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Transman spy Charley MacElroy travels to Paris to help French authorities break up a Neo Nazi plot to scatter dirty bombs throughout the city. His older lover Electra comes along to study French, but she soon discovers that Dickie Borque, a sinister British aristocrat with lavender hair, may be behind the plot. Charley, however, is not so sure.

Meanwhile, she and Charley begin having love troubles when he suggests opening up their relationship to suit his pan-sexual desires. After discovering that he may have been fooling around with his attractive new male assistant, Electra moves out in a huff. Soon Charley is wandering the quays alone, trying to find the dirty bombs while wistfully longing for his love.

Electra enlists the help of Dickie’s feisty eighty-something milliner, Odile, to break up the plot. But then suddenly, Electra disappears. Now Charley must search frantically for both the bombs and Electra amidst the cafes, conversation, and the gleaming, rainy streets of Paris in winter.

270 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2016

21 people are currently reading
801 people want to read

About the author

Suzanne Falter

16 books131 followers
Suzanne Falter is an author, speaker, blogger and podcaster who has published both fiction and non-fiction, as well as essays. She also speaks about self-care and the transformational healing of crisis, especially in her own life after the death of her daughter Teal. Her non-fiction books also include How Much Joy Can You Stand? and Surrendering to Joy . Suzanne is also the host of podcast Self-Care for Extremely Busy Women.

Suzanne’s essays have appeared in O Magazine, The New York Times, Elephant Journal, Tiny Buddha and Thrive Global among others. Her fiction titles include the Oaktown Girls series of lesbian romances, and the romantic suspense series, Transformed. Her non-fiction work, blog, podcasts and her online course, Self-Care for Extremely Busy Women, can be found at suzannefalter.com and on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.

She lives with her wife in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
3,117 reviews6 followers
July 14, 2017
Transformed: Paris is a fairly simple spy story based around the migration and terrorist issues facing Europe today, and an American couple’s attempts to foil a neo-Nazi bomb plot. Where it differs from the norm is the gender and sexual preferences of the lead characters. All this is delivered in a quirky and mildly comical style.

I enjoyed the descriptions of Paris and the lifestyles of the characters, although it seemed to me that they were living more in the 1950s instead of the early 21st Century. I also appreciated the authors handling of the LGBT issues.

I was rather uncomfortable with the humour based around the bomb plots. Over the last few years there have been a large number of terrorist attacks on European cities, so many people will not want to read a book that is seeking to make fun of such events. It is all too close to home.

The small cast of characters did not have great depth. Charley was believable, Electra was fun and you will appreciate Odile. Dickie Dame of Borque was just grotesque, and the inept bomber Cask was ridiculous.

Transformed: Paris is an easy, light read that was for me marred by the humour based around what is currently a very sensitive issue. I have awarded three stars.

Reviewed by Clive on www.whisperingstories.com
Profile Image for S.B. (Beauty in Ruins).
2,675 reviews244 followers
August 2, 2017
Transformed: Paris is the second quirky little thriller from Suzanne Falter & Jack Harvey, featuring a romance between a transgender man and his dominatrix girlfriend. It is an unusual sort of story, playing on tensions of both the political and fetish variety, but it is a lot of fun - even when it is trying to decide whether to rip out our hearts or leave them lodged firmly in our throats!

This time around, the action moves from San Francisco to Paris, with Charley and Electra a couple in turmoil. Although deeply in love with one another, Charley keeps pushing for a polyamorous relationship, which ultimately creates the divide that separates our heroes and drives their parallel stories to a shared climax.

Dickie, the lavender haired aristocrat with a debilitating case of shingles, is pure over-the-top, scene-chewing, villainy, while Odile, the elderly milliner who cares for her, is a sweet (and surprisingly noble) delight. Together, they add some much-needed levity to the story, which is entirely odd when you consider there is a Neo Nazi bomb plot afoot. Meanwhile, the heroes who should keep us upbeat and hopeful are so lost in their own relationship that Charley really becomes something of an opportunistic bystander, while Electra becomes a foolish (if well-meaning) victim.

There is a lot here to love, but also a lot to challenge readers. You need to be open to frank discussions about LGBT themes to become invested in the characters, and willing to see some humor in a terrible situation to appreciate the flow of the story. Transformed: Paris is unorthodox, but an entertaining read.


As reviewed by Sally at Bending the Bookshelf
Profile Image for Laura Larson.
293 reviews14 followers
September 4, 2018
I read a lot of the reviews for the previous book that claimed this author was not LGBTQ+ friendly and disagreed. This time, however... I enjoyed the story but I feel like being pansexual is portrayed as bring unable to be monogamous. That is a dangerous and FLASE stereotype even within the LGBTQ+ community.
Aside from that, this is a story that finds most of it's home by poking fun at serious subjects- terrorism, racism,sexism, rape, kidnapping, etc. It is not for the easily offended. Thankfully, I was able to take things in the nature that they were intended and both enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading #3 (which I already have in my possession, so it won't be long!).
276 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2018
Not a bad book...definitely a bit suspenseful....it's a continuation of the first Transformed book, where it takes Charley and Electra to Paris to stop a terrorist plot.

It was an easy read. To me this is light reading as I typically read more legal thrillers but it's a good book.

Profile Image for Ken.
257 reviews3 followers
May 20, 2017
Very interesting and different characters for sure! Quick read and interesting action. I enjoyed it.
83 reviews
March 16, 2017
This is the second Transformed novel. We find transman Charley and his Society Dom girlfriend, Electra, on their way to Paris, where Charley will be working with the French police to stop a bombing. Electra has the hard decision to work with Charley or not. She doesn't want to do all the testing and training that is needed, and besides she is in her 50's. Who joins a spy agency when they are in their 50's. Because she has not done the training, she is to have no part in Charley's work. When Electra becomes friends with the person believed to be the mastermind behind the upcoming bombing, Charley lets her do some investigating. Charley's boss, however, is not happy with this. In the mean time, we learn about polyamory. Charley wants it, Electra doesn't. This leads to a big fight and break up of Charley and Electra, and causes Charley to become a huge wuss. Just like the first Transformed book, all ends well, with Charley and Electra on their way home, back together again.

This book (and series) is probably best left for adults due to the polyamory remarks and the possible bombing. I love Charley and Electra. They are both very ambitious and intriguing. They both have their flaws, but who doesn't. Their love for each other is very strong, but can also cause each other pain when they have disagreements. Charley and Electra a fully wrapped up into themselves, and that is the kind of love that I want to have! I hope that their will be another novel! I can't wait to see what Electra can do while fully working with Charley!

Thank you New Heights Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.
Profile Image for Alyssa Campbell.
232 reviews48 followers
February 8, 2017
Full Review at: Bright Copy Book Review

*this book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Basically, if you liked the first one, you'll like this one too.

We're back with our transman Charley, and his dom girlfriend Electra fighting crime.... in Paris. The main thing I loved about the first book that transferred to this one as well was the atmosphere. You could tell that the authors really loved San Francisco and mentioned little things about the food/culture/area. If you haven't already fallen in love with Paris, this book will do the trick.

As with the first book, I also had some minor qualms with this one, mostly that everything was based on a 'bad feeling' that Electra got about someone. I get bad feelings about people as well, but that doesn't translate to the person wanting to blow shit up. Especially when the bad feeling happens after the woman freaks out about her hair appointment.... not really related to bombs. Also, the point of Electra going to Paris was to take French lessons, but there's no mention of those lessons taking place at all.

The 'villain' in this one is blissfully ignorant and has purple hair. She supposedly hates migrants, even though she's originally from England and moved to Paris years ago (so she's a migrant). She also doesn't show this hatred much in the book, so I didn't feel the passion as much as I did with Roscoe in San Fran.

Charley & Electra's relationship is strained in this one because they're fighting over polyamory. Charley wants to be able to sleep with other people, but Electra is not having that discussion. In the end, they find that they're both willing to sacrifice what they're comfortable with for the other person. Personally, I'm all about being with one person and I don't fully understand the need to be with multiple people, and for that reason only I don't want to touch too much on the subject. I know that there are people who are happy to do so, but I'm just not one of them so the importance of this to Charley was beyond me.

Overall, the book was a good extension of the characters in the first and will most likely have plenty more to come in different cities around the world.
Profile Image for Bobbie Stanley.
143 reviews4 followers
February 13, 2017
I love a good spy story, and this one was all the better for the fact that it was set in Paris. The setting was beautifully described and, though I've never actually been there, I really did feel as if I could completely envision Charley and Electra strolling through the streets of the city. The characters, for the most part, were realistic and easy to connect with, and I greatly enjoyed the mystery element. From time to time, I did find myself using Google to help with random vocabulary and plot points, whether because they were in French or simply because I didn't know much about them. As far as I'm concerned, though, prompting a reader to do a little research on the side isn't a bad thing. After all, a person has to care about a subject enough to put in the effort to seek it out online. Basically, there were a lot of good points in this book. While this is the second in a series, I have not read the first. I do think I will be likely to do so, though, as I enjoyed both Charley and Electra enough to want to wrap myself up in their world a bit more. (I will say, though, that I like Electra more than Charley in this book and I hope to find him more appealing in the first book or any sequels to come...)

I loved the relationship element of this book as much as I loved the mystery, but I feel like these story lines didn't really go together and wrapping both conflicts into this story made it feel exceptionally long. In fact, it took me a great deal longer to read than I had expected simply because there was so much going on. Between the extensive backgrounds given on some of the more minor characters and the attempt to tackle what amounts to two full plots, the book was much longer than what I typically pick up for a casual read. The story is definitely good, though readers who happen to be rather closed-minded when it comes to gender and sexuality issues are likely to take issue with much of the story. If you're of an open mind, though, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,133 followers
November 10, 2016
Move over James Bond, Charley and Electra are taking over.



Charley’s a transgendered spy working undercover as a travel writer and Electra is a dominatrix known as the “Society Dom”. Charley’s been assigned to discover the terrorists planting bombs in Paris and he’s taken Electra along for the adventure. Electra hasn’t cleared spy security training yet but she insists she’s only there to study French.



Neo-Nazis are planting bombs in a last-ditch effort to get all the migrants (read foreigners) out of Paris. While Charley is on the case officially, Electra discovers not only who is responsible but suddenly disappears. Charley races against the clock (and his heart) to bring these terrorists down and save his lover, Electra.



I love the premise for many reasons but it all revolves around Charley and his pansexual desires. The authors bring to life a fun, flirty, exciting man (who happens to be transgendered) and all that comes with that. He loves Electra yet his infidelity and sexual needs could betray the one woman who loves him unconditionally.



The mystery sub-plot is solid yet sometimes gets lost in the relationship angst between Charley and Electra. The Neo Nazis are humorous (don’t tell them I said that) and it’s a wonder they get anything accomplished.



This was my first Charley and Electra book and I’m looking forward to reading their further adventures. Electra is brilliant and experiencing Paris through her eyes makes up for any drama between her and Charley.



If you’re looking for a fresh, diverse novel, 1-click this book (and the first in the series as well). You won’t be disappointed.



Favorite Character:

Electra. I loved everything about her from the way she handles herself in society (no thanks to Dickie) to the way she deals with Charley and his pansexual desires. Seeing Paris through her eyes is a special treat because it made me reminisce about my time in Paris.



My Rating: 4 stars



This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Ailyn.
383 reviews15 followers
October 28, 2016
I have received the book from the authors in exchange for a fair review.

Story starts off with transman Charley MacElroy and Electra going to Paris, meanwhile there is a plot of plant dirty bombs around Paris, to threaten the government into kicking out the migrants. Main thing is that, you already know who the bad guys are, the heroes do not. Top that off with Charley and Electra having relationship problems because of the topic of polyamory.

I do not mind this book, it is easy to read despite the fact that I have not read the first book, Transformed: San Francisco. Accompanying Charley and Electra on a chase to find the bad guys was fun, but not totally exhilarating. I am not sure how Electra became a dominatrix sleuth, but she does have a pretty good nose. While Charley is busy cutting red tapes, Electra somehow manages to steal the show.

When the duo is not hunting bad guys, the story turns to their relationship and its problems. While I understand that this is a series and their relationship will be a constant topic, I find that in Transformed: Paris, it was a little long winded. Charley tries to be forceful, but Electra pushes back as she is not comfortable with the idea of polyamory at all.

There is not much thrills in this book, because you are just reading how the story played out, instead of guessing who is the bad guy and what is their next step. While the book is well plotted and the characters are solid, Transformed: Paris is just another action movie that struggles to keep my attention. Overall, this book is a fun read with some interesting conflicts, but it seems like the story is still in the building stage.
Profile Image for Peggy Corino.
74 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2016
The two main characters are Charley, a Transgender spy, and his girlfriend, Electra, a dominatrix. Charley has been sent on an assignment to Paris, France to help break up a plan for planting dirty bombs all over Paris. Of course, Electra is not one to sit on the side lines and immerses herself into the thick of things once she arrives in Paris with Charley. The reader instantly falls in love with these two characters because of how they interact with each other. Almost immediately, you are introduced into all the players of the storyline. From the bad guys to the good guys and some surprise helpers, the reader can relate to one of the many dimensions of each character. Each character in the book had unique personalities and habits and tendencies that the readers can relate to throughout the storyline. You want sexual tension, this novel has it; you want intrigue, you can find it here; you want loveable characters, look no further! This novel has it all from espionage to kidnapping to love, found and lost then found again, you have it all.

For a more detailed review, visit my blog: https://goofycorino.com/2016/10/01/bo...
Profile Image for Danielle Urban.
Author 12 books166 followers
October 19, 2016
Transformed Paris by both Suzanne Falter & Jack Harvey is definitely for adults only due the amount of adult content. Those you love erotica's will definitely enjoy this read more than those who don't read eroticas. Other than those issues, I have to say that the writers did an excellent job portraying their characters. The scenes of Paris were great. A famous city that readers can almost see, smell, and hear through the words on the pages. There's plenty of action, travel, and adventure going on here to keep readers interested. Charley MacElroy is a want to be spy. He is like the guy in Pink Panther movie. Just like the actor from that movie this character wants to help the police solve a case. In this case, to prevent the spreading of bombs. This part of the fictional tale can be quite a nightmare to those who lived in New York City with all the bombings going on...this story will keep readers on the edge of their chairs. I don't like Charley so much...but the other characters are great. Electra proves to be the genius in this circle of characters. Overall, Transformed Paris has what it takes to be a fascinating adventure. I recommend it to those who love plenty of sex scenes, danger, and a good mystery.
Profile Image for Ela The Queer Bookish.
277 reviews32 followers
November 26, 2016
(actual rating: 3.5)

Nice continuation of an interesting series.

First I have to say that there have been some changes going on in this series: The covers have been redone (great decision) and the title has been changed. Although it seems to not be set in stone? Because the title varies on NetGalley and Goodreads. May cause confusion. But on to the book itself.

It reminded me a little of Transformed: San Francisco to be honest. You probably shouldn't read those two without some time in between.

But the characters are way better, the main ones as well as the side characters. I especially like Odile and I wouldn't say no to reading more about her.

But I gotta say, there was something which I didn't like. At all. There is a scene in this book in which it is said, that Charley needs different lovers because of being pan. Being pansexual doesn't mean you need more than one lover. It's because he is poly. Just a small thing, but yeah.

Anyway, if you like light lecture and/or want to read more about LGBT characters without their queerness being the centre of the book, this is a series you should check out.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
Profile Image for Ann.
485 reviews6 followers
January 28, 2017
Having read and enjoyed the previous 'Transformed ' book, I looked forward to reading this. Would I enjoy this as well? Would the characters still be fascinating? Yes on both counts.
Charley (CIA operative) who is also a transman and his lover Electra who is also a dominatrix have split after Electra accuses Charley of being unfaithful but are missing each other. The trouble is Charlie is in Paris chasing neo Nazis who may be planting dirty bombs, Electra is also there and manages to get involved.

We follow them as they both (in different ways) try to catch the bad guys. As well as Charlie and Electra, there are other fascinating characters to entertain us along the way.

Will they be able to stop the bombs?
Will they rekindle their love for each other?

You will have to read this for yourself but you will have an enjoyable time doing so.
This is an excellent (albeit different to the norm) thriller. Definitely a good read.
Profile Image for TDCbookreviews.
705 reviews68 followers
December 11, 2016
3.5*
A disconcerting, peculiar and quintessential spy story tailored to portray the social and political climate we live in. The reader requires an open-mind before indulging in the tale. It covers transgender sexual partnership through to the infiltration of an underground group with intentions of setting 6 bomb explosions around Paris. It is a race against time to identifying the bombs’ location and when the planned explosions were to take place. Our hero and heroine; Charley and Electra find themselves in separate investigation journeys to try prevent atrocities against the civilian population. Will they succeed?
Overall, an easy read with three distinctive challenges tied within time constrains requiring urgent attention and prevention, which captures one’s attention till the end. A predictable tale yet enjoyable.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,491 reviews12 followers
January 14, 2017
I'm a bit in two minds about certain aspects of this book. Not because it's bad, but because I'm not sure how much the relationship element adds to the story. In fact, I think at some points it was a bit distracting.

For the most part though, I liked Charley and Electra, although there were points when I just wanted to shake Charley, because he just dissolved into a bit of a wuss. But I particularly liked Electra's interactions with the other characters, and the unfolding of the investigation part of the tale.

The supporting cast of characters really brought vibrancy to the story. That, coupled with a decent (and topical) storyline ensured that this was an entertaining and quick read.

I voluntarily reviewed a reviewer copy of this book.
Profile Image for Heidi.
701 reviews32 followers
October 21, 2016
I liked the lead characters and learning more about them in this second book of the series. The story was well developed and had lots of action and twists. I would give it 4 stars, but it didn't move as quickly for me as the first book,so for that reason I gave it 3 stars.
Profile Image for M..
2,471 reviews
October 4, 2016
Fun story. I won it in a contest and I really enjoyed reading it! Highly recommended.
4 reviews
January 8, 2017
fem Dom and gay detective team.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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