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Paranormal Investigative Service #1
Faeted Under Fire
A human cop, a paranormal agent, and nine missing kids. Prejudice aside, they have to work together if they want to stop number ten.
Tristan James didn’t know he had a latent paranormal gene in his body until he was attacked on the job as an officer with Tampa PD and killed. As a phoenix shifter, he rose from the ashes and came back stronger than ever. Unfortunately, he was no longer human, this meant no job, no home, no friends. New purpose finds him with the help of a paranormal federal agency offering him a job. He has to put his own learned hatreds aside and accept the paranormals he was now one of.
Maddox Smith loved his job with the Paranormal Investigative Services. He knew what it was like to have no one looking out for you and that’s what made him a good agent. Someone is taking paranormal kids and he has no leads. When a recently turned human is booted from the police and brought to P.I.S. and partnered with him, Maddox wants nothing to do with him. What had the humans ever done for their kind?
Can they forget their biases and solve the case before there’s a tenth?
Tristan James didn’t know he had a latent paranormal gene in his body until he was attacked on the job as an officer with Tampa PD and killed. As a phoenix shifter, he rose from the ashes and came back stronger than ever. Unfortunately, he was no longer human, this meant no job, no home, no friends. New purpose finds him with the help of a paranormal federal agency offering him a job. He has to put his own learned hatreds aside and accept the paranormals he was now one of.
Maddox Smith loved his job with the Paranormal Investigative Services. He knew what it was like to have no one looking out for you and that’s what made him a good agent. Someone is taking paranormal kids and he has no leads. When a recently turned human is booted from the police and brought to P.I.S. and partnered with him, Maddox wants nothing to do with him. What had the humans ever done for their kind?
Can they forget their biases and solve the case before there’s a tenth?
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2022
142 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Cassidy K. O'Connor
63 books284 followersI'm a born and raised Floridian who loves to travel. I married my high school sweetheart, we have three awesome kids and one crazy dog. I love all things Ireland and visited twice! Reading is essential to life and writing is an extension of that. If my books can make you laugh or give you that tingly feeling in your belly I've done something right!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 24, 2025
Dulce, divertido, emocionante
Tristán tiene 20 años siendo policía humano, pero después de un intento de asesinato su gen paranormal despertó y lo convirtió en un fénix. Ahora su vida cambio para siempre, perdió a sus amigos, su trabajo, y tiene que acostumbrarse a una nueva vida. Sin embargo, ahora es parte de los policías paranormales y tiene un trabajo. Cómo será su vida ahora? Podrá volver a tener amigos? Se acostumbrara a ser diferente?
Un libro realmente entretenido, divertido y dulce. Me gustó mucho el universo, el hecho de que los paranormales vienen de una "dimensión" diferente y quedaron estancados en esta hace años. Me gustaron muchos de los personajes, y quiero ver cómo se desarrolla la relación entre los protas. Es seguro que seguiré con la serie más adelante.
Tristán tiene 20 años siendo policía humano, pero después de un intento de asesinato su gen paranormal despertó y lo convirtió en un fénix. Ahora su vida cambio para siempre, perdió a sus amigos, su trabajo, y tiene que acostumbrarse a una nueva vida. Sin embargo, ahora es parte de los policías paranormales y tiene un trabajo. Cómo será su vida ahora? Podrá volver a tener amigos? Se acostumbrara a ser diferente?
Un libro realmente entretenido, divertido y dulce. Me gustó mucho el universo, el hecho de que los paranormales vienen de una "dimensión" diferente y quedaron estancados en esta hace años. Me gustaron muchos de los personajes, y quiero ver cómo se desarrolla la relación entre los protas. Es seguro que seguiré con la serie más adelante.
April 27, 2023
Bummer
The swearing turned me off completely, it’s like the characters can’t finish a sentence without adding fuck of asshole it’s just a turn off
The swearing turned me off completely, it’s like the characters can’t finish a sentence without adding fuck of asshole it’s just a turn off
October 24, 2022
Years ago in this universe there was a rift between the human world and a world inhabited by paranormal beings with the result of a paranormal society parallel to the human one. We never get details how that happened or about the time until the now civilized structures were established. It's not likely that the only lasting effect of such an event would be lingering bias and revulsion but that's what it seems to be. It would have been easier to ignore the origin-story completely and only start with the fact that there are 2 parallel societies with their own structures and probably their own rules. Just start this buddy mystery like such a story is supposed to start: create a situation where a narrow-minded detective is forced to join forces with the other side and while working on a difficult case together, overcomes his prejudices and even become friends with the other detective or because this is also a paranormal romance: become lovers.
The twist of Fated Under Fire is that Tristan, the narrow-minded detective, is human but a violent attack during an investigation turns him in a phoenix shifter which leads to loosing his job, his home, his friends. Even now on his down low he has a hard time to accept the offer for being a consultant for the paranormal investigation department and only accepts because the job is about abducted kids, so not wildly original but could still be a pleasant read. It's just that it only takes a look at the fine ass of his partner to be attracted to a guy of a species he despised until then and it doesn't even take a week to be an integral part of the team and liking it, much too fast and too effortless. While the banter and teasing between Tristan and Maddox was still nice to read for a time, the police working procedures were cheap and as unrealistic as small-town police show from the early 60s. Add the case resolution and its poor attempt to include genetic theories and procedures then there was just no way to give it a 3 star rating.
The twist of Fated Under Fire is that Tristan, the narrow-minded detective, is human but a violent attack during an investigation turns him in a phoenix shifter which leads to loosing his job, his home, his friends. Even now on his down low he has a hard time to accept the offer for being a consultant for the paranormal investigation department and only accepts because the job is about abducted kids, so not wildly original but could still be a pleasant read. It's just that it only takes a look at the fine ass of his partner to be attracted to a guy of a species he despised until then and it doesn't even take a week to be an integral part of the team and liking it, much too fast and too effortless. While the banter and teasing between Tristan and Maddox was still nice to read for a time, the police working procedures were cheap and as unrealistic as small-town police show from the early 60s. Add the case resolution and its poor attempt to include genetic theories and procedures then there was just no way to give it a 3 star rating.
March 4, 2023
** 1.5 stars **
This was not good. It read like a first draft and needed a developmental editor badly. One dimensional characters, no background, no chemistry and pretty much no romance, no descriptions and complete lack of research into anything. Skip read the last 20% because it was just cringy. The idea is great but the execution is very poor. Will not read this author again.
This was not good. It read like a first draft and needed a developmental editor badly. One dimensional characters, no background, no chemistry and pretty much no romance, no descriptions and complete lack of research into anything. Skip read the last 20% because it was just cringy. The idea is great but the execution is very poor. Will not read this author again.
September 24, 2022
Wow! This author duo was new to me but I am so glad that I took the chance with this book! Apparently, I just found the first book in what is going to be a very unique and fantastic series!
Tristan is just your average police detective investigating a series of child abductions, until a brutal attack leaves him battered and dead in the hospital - or, at least, dead for a little while. Turns out Tristan has latent paranormal genes - Phoenix, to be exact - and he awakes from death a full fledged shifter. And due to rampant species bigotry and hatred, he's suddenly out of a job, friends and his apartment - when his roommate kicks him out! Talk about the worst day of his life!
Maddox is a Senior Specialist with the Paranormal Investigative Services - P.I.S. 😄 - and an Ogre/Fae hybrid (do not ask him about his wings!). He's been working on a string of paranormal kids being abducted and he's not at all happy about being saddled with a newly turned paranormal - no matter how irritatingly attractive the infuriating man is! Nope! They'll just work the case and keep all their personal feelings tamped down.
When the investigation leads the two back to the human cases, a pattern begins to emerge. A pattern that is going to shake both agencies to their cores and to the discovery of something that could change lives!
This book had a really unique backdrop and you learn about the world of humans and paranormals in bits and pieces that actually worked into the storyline really well. The two MC's are snarky and a bit pigheaded but I enjoyed the push and pull and banter between them. There's an entire cast of secondary characters that we get introduced to in bites that give you just enough but hoping for more in future books. I loved Maddox's mom and the teenage sprite prostitute that he helps out and really hope to see more of them. The romance aspect is a slow burn and I'm hoping that Tristan and Maddox move a little faster in sequels. I think they'll be pretty hot once they give in to their attraction! Not to mention, more fuel for their snappy retorts and playful teasing.
All-in-all, I found this to be a fun paranormal adventure with a really unique storyline and I'm honestly looking forward to reading future books in this series. Definitely a thumbs up recommend!
Tristan is just your average police detective investigating a series of child abductions, until a brutal attack leaves him battered and dead in the hospital - or, at least, dead for a little while. Turns out Tristan has latent paranormal genes - Phoenix, to be exact - and he awakes from death a full fledged shifter. And due to rampant species bigotry and hatred, he's suddenly out of a job, friends and his apartment - when his roommate kicks him out! Talk about the worst day of his life!
Maddox is a Senior Specialist with the Paranormal Investigative Services - P.I.S. 😄 - and an Ogre/Fae hybrid (do not ask him about his wings!). He's been working on a string of paranormal kids being abducted and he's not at all happy about being saddled with a newly turned paranormal - no matter how irritatingly attractive the infuriating man is! Nope! They'll just work the case and keep all their personal feelings tamped down.
When the investigation leads the two back to the human cases, a pattern begins to emerge. A pattern that is going to shake both agencies to their cores and to the discovery of something that could change lives!
This book had a really unique backdrop and you learn about the world of humans and paranormals in bits and pieces that actually worked into the storyline really well. The two MC's are snarky and a bit pigheaded but I enjoyed the push and pull and banter between them. There's an entire cast of secondary characters that we get introduced to in bites that give you just enough but hoping for more in future books. I loved Maddox's mom and the teenage sprite prostitute that he helps out and really hope to see more of them. The romance aspect is a slow burn and I'm hoping that Tristan and Maddox move a little faster in sequels. I think they'll be pretty hot once they give in to their attraction! Not to mention, more fuel for their snappy retorts and playful teasing.
All-in-all, I found this to be a fun paranormal adventure with a really unique storyline and I'm honestly looking forward to reading future books in this series. Definitely a thumbs up recommend!
November 3, 2022
No sex, little passion, and 2 confused cops
While I don't need sex in every chapter, I do expect it at least once in the story. This story didn't even have any heavy petting. Mostly the two main characters, who are supposed to be love interests, go through the story being alternately confused and annoyed with each other, and the resolution of those conflicted feelings comes so late in the story that there really isn't any time to explore the relationship you'd expect the characters to grow into.
Also, the paranormal aspect of the main characters plays very little part in the story until the very end. Neither character's paranormal abilities are used to solve the mystery. In fact, this story cooties have proceeded almost identically if the main characters were both regular humans. Not what I expect when I read a paranormal romance.
Finally, the writing is uneven and needs a competent editor, and the quality suffered noticeably around the halfway point and never really improved. Lots of comma splices and poor wording choices.
Skip this one. There are much better cop shifter MM romance stories out there.
While I don't need sex in every chapter, I do expect it at least once in the story. This story didn't even have any heavy petting. Mostly the two main characters, who are supposed to be love interests, go through the story being alternately confused and annoyed with each other, and the resolution of those conflicted feelings comes so late in the story that there really isn't any time to explore the relationship you'd expect the characters to grow into.
Also, the paranormal aspect of the main characters plays very little part in the story until the very end. Neither character's paranormal abilities are used to solve the mystery. In fact, this story cooties have proceeded almost identically if the main characters were both regular humans. Not what I expect when I read a paranormal romance.
Finally, the writing is uneven and needs a competent editor, and the quality suffered noticeably around the halfway point and never really improved. Lots of comma splices and poor wording choices.
Skip this one. There are much better cop shifter MM romance stories out there.
October 10, 2022
A Phoenix rising, an ogre with fairy wings... what has fate got in store?
This is one amazing book! If you'd looking for non- stop sex, this book doesn't have any. That said... it Doesn't Need any. It is fantastic as is! There is drama, missing kids, a latent Phoenix rising, an ogre shows his wings. It is full of desperation, scorn, and outright hatefulness. But it also has acceptance, compassion, courage, insight, and the triumph of a job done well. This is a HFN, as their story continues in the next book. I can't wait! You are so gonna love this book!
This is one amazing book! If you'd looking for non- stop sex, this book doesn't have any. That said... it Doesn't Need any. It is fantastic as is! There is drama, missing kids, a latent Phoenix rising, an ogre shows his wings. It is full of desperation, scorn, and outright hatefulness. But it also has acceptance, compassion, courage, insight, and the triumph of a job done well. This is a HFN, as their story continues in the next book. I can't wait! You are so gonna love this book!
April 14, 2024
This was a lot more interesting than I expected. It was also one of those worlds that doesn't feed you all the information of the world right away and yet gives you everything you need to know. I'll get the sequels and read then soon, I hope. While the book has a good ending to leave as is, I want to know more
November 13, 2022
I liked the idea but struggled with the execution. It felt jumpy and sudden in many places as though there were scenes missing and the pov sometimes changed mid-chapter. The solution to the crime puzzle was pretty obvious early on and it was hard to wait for Tristan and Maddox to catch up. All in all this could have been a really cool crime-romance but in the end fell short on both counts in my opinion.
January 2, 2023
It was okay. It felt like more of a rough draft of a novel rather than a finished book. It felt muddled. The characters were interesting but it all felt a little shallow. The big “mystery” was frustrating where why the villain was doing what they were doing was really obvious. The ending wasn’t really satisfying but I’ll try the second book to see if it comes together better. There’s potential for something here.
July 17, 2023
Rough start, poor finish
While the mystery happening in this book was somewhat interesting, the two core characters it follows are very frustrating and not well written and the world is poorly built up, creating a rather lackluster overall read.
This is a world where paranormal creatures live alongside humans, but it is done so in contention. Humans hate and fear paranormals, which in turn has paranormals fearing for their safety and building up hatred of humans. As such they live together but separate, with different restaurants, different living areas, even different police forces. How this all came to be isn't exactly explained though; there is some mention of a past event but it is often quickly skipped over, and it doesn't really explain the whole bit about people changing from human to paranormal.
Tristan is a human cop working a case in missing children when he is killed, but wakes up as a Pheonix. This whole transformation is weird, because at first it is explained as something that could happen to anyone with it in their genetic past, then that is brought into question, and in the end it is pretty much explained as literally anyone can become paranormal but doesn't so...?????? Tristan pretty much loses everything by becoming paranormal, but the Paranormal Investigation Services offers him a job because of his past work history. This in a of itself just feels weird; they offer him a job which he can just take and become a full agent, no effort to become a federal agent with a badge. Super weird. Tristan is contentious about it but agrees to help the children and soon finds out more about the paranormal world and what's happening which leads him to want to stay.
Maddox is an agent for PIS and loves his job, though his personal life is lonely. He isn't happy to have Tristan onboard as he knows the man will be untrusting of paranormals, but needs the information and help the other man can offer. Working together he finds he enjoys Tristan's work and company as they work to solve the case. The relationship was honestly the weirdest part of the book. It jumps so often in illogical ways. The two hate each other at first, but after some five minutes of working together start to like each other for no logical reason. Within the first day they are jealous of other men showing interest and acting like a couple even as they still seem to 'hate' each other. Suddenly they are all sexual innuendo with each other, but very hot and cold where as soon as it is suggested it is shut down. Despite there being no real progress in how they act with each other and some confusing mention of smell, which was never brought up before, they are suddenly deciding they are probably it for each other even though they haven't even really dated yet. It was all over in pacing and chemistry, never really lining up, and with this being the driving force for the story it really made the story fall apart.
While the paranormal story behind it all is a fascinating idea, the actual execution leaves much to be desired. Between a lackluster romance, poorly written characters and world, and more leaps than a frog, it just made for not a very good read.
While the mystery happening in this book was somewhat interesting, the two core characters it follows are very frustrating and not well written and the world is poorly built up, creating a rather lackluster overall read.
This is a world where paranormal creatures live alongside humans, but it is done so in contention. Humans hate and fear paranormals, which in turn has paranormals fearing for their safety and building up hatred of humans. As such they live together but separate, with different restaurants, different living areas, even different police forces. How this all came to be isn't exactly explained though; there is some mention of a past event but it is often quickly skipped over, and it doesn't really explain the whole bit about people changing from human to paranormal.
Tristan is a human cop working a case in missing children when he is killed, but wakes up as a Pheonix. This whole transformation is weird, because at first it is explained as something that could happen to anyone with it in their genetic past, then that is brought into question, and in the end it is pretty much explained as literally anyone can become paranormal but doesn't so...?????? Tristan pretty much loses everything by becoming paranormal, but the Paranormal Investigation Services offers him a job because of his past work history. This in a of itself just feels weird; they offer him a job which he can just take and become a full agent, no effort to become a federal agent with a badge. Super weird. Tristan is contentious about it but agrees to help the children and soon finds out more about the paranormal world and what's happening which leads him to want to stay.
Maddox is an agent for PIS and loves his job, though his personal life is lonely. He isn't happy to have Tristan onboard as he knows the man will be untrusting of paranormals, but needs the information and help the other man can offer. Working together he finds he enjoys Tristan's work and company as they work to solve the case. The relationship was honestly the weirdest part of the book. It jumps so often in illogical ways. The two hate each other at first, but after some five minutes of working together start to like each other for no logical reason. Within the first day they are jealous of other men showing interest and acting like a couple even as they still seem to 'hate' each other. Suddenly they are all sexual innuendo with each other, but very hot and cold where as soon as it is suggested it is shut down. Despite there being no real progress in how they act with each other and some confusing mention of smell, which was never brought up before, they are suddenly deciding they are probably it for each other even though they haven't even really dated yet. It was all over in pacing and chemistry, never really lining up, and with this being the driving force for the story it really made the story fall apart.
While the paranormal story behind it all is a fascinating idea, the actual execution leaves much to be desired. Between a lackluster romance, poorly written characters and world, and more leaps than a frog, it just made for not a very good read.
March 7, 2023
a exciting, immersive journey into a new partnership and journey towards a romantic relationship
Rating: 4.25🌈
Faeted Under Fire was a wonderful find. The vibrant cover caught my attention and the imaginative storytelling is just so well done. Both authors are new to me, so I was excited to see what they brought to paranormal fiction.
The universe building is sparse as far as how human beings and the paranormal realm came to exist together. The authors deal with this question in smattering of sentences that raise more questions than answers. Where they spend their narrative energy and enthusiasm is in the creation of the paranormal “section’ of the city much like we have a Chinatown or Little Italy. Only more as in the past when the cities were more racially segregated.
It’s a lively, culturally diverse community, with food trucks and bars owned, and run by the various paranormal species. It feels alive. Sometimes grungy and a perfect fit for the pod or group of paranormal investigators to run through or hang at .
O’Connor and Lyn spent considerable time as well as in creating engaging personalities for their main characters. One is Tristan James, a human cop, who’s prejudiced towards paranormals, and then has to undergo a psychological and physical traumatic change when he’s attacked. Tristan is an amazing perspective for the reader into paranormal life as he’s a fresh viewpoint. I adore him. He’s a good cop and someone trying to be a good person, whoever they may be.
His partner, half orc/half Fae, with prejudices of his own, is Maddox Smith. This character has layers, which continue to get peeled back throughout the story and into the next. He’s one whose character consistently deepens and matures to accommodate changes in the relationships around him.
This is the first story so everyone is still learning about each other and getting settled into their new roles.
O’Connor and Lyn kept me involved in the paranormal and human investigations and emotional stories playing out throughout the novel. If I had a bit of a quibble it was that I recognized the villain early on. Not the motivation for all the events, but who it must be at least behind one attack.
However, I do admit that mysteries and crime investigations have been my jam since early childhood. So take that for whatever it may be worth.
In total, Faeted Under Fire (Paranormal Investigative Service Book 1) by Cassidy K. O’Connor and Sheri Lyn is a exciting, immersive journey into a new partnership and journey towards a romantic relationship for two memorable people . I’m absolutely thrilled with my find and recommending it to others.
Paranormal Investigative Service series:
- [x] Faeted Under Fire #1
- [x] Stitched Under Fire #2
- [ ] Taken Under Fire #3 - June 8, 2023
Rating: 4.25🌈
Faeted Under Fire was a wonderful find. The vibrant cover caught my attention and the imaginative storytelling is just so well done. Both authors are new to me, so I was excited to see what they brought to paranormal fiction.
The universe building is sparse as far as how human beings and the paranormal realm came to exist together. The authors deal with this question in smattering of sentences that raise more questions than answers. Where they spend their narrative energy and enthusiasm is in the creation of the paranormal “section’ of the city much like we have a Chinatown or Little Italy. Only more as in the past when the cities were more racially segregated.
It’s a lively, culturally diverse community, with food trucks and bars owned, and run by the various paranormal species. It feels alive. Sometimes grungy and a perfect fit for the pod or group of paranormal investigators to run through or hang at .
O’Connor and Lyn spent considerable time as well as in creating engaging personalities for their main characters. One is Tristan James, a human cop, who’s prejudiced towards paranormals, and then has to undergo a psychological and physical traumatic change when he’s attacked. Tristan is an amazing perspective for the reader into paranormal life as he’s a fresh viewpoint. I adore him. He’s a good cop and someone trying to be a good person, whoever they may be.
His partner, half orc/half Fae, with prejudices of his own, is Maddox Smith. This character has layers, which continue to get peeled back throughout the story and into the next. He’s one whose character consistently deepens and matures to accommodate changes in the relationships around him.
This is the first story so everyone is still learning about each other and getting settled into their new roles.
O’Connor and Lyn kept me involved in the paranormal and human investigations and emotional stories playing out throughout the novel. If I had a bit of a quibble it was that I recognized the villain early on. Not the motivation for all the events, but who it must be at least behind one attack.
However, I do admit that mysteries and crime investigations have been my jam since early childhood. So take that for whatever it may be worth.
In total, Faeted Under Fire (Paranormal Investigative Service Book 1) by Cassidy K. O’Connor and Sheri Lyn is a exciting, immersive journey into a new partnership and journey towards a romantic relationship for two memorable people . I’m absolutely thrilled with my find and recommending it to others.
Paranormal Investigative Service series:
- [x] Faeted Under Fire #1
- [x] Stitched Under Fire #2
- [ ] Taken Under Fire #3 - June 8, 2023
May 23, 2023
The premise was great, the execution not so much. The dialogue felt very clunky, it was incredibly obvious that the bad guy was the chief, the second his sick niece is mentioned it was obvious the kids were being abducted so they could be experimented on for a cure but for some reason even after they catch him red handed they're surprised by why he was doing it, the romance was basically missing except it felt like maybe a "true mates" thing was happened at the end, only I don't think it was. There was clearly an attempt at world building because they mention some kind of incident that smashed the worlds together but it seemed to only be in there to give some reason why the two police forces don't interact and it didn't make any sense. They tried to science it up, but should not have. When Tristan's doctor called him to come in for a check up, I thought "oh cool, the twist is going to be the doctor is experimenting" and even that would have been kind of an obvious twist....but then he really just went for a check up. Also no doctor would be like "I know all of the research was done on abducted children by incredibly unethical doctors, but I can use the theory and your blood and whip up a cure and we'll just give it to the dying child no prob" - if you're going that route, make it magic and not science.
Also, Tallie served zero purpose in the story. I thought for sure she'd end up dead and it would be a whole thing.
Also also, no one uses powers except to manifest wings and the bear guy becomes a bear a couple times. What is the point of a paranormal story with almost nothing paranoid going on?
It was just extra disappointing because it had the bones of a good story. The scene at the school was pretty funny.
Also, Tallie served zero purpose in the story. I thought for sure she'd end up dead and it would be a whole thing.
Also also, no one uses powers except to manifest wings and the bear guy becomes a bear a couple times. What is the point of a paranormal story with almost nothing paranoid going on?
It was just extra disappointing because it had the bones of a good story. The scene at the school was pretty funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2025
I saw the cover and thought it was gorgeous with the colours. The world and the mystery drew me in.
Tristan is not the most liked in his police department and is trying to solve the disappearance of teenagers with no breakthrough. An anonymous tip leads to an abandoned house where he is brutally attacked and left for dead. He discovers he is a phoenix shifter and is immediately transferred to a paranormal-only hospital. Reeling from everything, the blows keep coming as he is ostracised from his home and job.
Half troll, half fae Maddox is frustrated as paranormal teenagers keep disappearing and he is not able to figure out what is going on. His superior, Vic suggests taking Tristan in for a fresh perspective and to help him acclimate to his new world. I did like the supporting characters like his mother, Martha and the teenager turned ward, Tallie. His troll community and past with his father was intriguing but was not focused on The Paranormal Investigative Service (P.I.S) felt like a dream workplace. The way their wing are described sounded so cool.
Maddox makes alot of sexual jokes which felt like a front. Their bond felt insta-lovey with not much steam except for kisses. I could get on board with them bonding because Tristan finds a friend and it develops into something more with more time but this moved fast. Both characters are in their late thirties but were written younger. The world is not explained and the reason why humans and paranormals hate each other so much is not clear. There was some strange sentence structuring, words that could have been cut out of dialogue to make things concise and punctuation errors. The reveal felt meh and the crime thriller element developed very slowly. I don't think I would be reading further.
Tropes: M/M, forced proximity, fated mates
Tristan is not the most liked in his police department and is trying to solve the disappearance of teenagers with no breakthrough. An anonymous tip leads to an abandoned house where he is brutally attacked and left for dead. He discovers he is a phoenix shifter and is immediately transferred to a paranormal-only hospital. Reeling from everything, the blows keep coming as he is ostracised from his home and job.
Half troll, half fae Maddox is frustrated as paranormal teenagers keep disappearing and he is not able to figure out what is going on. His superior, Vic suggests taking Tristan in for a fresh perspective and to help him acclimate to his new world. I did like the supporting characters like his mother, Martha and the teenager turned ward, Tallie. His troll community and past with his father was intriguing but was not focused on The Paranormal Investigative Service (P.I.S) felt like a dream workplace. The way their wing are described sounded so cool.
Maddox makes alot of sexual jokes which felt like a front. Their bond felt insta-lovey with not much steam except for kisses. I could get on board with them bonding because Tristan finds a friend and it develops into something more with more time but this moved fast. Both characters are in their late thirties but were written younger. The world is not explained and the reason why humans and paranormals hate each other so much is not clear. There was some strange sentence structuring, words that could have been cut out of dialogue to make things concise and punctuation errors. The reveal felt meh and the crime thriller element developed very slowly. I don't think I would be reading further.
Tropes: M/M, forced proximity, fated mates
May 26, 2023
So…
So. Yeah. I think in order to review this one, I’m going to have to change the way I view the material in general first.
This wasn’t a book. This was a concept. And that concept got published to see if it was going to garner any interest. And then when it did, no one went back and fixed the concept and turned it into an actual, completed book.
The concept was fine. Interesting enough to grab attention, at the very least. The characters have promise.
HOWEVER, COMMA, the manuscript was a mess. Just.. the whole thing needs to be redone. The mechanics are absolutely terrible. The perspective shifted from sentence to sentence in many places, the grammar and punctuation were a complete dumpster fire, the details lacked substance, the pacing was all off, the writing was flat and monotone and broken/clunky, and the characters and storyline suffered immensely because of it all. It was truly painful to muddle through.
I didn’t see any reviews before I dove into this one, but if I had, I probably would’ve picked something else. I’m finally not the only person picking up on certain things, and that’s a good feeling.
All of that being said, I’m probably going to try and make it through the second one out of curiosity and because of my untreated OCD. I’d love to see this concept fully realised, because I think it could really be something great. Pull it, finish it right, get some great editors for all stages and some experienced, vetted betas, and try again!
2.5/5, I felt bad so I gave it an extra half star for effort.
So. Yeah. I think in order to review this one, I’m going to have to change the way I view the material in general first.
This wasn’t a book. This was a concept. And that concept got published to see if it was going to garner any interest. And then when it did, no one went back and fixed the concept and turned it into an actual, completed book.
The concept was fine. Interesting enough to grab attention, at the very least. The characters have promise.
HOWEVER, COMMA, the manuscript was a mess. Just.. the whole thing needs to be redone. The mechanics are absolutely terrible. The perspective shifted from sentence to sentence in many places, the grammar and punctuation were a complete dumpster fire, the details lacked substance, the pacing was all off, the writing was flat and monotone and broken/clunky, and the characters and storyline suffered immensely because of it all. It was truly painful to muddle through.
I didn’t see any reviews before I dove into this one, but if I had, I probably would’ve picked something else. I’m finally not the only person picking up on certain things, and that’s a good feeling.
All of that being said, I’m probably going to try and make it through the second one out of curiosity and because of my untreated OCD. I’d love to see this concept fully realised, because I think it could really be something great. Pull it, finish it right, get some great editors for all stages and some experienced, vetted betas, and try again!
2.5/5, I felt bad so I gave it an extra half star for effort.
May 22, 2023
Firstly I absolutely loved the cover! This stood out to me and made me read the blurb and then give this book a try. Unfortunately, while I liked the storyline idea and have loved books with similar storylines (THIRDS or MetaHuman Files); this one missed the mark for me.
I'm not sure if it's the writing or maybe intended audience if this is YA or NA, but it didn't feel as mature in writing as the books I usually read. Some of the sentences were also poorly worded.
I struggled a little with connecting to the main characters and their romance, as they jumped around a little too much for my liking and was hard to keep up with how they were feeling about the other person. The timeline didn't quite work for me with what we were actually given, as they seemed to go from almost-friends to just jumping into possibly more without giving us more time of seeing them get to know each other for it to make sense to me as a reader.
I think there was a lot of room for potential here, and hopefully the rest of the series improves; but I'm not sure whether I'll continue at this stage.
I'm not sure if it's the writing or maybe intended audience if this is YA or NA, but it didn't feel as mature in writing as the books I usually read. Some of the sentences were also poorly worded.
I struggled a little with connecting to the main characters and their romance, as they jumped around a little too much for my liking and was hard to keep up with how they were feeling about the other person. The timeline didn't quite work for me with what we were actually given, as they seemed to go from almost-friends to just jumping into possibly more without giving us more time of seeing them get to know each other for it to make sense to me as a reader.
I think there was a lot of room for potential here, and hopefully the rest of the series improves; but I'm not sure whether I'll continue at this stage.
June 16, 2023
New authors to me, but the blurb got my attention. The set up is interesting and we get just enough information to know that there is still much more to learn. I look forward to discovering the origins behind this universe as the books continue.
As for our main characters, Tristan's life has just been flipped upside down and Maddox makes it easy for Tristan to be welcomed to the team with humor and good spirits. These two men are partnered up fairly quickly and it's only then that they realize they've each only been working half the case. The overall tone is fairly light even with such a serious case, and I appreciated the personal touch with the family ties and unlikely friendships. It's obvious from the cover that these men are headed for a romance at some point, but it's still early days yet, and aside from a bit of flirting here and there, it wasn't the focus of this story ... though the ending hints at more for book 2.
Overall, an enjoyable first book.
As for our main characters, Tristan's life has just been flipped upside down and Maddox makes it easy for Tristan to be welcomed to the team with humor and good spirits. These two men are partnered up fairly quickly and it's only then that they realize they've each only been working half the case. The overall tone is fairly light even with such a serious case, and I appreciated the personal touch with the family ties and unlikely friendships. It's obvious from the cover that these men are headed for a romance at some point, but it's still early days yet, and aside from a bit of flirting here and there, it wasn't the focus of this story ... though the ending hints at more for book 2.
Overall, an enjoyable first book.
December 22, 2022
Fate
One, the paranormal agency in this book has an unfortunate acronym, so funny, but unfortunate. Maddox is smart for buying custom gear. Two, for being thrown out of his old life and forcibly thrust into a new one, I think Tristan handled it way better than I would have. Three, I’m intrigued by the very slow burn that we have kindling between Tristan and Maddox.
“‘You know you’ve found them when the idea of them leaving you or dying takes the breath from your lungs and the color from your world. When you know you don’t want to live without that person, you know they are your person.’”
They have the beginnings of something. Is it fate? Only time, and more books, will tell us just how far they’ll go. I have my thoughts and hopes for these two. I really liked the cast of characters in this book and hope we see more of them and that others will get their HEAs along the way.
One, the paranormal agency in this book has an unfortunate acronym, so funny, but unfortunate. Maddox is smart for buying custom gear. Two, for being thrown out of his old life and forcibly thrust into a new one, I think Tristan handled it way better than I would have. Three, I’m intrigued by the very slow burn that we have kindling between Tristan and Maddox.
“‘You know you’ve found them when the idea of them leaving you or dying takes the breath from your lungs and the color from your world. When you know you don’t want to live without that person, you know they are your person.’”
They have the beginnings of something. Is it fate? Only time, and more books, will tell us just how far they’ll go. I have my thoughts and hopes for these two. I really liked the cast of characters in this book and hope we see more of them and that others will get their HEAs along the way.
July 18, 2023
3.5 stars (7/10), 💥
This was a fascinating first book in this paranormal investigative series. I was a little surprised at the basis of Tristan's hatred of supes, and the way he quickly got over it when he actually tried to understand and see them. I found the world-building interesting but a bit lacking. I would have loved to see a bit more of Tristan getting used to his phoenix, maybe some funny mishaps of activating magic or something like that. This book definitely set up the relationship between Maddox and Tristan well, but basically nothing happened between them sexually, and the only 2 kiss scenes were so quickly glossed over, it almost felt like it didn't matter. The disappearances were an interesting plot line, and it felt like it wasn't so heavily focused on that that we didn't get to see much of Tristan and Maddox and the world, which was good. It is definitely the first in a series, and while it sets up well for more, I think it would have been nicer to have a bit more included in this story.
This was a fascinating first book in this paranormal investigative series. I was a little surprised at the basis of Tristan's hatred of supes, and the way he quickly got over it when he actually tried to understand and see them. I found the world-building interesting but a bit lacking. I would have loved to see a bit more of Tristan getting used to his phoenix, maybe some funny mishaps of activating magic or something like that. This book definitely set up the relationship between Maddox and Tristan well, but basically nothing happened between them sexually, and the only 2 kiss scenes were so quickly glossed over, it almost felt like it didn't matter. The disappearances were an interesting plot line, and it felt like it wasn't so heavily focused on that that we didn't get to see much of Tristan and Maddox and the world, which was good. It is definitely the first in a series, and while it sets up well for more, I think it would have been nicer to have a bit more included in this story.
September 22, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
World building is terrible. Who are the paranormal? Wher they come from? Why is their world divided between humans and paranormals? If there’s such a divide, how are laws enforced? How do humans know how is paranormal or not to actually keep that divide?
The grammar mistakes drove me crazy. In the same paragraph we had “vile of blood” written twice. It’s vial, not vile. Capitalization of job titles in one line but not in another (tech/Tech). Wrong use of plural and possessive happened several times.
And don’t get me started on how the former human hates all the paranormal but jumps into a job the paranormal agency and the second he oggles his partner’s ass, all he can think of is hooking up with him.
There’s no support for changed shifters, no social worker to talk to him in hospital and tell him what to expect of his new life? He got attacked while on the job, died, came back to life, shifted and the second he opened his eye, got booted from the hospital with no explanation?
World building is terrible. Who are the paranormal? Wher they come from? Why is their world divided between humans and paranormals? If there’s such a divide, how are laws enforced? How do humans know how is paranormal or not to actually keep that divide?
The grammar mistakes drove me crazy. In the same paragraph we had “vile of blood” written twice. It’s vial, not vile. Capitalization of job titles in one line but not in another (tech/Tech). Wrong use of plural and possessive happened several times.
And don’t get me started on how the former human hates all the paranormal but jumps into a job the paranormal agency and the second he oggles his partner’s ass, all he can think of is hooking up with him.
There’s no support for changed shifters, no social worker to talk to him in hospital and tell him what to expect of his new life? He got attacked while on the job, died, came back to life, shifted and the second he opened his eye, got booted from the hospital with no explanation?
September 25, 2022
I LOVED THIS STORY! From the gorgeous cover to the very end I did not want it to end.
Tristan is a cop and he bleeds blue. He lives in a world where paranormals and humans live side by side neither trusting the other.
Maddox is the paranormals version of a cop. When Tristan is killed in the line and reborn a phoenix his world view is suddenly shifter. His human friends and co-workers want nothing to do with him. He has to learn to navigate a side of the world he knows nothing about. What he does know is being a cop. He and Maddox end up being partners and have to learn to trust one another.
This is a beautifully written slow burn tale of acceptance, prejudice and murder. I can’t recommend it enough.
Tristan is a cop and he bleeds blue. He lives in a world where paranormals and humans live side by side neither trusting the other.
Maddox is the paranormals version of a cop. When Tristan is killed in the line and reborn a phoenix his world view is suddenly shifter. His human friends and co-workers want nothing to do with him. He has to learn to navigate a side of the world he knows nothing about. What he does know is being a cop. He and Maddox end up being partners and have to learn to trust one another.
This is a beautifully written slow burn tale of acceptance, prejudice and murder. I can’t recommend it enough.
October 3, 2022
This book is a lot better than I thought it would be. Tristan is a human cop who unknowingly has a latent paranormal gene. He becomes paranormal when he is killed on the job. After his resurrection he loses his job, his home, and his friends due to prejudice aimed at paranormals. Maddox is with Paranormal Investigative Services. Maddox is working on a case where four paranormal children have been kidnapped. Tristan was working on a case that involved four human children being kidnapped. Now that he is paranormal, he joins Maddox to help find the missing children. The two men make a great team but they have issues to address within themselves in order to move forward personally and professionally. For me this book is good on different levels.
September 27, 2022
not your typical PNR or romance.
A good story but confusing. It’s a paranormal…but not. It’s a contemporary story…but not. Lots of paranormal creatures talked about but no shifting, other than wings appearing, so doesn’t feel paranormal. Several references to a past event that’s never explained so it left me with lots of questions but few answers. It’s the beginnings of a romance but there is very little romance. No HEA and not even really a HFN, more like the early stages of dating than anything. More books are coming with this same couple and I’m looking forward to hopefully get my questions answered and to see more romance.
A good story but confusing. It’s a paranormal…but not. It’s a contemporary story…but not. Lots of paranormal creatures talked about but no shifting, other than wings appearing, so doesn’t feel paranormal. Several references to a past event that’s never explained so it left me with lots of questions but few answers. It’s the beginnings of a romance but there is very little romance. No HEA and not even really a HFN, more like the early stages of dating than anything. More books are coming with this same couple and I’m looking forward to hopefully get my questions answered and to see more romance.
May 7, 2024
Both of these authors are new to me. Apparently sometime in the past, something happened between our world and a paranormal one, really wished we would have gotten more on that. So, Tristan is a human cop and was attacked and died, but apparently, he has a gene that caused him to rise as a phoenix. Again, I really would like more of what happened and why the hatred between humans and paranormals. But putting that aside, I did like watching Tristan coming to terms with what happened and his growing attraction to Maddox. The mystery was also well done. I'm hoping that we get more world building in the next book.
April 9, 2023
Interesting premise
This is a unique take on PNR. An enjoyable read. Some of the world building could be better, the plot was straightforward and no big twists. Overall the writing style was a bit too much telling and not enough showing, and even for a PNR book some points were hard to suspend my disbelief. But I still liked the book and characters enough to continue the series.
This is a unique take on PNR. An enjoyable read. Some of the world building could be better, the plot was straightforward and no big twists. Overall the writing style was a bit too much telling and not enough showing, and even for a PNR book some points were hard to suspend my disbelief. But I still liked the book and characters enough to continue the series.
dnf
May 7, 2023DNF at 25%. Inconsistencies and stilted and/or cheesy dialogue had me squinting from the get-go. But it was the weird jumps in the relationship between the "enemies" that did me in. The ex-human supposedly hates all paranormals, but by 25% he's telling his paranormal partner that he thinks he's sexy and gorgeous and that he made him hard--but please "don't take this the wrong way." What way is the guy supposed to take it?? /sigh
September 28, 2022
Amazing slow burn romance
Tristan has just had the worst day of his life. Fired from his job as a police officer, evicted from his apartment, and, oh yeah, died and was resurrected as a phoenix shifter.
Offered a job with a federal paranormal investigative unit, Tristan struggles to get along with his new parter Maddox as they search for a group of kidnapped children.
Tristan has just had the worst day of his life. Fired from his job as a police officer, evicted from his apartment, and, oh yeah, died and was resurrected as a phoenix shifter.
Offered a job with a federal paranormal investigative unit, Tristan struggles to get along with his new parter Maddox as they search for a group of kidnapped children.
December 23, 2022
One of the sweetest reads of the year
What a whirlwind adventure! I enjoyed this book immensely and read it in one sitting. The characters are great and the world was interesting. I hope we learn more about it in the next book! Maybe we will get to meet Tristan's animal? Who knows ! But I do know that I am here for it. 4.5⭐
What a whirlwind adventure! I enjoyed this book immensely and read it in one sitting. The characters are great and the world was interesting. I hope we learn more about it in the next book! Maybe we will get to meet Tristan's animal? Who knows ! But I do know that I am here for it. 4.5⭐
January 29, 2023
Heartwarming and inspirational
The story tackles real world topics in a direct but tactful way. If you felt like an outsider you can relate to many characters. if you have dealt with family issues you will relate. If you have lived in a city, around other people, or even felt alone you will relate.
This story is not for people who have an issue with M/M attraction.
The story tackles real world topics in a direct but tactful way. If you felt like an outsider you can relate to many characters. if you have dealt with family issues you will relate. If you have lived in a city, around other people, or even felt alone you will relate.
This story is not for people who have an issue with M/M attraction.
May 24, 2023
I enjoyed Tristan and Maddox. I will admit that the story was slow to capture my attention, but I found myself laughing along with the characters. This is a slow burn with plenty of innuendo, but no spice. My current favorite reads are total fire spicy and dark. This book is the complete opposite in a good way. I will be reading book two because I need to see their relationship grow.
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