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The Bureau #2
Clay White
Someone-or something-is murdering young men in San Francisco. Clay White has been fired from the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs, but he’s determined to track down the killer. When he comes across a vampire named Marek, Clay assumes he’s caught the perp. But the encounter with Marek turns out to be more complicated than Clay expected, and it forces him to deal with his own troubled past and murky psyche. As Clay discovers, sometimes the truth doesn't come easy-and the monsters are not who we expect.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2017
34 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Kim Fielding
176 books1,306 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
October 8, 2017
Only Kim Fielding can write a story with a creepy film noir feel, murder, and torture, and make you believe in romance; only Fielding can write a sensual, sexy story with almost no sex.
And only Fielding can end a story with death and have it feel like a HEA.
This series, filled with ethical monsters and sinister humans, is dark and mesmerizing. I suggest reading in order.
We meet Charles and Ten again in Clay White. They help Clay track down a serial killer who bleeds young men dry until they're mere husks and bones. And a vampire named Marek whom Clay can't forget.
All proceeds benefit Doctors Without Borders.
And only Fielding can end a story with death and have it feel like a HEA.
This series, filled with ethical monsters and sinister humans, is dark and mesmerizing. I suggest reading in order.
We meet Charles and Ten again in Clay White. They help Clay track down a serial killer who bleeds young men dry until they're mere husks and bones. And a vampire named Marek whom Clay can't forget.
Monsters. How could I properly identify them, even define them, anymore? ... Humans were fully capable of monstrous acts, of attacking their own kind with unmatched ferocity ... How to judge a living being? By his species? His actions, past and present? His intentions?
All proceeds benefit Doctors Without Borders.
September 8, 2021
3.5 Stars
Clay sorta has a death wish. He’s been let go by the Bureau, but he still can’t let go of the job. When suspicious murders are reported in the news, the generalized details make Clay assume a vamp is on the prowl and he can’t help but investigate. When he purposely encounters vamp Marek, the answers are anything but simple as Marek is a bit of a vigilante himself.
Dark. Gritty. Melancholy with a touch of graphic horror. Clay and Marek connect as they both know a thing or two about regret and penance.
Just like the first book, not all things that go bump in the night are bad. An unlikely pairing, with some explicit as well as a nice revisit with Charles and Tenrael living and loving fully.
Clay sorta has a death wish. He’s been let go by the Bureau, but he still can’t let go of the job. When suspicious murders are reported in the news, the generalized details make Clay assume a vamp is on the prowl and he can’t help but investigate. When he purposely encounters vamp Marek, the answers are anything but simple as Marek is a bit of a vigilante himself.
Dark. Gritty. Melancholy with a touch of graphic horror. Clay and Marek connect as they both know a thing or two about regret and penance.
Just like the first book, not all things that go bump in the night are bad. An unlikely pairing, with some explicit as well as a nice revisit with Charles and Tenrael living and loving fully.
July 31, 2021
“i’d spent years flirting with death. now, wonder of wonders, i embraced the undead. and i wanted to do it forever.”
i loved these two together.🧛♂️🖤🧛♂️
we also got to see charles and tenrael from book one being all cute & domestic, so that was also a plus.🥺
definitely continuing with this series, especially if we always get to see characters from previous novellas!
i loved these two together.🧛♂️🖤🧛♂️
we also got to see charles and tenrael from book one being all cute & domestic, so that was also a plus.🥺
definitely continuing with this series, especially if we always get to see characters from previous novellas!
October 6, 2017
4.5 stars
Vampires people, vampires!
Clay White is in a world of hurt. He was fired from his job with the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs and is harboring some serious guilt because of the tragic event that lead to his firing.
In an effort to redeem himself, he decides to go all vigilante and solve the serial killer case that is rocking the community.
Along the way he meets sexy, irresistible vampire Marek. (There may have been a little semi-public hot sex happening during their first meeting.) Marek is instantly drawn to Clay and decides to join his fight.
Along the way they meet up up with Charles and Ten from Corruption. Since Charles and Ten's story ended so abruptly, it was great to see their story line continue. You don't HAVE to read Corruption to fully enjoy Clay White, but I do recommend it. These are both short stories, basically introducing new characters in The Bureau family.
Again, excellent world building and interesting characters make this book a win for me. We do get a HFN, but Ms. Fielding has teased more books coming out in 2018.
A big added bonus in the fact that Ms. Fielding is donating all proceeds from this book to Doctors Without Borders and Médecins Sans Frontières. Clay White is a great story at a great 99¢ price for a great cause. Win, win, win!
Recommended.
Advanced review copy of Clay White provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
Vampires people, vampires!
Clay White is in a world of hurt. He was fired from his job with the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs and is harboring some serious guilt because of the tragic event that lead to his firing.
In an effort to redeem himself, he decides to go all vigilante and solve the serial killer case that is rocking the community.
Along the way he meets sexy, irresistible vampire Marek. (There may have been a little semi-public hot sex happening during their first meeting.) Marek is instantly drawn to Clay and decides to join his fight.
Along the way they meet up up with Charles and Ten from Corruption. Since Charles and Ten's story ended so abruptly, it was great to see their story line continue. You don't HAVE to read Corruption to fully enjoy Clay White, but I do recommend it. These are both short stories, basically introducing new characters in The Bureau family.
Again, excellent world building and interesting characters make this book a win for me. We do get a HFN, but Ms. Fielding has teased more books coming out in 2018.
A big added bonus in the fact that Ms. Fielding is donating all proceeds from this book to Doctors Without Borders and Médecins Sans Frontières. Clay White is a great story at a great 99¢ price for a great cause. Win, win, win!
Recommended.
Advanced review copy of Clay White provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
February 1, 2022
Vampires.
You love them, or you hate them. I’ve always been firmly in the first category. Yes, even the sparkly ones. But there’s nothing sparkly about this story. I devoured the first half of this series within a couple of days, and sometimes books merge into one when I tackle a series with such enthusiasm. Not the Bureau. I can separate each couple and see them vividly in my mind’s eye. This second installment is another speedy nail-biter. Although it’s almost double the length of the first book, it still comes in under a hundred pages. I’ve concluded this is more of a serial rather than a series. I believe these books not only link together but grow as the timeline continues. Knowing that before diving headfirst might be crucial to some readers.
Clay White is on the hunt. He’s no longer an agent with the Bureau but this case calls to him. As he’s cruising the clubs searching for clues, the hunter becomes the hunted. Highly trained with nothing to lose, White is not afraid of the bloodsucker across the dancefloor. Actually, it’s quite the opposite; this target is one he doesn’t mind wearing. Which makes no sense, he doesn’t play with monsters, he kills them. Clay doesn’t always listen to common sense though, his impulsive gut is why he’s badgeless. Marek is not what he expected. And as it turns out, they might be on the same side. They don’t have much time and look for backup in surprising places. If you would have told Clay he’d face an evil monster with a vampire and demon by his side, he would have thought you’d lost your mind. Clay falls over the edge and you’ll never guess where he lands!
I could gush more, but I’d rather move to the next book. We flew into the future with Clay, but we’re about to jump back a few decades. I can’t wait for you to meet John and Harry!
Beware of: A mysterious paranormal investigation with a passionate pulse. A heady collision between an elegant vamp and a fallen hero. And a conclusion with an ongoing journey.
This book is for: If paranormal adventures get your heart racing and blood pumping, this impressive world is sure to bring a bite. And the stark reminder that even the darkest nights always have some light.
And again, all of the proceeds from the sale of this book go to DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS!
Book UNfunk
You love them, or you hate them. I’ve always been firmly in the first category. Yes, even the sparkly ones. But there’s nothing sparkly about this story. I devoured the first half of this series within a couple of days, and sometimes books merge into one when I tackle a series with such enthusiasm. Not the Bureau. I can separate each couple and see them vividly in my mind’s eye. This second installment is another speedy nail-biter. Although it’s almost double the length of the first book, it still comes in under a hundred pages. I’ve concluded this is more of a serial rather than a series. I believe these books not only link together but grow as the timeline continues. Knowing that before diving headfirst might be crucial to some readers.
Clay White is on the hunt. He’s no longer an agent with the Bureau but this case calls to him. As he’s cruising the clubs searching for clues, the hunter becomes the hunted. Highly trained with nothing to lose, White is not afraid of the bloodsucker across the dancefloor. Actually, it’s quite the opposite; this target is one he doesn’t mind wearing. Which makes no sense, he doesn’t play with monsters, he kills them. Clay doesn’t always listen to common sense though, his impulsive gut is why he’s badgeless. Marek is not what he expected. And as it turns out, they might be on the same side. They don’t have much time and look for backup in surprising places. If you would have told Clay he’d face an evil monster with a vampire and demon by his side, he would have thought you’d lost your mind. Clay falls over the edge and you’ll never guess where he lands!
I could gush more, but I’d rather move to the next book. We flew into the future with Clay, but we’re about to jump back a few decades. I can’t wait for you to meet John and Harry!
Beware of: A mysterious paranormal investigation with a passionate pulse. A heady collision between an elegant vamp and a fallen hero. And a conclusion with an ongoing journey.
This book is for: If paranormal adventures get your heart racing and blood pumping, this impressive world is sure to bring a bite. And the stark reminder that even the darkest nights always have some light.
And again, all of the proceeds from the sale of this book go to DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS!
Book UNfunk
October 16, 2017
Tag Team Review with JL!
If you’re feeling charitable all of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go to DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS so… buy one for yourself and your friends!
SPOILERS FOR CORRUPTION so if you’ve not read it yet prepare to be spoiled.
Clay White takes place in the same AU established in “Corruption” but is more modern in tone and less dark. Clay is a former agent of The Bureau. What’s that saying? You can take the boy out of The Bureau but you can’t take The Bureau out of the boy or some such.
Clay has gone rogue (sort of) and is focused on finding who or what is desiccating young men in San Francisco. To that end he goes to a club one night and meets Marek. Marek is an OLD vampire within this world. Turns out Marek is also trying to track down the killer. I have some thoughts on what motivates Clay, but they’re kinda spoilery so I'll leave it at you have to read it and come to your own conclusions.
Clay and Marek have a wholly different dynamic that’s compelling in its own rite but not as magnetic as Ten and Grimes. There is lust between them initially and I got the feeling that they were inevitable, but the timing’s wrong, so they leave it as a hookup. For much of the story they aren’t together but it's clear they both got under the other's skin so when they reunite… DAMN!
Speaking of Ten and Grimes… guess who make an appearance? I LOVE them! Like, seriously, I could talk about them all day and their dynamic is so… *heart eyes* Anyways, Clay is pointed in their direction for help with the case because they’ve been working as private investigators. Since forever. There are no dates but their whole vibe and a few things that happen make it clear they’ve been together for a loooonnnnnngggggggg time which made me heart eyes even harder.
Anyhoozit, I told you I could squirrel on them endlessly.
The two things I enjoy most about this series are the banding together of ex-bureau, quasi-disgraced agents, and the fact that Fielding has crafted a universe wherein she can move about with ease in time. If the next one is futuristic I will not be sad about that. At all.
Another thing I like, though I could be reading too much into the subtext, is the general theme that being different shouldn’t automatically equate to being feared. That resonates with me living in a Trump America. Most of the monsters out there are just plain ole human and the fact that these supernatural/paranormal beings are forming their own justice league to protect (most of) them anyway makes me a lil verklempt.
Recommend to UF, AU and romance fans.
Can’t wait to see who gets drafted into the justice league next!
An ARC was provided by the author.
If you’re feeling charitable all of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go to DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS so… buy one for yourself and your friends!
SPOILERS FOR CORRUPTION so if you’ve not read it yet prepare to be spoiled.
Clay White takes place in the same AU established in “Corruption” but is more modern in tone and less dark. Clay is a former agent of The Bureau. What’s that saying? You can take the boy out of The Bureau but you can’t take The Bureau out of the boy or some such.
Clay has gone rogue (sort of) and is focused on finding who or what is desiccating young men in San Francisco. To that end he goes to a club one night and meets Marek. Marek is an OLD vampire within this world. Turns out Marek is also trying to track down the killer. I have some thoughts on what motivates Clay, but they’re kinda spoilery so I'll leave it at you have to read it and come to your own conclusions.
Clay and Marek have a wholly different dynamic that’s compelling in its own rite but not as magnetic as Ten and Grimes. There is lust between them initially and I got the feeling that they were inevitable, but the timing’s wrong, so they leave it as a hookup. For much of the story they aren’t together but it's clear they both got under the other's skin so when they reunite… DAMN!
Speaking of Ten and Grimes… guess who make an appearance? I LOVE them! Like, seriously, I could talk about them all day and their dynamic is so… *heart eyes* Anyways, Clay is pointed in their direction for help with the case because they’ve been working as private investigators. Since forever. There are no dates but their whole vibe and a few things that happen make it clear they’ve been together for a loooonnnnnngggggggg time which made me heart eyes even harder.
Anyhoozit, I told you I could squirrel on them endlessly.
The two things I enjoy most about this series are the banding together of ex-bureau, quasi-disgraced agents, and the fact that Fielding has crafted a universe wherein she can move about with ease in time. If the next one is futuristic I will not be sad about that. At all.
Another thing I like, though I could be reading too much into the subtext, is the general theme that being different shouldn’t automatically equate to being feared. That resonates with me living in a Trump America. Most of the monsters out there are just plain ole human and the fact that these supernatural/paranormal beings are forming their own justice league to protect (most of) them anyway makes me a lil verklempt.
Recommend to UF, AU and romance fans.
Can’t wait to see who gets drafted into the justice league next!
An ARC was provided by the author.
December 17, 2022
AUDIOBOOK Dec 2022. Still SUPERB
AUDIOBOOK June 2021: Stellar narration by Joel Leslie. I forgot how damn good this series is!
EBOOK March 2018:
****4.5 Stars****
Glorious! These novellas are dark, sexy, and full situations which plague us mere mortals in life. Who is truly good? Who is truly evil? While this may seem apparent in an alternate reality full of supernatural beings, in Kim Fielding’s world it is not. Vampires with a conscience. Humans who kill for self-gain and glory. Demons who love, and angels who kill.
This is the second of the Bureau stories. It could be read as a standalone since it takes place nigh on 80 years after the first, Corruption. But why would you want to do that since the one of a kind MCs from the first book appear in this second one? That’s right, you wouldn’t. And the first one was amazing as well.
Back to this one. Clay White has been booted from the Bureau, an agency that hunts and kills supernatural monsters, for an irrevocable error in judgement. Bitter, angry and alone he meets a vampire at a club in San Francisco. Against his better judgement, he leaves with the vampire, seeking information on a new spate of killings which leave young, virile men as desiccated husks. He gets some information from Marek, the vamp, along with a happy ending. What a skilled vampire! BJs are tricky with fangs!
I won’t go into this much more, but to say that Grimes and Tenrael make an appearance. The bad monster gets hacked up, and Marek and Clay get an HEA.
What I liked about this one was that I didn’t really like Clay at the beginning; but then he didn’t like himself either. As that slowly changed, so did my perception of him. At the very end, I wanted to throw confetti in the air and cheer out loud for my once bitter Clay White.
I can’t wait for more of these novellas! I love them. Dark and sexy, monstrous and glorious.......you know you want to read it. So go on now...they’re definitely worth your time!
AUDIOBOOK June 2021: Stellar narration by Joel Leslie. I forgot how damn good this series is!
EBOOK March 2018:
****4.5 Stars****
Glorious! These novellas are dark, sexy, and full situations which plague us mere mortals in life. Who is truly good? Who is truly evil? While this may seem apparent in an alternate reality full of supernatural beings, in Kim Fielding’s world it is not. Vampires with a conscience. Humans who kill for self-gain and glory. Demons who love, and angels who kill.
This is the second of the Bureau stories. It could be read as a standalone since it takes place nigh on 80 years after the first, Corruption. But why would you want to do that since the one of a kind MCs from the first book appear in this second one? That’s right, you wouldn’t. And the first one was amazing as well.
Back to this one. Clay White has been booted from the Bureau, an agency that hunts and kills supernatural monsters, for an irrevocable error in judgement. Bitter, angry and alone he meets a vampire at a club in San Francisco. Against his better judgement, he leaves with the vampire, seeking information on a new spate of killings which leave young, virile men as desiccated husks. He gets some information from Marek, the vamp, along with a happy ending. What a skilled vampire! BJs are tricky with fangs!
I won’t go into this much more, but to say that Grimes and Tenrael make an appearance. The bad monster gets hacked up, and Marek and Clay get an HEA.
What I liked about this one was that I didn’t really like Clay at the beginning; but then he didn’t like himself either. As that slowly changed, so did my perception of him. At the very end, I wanted to throw confetti in the air and cheer out loud for my once bitter Clay White.
I can’t wait for more of these novellas! I love them. Dark and sexy, monstrous and glorious.......you know you want to read it. So go on now...they’re definitely worth your time!
July 25, 2024
3.5 Stars
With Clay White we get another compulsive, eloquently written, emotionally-charged narrative by Kim Fielding, where monsters learn to thrive and overcome adversity, and the lines between black and white are so deliciously messy and grey.
I find the characters and the world-building to be very elusive and ambiguous in this M/M paranormal series, but I mean that in a positive way. I would imagine it is hard to bring so much to the table in such a limited number of pages, the way Fielding so often does with her short stories, but she dangles just enough detail each time, to hold the reader captive and rapt, and she does it damn well.
In this instalment, we have an unknown supernatural villain draining the life of young men in a manner similar (but worse) than what a vampire would do. No one seems to be doing anything about it, so ex Bureau agent Clay is searching for redemption from past mistakes by conducting his own investigation into the slayings. Along the way he meets enigmatic vampire Marek, who swears he’s also on the hunt for the big bad, while managing to captivate Clay in a way he hasn’t felt in maybe ever.
There was a touch of romance and a pinch of mystery and paranormal intrigue. It was good to see old faces and meet new ones, as I find myself growing more and more compelled by this world and these darker, complex characters, as they seek redemption and renewed purpose, while making connections with the most unlikely (but necessary) of allies and new loves.
I’m going to skip my way into the third story, eager to see what is in store for these characters and this slow-burn expanding world.
With Clay White we get another compulsive, eloquently written, emotionally-charged narrative by Kim Fielding, where monsters learn to thrive and overcome adversity, and the lines between black and white are so deliciously messy and grey.
I find the characters and the world-building to be very elusive and ambiguous in this M/M paranormal series, but I mean that in a positive way. I would imagine it is hard to bring so much to the table in such a limited number of pages, the way Fielding so often does with her short stories, but she dangles just enough detail each time, to hold the reader captive and rapt, and she does it damn well.
In this instalment, we have an unknown supernatural villain draining the life of young men in a manner similar (but worse) than what a vampire would do. No one seems to be doing anything about it, so ex Bureau agent Clay is searching for redemption from past mistakes by conducting his own investigation into the slayings. Along the way he meets enigmatic vampire Marek, who swears he’s also on the hunt for the big bad, while managing to captivate Clay in a way he hasn’t felt in maybe ever.
There was a touch of romance and a pinch of mystery and paranormal intrigue. It was good to see old faces and meet new ones, as I find myself growing more and more compelled by this world and these darker, complex characters, as they seek redemption and renewed purpose, while making connections with the most unlikely (but necessary) of allies and new loves.
I’m going to skip my way into the third story, eager to see what is in store for these characters and this slow-burn expanding world.
September 28, 2020
3.5 stars
Still no real world building, but the atmosphere in these books is wonderful.
This felt quiet and dark, but somehow not too dark. And it is set in present time (I think?), unlike the first book.
Clay White no longer works for The Bureau after a case gone wrong. But he still feels somewhat responsible when someone is killing off young men is San Francisco. When a vampire tells him it is not one of his kind, Clay doesn’t know what to believe. He wants to trust the sexy vampire, but he doesn’t know if he can trust his own judgment anymore..
This is slightly longer than the first book, and just as intriguing. As with Charles and Tenrael, Clay and Marek only get together at the end of this book, but that didn’t bother me at all. I could just feel how Clay was struggling with figuring out what made someone a monster. And how much he wanted Marek, but was afraid of losing himself. There is so much emotion in this series, I really like that.
I think I need to read more Kim Fielding.
Still no real world building, but the atmosphere in these books is wonderful.
This felt quiet and dark, but somehow not too dark. And it is set in present time (I think?), unlike the first book.
Clay White no longer works for The Bureau after a case gone wrong. But he still feels somewhat responsible when someone is killing off young men is San Francisco. When a vampire tells him it is not one of his kind, Clay doesn’t know what to believe. He wants to trust the sexy vampire, but he doesn’t know if he can trust his own judgment anymore..
This is slightly longer than the first book, and just as intriguing. As with Charles and Tenrael, Clay and Marek only get together at the end of this book, but that didn’t bother me at all. I could just feel how Clay was struggling with figuring out what made someone a monster. And how much he wanted Marek, but was afraid of losing himself. There is so much emotion in this series, I really like that.
I think I need to read more Kim Fielding.
November 1, 2019
**2.5 stars** I sure didn't do this story any favors by reading it so soon after Cal Matthews's The Dead. Both feature a lonely, isolated man with a vampire lover. Matthew's book evoked an atmosphere of longing and melancholy, and was peopled with complex, multi-layered characters. Fielding's story strives for the same atmosphere, but in comparison it's superficial, rushing into a feel-good sentimental ending at the expense of character development.
I should also mention that I didn't read the first book in the series, since this one is touted as a stand-alone. Yet the characters from the first book are major players here, so I strongly recommend you don't skip Book 1.
Since this was a miss for me, I'll skip the rest of the series. But Kim Fielding is still a keeper.
I should also mention that I didn't read the first book in the series, since this one is touted as a stand-alone. Yet the characters from the first book are major players here, so I strongly recommend you don't skip Book 1.
Since this was a miss for me, I'll skip the rest of the series. But Kim Fielding is still a keeper.
September 23, 2020
RE-READ Sep 2020:
Honestly? I can read this series over and over again and I will always like to come back...
But... as often as I revisit Grimes and Ten (Corruption) and also Kurt and Des (Convicted), and even John and Harry (Creature)... I seem to have forgotten about Clay and Marek in this Clay White! *shame on me!*
I love that we have here a good dose of Charles Grimes and his Tenrael - their story in Corruption ended rather abruptly (but it was super short, so I get it!). So in book 2 of The Bureau series they get a substantial reappearance, helping the MC, a discharged agent, to discover who/what desiccates young men in San Francisco... And even though the MCs, Clay and Marek, don't spend a lot of page time together I still liked this vampire story very much.
My only one, absolutely teeny tiny, complaint is that while Grimes and Ten have cameos in more that one book of the series, Clay and Marek don't reappear later on... :( And they could have! The ending in Clay White is so open (I'd say that all The Bureau books finish with strong HFNs rather than HEAs) that it'd be very easy to incorporate them in some other bad-ass agent stints... *hint, hint, dear Author!* ;)
I'm off now to revisit John and Harry, even though I put some other books on hold for all those sexy Bureau agents - I simply can't resist them! :)
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Another great addition to the Bureau !
Although less dark and gritty than Corruption, I loved it just as much.
Human Clay and vampire Marek make another strange, unusual couple fighting the unknown evil killing young men...
This part of the Bureau was longer and our MCs spent most of the time separately but it didn't matter. Kim Fielding again provided us with some intriguing plot and great world-building. How does she do it?!?! Hell, if I know, but she rocks !!!
I NEED MORE of our strong, smart and sexy (former) Bureau agents and their "charges"!!! ;)
Honestly? I can read this series over and over again and I will always like to come back...
But... as often as I revisit Grimes and Ten (Corruption) and also Kurt and Des (Convicted), and even John and Harry (Creature)... I seem to have forgotten about Clay and Marek in this Clay White! *shame on me!*
I love that we have here a good dose of Charles Grimes and his Tenrael - their story in Corruption ended rather abruptly (but it was super short, so I get it!). So in book 2 of The Bureau series they get a substantial reappearance, helping the MC, a discharged agent, to discover who/what desiccates young men in San Francisco... And even though the MCs, Clay and Marek, don't spend a lot of page time together I still liked this vampire story very much.
My only one, absolutely teeny tiny, complaint is that while Grimes and Ten have cameos in more that one book of the series, Clay and Marek don't reappear later on... :( And they could have! The ending in Clay White is so open (I'd say that all The Bureau books finish with strong HFNs rather than HEAs) that it'd be very easy to incorporate them in some other bad-ass agent stints... *hint, hint, dear Author!* ;)
I'm off now to revisit John and Harry, even though I put some other books on hold for all those sexy Bureau agents - I simply can't resist them! :)
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Another great addition to the Bureau !
Although less dark and gritty than Corruption, I loved it just as much.
Human Clay and vampire Marek make another strange, unusual couple fighting the unknown evil killing young men...
This part of the Bureau was longer and our MCs spent most of the time separately but it didn't matter. Kim Fielding again provided us with some intriguing plot and great world-building. How does she do it?!?! Hell, if I know, but she rocks !!!
I NEED MORE of our strong, smart and sexy (former) Bureau agents and their "charges"!!! ;)
October 6, 2017
"Monsters come in many guises. Some of them are human."
Clay White knows this to be true. A big beast of a man, Clay's seen more than his fair share of monsters, the biggest of which being his own father. After being "let go" from the Bureau for a case gone horribly wrong, Clay's drifting in life, not setting down roots. But just because he no longer carries a badge doesn't mean he can't still hunt down those who would harm the innocent.
He's on the trail of who he thinks may be the cause of the latest string of desiccated young men that have been turning up around the city. He catches up to Marek, his suspected perp, in a local club and hopes, by some subterfuge, to take him down.
Things aren't always what they seem, however, when he discovers that not only is Marek not the villain he's looking for, but that Marek is also on the hunt for this monster.
This book had a different feel than its predecessor, Corruption. It takes place in a more modern time, at least from what I could garner by the subtle hints dropped throughout the story. While I liked the tone and tempo of this, I missed the somewhat ethereal feel of the first book. I kept wanting for Clay and Marek to have the connection that Grimes and Ten had. I didn't quite get that here but what I did get was good.
Things didn't turn out like I expected them to when I first started reading this. For some reason, I thought Clay was something other than human. I have no idea why I thought that, but there you go. Sometimes it's best not to look too far into my brain. So, when the events that happened later on in the story, well, happened, I was pleasantly surprised. I love when a story doesn't follow the standard tropes.
And we get to see Grimes and Ten again! They're still together and their connection to each other is stronger than ever. Clay sees their connection and is filled with a want he didn't think he was capable, or deserving, to feel. His thoughts turn to Marek in hope that maybe, just maybe, he can have that same connection with him.
This book left me wanting more. Whether that's because it was so good or because it was too short, I have no idea. All I know is that I'm waiting with bated breath for the next book. I need to see how everything turns out for these guys (Yes, I know. Vague JL is vague).
Recommended for those who enjoy a different take on paranormal. The world building, while subtle, was complete and didn't leave me wanting. And the writing, of course, was excellent. I say give this book a try. If nothing else, your money will go to a good cause.
Read
September 28, 2017This is the second novella in the Bureau series (Corruption is the first) but they can be read in any order. Picture a noir atmosphere, a bitter ex federal agent, and some things that go bump in the night.
January 14, 2021
I really wish the stories in this series had been given more room to develop, I don’t get the choice to make them short stories when the result is that the characters appear just barely outlined and the relationship ends up feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Once again, this could’ve been great if the characters and the relationship had had the chance and the page time. As it was, I enjoyed it, but I was left wishing it had reached its full potential.
October 9, 2017
Even better than the first. Still a novella but a bit longer and giving me that bit more of the characters and world that I wanted. I loved Marek and Clay and am absolutely loving the direction it looks like this may take as a series! Looking forward to whatever is next!
January 5, 2021
Just as good as the first one! Clay and Marek’s connection wasn’t quite as strong as Charles and Tenrael’s, in my opinion, but the engaging plot balanced it out. 👍
Fielding’s writing was on point as always. I really like where she’s taking this.
Fielding’s writing was on point as always. I really like where she’s taking this.
November 23, 2017
Lovely matching- guess who's back? As always, Kim Fielding's sense of the pairing of two beings is wonderful. This time on the occasion that someone is killing young men in San Francisco she teamed up an ex-agency man and a vampire, and as additional help an already established couple of half-man and a demon. She challenges a character's beliefs of what most would consider as a monster, in a world where supernaturals are being hunted because they are considered to be such. In fact how many times our human history has proven that the devil is not the one that seems at first glance. I wanted to explore more of this lurking message through the characters more fleshed out. I wanted more pages. A full book, build up of the characters more.
The writing as usual is flowing and easily readable. The little descriptions provoke enough a sense of atmosphere and an emotive burden to the story. It's an intriguing world.
Once again, the author donated her talent for a great charity cause. The proceeds from the sale of this book will help support Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières.
~3.5~
The writing as usual is flowing and easily readable. The little descriptions provoke enough a sense of atmosphere and an emotive burden to the story. It's an intriguing world.
Once again, the author donated her talent for a great charity cause. The proceeds from the sale of this book will help support Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières.
~3.5~
February 3, 2021
I just want to say that I enjoyed all of the stories but this one didn't stick out as much for me. I can only remember bits and pieces at this point but I know that it was still good just not as good as #1.
October 9, 2017
4.1 Stars
Not as dark and gritty as the first one but still really engaging; I love this 'verse KF has created and hope to see lots of stories spanning the decades that the Bureau has been in operation.
Not as dark and gritty as the first one but still really engaging; I love this 'verse KF has created and hope to see lots of stories spanning the decades that the Bureau has been in operation.
January 14, 2021
Another flawless written addition to the Bureau series, with an excellent world building and a great and gloomy plot .
I can not warm up to the two MC’s .I really can not . Clay is a person with many regrets and more than a few grudges and then there’s Marek , the vampire with a concience and who isn‘t the killer Clay takes him first for . Don‘t get me wrong , they’re fascinating characters , very likeable and I’m glad they have their connection in the end but I ‘m missing just that little spark between them .
On the other hand I love the reappearance of Ten and Charles because Clay is pointed in their direction by his former boss to get help with his “case” .
Tenrael and Charles embraced and Tenrael plucked a feather from his wing
and handed it over. Smiling Grimes tucked it into a pocket . It was such an intimate scene .
I just love these guys . (Therefore my 4*) .And now up to the next one , hopefully catching up with Ten and Charles again ....
I can not warm up to the two MC’s .I really can not . Clay is a person with many regrets and more than a few grudges and then there’s Marek , the vampire with a concience and who isn‘t the killer Clay takes him first for . Don‘t get me wrong , they’re fascinating characters , very likeable and I’m glad they have their connection in the end but I ‘m missing just that little spark between them .
On the other hand I love the reappearance of Ten and Charles because Clay is pointed in their direction by his former boss to get help with his “case” .
Tenrael and Charles embraced and Tenrael plucked a feather from his wing
and handed it over. Smiling Grimes tucked it into a pocket . It was such an intimate scene .
I just love these guys . (Therefore my 4*) .And now up to the next one , hopefully catching up with Ten and Charles again ....
December 1, 2021
“I’d spent years flirting with death. Now, wonder of wonders, I embraced the undead. And I wanted to do it forever.”
August 16, 2024
Dark and creepy and sexy as %$#@*. I'll admit, I thought Clay was a bit stodgy but he grew on me. Marek the vampire? Oh, yeah. Charles and Tenrael appearing just added to the overall flow. Loved it.
**** 1/2 stars
**** 1/2 stars
November 1, 2019
3.5 stars
Wonderful but still a bit too short for my liking. I need more of Clayton and Marek's scenes together.
I liked the atmosphere and I thought the chemistry between Clayton and Marek was palpable from the very beginning. The ending particularly, was an effective gut-punch but satisfying at the same time. And it's great to visit Charles and Tenrael again.
I still have question ... soooo
Wonderful but still a bit too short for my liking. I need more of Clayton and Marek's scenes together.
I liked the atmosphere and I thought the chemistry between Clayton and Marek was palpable from the very beginning. The ending particularly, was an effective gut-punch but satisfying at the same time. And it's great to visit Charles and Tenrael again.
I still have question ... soooo
October 7, 2017
3.5 stars (rounded up only because like Fielding’s stories)
Even double the pages of Corruption, at 80+ pages this second novella in the Bureau series was still too short. These books deserve to be a full length novels. It’s frustrating! It makes me like the idea or promise of the stories more than I like actual books.
Even double the pages of Corruption, at 80+ pages this second novella in the Bureau series was still too short. These books deserve to be a full length novels. It’s frustrating! It makes me like the idea or promise of the stories more than I like actual books.
February 15, 2018
Cant wait for the next book.
October 6, 2018
More a 2.5
I had trouble getting into this one.
I wasn't really grabbed by either Clay or Marek. I did find myself interested once Clay was captured. But then it was over and I'm afraid Clay and Marek alone couldn't give me what I wanted.
Mostly I think this was just too short to really give me the world building I need.
I had trouble getting into this one.
I wasn't really grabbed by either Clay or Marek. I did find myself interested once Clay was captured. But then it was over and I'm afraid Clay and Marek alone couldn't give me what I wanted.
Mostly I think this was just too short to really give me the world building I need.
October 30, 2017
The second book in Kim Fielding's "Bureau" series is dark, but less foreboding compared to the first one...and I am so happy to see that Ten, the Demon who was abused by humans in an utterly horrible manner (I almost stopped reading) , is now happy with his significant other...
Clayton White is an ex-Bureau agent who was severed to pay the price of a botched raid. Under a tough demeanor, he is a good and noble man-almost a Chandler-esque character. He seeks redemption by hunting a killer who is sucking the lives out of young gay men. During the search, he encounters a 300-year old vampire who will change Clay's life forever.
The serial killer character is interesting-and befitting our times.
I
Clayton White is an ex-Bureau agent who was severed to pay the price of a botched raid. Under a tough demeanor, he is a good and noble man-almost a Chandler-esque character. He seeks redemption by hunting a killer who is sucking the lives out of young gay men. During the search, he encounters a 300-year old vampire who will change Clay's life forever.
The serial killer character is interesting-and befitting our times.
I
Read
October 25, 2021Once again, no rating. Like Corruption, the first book in this series, Clay White was an intriguing short story. Also like Corruption, it was super insta-love *sigh* And when I say insta, I mean “love” after meeting and spending just a few hours together one night. That said, the story is not intended as a romance, at least I don’t think it is. Clay and Marek’s relationship is never the focus and Marek’s role in the book, while important and significant is very limited. That worked for me. I was far more fascinated by the paranormal, creepy, gumshoe, noir aspect and atmosphere of the story anyway. I’m here for the paranormal noir and will definitely continue with the series.
Fielding says that these books can be read as stand alones and in any order, but I feel like you would appreciate this story much more if you do read Corruption first as Charles and Tenrael play an important role in Clay White.
Also worth noting, all proceeds from the sale of this book go to Doctors Without Borders.
Fielding says that these books can be read as stand alones and in any order, but I feel like you would appreciate this story much more if you do read Corruption first as Charles and Tenrael play an important role in Clay White.
Also worth noting, all proceeds from the sale of this book go to Doctors Without Borders.
September 23, 2021
Great supernatural story.
I love that this short stories are built on each other. I was glad to see the previous MCs here, and I hope the next book will constant everyone so far. I enjoyed this a lot, can’t wait where are we going next!
I love that this short stories are built on each other. I was glad to see the previous MCs here, and I hope the next book will constant everyone so far. I enjoyed this a lot, can’t wait where are we going next!
October 31, 2019
3,5 stars
This was an entertaining installation to this series. I liked this couple a lot. There's a lot of story despite the short page count.
This was an entertaining installation to this series. I liked this couple a lot. There's a lot of story despite the short page count.
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