Shell Shocked

by Day S. Grant

What if your greatest flaws — your giant shell and slow movement — were the secrets to your success?

Neil learned long ago that no woman would stay with him. And why would they when he moves at turtle-speeds in everything he does? He doesn’t even have the reflexes to drive a car.

The only upside to being a turtle hybrid is that he’s quintessentially non-threatening, and therefore, the local youth trust him. When their friends get hooked on drugs, they come to him and, with his help, get their friends clean. That’s something at least, even if it doesn’t help a certain pretty police officer notice him as more than an informant.

What if recognizing the person right in front of you was the missing ingredient in your life?

Billi isn’t purposely using Neil to launch her career into narcotics, but his tips make her colleagues take her seriously despite her looks — no one thinks of fluffy Pomeranian hybrids when they picture a cop. However, when Neil’s mysterious friends start coming out of the woodwork, she takes a closer look at him and realizes he’s much more than he seems.

Unfortunately, she’s not the only one to notice; the local drug dealers set their sights on Neil as well, but for much more sinister reasons…

Shell Shocked is Book Two of The Mavens. It starts during the climax of the first book, Touchy Talents. Make sure to read the series intro at the start of the book to refresh your memory or catch up on what you missed! Buy your copy today and dive in!

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

About the author

Day S. Grant is an indie paranormal romance author who is dedicated to exploring "the other." Her studies centered on how people are "othered" and set apart - often through languages and culture, but through a myriad of other ways as well. In her books she takes these "others" and makes it clear that being different isn't a bad thing; it's often a strength.

Reviews

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don't fall for this character, you're heart is pure stone!!! Literally stone!

Neil hasn't had an easy life. When he shifts and in human form the "slow gait" is his trademark and cross to bear. He can't move faster!!! The spines on his shell make him wear large clothes so he can shift.

One person sees past the shell so to speak, and it's humbling to experience the slight changes in Neil as he gets the attention and respect he deserves. This made my heart melt into a puddle for this being. He has so many hardships, that when he finds this piece of " light and heaven" he isn't sure at first, but he knows later it's what he wants. A must read paranormal love story!!! Sometimes it takes a minute to see a hidden gem-Billi.

I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this series and I recommend you not treat it as a standalone. All the world building is done extremely quickly in book 1, but it’ll ground you for book 2 so you can focus on how gosh darn cute Billi & Neil are!

Neil is one of my favorite MMCs I’ve ever read. This turtle hybrid is so self-conscious but so self-aware and he is a joy to read!

And Billi’s a total badass of an FMC. And she’s also so self-aware and so smart. I really like her!

Thank you to BookSirens and to Day S. Grant for an eARC of this book! This is my honest review.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe the 2nd book is much better then the first one. This could be because I know the characters more and am more familiar with them. I still wish there had been more information about the Crisis in the first one that would have helped with some of the things in both books. I really liked Billi and Neil and the escalation of their relationship. I am looking forward to the next book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.