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Offbeat Crimes #3
Skim Blood and Savage Verse
FROM POPULAR GAY ROMANCE AUTHOR ANGEL MARTINEZ
Book three in the Offbeat Crimes series
Words damage more than just feelings as Carrington hunts feral books menacing the city.
When a ferocious book attacks Carrington at his own birthday party, he believes it’s an isolated incident. But similar books soon pop up all over town, menacing innocent people with harsh bits of poetry and blank verse that deliver damaging physical blows. It’s a frustrating case with too many variables and not enough answers, and the stakes go up with each attack.
With the help of his misfit squad mates at the 77th and the public library’s Rare Books Department, the missing pieces decrease but not Carrington’s vexations. His commanding officer rakes him over the coals at the beginning of every shift. His police partner has lost patience with what she sees as his delusional relationship choices and his inability to pick the right man in a vast field of two. City Hall demands that the books be stopped immediately. It’s enough to put a nutritionally challenged vampire off his skim blood.
137 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2017
36 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Angel Martinez
93 books677 followersAngel Martinez currently lives part time in the hectic sprawl of northern Delaware and full time inside her head. She has one husband, one son, two cats, a love of all things beautiful and a terrible addiction to the consumption of both knowledge and chocolate.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 24, 2017
*4.25 stars*
I ADORED this book, just like the others in the Offbeat Crimes series. In fact, had the romance had a little more page time, I think I would have given this 5-stars.
There is just something about the way that Angel Martinez writes this series that works for me. They are short books, but they pack a ton of good in each one. Each story is funny, interesting, and quirky in just the right ways. Skim Blood and Savage Verse was no different.
Just a note for those interested in this story: You have to wait a LONG time for the MCs to get together. Like, they don't get together until nearly the end, and if you have a problem with one of your MCs dating other people first, you might be bothered by this one. I didn't mind it, but I'm just putting it out there.
I liked how the whole story played out, honestly, but I wish there was about 50 more pages of the two MCs near the end. There was so much chemistry there that I wanted to see it further developed. I'm hoping that book #4 in the series continues their story because I want MORE (and more of those sexy-times, please, because I LOVED how the ones in this book played out!).
I loved how we got a POC MC, I loved how the story was exciting with a little hint of mystery, I loved Carrington's unusual vampire traits, and I loved the funky cast of characters that populated the story. I'm hoping that Angel Martinez writes an F/F with Carrington's partner because I would SO read that.
This book did so much right. I'll keep reading this series for as long as Angel Martinez keeps writing them.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I ADORED this book, just like the others in the Offbeat Crimes series. In fact, had the romance had a little more page time, I think I would have given this 5-stars.
There is just something about the way that Angel Martinez writes this series that works for me. They are short books, but they pack a ton of good in each one. Each story is funny, interesting, and quirky in just the right ways. Skim Blood and Savage Verse was no different.
Just a note for those interested in this story: You have to wait a LONG time for the MCs to get together. Like, they don't get together until nearly the end, and if you have a problem with one of your MCs dating other people first, you might be bothered by this one. I didn't mind it, but I'm just putting it out there.
I liked how the whole story played out, honestly, but I wish there was about 50 more pages of the two MCs near the end. There was so much chemistry there that I wanted to see it further developed. I'm hoping that book #4 in the series continues their story because I want MORE (and more of those sexy-times, please, because I LOVED how the ones in this book played out!).
I loved how we got a POC MC, I loved how the story was exciting with a little hint of mystery, I loved Carrington's unusual vampire traits, and I loved the funky cast of characters that populated the story. I'm hoping that Angel Martinez writes an F/F with Carrington's partner because I would SO read that.
This book did so much right. I'll keep reading this series for as long as Angel Martinez keeps writing them.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
July 30, 2018
I’m officially hooked on Angel Martinez’s writing. 😁 She’s quickly becoming my latest addiction and a staple to enjoy for my reading. 😌 I can’t even tell you how much I loooved this book. 😱😍 In fact, I don’t even know whom I’m happy for more. Carr for finally finding that perfect boyfriend or LJ for finally getting a girlfriend of more like a coatfriend? 😂 Anyhow, as usual, this book is as crazy as ever and just as brilliant and captivating. I died laughing at the part where they finally found an antidote for feral books! 🤣 I’m super happy to find out that 6th book in the series is also about Carr and Erasmus. 😱 And yes, I instantly fell in love with Ras just by his name. After “Captive Prince Trilogy”, I’m a sucker for anyone who’s named Erasmus! 😉 What a perfect boyfriend for our diet-challenging, severely broken vampire. 😁 It was a beautiful love story and equally enrapturing storyline! Well done you, Angel! 👏
5 shut up and kiss me Carr stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 shut up and kiss me Carr stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 12, 2023
Enjoyable update to the series overall, though I didn't enjoy it as much as the first two. I liked getting to know some of the other characters better, and I appreciated that the author was trying to subvert tropes and do things a little differently, but it just didn't totally work for me. I liked Erasmus a lot, but I just didn't feel any sexual chemistry between him and Carr--which wasn't helped by the fact that Carr makes it a point for most of the book to explicitly state that Erasmus isn't his type and that he's not attracted to him. For me, I could feel the emotional connection, but I never thought the author really sold the change in physical attraction. I liked the case aspect though, and I enjoyed this one fine, it just didn't do much for me--I'll be curious to see if that changes as I know this couple has another book in this series.
March 22, 2018
The series shows a definite improvement in this third book and Carrington might just become my favorite of the 77th precinct’s misfits.
How can you not love a lonely vampire full of insecurities and with awful taste in men? The man...ehm, the vamp needs all the love he can get.
I hope one of the next books will focus on him again.
How can you not love a lonely vampire full of insecurities and with awful taste in men? The man...ehm, the vamp needs all the love he can get.
I hope one of the next books will focus on him again.
April 26, 2017
Going feral is usually reserved for animals – or sometimes people – but to have books react that way? Only in Angel Martinez’s world of Philadelphia’s 77th Precinct with its paranormally defective members is such a thing even remotely possible. The thing is – it even makes sense, in a weird sort of way: words, after all, can hurt as much as actions, so once they “go off the rails”, so to speak, I can see how they might do a lot of damage. Even if no such thing is possible in our reality, following the developments of this third action/adventure in the series, starring police officers Kyle and Kash’s enigmatic colleague Carrington, a nutritionally challenged vampire, was wonderfully entertaining for me. Even if – or maybe just because - this story is as unlikely as the first two, I enjoyed exploring the 77th newest trials and tribulations.
Carrington may be a vampire, but he is one with issues. One, his family – especially his selfish, socialite mother - ignores his “illness” to the point of threatening his well-being, possibly his life. I mean, a garden party in bright sunlight for a vampire’s birthday? Second, he is nutritionally challenged and can only drink certain parts of human blood, and never from the source. Third, a book attacks him out of nowhere, and while his police partner believes him, the initial reaction from others is a little less enthusiastic. But the attacks soon multiply, and Carrington has his hands full with an investigation that requires “literary support”, if you want to call it that.
Two men feature in the hunt for the misbehaving literary works. One is Erasmus, the public library’s specialist for rare books. While he is nice, knowledgeable, and definitely qualified to help, there are no sparks between him and Carrington. Then there is Heath, the arrogant, self-centered owner of a bookshop and exactly Carrington’s type. I’m not going to reveal anything more other than saying that I enjoyed watching Carrington figure things out not just regarding the case of the attacking books, but on a personal level as well. While I knew what I wanted to happen, for the longest time I wasn’t sure if the author was going to give it to me. It was a nice extra bit of suspense on top of an already intriguing mystery.
In addition to the main case of the ferocious books, there are quite a few little subplots around some of the recurring characters in this series. I really enjoyed the additional “madness” those added. Kyle and Kash play a prominent role, as does LJ, the animated leather jacket.
If, like me, you like the paranormal world of the 77th Precinct and can’t get enough of their crazy adventures, if you want to know how a nutritionally challenged vampire deals with his less than stellar love life once and for all, and if you’re looking for a mystery that is hilarious, well-constructed, and might just keep you guessing for a while, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Carrington may be a vampire, but he is one with issues. One, his family – especially his selfish, socialite mother - ignores his “illness” to the point of threatening his well-being, possibly his life. I mean, a garden party in bright sunlight for a vampire’s birthday? Second, he is nutritionally challenged and can only drink certain parts of human blood, and never from the source. Third, a book attacks him out of nowhere, and while his police partner believes him, the initial reaction from others is a little less enthusiastic. But the attacks soon multiply, and Carrington has his hands full with an investigation that requires “literary support”, if you want to call it that.
Two men feature in the hunt for the misbehaving literary works. One is Erasmus, the public library’s specialist for rare books. While he is nice, knowledgeable, and definitely qualified to help, there are no sparks between him and Carrington. Then there is Heath, the arrogant, self-centered owner of a bookshop and exactly Carrington’s type. I’m not going to reveal anything more other than saying that I enjoyed watching Carrington figure things out not just regarding the case of the attacking books, but on a personal level as well. While I knew what I wanted to happen, for the longest time I wasn’t sure if the author was going to give it to me. It was a nice extra bit of suspense on top of an already intriguing mystery.
In addition to the main case of the ferocious books, there are quite a few little subplots around some of the recurring characters in this series. I really enjoyed the additional “madness” those added. Kyle and Kash play a prominent role, as does LJ, the animated leather jacket.
If, like me, you like the paranormal world of the 77th Precinct and can’t get enough of their crazy adventures, if you want to know how a nutritionally challenged vampire deals with his less than stellar love life once and for all, and if you’re looking for a mystery that is hilarious, well-constructed, and might just keep you guessing for a while, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 5, 2017
3.75 stars rounded up
I wholeheartedly enjoyed the Offbeat Crimes universe from Angel Martinez – the previous two books are Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters (book 1) and The Pill Bugs of Time (book 2) – and was so happy to learn that there would be an upcoming release for this series.
Skim Blood and Savage Verse features another member of the 77th Precinct: Carrington Loveless, the vampire who can only drink skim blood.
Carr and his partner, Amanda, are handling a case where seemingly enchanted books are throwing hurtful words – literally, like words coming out of the pages and hurt people! It was a really FUN case to read. I LOVE Martinez’s imagination! The whole word-throwing books and then we have Leather Jacket (or LJ) getting a girlfriend … it was really entertaining! I also liked the resolution of how to handle the violent books – it was creative!
There was romance in this book – but I had to admit that I thought it was rather rushed and I wasn’t completely satisfied.
I guess I missed the romantic build-up between the two, even if I thought he was good for Carr.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
I wholeheartedly enjoyed the Offbeat Crimes universe from Angel Martinez – the previous two books are Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters (book 1) and The Pill Bugs of Time (book 2) – and was so happy to learn that there would be an upcoming release for this series.
Skim Blood and Savage Verse features another member of the 77th Precinct: Carrington Loveless, the vampire who can only drink skim blood.
Carr and his partner, Amanda, are handling a case where seemingly enchanted books are throwing hurtful words – literally, like words coming out of the pages and hurt people! It was a really FUN case to read. I LOVE Martinez’s imagination! The whole word-throwing books and then we have Leather Jacket (or LJ) getting a girlfriend … it was really entertaining! I also liked the resolution of how to handle the violent books – it was creative!
There was romance in this book – but I had to admit that I thought it was rather rushed and I wasn’t completely satisfied.
I guess I missed the romantic build-up between the two, even if I thought he was good for Carr.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
April 7, 2018
Skim Blood and Savage Verse (Offbeat Crimes #3)
Angel Martinez
Price Publishing 2017
Four stars
I really like this series. I like the weirdness. I like the authentic descriptions of Philadelphia (?!). I like the Precinct 77 group of paranormal misfits. But Martinez is also a droll, finely-honed writer, and her wry procedural prose is a pleasure to read. Her characters all jump off the page, and with their flaws become endearing as you get to know them.
This book focuses on a character I’ve been intrigued by since he was first introduced: the patrician vampire cop Carrington Loveless. Being gay wasn’t bad enough; being turned into a vampire by yet another poor choice in a boyfriend just about ruined his tenuous relationship with his autocratic Main Line family. And yet, Carrington is a gentle soul, a vampire who’s allergic to whole blood, and struggles to find love in a world where he doesn’t live up to the vampire clichés.
Fortunately, Carr’s police partner, the tough-talking Amanda, has his back, even though she gives him grief over his bad taste in dates. Together, they are on the hunt for a group of vicious antique books, who spew words as weapons. “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Not true, it seems.
Along the way, Carr and Manda will have to deal with a movie-star handsome book dealer with some serious attitude, and a puppy-eyed rare book librarian who seems to understand Carrington without asking stupid questions.
This is a world I like revisiting. Books four and five are already in my lineup.
Angel Martinez
Price Publishing 2017
Four stars
I really like this series. I like the weirdness. I like the authentic descriptions of Philadelphia (?!). I like the Precinct 77 group of paranormal misfits. But Martinez is also a droll, finely-honed writer, and her wry procedural prose is a pleasure to read. Her characters all jump off the page, and with their flaws become endearing as you get to know them.
This book focuses on a character I’ve been intrigued by since he was first introduced: the patrician vampire cop Carrington Loveless. Being gay wasn’t bad enough; being turned into a vampire by yet another poor choice in a boyfriend just about ruined his tenuous relationship with his autocratic Main Line family. And yet, Carrington is a gentle soul, a vampire who’s allergic to whole blood, and struggles to find love in a world where he doesn’t live up to the vampire clichés.
Fortunately, Carr’s police partner, the tough-talking Amanda, has his back, even though she gives him grief over his bad taste in dates. Together, they are on the hunt for a group of vicious antique books, who spew words as weapons. “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Not true, it seems.
Along the way, Carr and Manda will have to deal with a movie-star handsome book dealer with some serious attitude, and a puppy-eyed rare book librarian who seems to understand Carrington without asking stupid questions.
This is a world I like revisiting. Books four and five are already in my lineup.
August 8, 2018
Short story, with cute moments and some interesting scenes. It didn't have much plot, but it wasn't so boring either. I wasn't a fan of the fact that our Vampire MC at start almost had sex with another person...but well, almost was the key word. Erasmus was cute.
May 28, 2017
It took me a bit to remember who Carrington was. It had been a long while since I read the series.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read. The villainous object here is very imaginative and fun to read. The background plot point of Ms. Hunter was interesting. More page time was added to the boss of the police station.
The main romantic arc were both poignant and slightly unconventional. I applaud Ms. Martinez for that.
The personal issue Carrington face seems like it could be made into various kind of allegories. Many of which happened within the gay community. I liked the diversities Ms. Martinez had put forth here in various ways and methods of them.
But I didn't felt much connection to Carrington. Just not felt that related to him or his behavior. I certainly like his relationship with his partner, that's for sure...
Overall, this is an enjoyable read. The villainous object here is very imaginative and fun to read. The background plot point of Ms. Hunter was interesting. More page time was added to the boss of the police station.
The main romantic arc were both poignant and slightly unconventional. I applaud Ms. Martinez for that.
The personal issue Carrington face seems like it could be made into various kind of allegories. Many of which happened within the gay community. I liked the diversities Ms. Martinez had put forth here in various ways and methods of them.
But I didn't felt much connection to Carrington. Just not felt that related to him or his behavior. I certainly like his relationship with his partner, that's for sure...
October 7, 2017
Favourite of the series
4 stars
This one is my favourite so far of this series.
I liked the build up to the relationship, that it was a slow burn and the case they were working was entertaining
4 stars
This one is my favourite so far of this series.
I liked the build up to the relationship, that it was a slow burn and the case they were working was entertaining
July 13, 2025
Crazy fun
Though I felt the romance was a little lacking, the action was great. I was happy to see the familiar characters and thought the mystery well done. I really like this world and this bunch of misfits!
Though I felt the romance was a little lacking, the action was great. I was happy to see the familiar characters and thought the mystery well done. I really like this world and this bunch of misfits!
March 10, 2018
Really unique story. Humor, sex, action, what more could I need?
July 13, 2017
Everything about this story was terrific: the Offbeat Crimes team tackle a case of a missing coat entity, and books attack people with hard, bitter insults. Then the books disapparate. Being hit hard by some of the strongest insults in the English language can be quite painful, quite apart from the disappearing part.
We center on Carrington Loveless, vampire member of the offbeat squad, who has a harder life than you might expect. He has finally met a man to love both wisely and well. The skeletal little librarian, Erasmus, turns out to be perfect for a vampire who's tired of being expected to be a blood-thirsty brutal lover.
Remember I said everything was terrific? The problem here is me. You need to be willing to be silly and amused by the inventiveness. Must confess, it got on my nerves a bit. I think I'll save this author for times when I'm not such a grouch.
We center on Carrington Loveless, vampire member of the offbeat squad, who has a harder life than you might expect. He has finally met a man to love both wisely and well. The skeletal little librarian, Erasmus, turns out to be perfect for a vampire who's tired of being expected to be a blood-thirsty brutal lover.
Remember I said everything was terrific? The problem here is me. You need to be willing to be silly and amused by the inventiveness. Must confess, it got on my nerves a bit. I think I'll save this author for times when I'm not such a grouch.
August 20, 2017
This book wasn't as funny and kooky as the first books in the series, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment of it any. I did have to go check reviews to see just who the love interest here was though, it took THAT long for anything to happen. I was so happy it wasn't that asshat book guy, even before I realized just how much of a asshat he really was. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
April 21, 2017
Okay, so I need to begin by saying I absolutely love this series by author Angel Martinez. The Offbeat Crimes stories are funny, clever and so very entertaining. In the paranormal genre, I defy you to find anything more unique than a flying jacket who emotes more than most “normal” characters offered up in any other genre—and, of course, it’s a leather jacket. Oh, and the name? LJ, of course. I admit to giving a slight squeee every time Ms. Martinez launches another novella in this zany series, and the latest release, Skim Blood and Savage Verse did not disappoint.
Focusing on the lone vampire of the offbeat crimes division, the story follows Carrington and his partner, Amanda, from bookstore to library trying to discover who or what has unleashed a series of antique books that have the ability to hurl their insults directly off the page with deadly results. These books do their damage and then seemingly levitate and disappear into the air, thereby avoiding capture. It will take all of Carr and Amanda’s know-how, along with a bit of help from a green peacoat named Hunter, to track down these deadly tomes. Along the way, Carr will meet not one but two gentleman who strike his fancy, but only one will be honest and true, and poor Carrington will fall once again for the wrong guy before discovering the gem that lay right beneath his nose. Now ,if only he can keep hold of this Mr. Right despite being the most abnormal version of a vampire ever to grace the paranormal.
I laugh from beginning to end when reading these novels. The dialogue is sharp and witty, the characters immensely bizarre, and yet so incredibly wonderful—likable, for certain. But it is the way Angel Martinez has this crew interact with each other—how each one is so unusual and yet their fellow law enforcement buddies barely blink an eye at their individual idiosyncrasies. There is such camaraderie between these strangely sweet characters, and it is just that bond which makes these stories so much more superior to the run-of-the-mill paranormal novel. Their individual foibles make them unique, and it is their uniqueness that draws them to each other and makes the reader want to know more about them—read more of their story, experience more of their daily routines.
I can say with great ease that I highly recommend this entire series to you, and make sure you read them in order just to get an understanding of the inter-relationships within the police department, but definitely pick up this latest installment, Skim Blood and Savage Verse—it is one wild romp from beginning to end, one you will not want to miss.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
Focusing on the lone vampire of the offbeat crimes division, the story follows Carrington and his partner, Amanda, from bookstore to library trying to discover who or what has unleashed a series of antique books that have the ability to hurl their insults directly off the page with deadly results. These books do their damage and then seemingly levitate and disappear into the air, thereby avoiding capture. It will take all of Carr and Amanda’s know-how, along with a bit of help from a green peacoat named Hunter, to track down these deadly tomes. Along the way, Carr will meet not one but two gentleman who strike his fancy, but only one will be honest and true, and poor Carrington will fall once again for the wrong guy before discovering the gem that lay right beneath his nose. Now ,if only he can keep hold of this Mr. Right despite being the most abnormal version of a vampire ever to grace the paranormal.
I laugh from beginning to end when reading these novels. The dialogue is sharp and witty, the characters immensely bizarre, and yet so incredibly wonderful—likable, for certain. But it is the way Angel Martinez has this crew interact with each other—how each one is so unusual and yet their fellow law enforcement buddies barely blink an eye at their individual idiosyncrasies. There is such camaraderie between these strangely sweet characters, and it is just that bond which makes these stories so much more superior to the run-of-the-mill paranormal novel. Their individual foibles make them unique, and it is their uniqueness that draws them to each other and makes the reader want to know more about them—read more of their story, experience more of their daily routines.
I can say with great ease that I highly recommend this entire series to you, and make sure you read them in order just to get an understanding of the inter-relationships within the police department, but definitely pick up this latest installment, Skim Blood and Savage Verse—it is one wild romp from beginning to end, one you will not want to miss.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
July 10, 2017
The Offbeat Crimes stories are funny, clever and so very entertaining. In the paranormal genre I defy you to find anything more unique than a flying jacket who emotes more than most “normal” characters offered up in any other genre—and of course it’s a leather jacket—oh and the name? LJ, of course. I admit to giving a slight squeee every time Ms Martinez launches another novella in this zany series and the latest release, Skim Blood And Savage Verses did not disappoint.
Focusing on the lone vampire of the offbeat crimes division, the story follows Carrington and his partner Amanda from bookstore to library trying to discover who or what has unleashed a series of antique books that have the ability to hurl their insults directly off the page with deadly results. These books do their damage and then seemingly levitate and disappear into the air thereby avoiding capture. It will take all of Carr and Amanda’s know-how along with a bit of help from a green pea coat named Hunter to track down these deadly tomes. Along the way, Carr will meet not one but two gentleman who strike his fancy but only one will be honest and true and poor Carrington will fall once again for the wrong guy before discovering the gem that lay right beneath his nose. Now if only he can keep hold of this Mr. Right despite being the most abnormal version of a vampire ever to grace the paranormal.
I laugh from beginning to end when reading these novels. The dialogue is sharp and witty, the characters immensely bizarre and yet so incredibly wonderful—likeable, for certain. But it is the way author Angel Martinez has this crew interact with each other—how each one is so unusual and yet their fellow law enforcement buddies barely blink an eye at their individual idiosyncrasies. There is such camaraderie between these strangely sweet characters and it is just that bond which makes these stories so much more superior to the run of the mill paranormal novel. Their individual foibles make them unique and it is their uniqueness that draws them to each other and makes the reader want to know more about them—read more of their story—experience more of their daily routines.
Focusing on the lone vampire of the offbeat crimes division, the story follows Carrington and his partner Amanda from bookstore to library trying to discover who or what has unleashed a series of antique books that have the ability to hurl their insults directly off the page with deadly results. These books do their damage and then seemingly levitate and disappear into the air thereby avoiding capture. It will take all of Carr and Amanda’s know-how along with a bit of help from a green pea coat named Hunter to track down these deadly tomes. Along the way, Carr will meet not one but two gentleman who strike his fancy but only one will be honest and true and poor Carrington will fall once again for the wrong guy before discovering the gem that lay right beneath his nose. Now if only he can keep hold of this Mr. Right despite being the most abnormal version of a vampire ever to grace the paranormal.
I laugh from beginning to end when reading these novels. The dialogue is sharp and witty, the characters immensely bizarre and yet so incredibly wonderful—likeable, for certain. But it is the way author Angel Martinez has this crew interact with each other—how each one is so unusual and yet their fellow law enforcement buddies barely blink an eye at their individual idiosyncrasies. There is such camaraderie between these strangely sweet characters and it is just that bond which makes these stories so much more superior to the run of the mill paranormal novel. Their individual foibles make them unique and it is their uniqueness that draws them to each other and makes the reader want to know more about them—read more of their story—experience more of their daily routines.
January 4, 2023
4.25 stars
January 3, 2022
Questo terzo capitolo della serie si sposta su Carrington Loveless III, il vampiro atipico della nostra squadra di polizia speciale e devo dire che è bellissimo come i precedenti.
Questa serie tocca tutte le mie corde giuste e snocciola le cose che amo, in questa realtà fantastica in cui poliziotti sovrannaturali e “difettosi” combattono il crimine e risolvono i guai.
Il signor Giubbotto ha parecchio spazio con la sua storia amorosa, ma è Carr il protagonista, e l’ho amato dall’inizio alla fine, sia per la sua aria un po’ spocchiosa d’alta classe, sia per l’animo sensibile e la gentilezza che nasconde. La sua ironia non manca certo e mi ha conquistata.
Ritroviamo i vecchi personaggi che hanno il loro spazio e nuove investigazioni: libri cattivi che feriscono a suon di versi offensivi. Anche i guai amorosi di Carr tengono banco e il volume si legge in un attimo perché cattura con la sua particolarità di stile e accadimenti surreali.
Per quanto mi riguarda, spero solo che il prossimo arrivi presto.
Questa serie tocca tutte le mie corde giuste e snocciola le cose che amo, in questa realtà fantastica in cui poliziotti sovrannaturali e “difettosi” combattono il crimine e risolvono i guai.
Il signor Giubbotto ha parecchio spazio con la sua storia amorosa, ma è Carr il protagonista, e l’ho amato dall’inizio alla fine, sia per la sua aria un po’ spocchiosa d’alta classe, sia per l’animo sensibile e la gentilezza che nasconde. La sua ironia non manca certo e mi ha conquistata.
Ritroviamo i vecchi personaggi che hanno il loro spazio e nuove investigazioni: libri cattivi che feriscono a suon di versi offensivi. Anche i guai amorosi di Carr tengono banco e il volume si legge in un attimo perché cattura con la sua particolarità di stile e accadimenti surreali.
Per quanto mi riguarda, spero solo che il prossimo arrivi presto.
January 31, 2018
In this story we have a bit of a romantic false lead/love triangle set up. Now, that's not something I usually like, but for this story it worked well. Partially because this book, out of the series so far, deals the most with the case so the romance takes a bit of a backseat. But, also because it keeps the dreaded insta-love/insta-lust from happening. (Not that it has happened yet in this series, but I'm used to it and gotten totally sick of it.) And we see the difference early on between a healthy relationship and an unhealthy one. (And, let me tell you, it's an unhealthy one. Sometimes I can't help but be startled people actually subject themselves to relationships like that.) Beyond that, Carr and his actual love interest are so good together. Also, you know how a lot of romance heavy/driven books have the first kiss lead immediately into sex? (I hate it when that happens.) This one doesn't. First kiss leads to cuddles instead and that was so wonderful!
October 3, 2017
4.2 Stars
Oh man, so much about this one to love. From how Carrington is ruled by his libido and chases after the pretty/stupid/vapid when there's a perfectly good potential boyfriend right in front of him all along, to words that actually hurt you being slung by feral books (!!)...I couldn't put it down once I started.
Adored LJ & Hunter (again!), Tom will always be adorable (maybe he can come rolling through my desk area and snatch up all my loose paper bits?) and I just can't wait to see who's up next in this crazy universe. Also, again, why is this not already a scripted television show? Because execs have no imagination, that's why.
Oh man, so much about this one to love. From how Carrington is ruled by his libido and chases after the pretty/stupid/vapid when there's a perfectly good potential boyfriend right in front of him all along, to words that actually hurt you being slung by feral books (!!)...I couldn't put it down once I started.
Adored LJ & Hunter (again!), Tom will always be adorable (maybe he can come rolling through my desk area and snatch up all my loose paper bits?) and I just can't wait to see who's up next in this crazy universe. Also, again, why is this not already a scripted television show? Because execs have no imagination, that's why.
May 26, 2017
4.5/5.0
I love the Offbeat Crimes series. It is fun, quirky and I love the way Angel Martinez creates unusual and unique characters and the subtle way she addresses social issues through these characters. The idea that words can actually hurt someone physically was great and I adored Erasmus!
Ready for Feral Dust Bunnies!
I love the Offbeat Crimes series. It is fun, quirky and I love the way Angel Martinez creates unusual and unique characters and the subtle way she addresses social issues through these characters. The idea that words can actually hurt someone physically was great and I adored Erasmus!
Ready for Feral Dust Bunnies!
June 13, 2017
I won't say that the romance in this book is 'late'. Actually I'd like it less if Carr and Ras hit it on from the first meeting. It's more like a slow burn, which I love.
February 19, 2018
This one is my favorite so far!
March 11, 2017
This was rather lukewarm for me. The case was interesting enough, I liked Carr and his work partner, Manda, but the romance was somewhat flat and underdeveloped.
May 29, 2017
I adore this series! The characters seem very real while being paranormal. The mysteries are very different and the whole 77th Precinct is quirky and adorable.
I would have liked more sexy times between the MC's because we had only one scene toward the end and the two deserve more time together.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
Highly recommend to anyone who likes funny and sweet quirky characters and al their foibles.
I would have liked more sexy times between the MC's because we had only one scene toward the end and the two deserve more time together.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
Highly recommend to anyone who likes funny and sweet quirky characters and al their foibles.
January 17, 2018
The Pill Bugs of Time
Offbeat Crimes #2
Angel Martinez
Pride Publishing, September 2016
109 pages, ebook only
Paranormal Cozy, LGBT Romance M/M
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was purchased at the current price. This is my honest review for which I am not being compensated in any way.
I reviewed books #1 and #4 on GoodReads awhile ago. So now I’m doing books #2 and #3 to fill in the gap. I own them, so I may as well read and review them, right? I don’t own the other two books, so you may or may not see those here. But these two are more crazy stories of what happens at the 77th Precinct.
Vikash Soren has a strange paranormal ability. He never loses his temper. He’s always serene and competent. His partner is Kyle, who he loves, though he can’t tell him that. On the job or off the job. He just can’t articulate how he feels to him. He’s super paranoid about his feelings and about PDAs. He’s bisexual and has been harassed so much about it, that he’s totally tied up inside when it comes to relationships. If he’s with a woman, they want a total commitment to being straight. If he’s with a man, he’s labeled as a homosexual and bullied. Kyle is his partner, his lover, and his friend, but if he can’t tell him how he feels about him soon, he’s not going to be anything. No one’s going to stay in a relationship with someone who can’t share their feelings. He knows Kyle is hurt by what he sees as rejection.
And POP! The whole park looks different. Everything looks very futuristic. People are dressed strangely. And Vi isn’t feeling very well. This must be what happens when you get bitten by one of those pill bugs, time-traveling pill bugs. You get carried through time. And Vi is about 200 years in the future where this unisexual looking person is suggesting he go to the Care Clinic to be taken care of. He’s also offering to have sex with him if it would make him feel better. The two of them discuss gender and sexual identification and Vikash discovers that here in the future the human race has gotten away from male and female and gone to more unisex with different ways of identifying people and their orientations. He’s also discovered that while it is discussed openly, it isn’t considered terribly important as it is in his time. Anyone can get together with anyone. And he opens his eyes to Kyle looking very worried. But he pushes him away when Kyle reaches for him.
The 77th Precinct is not having fun looking for these baby pill bugs since they have been left on statues and the city of Philadelphia has so many statues. The mother pill bug is the size of a food truck, now, and popping in and out of time faster than they can keep up with. And once again, Vikash is bitten by a pill bug. This time, he opens his eyes to a very different time.
Prehistoric man hunted in groups with clubs and drove their prey over cliffs. Vi figures his teachers got at least that part right, since that’s exactly what was taking place in front of him. Vi spends what seems to be about 24 hours with these prehistoric people while they process the game, cook a meal, and allow all the young adults to partake in an orgy. Basically, it started with two young men snuggling, then a young woman joined them. And another. Until all the young adults of the group were involved in one way or another. There was no shyness or exclusion. No fighting or jealousy. It was all in the open and all were welcome in the group. At the end, they napped and then woke to take the evening watch. The adults slept through the night. The next morning the group elders attempt to find some use for Vikash until finally he is given a basket and sent to gather berries with the young children. All is fine until the are approached by three large hunting cats and the children are the prey. Vikash send the children back to the camp while he faces off with the cats and then remembers he has a gun… and he opens his eyes to Kyles very worried eyes again. As Kyle starts to back away to call a doctor, Vikash reaches for him. He realizes what he’s seen in both the future and the past is that love and sex are open, gender is a non-issue and it has helped him claim his feelings for Kyle. He tells Kyle he loves him. Now, I can’t tell it as well as Angel Martinez, but basically he has learned that he was going about things the wrong way and that he has to be open and honest with Kyle if he wants to have a relationship with him and keep him happy.
So, let’s go on to book number three, which I thought was the best one yet!
Skim Blood and Savage Verse
Offbeat Crimes #3
Angel Martinez
Pride Publishing, April 2017
186 pages, ebook only
Paranormal Cozy, LGBT Romance M/M
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was purchased at the current price. This is my honest review for which I am not being compensated in any way.
Carrington Loveless III is a vampire. He can’t tolerate the sun or blood, well, not whole blood anyway. He’s allergic to it. He has a prescription for RBC, no white and has it delivered to his townhouse. That’s red blood cells, rinsed, no white blood cells. So, no biting for him. This often confuses people. He’s just not that “big, bad vamp who’s going to bite you and toss you around” type. They just don’t expect this mild-mannered, gentlemanly type. His family in particular are a bit in denial about his vampirism. His mother is just sure that there is a cure for his disease and that she can go back to having her social life again. Sunshine and all. Sometimes she’s sure that Carr is doing this just to get attention. But as Manda helps Carr into the library from the sunny garden party his mother had planned for Carr’s 35th birthday, the dizziness and nausea are quite real. Sitting quietly in the dark library helped for a while until a book popped up and spit words at him, literally. And then it disappeared! All he could really remember about the quote was something about a bull’s pizzle.
Manda and Carr go to see the library’s rare books expert, who also happens to be the library’s expert on Beatrix Potter bunnies, Dr. Erasamus Graham. Who’s also the nephew of the 77th Precinct’s LT Mia Dunfee, Carr’s boss. Carr has already been warned not to endanger the good doctor in any way. Erasamus is a skinny, little guy with large, brown expressive eyes that only need one look at Carr. Those eyes may be just enough to heal the damage done by the “handsome hunk” from the Booktique who wanted the “big bad vamp to bite him and toss him around” the other night, in spite of Amanda’s warning to Carr. He’s trying to keep his LT’s warning in mind as well. But Ras is too cute and too clever for this poor, unwell, and battered vampire.
The Leather Jacket gets a girlfriend in this one, too! Miss Hunter Green Pea Coat is introduced and finds clues in the dumpster and stockroom of the Booktique. Could the “handsome hunk” be guilty of more than just bad manners and poor relationship skills?
The Rare Books group at the library are getting involved with the hostile books. They’re trying to research whose books they were originally and how they can be controlled so that they can be captured and controlled again. Step by step they come to the correct combination of this and that to get all the books under control, but not until the books have attacked again. This time the mayor and a group of dignitaries at City Hall are the victims. Before it’s all over and the books are all quietly shelved, Ras and a bunch of children will be bait at the library and Carr will be a hero. Then Ras will make him relax and learn how to enjoy a relationship.
Offbeat Crimes #2
Angel Martinez
Pride Publishing, September 2016
109 pages, ebook only
Paranormal Cozy, LGBT Romance M/M
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was purchased at the current price. This is my honest review for which I am not being compensated in any way.
I reviewed books #1 and #4 on GoodReads awhile ago. So now I’m doing books #2 and #3 to fill in the gap. I own them, so I may as well read and review them, right? I don’t own the other two books, so you may or may not see those here. But these two are more crazy stories of what happens at the 77th Precinct.
Vikash Soren has a strange paranormal ability. He never loses his temper. He’s always serene and competent. His partner is Kyle, who he loves, though he can’t tell him that. On the job or off the job. He just can’t articulate how he feels to him. He’s super paranoid about his feelings and about PDAs. He’s bisexual and has been harassed so much about it, that he’s totally tied up inside when it comes to relationships. If he’s with a woman, they want a total commitment to being straight. If he’s with a man, he’s labeled as a homosexual and bullied. Kyle is his partner, his lover, and his friend, but if he can’t tell him how he feels about him soon, he’s not going to be anything. No one’s going to stay in a relationship with someone who can’t share their feelings. He knows Kyle is hurt by what he sees as rejection.
And POP! The whole park looks different. Everything looks very futuristic. People are dressed strangely. And Vi isn’t feeling very well. This must be what happens when you get bitten by one of those pill bugs, time-traveling pill bugs. You get carried through time. And Vi is about 200 years in the future where this unisexual looking person is suggesting he go to the Care Clinic to be taken care of. He’s also offering to have sex with him if it would make him feel better. The two of them discuss gender and sexual identification and Vikash discovers that here in the future the human race has gotten away from male and female and gone to more unisex with different ways of identifying people and their orientations. He’s also discovered that while it is discussed openly, it isn’t considered terribly important as it is in his time. Anyone can get together with anyone. And he opens his eyes to Kyle looking very worried. But he pushes him away when Kyle reaches for him.
The 77th Precinct is not having fun looking for these baby pill bugs since they have been left on statues and the city of Philadelphia has so many statues. The mother pill bug is the size of a food truck, now, and popping in and out of time faster than they can keep up with. And once again, Vikash is bitten by a pill bug. This time, he opens his eyes to a very different time.
Prehistoric man hunted in groups with clubs and drove their prey over cliffs. Vi figures his teachers got at least that part right, since that’s exactly what was taking place in front of him. Vi spends what seems to be about 24 hours with these prehistoric people while they process the game, cook a meal, and allow all the young adults to partake in an orgy. Basically, it started with two young men snuggling, then a young woman joined them. And another. Until all the young adults of the group were involved in one way or another. There was no shyness or exclusion. No fighting or jealousy. It was all in the open and all were welcome in the group. At the end, they napped and then woke to take the evening watch. The adults slept through the night. The next morning the group elders attempt to find some use for Vikash until finally he is given a basket and sent to gather berries with the young children. All is fine until the are approached by three large hunting cats and the children are the prey. Vikash send the children back to the camp while he faces off with the cats and then remembers he has a gun… and he opens his eyes to Kyles very worried eyes again. As Kyle starts to back away to call a doctor, Vikash reaches for him. He realizes what he’s seen in both the future and the past is that love and sex are open, gender is a non-issue and it has helped him claim his feelings for Kyle. He tells Kyle he loves him. Now, I can’t tell it as well as Angel Martinez, but basically he has learned that he was going about things the wrong way and that he has to be open and honest with Kyle if he wants to have a relationship with him and keep him happy.
So, let’s go on to book number three, which I thought was the best one yet!
Skim Blood and Savage Verse
Offbeat Crimes #3
Angel Martinez
Pride Publishing, April 2017
186 pages, ebook only
Paranormal Cozy, LGBT Romance M/M
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was purchased at the current price. This is my honest review for which I am not being compensated in any way.
Carrington Loveless III is a vampire. He can’t tolerate the sun or blood, well, not whole blood anyway. He’s allergic to it. He has a prescription for RBC, no white and has it delivered to his townhouse. That’s red blood cells, rinsed, no white blood cells. So, no biting for him. This often confuses people. He’s just not that “big, bad vamp who’s going to bite you and toss you around” type. They just don’t expect this mild-mannered, gentlemanly type. His family in particular are a bit in denial about his vampirism. His mother is just sure that there is a cure for his disease and that she can go back to having her social life again. Sunshine and all. Sometimes she’s sure that Carr is doing this just to get attention. But as Manda helps Carr into the library from the sunny garden party his mother had planned for Carr’s 35th birthday, the dizziness and nausea are quite real. Sitting quietly in the dark library helped for a while until a book popped up and spit words at him, literally. And then it disappeared! All he could really remember about the quote was something about a bull’s pizzle.
Manda and Carr go to see the library’s rare books expert, who also happens to be the library’s expert on Beatrix Potter bunnies, Dr. Erasamus Graham. Who’s also the nephew of the 77th Precinct’s LT Mia Dunfee, Carr’s boss. Carr has already been warned not to endanger the good doctor in any way. Erasamus is a skinny, little guy with large, brown expressive eyes that only need one look at Carr. Those eyes may be just enough to heal the damage done by the “handsome hunk” from the Booktique who wanted the “big bad vamp to bite him and toss him around” the other night, in spite of Amanda’s warning to Carr. He’s trying to keep his LT’s warning in mind as well. But Ras is too cute and too clever for this poor, unwell, and battered vampire.
The Leather Jacket gets a girlfriend in this one, too! Miss Hunter Green Pea Coat is introduced and finds clues in the dumpster and stockroom of the Booktique. Could the “handsome hunk” be guilty of more than just bad manners and poor relationship skills?
The Rare Books group at the library are getting involved with the hostile books. They’re trying to research whose books they were originally and how they can be controlled so that they can be captured and controlled again. Step by step they come to the correct combination of this and that to get all the books under control, but not until the books have attacked again. This time the mayor and a group of dignitaries at City Hall are the victims. Before it’s all over and the books are all quietly shelved, Ras and a bunch of children will be bait at the library and Carr will be a hero. Then Ras will make him relax and learn how to enjoy a relationship.
August 15, 2017
Where the first two books introduced us to Kyle, Vikash, and the other members in the 77th Precinct, Skim Blood/Savage Verse turns the reader’s attention to Carrington Loveless and his partner Amanda. Carrington is a vampire…albeit one with a few issues, and his incredibly wealthy family isn’t one of them. When attending a birthday party soirée in his honor at the family mansion, Carr is attacked by a word spitting book in the library. The vile mouthed book then shows up again at a newly opened indie bookseller. When the mayor and other public officals are attacked by a swarm of books, Carrington and Amanda go all out to dig to the bottom of the mystery.
I enjoy these books a lot – I love the characters for their diversity (a leather Jacket, a vampire who can tolerate the sun, a wolf who’s now human, a lizard, a crow, and our various humans with dysfunctional paranormal abilities. It’s like the island of mis-fit toys only better. And like any group tossed together, they have their personality quirks.
My two teeny tiny complaints: sometimes their brevity works against the story and I would love to see aspects fleshed out and expanded upon. I find the emotional impact can be truncated due to the 150ish page length. But, if it were longer would it be just as good? Mm…don’t mess with a good thing I guess.
And Carrington’s romance(s) – while I liked seeing a “false start” romance that helped define Carr’s personality, it made the true romance feel rushed. This is where I would have liked to have seen a somewhat longer story.
Angel Martinez’s plots are short, sweet and pack a lot between the pages. I love that I can gobble down her stories in a day or two and go back and enjoy the re-read just as much as the first time through. Off Beat Crimes series is that enjoyable.
Overall, recommended if you like your paranormal a bit weird and quirky. Romance and mystery are nicely balanced, the characters are fun, and this is easily devoured in a day or so.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!
I enjoy these books a lot – I love the characters for their diversity (a leather Jacket, a vampire who can tolerate the sun, a wolf who’s now human, a lizard, a crow, and our various humans with dysfunctional paranormal abilities. It’s like the island of mis-fit toys only better. And like any group tossed together, they have their personality quirks.
My two teeny tiny complaints: sometimes their brevity works against the story and I would love to see aspects fleshed out and expanded upon. I find the emotional impact can be truncated due to the 150ish page length. But, if it were longer would it be just as good? Mm…don’t mess with a good thing I guess.
And Carrington’s romance(s) – while I liked seeing a “false start” romance that helped define Carr’s personality, it made the true romance feel rushed. This is where I would have liked to have seen a somewhat longer story.
Angel Martinez’s plots are short, sweet and pack a lot between the pages. I love that I can gobble down her stories in a day or two and go back and enjoy the re-read just as much as the first time through. Off Beat Crimes series is that enjoyable.
Overall, recommended if you like your paranormal a bit weird and quirky. Romance and mystery are nicely balanced, the characters are fun, and this is easily devoured in a day or so.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!
March 17, 2018
Ahh, the last of the Offbeat Crimes that Lyra read them but forgot to review and rate them for some reason books.
So, unlike the previous two books in the series, this book is not about Kash and Kyle, but about Carrington, the "nutritionally challenged vampire." I feel that this book toned down some of the corny humor of the last two books (sad!), but the humor and absurdity was still absolutely there.
One of the things that I loved about this book is that it dealt with people not living up to the expectations of others. For example, during one scene, Carrington has to deal with someone who expects and wants him to be a savage vampire who will this person's drink blood . . . only Carrington can't, because Carrington can only drink specially treated blood. This person then becomes incredibly upset and treats Carrington poorly, even though Carrington didn't do anything wrong, and in fact didn't do anything except not fit into this person's preconceived notions of what Carrington was, due to Carrington's status as a vampire. We also encounter Carrington's parents, who don't really believe that Carrington's status as a vampire impose physical limitations on Carrington, and aren't willing to understand that some of the things that they want him to do (go outside in the sun for a birthday party) are not reasonable.
I'm not sure how I felt about the romantic coupling in the book. I can't say too much about it without spoilers, but I suppose I like it? I'm reviewing way after the fact (something I don't like to do), so I may not be giving Carrington and his love a fair shake, but their love didn't really stick out to me. I really, really liked them as individuals (so neat!) and there were even parts of their relationship that I really enjoyed, but looking back at the book from afar, I'm not sitting here thinking, "Wow, such a great couple!"
But this is a really great series and a really great book, and I highly recommend.
So, unlike the previous two books in the series, this book is not about Kash and Kyle, but about Carrington, the "nutritionally challenged vampire." I feel that this book toned down some of the corny humor of the last two books (sad!), but the humor and absurdity was still absolutely there.
One of the things that I loved about this book is that it dealt with people not living up to the expectations of others. For example, during one scene, Carrington has to deal with someone who expects and wants him to be a savage vampire who will this person's drink blood . . . only Carrington can't, because Carrington can only drink specially treated blood. This person then becomes incredibly upset and treats Carrington poorly, even though Carrington didn't do anything wrong, and in fact didn't do anything except not fit into this person's preconceived notions of what Carrington was, due to Carrington's status as a vampire. We also encounter Carrington's parents, who don't really believe that Carrington's status as a vampire impose physical limitations on Carrington, and aren't willing to understand that some of the things that they want him to do (go outside in the sun for a birthday party) are not reasonable.
I'm not sure how I felt about the romantic coupling in the book. I can't say too much about it without spoilers, but I suppose I like it? I'm reviewing way after the fact (something I don't like to do), so I may not be giving Carrington and his love a fair shake, but their love didn't really stick out to me. I really, really liked them as individuals (so neat!) and there were even parts of their relationship that I really enjoyed, but looking back at the book from afar, I'm not sitting here thinking, "Wow, such a great couple!"
But this is a really great series and a really great book, and I highly recommend.
June 27, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up.
I'm officially a fan of this series, with its quirky cast and strange mysteries/creatures! This novel features Carrington, the precinct's only vampire (who can only drink skim blood). Seeing his POV made me like Carrington a lot. We really see how sunshine badly affects him, and the insecurities he has about not being a "real" vampire.
Carrington's bad relationship choices are discussed in this novel. I'm glad that Carrington meets someone who loves and accepts him for who he was, but I wish there was more. For half the duration of the novel, Carrington is interested in a douchebag who ends up breaking his heart. While it was cute to see Carrington slowly fall for Erasmus, I would have liked to see more of their relationship.
I have to say, Carrington and Erasmus are super cute together. Carrington is so extra at times, with his adorable drama-queen moments. And Erasmus is so kind and caring to Carrington, while also being sassy right back at Carrington. Their interactions were fun and amusing to read.
The mystery this time was actually very interesting, the whole idea with books that attacked with words.
Also, LJ's love interest appears in this novel!! My god, why are the couples in this novel so cute?
NB: I totally love Kash and his magnificent self. Seriously, Carrington's descriptions of him are hilarious:
A super fun (but short) read. I can't wait to see more of this series.
I'm officially a fan of this series, with its quirky cast and strange mysteries/creatures! This novel features Carrington, the precinct's only vampire (who can only drink skim blood). Seeing his POV made me like Carrington a lot. We really see how sunshine badly affects him, and the insecurities he has about not being a "real" vampire.
Carrington's bad relationship choices are discussed in this novel. I'm glad that Carrington meets someone who loves and accepts him for who he was, but I wish there was more. For half the duration of the novel, Carrington is interested in a douchebag who ends up breaking his heart. While it was cute to see Carrington slowly fall for Erasmus, I would have liked to see more of their relationship.
I have to say, Carrington and Erasmus are super cute together. Carrington is so extra at times, with his adorable drama-queen moments. And Erasmus is so kind and caring to Carrington, while also being sassy right back at Carrington. Their interactions were fun and amusing to read.
The mystery this time was actually very interesting, the whole idea with books that attacked with words.
Also, LJ's love interest appears in this novel!! My god, why are the couples in this novel so cute?
NB: I totally love Kash and his magnificent self. Seriously, Carrington's descriptions of him are hilarious:
Kash got up from his desk like a sea god rising from the foam and crossed the room. Truly, a man could hate such grace but it was natural and unaffected. Hard to hate what Kash couldn't help.
A super fun (but short) read. I can't wait to see more of this series.
February 24, 2021
Another one set in the weirdest police station where leather jackets are sentiment and teleporting a fruit is actually one of the more cool superpowers.
I wasn't that impressed with this book and initially hoped we'll stay with the original MC's but after dithering around and picking it again and again, I did enjoy the book for the most part. Maybe because it had two great things going on here: unique vampire and not that obvious and pretty original and mature romance.
I mean, we thought we seen it all with the sparkly Edward but this vampire is actually even more special: he's like a really sickly kid during the day. Because /of/ consuming skim blood instead of normal blood - that one makes him puke. His aversion to sun and general "weakness" makes for a nice change. Especially with a great partner that really makes his life bearable and maybe even possible. An interesting best friend figure.
The other is that the love interest was not described like a miss universe just came off his shooting and his divine throne to grace this mortal with his presence and it only got better when they simply clicked as friends and after starting dating, they were able to have heated but mature discussion about their issues - this might be minor spoiler so skip this if you want but the fact they had that silly "breaking up discussion" where they said bad things and one of them stormed off... and returned. Like, this single act almost blow my mind, cause how often do we see that? I am not sure I have ever seen it before.
The same quirky and interesting misfit story - recommend.
I wasn't that impressed with this book and initially hoped we'll stay with the original MC's but after dithering around and picking it again and again, I did enjoy the book for the most part. Maybe because it had two great things going on here: unique vampire and not that obvious and pretty original and mature romance.
I mean, we thought we seen it all with the sparkly Edward but this vampire is actually even more special: he's like a really sickly kid during the day. Because /of/ consuming skim blood instead of normal blood - that one makes him puke. His aversion to sun and general "weakness" makes for a nice change. Especially with a great partner that really makes his life bearable and maybe even possible. An interesting best friend figure.
The other is that the love interest was not described like a miss universe just came off his shooting and his divine throne to grace this mortal with his presence and it only got better when they simply clicked as friends and after starting dating, they were able to have heated but mature discussion about their issues - this might be minor spoiler so skip this if you want but the fact they had that silly "breaking up discussion" where they said bad things and one of them stormed off... and returned. Like, this single act almost blow my mind, cause how often do we see that? I am not sure I have ever seen it before.
The same quirky and interesting misfit story - recommend.
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