Rating: 4.5 🌈
It’s not a secret I love humor in my stories and author A.J. Sherwood does that so well.
So I dove into another series of hers, well backed into it as I already read Brandon’s Very Merry Haunted Christmas, so I knew the main couple superficially from a brother’s pov.
Now I got to see how they met, and get to know them more Intimately.
Sherwood seems to layer at least one of her main characters with a area of emotional damage or trauma to them. Whether it’s been inflicted by their childhood, families, or something else in their past, it’s heavy baggage is something that the character is still carrying.
Jonathan Bane, a licensed psychic, has been emotionally damaged by his parents and childhood. A mother who’s bond with her Anchor caused incredible chaos within the Bane family, leaving Jon with huge issues of trust, abandonment, and fear of commitment. A terrible thing when psychics need a anchor for stability.
For Donovan,it’s scars across his skin that, along with his size, makes people find him intimidating.
Sherwood does an excellent job of making us see exactly how Jon’s gift translates into reality. As well as how he actually he uses it in different situations..
I could, because of this, buy into the growing bond between the two men. Seeing Donovan “glow “ so brilliantly from Jon’s perspective made all the difference. So did the rest of the Havili family. I wish I’d read this first.
The murder mystery was a good one. The resolution and reveal was a stunner, which upped my total enjoyment and appreciation for the writing and plotting of the novel.
The relationship and complicated dynamics between Jon and Donovan is one that will play out over several stories simply because there’s so much to unpack between them. Not the least of which is the Psychic/Anchor deep relationship.
I’m looking forward to all the books and getting to know the rest of the found family of the department.
It’s another terrific story from a author I really enjoy.
Jon’s Mysteries series:
✓ Jon’s Downright Ridiculous Shooting Case #1
✓ Jon’s Crazy Head-Boppon’ Mystery #2
◦ Jon’s Spooky Corpse Conundrum #3
◦ Jon’s Boom Shaka Laka Problem #4
✓ Brandon’s Very Merry Haunted Christmas
Synopsis:
A psychic without an anchor. A student in trouble. A shooter on the loose. I’m Jonathan Bane, a licensed psychic who consults for the police. I routinely help the police put the bad guys away and, for that reason, the criminal world doesn’t like me much. People like to take a swing at me, or go stabbity, or try for a gun. It makes for interesting times. My psychic ability prevents me from handling anything electronic—and I do mean ANYTHING, I fry it in seconds—so calling for help isn’t always a possibility. I need an anchor, a partner, but I’m resigned: it’s just wishful thinking.At least, I thought so until he walked through the door.
Donovan Havili looks like a thug and has the soul of a superhero. He shines so bright in my vision it’s like watching a supernova. He definitely has the right mindset and skills for this crazy job. But asking anyone to take me on long-term is a bit much. And now we’ve got multiple cases to handle, a Chinese exchange student falsely accused who needs our help, and someone taking random shots at me. It’s a bit much for any new guy to handle and I’m half-afraid that my new partner will run for the door.But in Donovan Havili, the criminal world has met its match. And maybe, just maybe, I have as well.
Trigger Warnings:Your average cop show violence and criminals
:tags:Companionable snark, Flirting, Kissing, Jon needs a hug, Donovan gives the best hugs, Getting together, Self-esteem issues, Explicit content, Anal Sex, Romantic Sex, Random shooting, Which Donovan isn’t happy about, Donovan is a gentleman, Sort of, Jon just makes it REALLY REALLY HARD Okay?,
Bisexual character, Public displays of affection, Muscles, Communication, Healthy relationships, The fluff might kill you, Supernatural elements, Modern with Magic, Feels, All the Feels, Mostly accurate medical stuff, Multiple electronics died in the creation of this story, blame Jon
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 