Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Jon's Mysteries #1

Jon's Downright Ridiculous Shooting Case

Rate this book
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.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 22, 2019

599 people are currently reading
2219 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Sherwood

80 books2,003 followers
AJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga.

She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
3,032 (47%)
4 stars
2,216 (34%)
3 stars
900 (14%)
2 stars
204 (3%)
1 star
66 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 881 reviews
Profile Image for Teal.
609 reviews251 followers
dnf
March 28, 2020
In which psychic Victor Bayne — oops, I mean Jonathan Bane — works for the police — oops, I mean works with the police -- partnered with a Stiff — oops, I mean with a non-psychic — to solve crimes in Chicago — oops, I mean Nashville.

You get what I mean?

DNF @ 22%. If you’re going to copy — oops, I mean pay homage to — an already existing and well-loved series, you better bring some impressive writing chops. Not the case here.

____
Popping back in to clarify: I think it’s perfectly fine to be inspired by PsyCop, and to tip the hat to JCP by naming the MC Bane. But still, I wish the author hadn't named the MC Bane. It forces the reader into comparisons that do this book no favors.
Profile Image for Jilly.
1,838 reviews6,688 followers
February 11, 2020
First, there is the title to this book. Then, the blurb with all the "warnings". It made me think madcap shenanigans would prevail, so I had to read it. There was no madcap or shenanigans. I felt a little cheated. As a matter of fact, I don't think I lol'd once. Jilly likes LOLing!!


No, no. That never goes away. Mommy's who do that turn into psychopaths forever.

All I'm saying is that if you put a silly name and humorous blurb, expectations will happen. Don't do that if you can't deliver. Do what I do - tell everyone that you are human trash and then when they see that you aren't that bad, and are only human clutter instead, they are pleasantly surprised by you. Set the bar low enough that the only way is up. I should give motivational seminars. I'm good at this shit.
Oh, I mean.... I'm bad at it. *wink wink*


(Oooh, just got another punch in my "Going to Hell" card. One more and I get a free sandwich made personally by Jared from Subway in Hell. (They only have the Vegie Delight))

The second problem I had was that there were some moments when the dialogue got weird. Like this exchange:

The set-up. Okay, this is the main guy, Jon, having his new partner meet his cop friend who tells new partner that Jon had been shot once:

"Once," I mourned to the world in general, "I get shot once and no one lets me live it down."
(Oooh, I thought. This has the potential to be funny. Jilly knows an opening for a joke when she reads one.)

"Because you've already used up one of your lives with that once, " (Cop Dude) informed me testily, "and you don't have any others to spare. Idiot."
(That wasn't funny. Not at all. Come on, Jon, bring it home to mama with a hilarious retort!.)

"What am I, a cat?" I grumbled.
(um... ha..ha? Was that the punch line? Cop said specifically that he didn't have 9 lives. Plus, not funny. Am I missing something? Also, this is something a grandma would say, not a 20-something who is bantering with his cop buddy. WTF is happening here?)

So, yeah. Not funny. This book is more of a romance with a bunch of mysteries and cop stuff going on as well. Jon is a psychic who works with the police since this is an alternate universe where psychics are real and accepted. He needs a partner to watch his back when he gets all psychic trance-like and for another really big reason:
He is tech-poison. His psychic ability comes with the side-effect of killing anything technology or electrical related. It's a nightmare. If only he were Amish. That would solve everything. Oh, except the psychic part which would mean they might burn him as a witch. And, the gay part. I think they aren't cool with that either. I don't think he has a beard either. Plus, the clothes! Don't get me started on the clothes! What, you can't be Amish and still look cool?



So, he gets his partner in the form of a huge Hawaiian dude who radiates the purest psychic energy Jon has ever seen. This guy has the aura of a saint. So, of course Jon wants to hit that. Who wouldn't want to fuck a saint (said no one ever)?

So once the complaints are to the side, the book was decent. I felt like the main characters were developed pretty well for them to have a series and I'll probably read the next ones. I just won't be expecting the funny.
Profile Image for Wendys Wycked Words.
1,590 reviews3,955 followers
April 14, 2019
Really enjoyed this one, though the romance part did get a bit sappy/cheesy. That said..it was very interesting, I love psychics !! Thanks for the rec Susan !!

Full review to come soon...maybe ;)
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,662 reviews459 followers
September 30, 2025
This was one of those books that I saw in my newsfeed and decided to pick it up and read it, hoping it would grab me. I only read a couple of my friends' reviews and then jumped in with both feet. Boy, am I glad I did. I absolutely loved this book. Real life kept screwing with me and I didn't get to devour it like I wanted to, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Jon is a psychic and human lie detector. He can view other people's auras and meridian lines and knows if they are telling the truth or not. And while that is a great thing, he also fries every electronic he comes in contact with. It makes life difficult for him and those around him. Some have patience with him and others, well, don't. What he needs is an anchor, someone to keep him grounded. In steps Donovan.

Donovan is used to being gawked at and knows he intimidates most people. It makes it hard for him to have any kind of relationship, friend or otherwise, because people immediately see his outward appearance and run the other way because clearly based on his looks he's up to no good. But Jon can see what is truly inside.

Man, did these two need each other. Jon was perfect for Donovan because right away he could see his aura blindingly bright with goodness. And Donovan was perfect for Jon because he knew exactly what to do keep him grounded.

This was just sweet and precious. I mean, we don't even get a kiss until after the 60% mark. This would normally bug the shit out of me because I'm an insta-love kinda gal. But watching these two dance around each other but clearly care for one another was just sweet. And of course, we have all the cases popping up that these two have to help solve.

I am definitely looking forward to the next one. Who knows what these two might get into.
Profile Image for Anita.
2,015 reviews27 followers
June 2, 2019
While there were parts that were fun and quirky, I had a major issue with this book that left me quite ranty. The author tends to stereotype people based on ethnicity. The author introduces a character who is an international exchange student from China. Description starts out as "Asian men never looked their real age." What!? Then the author says that he spoke in a light Chinese accent (what's a light Chinese accent!!??) and THEN proceeds to write his dialogue in broken English..."Ms Thompson and I go to same college. We all thought it hoax." Now just because the man is Chinese, we don't need to further compound the stereotyping by insulting the reader by indicating that Chinese people speak in broken sentences. I am dating myself here but the TV show "Bonanza" from the 1960s had a Chinese character who spoke just like that. The author goes on the say that "he had dark circles under his almond-shaped eyes." Ugh, okay, we get it you want the reader to know this guy is Chinese. Then we go on to describe a bad guy who's "half black, half-Hispanic, he had the dark black hair and almond skin tone of his heritages" Oh my head was about to explode. First, not all biracial people look the same. We go on to talk about Donovan and there's a line when Jon is making pizza and says to himself, "oh because Donovan is Hawaiian, I'll add pineapple to his pizza." Yes because all Hawaiians eat pineapple. At one point, the author describes Sho, the IT guy in the Psy office. Sho is half Vietnamese (author uses that "half" bit quite a lot) and half Chinese. Sho was born in the states but the author takes pains to say he was "American through and through in many ways but did have a few Asian mannerisms." OMG, I just can't with this. What the hell is an "Asian mannerism?" And of course he's American!! He was born in the US!! I suspect the author was trying to show the world that Jon and Donovan lived in was multicultural but I am afraid some of the author's biases and misconceptions about people of color were sprinkled throughout the book. Now I know that I am solidly in the minority on this book but hey, my review, my rules. Ok, rant over. In terms of the plot/story/characters. There were parts that were cute and parts that needed tightening up. At times, Jon and Donovan sounded like middle schoolers. There's a part where Jon asked his cop friend, Borrowman, if he could tell that Donovan liked him. By the way, loved Borrowman, who says "dude, you could see his crush from space." Great line. Then the crimes - you could see a mile away who did the shooting. I mean, the description of the shooter practically put an arrow next that character's head! And I thought Jon says that he is not a telepath early in the book but then says he can "go deep" and do telepathic things. And my final pet peeve - names. All of my fellow MM readers are familiar with and love the Psycops series. The psychic in those books is Victor Bayne. So as I am reading this book, I kept wondering why the author used "Bane" for Jonathan's last name. A slip? A head tip to Jordan Castillo Price?? I don't know but it kept bothering me. I also didn't quite get that whole anchoring business. Yes it was described later but then I thought about Jon's mother and step-dad and their backstory and wondered, ok, how did that work if the stepdad was the mom's anchor. I won't go into more detail since that is rather spoilery. So, not sure I can read another of this author's books. Wanted to like it since it has rave reviews and multiple 5 star ratings. But this book left me sad and angry. Not how you want to feel when all you want is an HEA.
Profile Image for mwana.
477 reviews279 followers
June 1, 2019
OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK.

What drew me to it, was the outrageous title and even more outrageous cover. Everything about it, is just a calling card to me. Along with vodka lemon cocktails, Sony headphones and Mahershala Ali's voice.

Jon is a psychic who occasionally collaborates with the police to solve murders. Mostly he sits in during interrogations and interviews to allow the police to narrow down suspects and find evidence. Think Among the Living series but with less investigative involvement and not about mediuming and more about chakra and aura reading.

This book was funny, captivating, charming... it doesn't have a main mystery but more mini mysteries to establish Jon and Donovan.

I am really looking forward to Book Two.

The book is available on KU at the moment. And I could not recommend it more.
Profile Image for Susan.
2,349 reviews457 followers
August 19, 2019
Re-read August 2019

After re-reading this it is even more clear how boring the second and third book are. This book is quirky and fun and the scenes where Jon uses his ability were just great and even had a few twists! But he hardly even uses his psychic powers in the other two books. So disappointing. Well, at least I'll always have this book.

---------------------------------------

4.25 stars

When I saw the title of this book and the cover I wasn’t sure this book would be for me. I thought this must be an OTT slapstick kind of story. But that wasn't the case (yay!). This book really would benefit from a different title and cover, because I don't think they fit the story.

Because this book was awesome! But not particularly funny or anything.

In this world psychics are a real thing. Different psychics with different abilities who aid the police in their investigations.

Jonathan works for an agency that mostly consults for the police, but can be hired by regular people as well. Jon can see people’s auras, well, all the colors in their body. People’s emotions and actions all have a color, so Jon can learn almost anything about a person just by looking at them. He is also a pretty good human lie detector since he is never wrong.

And that’s what he mostly does for the police, tell them if the suspects are guilty or not. But they still have to come up with solid evidence, so Jon tries to steer them into the right direction.

But Jon’s ability is not always a positive thing, since Jon can’t touch or stand close to anything electronic. It will simply fry. He can’t use a cell phone, or touch an electronic door. He also needs to wear sunglasses all the time since people around him all look like flashing neon lights to him. His life can be… challenging.

When there’s a new hire at the agency Jon takes one look at the man and barges in to tell his boss he should hire the man. Donovan Havili must be the most amazing man Jon has ever seen. He can see deep inside the man, and that man is good to his core. Kind, gentle, patient, and very protective.

Jon’s boss immediately jumps at the chance to partner the two of them up, since Jon has had trouble keeping a partner in the past. But Jon is sure Donovan will be the same. It’s not easy to be around someone who can see your every secret and who can’t be in the vicinity of anything electronic.

But Donovan seems to be thrilled to be partnered up with Jon. The big man is used to people fearing him because he looks like a bad biker mobster, even though he is a big teddy bear inside. Jon seems to be the only one who sees that. It doesn’t help that Donovan has scars of an acid attack. They make him look even scarier.

The two men really hit it off, and it’s not long before Jon notices that Donovan has a crush on someone. But Jon is sure it’s not him, since no one can stand him that long…

I really loved the cases these guys had and Jon using his ability. That was just plain awesome! I was hoping this would be a 5 star read since it started out that way for me. But I have to admit that the romance was just a bit too happy sappy for me. These guys were just a little too cute together. It even felt a bit out of character for Jon sometimes. Like how they suddenly called each other Babe. That didn’t feel authentic at all. I did like the anchor bond they formed, but I would have been happy if that happened in later books. It did feel a bit fast here (that was one of Jon’s concerns too).

But I really liked Donovan and how sweet he was. And I also loved his protectiveness and how he would do anything to protect the people he cared about.

Jon was overthinking things a bit too much at times and that could frustrate me a bit. But he was still a great character and I loved being in his head for this book.

I can’t wait for more books in this series! The romance was sweet, and I loved the characters, but the psychic aspects were what held my interest the most.
Profile Image for Ariana  (mostly offline).
1,682 reviews96 followers
February 16, 2021
Reread in February 2021

I loved this as much as on my first read. And everything I said in my original review still holds up. Maybe I loved Donovan even more this time? That man is just dreamy!
Now that I've refreshed my memory I will go for book 3!

Original review:

*4,5 stars*

There have been a lot of psy-cops about recently.
But I have to hand it to AJ Sherwood – this is really well thought out and different.

Apart from the epilogue this is told from Jon’s POV – and his snark, his compassion, his determination to do the right thing make him ultimately likeable. That’s why it hits double hard when you see what devastating and hurtful effects his ability has on his private life, and how much damage this has left behind.

I loved Jon’s abilities, but I wouldn’t like to live with them. It must be hell to see people that clearly in the long run. Not even talking about blowing up anything electrical when he gets too close. The explanations how he can still have a (mostly) ‘normal’ life are detailed and cover anything from how to use a fridge/microwave (without frying it) and how to survive without a mobile phone.
In his professional life his psychic powers are awesome to watch, and I wished fervently people like Jon really existed.

So – full marks for the intriguing world building!

Donovan is a mountain of a man, and with a shorn head, tattoos and a glower to kill fits the perfect image of a violent thug, when, in effect, he’s the epitome of a gentle giant and the ultimate carer and protector. People judge him before they know him, but not Jon. He sees what Donovan is like inside, what kind of man he is, and his goodness and kindness literally blind him.
I did hear and applaud the message that you simply can’t deduct who people are by looking at their exterior appearance. Really nicely done here!

And God, I loved Donovan – I just dissolve in puddles when a guy as strong and outwardly intimidating as him turns out to have the most beautiful, softest heart and radiates pure goodness.

I know some people marked this as insta-love and I can fully understand why. Both men admit themselves in the later stages of the book that it was virtually love at first sight for them. And yes, you feel that immediate attraction, that pull between them, but for some reason this works really well here. I think it might be due to Jon’s ability – it paves the way much more easily if you know most things about a person instantly and makes the connection between the men more believable.

So, I certainly did not get the feeling that love hits with the power of an unforeseen and unexpected meteor here. There’s also a lot of pining on Jon’s part, and although we have a clear inkling that Donovan is also interested, we don’t really know for quite a while. And they get to know each other pretty well before anything happens between them.

I enjoyed the two of them, tiptoeing around each other, teasing and flirting and falling for each other. And the cases Jon’s working also kept me all on board!

Loved pretty much all of it! Highly recommend this.
Off to read book 2!
Profile Image for M.I.A.
412 reviews91 followers
February 5, 2021
Well, the title of the book is quite misleading.

I was expecting something along the lines of Alice Winter's humor and banter.
But this isn't particularly humorous, entertaining yes, funny not so much.

I'm not complaining, quite the opposite, I was happy it wasn't over the top. It's quite balanced and a well-told urban fantasy about a psychic police consultant and his new partner.

The best element of this story was how A.J Sherwood portrays Jon and his psychic abilities. I loved the descriptions, the consequences of his powers, and his inability to function in a world full of technology.

The romance is insta-love but well-paced throughout the story. It felt right. The MC's connection really comes through quite clearly. The epic scene when they realize they've both felt the same way about one another. There isn't much relationship angst. Smooth sailing for the most part. Truly very sweet.

Donovan the other mc is the very definition of gentle giant , and gosh I do have a soft spot for that characterization. He's a melt-your-heart character.

An overall pretty decent and entertaining read. It's not quite 5 Star, and all I can say is that this one of those stories that's great at the moment but it drifts away from your mind once you are done. Or it's just me, hehe. Regardless definitely recommend it for fans of urban fantasy and insta-love.
Profile Image for Gustaf.
1,444 reviews194 followers
August 15, 2023
Why haven't I started this series earlier? I freaking loved everything about this.

Edit: It's just as good the second time around.
And the third!
Profile Image for BookSafety Reviews.
692 reviews1,052 followers
August 12, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.

“So. Where to for lunch?” “You wanna get pancakes?” He sounded so hopeful, like a five-year-old. “Sure,” I agreed easily, as I really didn’t care and he sounded perfectly adorable. “Let’s get pancakes.”

This book (and the entire series) is like a warm hug of sweetness and entertainment. I am such a sucker for a character with psychic abilities, and this series leans into that heavily. The MCs are (new) coworkers in an investigative agency with people who help the police solve cases, and I love it.

Both MCs are absolute sweethearts and they fit so well together. It’s not super heavy on the romance or spice, but I really enjoy what’s there. It’s got that ‘cozy mystery’ vibe.

I love this book, but I unfortunately can’t recommend the audiobook. It was rough. Definitely read the ebook if you can (and want to), though.

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Psychic abilities
Romantic suspense
Low angst
Size difference
Strangers to lovers
Forced proximity
Coworkers
Ex military MC
Psychic helping police
Investigating agency
Smaller top
Age gap

⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Homophobic murder suspect
Gun violence
Mentions of past gunshot wound
Brief mentions of SA of children (interrogating abuser)
Extensive body scarring
Mentions of MC attacked with acid (past)
Possible racial profiling of MC
Mentions of child abandonment
Attempted murder of MC (shooting)
Explicit sexual content

⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Semi-paranormal romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 25 and 34
Series: Interconnected series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 306
Happy ending: HFN


He was shot last year because of it.” “Shot at,” I corrected testily. “Shot at. He didn’t actually hit me.” “And what’s that scar on your abdomen, then?” Jim’s face looked more bulldog than usual. “’Tis only a flesh wound.”

“I was born in the wrong era, I think. Or maybe not. They would have burned me as a witch a hundred years ago.”

I tried not to dress in a stereotypical fashion—it usually just called trouble down on my head—but looking nice and being gay shouldn’t be synonymous, dammit. I wasn’t bumming around in jeans and a white shirt with a hole in the hem just to look ‘macho.’



You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
Profile Image for Eugenia.
1,908 reviews319 followers
February 29, 2024
Storyline cute, but race is not well handled.

Like some other reviewers, I had issues with the way the author treated individuals of other races in this book. At best, stereotypical; at worst racist.

Was it intentional? I don’t believe so, but that is what makes me sad. I do think the author was trying to be inclusive, but did it in such a way that demeaned her characters and insulted her readers.

So, props to the author for tying to be inclusive. Now, how about the author checks out some anti-racist literature to erase micro and macro aggressions from her writing?
Profile Image for Moon ☾ .
194 reviews111 followers
May 11, 2025
The laughter, the banter, the love and the sheer HEART EYES leaking through the cover of this book!!!

I had so much fun with Jon and Donovan! Like imagine the person whose social energy makes you feel special and social. Whose smile promts a smile back and not-liking them is a thought that never crossed your mind. Now slap on some baby blues, blond hair a stunning smile; a colorful vests that make him look like a model. Yep, that's Jon Bane. With an amicable attitude and the gentlest manner, Jon is someone you'll like, almost instantly.

But he has a predicament. Jon's an unusual psychic. That too without an anchor. Meaning he doesn't have anyone grounding him or helping him with his sheilds. And any electronic he goes near, fries itself. Like instant kaput. Considering Jon works as a police consultant, you can imagine why that would be a problem. Imagine touching an electrically-locked door while in prison and suddenly you have a whole prison-break on your hands cuz you fried the system. sigh Jon obviously doesn't want that.

So it's no wonder that everyone around Jon has been hankering him to get an anchor. Not hust from their sake, but also his own. So when Donovan Havili, a man who looks like a grizzly bear who has had more than a few of his feathers ruffled walks into his office, Jon is all for him. Reason? Remember the unusual psychic part? Yes. Jon can see through people's auras. Everything from what they had for breakfast to if they're a serial killer. No wonder he's so good at his job even though he fries a few electronics. He's a walking talking lie-detector which asks questions.

When Jon sees Donovan, he realizes that even though this man who's well above six feet, looks like a mafia Don, he's actually one of the inherently good people around. He shines brighter than anything Jon has ever seen and is instantly partnered with him. It doesn't hurt that Donovan has military background and is build like a line-backer.

When I’m around him, his aura is just so soothing that I want to curl into him and purr.”

But it doesn't help Jon that Donovan is insanely hot as well as incredibly kind. It's causing Jon trouble not to jump him or fall in love with him or both. Preferably both. Especially when Donovan not only understands what Jon wants but also picks up his cues without being promoted.

An almost fatal incident lands Jon in Donovan's house. In Donovan's clothes. And one double bed. wink wink. With loads of delicious food.

This is a slow-slow sloooooow burn. We don't even get a kiss till pretty much the 60% mark, but seeing the chemistry build and having these guys act as boyfriends without Jon realizing and Donovan's protective instincts make it all worth it!

The mystery was good but it felt to me that it was build up in a very convenient way to bring in the there's only one bed troupe and to get out the confession. Like I saw the conclusion coming from the very moment Alice was introduced and Jon made his first judgement. But the mystery wasn't completely lack-lustre.

Overall I loved how Donovan took care of Jon and Jon got over his insecurities. Maybe it'll take a while for him to learn to love himself again, but he's definitely getting there. The banter was hilarious, the chemistry went from being so warm and cuddly to sizzling hot in the blink of an eye and anytime Donovan glared at 'Detective Dick' I WAS IN! Yes, the mystery could've been better, hence the 4⭐⭐⭐⭐s but over-all a lovely read!
Profile Image for Shelba.
2,696 reviews99 followers
August 24, 2019
DNF @ 17%.

I like the premise of this, but the execution just isn't there.

First, Jon's psychic abilities allow him to see people's meridian lines and chakras, which in turn allows him to tell, essentially, how corrupt a person is and if they are lying. That means, Jon is essentially a walking, talking lie detector. Which, as far as setting up a mystery series, seems like a poor choice. A crime series, yes... but there isn't much mystery if you can just ask someone if they killed Mr. Plum in the ballroom with the wrench and be able to tell if they are lying or not. Not to mention, just being able to look at a person's meridian lines and be like, "oh, shit, this dude's a murderer.

Oh, coincidentally, being able to read a person's chakras and meridan lines also gives to the ability to tell that your hot new co-worker is bisexual. Oh, and since you can read chakras, I suppose that ruins any shot at Gay Angst & UST.

Now, I could see this series working if it was was supposed to be comedic. And from the title, I thought it was supposed to be more comedic, and maybe it was intended to be comedic, but if that is the case, the author failed to do so. In my opinion, you can make murder mysteries funny, but as soon as you throw a murderous pedophile into the mix, even if it's only briefly, you've killed any comedy you may have had going.

And Donovan is just goodness personified. That's his personality in a nutshell, so far. Jon isn't nearly as exasperating a character as he is implied to be. Over 50 pages in and he hasn't fried on electronic device yet. If it were me, I'd have him constantly slipping up with personal info about his co-workers that he shouldn't know, and being ridiculously clumsy and constantly frying things.

Also, there is a lot of describing people's hair colour, eye colour, clothing, race, general appearance. Like, your shirt being pink isn't relevant to the plot. The niece's red h air being worn in a ponytail and blue eyes being accented by the pale blue tank top she is wearing definitely isn't adding anything either.
I did really want to like this book, and in turn this series, but I just can't take it seriously and it isn't funny enough to not be able to take seriously.
Profile Image for Fenrir.
36 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2019
Interesting premise rendered painful by simplistic writing

I loved the concept:

Jon is a psychic who comes with a few complications that make him hard to live with. On the upside, he can read the life energy of people, learning all about them with a single glance. On the downside, he knows all about people when he firsts meets them which makes him hard to stand. Donovan looks like a thug but has a heart – or a life energy – of gold. They are meant for each other. And it could have been an interesting, heart-warming ride. Alas, it was not meant to be.

I hated the execution:

The writing. At first I thought I was just some growing pains but it got worse and worse as the story progressed, probably because the effects of cheap writing compound with the pages.
--#1: We were told so often that Jon was difficult to be around. We get no proof whatsoever, not even a tiny little mishap. Nada. Nothing happens that would justify the level of STIGMA that he throws at himself. It was unbelievable at best and whiny at worst.
-- #2: A lot of telling. Jon talking about the shit that happens in his life. Other people talking about it. Talk. Talk. Talk. When does anyting actually happen?
-- #3: The talk was made worse by being boring! So much inane dialogue.
-- #4: Ridiculousness through the roof at times. Oh, you drive an actual Humvee? As in, not in a war zone? Really? Oh, you’re a gay man but you because people are so mean to you? Get over yourself. There’s tons of people out there. You want to f∩çk, go out and do it!
-- #5: Everything is overexplained. The very simple mystery. Every little detail in the meager worldbuilding. Even the characters' emotions. Even their jokes!
-- #...

The obsession with genes, blood, and heritage. Everything got traced back to a person’s genetic makeup. Even how much they tended to eat. Bordering on racist and obnoxious.

The worldbuilding. I said I liked the premise. By that, I mean mostly how the characters were set up. Other than that, there is very little world building. Jon can read chakras and is incompatible with electronics. That’s pretty much it, people. Only a few other psychics mentioned, and we never go into detail. It’s like your neighbour just woke up with a 3rd eye one day, shrugged, and went to work.

The black and white. Jon can read chakras and immediately spots if a person is good or bad. And they are either good or bad. Not bad people having a good day, or good people having a bad day, or even neutral people having complicated motives. Nope. Good or bad. Booooooring!

Had I not been reading this for a group contest, this would have been a clear DNF. I really need interesting characters and decent writing. You can cheat with the plot, with the logic even, certainly with the world building, but never with the characters and the language! Sorry, this' a fail.
Profile Image for Gerbera_Reads.
1,690 reviews154 followers
March 28, 2019
This was the sweetest urban fantasy I've ever read. I liked the world the author started to build. The psychics work alongside police detectives to bring criminals to justice by using their gifts to find the truth. It makes them invaluable and the detective's work easier. This is low angst, medium heat romance told from Jon's POV only. (although epilogue afforded a glimpse into Donovan's mind, so that was a treat).

I liked Jonathan Bane. He has the ability to see emotions that manifest in colors in every person but his life is challenging because he destroys anything electronic around him and sees too much without wanting to. Many would think him a menace. He gave up on personal happiness since one time he tried, it didn't work out well. But he will settle for a solid work partner. What he gets is the best of both worlds. I liked Jon's vibrancy, his zest for life despite the difficulties he encounters every day. He is a genuine person who cares about people around him. I loved his family, his niece Skylar was a riot!

Donovan Havili has been judged for his appearance all his life. His size intimidates not only his possible coworkers but makes any personal encounters almost impossible. Jon sees Donovan's kindness, patience and generosity as soon as he sets his eyes on him. For the first time Donovan feels accepted and respected. His patience and protectiveness makes him perfect partner for Jon. But Jon being his amazing self, and Donovan can't help but fall for Jon fast hook, line and sinker.

These two were so cute together. Jon's need to be protected and cherished was fully met by Donovan's need to be the protector and provider of everything Jon might possibly need. It felt like they were made for each other. Despite them declaring their feelings in the end, the relationship was still new and the feelings will deepen later in the series, it seems. I was fond of these two men by the time the book was over.

The work Jon and Donovan were doing was a uncommon. They were constantly on the go, and their help was invaluable. The case they investigated this time was a bit of a conundrum. Truth that was and wasn't, actions that contradicted the facts, shooting that didn't make sense and the victim who is is not what they seem. I liked the case. As with all the psychics, the investigation was unconventional just as the result was. This was a well-written PNR romance, and I am curious to know what happens next. I recommend it!
Profile Image for Aricka Decker.
678 reviews29 followers
October 8, 2024
“You told me once that affection is like a spring green color. What color is love?” I gave her a lopsided smile. “Gold.” “Is he gold at the moment?” “Like an Egyptian statue.”

Well this was really interesting. I actually really enjoyed the lore in this story. The whole psychic energy reading and the anchors. Of course Ive heard of anchors in other paranormal/fantasy books but I really liked Jon's ability and I am interested in seeing more of it in action if I continue the series. Jon and Donovan were easy to like characters, but I did find them to be a little flat while reading. I mean I enjoyed Jon's personality, he was okay just not the type of character that flies off the page for me, and Donovan was kind of 1 dimensional, but it is the first book, so perhaps we get more in-depth character building and emotional chemistry between the two of them. I was missing that from their relationship, it felt more like a tight friendship with lust, but with things ending up how they did between them I hope in further books that brings them together more in a emotional capacity. Overall I did enjoy the story, and once again my 1 brain cell could not figure out the mystery, so that is always a plus.
386 reviews23 followers
April 23, 2023
Loved it so much, I'm going into an immediate re-read after my Kindle charges!
Profile Image for Meep.
2,171 reviews229 followers
February 23, 2022
I really can't see me reading on, 74% and I'm struggling.

Loved the idea, reviews make it sound perfect, but it doesn't work for me. Possibly the issue is I like my mysteries and detectives, and was expecting a quirky mystery. There is zero detecting here, the crimes are sort of mentioned, forgotten and maybe remembered later where you struggle to remember what the case was. Jon's abilities mean he take some look at a person knows they're guilty, knows their sexuality, goes lie/truth a few times and that's it. Don't pick this up hoping for detective work. He can also look at a garden and know who planted it? The criminals are all obvious but too background to matter.

I'm honestly not sure if the book is meant to be funny in anyway, the title certainly suggests it - but throw in a paedophile - yes guilty, move one. Then a serial killer you should probably chase up but shrug and leave until later, days later where he's still out there stalking people. And any joking is lost.

The characters are very poorly developed IMO. Donovan is a big scary looking softy who radiates good on a psy level, needs to be needed to a point of being fully dependant on him - which apparently wasn't a joke when said and something I found creepy. He has no personality beyond that. Former special forces and military police he applied to be a consultant but got taken on a phone holder/body guard. He's instantly attracted to Jon with nothing to show that develop.
This is definitely a 'homage' to another very popular psy detetective with a very similar name.

Jon, it's his pov, keeps telling us how hard work he is, how noone can cope around him long, how he fries all electricals, costs money, his own parents couldn't cope.... But er, everyone loves him? Everywhere he goes he's greeted warmly, people respect and like him, he appears close to his mother, there've been no electrical fails. It's all tell and the show contradicts the telling.

They don't act on their attraction until the 70% Mark when Jon immediately becomes 'babe' but overall Jon's reaction to Donovan's shiny bright goodness, the hugging and awe made me think of a besotted five year old, and once that image hit it was over for me.

A few word uses seemed odd to me. 'denied' used as 'said' when denying nothing. A low, smooth 'cackle'? But I learnt that non-electrical showers are a common thing, which is all I take from this.
Profile Image for Bookreader87(Amanda).
1,168 reviews44 followers
March 2, 2020
J & D

4.25 stars

I really liked this one.
Jon is a psychic who works with the police to stop criminals. Many times he finds himself in danger because of his ability. Luckily for him, after many failed attempts, a new partner comes into his life.
Donovan is a big dominating man whose looks can be deceiving because underneath his exterior is a big teddy bear. Jon with his ability is able to see this immediately. Donovan turns out to be the perfect fit for Jon.
The two work together to figure out multiple cases. While doing such they also find themselves being attracted to one another.
Navigating a new partnership can be difficult but these two seem to take to each other easily.
This book came to me at the right time. I was in a slump and it brought me out of it.
Profile Image for Erth.
4,614 reviews
November 12, 2020
This is the first book i have read by this author and I enjoyed it that much that I have downloaded the other two books in this series.

The storyline is simple enough, Jon is a strong psychic who helps the police on difficult or confusing cases. When Donovan interviews for a position with the Psy Jon knows he is right for the job and are partnered together on a confusing case of Alice who claims someone is writing threatening letters to her but something's not right and when an innocent man gets shot by her the mystery deepens.

There are plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing and there is a surprise culprit that you won't expect. Overall a really good story with likeable characters and an interesting twist on psychic investigations.

Well worth a read.
Profile Image for Gabi.
704 reviews112 followers
December 5, 2019
dnf @63%

People need to speak for themselves. Explaining their feelings with their own words (even if most of the time it seems impossible), in their own time, when they're ready, without anyone else putting words in their mouth. It's important for me in a book. People need to try and express themselves, to talk about their feelings, no matter how hard, uncomfortable or embarrassing it might be. Sure, it would be ah-mazing if I didn't need to tell my friends or the object of my affection how I feel about them, whether it's a positive or negative feeling. If they could just look at me and know, and I wouldn't have to spell it out.

The problem with this story is that missing free will. Jon, being a psychic, can read emotions like no other. But I think the author overshot with him and with the world-building in general (what with Jon's inability to live in a world with electronics. For real?). Jon was too accurate sometimes. He could read auras, and sense what a person is feeling, but a few times he could even tell the exact reason Donovan was sad or apprehensive or any other thing. He could feel Donovan's growing emotions for SOMEONE (of course the fact that it was him, eluded Jon. How surprising). The icing on the cake was when he figured it out and jumped Donovan. He didn't even asked the guy. Sure, he could feel it, but Donovan didn't say it out loud and then in between kisses he goes "oh btw. I like you back". -.- 
Stupid me forgot to highlight, otherwise I would shared some of what made me roll my eyes and cringe at the same time.

Maybe I'm overreacting, but this took away the charm of the story. Otherwise I  liked it fine, maybe 2.5 stars. Then again, maybe psychic books just aren't for me. But considering how far I've got, it wasn't all bad. Though I've been trying to finish it for a month and I stopped every time for the above mentioned reason.
Profile Image for M.
663 reviews13 followers
April 16, 2019
2.25 stars

I wanted to like this more than I did. The premise sounded intriguing but the execution was a bit boring. Everything always got wrapped up with a nice pretty bow way too easily. Whether it be Jon’s cases or his relationship with Donovan, there was no real conflict to keep me interested. Also the writing felt more like “telling” rather than “showing”.
Profile Image for Annika.
1,374 reviews94 followers
April 28, 2020
Audiobook review

I will admit that I first overlooked this book because of the title. Jon’s Downright Ridiculous Shooting Case. I pre-judged it to be over the top and ridiculous and not to my tastes. Then I caught a couple of reviews that stated otherwise, that it was in fact just what I was looking for. I decided that I needed to know what it was all about, I couldn’t be happier. It was a great story with great narration and I’m sitting here crossing my fingers, toes and everything else that can be crossed, hoping that the rest of the books in the series will be produced into audio soon.

This book was everything I wanted and more. I listened to this book at work and was sadly forced to paus listening a few times (darn work for interrupting my happy time). I almost didn’t want to start listening again, not because I didn’t like the book, quite the opposite. Starting up again would mean I’d come that much closer to the book ending, and I just wasn’t ready for that. There was something about the feel of the book… I was completely sucked into the story and nothing else existed outside it.

Jonathan Bane is used to doing everything alone. His psychic abilities have scared people away, his family included. Sure, they tried to stick around, but in the end it was too much for them. It wasn’t so much that he was psychic as much as his abilities allowed him to read everyone constantly, knowing the most intimate of details. And when you added in his propensity of frying anything electronic within seconds it puts a strain in all his relationships. So, he lived alone and worked alone. Until one morning when his boss was interviewing a prospect hire and he was mesmerised by the shining aura of the new man. A person so innately good Jon couldn’t help but to be drawn to the man, all the while knowing Donovan would probably be scared off in no time – just like everyone else had been.

Jon and Donovan were such likable characters, maybe a smidgeon too perfect but I didn’t care about that. I cared about their off the chart chemistry, the magnetic pull they had for each other. From the start they just worked – as partners and friends then something more. I just about melted when Donovan gave Jon the watch, it said it all. I believed in them, wanted to know more, much more.

I’m a huge fan of Kenneth Obi’s and his performance of this book shows you why. He captured the essence of both Jon and Donovan, made you feel the connection between them, see the bright and shining auras. He made you feel and live this book with all of them.

There was so many epic lines, but one of my favourites would probably be You just got shot at, and now you want to go after a serial killer? (or something to that effect, quotes are difficult to get accurate with audiobooks). I loved the way Obi delivered that line. It was pure Donovan, but also kind of hilarious.

I had a blast listening to this book and I will be first in line to listen to the rest of the books when they are released. I need more of Jon and Donovan in my life.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,503 reviews224 followers
January 16, 2022
Wow... Love this book!

Read the followup series to this one first so was familiar with the author's style and really enjoy it. This first book of the series is awesome. Really like the author's use of humor and the mystery part of it kept me guessing to the end.
Profile Image for Kaity.
1,993 reviews24 followers
March 15, 2023
Reread #3 Rating 3-3.5: March 2023

Same as reread #2.. i don't think Kenneth Obi was the right voice for this book...he kinda took me out of the story for a bit.. this can be found on Scribd.

Reread #2 Rating 3-3.5 November 2021

I didn’t like this as much as before… Kenneth Obi wasn’t the right choice for narrator…

Also, I couldn’t feel their chemistry as much as before I am bummed about that, but I feel like I have read so many books since the first go around with this book and my preferences have changed.

Reread #1: December 2020:

Still the same rating, I think the narrator could have been better, but I really enjoyed the story. The ending did end abruptly but didn’t take away from my enjoyment.

4-4.5 stars: November 2020

Loved it reminded me a lot of Hitman's Guide by Alice Winters.

Loved Jon and Donavon!!

Can't wait to start the second book now!
Profile Image for BWT.
2,251 reviews244 followers
January 11, 2020
A very interesting start to a new series.

I really enjoyed this, especially the relationship and communication between Jon and Donovan, even though it's very love at first sight, which is normally outside of a paranormal romance a No-No for me, it absolutely worked for me here because of Jon's abilities.

Told almost entirely in Jon's POV, we get a final epilogue from Donovan that solidifies how much he loves Jon.

I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
Profile Image for JoAnn.
774 reviews33 followers
September 2, 2019
Updated 08/06/2019

Decent read for an up and coming author.

I kinda stumbled on this last minute and since I’ve been on the crime beat these recent days I figured I’d give it a try.

In the beginning I truly loved it, the world building was fantastic and the characters had nice depth. I always love books with psychics and I felt like this one stepped it up with psychic detective agency and Jon, the detective that can read meridian lines and chakras. I also loved the over protectiveness and military play that we get with Donovan.

The only thing that didn’t work for me and completely turned the book upside down was the relationship. Some reviewers said it was a slow burn and I wonder why? While I do agree it took a while for the relationship to present itself I didn’t feel like there was any real “burn” at all, be it slow burn or not. I felt no sexual tension, and sexual tension is the whole point of a slow burn. From there once the relationship became official I felt it kind of stiff and insta-lovey. Now I don’t mind insta-love... I read omega smut for crying out loud. But this insta-love took us from a unique mystery to an awkward super mushy relationship that pretty much drained the rest of the story.

(Update: 08/06/2019.... so much for the “unique” mystery I thought was written here... so here I am listening to a true crime podcast when they tell the story of the “Tahlequah coed case”, which is pretty much the crime case in this book, including the ethnicity of those involved..........)

Even the mystery died from this point forward and the big “solve” was incredibly underwhelming. Which considering the case and circumstances should have been anything but underwhelming.

(Update: 08/06/2019 - the actual real life solve of this case was even worse... unfortunately)


Don’t even get me started on the epilogue that 100% wasn’t needed. I didn’t think it added anything to the story. I can see the author wanted to give us Dons POV but it couldn’t have been at least something worth reading.

From what I can see this author only has 3 book, another one that’s actually been on my waiting for list for some time now. And truthfully even though this book didn’t work for me, there was a lot of potential and I’m sure this author is only going to get better as they go and it’s going to be fantastic.
Profile Image for Megan [At The Cottage].
1,024 reviews413 followers
paused-will-finish-later
December 13, 2022
Note To Self: You started this for your ‘J’ book but are not in the mood for a book like this. It’s also giving you major deja vu. Come back to this later because you like the main character and his love interest. DNF’d it at 33%

Note To Everyone Else: If I had realized how hard it would be to find a ‘J’ book I wanted to read, I would have searched weeks ago. Everything is either over 400 pages, MF, not a romance or so boring it hurts. I’ve stalked everyone’s bookshelves too. 😭


Profile Image for Carol.
3,771 reviews137 followers
February 7, 2025
Jon doesn’t think his "must-have" list is too crazy. It’s just rather hard for a man to have:
1) the patience of a saint (for when Jon kills electronics, and that’s a daily thing)
2) the ability to keep up with his schedule (his cases are crazy)
3) the protection instincts of a superhero
4) muscles (this one’s more of a "want wish", honestly)
You can see why Jon has given up on getting an anchor as that’s a taller than tall order. At least, until Donovan Havili entered the room.


Jon is a psychic who occasionally collaborates with the police to solve murders. Mostly he sits in during interrogations and interviews to allow the police to narrow down suspects and find evidence, chakra and aura reading, would probably best describe his involvement.

The book is funny, captivating and simply charming... it doesn't have a "main mystery" per-se but consists more of several small mysteries so the reader can meet, see, and learn who and what Jon and Donovan really are, both to one another and to their contributions to the mystery. In a nutshell, it's a well-told urban fantasy about a psychic police consultant and his new partner.

I really liked how the author portrays Jon and his psychic abilities. The descriptions, the consequences of his powers, and his inability to function, or not function as the case often was, in a world filled with technology. The romance is "insta-love" but that's alright. It was well-paced throughout the story and had that "alright" feel. Jon and Donavan's connection comes through quite clearly. There isn't much relationship angst. Really smooth sailing for the most part and very sweet. Donovan is a "gentle giant", and I liked him almost more than Jon. He will melt-your-heart.

Overall, it's a story about people that accept you for who and what you are 100%. Fans of urban fantasy and insta-love will love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 881 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.