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A Shift in the City That Broke Us
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?
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
3 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
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!
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!
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. 🖤
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. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!!! 🥵🥵
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!!! 🥵🥵
Read
October 29, 2025An 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!
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 🙌🏼♥️
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.
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.
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!! ❤️
Sian created a magical world that will draw you in from the first chapter, I cannot wait to read the second book!! ❤️
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 💜
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 💜
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.
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!!
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.
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 ❤️
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.
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!
I was given an ARC and I am leaving this review willingly and excitedly!
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!!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews