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A Shift in the City That Broke Us

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After years of fighting for her place in a world determined to break her, Briar Heartley has used her shapeshifting ability to forge herself into a highly skilled, fiercely intelligent, and relentless agent. But the shadow of her aunt's unsolved murder has never left her. When a drug investigation pulls her into the Central Intelligence Team in the Capital, she seizes her chance to return to the city she grew up in with hopes of opening up her aunt’s cold case. But one person still stands in her way.

Finn Allerton. A human who is her only match in intelligence and skill, has been her rival since her days at the academy. With his infuriating charm and smug, self-assured arrogance, Allerton is the last obstacle between Briar and the justice she’s been chasing for years. But behind the self-important front, Allerton is hiding a dark past of his own.

Returning to a city that has been the root of past trauma and anguish threatens to destroy them both before they even have a chance to solve the case. Forced into a fragile alliance, their rivalry shifts into a high-stakes partnership fueled by unresolved tension and growing desire. As they delve deeper into a web of deadly secrets in the seductive criminal underworld of the Capital, the chemistry between them becomes impossible to ignore - blurring the lines between hate, lust, and a dangerous new emotion neither of them can control.

Can they set aside their turbulent history to expose the traitor in their midst, or will their undeniable attraction become a fatal distraction in a city where trust is scarce and betrayal lurks around every corner?

671 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2026

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Sian Badich

1 book26 followers

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5 stars
40 (72%)
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13 (23%)
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1 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Lauren Fergus.
3 reviews4 followers
November 17, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The world-building was seamless, so I could dive straight into Briar’s life. Finn, her partner on the new case, is the perfect mix of charming, witty, and full of surprises. The enemies-to-lovers tension is slow-burning and so satisfying, with just the right amount of angst.
Briar is such a strong FMC, while Finn is the kind of character you can’t help but root for. Their banter had me laughing, swooning, and on edge all at once. The plot is full of twists that I loved!
This story has romance, action, magic, and heart, all woven together perfectly. I couldn’t put it down. Definitely a must-read!
Profile Image for Cheryl devine.
72 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2025
I had the absolute pleasure of reading an ARC of this magnificent book — and I’m so grateful I did!

The story delivers everything I love: an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, a slow-burn romance, a touch of magic, and a world where humans and shifters are at odds. It’s immersive, emotional, and full of heart.

Briar quickly became one of my favorite characters — petite, fierce, and deadly — while Finn completely defied expectations: charming, handsome, and far less arrogant than his reputation suggests.

The plot kept me hooked from start to finish. Some twists I saw coming, others took me completely by surprise, and there are still a few lingering questions that make me even more eager for the sequel.

I’m so excited for the next book — this world has completely stolen my heart. 🖤
Profile Image for Kathlyn-Nicole Milne.
36 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 2, 2026
This book was 6 stars and you can't tell me otherwise ❤️❤️

first up, this is a chunky book but the pacing was absolutely perfect. At no point did this book drag. The world wasn't overly complex which meant it flowed really nicely. The chemistry between our 2 MCs is brilliant and I fell in love with both of them.

This book had me coming up with theories and some of which I predicted but only at a very basic level the deeper twists absolutely blew my mind.

the writing is beautiful and the quotes I highlighted are so poetic!

the slow burn edged me so much!!! 🥵🥵
1 review
Read
October 29, 2025
An excellent first novel by a new writer. Her imaginative subject makes for a gripping read. I immediately became immersed in the main characters story & they are easy to identify with, I felt I knew them both. Once started I could not put it down and eagerly anticipated the outcome whilst also not wanting the story to end. Well worth a look!
Profile Image for VickydpBooks.
1,216 reviews21 followers
February 1, 2026
Wow this book was out of this world. Thank you for sharing this book I was very lucky I read this before it’s released and it’s a big book however it kept me reading and it was very hard to put the book down.

Briar Heartley has used her shapeshifting ability to forge herself into a highly skilled, fiercely intelligent, and relentless agent. When a case brings briar by the city that she grew up in with being able to find out about her aunty.

I am not going to spoiler the book but u need to read this.
Profile Image for Mia Ward.
1 review
January 30, 2026
Loved reading this book!!
I had the privilege of reading it before the release date and I can’t wait for others to read and enjoy. I can’t wait for book 2 💜
27 reviews
November 2, 2025
What a breath of fresh air this story was! There was no brain dump of world building, and it was a joy to immerse myself into. Briar our FMC is a shifter and a police officer, her partner she gets put with on a new case is Finn our FMC. There is mystery, witty banter, lots of angst too. Throw in some mystery and action and you have a wonderful story to read. I can’t wait to read the second book and hopefully find out more about Briar’s aunty Kat’s demise. A solid read! Definitely one to add to your TBR 🙌🏼♥️
Profile Image for SarahJ.
1 review2 followers
December 30, 2025
As someone who isn’t a huge romantasy reader, I absolutely adored this book. It is the perfect blend of romance, fantasy and a whole lot of action for those who love crime/mystery.

Sian created a magical world that will draw you in from the first chapter, I cannot wait to read the second book!! ❤️
Profile Image for A Novel Encounter.
36 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2026
What a great story this was! I didnt want it to end although it was on the chunkier side for a debut novel it was actually a perfect balance of slow and fast paced moments.

The chemistry between the two characters was brilliant, I kept screaming in my head get it together you two 😂 Rivals to lovers was nailed perfectly 👌

I loved the mixture of the mystery/crime solving and the little twists that unfolded throughout along with the romance and delightfully rewarding spicy scenes 🤭

I loved the vulnerability of the two characters and watching their development throughout.

If you love he falls first and hard - this is it, the MMC yearns HARD! The MMC definitely gave me Klaus vibes from The Originals 😂

The side characters were also written well and felt like I knew enough of them but not so that they shadowed the main characters.

This book will have you tearing up, shouting at it, swooning over it and chuckling in the next moment.

Looking forward to book 2 after the way it's been left eeeeek!
Profile Image for CwtchesAndChapter.
47 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2026
Briar our FMC is a shifter and a police officer, her partner she gets put with on a new case is Finn our MMC. They have to work together to solve a drug problem they had never seen before. Humans taking drugs to turn into shifters! The banter was so good and the tension between them was chef's kiss. I kept waiting for them to get their act together because the chemistry was unreal!

There was mystery, action, angst, and plenty of swoony moments. Honestly, it had the perfect balance of everything.

If you love rivals to lovers with amazing chemistry and a story that keeps you turning the pages, definitely add this to your TBR!
Profile Image for Rach (hockeymumreads).
18 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2026
This book is glorious! I couldn't put it down. The pacing is perfection, and every chapter I finished had me racing to start the next.

The yearning is 5 star, the banter is exquisite. I love that enthusiastic consent is so important to both of them in everything they do. I also really appreciate that miscommunications are dealt with and they move on rather than being a huge part of the plot and the drama.

Honestly, I'm so glad this book was recommended. It's fantastic!
8 reviews
June 23, 2026
Great Book

Unique story. Enjoyed the mixture of mystery and humor. Great love story. Can’t wait for next book in the series.
84 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2026
6 star read

What an emotional rollercoaster ride I had with this book absolutely love briar the fmc and all the brilliant characters around her I'm so happy there will be a book 2 😀
Profile Image for Sophie Sinclair-Cockerell.
4 reviews
November 13, 2025
I absolutely loved this.... Finn and Briar had such good character development. I loved the gym shower scene too. I can't wait for book 2
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gemma .
5 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2026
Wow! This book was everything and more, great story and world building, enemies to lovers and the slowest of slow burns but it was perfect. I love Briar and Finn ❤️❤️❤️ Can't wait for the second book.
Profile Image for Sinny.
51 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2026
I don’t even have the words to describe how much I loved this book, it’s amazing! The chemistry between the two main characters is just perfect, always some snappy witty comeback. The story and the case they are working on is also good. It keeps you guessing and also gives the «hah! I knew it!!» moments. If you like detective novels, fantasy, romance, slow burn, shifters, urban setting and found family, then this book is an absolute must read! I would say it’s a must read anyways, just because of how well it is written! Never a moment where you feel the strory is dragging or not relevant. Just read it!
Profile Image for Amy Nolan.
69 reviews5 followers
February 11, 2026
Interesting concept.

I loved the dynamic between the two main characters.
The combination of murder mystery, crime thriller and romance e is brilliant. And to tip it off you get fantasy with chapeshifters in as well. What more could you want.
It was fast paced enough to keep me interested but also told you exactly what you needed to know without making it a clumpy read.
Overall very happy with this book. Can't wait for the next one
Profile Image for Becky Thomas.
88 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive and ARC of this book and wow, words can’t explain how grateful and honoured I am by that.

A Shift in the City That Broke Us follows our main characters; Agent Briar Heartley, an orphan shapeshifter who has had to work hard and fight for her place in an unforgiving society, and Agent Finn Allerton, Briar’s academic and workplace rival, who’s charm masks a deeper persona and dark past.

Within the first few chapters of this book, the reader is introduced to a seemingly modern fantasy world where politics and oppression are apparent. Human vs Shapeshifter. The author does a great job of setting the scene so the reader understands these undertones while still pushing the story forward and engaging the reader with the personalities of the characters. This was extremely gripping and pulled me into the story immediately.

With the banter and growth between Briar and Finn there was no reason or desire to rush my reading experience. Something was always happening with the plot and character relationships to keep me wanting more. This led to disappointment when I finished reading; as I could continue to read about Briar and Finn for a lifetime.

“You are a weapon Briar Heartley. Sharp. Striking. Fearless. And as beautiful as you are lethal.”

Briar and Finn’s slow burn romance had me at the edge of my seat. Wondering and waiting for when they would finally crack under the pressure of their forced proximity and hidden feelings. Badich wrote this relationship to feel real. There was not one time where I didn’t believe these two character would be together- even when they were dealing with their individual issues of grief, ptsd and alcoholism.

On occasion, some plot lines were predictable but it only fuelled my need to continue reading to prove if my theories were correct. Some of my theories and questions have been unanswered which is making my anticipation of the second book so much stronger.

As far as debut novels go, Badich has outdone herself. It is clear she has put a lot of time and effort into creating a world, story, and characters that are thought-out. To engage your readers straight off the bat with plot, satisfy their questions and desires from a story and relationship, and still leave them wanting more, is an absolute talent!

I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy of A Shift in the City That Broke Us, and will be keeping my eyes peeled for book 2 announcements.

Congratulations and high praise to you Sian! You have truly outdone yourself ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for E.S. Lannin.
Author 1 book10 followers
December 6, 2025
This is my kind of book! The world building! The rivalry between Finn and Biar! The TENSION!!! My god I'm obsessed and hooked on these characters!
I love the depth of these characters and how the intricate storyline keeps you guessing throughout! Not to mention the ending!
You need this on your TBR!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hell of a book (Helga).
125 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2026
I don’t even know how to categorize this one. It’s an urban fantasy with dystopian aspects. A romance with fantasy aspects. A thriller with mystery woven into it. It’s a mix of all. But if I had to choose, I would put romance at the top.

I loved the world that the author created. Her creativity was amazing and she shaped it gradually. The character of Briar and Finn were amazing. Both flawed but still relatable. Their attraction was a constant push and pull and yes, I did scream at the book a few times to try and get them together faster.

Having said all that, this wasn’t a book for me. And I’m breaking all my own rules by posting this review because I did not finish it. I stopped at the 70% mark. Normally I wouldn’t leave a review for a book I didn’t finish, but just filing it on my DNF shelf wouldn’t do this book justice. And because I didn’t finish, giving it anything but a 5 star would be unfair.

The reason why this book wasn’t for me was because it is very heavily character driven and I prefer a plot driven book over character driven. And although I absolutely loved the characters, I was missing the excitement of the plot. If this book wasn’t 657pages long, I would have finished it. But I noticed that I kept putting it off because of the size and the amount I still had to read. And although this wasn’t a book for me, I can still absolutely admire the writing style. It was easy to read and it all flowed. The characters were well thought out. Flawed but still lovable and relatable. The world was one of the most interesting I read this year.

I think this book would be perfect for people that prefer character driven books that are different and creative. People who don’t like to put their books into boxes and enjoy a mix of several genres and people that enjoy a good romance with a lot of push and pull. Be prepared to yell at that book!
Profile Image for Rebb Reads.
68 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2026
"The rising sun of the pink dawn at our backs was a reminder that no matter the darkness of the past, the light always prevails."

Holy mackerel what a fantastic story!! If you love rivals to lovers, political intrigue, shapeshifters and all the yearning then this is a book for you!
I always feel so amazed when I stumble upon an indie author who can just write so unbelievably well!

I have to admit I was apprehensive about starting A Shift in the City that Broke us because to be totally honest contemporary fantasy isn't my bag... or so I thought! However, I was so glad when I saw it added to Kobo and do not regret picking it up for a second. I was hooked from the get go and really enjoyed everything about this book despite figuring out the 'who done it' element quite soon on, I still had such a great time.

The world building is on point, it is immersive and sharp. The character development is fantastic, you cannot help but feel for both main characters and totally root for them! I found the balance between the main plot and the romance perfect and it really worked well together.

The story follows Briar who is a shapeshifter and Finn who is human. The pair are from very different backgrounds- Briar who abandoned as a child grew up in an institution. Finn from a well respected, affluent and important family. The story really begins when in training to become agents, where their rivalry and hatred to one another is evident. After getting assigned to a case together they are forced to work together and live in shared accommodation after moving to the capital, thus their relationship starts to mature and flourish.

Roll on book 2!!!
Profile Image for Mackenzie Gaventa.
52 reviews
November 17, 2025
The premise of this book is fantastic! Two Special Agents, one a shifter and the other a human, working together to solve a drug problem they had never seen before. Humans taking drugs to turn into shifters! This book was so different than other paranormal books I read too because shifters could literally turn into anything they want, and they can mold objects they are holding as well. The FMC and MMC have an enemies to lover's slow burn romance and let me tell you it is a slow burn with SO much tension it is intoxicating. I laughed at their rivalry and I cried at the vulnerability of them both. Briar and Finn must learn to let go of their animosity toward each other to figure out who is the traitor of their group tipping off the people selling these awful drugs. Being a witness to the love Briar finds for herself and the redemption that Finn goes through was actually beautiful. This book ends with so much left to unravel and I CANNOT wait for the next book in the series.

I was given an ARC and I am leaving this review willingly and excitedly!
Profile Image for Isabell.
62 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2026
I have NOT done anything for DAYS, I have just been reading because I could NOT stop!!! 🤭 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The writing, The story, the banter and OH MY GOD THE YEARNING! Not to mention the audacity to execute it this good 🙌🏼 I can talk about the plot, the tropes, the characters forever. But what I really want to push, and what Im left with after this book, is: THIS is how to write to immerse the reader. I have never had a panic attack but mannn now I know how it feels to the core! Just the detailing without actually stating the obvious, its an art, and you excel at this. Same goes for the characters, you have not only made them realistic and well developed, but the way you made them jump right off the paper and hit me in the face is beyond me. If you are looking for a read that is both well written, and have taken the urban fantasy genre, mixed it up a bit with a dash of this and that, its like mystery, crime, lovestory and shifters all in a soup, and I devoured it 🤭 I was hungry for this, thank you!! Well done🙏
Profile Image for Megthebookgoblin.
166 reviews11 followers
July 18, 2026
I will not be happy until I get book 2!!!

This book is branded as urban fantasy with a romance sub plot but it's so much more than that.

It showcases identity and diversity, PTSD, found family, trauma, building lasting relationships, growing to love yourself.

It has slow burn that is over years, and the fear of admitting and going after what you want. It has layers to a relationship that feels real and make you fall hard for the characters.

No character whether they are main or secondary is left undeveloped everyone feels fully realised and deep. There is so much feeding into the main plot that just makes you not want to put it down.

The romance is swoon worthy but not over powering, the mystery is gripping, the world building is so interesting and the society dynamics are powerful.

This is now one of my god tier go to recommendations.
88 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2025
This book is incredible!! The world building!! The characters!!! The tension and yearning and slow burn romance!!! This is a dual POV rivals to lovers mixed with crime drama. It follows Briar and Finn, rivals since college who are now competing for one open position at their dream job, but along the way they're growing and developing not just romantically, but as people. There's an undercurrent of prejudice and discrimination against shapeshifters throughout, right there along gangs and political intrigue. It's just masterfully written and literally had me in tears and holding my breath in spots. PLEASE put this on your TBR!!!
Profile Image for Rumi.
69 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2026
4/5✨ I don’t think I’ve ever read a fantasy book quite like this one, a breath of fresh air! I loved the originality with the characters and plot. The romance was perfectly paced, the yearning unmatched and the banter hilarious. The chemistry between the FMC and MMC was honestly perfect, I cannot believe this is a DEBUET novel!!
10 reviews
September 17, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. The world building was brilliant and the character development kept me invested. I wasn’t sure when I first started it as I’ve never read anything with shifting like this before (I’m usually a dragons and magic girl), but within a couple of chapters I was hooked. Absolutely cannot wait for the next one now!
1 review
February 23, 2026
This is an excellent book from start to finish.
Although not my usual genre I was hooked by the intense partnership of Briar and Finn and their interactions as agents within the Capital city. It’s a real page turner which keeps you wanting more. I would happily read more books like this.
1 review
May 25, 2026
Loved this book from start to finish, ended up reading it in 2 days whilst on holiday, as I couldn’t put it down. A few twists in the story that I wasn’t expecting which kept it an exciting read. Overall I really enjoyed the story, the character development, and how it was well written.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews