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eesh25's review
4.0
4.25 Stars
This was such a pleasant surprise. I'd been having a crappy day because people on the internet were pissing me off, and so I decided to peruse one of my lists of books-that-sound-interesting. I just wanted something entertaining. Something that would make me laugh. This was that and more.
Before I get started—I was surprised by how many lukewarm reviews the book has on Goodreads. But after reading some of them, I think neither the readers nor the book is to blame. It's just poor marketing. Because if you read the official synopsis, it tells you to expect a lighthearted paranormal romance with a demon. And while there is a demon, a romance and humour, the book isn't what you'd expect it to be.
For one, the romance isn't even the only main plot. I might even say that it's a side-plot. And unlike with most romances that have two protagonists, even if they're from the perspective of one person, this one has one protagonist, and that's Sam.
The story starts as expected, with Sam meeting Gideon and having a one-night-stand. Then there's an interview at a MIB-esque place, and Sam finds out about the existence of supernatural creatures, among other things (like Lucifer and God just being jobs given to, albeit powerful, creatures). Then he finds out his one-night-stand is a demon and works at the same place. Five years go by with little interaction until Sam gets a promotion that makes him a part of Gideon's team.
And that's where the book changes. This is Sam's book, about his job and the case he and the rest of the team are working on. It's one that involves pregnant supernatural couples going missing. We see how much Sam likes his job, how smart and competent he is, and we see the team trying to solve the case.
Gideon, while still an important character, is more like the love-interest. And while that's not something that bothered me because I wasn't looking for a paranormal romance specifically anyway, it would definitely bother people who were expecting a completely different book.
That said, I really liked it. Sam was a great main character, and I'm honestly a little bummed out that the sequel's going to follow a different couple. The writing was good, the plot was strong, the pace was great, and the book was entertaining as well as interesting. The romance... I didn't love it, but I liked it. I'd have liked to see a few more interactions between Sam and Gideon, though I know there's a bonus scene set before the last chapter that's about the two. Maybe it should've been included in the book? I haven't read it yet, so I can't be sure.
Other than that, I found this to be a great read that I'd definitely recommend checking out. I loved the little world and team we've been introduced to, and I'm excited about the future books. Especially since there was, I think, a series-wide plot introduced. I wanna see how it will play out. And I wanna see more of Sam. Hopefully, the sequel will be out soon.
This was such a pleasant surprise. I'd been having a crappy day because people on the internet were pissing me off, and so I decided to peruse one of my lists of books-that-sound-interesting. I just wanted something entertaining. Something that would make me laugh. This was that and more.
Before I get started—I was surprised by how many lukewarm reviews the book has on Goodreads. But after reading some of them, I think neither the readers nor the book is to blame. It's just poor marketing. Because if you read the official synopsis, it tells you to expect a lighthearted paranormal romance with a demon. And while there is a demon, a romance and humour, the book isn't what you'd expect it to be.
For one, the romance isn't even the only main plot. I might even say that it's a side-plot. And unlike with most romances that have two protagonists, even if they're from the perspective of one person, this one has one protagonist, and that's Sam.
The story starts as expected, with Sam meeting Gideon and having a one-night-stand. Then there's an interview at a MIB-esque place, and Sam finds out about the existence of supernatural creatures, among other things (like Lucifer and God just being jobs given to, albeit powerful, creatures). Then he finds out his one-night-stand is a demon and works at the same place. Five years go by with little interaction until Sam gets a promotion that makes him a part of Gideon's team.
And that's where the book changes. This is Sam's book, about his job and the case he and the rest of the team are working on. It's one that involves pregnant supernatural couples going missing. We see how much Sam likes his job, how smart and competent he is, and we see the team trying to solve the case.
Gideon, while still an important character, is more like the love-interest. And while that's not something that bothered me because I wasn't looking for a paranormal romance specifically anyway, it would definitely bother people who were expecting a completely different book.
That said, I really liked it. Sam was a great main character, and I'm honestly a little bummed out that the sequel's going to follow a different couple. The writing was good, the plot was strong, the pace was great, and the book was entertaining as well as interesting. The romance... I didn't love it, but I liked it. I'd have liked to see a few more interactions between Sam and Gideon, though I know there's a bonus scene set before the last chapter that's about the two. Maybe it should've been included in the book? I haven't read it yet, so I can't be sure.
Other than that, I found this to be a great read that I'd definitely recommend checking out. I loved the little world and team we've been introduced to, and I'm excited about the future books. Especially since there was, I think, a series-wide plot introduced. I wanna see how it will play out. And I wanna see more of Sam. Hopefully, the sequel will be out soon.
jess_theinkspell's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
napthenknit's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Great lighthearted shifter romance. This isn't the pinnacle of literary achievement; it's a silly romance novel, and that is exactly what I needed as a palate cleanser after a previous book that didn't suit me. I'll be checking out the next one!
sus_would_rather_be_reading's review against another edition
4.0
This was good, but not great.
The story really suffered from there being only a single first person point of view - so a lot of the action was done completely off page. There’s an ultimate battle of sorts in the end of the book and it’s completely off page because your point of view character wasn’t present for it. He gets knocked out and you miss almost everything. The details are kind of recapped in the epilogue but it feels kind of slapped dashed and rushed. You’re only given bits and pieces and the entire “are we a couple in a relationship” convo is done off page and only referenced in the epilogue.
The story really suffered from there being only a single first person point of view - so a lot of the action was done completely off page. There’s an ultimate battle of sorts in the end of the book and it’s completely off page because your point of view character wasn’t present for it. He gets knocked out and you miss almost everything. The details are kind of recapped in the epilogue but it feels kind of slapped dashed and rushed. You’re only given bits and pieces and the entire “are we a couple in a relationship” convo is done off page and only referenced in the epilogue.
matson's review
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.5
I really liked this book but the pacing was off. Having the MCs get together off page and skipping the first three months of their relationship was a weird choice and made it hard to care. Gideon could have been so much more interesting if the relationship was explored beyond two sex scenes.
rosecanread's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
Fun story, interested to continue as the whole series is interconnected on an overarching plot. Need to read in order.
a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Stars Rounded Up
This was a lot of fun!
As per the blurb, Sam works for a covert government agency running interference between humans and paranormal beings. He loves his job with one caveat. He has a lust hate “relationship” with coworker demon Gideon, a guy he once had a one night stand with and thought he’d never see again. Things would be totally fine if they could forever ignore each other in the hallways, but Sam can’t say no to an enticing promotion, one which will place him directly onto Gideon’s team. Awkward!
Oh and there’s a mystery revolving around Sam’s mysterious past and a baddie to catch too ;)
Simply put, if you’re feeling nostalgic for VRC or need an interim fix waiting for the next TIN novel, then this could just be for you! Bonus points for MC Sam being so nicely reminiscent of Finn and Dex respectively. This definitely scratched my itch!
This was a lot of fun!
As per the blurb, Sam works for a covert government agency running interference between humans and paranormal beings. He loves his job with one caveat. He has a lust hate “relationship” with coworker demon Gideon, a guy he once had a one night stand with and thought he’d never see again. Things would be totally fine if they could forever ignore each other in the hallways, but Sam can’t say no to an enticing promotion, one which will place him directly onto Gideon’s team. Awkward!
Oh and there’s a mystery revolving around Sam’s mysterious past and a baddie to catch too ;)
Simply put, if you’re feeling nostalgic for VRC or need an interim fix waiting for the next TIN novel, then this could just be for you! Bonus points for MC Sam being so nicely reminiscent of Finn and Dex respectively. This definitely scratched my itch!
sunnysideup's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
enajunca's review
3.0
Le livre n’est pas mauvais, mais je pense que ce n’est tout simplement pas pour moi. Le world building est foisonnant et a du potentiel mais il y a trop de clichés à mon goût et Sam agit comme une héroïne de mauvaise romance MF: le love interest ne tient aucun compte de son avis ou de ses envies concernant leur relation mais tout va bien, il lui laisse tout passer parce qu’il l’aime. Pourquoi il l’aime? Parce que l’auteure le dit. Et c’est comme ça pour beaucoup de chose, Lily serait le "cœur de l’équipe" mais on la voit très peu et elle interagit par des dialogues mineurs.
Il n’y a pas de développement dans la relation, pas d’évolution sentimentale, juste du sexe, une dispute consistant principalement par Sam essayant d’instaurer un dialogue, Gideon qui boude sans rien dire et fini par agir sans le consentement de Sam, et happy end parce que l’auteure l’a décidé.
De même, on en apprend très peu sur Gideon et c’est majoritairement à la fin du livre.
P.S.: Si vous ne voulez pas être spoilé par l’auteure avant même le premier chapitre, ne lisez pas le "Cast of Characters" dans la version VO. J’ai vérifié, la version VF est clean.
Il n’y a pas de développement dans la relation, pas d’évolution sentimentale, juste du sexe, une dispute consistant principalement par Sam essayant d’instaurer un dialogue, Gideon qui boude sans rien dire et fini par agir sans le consentement de Sam, et happy end parce que l’auteure l’a décidé.
De même, on en apprend très peu sur Gideon et c’est majoritairement à la fin du livre.
P.S.: Si vous ne voulez pas être spoilé par l’auteure avant même le premier chapitre, ne lisez pas le "Cast of Characters" dans la version VO. J’ai vérifié, la version VF est clean.