The Door Keeper

Tales From The 77th Precinct

by Hurri Cosmo

The Minneapolis/St.Paul 77th police precinct has been labeled as a group of misfits. It's actually unfair. They, in reality, have talent. Paranormal talent. Of course, no one really knows that.

Nick, their boss, keeps them busy chasing all those creepy crawly things that tend to go "bump" in the night, keeping the cities safe and totally unaware that doors to other realms even exist. Mainly because Nick is the Door Keeper. He keeps order in what would otherwise be chaos.

But chaos has suddenly reared its ugly head in the form of a dangerous vampire. Ferociously brutal, he is a killing machine and must be stopped. So the last thing Nick needs is another partner. Especially one as sexy as Arrain.

To top it off, Arrain intends on being more than just a partner. Something Nick cannot allow. Not with the secret he harbors.

However, turns out Arrain has a few secrets of his own and one thing he knows. The vampire is after Nick to not only kill the Door Keeper, but to take his power. Can he get Nick to trust him in time to save him?

Book video: https://youtu.be/an2Exr-fZFI

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Vampires, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

140 pages, ebook

First published May 24, 2015

About the author

Hi, my name is Hurri Cosmo and I am a happy ending junkie. I always have been. You can be pretty rest assured everything I write will have one. I am not big on angst. I believe we get enough of that in real life so when I go to read something, to make the real world go away for awhile, I will most likely not chose something that will make me cry. So I write for those people who, at least occasionally, feel the same way. I’m okay with the fact I will probably never write anything “important” but I guess I will have to see where my imagination takes me. I would love it if you would come along.

Reviews

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I'm always on the lookout for good paranormal books in the m/m genre. It was my favorite back in the day when I read m/f and unfortunately I have a hard time finding m/m ones I like. This book was a really pleasant surprise. I hadn't read this author before so I had no idea what to expect. The story is about Nick who heads up a band of misfit paranormal police officers. The each have different abilities (mind reading, conducting electricity, bending metal to name a few). Nick himself is a Door Keeper. He can open and close doors in to other realms. Their unit is investigating a series of deaths that they contribute to a other worldly seriel killer. Throughout Nick feels like he is being watched by someone from another realm. Someone trying to contact him. Someone who he is extremely sexually attracted to.

This book had a good mystery and lot's of action. I liked the world building and found the setting pretty interesting. It was unique and had the potential for an ongoing series. Nick and his crew were all well done characters and when Arrain shows up, well that was icing on the cake. The book included one of my favorite tropes ever. The fated mate. *sigh* I'm a sucker for it every darn time and here was no exception. They were hot together and I loved every minute of their story.

So.....yeah, I liked this. If you're looking for a good, solid paranormal story you should check this out. It was a unique world and it was nice to see something different from the traditional vampires and werewolves that we usually see. A bit of a fantasy story but set in our world so that was a nice twist also. I will definitely be checking out more work by this author.


**Copy received via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.**

[315 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hot guy on cover... Does he look like he has grey pubs? No, well the MC that is a cop does and talks about his old man saggy butt. So basically cover doesn't match the book.

Plus around the 60% point there was a huge info dump... And around 75% I started to lose interest... And then it ends without a real endi g to the story. Just an odd read.

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

What a wild and crazy ride! This was a paranormal book that starts at a crime scene where Nick is investigating the work of a serial killer. It had me saying "huh???" very early on and things I thought ended up not being what I thought. Of course, there were somethings that I guessed correctly, too, so that was fun.

It was a very interesting premise. Different realms, a secret supernatural police unit, pairings dictated by "givers", door keepers and hunters. Lots of neat twists that made it interesting, not overwhelming. I liked Nick. He was an older guy (not quite sure how old, but he mentions often how he is older) who had believed he was beyond his prime and not worthy of love after an incident with his old partner. He has a great work team (called the zoo), and they all had neat powers and worked well together.

After we meet Arrain, I immediately liked him. He seemed really good for Nick and helped ground him at times. The story took place over a couple of days, so it was clear that there wasn't a lot of time for the guys to get to know each other (or for us to really get to know them). What we did learn, though, I enjoyed. What I didn't enjoy was the unclear and unfinished (in my opinion) ending. There were a few questions that were left hanging and I would like to see what exactly comes next. It ended a bit abruptly.

Despite that, though, I would recommend this book. Hurri Cosmo is not a name I hear a lot out there, and that should change. I really enjoy her books.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it very appropriate that this book is named The Door Keeper. To me, books are portals to different, amazing, fantastical worlds. Somewhere we can briefly go and live another life, enjoy the adventures and fantasies that our normal 9-5 lives would never allow. And this book, as with all of Hurri’s stories offers just that.

This story immediately throws the reader into intrigue and mystery; there is no slow build, just jump on the train and hold on for the ride. At first, I found myself a bit confused, I love a good murder mystery, but add in supernatural, what? What is happening here? Then the plot unfolds, introducing supernatural elements into our human realm; humans that have developed 'abilities' and nightmarish monsters that prey on the unsuspecting. Nick, the main character’s secrets are slowly revealed when he meets his 'bonded', Arrain, in the midst of a chaotic serial killers rampage that turns even more sinister-- I know-- how can that get more sinister? IT CAN! What started off with slight whiplash from the touch and go pace-- turned into emotional turmoil as the story unfolded. I was impressed with how easily I was drawn into this one.

I find myself wanting to know more about this world, the possibilities of these realms, and the powers of these para-humans. Truthfully, at first, I was confused with this story; feeling as if I was dropped into the middle of a plot, like starting a TV series from the 10th episode. However, by the time I finished the story, I REALLY wanted to know more. Tell me more about this world, tell me more about these paranormal beings and doors to unknown realms, I feel as if the plot is thickening and there is a larger conspiracy, I am hooked! Do not leave me stranded!!! This story is aptly named because it has opened the door to a whole new fantasy and I cannot wait to see how or if Hurri will expand on this new realm. Enjoy :)

[Ajumi · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** This book was provided by IndiGo in exchange for an unbiased review ***

This book seems to start out in the middle of the story. We find ourselves at a murder scene, with the murderer missing. There were already several other murders already and the victim is always completely drained of blood. We meet Nick and his team, who all have special supernatural abilities and form the 77th unit. They are a secret, ridiculed by the other units but they keep the city safe from monsters that come across from other realms.

At the same time we make accquaintance with the "shadow man" who has a special relationship to Nick. Nick feels attracted to the man who he doesn't even know and who speaks to him from another realm.
I have to say that I preferred the idea of this shadow to the actual person that we meet, Arrain. He just wasn't as interesting in person, but I still liked him.

Arrain is part of the council which Nick hid from for several years and he was paired with Nick by the givers, a very mysterious group we don't learn more about. But it's a occurence that isn't normal, even unprecedented because of the circumstances surrounding both.

But I won't tell you more here. Let's just say that in this book not everyone is who he/she seems to be and not everything taken for a fact is the truth.
The story is a lot more complex than it seems at the beginning and Nick's past plays a big role in everythig happening.

I would love to read more about Nick and Arrain and I really hope for a second book! I would recommend this book to everybody who likes dark fantasy, mystery, hot sex and a story as well as characters with a lot of depth and very realistic emotions.

[Otterpuss · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book seems to start in the middle of a story at a murder scene.
It started ok, it's action packed and something a bit different from the normal werewolf/vampire trope.
Unfortunately it's not particularly well executed and seems to get confused and a bit tangled up in itself.
Things that should have been blatantly obvious to Nick and his 'zoo' with all their mythical powers, weren't; and when the twist was revealed it actually made them all look completely stupid. They all should have thought about the possibility already but it was never mentioned.
Chad had already killed a Door Keeper so, going by the rules laid down in the book, he didn't need Nick...yet the whole story was based around him getting Nick. It didn't make any sense.
I found I had to keep backtracking to try and work out who was who and what exactly was happening but after a while I didn't care enough to keep going back so didn't bother and just ploughed through.
I think with a bit of work this could have potential. It needs more character depth and development, also the 'world' needs much more explanation and scene set up. The twist needs quite a lot of work because it should have been totally obvious based on the murder scenes and Chad's appearance, especially given his 'gift'
I didn't particularly like or care about any of the characters and wasn't bothered about finding out what was going on. I had to talk myself into finishing it a couple of times.
Overall the plot is full of holes and I just didn't care about any of it.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Door Keeper by Hurri Cosmo was provided by IndiGo in return for an honest review. I’ve been reading fantasy since LOTR in fifth grade and still love the genre. I enjoyed the worldbuilding in The Door Keeper, especially as more was revealed the longer one read, as I’m not a fan of info dumps. While the various abilities of the paranormal police precinct members were fascinating, the acceptance of each other regardless of ability or orientation was refreshing. I liked that the group had worked together for a while and successfully interacted with the regular police force, so this episode was not the start of their existence. The fact that one of the MCs was older also added to my enjoyment, since I’m not a fan of twinks. Even though the book clearly sets up the premise for future books, it had a satisfying ending, which I like in a series.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it a great deal. For only 140 pages there is a truckload of things going on, or should I say going bump in the night, or going bump on the door :)

The story was well written, although I found myself lost a few times and having to backtrack. I don't normally have that problem so I'm unsure if it was too complicated for me, or my frame of mind at the time of reading.

I highly recommend the story to readers who enjoy mysterious paranormal stories, with some sexy male male loving.

Copy received via IndiGo Marketing & Design" in exchange for an honest review.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****

3.5 Stars -

Hurri Cosmo was a new author for me, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The blurb looked exciting and so I gave it a try. In the way many blurbs are, it is slightly misleading. I was expecting a gritty, paranormal buddy cop type of story, but this is different. It is gritty, with graphic descriptions of dead bodies, and there are definitely paranormal happenings, but the buddy cop partners is the part that is off.

Nick is plagued by a feeling of being watched by a shadowy figure that dominates him sexually in his dreams. This interferes with his work as a string of homicides are cropping up in the city with a distinctly paranormal edge. His precinct’s objective is to prevent anyone from finding out about them.

Secrets are revealed as the story progresses and we meet Arrain. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Nick and Arrain’s relationship. So much relied on fated mate attraction, even Nick wasn’t sure about it.

The vampire was interesting and the battle with him good. However, the ending is left unfinished as if this is the start of a series, though it isn’t indicated as such. I liked the secondary characters, though they weren’t as well developed as they could have been. I did notice that this is part of Tales From The 77th Precinct from AmberPax, but the other stories don’t appear to overlap and are from other authors.

Also in this book, one of my pet peeves – prostrate does not equal prostate. That mixup happens twice. There are other various typos or incorrect word substitutions.

Overall, there are some great ideas in this book. It was nice to see an over 40 main character, even if he whined about his age for most of the book. The world was well thought out and I liked the concept of different realms.

If you like paranormal, give it a try.

[Suzanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not usually a big paranormal fan anymore after glutting myself on it when I first discovered it a few years ago. But The Door Keeper by Hurri Cosmo was unique in that the type of paranormal character was not the usual werewolf or vampire shifter. The book did have a type of vampire shifter in it as the "bad guy" but the MCs were much different and really cool to read about.
This story contained so many characters with unusual abilities and they made up a group of paranormal cops in the Minnesota/St. Paul 77th precinct. They handled the cases that were not easily explained by regular methods. Nick, the boss of this group, was the "Door Keeper"; the only one able to see and close the rips that could open between realms, doors that no one even knows exists. He had been having dreams about a man he did not know. Dreams that made him want this man so much. But he was just a dream man....until he wasn't. Meeting Arrain confused Nick, especially when he realized that he was supposed to pair with this gorgeous man and made him want to know more all while trying to solve a series of crimes where the bodies are all drained of blood.
All in all, this book had a lot going on but was easy to follow. The characters meshed really well and the MCs really heated up the pages. I gave The Door Keeper a much deserved 4 stars and hope everyone enjoyed reading it as much as I did.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of those books that has secrets within secrets. Just when I thought I had the basics figured out there was another twist in the plot. Honestly I recommend reading it, and then reading it again, because I found so many things I missed on the first read through (or just made a lot more sense).

The characters are very vivid. They draw you into the story and made me want to keep reading (even long after I should have gone to sleep). The secondary characters even hold their own in the story (I really wish some of them get their own story one day). The plot was interesting, more than just the typical paranormal/mystery story (it can be so hard to find something that isn't just same old formula). The different worlds and the characters' abilities are certainly intriguing.

My biggest complaint is the ending left more of a story to be told. If this was a series I could see eagerly awaiting the next book, but as a sequel hasn't been listed I'm left wondering on some points. The ending is not a cliffhanger by any means, but I just wish there had been a bit more of the what happens next told.

[Drako Drako · Rating 5 out of 5]

I certainly hope this is the first in a series, or there's at least a sequel to this book. This is a very inventive world the author has created, or I suppose I should say worlds. Nick is apparently something of a legend, albeit a reluctant one with a guilty conscience. Arrain is just interesting. There's also an age difference between the two that bothers Nick more than Arrain. Arrain seems to be the very determined type. He knows what he wants and what he needs, and he just goes for it. If I have one critique its that he doesn't seem to be very understanding of Nick's issues, or maybe they'll just be worked on as they continue on their path. All in all, very enjoyable. I finished it in a day, and that was a work day. The ending tell me there has to be more, and I will definitely want to read it.

[Emma Jaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

mundane police procedural morphs to paranormal to almost high fantasy as the book progresses, a truly extraordinary premise that was gripping. It almost seemed as if there was a whole series crammed into 140 short pages, it was that gripping.
A pre-ordained pairing sucks Lore back into a life he had run from, as his group of humans with special abilities are targeted by a killer from another realm. I was a little confused about how much his team knows about him as the story progresses and the way is left open for at least one sequel. The world Hurri has set up could be stretched to a whole series, and if she writes it, I'll certainly read it.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read as I have found all of Hurri Cosmo's books to be. I was given this book by the author for my honest opinion but I think Hurri knew what I would say. I loved it. I really did. It was funny and sad and just a great plot. The sex was hot, like always, and even though it bordered on "insta-love", me, as the reader, could feel it and it made that part of the plot work. The ending wasn't the ending though and I plan on bugging this author for more. This is truly a fun story!

[Porchia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this as an ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story, did not want to put it down. Each new twist kept you hooked in the story. Nick is a cop but he is also a Door Keeper from another dimension. His job is to keep the bad things from other dimension from coming thru Rips. Arrain is looking for a killer and has been sent by the Council to figure out what is going on. The rest well that is the story you need to read. Hot Read. Enjoy, I did. Hurri is a wonderful writer.

[Tiferet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting worldbuilding, but confusing at times, especially in the first half of the book - it's one of those stories that definitely get better towards the end, plus the characters definitely get more likeable as the story progresses.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome! Really funny and just a great story line. I loved it. Really hope to see more of this story.

[Alishea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt rushed and incomplete. Definitely ends in an unresolved manner.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

I find myself very conflicted over this one. It started strong and the premise was awesome. Nick was a fantastic character that I enjoyed 95% of the time, and there were some really interesting plot points that I couldn’t wait to be resolved. But as the story went on, things became rather muddy and unclear, and by the time I finished the story, I had a different opinion from when I started.

Let’s begin with Nick, whom I really enjoyed. He was a very well-drawn character and we knew from the beginning what kind of man he was. I liked the way his secret was revealed, and I thought it was very fitting. I liked his whole attitude and how he had multiple layers that added to his depth. He was a great narrator character and the only thing I found irritating was his constant complaint of how old he was. I think why I found this slightly annoying was because up until about the half way point, we didn’t know how old he actually was. So every time he said, I found myself wondering if he was actually older or if he was just feeling that way. That pulled me out of the story, but that was my only complaint with this character. Really, I love him and he saved the book for me.

But as for the rest? Well, this was a relatively short amount of space to be packing in so much storyline and sadly, I felt like a lot of it was left unresolved. Repeatedly, something would be brought in and begun, only to be dropped and never spoke of again. While the two basic plots, the murders and the love story, were seen through to the end, the multiple side plots were picked up and dropped at whim. This made it a little bit tough for me to truly enjoy. And while we did find out who was committing the murders and why, the actual ending felt like a cliff hanger to me. Now, if I look at it objectively, I can see how it could be an ending. But it simply feels unfinished and that left me unsatisfied.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[Ro Dubose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota, to say lead detective Nick is not from here would be an understatement. But if Nick revealed where he is really from, it would shock the locals to their human core.

The Door Keeper is an intense action murder mystery plus romance plot with an aliens-among-us theme. Nick is from another realm in the universe, although his duties are the same, policing the area to keep out the criminals. Nick’s team of police men and women are individuals with distinctive talents. They work in secret cleaning up the paranormal messes before the human community becomes aware of the chaos surrounding them.

The main characters are Nick, Arrain and the sinister vampire. Each of these characters has secrets.

Coming to the human realm was not an accident. Nick chose this realm as a hiding place because on the grand scale of the universe, the human realm does not merit even a small notice by the powers that be. Nick’s presence went undetected until the vampire decided to make this realm his hunting ground.

Arrain came to rescue Nick as well as reveal a few secrets regarding Nick’s past. Arrain also came to mate with Nick, joining their powers to form a stronger crime fighting unit.

As for the vampire’s secrets, he got away without a trace, leaving Nick and Arrain to question how the vampire can be caught, as well as destroyed if they can ever find him again.

The Door Keeper is an extremely enjoyable saga that leaves the door open for a sequel.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this story. It's an amazing new world set primarily in one of my favorite locations; Minnesota, which is my home state! The paranormal concepts are fresh, Hurri's writing style is captivating and the worlds she creates are full of diverse, though sometimes terrifying, beings.

The instantaneous attraction between Nick and Arrain is a combination of destiny and chemistry. Nick's back-story is quite dramatic, and I am always thrilled to see characters who have a chance at a achieving relationships the never even dared to dream might be possible. And Arrain? How hot is he??? I'm a sucker for May to December romances and this is one that lights up the pages.

I loved this novella length story and am eager to see more from this series in the future!

My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly’s Book Reviews

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting world. Funny story.

How did Nick not know the guy was from another realm? He was pushing through from somewhere and if he were on Earth he could have just taken a plane or something or called. And why didn't Nick acknowledge he knew who the guy was when they started talking?

I love that the MC is almost 50. That's so rare.

Why didn't Nick know the guy was from his home planet? Is the council in a different realm?

I think my questions just come from poor editing and a lack of time and space. I hear that all of the stories in this anthology have the same issues.

I want more in the series from her!

[Blackmermaid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of vampire and/or paranormal books, but since I enjoyed her other books, I decided to give this a chance. I liked it, but I hope it gets a sequel or it's the first one in the series because there were some loose ends.