Booking Burke

A Cold Case Psychic Spin Off #9

by Pandora Pine

Criminal Justice Major, Burke Sampson is about to start the police academy when he's stopped for drunk driving by Salem Police Officer, Elias Dixon. Burke is willing to do ANYTHING to keep from losing his spot in the academy, including learning policy and procedure by riding on, erm, along, with Officer Dixon.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Paranormal, LGBT, Contemporary, Gay, Mystery

66 pages, ebook

First published June 10, 2019

About the author

Sick of the slogging rat-race of her 9-5 job, Pandora Pine put pen to paper (literally!) to make her ambition of becoming a romance novelist a reality. She cut her teeth in the dog-eat-dog world of fanfiction, still dreaming of the day when she would be a published author. She lives in Massachusetts with her blabbermouth muse who’ s a fan of middle of the night plot twists.

In her spare time, Pandora fancies herself an amateur nature photographer. She enjoys mucking around in swamps, hiking through the woods and crawling around on her hands and knees in her backyard seeking out the perfect shot. Pandora is a fan of roadside seafood shacks and always thinks Mexican food is a good idea at the time.

Some of Pandora’s favorite things are chocolate, writing longhand with purple pens and handsome men falling in love with each other.

Don't miss Pandora’s seductive new novel coming soon to an e-reader near you.

Reviews

[Bookreader87(Amanda) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one started off alright but after Eli was shot things got a bit too cheesy for me. However, there was enough here to make me look into this series.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick story. And I so need to read the Dead series.

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The constantly changing perspective in this drove me mad. This was really poorly written and had so many mistakes. I don't think I'll be reading any other books in this series.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strangely enough, the cover and the title didn't really work with this story... but the story really worked for me, so I am going to ignore the aforementioned issues! *grin*

And... as always when I am writing a Pandora Pine review, let me reiterate...

"Quotation marks come in sets of two for a reason," said the totally annoyed reader!

See? See how that works? Yeah, I just wished Ms. Pine would see how well that works! *sigh* :(

Sidenote: Yes, I agree with other reviewers... the errors in this short story were even worse than we are used to in Ms. Pine's longer books... grrrrr

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alright I need to state that I am not enjoying the novellas very much. Unless they are about a member of the core group of cold psychic friends. otherwise they are hardcore insta lovey and are all sex and no substance.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beginning is icky but the rest is enjoyable

The beginning of the book, when the MCs meet, is icky. Not only is it ridiculously unprofessional and made me want to hate Dixon but it’s too porn cringeworthy.

Once we get past those beginning pages though and get into more of the story Pine’s usual storytelling kicks in and the story is mostly saved. The ending chapters are vintage Pine.

I was happy to see Cisco and have another mention of Luca. He’s been too absent since his introduction. When four other regulars join the story it feels like it’s even ground again.

But overall it kind of comes off a bit too sleazy. Had it not been a book by Pine I probably wouldn’t have finished it. Thankfully the second half was worth it.

[CB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic series based on Cold Case Psychic - here is the reading order for the first 34 books/novellas! Love them all - the MC's and their stories. Fun, entertaining, intriguing and sexy!

# Title Series
1 Vision Of Love - Cold Case Psychic
2 Dead Speak - Cold Case Psychic
3 Dead Reckoning - Cold Case Psychic
4 Dead Silent - Cold Case Psychic
5 Dead Weight -Cold Case Psychic
6 Dead To Me - Cold Case Psychic
7 Dead Ringer - Cold Case Psychic
8 Dead in the Water - Cold Case Psychic
9 Beyond the Grave - CCP Spin Off Novellas
10 Spellbound - CCP Spin Off Novellas
11 Dead of Night - Cold Case Psychic
12 Blood Song - CCP Spin Off Novellas
13 That Old Magic - CCP Spin Off Novellas
14  Hunter's Curse - CCP Spin Off Novellas
15 Merry and Bright - CCP Spin Off Novellas
16 Thin Blue Grind - Cold Case Psychic
17 Dead Man Walking - Cold Case Psychic
18 Ghost of Himself - Haunted Souls
19 Love Potion 69 - CCP Spin Off Novellas
20 Kissing Booth - Valentine
21 Dead to the World - Cold Case Psychic
22 Tiny Dancer - CCP Spin Off Novellas
23 Ghost Story - Haunted Souls
24 Dead Wrong - Cold Case Psychic
25 Aurora Borealis - CCP Spin Off Novellas
26 Ghost Town - Haunted Souls
27 Booking Burke - CCP Spin Off Novellas
28 Ghost House - Haunted Souls
29 Dead on His Feet - Cold Case Psychic
30 Ghost of a Chance - Haunted Souls
31 Ghost Pain - Haunted Souls
32 Dead End - Cold Case Psychic
33 Ghost of a Memory - Haunted Souls
34 Dead on Arrival - Cold Case Psychic

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this was alright but I felt a bit of a disconnect in two things. First, there is a reason that hooking up with the person you are booking as a cop is unethical. Actually bargaining to let the person off the booking with promise of favours (and the strong hint that they are sexual) is immensely unethical. Even though Burke was attracted to Elias and Elias didn't actually take sexual favours, the impression and the power imbalance jsut made it a bit creepy of a start for these two. That part of the story is moved past quickly and it becomes about the two working as partners while Elias goes for a shadowing ride-along. From there they fall in love in lightning speed. That is a bit of a trend for this series but it just felt over the top in this short. It was all so rushed and cheesy, really the way most of the series is, and simply not something that leaves lasting interest.

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does an age difference influence your choice in a partner? That's the question that Officer Elias Dixon has to answer when he stops Burke Sampson for a suspected DUI. Elias has run halfway across the country after being forced out at his wedding. Now working in Salem he's comfortable and out. Burke has made a mistake that could cost him his future and will do anything to avoid a criminal charge that would keep him from entering the police academy's next session. Luckily for him Elias recognizes the situation he's in and takes an alternative route to Burke's infraction. What ensues is more than either man expected and a very good read.

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insta love romance with suspense & heart break and happy ever after!

Eli self sabbatical himself on his wedding day. If you don't know for sure - before you say I do, you better know! The answered Chang Eli life forever - a sad part to complete buyout for most. Proof that "unconditionally love" did have conditions - be straight, don't embarrass the family. New town, New life. Burke Police Academy graduates 1 bad decision could alter his life forever. 2Police Officers and a future that changes in a instant! V2, S2 sizzle sexy story. Definitely "moments" that are just too precious. More reviews @my2centsbooklover Thanks for following!

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a spin off with very little connection to the other stories and pretty much no paranormal side to it with the exception of Ten making a couple of psychic predictions. Burke is caught driving under the influence by Eli, and since he is freaked out and getting ready for the police academy, Eli gives him a break and has him do ride alongs with him. Of course they are totally attracted to each other and can’t keep their hands off each other. There is an insta love type relationship but it worked for me. It was great meeting Greeley’s best friend and seeing Officer Dixon find a guy.

[Jewell Moreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a spinoff novel and you do get a couple of cameo visits from the original series. Burke Samson is best friends with Greeley Fitzgibbon, and plans to finish college and join the police academy with him. Making a stupid mistake he drinks and gets behind the wheel of a car, only to be stopped by Elias Dixon, and officer with the Salem PD. Elias is also best friends with Cisco Jackson the chief of the Salem PD. Eli gives Burke a chance. Burke is forced to go on a ride along with Eli. I like both characters and hope to see more of them. I just love how this family keeps growing.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got to say I am a little disappointed in this book. Its the lowest rating so far.
I think because it was so short, it felt really rushed with big decisions being made in a matter of days.
Also would a civiian really be allowed to go on a ride a long when there was a dangerous gunman on the run.
I had forgotten this book and not sure where it falls within the books, I didn't know/ had forgotten about Eli having a partner.
All in all, meh.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a little different than the other shoot offs of "Cold Case File," but we get to visit some of our old friends. Burke gets into a pickle and Eli the policeman on duty helps him...in more ways than one. A gunman shooting at couples with Burke and Eli getting on the wrong side of his gun makes for a sweet story with enough spice to it to make it interesting.

[Ivka_s_knihou · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first 20% I was a bit confused thanks to the switching between third and first person, then it thankfully stopped, but not the poor editing. *sad sigh* I don't much like insta-love, but hey I could squint my eyes and believe this time. Over all it was a good story. Pity it wasn't better edited or longer, then it would be absolutely awesome.

[Sarah Baines · Rating 3 out of 5]

Desperately needed proofreading

Booking Burke was ok but the many, many errors were very off-putting. Wrong tenses used, incorrect words, missing words and the constant switching between first and third person (mainly in the first 50% or so) were just some of the errors!! I nearly gave up on a couple of occasions.

[Katie Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Booking burke was such a intense but beautiful story

Elias and burke stole my heart from the first word to the very last

There was heartwarming moments but also heartbreaking moments

I was on the edge of my seat at times wondering what was going to happen next i loved every minute

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5
Good for a freebie, but with the poor editing (switching between first and third person mostly).

[MsS · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 *

[debra mcgivney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome spinoff to the original series. Filled with intrigue, intense action and great cast of characters.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

*WARNING* intended for mature audiences
This book was just okay for me. I adore Ten and the gang, and this one just didn't have enough of "the gang" in it for me.🤷

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burke and Elias.
MM.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

This book was good but I did find that even for a novella it was extremely short so, it seemed the relationship between Eli & Burke was very rushed. Wow, how Eli & Burke met and first got together is not okay nor is it ethical. Eli whose a cop basically trading s*xual favours for not charging Burke with drunk driving since he can’t have a criminal record to be able to attend the police academy. I really liked the main characters of Eli and Burke and found that they seemed like they’ll be great together in the long term. I think that being through a traumatic situation together probably made them not want to waste any time as tomorrow isn’t guaranteed for anyone, but especially for cops (well one cop & a police academy cadet). I would’ve liked a bit more shown of Burke & Greeley’s connection since they’re best friends (more like brothers) and are going to be attending the police academy together. I loved the snippets that we got of Cisco, Greeley, Cap, Ronan & Ten as they showed up to support both Eli & Burke. I’m still hoping that Greeley gets his story told as he deserves the world with everything he’s been through/overcome. He’s destined for something great considering he’s survived 3 attempted mu*ders/k*dnappings. I’m actually hoping Greeley’s story is turned into a series like Ten & Ronan’s and Jude & Cope’s are, as his story shouldn’t be rushed. I’d recommend this book, series and author to anyone.

[Christie Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Booking Burke!

Okay in the prologue there was a section that the author forgot to fix. It was written in first person while the rest of the book was written in first. Not a big deal but it was a hard poke on my OCD tendencies. The relationship progressed a little faster than I liked, but I don't think it took away from the story. Burke is a friend of Greeley's and planning to go to the police academy. He makes a bad decision and drives after he's had a few beers. Elias Dixon pulls him over and they go back and forth until lips meet in the hottest kiss they've both ever had. Eli decides to give him a break. He takes the boy home and sets up a condition. Burke is to ride along with on the job and soon things get heated up in a good way. Toss in a mad gunman and you have a really hot book. On to the next one.

[Emma Burbidge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cop and his trainee

This latest novella in the Cold Case Psychic spin-off series by Pandora Pine was yet another fun read. I love this universe and it was nice to see Officer Dixon of Salem PD get a look in as we find out a bit more about him and also Greeley Fitzgibbon's friend Burke. Highly recommended for all fans of the CCP universe and Pandora Pine or Paranormal romance though this particular offering has more police action than paranormal for a change.

[Meghan C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable

I love anything Pandora writes and this was no exception!

These characters were a fun mix of the Salem PD (Cisco) and the Boston PD (Ronan and the gang). I also love that Burke is friends with Greeley. It gives me hope that Greeley is getting some loving soon! I also think Luca, Burke, and Greeley need a Club!

Super fun, quick, sexy read!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ehh... This wasn’t up to the level in which Pandora Pine usually writes. I realize it is just a quick story, but it just seemed forced. It was a few sex scenes strung together in an unrealistic relationship. It started out promising, but fell apart for me. I’m still a huge fan of hers, just not this story.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Booking Burke is the ninth book in the Cold Case Psychic Spin Off Novellas series by Pandora Pine. Burke and Eli are hot together, from the moment they meet there are sparks.I loved reading their story. Nice mix of drama, suspense, sweetness and heat. Great addition to the spinoff series.

[Wayne Blood · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this very brief (though surprisingly steamy) story, I’m not sure how it fits into the CCP Universe. The two MCs are characters we’ve never met, with only a passing connection the the CCP world. I just don’t get the point of this one. Is there another spin-off looming? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Taki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this through a raffle on facebook; it was a free giveaway sometime in the beginning of june