Shifting Currents

by Lissa Trevor

After the meteorite wiped out civilization and most of the population, it took thirty years to scrabble together rudiments of society again. Sex is the main currency, for those who haven’t mutated special abilities.

Bethany, a Tech, is able to channel electricity through her body and charge up electronics. When she saves a Shifter girl about to be sold at auction, the girl’s brother, Lucas, offers to repay the debt with his body. While Bethany would love to have Lucas at her beck and call, she’d rather have sex with someone who wanted her as a partner instead of an obligation. But unable to resist the sexy Shifter, she agrees to his terms.

When an opportunity presents itself to travel cross the ravaged countryside to loot the remains of California, Bethany believes this is the best chance for her to find her own brother, a rogue Shifter on the run for a crime he didn’t commit. Lucas wants to go, too, to free his Shifter pack.

The caravan members are expected to provide sexual services to the owners in exchange for passage out and back. As the lines between pleasure and payment become blurred, Bethany struggles to remain human while the pull of the energy feels good enough to leave her meat sack body behind. Can Lucas learn to ground her against the shifting currents?

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Shapeshifters

191 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 3, 2014

Reviews

[Isabelle MBTL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 stars

Title: Shifting Currents
Author: Lissa Trevor
Genre: Erotic Urban Fantasy; Futuristic; Dystopian; Post-Apocalyptical
Heat: 5 stars
Source: ARC provided by Bewitching Book Tours

Cover: 4 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Plot: 2.5 stars
Heat: 5 stars
Freshness: 5 stars
Addictiveness: 4 stars

Total: 4 stars (19.5/24)


Bethany is a "Tech" in this post-apocalypse world. "Techs" are very important to this society, because they are able to chain energy into electricity. In fact, they are almost the only form of electricity of this society. After being separated from her brother, she feels lonely and doesn't have anything holding her to a place. When a sexy shifter crosses her path, she joins him on a journey through the country, each with their own agenda. Will he be enough to keep her in this world? Or the call of electrical waves will be stronger than a possible mate?

Lucas is a shifter that has lost his pack to scientists. Now he wants revenge and freedom for his pack. Sadly, in this world, shifters are not very valuable and most of time, they need to trade sexual favors for food and shelter. When opportunity arises, he joins Bethany into a caravan heading west. He isn't looking for a mate, and he is not certain shifters can mate with humans, but his animal instinct is not interested in rationality and decides to have Bethany nonetheless. Will they ever be together?

Shifting Currents has an amazing group of characters, all with distinctive personalities and unique points-of-view. Both main characters and all of the secondary characters are easy to like, connect and relate. I personally got attached to them, and I've ended the story understanding their choices and motives.

Ms. Trevor has created a fresh new world and has brought many interesting ideas to what seems like the beginning of a promising new series. Her one mistake, in my opinion, was to have thrown in too many ideas together without a strong foundation backing up all this data. I believe, Shifting Currents probably needs a prequel, a short novella that introduces better this wonderful new world, so it could help filled out all the missing gaps left by this book.

I would love to read more of this series and I hope to see all my questions answered in a continuing book.

I have enjoyed Ms. Trevor's passionate scenes and I will be looking at other works from the author.

You may read this if you enjoy Urban Fantasy. You should read this if you like mixed-pnr stories. You must read this if you like your heroes panty-wetter, jump-your-husband hot!

"Take energy into my body from various places. Sometimes that energy is benign like a summer breeze. Sometimes it's from anger."

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking for a slightly different post-apocalyptic story? If you liked the movie The Book of Eli, SHIFTING CURRENTS contains some of the same vibes with a paranormal element.

In this world, people are evolving into something more. Some people can shift into other animals. Some people can channel electricity. Bethany is one of the special ones. She is a Tech, someone who can power electrical devices. She's a talented one which makes her a hot commodity. Sometime, too much of a commodity as she suddenly finds herself in dire straits.

This story concept is interesting. I did enjoy it. There are things I liked such as the characters. I liked Bethany and Lucas. The secondary characters were also good. The relationship between the characters worked well, too. The sex in this story is hawt. As a fan of f/f sex, this one does a nice job with two hawt women going down on each other.

What would make this story better is the worldbuilding. This did have a journey similar to The Book of Eli. Bethany is trying to make it to the West Coast. Her travel is fraught with danger. This is where the book comes apart for me. It tries to add too many different things into the story. The outer body experience felt forced into the storyline. I get how it was needed to make the story work, but it felt out of place. While I loved the F/f sex, it distracts from the main plot. The erotic orgies on the train is panty-wetting goodness, but is it really necessary? Moreover, the reason why Bethany goes to the West Coast is strange. Strange as in, where is the back story to this lab? How did the people end up there? It feels like an entire previous book is missing.

Personally, I'd like to have a book focused on those who were trapped in the facility in the West Coast. In that first book, focus also on the world building. Describe how each settlement came to existence. Explain more about each of the different types of evolved humans. Delve into the possibility of "Ghost in the Shell" type ability. Then this second book can build upon that world and feature the villains. This would give readers a solid world foundation and move to the next level. Otherwise, this story becomes a hodgepodge of great elements all fighting for a voice. Instead of working together for a perfect tasting dish, these different ideas clash and cause a chaotic sensation.

This story is recommended for those who enjoy dystopian worlds and an underdog fighting for what's right.

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that is a hodgepodge of elements that are intriguing on their own but when combined become too much and make for a story that bounces in many different directions. Set in a post-apocalyptic world paranormal abilities have created a hierarchy for some where their talents make them highly valued and seen as a commodity. Bethany is just such an individual who can transfer electricity. She's found a home but isn't completely happy as she feels lost. Love is an illusion as sex too is a commodity and used to get what you need to survive. All of this makes for a bleak existence with very little hope.

Bethany seeks to change her place in the world though by heading West and luckily has the sexy and powerful Lucas helping her as he too has a plan to save his people who are shifters. After saving a female shifter from auction it's her brother Lucas who wants to repay Bethany in the only way he can...through sex. While Bethany finds him attractive she longs for something more but his pull becomes too much which leads to lots of HOT sex during their journey West. While Lucas feels that he owes Bethany he doesn't want to connect with her as he senses a mating bond forming between them which could complicate things even more. With every step West things become more dangerous as Bethany's powers get stronger and could ultimately kill her if she gives in to the feelings of power. Lucas will ultimately have to decide what's really worth fighting for if he hopes to save her. Bethany is a strong-willed woman who understands how things work even if she doesn't like it. Being with Lucas gives her a sense of family that she's wanted ever since her brother went on the run and I enjoy them together. Lucas is a strong and loyal man very aware of how this new world works. He's very family-oriented which drives his every action and has him drawn to Bethany.

The premise of this story is very intriguing but I wanted things dealt with more in-depth. Things were brought up that were either quickly dealt with or forgotten about. The story starts off a bit slow but concludes a bit too quickly leaving me frustrated. What wasn't disappointing was the sexual interludes that were super steamy, varied in gender, and plentiful. The entire trek West teemed with erotic encounters which almost became blase. Overall this was an entertaining read that I wish had been more fully fleshed-out. Fans of erotica though won't be disappointed as this story practically burned my fingers while turning the pages with its numerous scorching interludes.

[VampireRomanceBooks ThatsErotica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shifting Currents is a dystopian paranormal tale of life 20 year after a meteor annihilated most of the world. The synopsis sounded like a very unique and exciting read so I was anxious to jump into it. There were a lot of fantastic characters with very different stories but none ever overshadowed the main characters Lucas and Bethany. I tried very hard to get into the actual story, but found it very difficult as it seemed like there was a lot of backstory missing, almost as if there was a first book in the series that I missed reading. I was never really able to get a good visual in my head of the world the author had created. I think a prologue of some sort would’ve been very helpful. Most of the story was a smooth read, there were definitely parts that I had to stop and back up a couple pages because it seems like I missed several pages. With shifters and humans with electrical powers, trolls and dragons, spirits and automans, it just felt like things were being thrown into the story for no reason especially since some were only talked about for a page or two and then dropped without ever being seen in the story.

There were some very positive aspects to this book so don’t think I was completely disappointed. The characters were fantastic! Lucas and Bethany had sparks flying off the pages as well as all the other side characters. I really hope that Trevor adds to the series because the potential to add to these characters is huge! Besides the fact that the characters are very well rounded and really blend well together in the story, the sex was off the charts hot! You get a bit of everything. There is M/M, F/F, M/F, and even some F/F/M, so everyone has something to look forward to no matter what your preference and believe me, when it comes to those particular scenes, there is nothing lacking. While I only give this book 3 stars, I would certainly give the next book a chance if the author adds to the series. If you’re a fan of dystopian tales and steamy sex then you will want to give Shifting Currents a try.

[Shaunta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from its author and Paranormal Romance &Authors That Rock. This book is based after a world crippling event. An event that alters some humans giving them talents. Bethany Macgregors talent is called tech, she is able to draw energy and boost it to electronics. Bethany is in a new tribe that gives her perks for being one of the rare techs alive but isnt truly happy.  Until the day where she saves a dog she suspects is more than a dog. Lucas is a shapeshifter who is out on two missions. One to save his sister who is trapped as a dog and to recuse his pack. Finding a mate was last on his list, but finds he doesn't want to let go. After owing a debt to Bethany for saving his sister he begrudgingly he agrees to let her travel with them to save his pack.

Overall I enjoyed this book. There were a few things I'd like to point out that would make it even better. The beginning dragged a bit for me so it was was hard to get into, also there was no time frame for the basis of the book. I was not sure if it took place in the future or present.  The romance relationships were a bit rushed with each characters. Some paragraph errors when asking questions and being answered by others got blended so it was like the same person answered themself. Last but not least I would have liked the ending drawn out more, felt rushed and thrown together. All in all I did like this book and I think it could be amazing with a few fixes. Based on content this book is for ages 18 + with open minds as there are same sex and BDSM scenes. I'm giving this book 3.5 Fangs.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a unique paranormal romance. A meteorite has wiped out most of the human population and some of those remaining have mutated. Bethany is a mutated human who is called a Tech, she is able to channel electricity and is highly valued by most tribes. She is lonely and searches for shifters, another type of mutated human, in most animals she comes across. Lucas is a shifter who has been watching Bethany and reveals himself when she saves his sister. Lucas is on a mission to save his pack from demented scientists and Bethany decides to join him when she finds out that her beloved brother may be a prisoner. This story slowly captured my attention as members of a caravan head to California, all hoping to find something whether it be love, home or riches. Some intend to loot a recently discovered island while Bethany and Lucas hope to rescue imprisoned shifters. This sexual chemistry between these two very unique individuals is so hot and the building of their relationship was well written. This story has a mix of paranormal, romance and action that will have readers eagerly turning the page to reach the end.

[Sherry Hoernig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GREAT read. It was quick, & smooth. There was a bit of everything, Action, humor, romance, suspense, & LOTS of steamy hot loving. Lissa did a great job of creating the different societies, that existed in an apocalyptic world. The characters she created were believable, & intereacted w/each other very well. She didn't hesitate to let their fears, & insecurities show through along w/their strength, & courage. Once I started reading it, (which was the sample made available on Amazon) I couldn't stop. As soon as I reached the end of the sample I purchased the book, & read until I was finished, putting all the things that i needed to, & should have been doing to the side. If you're looking for a quick easy read, w/action, romance, & lots of the steamy stuff that will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next, then I highly recommend Shifting Currents!!

[axola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say this one was a surprise. I bought it on a whim couple of months ago and when I started it today it didn't remember what it was about.

Well, this book it's not only hot (all kinds of hot m/f, m/m, f/f, m/f/f, m/f/m). But it's a well written hot in a interesting story with likable characters. Usually I skip books that have the f/f and m/f/f… because they do nothing for me, but this time it worked.

The only thing I didn't like was that the ending came super fast, out of nowhere. Like tons happens in the last 10-15% of the book. However, I would recommend this book.

[SB Morales · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the world Trevor created. I loved the characters and can't wait to find out what happens to them next. It was suspenseful and oh so sexy. This is not a book for young eyes. If you love paranormal stories and erotica this is a perfect fit for you! It has a wonderful story line and even without the sexy scenes it would be an entertaining read!

[Zenny Dahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dystopian world after the apocalypse where sex is a form of currency. There are shape shifters and humans with mutant abilities called Techs, who are basically human batteries. A Tech, Bethany and a Shifter, Lucas join a caravan travelling across country. Along the way there is hot sex, incredible sex, and day-um sex. All pairings, all positions. Whoa. Seriously steaming Kindle!

[Brenda Demko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the concept of this one. There were more sexual escapades than I was comfortable with. I really dislike f/f scenes and there were some in this book.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Official Review To Come Soon