I believe Aspen Black's Crossing Between is my first crime thriller monster romance. It was unexpected and right up my alley.
Zoey was a vibrant character, and her clothing choices certainly matched that. Her bright and sweet personality was not something I expected from a necromancer. Then again, everything about Zoey was completely unexpected, but not in a bad way. I will have to say Zoey has the balls to take a job with the police when just being herself is illegal. Go, Zoey!
Her new job meant big changes, primarily in the form of three supernatural hotties. Varron, her stoic vampire boss. Her partners are Kenji, a playful oni with a bright personality, and Elias, the sensitive kraken. They have history with each other, but Zoey was their missing piece. She fit in perfectly with the others and brought them all together. I love that they're protective of Zoey, and she is just as protective of them.
There were a few ideas that, to me, didn't connect, but otherwise I really enjoyed the story. Elias and Kenji, with the help of Zoey, are on the trail of a serial killer. Bodies are just being butchered, and there are very few clues. I couldn't help but be reminded of my favorite crime dramas. I really liked the characters. Quilith was fantastic. My favorite scene was the shopping trip they took Zoey on. It was simultaneously the most magical and yet normal thing. There were a few amazing twists that were more than a little shocking. Near the end, the final battle sort of read like a horror story. It was such a clear picture in my head and felt strangely familiar.
Crossing Between was a good read. One thing is clear: I need to read more paranormal crime thrillers. This book had the best of everything, and I wouldn't be mad if Aspen decided to write more books set in this world.