Review: Shiftless (Night Shift #3) by T.A. Moore

Night Shift is the city's thin, silver line- and some nights it's thinner than others.

It isn't the fact he almost died last night that's thrown Night Shift officer Kit Marlow. He's used to that. It's the fact that instead of a werewolf trying to rip his throat out, it was his friend and colleague who tried to put him in the ground.

Well, 'friend.'

Now Marlow's been framed for a murder he didn't commit by a man who's committed more than his fair share. Half the cops in San Diego want to see Marlow behind bars for what he's supposedly done, and the other half want him dead before he can tell his side of the story. The problem is that he can't tell them apart.

There's only one person in town that Marlow can trust, even though he knows he shouldn't drag Cade Deacon into his problems. The sharp-tongued CEO of a private security firm might have gotten close to Marlow over the last few weeks, but taking on the SDPD is a lot to ask.

Marlow doesn't have much choice, though. If he can't clear his name before the last full moon of the month sets, he might not see another one. That'd be a shame since Marlow would really like to spend the night with Cade without needing protective gear.

This is not a standalone book as it continues immediately right after Swing Shift ends.

Last we saw Kit, his past was coming back to bite him hard, and he’s forced to go on the run, framed for murder. Dare he ask for help from the guy/wolf he’s reluctantly falling for?

Cade in turn, still doesn't want to admit that Kit has gotten under his skin, but actions speak louder than words when he basically pulls out all the stops for his...boyfriend? It's laughable and cute and endearing that these men don't want to show their cards but end up doing so anyways, and both Cade and Kit are ultimately pushed to the limit in what they’re forced to do for the other and not once, do either hesitate.

For my fellow readers who love nice, neat, and perfectly edited and thoroughly explained, unfortunately, you’re not going to get that here. I know that it's been a point of contention in past Moore works so I’m just warning those who’re wondering!

Regardless, I obviously really liked this series (split into 3 manageable parts), and I’m eternally grateful that I didn’t have to wait long for them to come out. Each installment progressed things enough to make me want more and more, not only in the plot development and main mystery but also in the romance. I’m not saying I don’t like it fast, hard, and wet when the occasion calls for it, but I can pull out some patience and am okay to wait awhile to get the ultimate satisfaction, and I can safely say that I was satisfied.

So again, this is a meaty gritty paranormal romantic suspense that one can really sink their teeth into. Definitely no OTT fluff here but when it counts, it counts. I get the feeling Moore is typically not all hearts and flowers, and it shows. Reassuringly, Cade and Kit win, but not everything is tied up perfectly with a big red bow as the author leaves some things dangling and the bad guy(s) don’t always die a slow, deserved painful death.

Overall, this series only served to put Moore on my radar even further. I look forward to going through her backlog, and I will definitely be checking out any future works she may produce!