Tag: Offbeat Crimes series

All the World’s an Undead Stage by Angel Martinez

Title: All the World’s an Undead Stage

Series: Offbeat Crimes 06

Author: Angel Martinez

Genre: Comedy and Humor, Erotic Romance, Gay, Paranormal

Length: Novel (144 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (January 2, 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: ‘Old actors never die’ shouldn’t be literally true.

Carrington Loveless III, skim-blood vampire and senior officer of Philly’s paranormal police department, has long suspected that someone’s targeting his squad. The increasingly bizarre and dangerous entities invading their city can’t be a coincidence. So when a walking corpse spouting Oscar Wilde attacks one of his officers, Carrington’s determined to uncover the evil mind behind it all.

As a rare books librarian, Erasmus Graham thought he understood some of the stranger things in life. Sharing a life with Carrington has shown him he didn’t know the half of it. They’ve survived attack books and deadly dust bunnies together and got through mostly unscathed. Now his world and his vampire’s appear ready to collide again. Books are missing from the Rare Book collection—old tomes of magic containing dangerous summonings and necromancy. He’s certain whoever has been stalking the Seventy-Seventh is composing their end game. It’s going to take a consolidated effort from paranormal police, librarians and some not-quite-authorized civilians to head off the impending catastrophe.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-660-2

Product Link: Pride Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Carrington and Erasmus, from book three, are back in this sixth installment of the series. They are still trying to find their footing in their relationship while at the same time Carrington takes over as leader of the squad. The team are on a mission to stop the ending of the world in this showdown against good vs. evil.

I liked the cast of different paranormals withing the unit. They are each different and bring a different element to the series. Well written with drama, action, suspense and mystery this series takes the reader on a journey with the team apprehending bad guys along with getting to know the team members themselves.

Great read.

Jackalopes and Woofen-Poofs by Angel Martinez

Title: Jackalopes and Woofen-Poofs

Series: Offbeat Crimes 05

Author: Angel Martinez

Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novel (225pgs)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (October 3, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Hoax animals and a consulting vampire on the prowl—ACO Jason Shen never thought having a cop boyfriend would be this hard.

All Animal Control Officer Jason Shen ever wanted was a quiet life of rescuing lost kittens and helping animals in need. Having a paranormal cop boyfriend guarantees an end to the quiet part. What at first seems like a random encounter with jackalopes in the park might be more than chance and when State Paranormal sends a handsome, charming vampire to consult with the Seventy-Seventh, he finds his relationship with Alex on shaky ground.

Officer Alex Wolf hoped his humaning skills were improving but now he can’t unravel the strange politics at State Paranormal or why Jason’s family seems to hate him. There’s no time to puzzle things out, either. Bizarre animals are loose in the city, Jason’s acting strange—and is the vampire captain from State flirting with him? Wolf’s going to have to keep his head in the game if he’s going to have any chance of putting the pieces together and keeping the city safe from the strange critters terrorizing its streets.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-636-7

Product Link: Pride Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Continuation of Alex and Jason’s story. Strange things start happening then seem to pick up in intensity for the crew. It delves deeper into Alex and Jason’s relationship plus Jason’s insecurities.

The vampire that was mixed in was not what I would call nice to anyone except wolf who he seemed to be interested in. There is a lot of investigating about different situations in which the crew were involved in. I liked the story but at times I felt bogged down with information.

But overall it was a great addition to the series.

Great read.

Feral Dust Bunnies by Angel Martinez

Angel Martinez - Feral Dust Bunnies CoverTitle: Feral Dust Bunnies

Series: Offbeat Crimes 04

Author: Angel Martinez

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novella (115 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (June 20, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: An orphaned kitten may be the only witness to romance and the impossible.

Officer Alex Wolf responds to a lot of ‘paranormal’ calls that aren’t. Exotic pet birds aren’t monsters and unusual dog breeds aren’t aliens. It’s a good thing he likes the Animal Control officers, but he both yearns for and dreads those calls where he runs into ACO Jason Shen. Jason’s scent is so delicious that Wolf has a difficult time humaning around him.

Animal Control calls take a disturbing turn, though, when Wolf and his lizard-man partner, Krisk, discover the impossibly mummified bodies of rats and an unfortunate mother cat. The rescue of the cat’s sole surviving kitten not only gives Wolf more time with Jason, which is both perplexing and wonderful, but also leads to dangerous discoveries. Something inconceivable stalks the city and its officers of the law. Wolf has to figure out what it is before it can attack and drain the life from the people and the kitten he loves.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-593-3

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/feral-dust-bunnies

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: This story is about Alex, a wolf who has more human traits than wolf. I loved his relationships with his adopted mother and his partner in the unit, Krisk. Alex struck me as a good guy who deserves the best.

However the so called romantic interest Jason I did not like. His attitude at times left a lot to be desired. I did not like his back and forth attitude with Alex nor did I appreciate the way he acted at Krash and Kory’s wedding. 

I did see the attraction Alex felt for Jason and I was hoping he would move on from him. This was my least favorite book in the series so far. It was an o.k. read.

Skim Blood & Savage Verse by Angel Martinez

Angel Martinez - Skim Blood & Savage Verse CoverTitle: Skim Blood & Savage Verse

Series:  Offbeat Crimes # 3

Author: Angel Martinez

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novella (137 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (April 4, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Words damage more than just feelings as Carrington hunts feral books menacing the city.

When a ferocious book attacks Carrington at his own birthday party, he believes it’s an isolated incident. But similar books soon pop up all over town, menacing innocent people with harsh bits of poetry and blank verse that deliver damaging physical blows. It’s a frustrating case with too many variables and not enough answers, and the stakes go up with each attack.

With the help of his misfit squad mates at the 77th and the public library’s Rare Books Department, the missing pieces decrease but not Carrington’s vexations. His commanding officer rakes him over the coals at the beginning of every shift. His police partner has lost patience with what she sees as his delusional relationship choices and his inability to pick the right man in a vast field of two. City Hall demands that the books be stopped immediately. It’s enough to put a nutritionally challenged vampire off his skim blood.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-552-0

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/skim-blood-and-savage-verse

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: The Carr, a vampire who survives on skim blood, is challenged when it comes to a case involving books whose words actually hurt people. I have never read a book quite like this before so I found it fascinating. I could have done without his partners Amanda’s love interest, another female though.

Carr is fascinated by someone through most of the book then suddenly is interested in the consultant. I didn’t buy this relationship as most of it took place at the end and felt forced and rushed to me. However it was great to read.

The overall feel of the story is one of excitement as each element adds to the stories conclusion.

Great read.

The Pill Bugs of Time by Angel Martinez

angel-martinez-the-pill-bugs-of-time-coverTitle: The Pill Bugs of Time

Series:  Offbeat Crimes 02

Author: Angel Martinez

Genre: Erotic Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novella (90 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (September 20, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Relationship and communication issues plague Officer Vikash Soren, but those are nothing compared to facing stick-throwing tumbleweeds, pill bugs and…time travel?

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 as a lover, partner and friend.

But life in the 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.

Publisher’s Note: This book has previously been released elsewhere. It has been revised and re-edited for re-release with Pride Publishing.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-472-1

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/the-pill-bugs-of-time

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: In this second book in the Offbeat Crimes series we are treated to Officer Vikash Soren POV. Vikash is more serious than Kyle was in the first book. But I still enjoyed the difference.

I felt bad for Kyle as his Vikash is still in the closet and has problems expressing how he feels to Kyle. The secondary characters in the story added a delightful funny element to an already fantastic adventure/action packed story. 

I simply love this story. It has time travel, weird creatures, paranormal aspects and two lovers who are still feeling each out all the while confronting threats as they appear. A page turner and a story that enthrals you from start to finish. I loved it.

Highly recommended.

The Pill Bugs of Time by Angel Martinez Blog Tour, Short Story, Excerpt & Review!

angel-martinez-the-pill-bugs-of-time-banner

Hi peeps, we have Angel Martinez stopping by with her newest release The Pill Bugs of Time, we have a fantastic short story about Leather Jacket, a great excerpt and Shorty’s review, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

angel-martinez-the-pill-bugs-of-time-cover

The Pill Bugs of Time

(Offbeat Crimes 02)
by

Angel Martinez

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 as a lover, partner and friend.

But life in the 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.

Offbeat Crimes Series Info:

Every region has them, but no police department talks about them—the weird crimes, the encounters with creatures out of nightmares. The 77th Precincts exist in certain cities to handle paranormal crime and containment, usually staffed with experienced officers exhibiting psychic abilities.

In Philadelphia, through an odd mix of budget issues and circumstance, the 77th is manned entirely by officers with bizarre or severely limited psychic talents. The firestarter who can’t get a spark when it’s humid. The vampire who can’t drink whole blood. These are the stories of the misfits, the outcasts from even the strangeness of the paranormal community. Call them freaks, but they’re police officers first, serving and protecting, even if their methods aren’t always normal procedure.

Continue reading “The Pill Bugs of Time by Angel Martinez Blog Tour, Short Story, Excerpt & Review!” →

Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters by Angel Martinez Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Review!

Angel Martinez - Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters Banner s

Hi guys, we have Angel Martinez popping in today with her new re-release Lime Gelatin & Other Monsters, we have a brilliant guest post, a great excerpt and Shorty’s review, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Angel Martinez - Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters Cover

Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters

(Offbeat Crimes 01)
by

Angel Martinez

Kyle Monroe’s encounter with a strange gelatinous creature in an alley leaves him scarred and forever changed, revealing odd abilities he wishes he didn’t have and earning him reassignment to a precinct where all the cops have defective paranormal abilities.

Just as he’s starting to adjust to his fellow misfit squad mates, Kyle’s new partner arrives. Tall, physically perfect, reserved, and claiming he has no broken psychic talents, Vikash Soren irritates Kyle in every way. But as much as he’d like to hate Vikash, Kyle finds himself oddly drawn to him, their non-abilities meshing in unexpected ways. If they can learn to work together, they might be able to stop the mysterious killer who has been leaving mutilated bodies along the banks of the Schuylkill.

Continue reading “Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters by Angel Martinez Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Review!” →

Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters by Angel Martinez (2nd Edition)

Angel Martinez - Lime Gelantin & Other Monsters CoverTitle: Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters 

Series:  Offbeat Crimes # 1

Author: Angel Martinez

Genre: Erotic Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novella (91 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (19th June 2016 early download)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.75 Hearts

Blurb: Kyle Monroe, his irritating new partner and their fellow freaks at the 77th Precinct must learn to work together to stop a vicious murderer that might not even be human.

Kyle Monroe’s encounter with a strange, gelatinous creature in an alley leaves him scarred and forever changed, revealing odd abilities he wishes he didn’t have and earning him reassignment to a precinct where all the cops have defective paranormal abilities.

Just as he’s starting to adjust to his fellow misfit squad mates, Kyle’s new partner arrives. Tall, physically perfect, reserved and claiming he has no broken psychic talents, Vikash Soren irritates Kyle in every way. But as much as he’d like to hate Vikash, Kyle finds himself oddly drawn to him, their non-abilities meshing in unexpected ways. If they can learn to work together, they might be able to stop the mysterious killer who has been leaving mutilated bodies along the banks of the Schuylkill.

Publisher’s Note: This book has previously been released elsewhere. It has been revised and re-edited for re-release with Pride Publishing.

General Release Date: 16th August 2016

ISBN: 978-1-78651-469-1

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/lime-gelatin-and-other-monsters

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: After a strange encounter with a gelatinous creature in an alley Kyle discovers he has abilities and as a result is transferred to the 77th precinct. The 77th precinct consists of others with odd abilities who make up a paranormal team so to speak. 

Vikash Soren is one such member of the team who gets partnered with Kyle. They are on the case of finding a mysterious killer who leaves mutilated bodies along the river.

What I enjoyed about this book was how well balanced it was. The drama, mystery, humour flowed smoothly throughout. The details of the mysterious killer were interesting as the story progressed.

The main characters were a hoot to read about, especially when they are working together and getting to know one another.

Fantastic and interesting read.