual mystery woman means paranormal guy who is obsessed with her, she gets herself into trouble another paranormal is sniffing around her threatens her while hitting on her and then she cracks what ever shes working on, has to be rescued and bam life is somewhat sorted.
That is a very crude summary of what this book is. I'm not spoiler tagging that because quite frankly its like reading a romance and not expecting the leads to get together. This is not a HAE, it does end it has a conclusion but there are questions left dangling tantalising for us to wonder. These are, are Cooper and her going to work? I hope so. What is Addie? Shes a kick ass private I but has no idea about her heritage as shes a foster child. Is the big bad thing going to come back? I hope so.
Cooper is also a stereotypical male lead. Hes FBI paranormal and wants to get into Addie's pants. He is manly manly, ripped and also smart. I mean could happen but eh? I'm not trying to rip him apart its just been here read that. I think most YA / new-adult junkies have seen this character more than once. I hope they get together and help discover what Addie is and why she is so special.
As I said another para is sniffing around Addie. Hes a vampire, Addie insulted him cause shes head strong and acted rash. Hes now extremely curious about her, in terms of he wants her & he also wants to kill her.
Finally Addie, shes OK. I liked her, the problem with characters like hers is, they're great until the real nitty gritty gets to it and then you have to ask yourself is she fighting or is she being saved all the time. This always happens with YA female characters.
The cover isn't the best I have seen but the story is pretty good underneath.
We have quite a stereotypical story line: unusual mystery woman means paranormal guy who is obsessed with her, she gets herself into trouble another paranormal is sniffing around her threatens her while hitting on her and then she cracks what ever shes working on, has to be rescued and bam life is somewhat sorted.
That is a very crude summary of what this book is. I'm not spoiler tagging that because quite frankly its like reading a romance and not expecting the leads to get together. This is not a HAE, it does end it has a conclusion but there are questions left dangling tantalising for us to wonder. These are, are Cooper and her going to work? I hope so. What is Addie? Shes a kick ass private I but has no idea about her heritage as shes a foster child. Is the big bad thing going to come back? I hope so.
Cooper is also a stereotypical male lead. Hes FBI paranormal and wants to get into Addie's pants. He is manly manly, ripped and also smart. I mean could happen but eh? I'm not trying to rip him apart its just been here read that. I think most YA / new-adult junkies have seen this character more than once. I hope they get together and help discover what Addie is and why she is so special.
As I said another para is sniffing around Addie. Hes a vampire, Addie insulted him cause shes head strong and acted rash. Hes now extremely curious about her, in terms of he wants her & he also wants to kill her.
Finally Addie, shes OK. I liked her, the problem with characters like hers is, they're great until the real nitty gritty gets to it and then you have to ask yourself is she fighting or is she being saved all the time. This always happens with YA female characters.
October 5, 2025
. Great characters and interesting story. The world was cool and Addison Kittner was a part crazy, a little reckless and totally sassy. Addison makes her living as a private investigator and bounty hunter. FBI agent, werewolf Cooper Daine was a bit of a dominant male, but his clear affection for Addison was sexy and sweet.
I hate to admit that I didn't like the cover
and that's why it took me so long to read this. I enjoyed it enough that I am going to buy *gasp* the next book because it's not in the library.
I hate to admit that I didn't like the cover
and that's why it took me so long to read this. I enjoyed it enough that I am going to buy *gasp* the next book because it's not in the library.
May 3, 2021
I didn't think this was bad in any explicit way, but it wasn't outstanding either. I liked the characters well enough, it was perfectly readable, and I don't remember any horrendous editing mishaps. But I struggled to connect with anyone or anything, and I REALLY thought the book would have been better served if the heroine had been older than just turned 19. Nothing about her felt 19. Not her jadedness, behavior, skill, or level of knowledge (these things take time to develop), not the love interest that is said to about ~3x her age, or her internal monologue, nothing. Plus, the book didn't particularly feel YA (not that it has to be just because it has a teen heroine). I can't know, obviously, but it felt like the author just made her that young so she could catch the YA wave of a few years back (when the book was published). But it felt jarringly wrong. All in all, not horrible. I'd read another. But I'm not rushing out to buy book two either.
November 29, 2020
Only got 4 minutes to save the world!!!
Or was it 2???
Anyway, our heroin is an ex street kid, come PI/ bounty hunter. The storyline is set just over a decade in the future where paranormals are out. You've got vamps, weres and practitioners.
The entire book is written in her pov. It's a mystery/ adventure. Although she and the local were FBI agent have got the hots for each other there's surprisingly no sex scenes at all. She's a good, feisty character. Enjoyed the read. Not a standalone but a continuing story. Found it free.
Or was it 2???
Anyway, our heroin is an ex street kid, come PI/ bounty hunter. The storyline is set just over a decade in the future where paranormals are out. You've got vamps, weres and practitioners.
The entire book is written in her pov. It's a mystery/ adventure. Although she and the local were FBI agent have got the hots for each other there's surprisingly no sex scenes at all. She's a good, feisty character. Enjoyed the read. Not a standalone but a continuing story. Found it free.
August 20, 2024
pretty good
This was a good book. I found all the characters to be interesting and I think is Cooper hadn’t woken her up she would have solved the case but maybe not… I wish we had gotten a clearer answer on what she is and why she is so closed off but I guess that’s what book 2 is for.
This was a good book. I found all the characters to be interesting and I think is Cooper hadn’t woken her up she would have solved the case but maybe not… I wish we had gotten a clearer answer on what she is and why she is so closed off but I guess that’s what book 2 is for.
January 1, 2023
Great story
I really like the world that was created in this novel. I will definitely be finishing the series. The characters had good interactions and I like the addition of oregano to the mythos.
I really like the world that was created in this novel. I will definitely be finishing the series. The characters had good interactions and I like the addition of oregano to the mythos.
June 12, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I will look for the next book in the series. Hopefully it will build on the foundation's laid here.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I will look for the next book in the series. Hopefully it will build on the foundation's laid here.
June 6, 2018
The “bad guy” is glaringly obvious but I managed to finish the book and enjoyed getting to know Addie.
December 26, 2016
3.5 for a pretty good irban fantasy
November 17, 2015
The year is 2033 and the place is Charlotte NC. Addison Kittner works as a private investigator to get by. She’s had a tough life; she’s hard grown - abandoned as a baby and then put into foster homes or… not. She can look after herself. And the only reason she is in an alley late at night alone, is to find her cat. (I did wonder why she was holding a gun and then she saw vampires and a… we’ll call her a snack.)
She puts down two of them but the third escapes and when the FBI arrive, it is the one guy she does not want to see: Cooper Daine. He’s a wolf, and an irritation to her, mostly because they spent one night together. The Christmas punch was spiked with a magic love potion, but that doesn’t excuse them; it won’t work unless there really is some emotion there.
Addison is mouthy and smart. Although it might not have been smart to donate the reward money from the vampire catch to a dead cop’s family fund right in front of the head of the vampire delegation, Lord Bellmonte. He’s interested in her now, and not in a good way.
The next day Cooper is banging on her door again. The third vamp has been found dead, and she’s either a suspect or someone Cooper wants on his team.
And he’s making it real obvious he wants more than that from her.
***
Chalk me up as happy. I love a good urban fantasy romance. And werewolf cops? *squees happily*
But I do keep calling it ‘shitty magic’… it’s me, I know it’s me… but…
It is the future, and the world is only different in the major ways. There has been some kind of paranormal revolution. Parts of the city are in ruins, other parts are unaffected and society has new strata now: humans, weres, vampires and some humans are magic wielders.
The world building is pretty good. Tech still works, and the world hasn’t changed that much and I can agree with that. I remember thinking we’d live on the moon in a space colony in 1999 and it’s a good 15 years after that, now and we aren’t even close. As the refrain goes - Where’s my hoverboard? In this world they have hoverbuses. A neat combination of magic and tech.
There are shonky dudes who try to teach magic skills to mundane humans. People have moved into a new kind of gated community; ones that have magical barriers and wards to keep out the supernatural. The different types are not supposed to mix. Safe sex takes on a whole new set of issues when you mix the groups. And of course, there are the underground clubs where people do just that. It all makes sense.
Snort - I have one just like it!
I liked Addison and Cooper.
I noticed a couple of editing errors but not enough to throw me out of the story. (yay) I haven’t noticed any major hanging plot threads (that aren't meant to be hanging), and I ran off and joined the mailing list so I could get book 2. Woo hoo.
4 stars.
She puts down two of them but the third escapes and when the FBI arrive, it is the one guy she does not want to see: Cooper Daine. He’s a wolf, and an irritation to her, mostly because they spent one night together. The Christmas punch was spiked with a magic love potion, but that doesn’t excuse them; it won’t work unless there really is some emotion there.
Addison is mouthy and smart. Although it might not have been smart to donate the reward money from the vampire catch to a dead cop’s family fund right in front of the head of the vampire delegation, Lord Bellmonte. He’s interested in her now, and not in a good way.
The next day Cooper is banging on her door again. The third vamp has been found dead, and she’s either a suspect or someone Cooper wants on his team.
And he’s making it real obvious he wants more than that from her.
***
Chalk me up as happy. I love a good urban fantasy romance. And werewolf cops? *squees happily*
But I do keep calling it ‘shitty magic’… it’s me, I know it’s me… but…
It is the future, and the world is only different in the major ways. There has been some kind of paranormal revolution. Parts of the city are in ruins, other parts are unaffected and society has new strata now: humans, weres, vampires and some humans are magic wielders.
The world building is pretty good. Tech still works, and the world hasn’t changed that much and I can agree with that. I remember thinking we’d live on the moon in a space colony in 1999 and it’s a good 15 years after that, now and we aren’t even close. As the refrain goes - Where’s my hoverboard? In this world they have hoverbuses. A neat combination of magic and tech.
There are shonky dudes who try to teach magic skills to mundane humans. People have moved into a new kind of gated community; ones that have magical barriers and wards to keep out the supernatural. The different types are not supposed to mix. Safe sex takes on a whole new set of issues when you mix the groups. And of course, there are the underground clubs where people do just that. It all makes sense.
On one side of the ten-by-ten room sat my desk, an impressive structure made from two beige double-drawer filing cabinets with an old wooden door laid across the top. (p. 29)
Snort - I have one just like it!
I liked Addison and Cooper.
I noticed a couple of editing errors but not enough to throw me out of the story. (yay) I haven’t noticed any major hanging plot threads (that aren't meant to be hanging), and I ran off and joined the mailing list so I could get book 2. Woo hoo.
4 stars.
February 19, 2022
Not bad, it has a lot of potential, but ultimately not one of my favorite reads.
June 23, 2016
I came across this book and thought that the name was pretty catchy. I am very glad I read it because this is a great new series that I am pretty sure to enjoy! Weres, Vampires, and parahumans have come out to the world. Each has a different set of rules and ways to handle their business, but they try to stay within the boundaries set by the humans. If any of their people are caught doing something they shouldn’t they are punished harshly and with a quickness.
In this story Addison is a 19-year-old private investigator/bounty hunter who stumbles upon 3 vampires in an isolated area about to attack a helpless human woman. Growing up in the foster system, then on the streets, Addison does not like bullies very much and does what she thinks is best. She saves the girl. Only this decision puts her on the radar of the vampire regent who takes a keen interest in her especially when she insults him by refusing to accept his money for capturing two of his people. Addison also runs into Cooper, a sexy Were whom she had a one-night stand with, who also happens to be the lead FBI agent on the scene of some murders that she is dragged into.
Nothing is quite what it seems in this unusual string of murders. Addison can’t quite put her finger on it, but she needs to find out quick, before she becomes one of the next murder victims.
In this story Addison is a 19-year-old private investigator/bounty hunter who stumbles upon 3 vampires in an isolated area about to attack a helpless human woman. Growing up in the foster system, then on the streets, Addison does not like bullies very much and does what she thinks is best. She saves the girl. Only this decision puts her on the radar of the vampire regent who takes a keen interest in her especially when she insults him by refusing to accept his money for capturing two of his people. Addison also runs into Cooper, a sexy Were whom she had a one-night stand with, who also happens to be the lead FBI agent on the scene of some murders that she is dragged into.
Nothing is quite what it seems in this unusual string of murders. Addison can’t quite put her finger on it, but she needs to find out quick, before she becomes one of the next murder victims.
November 27, 2013
I received this book for an honest review, and I am so happy I did!
From the very first page, to the very last, this story grabbed me and didn't let me go. It's a story about Addison who is a Bounty Hunter/P.I. and she is the kind of heroine that I love to read about. She is a smart ass, she is ballsy, and she is not afraid to stand up to danger.
This story was filled with mystery, action, and just a touch of romance. The plot twist was one I didn't see coming and I LOVED IT!!!! I also loved the fact that Addison found out she was something MORE and I cannot wait to read more about her and her story. This author is fantastic, and I can see more and more and more coming from this story.
Judy Teel reminds me of the likes of Faith Hunter and Kim Harrison, she is that good of an author.
She doesn't waste words, nor does she insult the reader by going over and over and over things like repeating conversations, or (my fave pet peeve) writing in "what do you mean?" page after page.
I am so looking forward to reading more from this author!
From the very first page, to the very last, this story grabbed me and didn't let me go. It's a story about Addison who is a Bounty Hunter/P.I. and she is the kind of heroine that I love to read about. She is a smart ass, she is ballsy, and she is not afraid to stand up to danger.
This story was filled with mystery, action, and just a touch of romance. The plot twist was one I didn't see coming and I LOVED IT!!!! I also loved the fact that Addison found out she was something MORE and I cannot wait to read more about her and her story. This author is fantastic, and I can see more and more and more coming from this story.
Judy Teel reminds me of the likes of Faith Hunter and Kim Harrison, she is that good of an author.
She doesn't waste words, nor does she insult the reader by going over and over and over things like repeating conversations, or (my fave pet peeve) writing in "what do you mean?" page after page.
I am so looking forward to reading more from this author!
March 11, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review
Shifty Magic was a book I was excited to read. I found that I was unable to put the book down. This book was about a woman who was left at birth to grow up in the system and ends up becoming a bounty hunter and private investigator. She is young but has seen a lot. I have to say this story pulled me in from the beginning and would not let me go. It has a ton of mystery and suspense which was definitely gripping. I found myself wanting to turn the page to see if I would find out the answers through the entire book. I love Addison and her personality. She is not trusting and is quick to temper. But she also has a sense of humor and is just fun to read. I have to say Cooper is definitely hot. I loved how Addison and Cooper’s relationship develops. I have to say this book has twists and turns and suspense and a bit of romance. It was well written and has a nice flow to it. If you are into paranormal mystery suspense type books, this will definitely be interesting and a fun read for you.
Shifty Magic was a book I was excited to read. I found that I was unable to put the book down. This book was about a woman who was left at birth to grow up in the system and ends up becoming a bounty hunter and private investigator. She is young but has seen a lot. I have to say this story pulled me in from the beginning and would not let me go. It has a ton of mystery and suspense which was definitely gripping. I found myself wanting to turn the page to see if I would find out the answers through the entire book. I love Addison and her personality. She is not trusting and is quick to temper. But she also has a sense of humor and is just fun to read. I have to say Cooper is definitely hot. I loved how Addison and Cooper’s relationship develops. I have to say this book has twists and turns and suspense and a bit of romance. It was well written and has a nice flow to it. If you are into paranormal mystery suspense type books, this will definitely be interesting and a fun read for you.
December 13, 2013
First off, I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Ms. Teel!
I'm so glad I received a copy of this book. I love paranormal stories, and to add to it a criminal investigation feel? My dream novel come true!
Addison is such a fun character. She's so spunky, independent and hard. She also has her personal morals and sticks to them. This novel was such a fun, new take on the paranormal YA genre. The action in the novel was perfectly speckled throughout, with a hint of well-placed romance. I really enjoyed watching the criminal investigation pan out, and the perpetrator surprised me! I love nothing more than guessing who I think the "bad guy" is, and then being wrong!
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone, and I personally can't wait to read the next book in the series!
I'm so glad I received a copy of this book. I love paranormal stories, and to add to it a criminal investigation feel? My dream novel come true!
Addison is such a fun character. She's so spunky, independent and hard. She also has her personal morals and sticks to them. This novel was such a fun, new take on the paranormal YA genre. The action in the novel was perfectly speckled throughout, with a hint of well-placed romance. I really enjoyed watching the criminal investigation pan out, and the perpetrator surprised me! I love nothing more than guessing who I think the "bad guy" is, and then being wrong!
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone, and I personally can't wait to read the next book in the series!
December 2, 2013
I got this book from the author and the publisher in exchange of an honest review for being participating in this blog tour.
Firstly I would like to thank the author and the publisher for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.
Well, I liked the concept very much and the developed characters were a treat to read about and I really enjoyed myself. The dialogues are crisp and very understandable. The mystery is thick here and I really liked the action scenes. The main female lead is awesome with the kick-ass quality and her confidence won my heart totally and impressed me a lot.
The writing style of the author is remarkable and I liked the detailed presentation of every detail which helped me to connect myself with the plot.
I would definitely recommend it to ya all and hope that you guys will like it as much as I did.
Firstly I would like to thank the author and the publisher for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.
Well, I liked the concept very much and the developed characters were a treat to read about and I really enjoyed myself. The dialogues are crisp and very understandable. The mystery is thick here and I really liked the action scenes. The main female lead is awesome with the kick-ass quality and her confidence won my heart totally and impressed me a lot.
The writing style of the author is remarkable and I liked the detailed presentation of every detail which helped me to connect myself with the plot.
I would definitely recommend it to ya all and hope that you guys will like it as much as I did.
September 20, 2014
There is a lot to be said for a little book that turned out to be quite enjoyable. I read a sample chapter of this months ago and added it to my list of quick reads simply because it was a short book that promised to be easy if not enjoyable. Well, i definitely underestimated this book. I liked Addison a lot more than i thigh i would. Obviously she has some big questions about her past but i didn't feel it weighed the story down - a good thing as it became necessary to the plot. There was a single love interest and they interacted believably, helped along by the fact that they already have an established past that meant we didn't get insta-love bullshit. At no point did i roll my eyes at any of the characters and the plot was relatively well thought out.
I look forward to reading the sequel.
I look forward to reading the sequel.
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