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Subparheroes #4
Behind the 8-Ball
In this city, a PI like me deals with more than just cheating spouses and runaway heirs.
My name's Dashiell Bucur, and I've got a knack for cases with a supernatural twist. My trusty sidekicks? An immortal twink with a story for every occasion and a plastic Magic 8 Ball that's never wrong – even when I wish it was.
The game changes when Harlan Dean, the one who got away, saunters back into my life with trouble snapping at his heels. Someone's trying to kill him, and he's clueless about the prediction my 8 Ball made years Harlan and I, we're fated to tie the knot.
Now, we're racing against the clock through the streets of San Francisco, dodging new threats and old resentments. I've got to solve the case, keep us alive, and maybe, just maybe, convince Harlan that destiny's got a sense of humor.
Behind the 8-Ball is a part of the multi-author Sub-Par Superheroes MM romance series
My name's Dashiell Bucur, and I've got a knack for cases with a supernatural twist. My trusty sidekicks? An immortal twink with a story for every occasion and a plastic Magic 8 Ball that's never wrong – even when I wish it was.
The game changes when Harlan Dean, the one who got away, saunters back into my life with trouble snapping at his heels. Someone's trying to kill him, and he's clueless about the prediction my 8 Ball made years Harlan and I, we're fated to tie the knot.
Now, we're racing against the clock through the streets of San Francisco, dodging new threats and old resentments. I've got to solve the case, keep us alive, and maybe, just maybe, convince Harlan that destiny's got a sense of humor.
Behind the 8-Ball is a part of the multi-author Sub-Par Superheroes MM romance series
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2024
40 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Wasp
42 books619 followersAfter time spent raising children, earning several college degrees, and traveling the world with the U.S. State Department, she is returning to her first love - writing.
A dreamer and an idealist, Amy writes about people finding connection in a world that can seem lonely and magic in a world than can seem all too mundane. She invites readers into her characters’ lives and worlds when they are their most vulnerable, their most human, living with the same hopes and fears we all have. An avid traveler who has lived in big cities and small towns in four different continents, Amy has found that time and distance are no barriers to love. She invites her readers to reach out and share how her characters have touched their lives or how the found families they have gathered around them have shaped their worlds.
Born on Long Island, NY, Amy has lived in Los Angeles, London, and Bangkok. She currently lives in Fort Collins, Colorado for who knows how long.
A dreamer and an idealist, Amy writes about people finding connection in a world that can seem lonely and magic in a world than can seem all too mundane. She invites readers into her characters’ lives and worlds when they are their most vulnerable, their most human, living with the same hopes and fears we all have. An avid traveler who has lived in big cities and small towns in four different continents, Amy has found that time and distance are no barriers to love. She invites her readers to reach out and share how her characters have touched their lives or how the found families they have gathered around them have shaped their worlds.
Born on Long Island, NY, Amy has lived in Los Angeles, London, and Bangkok. She currently lives in Fort Collins, Colorado for who knows how long.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 5, 2025
In this city, a PI like me deals with more than just cheating spouses and runaway heirs. My name’s Dashiell Bucur, and I’ve got a knack for cases with a supernatural twist. My trusty sidekicks? An immortal twink with a story for every occasion and a plastic Magic 8 Ball that’s never wrong – even when I wish it was. The game changes when Harlan Dean, the one who got away, saunters back into my life with trouble snapping at his heels. Someone’s trying to kill him, and he’s clueless about the prediction my 8 Ball made years ago: Harlan and I, we’re fated to tie the knot. Now, we’re racing against the clock through the streets of San Francisco, dodging new threats and old resentments. I’ve got to solve the case, keep us alive, and maybe, just maybe, convince Harlan that destiny does have a sense of humor.
Overall, this wasn't at all a bad book...but it was a book that felt a bit "rushed". I've found that this is often the case with these multi-author series. It also could have used some better proof-reading...but that wasn't his fault. I've read a lot of books like that recently. Maybe I should get a job as a proof-reader:)
Here we have a private detective...a second chance at love, and a whole lot of "supernatural" abilities. The characters were great...amusing...and for the most part, lovable. You get a few laughs, along with some seriousness, and in some places, you find yourself holding your breath and wondering what was going on and what could happen next.
Every story needs a "hero"...and I believe in this story the real hero was the "8-ball". I once had one...my three kids each had one...who didn't have one of these magical, little black fortune-telling balls as a kid?? Everything you ever wanted to know about your future was in that little round, black plastic. two-dollar, "fortuneteller". (I'm telling my age now:)
Harlan and Dash had their long-awaited reunion, but it was a really rocky road to get back to the friendship...and even rockier one to get to the "more" part of their relationship. Harlan's backstory will pull at your heart the most, because he was not only a victim but also a pawn. He tried to get out, but he kept being pulled him back in. This story is filled with danger, laughter, and love. It appears that more adventures are planned for Harlan and Dash and there are perhaps going to...or maybe already are...several more books already. I hope so. A.E. Wasp is one of my favorite authors.
Overall, it was a book that was quick and easy to read, and it did keep me captivated....and it fit an on-going challenge category for me. Win! win!
Actual Rating 4.5
Overall, this wasn't at all a bad book...but it was a book that felt a bit "rushed". I've found that this is often the case with these multi-author series. It also could have used some better proof-reading...but that wasn't his fault. I've read a lot of books like that recently. Maybe I should get a job as a proof-reader:)
Here we have a private detective...a second chance at love, and a whole lot of "supernatural" abilities. The characters were great...amusing...and for the most part, lovable. You get a few laughs, along with some seriousness, and in some places, you find yourself holding your breath and wondering what was going on and what could happen next.
Every story needs a "hero"...and I believe in this story the real hero was the "8-ball". I once had one...my three kids each had one...who didn't have one of these magical, little black fortune-telling balls as a kid?? Everything you ever wanted to know about your future was in that little round, black plastic. two-dollar, "fortuneteller". (I'm telling my age now:)
Harlan and Dash had their long-awaited reunion, but it was a really rocky road to get back to the friendship...and even rockier one to get to the "more" part of their relationship. Harlan's backstory will pull at your heart the most, because he was not only a victim but also a pawn. He tried to get out, but he kept being pulled him back in. This story is filled with danger, laughter, and love. It appears that more adventures are planned for Harlan and Dash and there are perhaps going to...or maybe already are...several more books already. I hope so. A.E. Wasp is one of my favorite authors.
Overall, it was a book that was quick and easy to read, and it did keep me captivated....and it fit an on-going challenge category for me. Win! win!
Actual Rating 4.5
June 5, 2024
I think it is neat. The "future predictions through a magic 8 ball" power is honestly incredibly creative. And I really liked Harlan as a character.
All said though, I was more invested on the romance than the murder plot.
All said though, I was more invested on the romance than the murder plot.
June 10, 2024
This was fun, particularly their snarking. It's pretty well plotted. All the characters were great. The worldbuilding is okay. The only real failure is it didn't get the line-edit it deserved, and that was distracting, and confusing once or twice. Why do publishers shirk on this very visible service that directly affects their sales? This author has written better novels, but I'm glad I read this one anyway. :)
June 15, 2024
June 2024
Kindle edition
Damn, I was hoping I'd like this one more. The 8-ball was cool and the frogs were funny and well timed. Curious about DT. Miscommunication is one of my pet peeves, adding one sided sacrifice to the list. The accidents were interesting, always liked the domino effect. Dash and Harlan annoyed me a little. It was pity party for two at different tables. I'm glad they finally sorted things out. Wasn't really interested in the mystery. Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, opening into a second mystery. Think I'll leave it there for this one.
Kindle edition
Damn, I was hoping I'd like this one more. The 8-ball was cool and the frogs were funny and well timed. Curious about DT. Miscommunication is one of my pet peeves, adding one sided sacrifice to the list. The accidents were interesting, always liked the domino effect. Dash and Harlan annoyed me a little. It was pity party for two at different tables. I'm glad they finally sorted things out. Wasn't really interested in the mystery. Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, opening into a second mystery. Think I'll leave it there for this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2024
Keep the 8-Ball in your pocket, not your mind.
Attempted murder is not the opposite of true love crushing, but they are related by intent and results.
Harlan and Dashiell spent years together in the Army and working together as private detectives before Harlan just left without explaining why he had to leave. Both were unhappy with the separation and missed each other.
Years later Harlan just shows up and asks for help. His body is obviously damaged and he is afraid for his life. He needs help in finding who is stalking him and trying to kill him.
But as in all good books and in life's details, there is no simple answer. But wit the help of DT, Dash's partner, and Dash's magic 8-Ball that answers questions about people and events that can see lots of time and effort in finding the facts and participants for pending cases.
Spam continues to provide employment and support for supes (superheroes) that operate under a different legal system while also working with the human legal system. But evidence is required before any action can be taken against criminals, human or otherwise. How do you locate someone that you did not know existed before they kill Harlan.
Especially while trying to protect the innocent and especially Harlan as he reconnects with Dash.
Attempted murder is not the opposite of true love crushing, but they are related by intent and results.
Harlan and Dashiell spent years together in the Army and working together as private detectives before Harlan just left without explaining why he had to leave. Both were unhappy with the separation and missed each other.
Years later Harlan just shows up and asks for help. His body is obviously damaged and he is afraid for his life. He needs help in finding who is stalking him and trying to kill him.
But as in all good books and in life's details, there is no simple answer. But wit the help of DT, Dash's partner, and Dash's magic 8-Ball that answers questions about people and events that can see lots of time and effort in finding the facts and participants for pending cases.
Spam continues to provide employment and support for supes (superheroes) that operate under a different legal system while also working with the human legal system. But evidence is required before any action can be taken against criminals, human or otherwise. How do you locate someone that you did not know existed before they kill Harlan.
Especially while trying to protect the innocent and especially Harlan as he reconnects with Dash.
June 10, 2024
4.5/5 This was a lot of fun. I loved the quirky powers and the quirky characters. They were very whimsical in an entirely appealing way. Dash and Harlan had lots of history, and it was entertaining to see them finally talk about what happened and figure out how they can have a future. Dash’s 8-ball is hilarious and awesome, his family is fun, and the mystery of the awesome coffee at the Cornor Store is clearly one for the ages. ;)
The story could have done with a more solid copy edit, as I came across a few too many typos/wrong words, etc. I’m choosing not to let it affect my rating, but the story would definitely be improved by a careful edit.
I liked how clear it was that Dash and Harlan both cared, even if they were sometimes bad at expressing it. I’m intrigued by the weird market, everyone’s powers, and just what Dash can do with his 8-ball. I’m excited that the author is continuing this series.
The story could have done with a more solid copy edit, as I came across a few too many typos/wrong words, etc. I’m choosing not to let it affect my rating, but the story would definitely be improved by a careful edit.
I liked how clear it was that Dash and Harlan both cared, even if they were sometimes bad at expressing it. I’m intrigued by the weird market, everyone’s powers, and just what Dash can do with his 8-ball. I’m excited that the author is continuing this series.
May 30, 2024
This is a second-chance romance through and through but it is also primarily a whodunit (or who is doing it, I guess). The mystery of who is trying to kill Harlan is engaging and engrossing.
Harlan and Dash are (if the 8-ball is to be believed) fated to be together. But first they have to untangle some magic, run some leads, visit a different dimension and rely on Dash’s connections. All in a day’s work for a private investigator and a SPAM agent.
As always, Wasp excels at big, boisterous, beautiful, meddling families and those scenes jump off the page. She also shines in exploring characters’ vulnerabilities and this is compellingly drawn through Dash’s fear of being left and Harlan’s fear of being killed.
5 stars.
Harlan and Dash are (if the 8-ball is to be believed) fated to be together. But first they have to untangle some magic, run some leads, visit a different dimension and rely on Dash’s connections. All in a day’s work for a private investigator and a SPAM agent.
As always, Wasp excels at big, boisterous, beautiful, meddling families and those scenes jump off the page. She also shines in exploring characters’ vulnerabilities and this is compellingly drawn through Dash’s fear of being left and Harlan’s fear of being killed.
5 stars.
July 12, 2024
This was fun, on the lighter side for this multiauthor series. Dash has used his magic 8-ball to predict the future ever since his grandmother gave it to him. Like the toys of our childhood, most of the time is says "the answer is murky" or some variant, but when it says yes or no, it's always right. And once in a while it comes up with a reply that definitely was not factory-installed on the floating die.
Is the ability to see the future a magic of the ball, or a superpower of Dash's than is expressed through the ball? Frankly, he hasn't wanted to know. And since precognitive and truth-detector superpowers are highly sought after by governments and criminals, he hasn't wanted anyone to find out about him. He's happy with his private investigator business that he started fresh out of the military.
Until the man who broke a promise to leave the service with him, and broke his heart by walking away, shows up in his office. Someone is trying to kill Dash's ex, Harlan, the man he never could get over. And as angry as he has been with Harlan, Dash doesn't want anyone else hurting the man.
And so begins an investigation to figure out who wants Harlan dead and why, while staying under the radar of the superhero-monitoring folks in SPAM, and dealing with a few surprises (frogs?) along the way.
The mutual misunderstanding here was made plausible by the military, SPAM, and secrecy needs. The mystery wasn't complex, but had its moments. The ending is a solid HFN although a sequel is planned. I expect I'll read that when it comes out, to see if some of the lingering concerns (particularly about Dash's powers) give our heroes new problems.
Is the ability to see the future a magic of the ball, or a superpower of Dash's than is expressed through the ball? Frankly, he hasn't wanted to know. And since precognitive and truth-detector superpowers are highly sought after by governments and criminals, he hasn't wanted anyone to find out about him. He's happy with his private investigator business that he started fresh out of the military.
Until the man who broke a promise to leave the service with him, and broke his heart by walking away, shows up in his office. Someone is trying to kill Dash's ex, Harlan, the man he never could get over. And as angry as he has been with Harlan, Dash doesn't want anyone else hurting the man.
And so begins an investigation to figure out who wants Harlan dead and why, while staying under the radar of the superhero-monitoring folks in SPAM, and dealing with a few surprises (frogs?) along the way.
The mutual misunderstanding here was made plausible by the military, SPAM, and secrecy needs. The mystery wasn't complex, but had its moments. The ending is a solid HFN although a sequel is planned. I expect I'll read that when it comes out, to see if some of the lingering concerns (particularly about Dash's powers) give our heroes new problems.
May 31, 2024
well... i was REALLY looking forward to a e wasps new book and i feel like i set myself up for disappointment.
i loved the dorkiness of the characters and the story. and i do like a good second chance romance where both parties are still and have always been very much into each other.
what i didn´t like first and foremost was the obvious lack of an editor. sometimes there were letters missing or remnants of changed sentences left for the reader. or there was a paragraph where it just didn´t make sense... so that always kind of disrupts the book for me.
another thing was the obvious inspiration the author took from s e harmons series "the spectral files". i don´t think that was intentional or anything and maybe a total coincidence. but the whole plot of the main characters finding each other after years apart. the supernatural but totally unexplained element. but the most important thing for me was the dorkiness. like a e wasps style hasn´t really been like that before so i maybe thats why i noticed it.
and dashs character reminded me sooo much of rain... even down to his crazy family...
i don´t know, maybe its just me and i would be really interested if anyone else also got that feeling from the book.
but even that nonewithstanding the whole book didn´t do it for me like a e wasps books normally do. and it has to be noted that the schpicinesch is really low.
i loved the dorkiness of the characters and the story. and i do like a good second chance romance where both parties are still and have always been very much into each other.
what i didn´t like first and foremost was the obvious lack of an editor. sometimes there were letters missing or remnants of changed sentences left for the reader. or there was a paragraph where it just didn´t make sense... so that always kind of disrupts the book for me.
another thing was the obvious inspiration the author took from s e harmons series "the spectral files". i don´t think that was intentional or anything and maybe a total coincidence. but the whole plot of the main characters finding each other after years apart. the supernatural but totally unexplained element. but the most important thing for me was the dorkiness. like a e wasps style hasn´t really been like that before so i maybe thats why i noticed it.
and dashs character reminded me sooo much of rain... even down to his crazy family...
i don´t know, maybe its just me and i would be really interested if anyone else also got that feeling from the book.
but even that nonewithstanding the whole book didn´t do it for me like a e wasps books normally do. and it has to be noted that the schpicinesch is really low.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2024
I had too much trouble getting into this story at the start; I found the whole Sam Spade/Humphrey Bogart/Casablanca/1940's hard-boiled detective mashup overdone, silly, and annoying, and the combination of that with too much angst and too many errors had me about to cast the book aside. Decided I would skim to the end, and got caught back up in the story, but overall, it simply didn't sing. It could have, possibly, if the author had more mastery of the English language. There was a point where I wondered if it was not the author's first language, but that wasn't the case.
Anyway, waste of potential, and definitely not a new author for my list. Shame; I think I'd like to see more of DT, but not enough to ride out the crap spelling and grammar.
Anyway, waste of potential, and definitely not a new author for my list. Shame; I think I'd like to see more of DT, but not enough to ride out the crap spelling and grammar.
March 17, 2025
Behind the 8-ball was a fantastic read. The author revealed so much about how powers work in this world without ever feeling like an info-dump. I really appreciated that powers weren't always of the super helpful variety. You might always be able to find a parking spot or maybe your coffee never got cold. But also there was no tried and true way to test each person's power. It was all much more chaotic and organic this way.
Dash and Harlan are having their second chance romance. While there were certainly hurt feelings to get over, they are flirting right off the bat. It was a little jarring to me in the moment but as the author explains what happened in their past it all made sense to me.
Dash and Harlan are having their second chance romance. While there were certainly hurt feelings to get over, they are flirting right off the bat. It was a little jarring to me in the moment but as the author explains what happened in their past it all made sense to me.
May 30, 2024
The true hero of this story is the 8 ball imo. Who didn't have one of these magical balls and have a special connection with it?? I liked that Harlan and Dash had their long awaited reunion, but it was a rocky road back to friendship and more. I think Harlan's backstory tugged at my heart the most, because he was a pawn and a victim. He tried to get out but they kept pulling him back in as the old movie line goes. This was filled with danger, laughter,and love. I quickly fell down the rabbit hole on this one, and it looks like more great adventures are coming our way again with the next book. Can't wait.
June 15, 2024
I enjoy Ms. Wasp's books. I liked the heroes, although Harlan had made some bad decisions in his attempts to protect Dash. I noticed the allusions to classic noir mysteries in certain phrases and descriptions. Harlan's students desperately needed training in their super or not-so-super powers.
There were a few loose ends left at the end of the story, but the author promises a sequel.
The proofreading wasn't great. There were missing words and letters, and at times what was clearly the wrong word or words, like "runway" when it should have been "run away." I got past that, though.
Recommended.
There were a few loose ends left at the end of the story, but the author promises a sequel.
The proofreading wasn't great. There were missing words and letters, and at times what was clearly the wrong word or words, like "runway" when it should have been "run away." I got past that, though.
Recommended.
May 31, 2024
3.5 stars
This is a new to me author for this next book in the Subpar Superheroes series. I liked the small introduction to SPAM and thought that was something that should have been included in all of the books as there was no clear explanation of who/what they were or did. The story itself was entertaining,albeit a bit convoluted and definitely in need of a good proofreading. Still, this was a fun addition to this multi author series.
This is a new to me author for this next book in the Subpar Superheroes series. I liked the small introduction to SPAM and thought that was something that should have been included in all of the books as there was no clear explanation of who/what they were or did. The story itself was entertaining,albeit a bit convoluted and definitely in need of a good proofreading. Still, this was a fun addition to this multi author series.
February 21, 2025
Dash & Harlan
Fun story about two guys separated by the years, coming together to solve the mystery of who and why someone is trying to kill Harlan. Breaking up broke both of them although Harlan was trying to do the right thing. Determined to find the wannabe killer and working on their issues, the two become close again and use the truth to communicate. They both also may have powers but it’s not fully determined in this book. Would enjoy more from these two.
Fun story about two guys separated by the years, coming together to solve the mystery of who and why someone is trying to kill Harlan. Breaking up broke both of them although Harlan was trying to do the right thing. Determined to find the wannabe killer and working on their issues, the two become close again and use the truth to communicate. They both also may have powers but it’s not fully determined in this book. Would enjoy more from these two.
June 3, 2024
just needs a little polishing.
This is a great book. I love DT, I appreciate the question of “Is it magic, or powers? Are they the same thing?” I will absolutely read a sequel. The characters development was great.
There are some editorial marks remaining in this (**) and some too-fast-for-autocorrect. That’s my only markdown. Clean up the etc and this is a five star book!
This is a great book. I love DT, I appreciate the question of “Is it magic, or powers? Are they the same thing?” I will absolutely read a sequel. The characters development was great.
There are some editorial marks remaining in this (**) and some too-fast-for-autocorrect. That’s my only markdown. Clean up the etc and this is a five star book!
June 11, 2024
This book was a great mix of things, private detective, second chance love and super natural abilities.
The characters were great, you got a few laughs, there were serious parts where you were left holding your breath, and wondering what was going on. Overall it was a great book that was easy to read, and to keep you captivated.
The characters were great, you got a few laughs, there were serious parts where you were left holding your breath, and wondering what was going on. Overall it was a great book that was easy to read, and to keep you captivated.
October 10, 2024
Behind the 8-Ball
This was a really good second chance story, set in the world of SPAM and its sub-par heroes. The author could use a better proofreader (there is a difference between discreet and discrete) but I really enjoyed Harlan and Dash and Dash’s extended family. I’m looking forward to more of their adventures!
This was a really good second chance story, set in the world of SPAM and its sub-par heroes. The author could use a better proofreader (there is a difference between discreet and discrete) but I really enjoyed Harlan and Dash and Dash’s extended family. I’m looking forward to more of their adventures!
June 5, 2024
Fun story
This was a fun book. I liked the use of the magic 8-ball to figure out what was going on. I also liked the second chance at love aspect. The plot was fast paced and entertaining. I'm looking forward to the next adventure with Dash and Harlan.
This was a fun book. I liked the use of the magic 8-ball to figure out what was going on. I also liked the second chance at love aspect. The plot was fast paced and entertaining. I'm looking forward to the next adventure with Dash and Harlan.
June 9, 2024
Thought this was a cute story--with a little mystery, a romance and a lot of humor. Harlan and Dash, along with DT are great characters and are so likeable. Looking forward to the next book. Recommend reading.
June 12, 2024
Specifically regarding this book: There were a lot of typos/missing words
Regarding the series: “subpar” seems like an apt description of the books I’ve read so far. Of the authors I’ve read before, these books are not their best efforts. This one included …
Regarding the series: “subpar” seems like an apt description of the books I’ve read so far. Of the authors I’ve read before, these books are not their best efforts. This one included …
July 17, 2024
Too many spelling/grammar mistakes
As much as I wanted to like and finish reading this book I just couldn't. There were too many spelling and grammar mistakes. It was just too distracting for me. I would give it a second shot if those mistakes were fixed, however.
As much as I wanted to like and finish reading this book I just couldn't. There were too many spelling and grammar mistakes. It was just too distracting for me. I would give it a second shot if those mistakes were fixed, however.
August 31, 2024
Fluffy and engaging.
September 20, 2024
B rating
Read
October 22, 2024DNF 10%
Overexposed. Every 3rd line is a random detail I didn't care for, slowing down the narrative and main plot.
Overexposed. Every 3rd line is a random detail I didn't care for, slowing down the narrative and main plot.
July 12, 2025
DNF @ 9%
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews