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Charmed Away Temp Agency #3
The Shapeshifter's Secretary
All Tony wanted was a job that didn’t make his life harder. Being a temp should have made it easier, let him pick jobs that he was comfortable with, but bills needed to be paid and he didn’t have the luxury of turning jobs down. So when his boss offers him what sounds like the perfect job, he’s afraid to hope he’s finally found his place. After all, the job is only temporary. They wouldn’t want to keep someone like him. Right?
Taron was starting to think he was the problem. Why else would he have gone through three secretaries in a matter of weeks? Granted, he had issues staying put and he was known to make the occasional prank, but he wasn’t that bad! So after Avery goes out of his way to find someone know, Taron promised to behave. And when he meets the newest addition, he’s determined to keep that promise. Tony calls to him in a way no one else has before, and for once in his life, he wants to stay put. But when a past mistake starts looking in Tony’s direction, he realizes behaving might not be enough. Right?
Zephyr would admit to no one that he was still in love with his ex. So when there’s an opportunity to work with him, he makes up an excuse and pretends he’s only there for the project. Except Taron has his eyes on another, and it only took one conversation to figure out why. Tony is sweet and earnest, and in sore need to be taken care of. It wasn’t possible to have them both. Right?
Good things come in threes, Tony has a tragic backstory, Taron wants to cuddle him, old rivals make a reappearance, Taron calls in a favor, being around out-of-control incubi is a recipe for disaster, or spicy times, take your pick, sharing is caring, they’ll learn to get along for Tony, healing can be painful, Taron can’t hide from the truth, nobody can hate Tony, guaranteed HEA
Taron was starting to think he was the problem. Why else would he have gone through three secretaries in a matter of weeks? Granted, he had issues staying put and he was known to make the occasional prank, but he wasn’t that bad! So after Avery goes out of his way to find someone know, Taron promised to behave. And when he meets the newest addition, he’s determined to keep that promise. Tony calls to him in a way no one else has before, and for once in his life, he wants to stay put. But when a past mistake starts looking in Tony’s direction, he realizes behaving might not be enough. Right?
Zephyr would admit to no one that he was still in love with his ex. So when there’s an opportunity to work with him, he makes up an excuse and pretends he’s only there for the project. Except Taron has his eyes on another, and it only took one conversation to figure out why. Tony is sweet and earnest, and in sore need to be taken care of. It wasn’t possible to have them both. Right?
Good things come in threes, Tony has a tragic backstory, Taron wants to cuddle him, old rivals make a reappearance, Taron calls in a favor, being around out-of-control incubi is a recipe for disaster, or spicy times, take your pick, sharing is caring, they’ll learn to get along for Tony, healing can be painful, Taron can’t hide from the truth, nobody can hate Tony, guaranteed HEA
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2025
275 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
August 30, 2025
While I appreciated the representation of disability in this book, I do find issue with the way it was depicted. Tony has been severely burned while being deployed on a military mission, resulting in a lost limb and severe scarring over half his body. Combined with the relatively crude human medical treatment and an ill-fitting prosthetic, this led to him being in constant pain and unable to stand for extended periods of time.
I appreciated that his disability was never forgotten, and that there wasn't a "drink this magic potion and your leg will grow back" plotpoint. Everything else about it was pretty bad though.
For one, the poor guy couldn't walk for more than five minutes before falling, being pushed, stumbling, or otherwise hurting himself. He was basically constantly being put into situations where he was highly embarassed, often on the verge of (or actually) crying, and utterly helpless. This led to people swarming around him and his love interests having to rescue him, which included picking him up several times.
Tony was also depicted as having very low self-esteem.
All this combined to this character having basically no agency at all. At all times, his love interests told him how beautiful and perfect he is, while also constantly telling him what to do and how to feel. Basically every single decision or feeling he shares is ignored or argued against. This goes so far as them chiding him for small movements like leaning forward to see more, because he might hurt himself (sometimes going as far as holding him so he cannot move), and making a ton of decisions for him.
Tony is essentially given no agency at all, which is justified by the author by only ever giving him "bad" opinions resulting from his low view of himself or him somehow constantly forgetting that he cannot move in certain ways.
He is not even allowed to innitiate or truly consent the beginning of their sexual relationship himself, as
Also, during a medical exam, the doctor is appalled by the severity of Tonys injuries, which leads him to... get Taron into the room where Tony is only wearing his Boxers, because he simply had to show him how bad it was. That is such an incredible invasion of privacy I don't even know what to say. It also counts into the high number of situations where Tony is embarassed either by his lack of abilities or someone seeing his scars.
All in all, Tony was infantilised and stripped of any agency. If he was allowed to make at least some decisions for himself, to achieve at least a few small goals without relying on either one of his love interests, it would have been so much better. Instead, every decision he makes on his own (of which there are not many) result in him needing rescue, only showing once more that he is depicted as entirely incapable of deciding things on his own.
I did like the beginning of the book (before the constant accidents, absolutely no self-esteem and no agency for himself became a pattern), and the relationship depicted at the end did seem a bit more equal. But I truly had to fight to keep reading through most of the meat of the book.
This was also because compared to the other books, there was next to no plot happening at the office, the whole premise of this series. There was barely any plot apart from getting Tony to feel better, which made it even more monotone to read about his love interests constantly infantilising him.
I appreciated that his disability was never forgotten, and that there wasn't a "drink this magic potion and your leg will grow back" plotpoint. Everything else about it was pretty bad though.
For one, the poor guy couldn't walk for more than five minutes before falling, being pushed, stumbling, or otherwise hurting himself. He was basically constantly being put into situations where he was highly embarassed, often on the verge of (or actually) crying, and utterly helpless. This led to people swarming around him and his love interests having to rescue him, which included picking him up several times.
Tony was also depicted as having very low self-esteem.
All this combined to this character having basically no agency at all. At all times, his love interests told him how beautiful and perfect he is, while also constantly telling him what to do and how to feel. Basically every single decision or feeling he shares is ignored or argued against. This goes so far as them chiding him for small movements like leaning forward to see more, because he might hurt himself (sometimes going as far as holding him so he cannot move), and making a ton of decisions for him.
Tony is essentially given no agency at all, which is justified by the author by only ever giving him "bad" opinions resulting from his low view of himself or him somehow constantly forgetting that he cannot move in certain ways.
He is not even allowed to innitiate or truly consent the beginning of their sexual relationship himself, as
Also, during a medical exam, the doctor is appalled by the severity of Tonys injuries, which leads him to... get Taron into the room where Tony is only wearing his Boxers, because he simply had to show him how bad it was. That is such an incredible invasion of privacy I don't even know what to say. It also counts into the high number of situations where Tony is embarassed either by his lack of abilities or someone seeing his scars.
All in all, Tony was infantilised and stripped of any agency. If he was allowed to make at least some decisions for himself, to achieve at least a few small goals without relying on either one of his love interests, it would have been so much better. Instead, every decision he makes on his own (of which there are not many) result in him needing rescue, only showing once more that he is depicted as entirely incapable of deciding things on his own.
I did like the beginning of the book (before the constant accidents, absolutely no self-esteem and no agency for himself became a pattern), and the relationship depicted at the end did seem a bit more equal. But I truly had to fight to keep reading through most of the meat of the book.
This was also because compared to the other books, there was next to no plot happening at the office, the whole premise of this series. There was barely any plot apart from getting Tony to feel better, which made it even more monotone to read about his love interests constantly infantilising him.
May 9, 2025
This was a lot of fun.
I was a little disappointed that the author didn't explore some of the deeper themes that were hinted at including what happened with Tony's family and his military career and what happened between Zephyr and Taron the first time around.
The author dropped a lot of hints about these things but didn't follow through
This is a light fun book and I love this series
I was a little disappointed that the author didn't explore some of the deeper themes that were hinted at including what happened with Tony's family and his military career and what happened between Zephyr and Taron the first time around.
The author dropped a lot of hints about these things but didn't follow through
This is a light fun book and I love this series
May 8, 2025
(3.25/5) Hurt/comfort is one of my absolute favourite tropes and I think it was executed quite well in this case. Even if the rest fell a little short.
May 12, 2025
DNF'd at 30%
This book may have been edited for typos but it certainly wasn't edited for content.
I want to preface that I have read the other books in this series and despite Amy's writing style being on the more simplistic side I thought the characters were charming.
This book, however, was a serious disappointment.
I say this as a disabled person myself, but when you wrote disabled or down trodden characters there is a fine line between having the character be relatable or giving the reader a desire to protect that character.
Amy Padilla LEAPS over that line and kicked a puppy on the way.
EVERY. SCENE. Something is going wrong with Tony. The writer makes debilitating falls seem like a game of Jenga and it's not only awkward and uncomfortable it's mildly infuriating.
In addition to that I am highly skeptical that a former military member is unwilling to advocate for himself, but again, I could take all that with a grain of salt if it was paced but it's not.
Every page is blow after blow to Tony's physical body and his psyche and it is exhausting.
Again, I want to make it clear that I actually enjoy this series and the characters within it. But the way Amy Padilla wrote this book and Tony is unpalatable.
I sincerely hope the author seeks out an editor that can point out glaring inconsistencies and suggest pacing in a more moderate way in the future.
This book may have been edited for typos but it certainly wasn't edited for content.
I want to preface that I have read the other books in this series and despite Amy's writing style being on the more simplistic side I thought the characters were charming.
This book, however, was a serious disappointment.
I say this as a disabled person myself, but when you wrote disabled or down trodden characters there is a fine line between having the character be relatable or giving the reader a desire to protect that character.
Amy Padilla LEAPS over that line and kicked a puppy on the way.
EVERY. SCENE. Something is going wrong with Tony. The writer makes debilitating falls seem like a game of Jenga and it's not only awkward and uncomfortable it's mildly infuriating.
In addition to that I am highly skeptical that a former military member is unwilling to advocate for himself, but again, I could take all that with a grain of salt if it was paced but it's not.
Every page is blow after blow to Tony's physical body and his psyche and it is exhausting.
Again, I want to make it clear that I actually enjoy this series and the characters within it. But the way Amy Padilla wrote this book and Tony is unpalatable.
I sincerely hope the author seeks out an editor that can point out glaring inconsistencies and suggest pacing in a more moderate way in the future.
May 17, 2025
4.6 stars
Read
November 7, 20255.75 ⭐️ Honestly this series is amazing, it quickly became one of my favorites. I have 0 complaints about it. I wish I would have the ARC for the next book in it, but oh well.
You will find that my reviews for each and every book might look very similar, it is because I wrote them all at the same time after I finished the books since I binge read them all in a span of a couple of days. They were addicting.
Now now for Taron, Tony (my baby, my fluffy sweetheart, my cutie patootie sweetie pie), and Zephyr. Let me tell you, the devotion, the dedication, the love they had for Tony was honestly so sweet, I wanted to smack my kindle somewhere 😭 (lol I’m too attached to the thing to let anything happen to it thank you very much). Tony is one of my favorites in this whole series, he took a piece of my heart ❤️ This throuple was an amazing mix. The way they were patient with each other, how they all allowed Taron to be his chaotic self, how they dotted after Tony, how they supported Zephyr, it was all just chef’s kisses (yes, in plural). The smut was yum yum 🤤 and the emotion and love behind it was amazing. I loved how, even through Taron and Zephyr’s drama at the beginning, nothing stopped them from loving Tony and trying to make their relationship better ❤️ Zero complaints, beautiful writing, amazing work.
You will find that my reviews for each and every book might look very similar, it is because I wrote them all at the same time after I finished the books since I binge read them all in a span of a couple of days. They were addicting.
Now now for Taron, Tony (my baby, my fluffy sweetheart, my cutie patootie sweetie pie), and Zephyr. Let me tell you, the devotion, the dedication, the love they had for Tony was honestly so sweet, I wanted to smack my kindle somewhere 😭 (lol I’m too attached to the thing to let anything happen to it thank you very much). Tony is one of my favorites in this whole series, he took a piece of my heart ❤️ This throuple was an amazing mix. The way they were patient with each other, how they all allowed Taron to be his chaotic self, how they dotted after Tony, how they supported Zephyr, it was all just chef’s kisses (yes, in plural). The smut was yum yum 🤤 and the emotion and love behind it was amazing. I loved how, even through Taron and Zephyr’s drama at the beginning, nothing stopped them from loving Tony and trying to make their relationship better ❤️ Zero complaints, beautiful writing, amazing work.
July 23, 2025
not my favorite of the series, but still very entertaining. I honestly just wish it had been longer to explore their dynamic as a trio more once all the tension wrapped up
May 7, 2025
I do adore Taron!
I struggled with this sadly. I've given it four stars because it's well-written and I adored Taron and Tony but honestly, I hated Zephyr almost to the point of ruining the book for me. The reason I've given it four stars is because I don't know if it's a me problem and I there was technically nothing wrong with the story (again, I love, love, love Taron and Tony was a total sweetheart). I have always adored Taron; he's incredibly loyal and kind whilst also being incredibly bubbly and fun. He's got a sweet innocence to him that made me fall in love with him pretty much immediately. He deserved someone as lovely as Tony. Tony was a darling; I loved that Taron had someone who actually accepted him and didn't constantly snipe and sigh and generally act like his existence was a chore. He truly actually enjoyed the things that made Taron, Taron. I'll admit I wanted smack that supervisor he was working under at the beginning of the book but I had to admit I was glad that it led him to Taron.
Zephyr however was an arrogant, rude, self-important, condescending, patronising offensive thunder chicken who I would have happily seen as a bad guy rather than a love interest (if not just disappearing entirely). He was routinely cruel (in my view) to Taron, labelling his as immature or a brat when he was simply being himself (and frankly seemed neurodiverse coded). So what, he likes to have fun? So what, he likes to wander while thinking? Or that he's bright and bubbly? I was just so sick of Zephyr snarking and sniping at him and taking zero responsibility for being a jerk. Could Taron snap and snarl, absolutely; but honestly, it was nothing compared to Zephyr and was largely in response to Zephyr's attitude. Don't get me wrong, I can love an enemies to lovers but I never had that moment of redemption or even shift in attitude that is necessary for the trope to work. Zephyr was still the same condescending and mean person he always seemed to be with Taron. I just felt sad for Taron. I also had a bit of a bone to pick with Taron's friends - it would be really nice to see friends support each other but in this book the teasing of Taron turned from gentle ribbing to being just mean often. Constantly picking at all the things that make him lovable. Maybe some of it is projecting because of the bullying and means I suffered from as a neurodivergent person, but it just made me sad that Taron wasn't surrounded by people who adored him just as he was.
Anyway, I am super excited to see what's next. A certain someone who can read minds has become a favourite of mine and I'm really looking forward to his book!
I struggled with this sadly. I've given it four stars because it's well-written and I adored Taron and Tony but honestly, I hated Zephyr almost to the point of ruining the book for me. The reason I've given it four stars is because I don't know if it's a me problem and I there was technically nothing wrong with the story (again, I love, love, love Taron and Tony was a total sweetheart). I have always adored Taron; he's incredibly loyal and kind whilst also being incredibly bubbly and fun. He's got a sweet innocence to him that made me fall in love with him pretty much immediately. He deserved someone as lovely as Tony. Tony was a darling; I loved that Taron had someone who actually accepted him and didn't constantly snipe and sigh and generally act like his existence was a chore. He truly actually enjoyed the things that made Taron, Taron. I'll admit I wanted smack that supervisor he was working under at the beginning of the book but I had to admit I was glad that it led him to Taron.
Zephyr however was an arrogant, rude, self-important, condescending, patronising offensive thunder chicken who I would have happily seen as a bad guy rather than a love interest (if not just disappearing entirely). He was routinely cruel (in my view) to Taron, labelling his as immature or a brat when he was simply being himself (and frankly seemed neurodiverse coded). So what, he likes to have fun? So what, he likes to wander while thinking? Or that he's bright and bubbly? I was just so sick of Zephyr snarking and sniping at him and taking zero responsibility for being a jerk. Could Taron snap and snarl, absolutely; but honestly, it was nothing compared to Zephyr and was largely in response to Zephyr's attitude. Don't get me wrong, I can love an enemies to lovers but I never had that moment of redemption or even shift in attitude that is necessary for the trope to work. Zephyr was still the same condescending and mean person he always seemed to be with Taron. I just felt sad for Taron. I also had a bit of a bone to pick with Taron's friends - it would be really nice to see friends support each other but in this book the teasing of Taron turned from gentle ribbing to being just mean often. Constantly picking at all the things that make him lovable. Maybe some of it is projecting because of the bullying and means I suffered from as a neurodivergent person, but it just made me sad that Taron wasn't surrounded by people who adored him just as he was.
Anyway, I am super excited to see what's next. A certain someone who can read minds has become a favourite of mine and I'm really looking forward to his book!
May 10, 2025
Fun but odd, the book is full of potential threads that go nowhere and major events happening in the background that you only learn about in the last 10%. Very focused on the current relationship and no past or concurrent events. I didn’t feel like I had any real understanding of the previous relationship between two of the MCs and Zephyr didn’t get any emotional development. Lots of ‘a month goes by and somehow we still don’t talk about an enormous elephant in the room’ which seems impossible, frankly, for 3 people who are spending all their time together.
December 13, 2025
Reading how disabilities are treated in this book made me wildly uncomfortable and angry. Also, Taron and Zephyr were controlling and manipulative. The relationship was abusive.
Tony needed accommodations and better healthcare. Accommodations would include things like a better chair, not walking around a lot, etc. Not Taron catering refusing to let him do his job, taking all his decisions from him, etc.
Tony was never given a chance to just exist as a human being outside his status as a didabled person. There was always someone bumping into him and pushing him down or causing him further pain. He couldn't even speak up for himself but was continually pushed to tears.
Taron and Zephyr infantalized Tony's injuries and took away his free will. They explained nothing while making all his decisions for him. Taron humiliated Tony at work constantly as well as sexially harassed him. The first time they all had sex there was no ability to consent. It was very representative of how nothing Tony did was with his own free will. His so-called partners pushed him and took all his free will away. It was smarmy.
It was seriously gross how Taron wanted to "take care" of Tony by doing everything for him and making all his decisions for him instead of letting Tony do his own job. Taron and Zephyr exhibited qualities that are red flags for new relationships becoming abusive. Taking complete control, fast. Forcing an immediate move in. Being cajoling and emotive manipulation when demands aren't immediately met. Creating a dependence, fast, so the person has to stay with their abuser when it becomes clear.
Zephyr was more chill than Taron, but he, too, wanted to make all of Tony's decisions for him. Being two dominant men would be fine, but these men were past that. They referred to Tony's his discomfort moving in and having a relationship with a man he had known two weeks "lack of self esteem" instead of "concern this shit is moving way too fast." Their entire relationship waa based on Tony's injuries and babying him.
Taron and Zephyr completely refused to tell Tony what was wrong between the two of them and considered it to be for Tony's own good. It was gross and so very unhealthy.
The talk about consent in this series, but it has always been borderline. This book completely erased the entire idea of consent. Taron said no sex when amped on incubus juice, but then they all had sex specifically bc they were juiced up by an incubus. Ozen, as presented in prior books, would not have stayed at that club like that all night affecting everyone and letting the world see his mate all horny, yet there they were. It was the same with Maverick. They forced Tony to change jobs, move homes, and go with their medical decisions without giving Tony input.
Taron was so into controlling people and manipulating them to his way of things that he assumed Zephyr would like a buyout that would result in Taron being Zephyr's boss. Taron didn't even float the idea of a merger so they could bring Zephyr in as an equal!
The lack of follow-thru really bugged me, too. They created a new type of prosthetic for Tony, and they did it without the input of the person who needed it. We have no idea if that prosthetic will work or if it will have some problems that could have been avoided if Tony had been part of the project. This could easily have been a company project, not a commission. After all, the company literally makes adaptive devices. This is an opportunity to work with humans. The higher ups are repeatedly appalled af human medical care. They could even have created a charitable division, something Tony would have loved to be the guinea pig for. But no, instead, Taron commissioned the work just for Tony.
I don't understand why Avery is doing the Superbatural Respurces (SR, the supernatural HR) jobs for free in this series. Plus, SR has ignored the sex in the prior two books and is ignoring it in this one, yet at the same time the whole point of the prior book was to square they didn't ignore SR issues.
Tony needed accommodations and better healthcare. Accommodations would include things like a better chair, not walking around a lot, etc. Not Taron catering refusing to let him do his job, taking all his decisions from him, etc.
Tony was never given a chance to just exist as a human being outside his status as a didabled person. There was always someone bumping into him and pushing him down or causing him further pain. He couldn't even speak up for himself but was continually pushed to tears.
Taron and Zephyr infantalized Tony's injuries and took away his free will. They explained nothing while making all his decisions for him. Taron humiliated Tony at work constantly as well as sexially harassed him. The first time they all had sex there was no ability to consent. It was very representative of how nothing Tony did was with his own free will. His so-called partners pushed him and took all his free will away. It was smarmy.
It was seriously gross how Taron wanted to "take care" of Tony by doing everything for him and making all his decisions for him instead of letting Tony do his own job. Taron and Zephyr exhibited qualities that are red flags for new relationships becoming abusive. Taking complete control, fast. Forcing an immediate move in. Being cajoling and emotive manipulation when demands aren't immediately met. Creating a dependence, fast, so the person has to stay with their abuser when it becomes clear.
Zephyr was more chill than Taron, but he, too, wanted to make all of Tony's decisions for him. Being two dominant men would be fine, but these men were past that. They referred to Tony's his discomfort moving in and having a relationship with a man he had known two weeks "lack of self esteem" instead of "concern this shit is moving way too fast." Their entire relationship waa based on Tony's injuries and babying him.
Taron and Zephyr completely refused to tell Tony what was wrong between the two of them and considered it to be for Tony's own good. It was gross and so very unhealthy.
The talk about consent in this series, but it has always been borderline. This book completely erased the entire idea of consent. Taron said no sex when amped on incubus juice, but then they all had sex specifically bc they were juiced up by an incubus. Ozen, as presented in prior books, would not have stayed at that club like that all night affecting everyone and letting the world see his mate all horny, yet there they were. It was the same with Maverick. They forced Tony to change jobs, move homes, and go with their medical decisions without giving Tony input.
Taron was so into controlling people and manipulating them to his way of things that he assumed Zephyr would like a buyout that would result in Taron being Zephyr's boss. Taron didn't even float the idea of a merger so they could bring Zephyr in as an equal!
The lack of follow-thru really bugged me, too. They created a new type of prosthetic for Tony, and they did it without the input of the person who needed it. We have no idea if that prosthetic will work or if it will have some problems that could have been avoided if Tony had been part of the project. This could easily have been a company project, not a commission. After all, the company literally makes adaptive devices. This is an opportunity to work with humans. The higher ups are repeatedly appalled af human medical care. They could even have created a charitable division, something Tony would have loved to be the guinea pig for. But no, instead, Taron commissioned the work just for Tony.
I don't understand why Avery is doing the Superbatural Respurces (SR, the supernatural HR) jobs for free in this series. Plus, SR has ignored the sex in the prior two books and is ignoring it in this one, yet at the same time the whole point of the prior book was to square they didn't ignore SR issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2025
That was so cute and made me so emotional. As soon as my playlist played My Chemical Romance - I'm not okay, while Tony showed his wounds to his mates, I was crying.
Tony was SUCH a sweetheart, seriously. Probably one of my favorite characters I ever read. I just wanted to hug him (very carefully, of course). I felt so, so bad for him. His mates were great too but Tony was my fave! I mean he was so sweet, that two men couldn't help themselves and fell instantly in love with him.
I'm always glad when the book I'm reading is showing how awful the military is.
I'm glad Tony found so much love after what he has been through and still has to go trough.
While I really loved this book, I wished it would have been longer. It felt like some things were missing, like some conversations, some insights in their life's as mates and some questions that I feel like weren't answered. Nonetheless I enjoyed it a lot.
Tony was SUCH a sweetheart, seriously. Probably one of my favorite characters I ever read. I just wanted to hug him (very carefully, of course). I felt so, so bad for him. His mates were great too but Tony was my fave! I mean he was so sweet, that two men couldn't help themselves and fell instantly in love with him.
I'm always glad when the book I'm reading is showing how awful the military is.
I'm glad Tony found so much love after what he has been through and still has to go trough.
While I really loved this book, I wished it would have been longer. It felt like some things were missing, like some conversations, some insights in their life's as mates and some questions that I feel like weren't answered. Nonetheless I enjoyed it a lot.
October 30, 2025
This series is just so good! This book wasn’t my favourite (although I still enjoyed it very much) as I found some of the interactions between the 3 MCs a little clunky (but that might also be because I don’t read a whole lotta MMM!).
This one follows CEO shapeshifter Taron, tech director thunderbird Zephyr and human temp worker, Tony. Taron and Zephyr are exes and hate each other… until they meet Tony, who they both want to dote on. Tony is disabled (limb loss, PTSD and chronic pain from his time in the military) and he just needs a job where he can survive the day. Landing as Taron’s assistant is a dream come true, especially when he starts flirting with him!
This was cute and I liked all the hurt/comfort (although I do think it veered into being a little patronising in places, but I’m not a chronic pain sufferer, so I wouldn’t truly know).
I’m super excited for the next book, as we meet Kian in this one and it seems like he’s really down on his luck…
This one follows CEO shapeshifter Taron, tech director thunderbird Zephyr and human temp worker, Tony. Taron and Zephyr are exes and hate each other… until they meet Tony, who they both want to dote on. Tony is disabled (limb loss, PTSD and chronic pain from his time in the military) and he just needs a job where he can survive the day. Landing as Taron’s assistant is a dream come true, especially when he starts flirting with him!
This was cute and I liked all the hurt/comfort (although I do think it veered into being a little patronising in places, but I’m not a chronic pain sufferer, so I wouldn’t truly know).
I’m super excited for the next book, as we meet Kian in this one and it seems like he’s really down on his luck…
October 6, 2025
Love this series. A solid 4.
Taron is the loveable if exasperating co owner of Spellbound, the leading company for just about everything you can think of. It's hard to keep him tethered to his desk. Or on schedule. Herding cats comes to mind. When his long term secretary is forced to quit for family reasons, he finds himself going through temp assistants like tissues.
Tony is human damaged by war, both physically and mentally. His body bears the scars of that war and inflict pain upon him daily. He can't handle a job with any real physical demands. Knowing this the temp agency sends him to be Taron's new assistant. Fingers crossed.
Zephyr is a thunderbird shifter and Taron's former lover. They parted on not so great terms. Zephyr would like to fix that. But he's also drawn to Taron's new assistant.
I really like how the author navigated the MMM relationship here. It wasn't all wine and roses from the beginning. There's definite tension between Zephyr and Taron, and they embark on a rivalry for Tony's affections. I appreciate how the author makes Tony the glue that binds them all together. Well written and an enjoyable read.
Taron is the loveable if exasperating co owner of Spellbound, the leading company for just about everything you can think of. It's hard to keep him tethered to his desk. Or on schedule. Herding cats comes to mind. When his long term secretary is forced to quit for family reasons, he finds himself going through temp assistants like tissues.
Tony is human damaged by war, both physically and mentally. His body bears the scars of that war and inflict pain upon him daily. He can't handle a job with any real physical demands. Knowing this the temp agency sends him to be Taron's new assistant. Fingers crossed.
Zephyr is a thunderbird shifter and Taron's former lover. They parted on not so great terms. Zephyr would like to fix that. But he's also drawn to Taron's new assistant.
I really like how the author navigated the MMM relationship here. It wasn't all wine and roses from the beginning. There's definite tension between Zephyr and Taron, and they embark on a rivalry for Tony's affections. I appreciate how the author makes Tony the glue that binds them all together. Well written and an enjoyable read.
May 6, 2025
Tony is our latest human from Charmed Temp Agency, who is paired to be Tarons' new keeper, I mean secretary. Taron is immediately drawn to the human who hides the amount of pain he is in from an accident that left his disabled. together, they learn to be better for the other when feelings begin to develop. What Taron is not prepared for someone from his past to be a vital piece to the puzzle. Zephyr, who agrees to work for this project even with his ex, doesn't expect to also meet Tony the missing piece to unite them. tensions run high, but when the common goal is Tony, these two stubborn men accept they are better together than apart. Amy does a great job in showing why they all work together rather than apart and why they all need each other to function. her best writing to date for this series, and I, for one, cannot wait to see what happens next.
May 11, 2025
This was so cute and just exactly what I've come to expect from this author and this series. I do think that we could have had a little more time in Zephyr's head as he had the least POVs and we hadn't met him before so I felt like I could've gotten to known him a little better. But it still worked for me over all because nobody needed love as much as Taron and Tony. Probably my least favorite of the series, but still a good one
May 2, 2025
The Shapeshifter's Secretary is the third book in the Charmed Away Temp Agency series. This series is best read in order. This is the story of Taron a shapeshifter, Tony a human, and Zephyr a thunderbird. I was so happy to finally get Taron's story. I love these three so much. Tony is just the sweetest character yet as he deals with his disability and not wanting to be a burden to anyone. Taron and Zephyr have to decide if they can overcome their past to be with Tony. This story just punched me in the heart with all the feelings it contained. I would definitely recommend this book and series as 5 star reads.
August 18, 2025
August 2025
Kindle edition
Taron was a fun jokey character in the previous books. This one he was all in protective of Tony. Went into love triangle must choose territory which got annoying fast. Communication issues, friends that went to lovers too quickly, second chance mandatory. Tony was sweet and fit in with the rest. Curious about Kian. Glad they worked things out but felt like herding cats.
Kindle edition
Taron was a fun jokey character in the previous books. This one he was all in protective of Tony. Went into love triangle must choose territory which got annoying fast. Communication issues, friends that went to lovers too quickly, second chance mandatory. Tony was sweet and fit in with the rest. Curious about Kian. Glad they worked things out but felt like herding cats.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
it was alright
It was good read and even though I’m not a fan of the two mates thing I was drawn to Tony. He definitely deserves all the love and care in tv world. 6/10 definitely recommend.
It was good read and even though I’m not a fan of the two mates thing I was drawn to Tony. He definitely deserves all the love and care in tv world. 6/10 definitely recommend.
May 12, 2025
I badly wanted to love The Shapeshifter’s Secretary, especially after thoroughly enjoying the first two books in the series, but the constant bickering between Zephyr and Taron got on my nerves after a while. It lasted way too long and I just found them immature and wanted Tony to make a run for it. So to speak. Tony was lovely though.
May 9, 2025
I think there was too much crammed in this one and everything suffered as a result. Zephyr and Taron never really hashed through their issues or had proper on page relationship development. This relationship didn’t really benefit from the second-chance trope.
Tony and his mates were too much insta-love for my liking. I did like the hurt comfort aspects, but I didn’t like that magic was the solution for everything here.
Tony and his mates were too much insta-love for my liking. I did like the hurt comfort aspects, but I didn’t like that magic was the solution for everything here.
November 10, 2025
I’ve read these out of order. Started book 5 which I enjoyed, then jumped to book 2 which was just not good, so for me I went into this one uncertain as to what I’d get.
It was better than book 2 (which wasn’t that hard in honesty) but not as good as book 5. I’ve decided to give this 3 stars as again there was just a number of outstanding issues that could have been easily resolved.
When you have three MCs it’s important to give them equal page time and I think we got too much of Taron/Tony and not enough with Zephyr. I got that Taron and Tony met first but this could have been evened out later.
We also learn that Taron and Zephyr were together and broke up, no actual real developed reason was given for this. They spent a good portion sniping at each other. Then they agree to try again, at the very end, so we get no on page time as to them being together in the poly grouping, plus no real explanation of how they’re going to prevent their previous issues happening.
Given it’s an office based series I expect serious office matters - Taron is co CEO here - to get proper on page time. There’s a huge company issue that impacts both Taron and Zephyr and it gets maybe a few pages. Like huh?
In book 2 we get a lot of time on Isaac’s bonding ceremony, here nothing, it gets vaguely referenced as being interesting to do for the three of them and that’s it.
Also, this project that literally brings Taron and Zephyr together, does this get more than a chapter or two? No. Again this is all meant to be around an office based series, yet we just get snippets.
I don’t think I can try any other books. I think book 5 was a fluke for me, maybe it was the pet cat that makes it work!
It was better than book 2 (which wasn’t that hard in honesty) but not as good as book 5. I’ve decided to give this 3 stars as again there was just a number of outstanding issues that could have been easily resolved.
When you have three MCs it’s important to give them equal page time and I think we got too much of Taron/Tony and not enough with Zephyr. I got that Taron and Tony met first but this could have been evened out later.
We also learn that Taron and Zephyr were together and broke up, no actual real developed reason was given for this. They spent a good portion sniping at each other. Then they agree to try again, at the very end, so we get no on page time as to them being together in the poly grouping, plus no real explanation of how they’re going to prevent their previous issues happening.
Given it’s an office based series I expect serious office matters - Taron is co CEO here - to get proper on page time. There’s a huge company issue that impacts both Taron and Zephyr and it gets maybe a few pages. Like huh?
In book 2 we get a lot of time on Isaac’s bonding ceremony, here nothing, it gets vaguely referenced as being interesting to do for the three of them and that’s it.
Also, this project that literally brings Taron and Zephyr together, does this get more than a chapter or two? No. Again this is all meant to be around an office based series, yet we just get snippets.
I don’t think I can try any other books. I think book 5 was a fluke for me, maybe it was the pet cat that makes it work!
June 16, 2025
Honestly, I really liked it until Zephyr came into the picture. I'm a huge fan of throuples/poly, but this just wasn't it.
All Taron & Zephyr did was argue. It got old quick.
Tony was very "woe is me" and while it did tug at the heartstrings initially, it also got annoying.
Didn't Isaac and Tony meet in Isaac's book? We're just not gonna mention that?
Zephyr had zero personality.
Didn't get to meet Taron's family. Matter of fact, I found out more about Taron from the other books than I did from this one.
The book dragged and felt rushed at the same time somehow.
Book one is the only book in the series worth reading.
All Taron & Zephyr did was argue. It got old quick.
Tony was very "woe is me" and while it did tug at the heartstrings initially, it also got annoying.
Didn't Isaac and Tony meet in Isaac's book? We're just not gonna mention that?
Zephyr had zero personality.
Didn't get to meet Taron's family. Matter of fact, I found out more about Taron from the other books than I did from this one.
The book dragged and felt rushed at the same time somehow.
Book one is the only book in the series worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
My GOD. Amy Padilla utterly blew me away with her newest book. "The Shapeshifter's Secretary" is the third novel in her latest series, Charmed Away Temp Agency.
["All Tony wanted was a job that didn’t make his life harder. Being a temp should have made it easier, let him pick jobs that he was comfortable with, but bills needed to be paid and he didn’t have the luxury of turning jobs down. So when his boss offers him what sounds like the perfect job, he’s afraid to hope he’s finally found his place. After all, the job is only temporary. They wouldn’t want to keep someone like him. Right?
Taron was starting to think he was the problem. Why else would he have gone through three secretaries in a matter of weeks? Granted, he had issues staying put and he was known to make the occasional prank, but he wasn’t that bad! So after Avery goes out of his way to find someone know, Taron promised to behave. And when he meets the newest addition, he’s determined to keep that promise. Tony calls to him in a way no one else has before, and for once in his life, he wants to stay put. But when a past mistake starts looking in Tony’s direction, he realizes behaving might not be enough. Right?
Zephyr would admit to no one that he was still in love with his ex. So when there’s an opportunity to work with him, he makes up an excuse and pretends he’s only there for the project. Except Taron has his eyes on another, and it only took one conversation to figure out why. Tony is sweet and earnest, and in sore need to be taken care of. It wasn’t possible to have them both. Right?"]
And the bonus tags (because they're arguable better than the blurb itself): ["good things come in threes, Tony has a tragic backstory, Taron wants to cuddle him, old rivals make a reappearance, Taron calls in a favor, being around out-of-control incubi is a recipe for disaster, or spicy times, take your pick, sharing is caring, they’ll learn to get along for Tony, healing can be painful, Taron can’t hide from the truth, nobody can hate Tony, guaranteed HEA."]
This one started with some slow burn. Then again, this series was a little slow burn-y. The feelings started relatively regular-burn-y (it's a thing), but the steam took some time. But when it got there? Oh wow, was that steam strong.
The steam and the fluff. There was just so much dedication and protectiveness in this book, from all sides. It wasn't all over-the-top-alpha possessiveness, because that wasn't Tony/Taron/Zephyr. They might not have had the easiest of times (I'm looking at you Taron and Zephyr), but they made it work. At first for Tony, but then for themselves.
#theincubssassistant #thedragonsaide #theshapeshifterssecretary #thetelephathstemp #thevampiresdeputy #charmedaway #charmedawayseries #charmedawaytempagency #charmedawaytempagencyseries #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["All Tony wanted was a job that didn’t make his life harder. Being a temp should have made it easier, let him pick jobs that he was comfortable with, but bills needed to be paid and he didn’t have the luxury of turning jobs down. So when his boss offers him what sounds like the perfect job, he’s afraid to hope he’s finally found his place. After all, the job is only temporary. They wouldn’t want to keep someone like him. Right?
Taron was starting to think he was the problem. Why else would he have gone through three secretaries in a matter of weeks? Granted, he had issues staying put and he was known to make the occasional prank, but he wasn’t that bad! So after Avery goes out of his way to find someone know, Taron promised to behave. And when he meets the newest addition, he’s determined to keep that promise. Tony calls to him in a way no one else has before, and for once in his life, he wants to stay put. But when a past mistake starts looking in Tony’s direction, he realizes behaving might not be enough. Right?
Zephyr would admit to no one that he was still in love with his ex. So when there’s an opportunity to work with him, he makes up an excuse and pretends he’s only there for the project. Except Taron has his eyes on another, and it only took one conversation to figure out why. Tony is sweet and earnest, and in sore need to be taken care of. It wasn’t possible to have them both. Right?"]
And the bonus tags (because they're arguable better than the blurb itself): ["good things come in threes, Tony has a tragic backstory, Taron wants to cuddle him, old rivals make a reappearance, Taron calls in a favor, being around out-of-control incubi is a recipe for disaster, or spicy times, take your pick, sharing is caring, they’ll learn to get along for Tony, healing can be painful, Taron can’t hide from the truth, nobody can hate Tony, guaranteed HEA."]
This one started with some slow burn. Then again, this series was a little slow burn-y. The feelings started relatively regular-burn-y (it's a thing), but the steam took some time. But when it got there? Oh wow, was that steam strong.
The steam and the fluff. There was just so much dedication and protectiveness in this book, from all sides. It wasn't all over-the-top-alpha possessiveness, because that wasn't Tony/Taron/Zephyr. They might not have had the easiest of times (I'm looking at you Taron and Zephyr), but they made it work. At first for Tony, but then for themselves.
#theincubssassistant #thedragonsaide #theshapeshifterssecretary #thetelephathstemp #thevampiresdeputy #charmedaway #charmedawayseries #charmedawaytempagency #charmedawaytempagencyseries #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
May 7, 2025
I've been looking forward to Tony's story ever since we got a teeny glimpse of him in book #2, and I think it's safe to say this is my favorite so far. I also downloaded this using KU at 2am on the day if it's release and proceeded to devour 80% of it before succumbing to sleep, so I think that says a lot.
Going in, I know this series is more of a low-angst feel good vibe so when some things aren't fully fleshed out or skimmed over a bit I can generally ignore it. I'm not here for a super in depth plot, I'm here for the fluff and writing that makes me laugh, which Amy Padilla delivers in spades.
That being said, it took me a little bit to be fully team Zephyr, maybe because we already knew Taron for so long but also because there were some issues hinted at about their past where it felt like maybe Taron hadn't been treated right by outside forces during their relationship and I just wish some of that past was hashed out and resolved more. Apologies were made and it wasn't an instant forgiveness or a smooth path, which made it feel much more realistic, but I think the story would have benefited from some more details. I think in general the story could have been a bit longer as there's a habit of some things being brought up in passing then not addressed again, but I would say the follow through it still there for the majority of things.
In the overall scheme of things those complaints felt like a minor thing and the cinnamon-roll that is Tony along with the hurt-comfort/let-me-take-care-of-you scenes, this book has MORE than makes up for any complaints as I loved them so much. Any writes wonderdul main characters who always feel flushed out and not too much like any one trope stereotype. Overall this book, and the series as a whole is a delight. I read book 1 & 2 in March 2025, with Amy Padilla being a new-to-me author, then eagerly awaited the release of this installment. Three months until book #4 is released isn't bad at all, I am impressed with the author's pace, but I will still be here impatiently, and eagery, waiting anyway. I really enjoy that we get a bit of a teaser meeting between the current MC and the future MC in each book.
Going in, I know this series is more of a low-angst feel good vibe so when some things aren't fully fleshed out or skimmed over a bit I can generally ignore it. I'm not here for a super in depth plot, I'm here for the fluff and writing that makes me laugh, which Amy Padilla delivers in spades.
That being said, it took me a little bit to be fully team Zephyr, maybe because we already knew Taron for so long but also because there were some issues hinted at about their past where it felt like maybe Taron hadn't been treated right by outside forces during their relationship and I just wish some of that past was hashed out and resolved more. Apologies were made and it wasn't an instant forgiveness or a smooth path, which made it feel much more realistic, but I think the story would have benefited from some more details. I think in general the story could have been a bit longer as there's a habit of some things being brought up in passing then not addressed again, but I would say the follow through it still there for the majority of things.
In the overall scheme of things those complaints felt like a minor thing and the cinnamon-roll that is Tony along with the hurt-comfort/let-me-take-care-of-you scenes, this book has MORE than makes up for any complaints as I loved them so much. Any writes wonderdul main characters who always feel flushed out and not too much like any one trope stereotype. Overall this book, and the series as a whole is a delight. I read book 1 & 2 in March 2025, with Amy Padilla being a new-to-me author, then eagerly awaited the release of this installment. Three months until book #4 is released isn't bad at all, I am impressed with the author's pace, but I will still be here impatiently, and eagery, waiting anyway. I really enjoy that we get a bit of a teaser meeting between the current MC and the future MC in each book.
January 8, 2026
So far I'm not liking this one. I read the first two and they weren't terrible they are quick fun reads. Simple and plot holes but whatever. But this one is infuriating at times. I was very excited for the MMM aspect, but so far Tony is almost Infantilized at every turn. I get he is insecure and injured but for someone who was in the military being unable to have an opinion other than being sweet and nice is annoying. He's walked all over especially by his lovers. They don't let him be his own person. For example wanting another secretary so Taron can spoil his current secretary is just insulting to Tony. Or making a Dr appointment for Tony without his consent is just creepy. Concern is turning into hovering and control.
I'm also so over the main couples appearances. I get they're the Co CEO and his mate and Taron are friends with them but I was already getting annoyed with them in the second book. The whole chair situation of Avery saying he'll take care of it but forgetting was just upsetting. like if you are too busy tell the people whose job it is to take care of, stop getting involved just because you worked there for two weeks.
And the whole feeding in the office just doesn't work anymore. Have your feedings on the schedule if you're doing it outside of that time and it's affecting people getting ahold of you to follow up on a job you said you would take care of but forgot about the. you're in the wrong and shouldn't be working together. And Ozen is getting upset about anyone saying anything about Avery, what did you expect at this point you should have had SR called on you multiple times but you were being a hard ass on your friend in book 2. And they are very rude to Taron like if you're going to constantly be rude to your friend and be annoyed by him why continue being his friend and insulting him all the time. Taron has feelings and I wouldn't want friends like that.
I don't know if I can finish it. I want to read volume 5 and 6 but skip 4 because I don't want to hear about Ozen and Avery anymore.
I'm also so over the main couples appearances. I get they're the Co CEO and his mate and Taron are friends with them but I was already getting annoyed with them in the second book. The whole chair situation of Avery saying he'll take care of it but forgetting was just upsetting. like if you are too busy tell the people whose job it is to take care of, stop getting involved just because you worked there for two weeks.
And the whole feeding in the office just doesn't work anymore. Have your feedings on the schedule if you're doing it outside of that time and it's affecting people getting ahold of you to follow up on a job you said you would take care of but forgot about the. you're in the wrong and shouldn't be working together. And Ozen is getting upset about anyone saying anything about Avery, what did you expect at this point you should have had SR called on you multiple times but you were being a hard ass on your friend in book 2. And they are very rude to Taron like if you're going to constantly be rude to your friend and be annoyed by him why continue being his friend and insulting him all the time. Taron has feelings and I wouldn't want friends like that.
I don't know if I can finish it. I want to read volume 5 and 6 but skip 4 because I don't want to hear about Ozen and Avery anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This book had me bawling, so you know it’s good. I really appreciated how this focuses on a main character that is disabled, something that rarely gets a spotlight shown on it. Tony is such a likable character, you can’t help but want him to succeed and find his true love.
This could have been the best book in the series, however, the author continued to leave out pivotal plot scenes that could have turned this book from good to great. Namely: not addressing Tony’s military time and family dynamic further and never meeting Taron’s family. I think the author didn’t dive deep enough into things after giving some rather complex characters face time. We never learned more about Taron and what it means to be a shapeshifter, what his “power” even is, what the ceremony is to actually become mates, etc. The additional mate really threw me for a loop too. At first, I actually kind of hated it but learned to love it. Also, massively disappointed that Tony was a complete bottom. I felt there was so much potential with him and Taron’s dynamic that he would be the top and Taron the bottom. I hoped that it would be the case because it would have added an interesting power dynamic, but then they go and throw both his mates a “total tops who give in and bottom since they’re both tops” shit.
The core of the book is really great. Overall, there’s just some specific points where I didn’t love how it was handled or the author needed to continue writing. There just wasn’t enough pages to make this as great as it could have been, whereas the other books so far have accomplished what they wanted in the page count they did.
This book had me bawling, so you know it’s good. I really appreciated how this focuses on a main character that is disabled, something that rarely gets a spotlight shown on it. Tony is such a likable character, you can’t help but want him to succeed and find his true love.
This could have been the best book in the series, however, the author continued to leave out pivotal plot scenes that could have turned this book from good to great. Namely: not addressing Tony’s military time and family dynamic further and never meeting Taron’s family. I think the author didn’t dive deep enough into things after giving some rather complex characters face time. We never learned more about Taron and what it means to be a shapeshifter, what his “power” even is, what the ceremony is to actually become mates, etc. The additional mate really threw me for a loop too. At first, I actually kind of hated it but learned to love it. Also, massively disappointed that Tony was a complete bottom. I felt there was so much potential with him and Taron’s dynamic that he would be the top and Taron the bottom. I hoped that it would be the case because it would have added an interesting power dynamic, but then they go and throw both his mates a “total tops who give in and bottom since they’re both tops” shit.
The core of the book is really great. Overall, there’s just some specific points where I didn’t love how it was handled or the author needed to continue writing. There just wasn’t enough pages to make this as great as it could have been, whereas the other books so far have accomplished what they wanted in the page count they did.
Read
May 12, 2025This is the third book in the Charmed Away Temp Agency series. It can be enjoyed as as standalone read. This is the story of Tony Decker, Taron Cunningham and Zephyr Cloudwalker. Taron is a shapeshifter, Tony is a human, and Zephyr is a thunderbird. Tony is the latest human to be sent by Charmed Away Temp Agency that finds his forever people. Tony is an amputee and is in a lot of pain 24/7. He is desperate to find a job that he can do. He is sent to be the assistant for Taron. A position that has been unable to be filled due to Taron's work process. Good thing that Tony is patient and finds working for Taron to be fine. Most people are amazed that Tony is able to wrangle Taron where he needs to be when he need to be there. When they first meet Taron is drawn to Tony. He realizes that Tony has a very low self esteem and he wants to be the one that builds it back up. Then Zephyr shows up for a product testing. Both Zephyr and Taron have a history. They ended on bad terms and didn't talk after that. Unfortunately for both of them, they are still in love with each other. But neither would admit it under threat of death. Good thing that they have the sweet, cute and smart Tony to help them work it out. This is there story. The book is very well written and easy to read. I loved this book. It is a low angst and fun read. I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
April 22, 2025
I devoured this is one sitting! Adored it. Taron's been a mischievous, but steady friend in previous books and I was excited to learn more about him as the MMC. When I learned he was gonna have TWO mates?! It made perfect sense for his energy levels and temperament.
Tony....oh what can I say about Tony. I fell in love with him and related to his fears of being a burden -- in Tony's case due to his need of accommodation due to disability. He's smart, kind, and touch starved. I just adored him. I'm sure you will too!
Zephyr is a dashing thunderbird shifter who is calm, steady, and Taron's childhood bff and first love?! They haven't seen each other in years, and they snipe at each other due to unresolved issues... yet there is still deep affection on both sides.
Both Taron and Zephyr feel an instant connection for Tony. They both wanna shower Tony with affection, and our sweet little touch starved sponge soaks it up. Will having Tony in the middle of their stubborn, caretaking sandwich be the catalyst to them getting their shizz together?!
Spoiler: Yes. But it takes work, communication, time, and a couple missteps! Personally I enjoyed the pacing of their MMM dynamic!
CW: Traumatic injury/chronic pain/disability rep
Brief on page ableism, refusal to provide disability accommodation
Mentions of prejudice against humans, and some inter-supernational community biases
*I received an ARC copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions my own.*
Tony....oh what can I say about Tony. I fell in love with him and related to his fears of being a burden -- in Tony's case due to his need of accommodation due to disability. He's smart, kind, and touch starved. I just adored him. I'm sure you will too!
Zephyr is a dashing thunderbird shifter who is calm, steady, and Taron's childhood bff and first love?! They haven't seen each other in years, and they snipe at each other due to unresolved issues... yet there is still deep affection on both sides.
Both Taron and Zephyr feel an instant connection for Tony. They both wanna shower Tony with affection, and our sweet little touch starved sponge soaks it up. Will having Tony in the middle of their stubborn, caretaking sandwich be the catalyst to them getting their shizz together?!
Spoiler: Yes. But it takes work, communication, time, and a couple missteps! Personally I enjoyed the pacing of their MMM dynamic!
CW: Traumatic injury/chronic pain/disability rep
Brief on page ableism, refusal to provide disability accommodation
Mentions of prejudice against humans, and some inter-supernational community biases
*I received an ARC copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions my own.*
April 25, 2025
The Shapeshifter's Secretary is the third book in Amy Padilla's Charmed Away Temp Agency series. It's my favorite. But I may have said that for the first two books. This time I mean it. Really.
Tony's poorly fitting prosthetic and shrapnel scars over his entire right side cause constant pain. Human and disabled, he's unable to complete the temp jobs Charmed Away sends him on.
Talon can't keep assistants. His long term assistant retired unexpectedly and he's been through four in one week. As a last resort, Morana sends Tony to him. And they fit perfectly. Talon calls him his a thaisce, sees Tony's constant pain and comes up with a plan to pamper the man for as long as he'll let him. As a volunteer for Project Thunderchicken, Zephyr re-enters Talon's life. He meets Tony and realizes they're mates. Talon and Zephyr never worked as a couple. Too young, too stubborn, too alpha. They need Tony, someone to love and protect. And Tony needs them. He is definitely the only one who can wrangle his mates and keep them on track.
If I were Morana, I'd cancel the contract with Spellbound. She's lost three temps, and there are at least two more books to go. I'm counting three or four Spellbound employee secondaries who deserves books. There's also Rian, an easter egg if ever I've read one.
A quick, fun and funny read. Can't wait to see what we get next.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
Tony's poorly fitting prosthetic and shrapnel scars over his entire right side cause constant pain. Human and disabled, he's unable to complete the temp jobs Charmed Away sends him on.
Talon can't keep assistants. His long term assistant retired unexpectedly and he's been through four in one week. As a last resort, Morana sends Tony to him. And they fit perfectly. Talon calls him his a thaisce, sees Tony's constant pain and comes up with a plan to pamper the man for as long as he'll let him. As a volunteer for Project Thunderchicken, Zephyr re-enters Talon's life. He meets Tony and realizes they're mates. Talon and Zephyr never worked as a couple. Too young, too stubborn, too alpha. They need Tony, someone to love and protect. And Tony needs them. He is definitely the only one who can wrangle his mates and keep them on track.
If I were Morana, I'd cancel the contract with Spellbound. She's lost three temps, and there are at least two more books to go. I'm counting three or four Spellbound employee secondaries who deserves books. There's also Rian, an easter egg if ever I've read one.
A quick, fun and funny read. Can't wait to see what we get next.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
August 22, 2025
Tony just wants stability—a job that won’t make life harder. Temping was supposed to offer freedom, but financial pressure forces him into roles he can’t refuse. When he’s offered a position that feels almost too good to be true, he dares to hope he’s finally found somewhere he belongs… even if he doubts they’d ever want to keep someone like him. Taron, charming and chaotic, has burned through three secretaries in weeks. He’s trying to change, and when Tony arrives—quiet, sincere, and unexpectedly magnetic—Taron finds himself wanting to stay grounded for the first time. But when shadows from his past threaten Tony, Taron realizes that good intentions might not be enough to protect what he’s come to care about. Zephyr, still nursing feelings for his ex, joins the project under the guise of professionalism. But Tony’s gentle vulnerability draws him in, and suddenly he’s caught between old love and new longing. Wanting both Taron and Tony feels impossible… doesn’t it?
I enjoyed this tender, tangled story of belonging, second chances, and the quiet ache of wanting more than you believe you deserve. The three men were perfect for each other and Tony deserved to be taken care of. I did wonder if they could find a business opportunity by improving prosthetics and medical care for human soldiers and not just Tony. A lot of feelings and emotions in this story as the three men sorted out their relationship and feelings for each other. This was an MMM story with mature content.
I enjoyed this tender, tangled story of belonging, second chances, and the quiet ache of wanting more than you believe you deserve. The three men were perfect for each other and Tony deserved to be taken care of. I did wonder if they could find a business opportunity by improving prosthetics and medical care for human soldiers and not just Tony. A lot of feelings and emotions in this story as the three men sorted out their relationship and feelings for each other. This was an MMM story with mature content.
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