Tag Team Review: Skin After Skin (PsyCop #8) by Jordan Castillo Price

A Crash Prequel

Fierce. Audacious. Independent. Curtis Ash can’t be bothered to settle down. He’s too busy enjoying his cushy job as a high-paid stylist, caught in a whirlwind of hookups, parties, and obscenely priced cocktails.

The only snarl in an otherwise charmed life is the salon’s hotshot colorist, Red Turner. Not only does Red put the whammy on customers and rake in all the big tips, he’s oblivious to Crash’s flirtation. But there will be plenty of time to win him over…so Crash thinks.

Thanks to his refusal to trust his gut, Crash not only tanks his career—he allows the one man who truly holds his interest to slip away. While he insists he doesn’t need a relationship to complete him, would sharing his life with someone really be so bad?

Skin After Skin is a sweeping saga that begins two years before "Among the Living" and ends just after "Spook Squad". Experience PsyCop like you’ve never seen it before, through Crash’s eyes. Discover new facets of characters and events from the span of the entire series and beyond, all from the viewpoint of an extroverted empath.

                                                                                                                                


R *A Reader Obsessed* - 3.5 Hearts! - Tag team review with Lori!

I really didn't know what to expect from an almost 400 page book about crazy Crash, because as a character who often stole the scenes throughout the Psycop series, I prepared myself for a bunch of excitement, and emotion, and him causing chaos and trouble with all his snark and psychic powers. Maybe a bit disappointingly, that didn’t really happen, but what was given made me appreciate him as a man who does have faults and feelings, and underneath his many layers there’s something more vulnerable and significant than what’s initially presented, and that’s something worth getting to know.

Without going into too much detail, this begins a few years before the Psycop series starts, and the reader’s first glimpse of Crash is him living the life as a stylist at a very high end salon. He’s got seniority, he’s got the boss’s eye, and he’s confidant that he can woo the mysterious new colorist, Red. He’s just a little bit too self involved, but suddenly, his axis is turned upside down one day in a sudden explosion of drama, and Crash finds himself jobless, pretty much broke, and without the intriguing Red.

Through a series of events, one gets to see how Crash goes from rock bottom to the ever brash store owner we know and love, selling psychic wares and offering empathic advice on all things mystical. I loved seeing how each of the original cast members make their entrance into his life. Witness how Crash and Caroline become besties, how he’s slowly made aware of the psychic world around him, how he and Jacob become involved and the whys of how their union fell apart (which I’m still confused about). Lisa also makes her appearance, and I was tickled by Con’s involvement too. Of course, there’s Vic, the titillating attraction between him and Crash, and the huge awkward when they and Jacob all converge.

As I might've mentioned already, this book is long and at times, also quite slow. However, there were some really lovely moments of self reflection and epiphanies and surviving when life shits on you and then shits on you some more and what you do with that shit and turn it around to something viable only to live another day to do it all over again. Crash’s life isn’t easy, but he is a warrior in his own right, and I enjoyed the complexity of his journey and the new insight to his background and motivation.

So, though this was not what I expected, this is still a necessary read for all fans of Psycop. It will definitely enrich your understanding and color your experience. Most importantly, witnessing Crash’s grudging acceptance of all these people in his life and how they’ve become important to him and to each other, forming their own special family of sorts. Surely, this will be significant as the portent of what’s to come is just now rearing it’s most likely ugly head. This was far from flash and bang, but I’m grateful, and I eagerly look forward to this gang’s future adventures.


Lorix - 3.5 Hearts

Before I write anything else I need to state for the record that I am a HUGE JCP fangirl. I adore her writing style, love her characters. I mean I LOVE her characters, no run-of-the-mill hot 'n heavy, muscled cowboys for this writer. Victor Bayne is in my top three book crushes, I adore him, and the Psycops series is one of my favourite series of all time.

Because of this, I feel almost guilty giving this book anything less than 5 hearts. It took me lot of pondering to work out why I didn't want to automatically 5 heart it. I mean, the flawlessly flawed great characters are still there, as is the wonderful Psycop world. Crash is one of my favourite characters in the series, second only to Vic really. The writing is  as good as ever, no over-used tropes to prop up a storyline. So why, why did I only give it 3.5 hearts?

Well I came to two conclusions. Firstly, the book isn't Vic-centric. Yeah, I know, kind of obvious seeing as the book is about Crash (who I love, I really do). What can I say, my crush on Vic knows no bounds and I found I wasn't liking not being in his head.There is truly not a lot anyone can do about that. I mean seriously, I fancy the fuck outta Vic and I missed him being front and centre.

The second conclusion I came to was that I wished it were longer. It felt like too much story for the length of the book. We go back to Crash before he met Jacob and followed him through to events in the other Psycop books - peripherally at least, as Crash isn't an MC in the other books. So I basically wanted, either a spin-off of books about Crash or one LOOOOOOONG tome. I'm rather partial to long books anyway (which is why I often binge read series, I love getting swallowed by an epic story). Again, this is perhaps a me thing. No, scrub that - it is a me thing; I'm greedy and wanted more.

I think basically others will love this addition to the series, but I wanted something more. I loved seeing Crash from the perspective of Crash. He felt different than from Vic's perspective. Funnily enough, I wasn't keen on Jacob through Crash's eyes. Why? Maybe it's my Vic prejudice coming into play. I did love the character of Red and would have happily devoured more about him and Crash.

My rating doesn't reflect JCP's awesomeness as an author but it does reflect my eccentricities as a reader. Readers are often selfish beasts, well this one is, and that is the fault of nobody at all. I say if you're a Psycop fan, go ahead and read this book, even just having that little more insight to the wonderful Crash is worth it.




Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
For more information see Goodreads.

Review: Psycops Briefs (Volume 1) by Jordan Castillo Price

Victor Bayne sees dead people for a living…and he sees them off the clock, too.  After all, ghosts don’t confine their appearances to a psychic medium’s work hours. 

From the macabre to the mundane, from titillating to tender, these PsyCop shorts feature stolen moments between the novels. Get a glimpse of Vic’s life with Jacob between cases, from both men’s viewpoints. Gain new insight on their psychic talents by accompanying them on odd jobs, shopping runs and family visits, or simply enjoy some downtime in the cannery. 

The twenty short works range in length from flash fiction to novelettes, woven together to create a novel-length narrative of Vic and Jacob’s relationship from a fresh perspective. The stories are gleaned from various sources: anthologies, newsletters, and web, with four all-new pieces to tie the collection together and delve deeper into your favorite PsyCops' domestic life. 

I was super excited when I heard that Jordan Castillo Price had put together a collection of Psycops short stories, because I love the Psycops world. Or to be more precise, I love Victor Bayne. Completely and utterly, I love him - and I don't even care that he's a fictional character! Any glimpse into this world therefore is a joy to me.

This collection of short stories - some of which I've read before and some which are completely new - offer an insight to the 'real' Vic. The  Vic in between the big stories, the small interactions that make him him! Some of these stories are shown to us from Vic's perspective and others from that of Jacob, and I love both types. I love the contradiction of how Vic views himself compared to how Jacob sees him. 

I also love the way other ways in which these stories vary; length, style, subject. I couldn't - and wouldn't want to - pick a favourite, but all are written with JCP's excellent eye for detail and humour. I suppose I ought to acknowledge the fact that these stories also offer an insight into JAcob, but frankly. for me, it is all about Vic. I don't think I can ever tire of reading stories with him in. We also meet some other favourites from the series, like Crash.

For anyone who loves the Psycops world I really HIGHLY recommend this collection, it really is an enjoyable read. A great place to get a quick Vic fix!

NB: This works as a companion to the Psycops stories, not as a standalone novel. Let's face it though, reading the Psycops books is not a hardship!

For more information see Goodreads.

A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Review and Excerpt: Wood (Psycop #3.2) by Jordan Castillo Price

Victor Bayne might not be handy when it comes to carpentry, but if there’s one tool he does know how to wield, it’s the tiny metal doohickey that comes with ready-to-assemble furniture from SaverPlus.

The shelves aren’t for the cannery—Vic would never manage to sneak cheap pressboard and veneer past Jacob’s watchful eyes. Jacob’s Uncle Leon, however, is nowhere near as fussy. And since he’s only got one arm, he’ll need help putting together his new treasure.

It’s no surprise to find the instructions baffling and convoluted…but were they always so disturbingly dirty?

This PsyCop interlude is a cute, sexy romp that will delight readers who’ve enjoyed the series through PsyCop #3, Body and Soul.

Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday dear Vic...

Happy Birthday to you.

That's right, today is my favourite PsyCop's birthday and he's we're celebrating with Wood, a new short from PsyCop author, Jordan Castillo Price.

Vic is actually putting up furniture of the flat pack variety, it's the kind of furniture making that is right up his street (the only kind he knows how to assemble, he can wield that doohickey like a pro!) No problemo dude... well, it wouldn't be if he wasn't getting distracted by the filthy instructions.

The furniture may be made of pressboard and veneer, but Vic's still contending with wood.

This short is laugh out loud funny, it really is. Vic is so...Vic, and I couldn't love him more. Putting up furniture is supposed to be awkward, but not in this way. To make matters worse, Jacob's uncle is there, ghostly hand and all. What's a psych to do? The dynamics between Jacob and Vic are perfect and I'd absolutely recommend this to all PsyCops fans. And everyone with a filthy sense of humour.

Excerpt:
Here’s the thing about being in a long term relationship. There’s more involved than just inside jokes and shared mortgages, objectionably healthy things in the fridge, or discarded socks that never find the laundry hamper. Back when a horny, shape-shifting, mirror-shattering entity exploded in Jacob’s apartment and left him with nowhere to sleep that night, I’d suggested he stay at my place. And when we outgrew that place, we found a new one. Together.

That fateful decision didn’t just score me a boyfriend. It earned me a family.

It’s not too big, as families go. Jacob has one sister, and she’s always pissed off about something. Her kid is no gem, either. Both parents are still alive, and grandma too, though I think she’s pushing a hundred fifty. But Jacob’s uncle Leon is the one who shared a special bond with him. He’d taken Jacob to his first concert at age twelve: Weird Al Yankovic. He bought Jacob his first soldering gun. Apparently this was a big thing in late 1970’s Wisconsin. He probably would’ve been the one to teach Jacob to drive stick, too, if his right arm hadn’t been torn off in an industrial accident years before.

I like the guy. I may not have the history Jacob’s got with him, but he’s easy to talk to, and he always acts excited to see me. Missing arm or not, he could count on our help to put together his new furniture. No doubt Jacob’s dad could’ve handled it, but it gave us an excuse to drive up for the weekend without centering our trip around seeing Clayton play soccer or looking at Clayton’s latest science diorama or sitting there uncomfortably while Clayton looks daggers at us. Okay, he only does that to me, not his beloved uncle Jacob—but the point is, I was kinda looking forward to being the youngest guy there in the male bonding session for a change.

Leon greeted us at the door with the standard greeting, asking us how the drive was. The missing arm greeted me with a wave. I nodded at them both while Jacob handled the amicable banalities.

I eased past into the living room while Leon launched into a tale about a certain legendary local speed trap. Even though I’d only seen Leon’s place a few times before, the new remodel startled me with its striking difference. Nothing structural had been changed, but the mishmash of furniture styles was gone. Now there was a theme of sorts. Big, inviting leather couch and chairs, and walls painted various coffee colors, and a sleek flatscreen mounted above the mantel. I thought I’d miss the white walls, but with the monochrome muted palette and lack of clutter, there was a warmth and simplicity to the new setup that I liked. Plus, you gotta hand it to someone willing to remodel at his age. It’s pretty optimistic if you ask me.

The only thing left to handle was putting together the bookshelves. My fingers were itching to tackle the massive stack of cardboard boxes marring the interior wall of the living room and get those cluttery books they contained in some kind of order. My actual preference would be to drop them off at the local Goodwill, but I’ve learned to pick my battles.

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A copy of this story was given in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Memento - audio version - by Jordan Castillo Price, narrated by Gomez Pugh.

Seasons change, and so do fashion trends. But in this heartstring-tugging PsyCop short, what’s beneath the clothes matters most.

Do clothes make the man? Jacob Marks cuts an impressive figure in his tailored suits, but Victor Bayne is another story. Nowadays, Vic does his ghosthunting in off-the-rack blazers, polyester blend slacks and cop shoes with nonskid soles. But back before he was a PsyCop—or even officially psychic—he rocked combat boots and a beat up biker jacket…and lots and lots of punk T-shirts. When he finds a faded tee in the back of a drawer, he’s eager to lob it in the trash. Jacob, however, finds himself waxing sentimental about Vic’s younger, more carefree days.

This steamy 5000-word PsyCop short in Jacob’s voice takes place after PsyCop #6, GhosTV.

Victor Bayne is one of my all time favourite characters. I really love him. Most of the PsyCop stories are written from his point of view. He's self deprecating yet confident. The PsyCop with the talent to see ghosts, to interact with ghosts, yet who fears the shadows. He really is a string of contradictions - beautiful contradictions that make him so interesting (also the Victor Bayne cover model is gorgeous and exactly how I imagine Victor to look). I love reading the books from his POV... but I also love these little shorts from Jacob's opinion.

Victor sees the good side of Jacob; the muscles, the protectiveness; the hard-worker who everyone who is in awe of. The guy who is indestructible. We see him constantly through Victor's eyes and especially in the way he compares them. Jacob sees the wonder that is Victor. I think that is what I gain most from these short interludes into Jacob's head. Everything we know about Victor, about Jacob and Victor's relationship, is confirmed but in a way that is less biased as we have both guys thoughts at last.

I like Jacob's opinion of Vic. A lot. He sees the man I see - and that man is funny, sexy, intelligent...
He is the man I love. Memento is particularly about this, about how Jacob sees Vic and how it differs from how Vic sees Vic. I like Vic, the punk before the suits that is still at the heart of who he is, even if he is mellower in his older age!

I suppose I ought to mention the hot sex. Um, it's hot...

I have to say Gomez Pugh is one of my favourite narrators, and he does this short complete justice. If you like audio books, if you like PsyCops, if you like Jordan Castillo Price, then I'd say give this book a go.

For more information see goodreads.

Review: The PsyCops Series by Jordan Castillo Price

I have just finished marathoning this series (except for the first one, I'd already read that one), including the shorts and I still want more. MORE, I tell you.

Wow. I don't really know where to start this review... actually, that's a lie. I'm going to start with Vic, because, for me, this is all about Vic. I love Vic. I LOVE Vic. I LOVE VIC. Totally and utterly. Starting with the cover model used (I mean HALLO, he's gorgeous and exactly how I pictured Vic, 9 times out of 10 the cover model used doesn't match my mental image but JCP nailed it for me). That scowl, that stubble, that can't-quite-be-bothered look. Perfect.

And, his personality matched. Perfect in that not-at-all-perfect way. A childhood that consisted of moving from one foster family to another. Drug use to control his psychic ability. His psychic ability, the dude sees ghosts, most often caught in the moment of their violent death. Time spent in Camp Hell where he was abused to find out the extent of his powers. Being part of a psycop team, disliked by the rest of the force because they don't understand, or fear, what he can do. Oh, and he's gay. Not that he has a problem being gay, but it isn't exactly embraced in the job he holds.

So, all in all, Vic fears the shadows. He doesn't can't trust easily. Humans and spiritual entities alike are just too willing to use him for their own gain. I'm surprised he holds things together as well as he does. But he does, in the snarkiest, grumpiest, most gorgeous way possible.

Have I mentioned I may love him a little??

As the series develops we see him embrace what he can do, albeit sometimes very reluctantly. His ability is stronger than most realise, because Vic wasn't born yesterday and he knows that being classified a level 5 psychic is risky enough, without anyone realising he is actually stronger. The more he learns about what he can do though, the more responsibility he takes on. It's a funny (perfect) mix of reluctance and responsibility. Kinda like knowing you have to get up to your baby for the fifth time that night no matter how exhausted you are. The difference being you undoubtedly love your baby more than Vic loves the ghosts/paranormal entities, oh, and your baby is most definitely less dangerous.

We meet Vic in book one at his, psycop, partner's retirement party. This is where we also meet Jacob, the non-psychic member of another psycop team. Jacob is seemingly (at least in Vic's eyes) everything Vic isn't. Handsome, personable, super-nice and he has a real thing for psychic abilities. like a real thing. As well as their adventures as psycops and ghost hunting (!!) this series is very much about the relationship between Jacob and Vic.

Now here I have a confession. I love nice characters in books. People use the word nice often in distaste, as if there could be nothing more boring. I think nice is very underrated and, what can I say, it's a quality I appreciate, in fiction and RL. However, yep, there's a however, because Jacob was so nice for several books, I was expecting Jacob to reveal a nasty side - I hope it's not too much of a spoiler when Isay it never appears!!

I did love Jacob and the further the series went on the more I appreciated him. He was there for Vic, wholeheartedly and, boy, did that give him plus points in my book. It's fair to say, not all those Vic thought he could trust could actually be trusted.

In fact, JCP writes fantastic characters. Crash is another favourite, I'm not going to elaborate on him too much because I feel to enjoy Crash properly, you need to experience him first hand. Secondary characters are often my weakness (I sometimes feel those second in nature to the MCs can be more interesting, though in this case Vic holds his own), they can take an interesting story and just make it...more. Crash, Miss Mattie, Lisa... a plethora of others, they all just work to enhance an already fabulous series. JCP manages this without taking the focus off Vic and the main story line.

The ghostly goings on...
The author has the knack of balancing emotional storyline perfectly with action storyline. Each thread is carefully interwoven, clues and hints dropped throughout the manuscript. Sometimes I thought I knew what was happening...at times I was right, at times I wasn't. Sometimes things twisted and turned making me second guess my opinion. In fact, it was just as any mystery story should be. The interaction of guessing and re-guessing is an integral part of the enjoyment for me. If it is too obvious what's going on I skim read to find out if I'm right or not! JCP struck the balance well.

I loved each story. I'm not sure I have one that stands out as a favourite, or any that I felt were meh. Each story worked well, on their own and as part of the series. When I say that, I'm not suggesting you start with book 6, or skip the 3rd book, reading each book definitely benefits the whole psycpos experience, but each book is a contained story in its own right. While some threads carry on throughout the series, there are no dreaded cliff-hangers. None of that stuff that's meant to entice you to the next story (but generally just makes me made as hell that I've only got half a story!)

I'm not going to go into detail about each storyline, what would be the point of you reading them if I did, but I will say I genuinely had difficulty putting each book down to do those everyday things, you know, like go to work, or look after the kids...

I also read one book after another (with, as I said the exception of book 1 - though I'm seriously considering a re-read to remember where it all began) and I definitely have a book hangover, I've DNF'd two stories since I finished this series  (yesterday) already. Send recs ASAP!

One last thing before I go. Voice actor, Gomez Pugh, narrates these audio books. Now I read the books so I can't vouch exactly for these in audio, however I did listen to the audio version of Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price, read by Gomez Pugh, and thoroughly enjoyed his narration.

For more information check out Goodreads or JCP Books.

A copy of this series was given in exchange for an honest review.