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Offbeat Crimes #2
The Pill Bugs of Time
Vikash Soren, the perfect police officer except for his odd paranormal ability, never seems to lose his temper. Always serene and competent, he’s taken on the role of mediator in a squad room full of misfits. But on the inside, he’s a mess. Unable to tell his police partner that he loves him, Vikash struggles silently, terrified of losing Kyle Monroe as a lover, partner, and friend.
But life in Philadelphia’s 77th Precinct doesn’t leave much room for internal reflection. A confrontation with a stick-throwing tumbleweed in Fairmount Park leads to bizarre consequences involving pill bugs, statues, and... time travel?
If Vikash manages to survive the week and stay in one point in time, he might be able to address normal things like relationship problems. He just needs Kyle to have a little more patience. Maybe a few centuries worth...
But life in Philadelphia’s 77th Precinct doesn’t leave much room for internal reflection. A confrontation with a stick-throwing tumbleweed in Fairmount Park leads to bizarre consequences involving pill bugs, statues, and... time travel?
If Vikash manages to survive the week and stay in one point in time, he might be able to address normal things like relationship problems. He just needs Kyle to have a little more patience. Maybe a few centuries worth...
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2015
40 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Angel Martinez
93 books678 followersAngel Martinez currently lives part time in the hectic sprawl of northern Delaware and full time inside her head. She has one husband, one son, two cats, a love of all things beautiful and a terrible addiction to the consumption of both knowledge and chocolate.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 19, 2018
So this story is about Vikash’s PoV which I find so interesting and unique. Yes, his narrative isn’t as active and light as Kyle but I find his thoughts to be very different and genuine and engaging. 😌 For example, as a bi-sexual or rather a pan myself, I have never thought about being bi is more difficult than being gay. But turns out, what Vikash is saying is absolutely true. When I’m dating a guy, people just automatically assume I’m straight and when I’m with a woman, they just assume I’m gay. So I think it’s quite difficult for bi or pan or gender-fluid people to identify themselves and explain to others that they aren’t straight. 😁 Anyhow, despite this heavy issue I just brought up, man, Angel Martinez is definitely in a roll. 👏 What a crazy, eccentric, wickedly genuine and enthralling little story this is! I couldn’t get enough! 😱 I loooove everything about this story. In fact, the little nerd in me loved this storyline even more than the first novel because it’s just so authentic and refreshingly sci-fi. 😂 And talk about those non-human consultants of 77th precinct. We have already established that I’m officially in love with Mr. LJ aka animated leather jacket and now I’m getting even more!!! The tumbleweed monster that turned out to be not a monster after all? OMG! 😍 I love that adorable tiny worm! ❤️ And Vikash’s travel to past and future were very exciting and spectacular. I bet the life back in the stone age would be pretty exciting despite lack of any knowledge or finesse. 😁 And that plot about future! Mind-officially-blown! 😳 I’m so glad Kyle and Vikash were able too work to out everything in the end. They so deserve each other and a happily ever after of course together with that princes cat of Vikash’s. Now, I can’t wait to read a sun-stoked vampire who can only drink skimmed-blood. I need me more of these misfits. 😉
5 Vikash finally said L word to Kyle stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 Vikash finally said L word to Kyle stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 23, 2016
I'm SO into Angel Martinez right now! First came Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters, which totally charmed me, and now this follow up? So good! If you are into quirky, short sci-fi romance reads, you HAVE to give this series a go.
In this story, we get Vikash's POV, which is a change from the first book. I think I slightly enjoyed being inside Kyle's head more, but it did give me a lot of insight about Vikash as a character. He is more serious and less funny, but seeing things from his perspective was wonderful as well.
The plot was sort of crazy like in the first book, but in a good way. Time-traveling! Pill bugs! Primitive-human orgies! I absolutely love the side characters, especially Mr. Jacket and Tim, and I think that Angel Martinez is so imaginative with her storytelling. I actually could have used another 50 pages of time-traveling goodness, but I really liked the fast-pace of the story. I read the story super quickly, pounding it down in just a couple of hours, unable to put it down.
Again, the romance was there but not the main focus of the story. That was actually okay with me because I like more action than relationship development in my urban fantasy-type stories. I think this story was a good mix of both.
I can't wait for more books in this series. I'm always on the hunt for light, adventurous, easy, off-beat reads, and this fits the bill to a T!
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
In this story, we get Vikash's POV, which is a change from the first book. I think I slightly enjoyed being inside Kyle's head more, but it did give me a lot of insight about Vikash as a character. He is more serious and less funny, but seeing things from his perspective was wonderful as well.
The plot was sort of crazy like in the first book, but in a good way. Time-traveling! Pill bugs! Primitive-human orgies! I absolutely love the side characters, especially Mr. Jacket and Tim, and I think that Angel Martinez is so imaginative with her storytelling. I actually could have used another 50 pages of time-traveling goodness, but I really liked the fast-pace of the story. I read the story super quickly, pounding it down in just a couple of hours, unable to put it down.
Again, the romance was there but not the main focus of the story. That was actually okay with me because I like more action than relationship development in my urban fantasy-type stories. I think this story was a good mix of both.
I can't wait for more books in this series. I'm always on the hunt for light, adventurous, easy, off-beat reads, and this fits the bill to a T!
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
June 18, 2019
Boundless imagination, a quirky sense of humour and two really likeable MCs.
What a chuckle at some of the 'superpowers' the guys at the precinct have! And at the weirdest 'monsters' I've probably come across. Ms. Martinez must have had a ball coming up with that! Not even talking about Mr. Jacket. He is just pure genius!
And yet the tone of book 2 is more serious and more heart-rending, as we get Vikash's POV. I felt for the guy and all the worries and issues he carries around. The depth of his feelings for Kyle is bottomless, even if he can't quite get them all out there.
Fab writing and so much going on in a relatively short novel!
What a chuckle at some of the 'superpowers' the guys at the precinct have! And at the weirdest 'monsters' I've probably come across. Ms. Martinez must have had a ball coming up with that! Not even talking about Mr. Jacket. He is just pure genius!
And yet the tone of book 2 is more serious and more heart-rending, as we get Vikash's POV. I felt for the guy and all the worries and issues he carries around. The depth of his feelings for Kyle is bottomless, even if he can't quite get them all out there.
Fab writing and so much going on in a relatively short novel!
May 5, 2017
Pop culture crunch!
Totally offbeat, amusing Philly paranormal precinct. All those weird things that happen in cities that nobody really talks about beyond legend, yeah, there's a group to handle that. Their talents vary from the cool to absurd, but even they have problems with the newest scourge:
Wouldn't be a problem if it weren't the size of a hot dog truck and time traveling.
Our main heroes, Kash and Kyle, are working on their own relationship issues when Kash falls a foul of the pill bugs. The magic carpet ride has its ups and downs, but nobody wants to come face to face with
The team is entertaining as always. This is fun to read, and the bonus is Kash finally making some personal progress so that he and Kyle can move forward. This is 3.5, but GR sucks with no half stars still, but I was entertained and read it quick so roundup to 4.
Totally offbeat, amusing Philly paranormal precinct. All those weird things that happen in cities that nobody really talks about beyond legend, yeah, there's a group to handle that. Their talents vary from the cool to absurd, but even they have problems with the newest scourge:
Wouldn't be a problem if it weren't the size of a hot dog truck and time traveling.
Our main heroes, Kash and Kyle, are working on their own relationship issues when Kash falls a foul of the pill bugs. The magic carpet ride has its ups and downs, but nobody wants to come face to face with
The team is entertaining as always. This is fun to read, and the bonus is Kash finally making some personal progress so that he and Kyle can move forward. This is 3.5, but GR sucks with no half stars still, but I was entertained and read it quick so roundup to 4.
April 4, 2019
Another fun installment with this crazy crew. I was glad we got Vikash's POV because if I wasn't in his head and knew he loved Kyle, I would have thrown my iPad across the room. As it was, I was still tempted. I just never understood his behavior. Nothing anyone said or did, well I guess except Vance, led him to believe their relationship wouldn't be accepted. I wish I'd had a little more background to understand his behavior. I hated the way he treated Kyle and at times wanted to tell Kyle to move on. But of course, it all works out. Such fun and crazy characters.
June 29, 2015
3.5 stars
The Pill Bugs of Time is the follow-up to the delightful Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters, which introduced me to the quirky (and sometimes WEIRD) characters of the Philadelphia’s 77th Precinct. In this follow-up, Vikash Soren takes over the narration from his partner/lover Kyle Monroe. Bisexual Kash always has trouble to express his feelings, especially when he is with a male lover. He is still in the closet for that particular relationship, which makes it a bit tough since he doesn't want to acknowledge Kyle as his lover in public.
Honestly, I thought Kash was being a bit too emo and mushy here. He just acted rather differently compared to the Kash I read in "Lime Gelatin", where he was more mysterious. I wonder if it is because of the POV change? I didn't like this change *shrugs*
Another thing, I wish Kash spent more time in the 23rd century because I thought the future was intriguing! I also thought being there would probably help Kash to be more expressive towards Kyle -- if only he was not being yanked into 21st century as fast. Because, the resolution to that particular problem became quite predictable in the end. The device-theme that Martinez used to make Kash changed his stance was used in romance too many times to count. I could guess it from million miles away.
But the secondary characters here?? Darn, they were AWESOME. I loved LJ (the animated leather jacket) and Tim the black-striped purple fuzz. So many unique characters here and I loved each and everyone of them!
The Pill Bugs of Time is the follow-up to the delightful Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters, which introduced me to the quirky (and sometimes WEIRD) characters of the Philadelphia’s 77th Precinct. In this follow-up, Vikash Soren takes over the narration from his partner/lover Kyle Monroe. Bisexual Kash always has trouble to express his feelings, especially when he is with a male lover. He is still in the closet for that particular relationship, which makes it a bit tough since he doesn't want to acknowledge Kyle as his lover in public.
Honestly, I thought Kash was being a bit too emo and mushy here. He just acted rather differently compared to the Kash I read in "Lime Gelatin", where he was more mysterious. I wonder if it is because of the POV change? I didn't like this change *shrugs*
Another thing, I wish Kash spent more time in the 23rd century because I thought the future was intriguing! I also thought being there would probably help Kash to be more expressive towards Kyle -- if only he was not being yanked into 21st century as fast. Because, the resolution to that particular problem became quite predictable in the end. The device-theme that Martinez used to make Kash changed his stance was used in romance too many times to count. I could guess it from million miles away.
But the secondary characters here?? Darn, they were AWESOME. I loved LJ (the animated leather jacket) and Tim the black-striped purple fuzz. So many unique characters here and I loved each and everyone of them!
June 23, 2018
Oh yes, I’m totally digging this series.
I’m a sucker for time travel stories, so when it looked like Vikash was indeed time traveling due to some bug under his skin, oh yeah baby!
This second book is told entirely from Vikash POV and we finally get to know why he sometimes acts so cold towards Kyle. It’s not because he doesn’t love Kyle, but simply because he is scared.
But when a bug terrorizes the city, they need everyone on the team to find out what’s going on. When Vikash is out looking for clues with Kyle he is suddenly no longer in the 21st century. He appears to be somewhere in the future. While this could be fascinating, all Vikash feels is lost. Lost because his family is dead. Kyle is dead. He’s not sure how to get back or even if that’s possible at all.
When Vikash wakes up in the hospital next, he is so happy to see Kyle. And even though he wants to hold Kyle and never let him go, he’s still so scared to display any kind of PDA.
And it does look like Kyle might have had enough of that, and Vikash might lose him. But then Vikash is once again attacked by the bug, and transported into the past this time….
I have to admit that I loved being in Kyle’s head more than Vikash’s. Vikash was a bit hard to like sometimes with all his hangups about being bisexual, and was super scared to be labeled gay.
But these stories are fast, action-packed, and never boring. Throw in a bunch of interesting characters and I’m a happy girl.
Most definitely a series I’m enjoying the heck out of.
I’m a sucker for time travel stories, so when it looked like Vikash was indeed time traveling due to some bug under his skin, oh yeah baby!
This second book is told entirely from Vikash POV and we finally get to know why he sometimes acts so cold towards Kyle. It’s not because he doesn’t love Kyle, but simply because he is scared.
But when a bug terrorizes the city, they need everyone on the team to find out what’s going on. When Vikash is out looking for clues with Kyle he is suddenly no longer in the 21st century. He appears to be somewhere in the future. While this could be fascinating, all Vikash feels is lost. Lost because his family is dead. Kyle is dead. He’s not sure how to get back or even if that’s possible at all.
When Vikash wakes up in the hospital next, he is so happy to see Kyle. And even though he wants to hold Kyle and never let him go, he’s still so scared to display any kind of PDA.
And it does look like Kyle might have had enough of that, and Vikash might lose him. But then Vikash is once again attacked by the bug, and transported into the past this time….
I have to admit that I loved being in Kyle’s head more than Vikash’s. Vikash was a bit hard to like sometimes with all his hangups about being bisexual, and was super scared to be labeled gay.
But these stories are fast, action-packed, and never boring. Throw in a bunch of interesting characters and I’m a happy girl.
Most definitely a series I’m enjoying the heck out of.
June 7, 2017
3.5 stars
September 7, 2017
4.2 Stars
I still can't help but think this would make one amazing and funny as hell television show. SciFi should really consider it; there's just something amazing about these weird officers and their offbeat (HA!) powers. Not to mention a sentient jacket. And Tim, oh gawd, I legit laughed out loud at the image of this little critter wearing that Ken doll police hat.
Also, can I just say how much I appreciate the way AM portrayed Kash's frustration with how society negatively reacts to and/or dismisses his bisexuality? 'Cause that was some well-written angst to struggle with and choosing to move past it in order to make himself and Kyle happy.
I still can't help but think this would make one amazing and funny as hell television show. SciFi should really consider it; there's just something amazing about these weird officers and their offbeat (HA!) powers. Not to mention a sentient jacket. And Tim, oh gawd, I legit laughed out loud at the image of this little critter wearing that Ken doll police hat.
Also, can I just say how much I appreciate the way AM portrayed Kash's frustration with how society negatively reacts to and/or dismisses his bisexuality? 'Cause that was some well-written angst to struggle with and choosing to move past it in order to make himself and Kyle happy.
March 18, 2018
3.5 stars
Better than the first book (and Leather Jacket is now officially part of the team, yay!)
The case was pretty entertaining, certainly more to my taste than the snapping giant turtle, and I prefer Kash's POV to Kyle's. Although I'm glad this installment was shorter than the first, because I wasn't expecting Kash to be so unnerving.
I get it, he needs a lot of time to process things and maybe I'm short on patience these days, since I usually have a soft spot for repressed characters, but it was still a relief when he finally managed to locate his backbone.
Better than the first book (and Leather Jacket is now officially part of the team, yay!)
The case was pretty entertaining, certainly more to my taste than the snapping giant turtle, and I prefer Kash's POV to Kyle's. Although I'm glad this installment was shorter than the first, because I wasn't expecting Kash to be so unnerving.
I get it, he needs a lot of time to process things and maybe I'm short on patience these days, since I usually have a soft spot for repressed characters, but it was still a relief when he finally managed to locate his backbone.
September 20, 2016
Philadelphia’s 77th Precinct, in this world where paranormal abilities can be defective – a mixture of not controllable, entirely useless, or just plain strange – is the setting for a second hilarious action/adventure in the lives of police officers Kyle and Kash. Both of them are cops, partners in fact, and between Kyle’s uncontrollable talent for absorbing anyone’s ability if they get too close to him and Kash’s problem of making bad things happen when he gets angry, they are a pretty capable team. Except when the newest threat turns out to go from a confrontation with a stick-throwing tumbleweed to bizarre consequences involving pill bugs, statues, and time travel.
Kash is the focus of this story, and it was interesting to spend so much time in his head. His need to stay calm at all times is understandable, since he wants to avoid bad luck following him around every time he can’t control his temper. But it does make him a bit of an enigma. As it turns out, he is severely repressed, scared of coming out as bi because nobody in his past has ever understood or accepted it, and even though he has fallen in love with Kyle, he can’t seem to say it out loud. Or even behave in such a way that Kyle doesn’t have to keep wondering if he isn’t good enough for Kash.
The threat from the newest bizarre creatures they uncover brings quite a few things into perspective for Kash. It takes some hair-raising trips into various time periods not his own and a major scare when Kyle almost dies for him to discover what’s critical. Not that he has time to fix things with Kyle for a while yet – the paranormal weirdness just keeps coming.
If you like the paranormal world of the 77th Precinct, if you want to know how Kyle and Kash deal with their attraction and relationship issues, and if you’re looking for a mystery that bends the rules of linear time and is as hilarious as it is entertaining, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Kash is the focus of this story, and it was interesting to spend so much time in his head. His need to stay calm at all times is understandable, since he wants to avoid bad luck following him around every time he can’t control his temper. But it does make him a bit of an enigma. As it turns out, he is severely repressed, scared of coming out as bi because nobody in his past has ever understood or accepted it, and even though he has fallen in love with Kyle, he can’t seem to say it out loud. Or even behave in such a way that Kyle doesn’t have to keep wondering if he isn’t good enough for Kash.
The threat from the newest bizarre creatures they uncover brings quite a few things into perspective for Kash. It takes some hair-raising trips into various time periods not his own and a major scare when Kyle almost dies for him to discover what’s critical. Not that he has time to fix things with Kyle for a while yet – the paranormal weirdness just keeps coming.
If you like the paranormal world of the 77th Precinct, if you want to know how Kyle and Kash deal with their attraction and relationship issues, and if you’re looking for a mystery that bends the rules of linear time and is as hilarious as it is entertaining, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 8, 2016
This was so freaking good. I don't think I've enjoyed time travel this much since I've read C.B. Lewis series. I enjoyed this so much. This picks up a little bit after book one. We are in Vikash's pov. I loved reading from his pov. He is dealing with so much and then he's the victim of the pill bug weird time travel.
I loved the writing in this one, and I could definitely see myself reading this in a full length novel. I loved reading about Vikash vulnerabilities, and seeing the time travel concept. I think Martinez did a wonderful job on the pacing and the writing of the story. I adored seeing some of my favorite characters from book one. Mr. Jacket is my all time fave, and in this one we are introduced to Tim. That fuzz was super cute.
Outside of the fun times, and the supernatural elements that are happening, the relationship is weighing heavenly on Vikash shoulders. He's kinda in the closet when it comes to being out around his peers. He's having all these issues with being comfortable with Kyle as Kyle is with him. I think he went through so much in this that when times really got scary he realized that Kyle was definitely the one, and he didn't care. I can't wait until the next book comes out. I love these shorts.
I loved the writing in this one, and I could definitely see myself reading this in a full length novel. I loved reading about Vikash vulnerabilities, and seeing the time travel concept. I think Martinez did a wonderful job on the pacing and the writing of the story. I adored seeing some of my favorite characters from book one. Mr. Jacket is my all time fave, and in this one we are introduced to Tim. That fuzz was super cute.
Outside of the fun times, and the supernatural elements that are happening, the relationship is weighing heavenly on Vikash shoulders. He's kinda in the closet when it comes to being out around his peers. He's having all these issues with being comfortable with Kyle as Kyle is with him. I think he went through so much in this that when times really got scary he realized that Kyle was definitely the one, and he didn't care. I can't wait until the next book comes out. I love these shorts.
August 4, 2018
This 2nd book was a bit boring, and more than once I wished that the next page was the last. Many times I wanted to punch Vikash in the face, and other times I wanted to hug him.....conflicted feelings are a bitc* ...
The mystery was simple and well not a mystery at all...and I would have liked more time travel scenes(mostly in the future).
Anyway, this was a short, sometimes funny, story and I shouldn't expect too much from books like this. My bad.
Ps= Still waiting for more background info on...well, ALL.
The mystery was simple and well not a mystery at all...and I would have liked more time travel scenes(mostly in the future).
Anyway, this was a short, sometimes funny, story and I shouldn't expect too much from books like this. My bad.
Ps= Still waiting for more background info on...well, ALL.
June 11, 2023
3.5 rounded up
Enjoyable sequel and I'm glad we got a continuation of Kyle & Vikash's relationship. This book was told from Vikash's POV, and while I liked getting a peak in his head, I did enjoy Kyle's POV more and found myself really missing it in this book. The plot/mystery here is also a lot stranger--it really didn't help that I was a bit high when I was reading, and So not my favorite mystery, and I missed Zach's POV, and I do wish the books were a smidge longer because I wanted more of the characters and relationship, but I do think they feel "complete". Overall enjoyable and I'm curious to read the rest of the series, which seems to focus on other characters in the unit--I do wish we got more Kyle & Vikash, but I suppose I'll have to content myself with cameos.
Enjoyable sequel and I'm glad we got a continuation of Kyle & Vikash's relationship. This book was told from Vikash's POV, and while I liked getting a peak in his head, I did enjoy Kyle's POV more and found myself really missing it in this book. The plot/mystery here is also a lot stranger--it really didn't help that I was a bit high when I was reading, and So not my favorite mystery, and I missed Zach's POV, and I do wish the books were a smidge longer because I wanted more of the characters and relationship, but I do think they feel "complete". Overall enjoyable and I'm curious to read the rest of the series, which seems to focus on other characters in the unit--I do wish we got more Kyle & Vikash, but I suppose I'll have to content myself with cameos.
October 17, 2016
4.25 stars
More fun!
More fun!
May 11, 2019
4.5 stars
July 12, 2021
4.5 stars - yet another great book. I love this series!
Vikash’s voice felt true to him and it was great to get inside his head. The time travel was cool and I loved imagination put into it. The romance, or at least the relationship between Kash and Kyle, was front and centre but it detract from the cool paranormal story.
Vikash’s voice felt true to him and it was great to get inside his head. The time travel was cool and I loved imagination put into it. The romance, or at least the relationship between Kash and Kyle, was front and centre but it detract from the cool paranormal story.
March 28, 2018
The Pill Bugs of Time (Offbeat Crimes #2)
Angel Martinez
Pride Publishing, 2016
Four stars
Although on the short side, these Offbeat Crime books have been great fun to read. This is only the second in the series, and there are already six of them out there. Lord, I do have to read more.
Angel Martinez writes with a stylish literacy that seems beyond the call of duty for a smile-inducing paranormal gay romance: “…her multiple legs moving in a swift glissando, like some hyperspeed alien tank tread.” Nice.
I enjoy the character of Vikash Soren, the mixed-race perfectionist, who’s relegation to Precinct 77 starts as punishment, but becomes something much warmer. Of course, with my thing for redheads, Kyle Monroe is delicious as Kash’s love interest. And how could I not love L.J., a character who is literally nothing more than an animated leather jacket (hence the initials)? Precinct 77 is about people with strange or damaged paranormal abilities, who become a tight-knit dysfunctional family charged with keeping a very well-described Philadelphia safe from unearthly creatures.
This book was exciting, a real page-turner, and while the mystery plot wasn’t particularly gripping in itself, the action as written by Martinez was. The quirky time-travel trope gave the author several chances to experiment with different settings, which not only made for fascinating variety, but allowed her to expand upon Vikash’s personality obliquely, as he reacts to these unfamiliar environments.
This is the kind of gay romance that I like best. Great characters, a careful depiction of setting that makes it real, and a central emotional story that focuses the entire narrative without derailing it.
I guess it’s on to book three. I’ll catch up eventually.
Angel Martinez
Pride Publishing, 2016
Four stars
Although on the short side, these Offbeat Crime books have been great fun to read. This is only the second in the series, and there are already six of them out there. Lord, I do have to read more.
Angel Martinez writes with a stylish literacy that seems beyond the call of duty for a smile-inducing paranormal gay romance: “…her multiple legs moving in a swift glissando, like some hyperspeed alien tank tread.” Nice.
I enjoy the character of Vikash Soren, the mixed-race perfectionist, who’s relegation to Precinct 77 starts as punishment, but becomes something much warmer. Of course, with my thing for redheads, Kyle Monroe is delicious as Kash’s love interest. And how could I not love L.J., a character who is literally nothing more than an animated leather jacket (hence the initials)? Precinct 77 is about people with strange or damaged paranormal abilities, who become a tight-knit dysfunctional family charged with keeping a very well-described Philadelphia safe from unearthly creatures.
This book was exciting, a real page-turner, and while the mystery plot wasn’t particularly gripping in itself, the action as written by Martinez was. The quirky time-travel trope gave the author several chances to experiment with different settings, which not only made for fascinating variety, but allowed her to expand upon Vikash’s personality obliquely, as he reacts to these unfamiliar environments.
This is the kind of gay romance that I like best. Great characters, a careful depiction of setting that makes it real, and a central emotional story that focuses the entire narrative without derailing it.
I guess it’s on to book three. I’ll catch up eventually.
August 16, 2020
This was a delightful novella.
We get Vikash's POV in this, which was a nice change from Kyle's POV in the last book. The weird supernatural shenanigans are just as shenaniganery, which is nice!
I'll be the first to admit i wasn't the fondest of the whole 'time-traveling pill bugs' thing, but in the context of the book, it worked. Martinez has a boundless imagination for coming up with some of the randomest and most hilarious storylines and supernatural creatures for this series, which is fun.
It was nice to see Mr. Leather Jacket back and the new addition of Tim the amorphous ball of fuzz (I think that's what he(?) was, at least?). And the rest of the precinct were just as funny as the last book.
The real star of the show is the relationship development between Vikash and Kyle, though. the last book felt like it had been ended abruptly, and this takes care of that. By giving us Vikash's POV, it allows the development of the relationship to take place nicely while also being different than it would have had it been from Kyle's POV. The readers know Vikash's unreliable as a narrator for Kyle's feelings, but they get drawn in nonetheless.
Also, this part was appreciated a lot:
We get Vikash's POV in this, which was a nice change from Kyle's POV in the last book. The weird supernatural shenanigans are just as shenaniganery, which is nice!
I'll be the first to admit i wasn't the fondest of the whole 'time-traveling pill bugs' thing, but in the context of the book, it worked. Martinez has a boundless imagination for coming up with some of the randomest and most hilarious storylines and supernatural creatures for this series, which is fun.
It was nice to see Mr. Leather Jacket back and the new addition of Tim the amorphous ball of fuzz (I think that's what he(?) was, at least?). And the rest of the precinct were just as funny as the last book.
The real star of the show is the relationship development between Vikash and Kyle, though. the last book felt like it had been ended abruptly, and this takes care of that. By giving us Vikash's POV, it allows the development of the relationship to take place nicely while also being different than it would have had it been from Kyle's POV. The readers know Vikash's unreliable as a narrator for Kyle's feelings, but they get drawn in nonetheless.
Also, this part was appreciated a lot:
Unlike fleeing heroines in horror movies though, none of these women in their spikes and pencil skirts fell. They knew how to move in those shoes.
Always nice to have acknowledgment of the fact that knowing how to escape in heels is key to wearing them on a daily basis!
3/5 stars for me
May 11, 2019
This one was cute and fun, and there was some good relationship development, although I could have stood to see more Kyle. Kyle is my favorite, and this one was mostly about Vikash's issues. I'll definitely grab the next one. How many more weird creatures can one precinct adopt?
January 15, 2022
Another great installment.
Plenty of action this time. With a little more insight into Vikash and Kyle.
But again it was new comer Tim and old LJ that really captured my imagination. I really hope they are permanent fixtures in this series.
Plenty of action this time. With a little more insight into Vikash and Kyle.
But again it was new comer Tim and old LJ that really captured my imagination. I really hope they are permanent fixtures in this series.
July 10, 2017
Honestly, Author Angel Martinez just makes me laugh! Her Offbeat Crimes novellas have got to be the most unique creation of a cast of the most lunatic characters ever assembled in a paranormal series. I want to visit Philadelphia’s 77th precinct just to watch this incredible crew in action. Her second story, The Pillbugs of Time gives us much more insight into the ongoing struggle poor Kash has with his growing affection for Kyle. If you have not read the first novella, Lime Gelatin And Other Monsters, I strongly suggest leaving this review until you do. There are definitely some spoilers here if you haven’t already visited this harebrained police force and gotten to know Kash and Kyle.
Picking up where the last book ended, Kash is still struggling with how he feels for Kyle and the potential for it being discovered by both coworkers and everyone else. You see, Kash is bisexual and more than one of his former relationships has gone down in flames primarily because he is so paranoid about coming out of the proverbial closet. It doesn’t help that both his ex-female and male lovers have misunderstood his bisexuality and have scoffed at him, encouraging him to “commit to one team or the other”. But it’s more than that, for Kash has a profound fear that others will view him differently—perhaps with disgust or mistrust should he make his and Kyle’s affections for each other public.
When the two men are called out on a job to contain what appears to be a stick monster who is going on a rampage, Kash is bitten by what the team later discovers are the young offspring of a giant pillbug-like creature. The venom from the bite throws the affected person either forward or backward in time—trapping them there until the pillbug is removed and the venom cleared from their system. For poor Kash this happens more than once and each time, whether thrown years into the future where one’s sexuality is not even an issue or back to the prehistoric past where sex meant the giving of comfort and ménage or more was common, he begins to see that it is his own time era that has so wrongfully distorted what should be simply a beautiful act of love between two partners—same sex or not. But even though he understands that basic fact it doesn’t ease his own worries about his relationship with Kyle or the fears he has taking it public. When the final attack happens and Kyle too is struck by the pillbug, Kash must decide—can he be strong enough to declare his love for Kyle or must he give him up entirely before his lack of decisiveness pushes him away for good?
The strength of these stories comes from the incredible comedic timing and humorous dialogue that author Angel Martinez is just superior at writing. While this story focuses on Kash and Kyle, it is the cast of characters around them that are so incredibly well drawn and just so crazy that make her stories so enjoyable to read. This is some of the best paranormal writing out there primarily because it just doesn’t take itself so seriously—it’s fun, lighthearted yet so impeccably crafted that we believe wholeheartedly that a leather jacket can communicate and be put on the precinct payroll as a paid informant—yes, you heard me—a leather jacket. Nothing is too farfetched in this series because everything rings with such zaniness that you can’t help but believe every wild crime spree that springs up. But amongst all this hilarity, there is real tenderness and love between Kash and Kyle—and your heart just breaks as you watch Kash hide in fear of being outed. His longings for Kyle are so real—just as his worry over being exposed and ridiculed wing with truth as well, he is so utterly conflicted—and it makes you love him even more.
As a side note, I’d like to say that I feel author Angel Martinez really compassionately exposes how I fear many bisexuals grapple with both gay and straight views on bisexuality. They are often made to feel their sexuality is a cop out—an unwillingness to make a “choice” and often due to that very wrong and discriminatory thinking are made to feel marginalized in today’s world. It is a disgrace and when you are privy to how Kash feels—you are struck by how raw and condemned many bisexuals feel. I was grateful for the insights she shed through this humorous story—there were some serious and important points brought home despite this being a romantic comedy.
Picking up where the last book ended, Kash is still struggling with how he feels for Kyle and the potential for it being discovered by both coworkers and everyone else. You see, Kash is bisexual and more than one of his former relationships has gone down in flames primarily because he is so paranoid about coming out of the proverbial closet. It doesn’t help that both his ex-female and male lovers have misunderstood his bisexuality and have scoffed at him, encouraging him to “commit to one team or the other”. But it’s more than that, for Kash has a profound fear that others will view him differently—perhaps with disgust or mistrust should he make his and Kyle’s affections for each other public.
When the two men are called out on a job to contain what appears to be a stick monster who is going on a rampage, Kash is bitten by what the team later discovers are the young offspring of a giant pillbug-like creature. The venom from the bite throws the affected person either forward or backward in time—trapping them there until the pillbug is removed and the venom cleared from their system. For poor Kash this happens more than once and each time, whether thrown years into the future where one’s sexuality is not even an issue or back to the prehistoric past where sex meant the giving of comfort and ménage or more was common, he begins to see that it is his own time era that has so wrongfully distorted what should be simply a beautiful act of love between two partners—same sex or not. But even though he understands that basic fact it doesn’t ease his own worries about his relationship with Kyle or the fears he has taking it public. When the final attack happens and Kyle too is struck by the pillbug, Kash must decide—can he be strong enough to declare his love for Kyle or must he give him up entirely before his lack of decisiveness pushes him away for good?
The strength of these stories comes from the incredible comedic timing and humorous dialogue that author Angel Martinez is just superior at writing. While this story focuses on Kash and Kyle, it is the cast of characters around them that are so incredibly well drawn and just so crazy that make her stories so enjoyable to read. This is some of the best paranormal writing out there primarily because it just doesn’t take itself so seriously—it’s fun, lighthearted yet so impeccably crafted that we believe wholeheartedly that a leather jacket can communicate and be put on the precinct payroll as a paid informant—yes, you heard me—a leather jacket. Nothing is too farfetched in this series because everything rings with such zaniness that you can’t help but believe every wild crime spree that springs up. But amongst all this hilarity, there is real tenderness and love between Kash and Kyle—and your heart just breaks as you watch Kash hide in fear of being outed. His longings for Kyle are so real—just as his worry over being exposed and ridiculed wing with truth as well, he is so utterly conflicted—and it makes you love him even more.
As a side note, I’d like to say that I feel author Angel Martinez really compassionately exposes how I fear many bisexuals grapple with both gay and straight views on bisexuality. They are often made to feel their sexuality is a cop out—an unwillingness to make a “choice” and often due to that very wrong and discriminatory thinking are made to feel marginalized in today’s world. It is a disgrace and when you are privy to how Kash feels—you are struck by how raw and condemned many bisexuals feel. I was grateful for the insights she shed through this humorous story—there were some serious and important points brought home despite this being a romantic comedy.
September 26, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews with a copy provided by the author / publisher for an honest review.)
I’m really liking this Offbeat Crimes series from Angel Martinez. I missed it the first time it was published, but now that the stories have been expanded and re-issued with a new publisher, I’m all over them!
In The Pill Bugs of Time, we catch up once again with Vikash and Kyle, who you will remember from Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters, Book One in the series. If you haven’t read that one yet, I highly recommend you do so before reading this one, since the story basically flows from one to the other.
In this current installment, Vikash and Kyle are still working around their relationship, and Vikash is still totally paranoid about anyone finding out about it. When a new threat shows up in Philadelphia, this time in the form of a giant female pill bug with time travel capabilities who is busily dropping baby pill bugs all over the city…the guys are back in action. Will they be able to get the monster under control? Will Vikash get over himself and admit he has feelings for Kyle?
I loved the new character, Tim, who they meet as a stick-throwing tumbleweed. And Mr. Jacket, LJ, is back and now helping out, alongside Tim. I hope there is more of those two in future books. Speaking of future books. I have no idea if Ms. Martinez plans further adventures in the Offbeat Crimes series…but I sure hope so!
I recommend both books in the series. They are cute, quirky, fast reads, and I really liked both!
I’m really liking this Offbeat Crimes series from Angel Martinez. I missed it the first time it was published, but now that the stories have been expanded and re-issued with a new publisher, I’m all over them!
In The Pill Bugs of Time, we catch up once again with Vikash and Kyle, who you will remember from Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters, Book One in the series. If you haven’t read that one yet, I highly recommend you do so before reading this one, since the story basically flows from one to the other.
In this current installment, Vikash and Kyle are still working around their relationship, and Vikash is still totally paranoid about anyone finding out about it. When a new threat shows up in Philadelphia, this time in the form of a giant female pill bug with time travel capabilities who is busily dropping baby pill bugs all over the city…the guys are back in action. Will they be able to get the monster under control? Will Vikash get over himself and admit he has feelings for Kyle?
I loved the new character, Tim, who they meet as a stick-throwing tumbleweed. And Mr. Jacket, LJ, is back and now helping out, alongside Tim. I hope there is more of those two in future books. Speaking of future books. I have no idea if Ms. Martinez plans further adventures in the Offbeat Crimes series…but I sure hope so!
I recommend both books in the series. They are cute, quirky, fast reads, and I really liked both!
September 11, 2015
This was just cool. I loved the concept of the mystery they were dealing with. I can't say more with out spoilers, but I was fascinated with what Angel did with this concept.
Our favorite characters are back and Kyle and Vikash's relationship is progressing but there are things Vikash is having a hard time dealing with.
Again, L.J. helps save the day and I love the new creatures that are introduced.
Another auto buy series from Angel Martinez for me. :-)
Our favorite characters are back and Kyle and Vikash's relationship is progressing but there are things Vikash is having a hard time dealing with.
Again, L.J. helps save the day and I love the new creatures that are introduced.
Another auto buy series from Angel Martinez for me. :-)
September 24, 2016
Loved it!
Love this series and cannot wait for more!
Seriously, the title itself is enough to make me want to read the book.
Humor, bizarre characters, love and odd occurrences wrapped up together make a wonderful read!
Love this series and cannot wait for more!
Seriously, the title itself is enough to make me want to read the book.
Humor, bizarre characters, love and odd occurrences wrapped up together make a wonderful read!
September 18, 2017
Such a unique world that I can't get enough of. It was just as good as the first book in the series and now I'm going to be anxiously awaiting the next book!
March 17, 2018
So, as with the first book in this series (Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters), I read this book a while ago and seem to have somehow neglected to review it, which is a crime.
I loved this book even more than the first in the series It was wonderful. Even more corny humor to be had, which is great. LJ is back and doing fine, and I'm loving him. The pillbugs were spectacular. We have the same characters as before, so I continue to be happy with the fact that we have a person of color to help with our pitiful M/M diversity. We even get to spend all sorts of time in Vikash's head, so we get to see what makes him tick.
. . . but. Vikash irritated me in some ways. I don't really like it when characters (or people, really) allow their own insecurities to act as a justification to hurt others. I get that Vikash had life experiences that made him hesitant to treat his relationship with Kyle with the care that it deserved, but wow did I not like reading about it. I get that people do that, but I also hate that people do that. It upsets me. Kyle deserved better than that. So did Vikash, actually.
I loved this book even more than the first in the series It was wonderful. Even more corny humor to be had, which is great. LJ is back and doing fine, and I'm loving him. The pillbugs were spectacular. We have the same characters as before, so I continue to be happy with the fact that we have a person of color to help with our pitiful M/M diversity. We even get to spend all sorts of time in Vikash's head, so we get to see what makes him tick.
. . . but. Vikash irritated me in some ways. I don't really like it when characters (or people, really) allow their own insecurities to act as a justification to hurt others. I get that Vikash had life experiences that made him hesitant to treat his relationship with Kyle with the care that it deserved, but wow did I not like reading about it. I get that people do that, but I also hate that people do that. It upsets me. Kyle deserved better than that. So did Vikash, actually.
January 30, 2018
There is so much that I love about this book, it's not even funny. We get to see an established relationship between Kyle and Vikash and the struggles they got through - specifically the latter. Specifically the latter trying to overcome his usual behavior because he…well, he has problems with public affection and problems saying that he loves Kyle. We also get the chance to get inside Kash's head and I am so happy about that and beyond happy that he's a lot more messed up than he appears from the outside.
On a side note, pretty sure this is the first time I've ever heard some ask 'what pronoun do you use?' in anything other than fanfiction. <3
On a side note, pretty sure this is the first time I've ever heard some ask 'what pronoun do you use?' in anything other than fanfiction. <3
December 4, 2018
Very surprised how much of a punch these short ass books have. There’s A LOT going on in this book. It’s really just a fun ride. However, I hate insta-love and from what I can tell the two main characters have known each other an incredibly short amount of time & we’re getting over the top declarations of love, moving in with each other, I love yous. What was a fun adventure turned into a cliche romance novel. Not sure if I wanna continue with the series. They seem to be getting better as the books go on
June 16, 2017
I'm on an Angel Martinez kick right now. I just love her creative world building and humor and in this book, the romance totally works too. We get another book with Kash and Kyle and there are some bumps in the road since the first book. The paranormal adventure part is really great too (pill bugs that make you jump through time - hence the title - :-D). Now onto the next book!
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