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First On Scene: A Howling Sirens Novel

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Book 1

In a small town shattered by violent animal attacks, four first responders must confront their pasts and embrace their destinies as they become humanity's last line of defense against a supernatural threat.

In the quiet, quintessential small town of Hudson, Massachusetts, a dedicated group of first responders—Kitty, Zuri, Angell, and Eric—commit themselves to the safety of their community. Kitty, a Southern transplant and new medic, is eager to prove her worth and find her place, not knowing that the woman of her dreams, Zuri, is more than just an EMT. Eric, who struggles in his role as a paramedic, learns to lean on his partner, Angell, a skilled medic with a mysterious, bewitched past.

When a series of violent animal attacks shatters the town's tranquility, it unearths hidden secrets and thrusts these healers onto a warrior's path. As they rush from one medical emergency to another, each pulse-pounding call brings them closer to each other and their destiny. The perils of the paranormal threaten to destroy everything they hold dear, forcing them to confront their pasts to save their future.

In this adrenaline-fueled world of EMS, the lives of Kitty, Zuri, Angell, and Eric intertwine in ways they never expected. Their call to duty transcends the ordinary as they become humanity's last line of defense against a supernatural threat. Every siren heralds a potential showdown, challenging them to redefine what it means to be 'of service.' Follow these warriors on a gripping journey where every heartbeat could signal a supernatural confrontation.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

24 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

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Selina Rossman

3 books8 followers

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Linda.
232 reviews10 followers
January 24, 2025
I really enjoyed the werewolf goings on in the world of EMTs rescue. This one has old school turning ya wolfie by being bitten. I loved it. Rival jerk werewolves are turning people wolfie much to the dismay of the OG baby we were born this way werewolves and contention flows with the bad blood between them. There's a sapphic love happening here along with gay and bi guys living their lives. I like the way Rossman tells her story, and she has a cliffhanger just waiting for you. I recommend this one for you. Awwwooooooo!
Profile Image for queer_aussie_reviews.
314 reviews30 followers
August 8, 2024
Debut author Selina Rossman about to release her sapphic novel, First on Scene. It’s a refreshingly original take on preternatural beings living peacefully in secret alongside humans until chaos erupts.

Kitty is new in town, but it is not long before she has formed family like bonds with fellow EMT’s, Zuri, Eric, and Angell. They learn to depend on each other for more than just support while on a call-out, and it isn’t long before life-long secrets are revealed. They risk their lives to protect their small community and each other while learning the extent of who they truly are and what responsibilities they hold.

Told from the perspective of each MC, it is impossible not to feel immersed into their day to day lives, easily becoming entrenched in their motivations and desires. Rossman’s writing is fast-paced and suspenseful as she takes the reader on a whirlwind ride with lights blaring.

Rossman’s insider knowledge of first responders (being a paramedic herself) lends the story an authentic, true to life feel. With romance and drama intertwined throughout, it reads like one of those tv series the LGBTQIA+ could only dream of seeing. Think Station 19, 9-1-1, or Grey’s Anatomy, with mostly queer leads, werewolves, and enough spice to ensure a late-night slot.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Jennie Hedges.
Author 6 books11 followers
November 15, 2024
What a ride! You’ve got literally everything you could want in this book. Werewolves, banter, otherworldly stuff, lesbians- see! Everything you could want in a book.

I couldn’t put it down and was furious when I had to. I can’t wait for number two!!
Profile Image for Bugs.
113 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2024
This reading (and aural) experience is new to me.

For the first time ever, in my lesfic reading experience, this book's leads (yes, more than 1) were NOT female! Had this book not been plugged as lesfic (or wlw/ff), or maybe I just assumed it (because of where and who I heard it from), I would have never classified it as such. It's more applicable to be categorised under gayfic especially when the lead (the main one) is a male character. Because I wasn't forewarned and there was no indication as such, I kept hoping that things would change in the 2nd half. Unfortunately, the character development of the MCs (both male) went even deeper, so there was no hope for the only 2 women in the book to elevate to being the main leads. As such, they were relegated to only supporting and their development was quite rudimentary, to my dismay.

And because the main lead was male, obviously there would be M/M intimate scenes (doesn't matter if it was graphic or suggestive), but because I'd never experienced reading it before, it wasn't even on my radar that would suggest the possibility! And it happened. I was utterly shocked because I wasn't expecting it nor was I prepared to read it! It was prolly a couple of chapters that I had to completely skip (except to glean over them in case there was something pertinent to the plot, which I didn't expect it to, and it really didn't, not integral that I'd have missed the plot because I skipped those pages, anyway). Unfortunately, I couldn't fast-forward AC's vocal presentation of those scenes because, it'd just be rude of me as I love her vocal frequency. Instead, I was able to "mute" the words she uttered in my brain, leaving just the sound frequency vibrations of her voice, so that was ok. And I was multi-tasking so...

Another unfortunate thing about the 2 female supporting characters, Kitty and Zuri, was that their scenes were somehow mainly about sex/intimacy, which was quite awkward for me to read (and listen to, for that matter) not because of the explicit presentation because I have not qualms about that, in fact, I welcome it, but it'd have to be contextual, proportionate/appropriate to the characterd development and their story. But because these 2 characters hardly had any time to get to know each other, more importantly, I, as the reader, didn't know enough about their characters for me to invest in or see them as a potential couple, there wasn't any chemistry developed at all for me to be invested in their sex/intimate scenes. So it came out as being a little out of place and coming out of the left field. At least, that's how I felt. All the attention, as I alluded to, went to Angell. Even Eric had a bit more character development, I felt. Maybe it's psychological because of my state of mind, confused and a little miffed that I was reading a male character leading the story in a lesfic. So it took me out of the story and reading experience altogether. Again, this is the FIRST time I've ever experienced anything like this reading lesfic/wlw/ff. Needless to say, I felt like I was going through a weird OBE!

So, this is the problem that distracted me completely from enjoying the story. I don't understand why a lesfic novel would have a male lead or leads, for that matter. Maybe Rossman thought Kitty and Zuri would be the leads in the sequel, I don't know. Maybe not, because judging from where this book was going, Rossman was very invested in Angell's story, which was a good story. Pity the other characters, particularly the female characters, about whom I really wanted to know more, were not properly fleshed out. I just wished Angell was a lesbian (female) character. Well... he kinda did when I pretended him to be one when I was reading and listening to it! AC's sound frequency definitely helped!

The story. Well, first of all, I LOVE werewolves/shape-shifters. Urban fantasy is my jam. Radclyffe, Jae, McKnight, Frame, O'Brien (albeit only 1 book, if I remember correctly!). MacTague... Loved their story-weaving plots and drama and romance. Rossman's story was unexpected. For me. It was more because of how the root of the plot came about, than anything else, really. It worked to an extent, yes. But unfortunately, not for a die-hard shape-shifter reader like me.

All in all, I love the book cover, that has to be said. It led me to reading (and listening to it only because it's AC, end of) it. It's always good to check out new authors. I just wish I wasn't reading it with a male character leading and carrying the story, with only a bit of ff/wlw on the side. I think Kitty and Zuri were meant to be part of the 4-person leading team. But their appearances and development paled in comparison to Angell's (and Eric's to a point). You know what's funny, tho? Whilst I was reading it, my mind kept repeating, "Queer as Folk (UK)"!

AC did a great job, as usual. But she can't change the nature of the story and character development. But she could do one thing for my aural experience, tho, which was a blessing, tbh. I managed to resort to using her vocals to reimagine the characters, Angell, Miguel, Eric, as females! Ha! Pathetic, I know, but anything to drown out what I didn't want to read or hear. That's just me. I'm sure many others would not even bat an eyelid when they read it.

Oh well...

That's my take... I can only speak for myself and my experience. I prefer reading female leads/co-leads in books esp lesfic...that's just me. That is all.

Happy reading....and listening!!!

**This is just MY own opinion and preference. , see.**
Profile Image for Val.
617 reviews23 followers
December 16, 2024
Selina Rossman delivers an adrenaline-pumping ride in First on Scene, a gripping Howling Sirens novel. Combining high-stakes emergency response with eerie supernatural elements, this book pulls readers right into the action. The atmospheric setting—dark forests, a looming moon, and an ambulance rushing through mysterious roads—perfectly sets the tone for a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat story. The characters are well-rounded and relatable, especially for fans of thrillers and paranormal fiction. This novel is impossible to put down and leaves you eagerly awaiting the next installment! Highly recommend it for those looking for a fast-paced, spine-tingling read.
1 review
September 3, 2024
Fans of the supernatural and emergency responders, rejoice! You will find that First on the Scene is a definite page-turner. The story unfolds in such an exhilarating and inventive way that makes you feel for the characters through their journey to uncover the truth within themselves and their town. Rossman weaves a remarkable picture of love, life, and death that can only be surpassed by her expertise, both as a paramedic and an author. You know this is a phenomenal read when the story concludes and you can't help but wonder when the next book will release.
Profile Image for Nessa’s Book Reviews.
1,420 reviews70 followers
December 3, 2024
Selina Rossman knows how to turn up the tension! This story was equal parts supernatural thriller, small-town drama, and heartfelt character study! This series opener hits the ground running (sirens blazing) and never lets up.

Set in the seemingly sleepy town of Hudson, Massachusetts, the novel introduces us to a tight-knit team of first responders, Kitty, Zuri, Angell, and Eric, who are anything but ordinary. What starts as a gripping peek into the high-stakes lives of paramedics quickly escalates into a thrilling supernatural mystery that will have you clutching your metaphorical stethoscope.

At first, the plot feels like an intimate, high-octane look at life on the front lines of emergency services. Rossman nails the chaotic, fast-paced world of EMS, from harrowing medical calls to the camaraderie (and occasional friction) among the team. But things take a sharp left turn when Hudson is rocked by a string of violent animal attacks.

The deeper the team dives into the mystery, the clearer it becomes that these aren’t ordinary incidents. As their lives intertwine with the supernatural threat, each character’s personal struggles and hidden secrets rise to the surface. For Kitty and Zuri, it’s about opening up to each other while confronting the unknown. For Angell, it’s a reckoning with her bewitched past. And for Eric, it’s about finding his strength when the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Rossman strikes a brilliant balance between action, emotion, and suspense. The medical emergencies are pulse-pounding, the supernatural elements are compelling, and the interpersonal dynamics are richly drawn. Each call feels like a step closer to unraveling the town’s secrets, and every moment of downtime brings the characters closer together or pushes them further apart.

And the romance?!?!?! The romance between Kitty and Zuri is refreshingly authentic, with all the vulnerability and yearning you’d expect from two people slowly letting down their walls. Meanwhile, Angell and Eric’s friendship offers its own kind of magic, literally and figuratively.

The stakes are high, the romance is swoon-worthy, and the action is relentless. Whether you’re here for the medical drama, the paranormal intrigue, or the beautifully messy relationships, this book delivers in spades.

Fans of queer fantasy, found families, and adrenaline-fuelled storytelling, this one’s for you. And with this being the first book in the Howling Sirens series, one thing’s for sure: we’re just getting started.
Profile Image for Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm).
1,118 reviews88 followers
December 11, 2024
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🌖 love to read paranormal thrillers
🚑 enjoy stories about EMTs
🏳️‍🌈 are looking for LGBTQ+ rep
📚 want a new series to read

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

In the quiet, quintessential small town of Hudson, Massachusetts, a dedicated group of first responders-Kitty, Zuri, Angell, and Eric-commit themselves to the safety of their community. Kitty, a Southern transplant and new medic, is eager to prove her worth and find her place, not knowing that the woman of her dreams, Zuri, is more than just an EMT. Eric, who struggles in his role as a paramedic, learns to lean on his partner, Angell, a skilled medic with a mysterious, bewitched past.

When a series of violent animal attacks shatters the town's tranquility, it unearths hidden secrets and thrusts these healers onto a warrior's path. As they rush from one medical emergency to another, each pulse-pounding call brings them closer to each other and their destiny. The perils of the paranormal threaten to destroy everything they hold dear, forcing them to confront their pasts to save their future.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was a really fun read full of so many different things! I love when a thriller has paranormal aspects, so that was a lot of fun to see. And it was cool how it revolved around EMTs because I don’t think I’ve ever seen that in any other books. It really made sense because they are almost always first on scene when someone is injured. I also enjoyed the characters and their backstories. They felt like real and relatable people, and I enjoyed getting to know them. I can’t wait for book 2!
2 reviews
November 16, 2024
This book has something for everyone! I loved the exciting EMS calls and camaraderie between the characters, and as a healthcare provider myself, I appreciated the medical accuracy. The paranormal aspect was engrossing and had some unexpected twists and turns. The book follows 4 friends who become like family, working together in an EMS crew and navigating dangerous and unexplainable events. While each character initially has their own secrets and individual stories, the storyline becomes increasingly intertwined as these paranormal incidents shake up their small New England town. Primarily a shifter novel, there is also a healthy dose of the occult and mythology. I won't give anything away, but Angell's story was my favorite.

I was also surprised at how much I liked the sapphic romance. Both the female leads are beautiful badasses and it's no surprise they were drawn to each other. As a straight cis woman, I wasn't expecting to enjoy the spice as much as I did, in particular the scene in the back of the ambulance. What can I say, it was hot; I'll let you find out :). Another thing I really appreciated was nuance in the male characters. This wasn't a book that vilified straight men, although certainly some of them were despicable villians indeed. Instead all the characters were fully fleshed out people, some good, some bad, just like in real life.

So if you like urban fantasy, occasionally with gruesome aspects, medical fiction, or queer romance, this book is for you!
Profile Image for Callie Saldana.
148 reviews8 followers
February 15, 2025
Rating: 4/5 Stars

First on Scene: A Howling Sirens Novel by Selina Rossman is a fun, adrenaline-pumping paranormal romp that had me grinning from start to finish. The book’s structure—shifting between multiple perspectives—adds so much flavor to the story, allowing each character to shine with their unique voice. I loved how Kitty, Zuri, Angell, and Eric each brought a distinct personality and backstory to the mix, making their relationships and interactions genuinely entertaining.

The mysteries woven throughout the narrative kept me engaged as the team of first responders uncovered secrets about the supernatural threat besieging their small town. I found myself laughing along with their banter and even kicking my feet and giggling in amusement at some of the lighter moments (especially in the romantics--I felt like a teenager again lol), which provided a refreshing balance to the high-stakes drama.

The pacing was generally solid, moving briskly from one pulse-pounding emergency to the next. The ending ramped up the tension to a satisfying level, leaving me eager to see what comes next for these dedicated warriors.

Overall, if you’re a fan of paranormal thrillers with well-drawn characters, engaging mysteries, and a healthy dose of humor, First on Scene is a fantastic pick. Selina Rossman has crafted an enjoyable, fast-paced adventure that proves being the first on scene can be as exhilarating as it is unpredictable.
2 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2024
Wow, this book hooks the reader from the start and doesn’t let go for one second all the way through its wildly thrilling ride. A gripping blend of supernatural horror and urban fantasy, I couldn’t stop thinking about the plot any time I wasn’t immersing myself directly into the story. The cast of characters is satisfyingly diverse, and you fall in love with each of the protagonists along the way. Rossman deftly paints the way through many twists and turns to a heart-pounding conclusion that leaves you breathlessly awaiting the next book in the series. Destined to gain a huge following, this book would be the perfect first season of a TV series (looking at you HBO). I can’t wait to preorder book number two!
2 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2024
Once I started this book I could not put it down! From beginning to end, the author kept my attention and just left me wanting to read and learn more about all the characters. Incredible character development and attention to plot details, every page keeps getting more and more intriguing . Each chapter is riveting with lots of twists and turns, which kept me up reading late into the night. As a former EMT myself I appreciated the witty humor and realistic feel the novel gave to the job, I could even picture myself at the base with these exact characters. A must read for anyone interested in urban fantasy and I already cannot wait for a second book.
Profile Image for M's ☆~HEA~☆.
1,347 reviews55 followers
February 12, 2025
🎧I took a chance on this even though I don't normally read sapphic romance and I'm very glad I did. I'd say it's 80% paranormal action and 20% romance. In addition to our FMC, Kitty, we have an MC Angell who not only hooks up with his bisexual male friend but sees the Grim Reaper! I found his character to be extremely interesting especially as he evolves.

Shifters, Grim Reaper, ghosts, so much paranormal goodness along with great writing & pacing. I'll definitely be waiting for book 2.
Profile Image for Marybeth.
172 reviews6 followers
September 30, 2024
I really liked this book. It was a great mixture of paranormal, romance and action/adventure and kept me glued to the pages. I cannot wait for book 2! I need to see how the relationships that develop in book 1 develop or do not. Plus, the villains are truly hateful and I really need to see our MC's fighting them. The paramedic setting was eye opening for me and seemed very realistic. Great debut for Selina Rossman.
Profile Image for Sara.
45 reviews
October 1, 2024
Just in time for spooky season arrives First On Scene, a series introduction I just couldn't put down! This story doesn't shy away from the dark realities of paramedic life, while mixing in the supernatural. I especially loved the climax and how well written (spoilers)'s death scene was. I'm so looking forward to Book 2!
Profile Image for Michelle Godard-Richer.
Author 15 books466 followers
February 11, 2025
I loved the combination of shifters and first responders in this paranormal, suspenseful fantasy. The characters—my fave was Kitty—were distinctive and interesting, facing what seemed to be realistic challenges for the EMS and the lgtbq community while trying to save the world from an insane supernatural threat. I'm glad this is listed as book one because I want more.
2 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2024
First On Scene was a fun and sexy read. It was a great opportunity to feel what it was like to be a first responder and I found the queer relationships refreshingly realistic as well. I'm excited to read book 2!
Profile Image for Samantha Holder-Venter.
134 reviews
October 3, 2024
I struggled to get into this book initially but once it hooked me I didn’t want to put it down! I can’t wait for the next one
1 review
February 1, 2025
A spicy, fast-paced ems based thriller. A fun book from beginning to end. Hits every guilty pleasure: fantasy, romance, magic, and nonstop action. Would highly recommend.
Profile Image for sam.
1 review1 follower
November 17, 2024
I read First on Scene during halloween week and it was perfect for spooky season!! (But a super fun read all around and honestly great any time of year)

I love that this is a multi POV story and we get to learn and love each of the characters, which were all really well developed. Although, this was definitely a fast past read and therefore the bonds between our characters form just as quickly.

What ended as a thrilling adventure filled with twists and turns that kept the reader on the edge of their seat, started as a more in depth peek into the world of EMS. The author did a fantastic job at painting the scene as an EMT and paramedic and I found myself looking forward to the “tones dropping”

Part urban fantasy, part romance, First On Scene hit all the spots for me and I can’t wait to see where book two takes us !!
Profile Image for Issy Waldrom.
Author 10 books55 followers
October 7, 2024
Four characters, four intertwining stories that take place (mostly) in the one city, coworkers who might have more tying them together than they first thought.

At its heart, its a wolf-shifter novel. The EMT aspect is prominent, crucial (given that they all work together), but I'm not sure how much of a role it's going to take in the future books in the series - the book ends open, and I expect the second installment to continue straight after. There is some light romance, with multiple relationships looked at (the spice in the book is all sapphic), and the pacing is rather fast. A lot happens, with a lot of development along the way, some of which happens quickly.

It's an enjoyable story, and I am curious to see where the story does go. There were definitely some twists that I didn't expect, and it gets rather dark in spots. Also, be warned, that the gore level is quite high and descriptive in places.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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