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Offbeat Crimes #5
Jackalopes & Woofen-Poofs
Hoax animals and a consulting vampire on the prowl—Jason never thought having a cop boyfriend would be this hard.
All Animal Control Officer Jason Shen ever wanted was a quiet life of rescuing lost kittens and helping animals in need. Having a paranormal cop boyfriend guarantees an end to the quiet part. What at first seems a random encounter with jackalopes in the park might be more than chance and when State Paranormal sends a handsome, charming vampire to consult with the Seventy-Seventh, he finds his relationship with Alex on shaky ground.
Officer Alex Wolf hoped his humaning skills were improving but now he can’t unravel the strange politics at State Paranormal or why Jason’s family seems to hate him. There’s no time to puzzle things out either. Bizarre animals are loose in the city, Jason’s acting strange, and is the vampire captain from State flirting with him? Wolf’s going to have to keep his head in the game if he’s going to have any chance of putting the pieces together and keeping the city safe from the strange critters terrorizing its streets.
Pre-Order Date: 22nd August 2017
Early Download Date: 5th September 2017
General Release Date: 3rd October 2017
https://www.pride-publishing.com/book...
All Animal Control Officer Jason Shen ever wanted was a quiet life of rescuing lost kittens and helping animals in need. Having a paranormal cop boyfriend guarantees an end to the quiet part. What at first seems a random encounter with jackalopes in the park might be more than chance and when State Paranormal sends a handsome, charming vampire to consult with the Seventy-Seventh, he finds his relationship with Alex on shaky ground.
Officer Alex Wolf hoped his humaning skills were improving but now he can’t unravel the strange politics at State Paranormal or why Jason’s family seems to hate him. There’s no time to puzzle things out either. Bizarre animals are loose in the city, Jason’s acting strange, and is the vampire captain from State flirting with him? Wolf’s going to have to keep his head in the game if he’s going to have any chance of putting the pieces together and keeping the city safe from the strange critters terrorizing its streets.
Pre-Order Date: 22nd August 2017
Early Download Date: 5th September 2017
General Release Date: 3rd October 2017
https://www.pride-publishing.com/book...
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2017
19 people are currently reading
191 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 64 reviews
October 4, 2017
A delightful read in a delightful series! I can't get enough of Offbeat Crimes!
First of all, it's important to know that this book can't be read as a stand-alone. Jackalopes & Woofen-Poofs is an established couple story from a couple that got together in Feral Dust Bunnies.
I keep describing this series the same way, but it really fits: quirky characters, interesting plot-lines, and cute couples.
I especially adored Wolf, who is pure and sweet and not quite adept at understanding all of human interactions. I even loved the hint of a love-triangle, which I usually hate, but I think it worked here. I wish that the communication between the MCs was a touch better, but that is just a personal pet peeve of mine.
I'm growing to like Jason more and more, and I liked that we got to know him better in this book. Seeing him with his family helped put some things into perspective.
I'm really excited to see where else this series can take me because it hasn't let me down yet!
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
First of all, it's important to know that this book can't be read as a stand-alone. Jackalopes & Woofen-Poofs is an established couple story from a couple that got together in Feral Dust Bunnies.
I keep describing this series the same way, but it really fits: quirky characters, interesting plot-lines, and cute couples.
I especially adored Wolf, who is pure and sweet and not quite adept at understanding all of human interactions. I even loved the hint of a love-triangle, which I usually hate, but I think it worked here. I wish that the communication between the MCs was a touch better, but that is just a personal pet peeve of mine.
I'm growing to like Jason more and more, and I liked that we got to know him better in this book. Seeing him with his family helped put some things into perspective.
I'm really excited to see where else this series can take me because it hasn't let me down yet!
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
September 8, 2017
Jackalopes & Woofen-Poofs
(I LOVED the title, by the way!) is the fifth book in Angel Martinez' Offbeat Crimes series; it is also a direct sequel from the previous book, since it featured Wolf (a wolf who is cursed into human) and his boyfriend Jason Shen, an animal-control officer.
After several books that only feature perspective from one of the MCs, Jackalopes & Woofen-Poofs FINALLY offers dual narrations, both from Wolf and Jason. I think this is probably my favorite of the series so far.
Wolf is ADORABLE throughout. Wolf is still navigating about human, their customs, their cultures, their feelings ... I couldn't help of wanting to protect Wolf from all of relationship traps; including facing Jason's parents who don't approve of him or dealing with a flirty vampire captain.
Meanwhile Jason is having relationship issue himself -- since he doesn't really have superpower, he wonders if he's enough for Wolf. I am HAPPY to finally get to know Jason's thoughts. It makes the romance feels more balanced for me.
The case of hoax animals is entertaining ... but it seems that there isn't enough progress of finding who is responsible for all these weird sh*t that the 77th precinct officers is facing. While I like all the offbeat crimes Martinez is introducing in each book, I would love to see the big case gets better clues to solve, though.
I LOVE this universe!! So happy that there's already news that book #6 might arrive early January next year. Yay!
PS: Audacity the kitten RULES everybody, including the snotty vampire captain
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
After several books that only feature perspective from one of the MCs, Jackalopes & Woofen-Poofs FINALLY offers dual narrations, both from Wolf and Jason. I think this is probably my favorite of the series so far.
Wolf is ADORABLE throughout. Wolf is still navigating about human, their customs, their cultures, their feelings ... I couldn't help of wanting to protect Wolf from all of relationship traps; including facing Jason's parents who don't approve of him or dealing with a flirty vampire captain.
Meanwhile Jason is having relationship issue himself -- since he doesn't really have superpower, he wonders if he's enough for Wolf. I am HAPPY to finally get to know Jason's thoughts. It makes the romance feels more balanced for me.
The case of hoax animals is entertaining ... but it seems that there isn't enough progress of finding who is responsible for all these weird sh*t that the 77th precinct officers is facing. While I like all the offbeat crimes Martinez is introducing in each book, I would love to see the big case gets better clues to solve, though.
I LOVE this universe!! So happy that there's already news that book #6 might arrive early January next year. Yay!
PS: Audacity the kitten RULES everybody, including the snotty vampire captain
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
June 23, 2023
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the last. I was looking forward to having Jason's POV, but it didn't particularly endear me to him, and he came off a bit more like a wet blanket than he seemed in the last book. The whole thing was just OK.
January 10, 2018
4.5 Stars
I seriously love this series; Wolf & Jason are my favorite couple as well.
I seriously love this series; Wolf & Jason are my favorite couple as well.
October 28, 2017
4 stars
This was a very good continuation of Jason and Alex's story. This story picks up shortly after their first story, Feral Dust Bunnies, ended. Alex and his fellow officers have to go to the paranormal police division's headquarters to discuss the most recent in a rash of unusual magical occurrences that their precinct has been encountering. This goes alright but when more unusual things pop up, a vampire police captain is sent to help/observe. This wouldn't be so bad except he's rather a pompous ass that doesn't treat people very well...except for Wolf who he's taken a "liking" to.
Jason and Alex are doing pretty well but Jason loves his family and since he and Alex are serious, Jason invites Alex to a family dinner. Alex's family isn't thrilled at all by Jason's sexuality and lets just say that most of them are horrible and think that if they chase Alex off, Jason will suddenly turn to heterosexuality. The relationships between Jason and his family are somewhat confusing and sometimes conflicting and although Jason loves his family, he isn't willing to chose between Alex and them. And with all the relationship drama and a sexy vampire seeming interested in Alex, things between him and Jason are a bit strained. Thankfully, things get straightened out before the drama gets too thick and the story ends with Alex and Jason solidifying their HEA together.
This was a very enjoyable story. I still like both Jason and Alex very much. I wish Jason had a little more confidence in himself...thankfully he was able to pull it together when it was necessary. Jason's family (most of them at least) were worrisome but I like how it ended and it left the story with a hopeful feeling that maybe they can accept Alex eventually. Overall, I really liked the characters and story and would recommend it (if you've read the previous books...these aren't really stand-alone stories). :)
This was a very good continuation of Jason and Alex's story. This story picks up shortly after their first story, Feral Dust Bunnies, ended. Alex and his fellow officers have to go to the paranormal police division's headquarters to discuss the most recent in a rash of unusual magical occurrences that their precinct has been encountering. This goes alright but when more unusual things pop up, a vampire police captain is sent to help/observe. This wouldn't be so bad except he's rather a pompous ass that doesn't treat people very well...except for Wolf who he's taken a "liking" to.
Jason and Alex are doing pretty well but Jason loves his family and since he and Alex are serious, Jason invites Alex to a family dinner. Alex's family isn't thrilled at all by Jason's sexuality and lets just say that most of them are horrible and think that if they chase Alex off, Jason will suddenly turn to heterosexuality. The relationships between Jason and his family are somewhat confusing and sometimes conflicting and although Jason loves his family, he isn't willing to chose between Alex and them. And with all the relationship drama and a sexy vampire seeming interested in Alex, things between him and Jason are a bit strained. Thankfully, things get straightened out before the drama gets too thick and the story ends with Alex and Jason solidifying their HEA together.
This was a very enjoyable story. I still like both Jason and Alex very much. I wish Jason had a little more confidence in himself...thankfully he was able to pull it together when it was necessary. Jason's family (most of them at least) were worrisome but I like how it ended and it left the story with a hopeful feeling that maybe they can accept Alex eventually. Overall, I really liked the characters and story and would recommend it (if you've read the previous books...these aren't really stand-alone stories). :)
March 24, 2018
3.5 stars
When it comes to relationship conflict, jealousy and interested third parties coming between the MCs can get a little tricky for me in books, because often the only thing they achieve is to frustrate me to no end.
With Jason and Alex it wasn’t really so bad, Jason’s jealousy wasn’t irrational or ugly, Alex wasn’t oblivious and the meddling third party wasn’t as bad as he seemed at first.
I’m also thankful there wasn’t a big misunderstanding, but Jason and Alex’s inability to communicate properly, their tendency to postpone serious talks and the conveniently timed interruptions when they finally decided to talk did get frustrating after a while.
Aside from that, I enjoyed this book more than the previous one, I particularly appreciated getting Jason’s POV and Alex was still adorable. Even the kitten finally got a kitten-appropriate page time.
Now I’m off to the final book to see how the mystery arc gets concluded.
When it comes to relationship conflict, jealousy and interested third parties coming between the MCs can get a little tricky for me in books, because often the only thing they achieve is to frustrate me to no end.
With Jason and Alex it wasn’t really so bad, Jason’s jealousy wasn’t irrational or ugly, Alex wasn’t oblivious and the meddling third party wasn’t as bad as he seemed at first.
I’m also thankful there wasn’t a big misunderstanding, but Jason and Alex’s inability to communicate properly, their tendency to postpone serious talks and the conveniently timed interruptions when they finally decided to talk did get frustrating after a while.
Aside from that, I enjoyed this book more than the previous one, I particularly appreciated getting Jason’s POV and Alex was still adorable. Even the kitten finally got a kitten-appropriate page time.
Now I’m off to the final book to see how the mystery arc gets concluded.
August 15, 2018
You know there is something wrong with the book(at least in my opinion), when while reading the story you start to ship together one of the MCs with another char..... This was my case. I felt more chemistry btw Wolf and the vampire Captain, Richard Valbuena, than btw him and his boyfriend, Jason. I'm not saying that the book was bad, but the plot was simple and there was still no new info on the mysterious man causing all these problems. We don't know who he is, what he wants or where he is, and why he is doing this.
At one point I started to think that if I couldn't get Wolf with the vampire, at least we could get a threesome(menage), and usually I NEVER like a 3rd party in a relationship XD
Anyway that jealousy and Wolf/Valbuena interactions, also if few,were what kept my interest. I was also happy to see Kash(Vikash) and Kyle get married.
I need a book with Valbuena.... *_*
At one point I started to think that if I couldn't get Wolf with the vampire, at least we could get a threesome(menage), and usually I NEVER like a 3rd party in a relationship XD
Anyway that jealousy and Wolf/Valbuena interactions, also if few,were what kept my interest. I was also happy to see Kash(Vikash) and Kyle get married.
I need a book with Valbuena.... *_*
February 21, 2018
4.25 stars
I think this one rivals Skim Blood and Savage Verse for my favorite in the Offbeat Crimes series. I adore Wolf and I thought Jason was his perfect significant other. I love Martinez' wacky, dry sense of humor and the this story was clever and so beautifully executed. While the characters are well drawn, I'd like to see more world building.
Can't wait to crack open the next one! When will Krisk get his own story???
I think this one rivals Skim Blood and Savage Verse for my favorite in the Offbeat Crimes series. I adore Wolf and I thought Jason was his perfect significant other. I love Martinez' wacky, dry sense of humor and the this story was clever and so beautifully executed. While the characters are well drawn, I'd like to see more world building.
Can't wait to crack open the next one! When will Krisk get his own story???
January 16, 2018
The weird and wonderful world of Angel Martinez’s ‘Offbeat Crime’ series with Philadelphia’s 77th Precinct at its center is back in this fifth volume. Like book number four, it focuses on Alex Wolf, now in a relationship with Jason Shen, and their continuing trials and tribulations as a couple. Of course, the other “paranormally defective” members of the precinct also play a role, and to get the full picture, you really need to read the other four books first. There is a build in the plot that you’d miss if you didn’t read this series in order, just as there are increasing revelations about the characters that I think you can only really understand if you start at the beginning of their adventures. This time the intrepid officers face “hoax” animals, an intrusive officer from State Paranormal who is there to “consult”, and some truly mysterious attacks that leave them baffled as well as extremely busy.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 16, 2017
4 Stars
I really enjoy this series. I think this one is my favorite so far.
The characters are quirky and the investigations interesting. I like how they are all considered rejects but work in well together and have created a little family within their precinct. The introduction of the two new characters was great, and i hope to see more of them.
Wolf is a favorite as I enjoy the way he views the world. I liked how he interacted with Jason's family. I felt for him at their rudeness but also had a little giggle with his interaction with Jason's grandmother.
Looking forward to the next one
I really enjoy this series. I think this one is my favorite so far.
The characters are quirky and the investigations interesting. I like how they are all considered rejects but work in well together and have created a little family within their precinct. The introduction of the two new characters was great, and i hope to see more of them.
Wolf is a favorite as I enjoy the way he views the world. I liked how he interacted with Jason's family. I felt for him at their rudeness but also had a little giggle with his interaction with Jason's grandmother.
Looking forward to the next one
September 25, 2017
Fifth in the Offbeat Crimes Series – not a stand-alone book. You do need to read the rest of the series first as they provide the background for the characters and setting.
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.
Jackalopes and Woofen-Poof’s picks up right on the heels of book number four, Feral Dust Bunnies, with Alex Wolf navigating his new relationship with Animal Control Officer Jason Shen. At 28 years old, assigned to Precinct 77, Alex continues to struggle with being human – he is a wolf turned human – not a werewolf.
Jason is of Asian descent (I apologize, I don’t know which ethnicity exactly…), coping with cultural expectations of getting a good job, getting married, and having kids. Jason enjoys working with animals, he’s told his family he’s gay, but when he introduces Alex to the mix, the doubts start to creep in. Jason’s Grandmother calls Alex a deamon to his face, his father and brother denigrate him, his Mother tells Alex to find someone else, and to add insult to injury, the brother comes back and says choose: family or Alex.
What’s a guy to do?
Meanwhile, after the Feral Dust Bunny incident, the 77th is under investigation for destroying an arcane laboratory without permission from higher-ups. Now a Consulting Vampire is in residence to investigate just how effective the “freaks” are, and he has his eyes and libido on one Alex Wolf.
I continue to enjoy Wolf’s character: his uncertainty, his mannerisms, and his loyalty to those around him still made for a well- rounded character. All these little canine mannerisms in human form – just wonderful!
This time, instead of Wolf being balanced against Krisk, we get to see him interact more with Jason. Wolf doesn’t understand humans, and now he’s trying to cope with a family – a “pack” – that doesn’t like HIM but who are important to Jason. This balance was so well written, not overly angsty, a perfect amount of nerves, and the usual emotional ping-pong that we all go through.
The hoax animals and our hedge witch (not sure what else to call her) was just brilliant! Despite how the little creatures turned out, the ending still made me a bit sad.
My only small issue with this book was the Consulting Vampire from State (I’m totally blanking his name…). He starts out aloof, snarky, tough - he’s totally trying to poach Alex from Jason, then Bing! He’s all accepting, apologizes for his behavior, and everything is right in the world. This about face was just a little too pat, a little too fast for my tastes.
Warning – massive amounts of kitten cuteness continues! Yes, Audacity is back!
I continue to ADORE this series. For me, the books are like a bag kettle popcorn: sweet, salty, and gone way too fast.
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!!
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.
Jackalopes and Woofen-Poof’s picks up right on the heels of book number four, Feral Dust Bunnies, with Alex Wolf navigating his new relationship with Animal Control Officer Jason Shen. At 28 years old, assigned to Precinct 77, Alex continues to struggle with being human – he is a wolf turned human – not a werewolf.
Jason is of Asian descent (I apologize, I don’t know which ethnicity exactly…), coping with cultural expectations of getting a good job, getting married, and having kids. Jason enjoys working with animals, he’s told his family he’s gay, but when he introduces Alex to the mix, the doubts start to creep in. Jason’s Grandmother calls Alex a deamon to his face, his father and brother denigrate him, his Mother tells Alex to find someone else, and to add insult to injury, the brother comes back and says choose: family or Alex.
What’s a guy to do?
Meanwhile, after the Feral Dust Bunny incident, the 77th is under investigation for destroying an arcane laboratory without permission from higher-ups. Now a Consulting Vampire is in residence to investigate just how effective the “freaks” are, and he has his eyes and libido on one Alex Wolf.
I continue to enjoy Wolf’s character: his uncertainty, his mannerisms, and his loyalty to those around him still made for a well- rounded character. All these little canine mannerisms in human form – just wonderful!
This time, instead of Wolf being balanced against Krisk, we get to see him interact more with Jason. Wolf doesn’t understand humans, and now he’s trying to cope with a family – a “pack” – that doesn’t like HIM but who are important to Jason. This balance was so well written, not overly angsty, a perfect amount of nerves, and the usual emotional ping-pong that we all go through.
The hoax animals and our hedge witch (not sure what else to call her) was just brilliant! Despite how the little creatures turned out, the ending still made me a bit sad.
My only small issue with this book was the Consulting Vampire from State (I’m totally blanking his name…). He starts out aloof, snarky, tough - he’s totally trying to poach Alex from Jason, then Bing! He’s all accepting, apologizes for his behavior, and everything is right in the world. This about face was just a little too pat, a little too fast for my tastes.
Warning – massive amounts of kitten cuteness continues! Yes, Audacity is back!
I continue to ADORE this series. For me, the books are like a bag kettle popcorn: sweet, salty, and gone way too fast.
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!!
October 7, 2017
The weird and wonderful Angel Martinez does it again!
She has, of course, a weird mind, else how could she come up with the animals in these series...as well as the variety that she writes? (In writing scifi and fantasy, I'll have you know, weirdness of mind is at a minimum, an asset, and at most, a necessity.)
And her writing is wondrous to behold.
This is such a remarkably fun series, despite the fact each one involves a mystery and danger to our heroes from the 77th. It's also a somewhat different take on OBOS (one-by-one series). Frequently, you meet the two main characters and read their story, and you meet several additional characters (the rest of the shifter pack, a bunch of brothers, etc.), and then you go to the next novel for the next pair, etc., etc. And while the background is the same, each book could pretty much be read as a standalone.
But Angel's variation is that these books read more as being part of a greater whole, with a fairly large cast, and an ongoing story line that means you really, really, *really* need to read this series in sequence in order to appreciate all the nuances. The series is a best-bang-for-your-book-buck investment.
Buy now, and get started on a lot of enjoyment.
Eric-who-groks-these-things
She has, of course, a weird mind, else how could she come up with the animals in these series...as well as the variety that she writes? (In writing scifi and fantasy, I'll have you know, weirdness of mind is at a minimum, an asset, and at most, a necessity.)
And her writing is wondrous to behold.
This is such a remarkably fun series, despite the fact each one involves a mystery and danger to our heroes from the 77th. It's also a somewhat different take on OBOS (one-by-one series). Frequently, you meet the two main characters and read their story, and you meet several additional characters (the rest of the shifter pack, a bunch of brothers, etc.), and then you go to the next novel for the next pair, etc., etc. And while the background is the same, each book could pretty much be read as a standalone.
But Angel's variation is that these books read more as being part of a greater whole, with a fairly large cast, and an ongoing story line that means you really, really, *really* need to read this series in sequence in order to appreciate all the nuances. The series is a best-bang-for-your-book-buck investment.
Buy now, and get started on a lot of enjoyment.
Eric-who-groks-these-things
October 21, 2017
Rating: 4.5 stars
This series is just getting better and better for me. Jason & Wolf are one my favorite couples in this series and it was good to re-visit their relationship as they are battling crazy hoax animals. I thought the whole hoax animal plot was really creative. I really love Wolf's little "cub" Audacity. Especially the way he understands everything she says. I find myself liking all the officers of the Offbeat Crimes Division more and more. Call me crazy and I'm not sure how it would work, but I would love Krisk to have his own story.
You know it is a sign of a good book, when you finish it and you just want to keep on reading. I highly recommend this series and this book in particular. If you haven't read any of the previous books, I don't think this would be the place to start. It would definitely be worth your time to pick up the previous installments and get caught up with this wonderful series.
This series is just getting better and better for me. Jason & Wolf are one my favorite couples in this series and it was good to re-visit their relationship as they are battling crazy hoax animals. I thought the whole hoax animal plot was really creative. I really love Wolf's little "cub" Audacity. Especially the way he understands everything she says. I find myself liking all the officers of the Offbeat Crimes Division more and more. Call me crazy and I'm not sure how it would work, but I would love Krisk to have his own story.
You know it is a sign of a good book, when you finish it and you just want to keep on reading. I highly recommend this series and this book in particular. If you haven't read any of the previous books, I don't think this would be the place to start. It would definitely be worth your time to pick up the previous installments and get caught up with this wonderful series.
October 9, 2017
Ahh, Wolf. Poor, poor Wolf. A sad and confused
with an adorable, brilliant
, and a loving mom who treats his boyfriend like her own. Thank goodness, because Jason's mom...I wanted to pop her one. Jason's self esteem is sadly lacking and it is easy to see why.
We also get to see all the old characters, including Kash & Kyle's wedding. It is great to see the support they give Wolf. Well, really, they all give each other. There are a few interesting newbies, too.
As for the conflicts between Wolf and Jason, they do something absolutely INSANE.
They TALK.
To each other! Can you imagine? There may have been delays but they never intended not to talk about their insecurities. And that was a breath of fresh air.
I can't say much without spoiling the"trouble-maker" of the piece, but that was refreshing, too. I kinda hope they show up again.
Truly looking forward to the next book in this fun series.
with an adorable, brilliant
, and a loving mom who treats his boyfriend like her own. Thank goodness, because Jason's mom...I wanted to pop her one. Jason's self esteem is sadly lacking and it is easy to see why.We also get to see all the old characters, including Kash & Kyle's wedding. It is great to see the support they give Wolf. Well, really, they all give each other. There are a few interesting newbies, too.
As for the conflicts between Wolf and Jason, they do something absolutely INSANE.
They TALK.
To each other! Can you imagine? There may have been delays but they never intended not to talk about their insecurities. And that was a breath of fresh air.
I can't say much without spoiling the"trouble-maker" of the piece, but that was refreshing, too. I kinda hope they show up again.
Truly looking forward to the next book in this fun series.
September 6, 2017
Enjoyable read as usual, what with hoax animals and handsome vampire captain who flirted with Wolf ;) Audacity the kitten was as cute and sweet as ever. I wasn't that keen with Jason's family, but I guess a human family is still manageable than a vampire family.
Want to read
December 17, 2019Thank you, Secret Santa Pal!
September 26, 2017
I love this series! I am looking forward to seeing how the mystery arc is solved. :-)
March 4, 2020
This book is fantastic! It's quickly becoming a favorite series of mine. Alex and Jason are entertaining as hell.
January 1, 2018
This series just keeps getting better. Humor, love, oddness.. what more could you ask for?
Seriously, if you are looking for laughs, honest emotions and strange though interesting characters I urge you to check out this series.
Seriously, if you are looking for laughs, honest emotions and strange though interesting characters I urge you to check out this series.
October 3, 2018
Cute addition to the series, though I found recalling all the officers abilities difficult since I hadn't read a book in it recently. Decent action, series' plot advancement, and sweet romance.
October 29, 2017
I have embarrassingly gushed about the Offbeat Crimes series before. Repeatedly, as I recall. It can’t be helped, though, for when an author continues to produce humorous, fantastic paranormal stories such as the latest, Jackalopes & Woofen-Poofs, then the gushing must commence. Those unfamiliar with this series will make little sense of this review, so I suggest picking it up and starting from the beginning with Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters so that you can fully appreciate this incredible cast of characters who seem to somehow live harmoniously in the strange 77th paranormal precinct.
Picking up where the last installment left off, this story explores Wolf and Jason’s new relationship, and defines how just the smallest doubts can create havoc when coupled with a lack of communication and really hostile parents. It all makes for some serious problems for two men who truly do love each other. Jason has a very close-minded family; they are rather cruel to him due to the fact that he hasn’t, in their opinion, done something important with his life. Having siblings who are surgeons and doctors, Jason being in animal control makes for uncomfortable family dinners where he feels judged for being less than successful. But, it’s the fact that he’s gay that really angers his family, and since Wolf is all about pack and slowly integrating into Jason’s family, the meeting of boyfriend and parents was bound to go badly. And it does.
However, that is not the only worry for this duo, for now a professional muckety-muck has been sent from Harrisburg to run the current investigation into the rampage of hoax creations that have been attacking people all over town. Such creatures as jackalopes and drop bears are mythical fantasies, but someone is creating real, live versions that are less than friendly, and Alex Wolf always seems to be present when they appear. The man, or, in this case, vampire sent from Harrisburg to investigate is both annoyingly condescending and handsome. He has also taken a liking to Wolf, much to Jason’s despair. Some meanly uttered sentiments by Jason’s parents that Alex will one day discover just how disappointing Jason is, and will go seeking another superior being to date, doesn’t help poor Jason’s flagging self-esteem.
Ceramic creatures come to life that are vicious and deadly; a vampire determined to have Alex Wolf as his own despite knowing that same kindhearted wolf already has a boyfriend, and a family hell-bent on breaking Jason’s heart and self-esteem, are a real recipe for disaster. But the 77th is a strong mix of misfit paranormals who have more smarts than they are given credit for, and they also have loyalty and courage in spades. If anyone can get to the bottom of who or what is creating these deadly mythical creatures, they can.
I wanted to take Alex Wolf home, along with his kitten, Audacity, and keep him forever. His inability to always read human motives and emotions comes to the forefront in this novel, and his heart, which he always wears on his sleeve, is nearly broken in the process. But it’s poor Jason, who is confronted, over and over, with the nagging feeling that he will always be sub-par when it comes to being Alex’s equal, that really plucks at your emotions. How many of us have had to deal with judgmental relatives who chip away at our confidence? Poor Jason loves Alex, but between a snippy, gorgeous superior officer confusing Alex with his flirting and less and less time spent together, it’s not easy being in a relationship for either man. Alex and Jason are truly lovely together, and once again author Angel Martinez manages to create a romance replete with humor, compassion and just the right amount of sexual tension. I love this group of wacky creations, and their adventures in crime solving are never run of the mill or boring. The stories are entertaining and just so unique with plotlines that never fail to amuse or captivate the imagination.
Jackalopes & Woofen-Poofs is a rollicking good romance that once again left me smiling and wanting to reread it over and over again!
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
Picking up where the last installment left off, this story explores Wolf and Jason’s new relationship, and defines how just the smallest doubts can create havoc when coupled with a lack of communication and really hostile parents. It all makes for some serious problems for two men who truly do love each other. Jason has a very close-minded family; they are rather cruel to him due to the fact that he hasn’t, in their opinion, done something important with his life. Having siblings who are surgeons and doctors, Jason being in animal control makes for uncomfortable family dinners where he feels judged for being less than successful. But, it’s the fact that he’s gay that really angers his family, and since Wolf is all about pack and slowly integrating into Jason’s family, the meeting of boyfriend and parents was bound to go badly. And it does.
However, that is not the only worry for this duo, for now a professional muckety-muck has been sent from Harrisburg to run the current investigation into the rampage of hoax creations that have been attacking people all over town. Such creatures as jackalopes and drop bears are mythical fantasies, but someone is creating real, live versions that are less than friendly, and Alex Wolf always seems to be present when they appear. The man, or, in this case, vampire sent from Harrisburg to investigate is both annoyingly condescending and handsome. He has also taken a liking to Wolf, much to Jason’s despair. Some meanly uttered sentiments by Jason’s parents that Alex will one day discover just how disappointing Jason is, and will go seeking another superior being to date, doesn’t help poor Jason’s flagging self-esteem.
Ceramic creatures come to life that are vicious and deadly; a vampire determined to have Alex Wolf as his own despite knowing that same kindhearted wolf already has a boyfriend, and a family hell-bent on breaking Jason’s heart and self-esteem, are a real recipe for disaster. But the 77th is a strong mix of misfit paranormals who have more smarts than they are given credit for, and they also have loyalty and courage in spades. If anyone can get to the bottom of who or what is creating these deadly mythical creatures, they can.
I wanted to take Alex Wolf home, along with his kitten, Audacity, and keep him forever. His inability to always read human motives and emotions comes to the forefront in this novel, and his heart, which he always wears on his sleeve, is nearly broken in the process. But it’s poor Jason, who is confronted, over and over, with the nagging feeling that he will always be sub-par when it comes to being Alex’s equal, that really plucks at your emotions. How many of us have had to deal with judgmental relatives who chip away at our confidence? Poor Jason loves Alex, but between a snippy, gorgeous superior officer confusing Alex with his flirting and less and less time spent together, it’s not easy being in a relationship for either man. Alex and Jason are truly lovely together, and once again author Angel Martinez manages to create a romance replete with humor, compassion and just the right amount of sexual tension. I love this group of wacky creations, and their adventures in crime solving are never run of the mill or boring. The stories are entertaining and just so unique with plotlines that never fail to amuse or captivate the imagination.
Jackalopes & Woofen-Poofs is a rollicking good romance that once again left me smiling and wanting to reread it over and over again!
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
October 4, 2017
4.5 heart review for Love Bytes Reviews!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted at Love Bytes Reviews, please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways!
Yeah! A direct sequel to Feral Dust Bunnies, and everything more we needed to see about Alex and Jason! This makes me happy.
In the last book we were given a glimpse of Alex and Jason as they begin to date. It’s a challenge for them, as Alex, also known as Wolf, is exactly that. A wolf. Not a shifter, but he was born a wolf and was turned in to a human. He is adopted by a family and raised/tamed, but he’s still not quite human. Alex is an officer with the 77th Precinct, the misfit precinct, that deals with all of the freaky shit the other cops don’t want to deal with. But all of the members of the 77th have a defect of some sort, an issue with their magic, a physical issue (a lizard and a wolf, an anemic vampire), something like that. Alex’s issue is that he’s more wolf than human at times.
Alex’s love interest is Jason, a human animal control officer. The two become acquainted while searching for the cause of some mummified critters, and end up dating. I was left wanting more after their book, I never felt that I understood or particularly liked Jason, although I loved Alex.
This time we pick up with the same characters, Alex and Jason, as they are not only navigating their relationship, but we get a new mystery. The mystery part of the plot sort of ties in to the last book, in that there may be a bigger player than the officers of the 77th are seeing. But what happens this time is odd animals are showing up around the various officers, Jackalopes, Woofen-Poofs, Drop Bears, Hoop Snakes, odd critters like that. Alex and Jason, and Alex and Krisk (Alex’s lizard partner), end up confronting the critters several times and tracking down their source. We also get a new character, who not only affects the mystery part of the plot, but the romance side as well. This new guy is a captain from a higher department than the 77th, sent down to deal with the aftermath of a bad decision made during a previous magical battle. Captain Valbuena starts out causing chaos in the department as well as chaos between Alex and Jason.
So Alex and Jason are just barely settled after the end of the last book. One of my issues with their book was I didn’t feel like I got to know Jason. This time we get a much better look at him, and his family issues, which contribute to his reluctance to commit fully to his relationship with Alex. Jason comes from a successful Asian family, who have high expectations of Jason. Being a gay dog catcher in love with a wolf is not acceptable. This becomes apparent when Jason takes Alex to meet the family a time or two… Jason becomes convinced that not only is he not good enough for Alex, no unique enough, not strong enough, just not enough, but he’s also sure that captain Valbuena is enough for Alex, and he sees that Valbuena is interested. What he doesn’t pick up on, is that Alex is NOT interested, and can’t even figure out what Jason’s drama is. Much conversation needs to happen, but they keep getting caught up in the hoax animal issue!
You’ll just have to read this one to find out what happens with the hoax animals, what happens with Alex and Jason, what happens with the awesome Officer Krisk, and how a little kitten includes herself in everything! Oh, you’ll also have to read it to see who has the fantastic wedding!
As I’ve said before, I love the creative plots Angel Martinez comes up with. I love this world, I love this group of wonderful misfits, and I love all of the weirdo critters that show up. Both as good guys and bad guys. Angel’s brain must be a strange and wonderful place to visit. Her books are creative certainly, but there is always a love story underneath. I felt a bit let down last time with Alex and Jason, but I’m totally happy with this book. It was everything I wanted, more depth to Jason, more of an emotional bond between the two men, and still a fun and wacky plot. Oh, and some sweet sex!
This is not a stand alone book, you need to know what the hell is going on in this world to understand this story. If you haven’t read the first four books, you need to do so before you read this one. If you have read them, wait until you read this one!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted at Love Bytes Reviews, please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways!
Yeah! A direct sequel to Feral Dust Bunnies, and everything more we needed to see about Alex and Jason! This makes me happy.
In the last book we were given a glimpse of Alex and Jason as they begin to date. It’s a challenge for them, as Alex, also known as Wolf, is exactly that. A wolf. Not a shifter, but he was born a wolf and was turned in to a human. He is adopted by a family and raised/tamed, but he’s still not quite human. Alex is an officer with the 77th Precinct, the misfit precinct, that deals with all of the freaky shit the other cops don’t want to deal with. But all of the members of the 77th have a defect of some sort, an issue with their magic, a physical issue (a lizard and a wolf, an anemic vampire), something like that. Alex’s issue is that he’s more wolf than human at times.
Alex’s love interest is Jason, a human animal control officer. The two become acquainted while searching for the cause of some mummified critters, and end up dating. I was left wanting more after their book, I never felt that I understood or particularly liked Jason, although I loved Alex.
This time we pick up with the same characters, Alex and Jason, as they are not only navigating their relationship, but we get a new mystery. The mystery part of the plot sort of ties in to the last book, in that there may be a bigger player than the officers of the 77th are seeing. But what happens this time is odd animals are showing up around the various officers, Jackalopes, Woofen-Poofs, Drop Bears, Hoop Snakes, odd critters like that. Alex and Jason, and Alex and Krisk (Alex’s lizard partner), end up confronting the critters several times and tracking down their source. We also get a new character, who not only affects the mystery part of the plot, but the romance side as well. This new guy is a captain from a higher department than the 77th, sent down to deal with the aftermath of a bad decision made during a previous magical battle. Captain Valbuena starts out causing chaos in the department as well as chaos between Alex and Jason.
So Alex and Jason are just barely settled after the end of the last book. One of my issues with their book was I didn’t feel like I got to know Jason. This time we get a much better look at him, and his family issues, which contribute to his reluctance to commit fully to his relationship with Alex. Jason comes from a successful Asian family, who have high expectations of Jason. Being a gay dog catcher in love with a wolf is not acceptable. This becomes apparent when Jason takes Alex to meet the family a time or two… Jason becomes convinced that not only is he not good enough for Alex, no unique enough, not strong enough, just not enough, but he’s also sure that captain Valbuena is enough for Alex, and he sees that Valbuena is interested. What he doesn’t pick up on, is that Alex is NOT interested, and can’t even figure out what Jason’s drama is. Much conversation needs to happen, but they keep getting caught up in the hoax animal issue!
You’ll just have to read this one to find out what happens with the hoax animals, what happens with Alex and Jason, what happens with the awesome Officer Krisk, and how a little kitten includes herself in everything! Oh, you’ll also have to read it to see who has the fantastic wedding!
As I’ve said before, I love the creative plots Angel Martinez comes up with. I love this world, I love this group of wonderful misfits, and I love all of the weirdo critters that show up. Both as good guys and bad guys. Angel’s brain must be a strange and wonderful place to visit. Her books are creative certainly, but there is always a love story underneath. I felt a bit let down last time with Alex and Jason, but I’m totally happy with this book. It was everything I wanted, more depth to Jason, more of an emotional bond between the two men, and still a fun and wacky plot. Oh, and some sweet sex!
This is not a stand alone book, you need to know what the hell is going on in this world to understand this story. If you haven’t read the first four books, you need to do so before you read this one. If you have read them, wait until you read this one!
November 15, 2017
3.6 Goodreads; 4.2 Amazon. Overall sweet part-2 M/M romance, and good action
This book featured an interesting assortment of dangerous hoax creatures, the introduction of an intriguing new magical character who's involved, and a bittersweet resolution of the immediate problem. Animal Control Officer Jason Shen's expertise and equipment play a more-than-minor role. There's still little progress on identifying the big bad, the squad's apparent "stalker mage," though.
Meanwhile, Officer Alex Wolf and Jason are working through their relationship insecurities, worsened by Jason's family's criticism of the "underachieving," gay son and their hostile biases against white, non-human, and of course male, Wolf. It was ironic to see Wolf and the other "defectives" of the 77th being looked down upon by the "normal paranormals" of State even as Jason is fearing he's not good enough to ho!d on to a "superhero" — especially when there's a handsome fellow "superhero" come into the picture. Loyal and monogamous Wolf (hmm, that probably ought to be "monoandrous", oughtn't it?) is just afraid of coming between Jason and his "pack". From the outside, you want to both give them hugs and shake some sense into them, but they eventually get there, and so do most of the family (to a believable, tentative degree). Anyone who wants a tough, show-no-emotions hero is looking at the wrong books, though.
There are plenty of adorable moments, especially with Wolf's "cub", the kitten Audacity, who spends most days at the station — and who, BTW, seems to understand a surprising amount of what's said. Funny how in a fantasy it can be the "real" elements, such as a kitten with ordinary origins, that require the most active suspension of disbelief.
Kyle Monroe and Vikash Soren's wedding takes place, in a charming blend of traditions, and even Jason's ambiguous feelings about gay marriage (a mere sop/token?) don't prevent him from seeing how happy they are, and being glad for them.
The visiting vampire captain has a bumpier time fitting in, especially given his arrogant initial attitude toward unorthodox squad-members like LJ (Leather Jacket), and his determination to outdo Carrington (whom he's reluctant to even acknowledge), despite Carr's greater sun-tolerance.
As for technicalities, the copyediting was good: other than upside-down-backwards should-be apostrophes (i.e., single opening quotes) every time someone said "'cause" or such, I only caught one minor mistake ("freehand" s/b two words, given the context). It was an enjoyable, smooth read.
I'm still wishing and waffling re. paying for the shorter first two volumes of this series (considering how hugely many titles are already waiting in my Kindle queue), but I definitely plan to continue with it. The last 5% of this book offers an excerpt of the forthcoming next volume, Carr and Erasmus's part 2. I'm looking forward to it.
This book featured an interesting assortment of dangerous hoax creatures, the introduction of an intriguing new magical character who's involved, and a bittersweet resolution of the immediate problem. Animal Control Officer Jason Shen's expertise and equipment play a more-than-minor role. There's still little progress on identifying the big bad, the squad's apparent "stalker mage," though.
Meanwhile, Officer Alex Wolf and Jason are working through their relationship insecurities, worsened by Jason's family's criticism of the "underachieving," gay son and their hostile biases against white, non-human, and of course male, Wolf. It was ironic to see Wolf and the other "defectives" of the 77th being looked down upon by the "normal paranormals" of State even as Jason is fearing he's not good enough to ho!d on to a "superhero" — especially when there's a handsome fellow "superhero" come into the picture. Loyal and monogamous Wolf (hmm, that probably ought to be "monoandrous", oughtn't it?) is just afraid of coming between Jason and his "pack". From the outside, you want to both give them hugs and shake some sense into them, but they eventually get there, and so do most of the family (to a believable, tentative degree). Anyone who wants a tough, show-no-emotions hero is looking at the wrong books, though.
There are plenty of adorable moments, especially with Wolf's "cub", the kitten Audacity, who spends most days at the station — and who, BTW, seems to understand a surprising amount of what's said. Funny how in a fantasy it can be the "real" elements, such as a kitten with ordinary origins, that require the most active suspension of disbelief.
Kyle Monroe and Vikash Soren's wedding takes place, in a charming blend of traditions, and even Jason's ambiguous feelings about gay marriage (a mere sop/token?) don't prevent him from seeing how happy they are, and being glad for them.
The visiting vampire captain has a bumpier time fitting in, especially given his arrogant initial attitude toward unorthodox squad-members like LJ (Leather Jacket), and his determination to outdo Carrington (whom he's reluctant to even acknowledge), despite Carr's greater sun-tolerance.
As for technicalities, the copyediting was good: other than upside-down-backwards should-be apostrophes (i.e., single opening quotes) every time someone said "'cause" or such, I only caught one minor mistake ("freehand" s/b two words, given the context). It was an enjoyable, smooth read.
I'm still wishing and waffling re. paying for the shorter first two volumes of this series (considering how hugely many titles are already waiting in my Kindle queue), but I definitely plan to continue with it. The last 5% of this book offers an excerpt of the forthcoming next volume, Carr and Erasmus's part 2. I'm looking forward to it.
February 1, 2018
There are a few things I dislike about this book that can all be summed up one way: Jason. I didn't care for him in the previous book, but in this one he is ten times worse because we get to spend part of it inside his head. (Interestingly enough, this is the first book in the series that has alternating perspectives. A trend that is continued in the final book of the series.) Jealousy is a trait I've never found appealing and, you could say he's jealous because he's insecure, but, really, I don't care why he's jealous. It's unattractive to me. Also, Jason's family, as a whole, doesn't approve of him being gay. So they 'don't talk about it.' Fine, but then he takes Wolf into that setting, and pretty much tosses him to the sharks from the start. He isn't there to buffer the way at first - even though he knows how awkward Wolf feels. Meanwhile, he keeps saying that he's not going to choose between his family and his boyfriend. Okay… But your family is treating your boyfriend like crap and you still drag him into those situations and REFUSE TO DEFEND HIM. Finally, when he does say anything even vaguely standing up for Wolf (and to a lesser extent, himself) to his family, (his asshole father and brother) he's basically telling them that he's still going to date Wolf, but if they don't want Wolf in their house, that's fine because it is their house (the same house that all their other kids and their significant others are invited to fairly willingly) but that he (Jason) will still be there because he's still a part of the family. Ooh, way to make your boyfriend feel special. Jason also seems somewhat uncomfortable by the fact that his boyfriend is a cop - mostly because, I gather, he feels less than Wolf because he thinks his job is less than Wolf's. They tried to deal with it, but, really, that's going to cause some lovely fights later on, I think. Especially because where the other couples communicate well, (except for, occasionally, Kash because…Kash) Jason and Wolf have a problem actually talking things through. Jason especially has a habit of saying the wrong thing and making it worse and Wolf often doesn't understand.
There are a few things. First, if you're wanting to complete this series, this book pretty much has to be read before the finale. Also, we get to see a wedding (this coming from someone that doesn't like weddings) and it was gorgeous. And the rest of the Precinct is in fine fettle. (That being said, I was vacillating between two and three stars and settled on two because my frustration (and Jason-hate) outweighed my enjoyment, and because the ranking on Goodreads says three stars was 'I liked it' - and I really didn't. It was okay. Ergo, the rating.)
There are a few things. First, if you're wanting to complete this series, this book pretty much has to be read before the finale. Also, we get to see a wedding (this coming from someone that doesn't like weddings) and it was gorgeous. And the rest of the Precinct is in fine fettle. (That being said, I was vacillating between two and three stars and settled on two because my frustration (and Jason-hate) outweighed my enjoyment, and because the ranking on Goodreads says three stars was 'I liked it' - and I really didn't. It was okay. Ergo, the rating.)
January 24, 2018
The Heat is Rising...
Though I love this series, it's taken me a few months to get around to reading Jackalopes... and now I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. This fifth, and penultimate, volume in the current ongoing adventures of the 77th Precinct's faulty paranormal officers, had it all. Love, tension, suspicion, drama, a multi-racial wedding ceremony and a host of peculiarly violent hoax-animals that seem to have it in for the Department.
It continues the story of Alex Wolf and Jason Chen, begun in Feral Dust Bunnies and while it took me time to warm to them both in book 4, in this story they hit the ground running. Jason decides it's time Alex met his family and once in the heart of the Chen pack, Alex immediately understands why the invitation didn't happen sooner.
My heart went out to poor Alex during those scenes where he's desperately trying to make sense of the hostile humans around him. And when the family's doubts about Alex begin to affect Jason's reasoning, I just want to rattle him and shout some sense into him.
Jason's feelings of inadequacy are not helped any when a handsome and cocky vampire detective from State Paranormal is foisted on the 77th as a result of the fiasco that concluded Feral Dust Bunnies. Captain Richard Valbuena manages to upset just about everyone within moments of his arrival.
Counselled by his mother not to judge the new arrival too harshly, Alex winds up being the officer Valbuena leans on most as the hoax-animal strikes intensify. None of which helps Jason's insecurities.
I loved how these three characters played off one another during the development of the story, with Alex caught between his growing understanding of the haughty Captain Valbuena and his anxious boyfriend Jason.
I also loved a new character, the vivid, quirky little enchantress, Pecca Teecosi (fabulous name, by the way!) and her sometimes-invisible house.
I won't give away any more of the mystery by explaining her involvement but Angel's deft handling of her character makes her, by turns, both scary and endearing.
I love the way Angel Martinez gets inside the heads of her characters so completely. Little touches like the way Alex can smell changes of emotion, remind you, without constantly hammering the fact home, that he's really a wolf. The way the vampires and werewolves react toward him at the State Paranormal hearing is almost heartbreaking. But it is his inner strength that is at the core of this book.
I loved it from start to finish.
This series will appeal to anyone who likes a well-constructed paranormal mystery with hot men and just the right amount of sizzling passion.
Though I love this series, it's taken me a few months to get around to reading Jackalopes... and now I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. This fifth, and penultimate, volume in the current ongoing adventures of the 77th Precinct's faulty paranormal officers, had it all. Love, tension, suspicion, drama, a multi-racial wedding ceremony and a host of peculiarly violent hoax-animals that seem to have it in for the Department.
It continues the story of Alex Wolf and Jason Chen, begun in Feral Dust Bunnies and while it took me time to warm to them both in book 4, in this story they hit the ground running. Jason decides it's time Alex met his family and once in the heart of the Chen pack, Alex immediately understands why the invitation didn't happen sooner.
My heart went out to poor Alex during those scenes where he's desperately trying to make sense of the hostile humans around him. And when the family's doubts about Alex begin to affect Jason's reasoning, I just want to rattle him and shout some sense into him.
Jason's feelings of inadequacy are not helped any when a handsome and cocky vampire detective from State Paranormal is foisted on the 77th as a result of the fiasco that concluded Feral Dust Bunnies. Captain Richard Valbuena manages to upset just about everyone within moments of his arrival.
Counselled by his mother not to judge the new arrival too harshly, Alex winds up being the officer Valbuena leans on most as the hoax-animal strikes intensify. None of which helps Jason's insecurities.
I loved how these three characters played off one another during the development of the story, with Alex caught between his growing understanding of the haughty Captain Valbuena and his anxious boyfriend Jason.
I also loved a new character, the vivid, quirky little enchantress, Pecca Teecosi (fabulous name, by the way!) and her sometimes-invisible house.
I won't give away any more of the mystery by explaining her involvement but Angel's deft handling of her character makes her, by turns, both scary and endearing.
I love the way Angel Martinez gets inside the heads of her characters so completely. Little touches like the way Alex can smell changes of emotion, remind you, without constantly hammering the fact home, that he's really a wolf. The way the vampires and werewolves react toward him at the State Paranormal hearing is almost heartbreaking. But it is his inner strength that is at the core of this book.
I loved it from start to finish.
This series will appeal to anyone who likes a well-constructed paranormal mystery with hot men and just the right amount of sizzling passion.
October 17, 2017
This book is very charming. It is certainly the word that I do not often use to describe a book but this one certain is charming.
We begins with the repercussion from their actions at the end of previous book. The whole precinct got called by
After the unpleasantness got done with, the new problem pops up, seemingly out of nowhere. As Wolf and Jason still trying to navigate their relatively new relationship.
Audacity became a feisty secondary character all on her own. The rest of precinct filled out the world they lived in quite nicely, especially Krisk, the lizard man partner of Wolf. Even LJ, Hunter and Tim all had their moments.
Jason's traditional Chinese family felt believable. Being from an almost Chinese family myself, I can sympathize with Jason.
Captain Valbuena was really an ass... I suppose he behave himself and respected the 77th precinct by the end of the book but he was still a bit ass.
The climax was very touching. Ms. Martinez crafted a believable events that lead to it and a touching moment.
The book however, even continued to resolve one more issue. Which is a nice touch.
All in all, this is charming lovingly written book. With the message that you maybe different from the rest of the people but that didn't mean you are broken. An important message indeed.
I am looking forward to the next book.
We begins with the repercussion from their actions at the end of previous book. The whole precinct got called by
After the unpleasantness got done with, the new problem pops up, seemingly out of nowhere. As Wolf and Jason still trying to navigate their relatively new relationship.
Audacity became a feisty secondary character all on her own. The rest of precinct filled out the world they lived in quite nicely, especially Krisk, the lizard man partner of Wolf. Even LJ, Hunter and Tim all had their moments.
Jason's traditional Chinese family felt believable. Being from an almost Chinese family myself, I can sympathize with Jason.
Captain Valbuena was really an ass... I suppose he behave himself and respected the 77th precinct by the end of the book but he was still a bit ass.
The climax was very touching. Ms. Martinez crafted a believable events that lead to it and a touching moment.
The book however, even continued to resolve one more issue. Which is a nice touch.
All in all, this is charming lovingly written book. With the message that you maybe different from the rest of the people but that didn't mean you are broken. An important message indeed.
I am looking forward to the next book.
June 9, 2018
Feral Dust Bunnies (Offbeat Crimes #4)
And
Jackalopes and Woofen-Poofs (Offbeat Crimes #5)
By Angel Martinez
By Pride Publishing, 2017
Four stars
I’ve doubled up on these two books for one review, partly because the main characters—Alex Wolf and Jason Shen—are in both, but partly because I started book five before I realized I’d skipped book four. So of course I had to read them together to get it all right.
This “Offbeat Crimes” series is great fun. It makes wonderful use of Philadelphia as a setting, and it gives us the marvelous messy world of the 77th Precinct, where all the not-quite-there paranormal policemen in Pennsylvania get sent. In this pairing particularly, the ongoing saga of weird creatures invading Philly continues, but we focus on Alex Wolf (who is not a werewolf, but that’s all I’m saying), and Jason Shen, an animal control officer with a big, pushy Chinese family who drive him crazy. Their stories as individuals, their story as an evolving couple, both fit wonderfully into a particularly fascinating paranormal mystery that itself is part of the overarching plot of this whole ongoing series.
So much to enjoy. I have come to love the quirky 77th, with its disparate paranormal characters, each trying to live and love and protect and serve. Although this series focuses on the gay ones, they’re not alone in the 77th. The squad’s interactions are as crucial to the stories as the nascent couples that emerge from each paranormal plotline. Alex Wolf is particularly appealing, a big galoot who struggles to understand the human world around him. Jason’s purpose here is to shed light on yet another thread that runs through this series: the impact of family, and the sometimes fraught interactions that any family can impose upon members who don’t conform to expectations.
I’ve already bought volume six.
And
Jackalopes and Woofen-Poofs (Offbeat Crimes #5)
By Angel Martinez
By Pride Publishing, 2017
Four stars
I’ve doubled up on these two books for one review, partly because the main characters—Alex Wolf and Jason Shen—are in both, but partly because I started book five before I realized I’d skipped book four. So of course I had to read them together to get it all right.
This “Offbeat Crimes” series is great fun. It makes wonderful use of Philadelphia as a setting, and it gives us the marvelous messy world of the 77th Precinct, where all the not-quite-there paranormal policemen in Pennsylvania get sent. In this pairing particularly, the ongoing saga of weird creatures invading Philly continues, but we focus on Alex Wolf (who is not a werewolf, but that’s all I’m saying), and Jason Shen, an animal control officer with a big, pushy Chinese family who drive him crazy. Their stories as individuals, their story as an evolving couple, both fit wonderfully into a particularly fascinating paranormal mystery that itself is part of the overarching plot of this whole ongoing series.
So much to enjoy. I have come to love the quirky 77th, with its disparate paranormal characters, each trying to live and love and protect and serve. Although this series focuses on the gay ones, they’re not alone in the 77th. The squad’s interactions are as crucial to the stories as the nascent couples that emerge from each paranormal plotline. Alex Wolf is particularly appealing, a big galoot who struggles to understand the human world around him. Jason’s purpose here is to shed light on yet another thread that runs through this series: the impact of family, and the sometimes fraught interactions that any family can impose upon members who don’t conform to expectations.
I’ve already bought volume six.
October 4, 2017
Review by Gloria Lakritz Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
4.5***** Stars
Book: Jackalopes and Woofen-Poofs
Series: Offbeat Crimes Book #5
Author: Angel Martinez
Publisher: Amazon Digital
Genre: Paranormal Detective
Rated: Mature M/M
Release Date: October 3, 2017
Pages: 225
I am totally addicted to this series. Angel Martinez has taken a huge chance and written a far- fetched, tongue and cheek series. If they were humans they would be called the “Motley Crew”….But since they are not, makes it even better.
The 77th is where all the almost paranormals are. There is a vampire that needs skimmed blood…..a wolf that was turned into a human and woofs, and on and on and on. But now we are in our 5th book and we are getting into the rhythm of this talented author !
The Wolf Alex and Jason have finally become a couple. The Police Officer and The Animal Control Officer. We had thought the relationship was solid and now we get a deeper look into Jason Chen and what he is going through in life with his family.
We are also aware, Alex sometimes suffers from trying to bridge the human world and his pack world. Words are hard for him and he marvels at Jason and his gift.
We had no idea, Jason lives constantly under being told he is nothing. First being pressured for the gay to go away, and then he is told after bringing Alex home for a family BBQ; that he would never keep Alex: that Alex would find someone better and leave him. Hateful hateful…..
I hate to give away too much ‘stuff’ cause you have to start from Book#1 and learn about our fearsome team…… Cause when and if LJ and Hunter get together I want to be there !!!!
I totally recommend!!
4.5***** Stars
Book: Jackalopes and Woofen-Poofs
Series: Offbeat Crimes Book #5
Author: Angel Martinez
Publisher: Amazon Digital
Genre: Paranormal Detective
Rated: Mature M/M
Release Date: October 3, 2017
Pages: 225
I am totally addicted to this series. Angel Martinez has taken a huge chance and written a far- fetched, tongue and cheek series. If they were humans they would be called the “Motley Crew”….But since they are not, makes it even better.
The 77th is where all the almost paranormals are. There is a vampire that needs skimmed blood…..a wolf that was turned into a human and woofs, and on and on and on. But now we are in our 5th book and we are getting into the rhythm of this talented author !
The Wolf Alex and Jason have finally become a couple. The Police Officer and The Animal Control Officer. We had thought the relationship was solid and now we get a deeper look into Jason Chen and what he is going through in life with his family.
We are also aware, Alex sometimes suffers from trying to bridge the human world and his pack world. Words are hard for him and he marvels at Jason and his gift.
We had no idea, Jason lives constantly under being told he is nothing. First being pressured for the gay to go away, and then he is told after bringing Alex home for a family BBQ; that he would never keep Alex: that Alex would find someone better and leave him. Hateful hateful…..
I hate to give away too much ‘stuff’ cause you have to start from Book#1 and learn about our fearsome team…… Cause when and if LJ and Hunter get together I want to be there !!!!
I totally recommend!!
September 1, 2021
A second book in the series that focuses on Wolf and Jason. The non-romance plot involves attacks from hoax animals, such as jackalopes and woofen-poofs (which I'd never heard of until reading this).
There is definitely a connection between the strange events happening to the people at 77th Precinct. There is a strange man seemingly behind all of them, but any witnesses are unable to describe him. It is certainly intriguing.
I liked getting some stuff from Jason's point of view as well as Wolf's, though I spent most of the book yelling at them to TALK to each other. UGH. A captain from State has come to keep an eye on the 77th, a vampire no less. And he seems to be interested in Wolf, though it is quite clear Wolf doesn't reciprocate in that way. And Jason is very jealous and insecure, though with how the captain is described I guess I don't blame him. I feel as though a lot of angst could have been avoided if they'd just talked (and Jason's family hadn't been trying to sabotage the relationship too.
We also got two new members who joined the 77th, and I quickly grew to like them just as much as I liked the rest of them.
Audacity continues to not bother me as much as she should.
Good entry to the series.
There is definitely a connection between the strange events happening to the people at 77th Precinct. There is a strange man seemingly behind all of them, but any witnesses are unable to describe him. It is certainly intriguing.
I liked getting some stuff from Jason's point of view as well as Wolf's, though I spent most of the book yelling at them to TALK to each other. UGH. A captain from State has come to keep an eye on the 77th, a vampire no less. And he seems to be interested in Wolf, though it is quite clear Wolf doesn't reciprocate in that way. And Jason is very jealous and insecure, though with how the captain is described I guess I don't blame him. I feel as though a lot of angst could have been avoided if they'd just talked (and Jason's family hadn't been trying to sabotage the relationship too.
We also got two new members who joined the 77th, and I quickly grew to like them just as much as I liked the rest of them.
Audacity continues to not bother me as much as she should.
Good entry to the series.
October 26, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review visit http://wp.me/p220KL-bYm
From that review: " You know I'm running out of adjectives here. I'm going to have to start to resort to the sort of thing like making up words to go along with the made up animals like the Jackalope here and the Woofen-Poofs, among others. Angel Martinez's minds a fantabulous place. Scary, mind-blowing definitely but one I always want to visit with. Here we return to that hard-working Precinct the 77th and its Paranormal Unit. Animals are popping up all over and attacking people, animals that don't exist in nature...like jackalopes. There's only one squad to do the investigating. And since one of their own was on the scene of the first attack, that should help..right?"
For all our reviews, author interviews and much more, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review visit http://wp.me/p220KL-bYm
From that review: " You know I'm running out of adjectives here. I'm going to have to start to resort to the sort of thing like making up words to go along with the made up animals like the Jackalope here and the Woofen-Poofs, among others. Angel Martinez's minds a fantabulous place. Scary, mind-blowing definitely but one I always want to visit with. Here we return to that hard-working Precinct the 77th and its Paranormal Unit. Animals are popping up all over and attacking people, animals that don't exist in nature...like jackalopes. There's only one squad to do the investigating. And since one of their own was on the scene of the first attack, that should help..right?"
For all our reviews, author interviews and much more, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
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