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PsyCop #2
Criss Cross
Criss Cross finds the ghosts surrounding Victor getting awfully pushy. The medications that Victor usually takes to control his abilities are threatening to destroy his liver, and his new meds aren't any more effective than sugar pills.
Vic is also adjusting to a new PsyCop partner, a mild-mannered guy named Roger with all the personality of white bread. At least he's willing to spring for the Starbucks.
Jacob’s ex-boyfriend, Crash, is an empathic healer who might be able to help Victor pull his powers into balance, but he seems more interested in getting into Victor’s pants than in providing any actual assistance.
Vic is also adjusting to a new PsyCop partner, a mild-mannered guy named Roger with all the personality of white bread. At least he's willing to spring for the Starbucks.
Jacob’s ex-boyfriend, Crash, is an empathic healer who might be able to help Victor pull his powers into balance, but he seems more interested in getting into Victor’s pants than in providing any actual assistance.
162 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2006
About the author
Jordan Castillo Price
137 books2,111 followersAuthor and artist Jordan Castillo Price writes paranormal sci-fi thrillers colored by her time in the Midwest, from inner city Chicago, to various cities across southern Wisconsin. She’s settled in a 1910 Cape Cod near Lake Michigan with tons of character and a plethora of bizarre spiders. Any disembodied noises, she’s decided, will be blamed on the ice maker.
Jordan is best known as the author of the PsyCop series, an unfolding tale of paranormal mystery and suspense starring Victor Bayne, a gay medium who's plagued by ghostly visitations.
Jordan is best known as the author of the PsyCop series, an unfolding tale of paranormal mystery and suspense starring Victor Bayne, a gay medium who's plagued by ghostly visitations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 632 reviews
June 21, 2018
Haaaa .. I knew it! 😁 Everyone was complaining about being too insta between Vic and Jacob in the first book but I always knew Jacob was gold. 😉 Comparing with the first book, this book is not that fast-paced and action-packed but definitely not less interesting. What a great and enthralling audio shortie to enjoy! 👍 Well now, let’s get to reviewing. 😌
So apparently, if you read/listened the first PsyCop book, you would have known Jacob’s apartment was blown while Vic was trying to capture an incubus serial killer. Well, most people would call it a disaster but Vic calls it a minor casualty in their line of work. 😂 And hey, it’s a plus that Jacob is staying (well, at least in Victor’s definition Jacob is now stuck to life to him for life! 🤣😁) with him while trying to find a new apartment. Things are starting to look well, even for a recluse and socially awkward psycop like him. A loving and budding relationship with a great man who genuinely likes him, a new partner at work who always brings him coffee and Lisa, his former stiff partner at precinct who actually turned out to be a psyche, who quickly became his best friend. But then, wouldn’t life be boring for Vic if everything always goes well? 😁 He just didn’t know it’s the kind of quiet peace that lasts for a while before a catastrophic storm! 😱
Soon, Vic life has turned upside down again when he started to see several ghosts a day who not only talk constantly to him but also trying to grab him all the time. And getting help from Lisa’s Si/No game isn’t helping him either. Apparently, Jacob plays a role in Vic being like this. 😱 And why is that annoying psychic healer turned out to be Victor’s ex? 😒 Nothing seems right and no one seems to be able to help Vic. But he knew that he could always count on Jacob to come through and rescue him like a prince in shining armor! Now only if that is true .. ❓❓❓
It was really really interesting and more mysterious than I thought it would be. I was thinking it was kind of slow in the beginning but turned out I was wrong. And man, I didn’t see that twist coming! 😱 Jordan Castillo Price is quickly becoming one of my favorites and Gomez Pugh nailed it again with his amazing killer attractive voice! 😍 And that bonus smut in the end! OMG! Pants on fire baby! 🔥 All in all, I’m truly hooked. Give me more of Vic and Jacob! 😉
4.5 I love you for who you are stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Disclaimer: An audio of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
So apparently, if you read/listened the first PsyCop book, you would have known Jacob’s apartment was blown while Vic was trying to capture an incubus serial killer. Well, most people would call it a disaster but Vic calls it a minor casualty in their line of work. 😂 And hey, it’s a plus that Jacob is staying (well, at least in Victor’s definition Jacob is now stuck to life to him for life! 🤣😁) with him while trying to find a new apartment. Things are starting to look well, even for a recluse and socially awkward psycop like him. A loving and budding relationship with a great man who genuinely likes him, a new partner at work who always brings him coffee and Lisa, his former stiff partner at precinct who actually turned out to be a psyche, who quickly became his best friend. But then, wouldn’t life be boring for Vic if everything always goes well? 😁 He just didn’t know it’s the kind of quiet peace that lasts for a while before a catastrophic storm! 😱
Soon, Vic life has turned upside down again when he started to see several ghosts a day who not only talk constantly to him but also trying to grab him all the time. And getting help from Lisa’s Si/No game isn’t helping him either. Apparently, Jacob plays a role in Vic being like this. 😱 And why is that annoying psychic healer turned out to be Victor’s ex? 😒 Nothing seems right and no one seems to be able to help Vic. But he knew that he could always count on Jacob to come through and rescue him like a prince in shining armor! Now only if that is true .. ❓❓❓
It was really really interesting and more mysterious than I thought it would be. I was thinking it was kind of slow in the beginning but turned out I was wrong. And man, I didn’t see that twist coming! 😱 Jordan Castillo Price is quickly becoming one of my favorites and Gomez Pugh nailed it again with his amazing killer attractive voice! 😍 And that bonus smut in the end! OMG! Pants on fire baby! 🔥 All in all, I’m truly hooked. Give me more of Vic and Jacob! 😉
4.5 I love you for who you are stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Disclaimer: An audio of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
March 25, 2020
Cross-posted at Shelf Inflicted and at Outlaw Reviews
Criss Cross is the second story in the Psy Cop series. Once again, a well-written, fun, fast-paced and suspenseful story told from Victor’s perspective. On a fishing trip with his former partner, Maurice, Vic discovers that his ability to see and communicate with the dead is amplified when he sees dead faces in the water. Meanwhile, his former partner, Lisa, informs Jacob that Vic is in danger, and Vic wants to figure out why he is scratching Jacob. Vic needs answers from Lisa, but she is in a training center in California for psychics and is unreachable. So Vic asks his new partner, Roger, to take him to California.
What a ride!
This is a very satisfying and engaging story that blends elements of mystery, suspense and romance. The reader is given a little more background about Victor’s past, and it is easy to understand why he behaves the way he does. Jacob is really showing what a sensitive and fiercely protective guy he can be. It is so obvious that he loves Vic and is willing to give him the time he needs to trust in their relationship.
The sex scenes are hot, sweet, and emotionally intense.
Criss Cross is the second story in the Psy Cop series. Once again, a well-written, fun, fast-paced and suspenseful story told from Victor’s perspective. On a fishing trip with his former partner, Maurice, Vic discovers that his ability to see and communicate with the dead is amplified when he sees dead faces in the water. Meanwhile, his former partner, Lisa, informs Jacob that Vic is in danger, and Vic wants to figure out why he is scratching Jacob. Vic needs answers from Lisa, but she is in a training center in California for psychics and is unreachable. So Vic asks his new partner, Roger, to take him to California.
What a ride!
This is a very satisfying and engaging story that blends elements of mystery, suspense and romance. The reader is given a little more background about Victor’s past, and it is easy to understand why he behaves the way he does. Jacob is really showing what a sensitive and fiercely protective guy he can be. It is so obvious that he loves Vic and is willing to give him the time he needs to trust in their relationship.
The sex scenes are hot, sweet, and emotionally intense.
August 27, 2016
4 stars.****Review completed January 5, 2014
I'm going to make it short and sweet. This installment opens up with Vic and his former partner Maurice fishing. Vic is a little bit grossed out.
And when the conversation drifts toward him and Jacob hitting it off, Vic doesn't feel so peachy anymore. Good ole Vic has quite some hangups and it's tough for him to come out to his former partner. Plus, when poor Vic is haunted by images of dead people floating in the water he's definitely close to freaking out. Good thing Jacob can make him feel better later on.
"Mmm, yeah."
Speaking of dirty: Jacob's a talker. And keeping my mouth full of c@ck has the added bonus of me not having to answer him. Not that the words aren't sexy as hell--I just worry that I'll sound like an idiot if I'm the one saying them.
"You should've come on me," he said. I don't know how he can look me in the eye and just say that. Even with the drugs, it wasn't anything I could speak out loud. "You'd look hot, really hot."
Vic likes to do static-surfing…*pets*
Ghosts...
I think Vic doesn't even know what a hoot he actually is. Love his endearingly deadpan humor. Oh, and how he's plowing through dead people with his car is just too funny for words! Sheesh, he's driving through them like a knife cuts through a piece of cake. Easy peasy. Well, they are dead, there's no resistance anymore. Vic has more than a couple hangups. I hope he's going to lose his self-conscious attitude. On the other hand, it's more than sexy to have one hot, self-assured stud loosening up a somewhat uptight Vic. Vic's anxiety about basement laundry rooms is kinda endearing and sweet, though. I must say that the villain was pretty easy to figure out in this installment. This being said, it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. I met Crash for the first time. He's an irritating ass, albeit a very interesting one and I'd love to see more of him.
I was asking my friend WHEN they would do the deed. I know, I know, I was a little bit impatient but my nagging has been rewarded with a hot shower scene. Holy cow. I'm glad they did it under a nice water jet because they could cool off without combusting in the first place. Or else…hmm…I could have hosed them down. That would have been fun, too!
Recommended read.
http://baba.booklikes.com
I'm going to make it short and sweet. This installment opens up with Vic and his former partner Maurice fishing. Vic is a little bit grossed out.
I looked down at the hook. Maurice had squished a worm onto it. A worm spirit didn't appear and immediately start telling me about the moment of its death, so I presumed I was safe from the spirits of bugs. But then it moved and I realized it was still alive. Gross.
And when the conversation drifts toward him and Jacob hitting it off, Vic doesn't feel so peachy anymore. Good ole Vic has quite some hangups and it's tough for him to come out to his former partner. Plus, when poor Vic is haunted by images of dead people floating in the water he's definitely close to freaking out. Good thing Jacob can make him feel better later on.
"Your eyes were half-open, but they were fixed, not moving."
Oh. That must've been really attractive. Good thing anything paranormal, ugly or not, makes Jacob horny.
"Mmm, yeah."
Speaking of dirty: Jacob's a talker. And keeping my mouth full of c@ck has the added bonus of me not having to answer him. Not that the words aren't sexy as hell--I just worry that I'll sound like an idiot if I'm the one saying them.
"You should've come on me," he said. I don't know how he can look me in the eye and just say that. Even with the drugs, it wasn't anything I could speak out loud. "You'd look hot, really hot."
Vic likes to do static-surfing…*pets*
Ghosts...
I think Vic doesn't even know what a hoot he actually is. Love his endearingly deadpan humor. Oh, and how he's plowing through dead people with his car is just too funny for words! Sheesh, he's driving through them like a knife cuts through a piece of cake. Easy peasy. Well, they are dead, there's no resistance anymore. Vic has more than a couple hangups. I hope he's going to lose his self-conscious attitude. On the other hand, it's more than sexy to have one hot, self-assured stud loosening up a somewhat uptight Vic. Vic's anxiety about basement laundry rooms is kinda endearing and sweet, though. I must say that the villain was pretty easy to figure out in this installment. This being said, it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. I met Crash for the first time. He's an irritating ass, albeit a very interesting one and I'd love to see more of him.
I was asking my friend WHEN they would do the deed. I know, I know, I was a little bit impatient but my nagging has been rewarded with a hot shower scene. Holy cow. I'm glad they did it under a nice water jet because they could cool off without combusting in the first place. Or else…hmm…I could have hosed them down. That would have been fun, too!
Recommended read.
http://baba.booklikes.com
May 7, 2024
Poor Vic can't catch a break...
For Victor, the answer is quite simple: All the ghosts which used to chat him up are becoming a bit grabby... And they're everywhere.
The delicate hold Vic had on sanity is slipping...
In the previous book of this series, Victor couldn't hardly find two ghosts to rub together to solve a case. In this book, he's having quite the opposite problem... And ya know, a lot more problems on top of that... Because for the first time, Vic has a life outside of work...
Victor Bayne
Turns out Vic's liver is none-too-happy about his habit of taking WAY more than the recommended dose of Auracel and now he has to go clean for the foreseeable future.
Even Vic's boyfriend is suffering...
Jacob Marks
Jacob's partner Carolyn decides that Victor needs to visit an Empathetic Healer... After all, Vic's problem is a ghost problem, not a drug problem, right? Unfortunately, going to the healer puts Vic face-to-face with an entirely different kind of of specter: Jacob's Ex-Boyfriend (*dramatic music plays*) - Crash, the punked-out no-nonsense healer is
a) Kind of an asshole
b) Doesn't believe Vic is an actual Medium
c) Vic's only hope if he wants the ghosts to go away without drugs
On top of all that, Vic is trying to wrap his brain around the multitude of changes in his life...
New Boyfriend,
New Doctor,
New Uncool Sobriety,
New Partner,
New swarming ghost problem...
Just another day in the life of a PsyCop...
Until Lisa (Vic's former partner) starts calling him from her PsyTraining facility and warning him not to trust anyone. Even Jacob...
This installment of the series layered in quite a bit more suspense, which was lovely. I'm also appreciating the dynamic between Vic and Jacob as I see more of their relationship unfolding. I'd definitely like to see more info on Jacob... Maybe some backstory? Hey, I've got the whole series ahead of me, I'm sure I'll get oodles more info on both my guys ;)
I'm off to read the next book!
READ ALL MY REVIEWS IN THIS SERIES:
I'll update the list as additional books are published.
0.1 - Inside Out - Read my Review here.
1 - Among the Living - Read my Review here.
1.1 - Thaw - Read my Review here.
2 - Criss Cross - Read my Review here.
2.1 - Striking Sparks - Read my Review here.
2.2 - Many Happy Returns - Read my Review here.
2.3 - Mind Reader - Read my Review here.
3 - Body and Soul - Read my Review here.
3.1 - The Stroke of Midnight - Read my Review here.
4 - Secrets - Read my Review here.
5 - Camp Hell - Read my Review here.
6 - GhosTV - Read my Review here.
6.1 - In the Dark - Read my Review here.
7 - Spook Squad - Read my Review here.
Not only had my reality become more Dawn of the Dead than I was accustomed to, but suddenly all the hungry cadavers were acting like I was in possession of the world's last brain...When your life revolves around talking to ghosts to solve murders, how can you tell when things are getting out of hand?
For Victor, the answer is quite simple: All the ghosts which used to chat him up are becoming a bit grabby... And they're everywhere.
The delicate hold Vic had on sanity is slipping...
In the previous book of this series, Victor couldn't hardly find two ghosts to rub together to solve a case. In this book, he's having quite the opposite problem... And ya know, a lot more problems on top of that... Because for the first time, Vic has a life outside of work...
Victor Bayne
“That’s what’s wrong with Psychs,” I said. “The sixth sense doesn’t match up with the other senses, so anything we describe comes out flawed. It’s like trying to describe how purple smells, or what pain sounds like.”The sudden increase in paranormal activity isn't a huge deal at first. Victor is the kinda guy who has no problem taking a side of Auracel with his Auracel in order to make the spirits go away. Unfortunately, Vic has to stay off the pills, Doctor's orders, and doesn't that just put the last nail in this undead coffin?
Turns out Vic's liver is none-too-happy about his habit of taking WAY more than the recommended dose of Auracel and now he has to go clean for the foreseeable future.
Even Vic's boyfriend is suffering...
Jacob Marks
I probably should’ve just trusted him. Maybe I did. Maybe it was me that I couldn’t trust. [...] I wondered if I was ever totally present for Jacob, or if he always had to search for the real me between the cracks of all the drugs I took...Sweet, steady, Jacob... I'm beginning to think Jacob is the perfect person for Vic, but I'm not so sure Vic is the best person for Jacob. Vic has been lashing out in his sleep - violently attacking Jacob, but waking with no memory of the event...
Jacob's partner Carolyn decides that Victor needs to visit an Empathetic Healer... After all, Vic's problem is a ghost problem, not a drug problem, right? Unfortunately, going to the healer puts Vic face-to-face with an entirely different kind of of specter: Jacob's Ex-Boyfriend (*dramatic music plays*) - Crash, the punked-out no-nonsense healer is
a) Kind of an asshole
b) Doesn't believe Vic is an actual Medium
c) Vic's only hope if he wants the ghosts to go away without drugs
On top of all that, Vic is trying to wrap his brain around the multitude of changes in his life...
New Boyfriend,
New Doctor,
New Uncool Sobriety,
New Partner,
New swarming ghost problem...
Just another day in the life of a PsyCop...
Until Lisa (Vic's former partner) starts calling him from her PsyTraining facility and warning him not to trust anyone. Even Jacob...
This installment of the series layered in quite a bit more suspense, which was lovely. I'm also appreciating the dynamic between Vic and Jacob as I see more of their relationship unfolding. I'd definitely like to see more info on Jacob... Maybe some backstory? Hey, I've got the whole series ahead of me, I'm sure I'll get oodles more info on both my guys ;)
I'm off to read the next book!
READ ALL MY REVIEWS IN THIS SERIES:
I'll update the list as additional books are published.
0.1 - Inside Out - Read my Review here.
1 - Among the Living - Read my Review here.
1.1 - Thaw - Read my Review here.
2 - Criss Cross - Read my Review here.
2.1 - Striking Sparks - Read my Review here.
2.2 - Many Happy Returns - Read my Review here.
2.3 - Mind Reader - Read my Review here.
3 - Body and Soul - Read my Review here.
3.1 - The Stroke of Midnight - Read my Review here.
4 - Secrets - Read my Review here.
5 - Camp Hell - Read my Review here.
6 - GhosTV - Read my Review here.
6.1 - In the Dark - Read my Review here.
7 - Spook Squad - Read my Review here.
February 2, 2018
Well...I'm officially addicted. I'll have to save reading this series during the day because if the other books are like the first two, they are on the creepy side.
August 14, 2019
I liked this series from book 1, and each one just escalates in quality as I read through to GhosTV. I finished it in one day, and it's been years since I liked a novel that well. The series combines some of my favorite things, strong main characters and supporting cast, mystery, and police procedural. Add to that the fascinating world of psychic phenomena and you get a truly irresistible set of stories from a talented writer. I'm on my way to buy the remaining books, which I will clearly ration my reading of in a responsible manner. Not.
January 29, 2021
Well well..it keeps getting better. I really enjoyed this one. Still weird as shit, but very entertaining. I love Victor and he is just so freaking funny, at least his thoughts are. I liked the steamy ending and I hope there will be more of that in the next book. I would also like to read more about crash. The mystery in this one wasn't very mysterious, but I didn't really mind. I think this one was a lot better than the first book, but maybe that's because I'm getting to know the characters and also because it was not as short. I'm off reading the next one :)
4 stars from me
4 stars from me
August 3, 2016
**4.5 stars**
Okay, it's official: I love this series! This review will be short and sweet because I'm on my phone but I adored "Criss Cross". My only issue with it is that it is too darn short! I loved the relationship between Vic and Jacob, and I am dying to see how things progress with them. I like that this book isn't a sappy romance. It mixes things up for me. Can't wait for the next in the series!
Okay, it's official: I love this series! This review will be short and sweet because I'm on my phone but I adored "Criss Cross". My only issue with it is that it is too darn short! I loved the relationship between Vic and Jacob, and I am dying to see how things progress with them. I like that this book isn't a sappy romance. It mixes things up for me. Can't wait for the next in the series!
January 17, 2015
Written November 29, 2014
4 Stars - I'm trapped - this was really good
Book #2
The first part #1 - Among the Living (3.5 stars) in this crime-paranormal M/M series PsyCop was tempting good. This second part was undoubtedly one notch up on the better and better rise.
Victor Bayne and Jacob Marks are for sure two interesting characters. Theire world is kind if weird and their (new) love, and sometimes also work partners, relationship is both intense and shaky. ~ But this whetted the appetite for more creepy murder investigations.
Just five more books and a couple of mini shorties to read.
***********************************************************
I listened to these first two audiobooks (this second one 4 hrs once again narrated very well by Gomez Pugh) on a vacation trip and finished next to two weeks ago. Undoubtedly is it too late for a proper review now, so short and sweet:
I LIKE - Oh yes! A series to "go" for.
4 Stars - I'm trapped - this was really good
Book #2
The first part #1 - Among the Living (3.5 stars) in this crime-paranormal M/M series PsyCop was tempting good. This second part was undoubtedly one notch up on the better and better rise.
Victor Bayne and Jacob Marks are for sure two interesting characters. Theire world is kind if weird and their (new) love, and sometimes also work partners, relationship is both intense and shaky. ~ But this whetted the appetite for more creepy murder investigations.
Just five more books and a couple of mini shorties to read.
***********************************************************
I listened to these first two audiobooks (this second one 4 hrs once again narrated very well by Gomez Pugh) on a vacation trip and finished next to two weeks ago. Undoubtedly is it too late for a proper review now, so short and sweet:
I LIKE - Oh yes! A series to "go" for.
April 8, 2013
3.5 stars
Well…book 2, “Criss Cross” was a weaker follow up. It just didn’t quite live up to the intro that was “Among the Living”.
It was twice as funny.
It was half as smart.
There were times, from early on, that I wanted to grab Vic and say, “duh…you DO know what’s going on here, right?” And for 3/4 of the book, Vic’s actions would reply “I have no idea”. Ugh…I can’t adore you if you’re going to be this thick, Vic.
Add the new characters all kinda annoyed me…and yes, that includes Crash. I wasn’t feeling this one as much as I was feeling book 1. And what’s up with Maurice just popping in and out of scenes randomly? Is the guy retired or not?
Thankfully, Vic’s inner-monologue did manage to have me chortling out loud many a time.
Jacob woke up a little and there were a couple pretty smoking smut scenes (my favorite being some very hot shower sex at the end) that smoothed over my irritations a bit. But, all in all, book 2 brought me down from my high…just a little.
January 24, 2013
Adult review for erotic content.
*thinking*
*thinking*
*thinking*
*pause thinking to crunch on an old, leftover candy cane*
*still thinking*
You know, it beats me. Is there a category for m/m romance with both a suspense and an urban fantasy bent that features a drug-using psychic who uses his talents to sense ghosties for the police? Is there? I don't know. Talk about a hodgepodge of stuff going on up in this place.
I liked Criss Cross better than the firstbook short novella. The previous installment in the series did have a very hot smut scene up against a glass window, but this time around the author managed to get right to the good stuff without making me sit through a lot of character background and police procedure. Given that it had been a while since I'd read number 1, I didn't feel lost, which was a nice surprise.
Remember earlier in the week when I read that scary pirate-rape story and complained that nothing really happened other than a lot of scary pirate-rape? I am happy to report that there are authors out there who know how to pack in a story which has a little bit of everything into a small amount of space.
There Was :
Chemistry
Action
Mystery
Psychic Crime Fighting
Smut
...and humor! I loved Vic's musings!
This is a shorter story, so there's not much else to add to the review without making it as long as the story itself. I'll leave you with this scene which made me smile :
Question of the Day : What IS PsyCop?
*thinking*
*thinking*
*thinking*
*pause thinking to crunch on an old, leftover candy cane*
*still thinking*
You know, it beats me. Is there a category for m/m romance with both a suspense and an urban fantasy bent that features a drug-using psychic who uses his talents to sense ghosties for the police? Is there? I don't know. Talk about a hodgepodge of stuff going on up in this place.
I liked Criss Cross better than the first
Remember earlier in the week when I read that scary pirate-rape story and complained that nothing really happened other than a lot of scary pirate-rape? I am happy to report that there are authors out there who know how to pack in a story which has a little bit of everything into a small amount of space.
There Was :
Chemistry
Action
Mystery
Psychic Crime Fighting
Smut
...and humor! I loved Vic's musings!
This is a shorter story, so there's not much else to add to the review without making it as long as the story itself. I'll leave you with this scene which made me smile :
She slipped a pamphlet into my hands. On the cover was a triangle with a rainbow inside and I nearly spewed the bagel the nurse had given me. How'd she know I was gay? It was the blowjob. They'd found traces of semen in my mouth. Oh god, I was so fired. And then I'd lose my health coverage, and then my liver would explode.
"In addition to changing the meds, you'll have to start watching your diet," she said.
I stared at her.
"The USDA modified the food pyramid to reflect their most recent guidelines," she said, as I scrambled to figure out what my diet had to do with being queer. Chance pointed at the pamphlet. "You'll note there's no donut group. And no coffee group either. Limit coffee to one cup a day. Two, at the most."
I looked down at the pamphlet and read the title. My Pyramid Plan : A Guide to Healthy Eating.
April 10, 2017
I love Vic and Jacob.. i did enjoy reading this.
and the shower scene was hot * fans-self*
and the shower scene was hot * fans-self*
August 8, 2021
O segundo livro foi tão bom quanto o primeiro! Aqui temos uma evolução da relação de Victor e Jacob ❤ Vic continua uma comédia por acidente, ele é tipo aquelas pessoas engraçadas sem querer, sua narração em relação a si mesmo é ótima. Além de Victor e Jacob, temos Lisa que é uma personagem com poder psíquico bem legal do Sim-Não. Outro poder interessante é o de Carolyn, imagina ser um polígrafo humano, o único problema com esse poder para alguns é que muitos não poderiam mentir diante dele. Vou para o terceiro livro e ver como será às próximas emoções envolvendo Victor Bayne e Jacob marks.
October 4, 2023
5th re-read October 2023
May 13, 2013
Criss Cross, book two in Jordan Castillo Price’s PsyCop series, kicked off with such promise. Huge creeps in the opening pages! Something special about a river full of….*cough* Never mind. Not telling. :) But overall the story fell flat for me.
We meet up with Victor Bayne and Jacob Marks where book one left off. Life filled with parking problems, crime, coffee, cuddles, and ghosts. Except Victor’s abilities have kicked it up a notch and gone haywire.
”Not only had my reality become more Dawn of the Dead than I was accustomed to, but suddenly all the hungry cadavers were acting like I was in possession of the world’s last brain.”
Hehe…Cadavers. Love that word! The spirits were no longer just floating by or haunting the corners of Vic’s world, but grabbing for him. Reaching. Touching. Wanting more from him. Meanwhile, Victor is hit with danger, warnings, and stress from all sides: a new partner at work, health scares, lack of good drugs, and maybe danger at home with Jacob. Can Victor and Jacob survive another round of paranormal trouble?
Oh, Jacob! I don’t know how you put up with Vic in this one. His “nonexistent interpersonal skills” drove me nuts here! Talk to each other! The avoiding-the-big-talks skills are amazing between these two. Vic puts me to shame! He hides himself away so completely—even from himself. For instance, I’m not sure he realized how much he enjoyed working with Maurice, his old partner, until he was gone. Vic, Vic, Vic! He simultaneously breaks my heart and drives me to drink! Haha…Such an addictive character! The line between sad and sweet or alive and dead blurs and runs all over the place with him. A hard heart and head to crack. So yeah, safe to say—I’m in love. And Vic and Jacob may not talk about their relationship or feelings, but their energy on the page fueled this fire for me! From cute and domestic to hot and dirty, Vic and Jacob’s chemistry charmed, captivated, and carried me through this story. One of my favorite moments was when Vic introduced Jacob to his new partner at work. Haha…. The grin and glow that hit Jacob after made me giggle. So cute! They fit so perfectly together. I love every minute they share on the page.
Okay so right about now you are probably asking—so what’s the problem then? For me, the creepy components were all here, but they never added up to a big creepy ta-da. The points were never cashed in. We saw ghosts with knives sticking out of their chests, “touchy-feely” dead, and bushels of heads! But I never felt the shivers in the end. The Criss Cross killer remained more of a name on the page than an actual spooky threat and one mystery ingredient was glaringly obvious. I had fun with a few other developments and a new character, but I just didn’t feel the mystery magic in this one.
On to the next book though….I need more Vic and Jacob ASAP!
August 17, 2021
Reread 16/08/2021
Still good the second time around and my opinion of Crash in this book hasn’t changed one bit, and for the same reasons. Although I remember disliking him more the first time, more than I did in this reread—possibly because I know what to expect—and more than my original review seems to show. I was probably trying to be civil and not rant at the new secondary character.
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First read 20/10/2017
As with the first book, I loved spending time in Victor’s head, but I think both the mystery and the relationship development would benefit from longer stories.
Jacob’s patient and caring and obviously very invested in his relationship with Vic. Still, he remains a little bit of a mystery, not surprising since they don’t seem to ever have more than a passing serious conversation about their relationship. I hope things will improve on that front.
The jury’s still out on Crash, I’m sure there’s more to find out about him, but I wasn’t a fan of his attitude when it came to Victor’s talent. Also, any character who isn’t gonna win any points with me anytime soon.
Still good the second time around and my opinion of Crash in this book hasn’t changed one bit, and for the same reasons. Although I remember disliking him more the first time, more than I did in this reread—possibly because I know what to expect—and more than my original review seems to show. I was probably trying to be civil and not rant at the new secondary character.
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First read 20/10/2017
As with the first book, I loved spending time in Victor’s head, but I think both the mystery and the relationship development would benefit from longer stories.
Jacob’s patient and caring and obviously very invested in his relationship with Vic. Still, he remains a little bit of a mystery, not surprising since they don’t seem to ever have more than a passing serious conversation about their relationship. I hope things will improve on that front.
The jury’s still out on Crash, I’m sure there’s more to find out about him, but I wasn’t a fan of his attitude when it came to Victor’s talent. Also, any character who isn’t gonna win any points with me anytime soon.
May 24, 2022
I really wanted to love this series.
So much promise and some great ideas for a captivating plot.
But somehow the execution leaves me 'wanting for more':
While I enjoy the writing as such (funny snark, nice angst and a good dose of tension) I was left craving for more depth, more relationship development, more detail etc etc.
Mainly I missed more romance. I have no idea how Victor and Jacob almost get to the ILY stage between book 1 and this. Mystified really.
Maybe I should read on to see whether we do get 'more' in the course of this well loved series, but tbh, I might have to give in and say it is not for me.
So much promise and some great ideas for a captivating plot.
But somehow the execution leaves me 'wanting for more':
While I enjoy the writing as such (funny snark, nice angst and a good dose of tension) I was left craving for more depth, more relationship development, more detail etc etc.
Mainly I missed more romance. I have no idea how Victor and Jacob almost get to the ILY stage between book 1 and this. Mystified really.
Maybe I should read on to see whether we do get 'more' in the course of this well loved series, but tbh, I might have to give in and say it is not for me.
February 10, 2020
Criss Cross is a fun listen and really advances the MCs’ relationship and the world-building of the PsyCop series, but it didn’t really hang together all that well as a story. There are some spoilers in what follows, but honestly, this isn’t one to read for the mystery. In a nutshell, Victor (our PsyCop hero) is finding his ghost radar ratcheted up to an uncomfortable level. Ghosts are popping out all over the place and his ghost-sense-inhibiting drugs aren’t working. Full disclosure: I don’t care for medical dramas or possession stories, and this is both. My lukewarm reaction to this instalment likely has quite a bit to do with my own genre tastes. When he isn’t accepting Starbucks delivery from his suspiciously sycophantic new partner, Victor spends a lot of time worrying about his meds, consulting his doctor, and feeling harassed by the dead; meanwhile it is becoming apparent that it is very dangerous for Jacob to bed down with him as Victor’s lover is waking up in the morning with bloody scratch marks all over his chiselled body and his skin shreds beneath Victor’s fingernails… There is naturally a reveal that makes sense of all this, but it doesn’t quite make the journey feel worthwhile because honestly the pace of the first three quarters of the novella is slow and the plot meanders languidly. A redeeming feature of this one is the introduction of Jacob’s sexy, confident ex-boyfriend Crash--an empath into crystals who is also into Vic and who is more charismatic and intriguing than I expected. Hope to see more of him in future books. There is also some really solid world-building throughout this one as we learn more about what is and is not known about the dead and encounter some technology that is designed to manipulate them, as well as the people behind it. I know from other readers that the series continues to grow and improve, and it’s definitely hooked me, so I will be tuning in for book three before long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2022
Yes!
As much as I liked the first book in the PsyCop series, I liked this second one even more.
We get to learn more about Vic and what makes him tick. I love how there is no info- or emo-dump in these series. The characters "do" and we learn about them through their actions and reactions.
I'm looking forward to seeing how Vic and Jacob's relationship develops; how Vic further deals with his psychic abilities; and what role lies for Lisa in future installments.
Love this series!
As much as I liked the first book in the PsyCop series, I liked this second one even more.
We get to learn more about Vic and what makes him tick. I love how there is no info- or emo-dump in these series. The characters "do" and we learn about them through their actions and reactions.
I'm looking forward to seeing how Vic and Jacob's relationship develops; how Vic further deals with his psychic abilities; and what role lies for Lisa in future installments.
Love this series!
August 5, 2010
I'm sorry, but while I quite enjoyed the first book of this series, it became quite apparent that what I thought were minor beginner's quirks that I could overlook really weren't.
First, I could not believe that Victor is supposed to be in his mid-to-late-30s. He sounds like a really emo 20-year-old at best. Second, the sex scenes are not very sexy at all. Third, there are some sentences so mindboggingly, ridiculously stupid that at some point I couldn't take it anymore. "Did straight guys eat salads?" being one great example.) I mostly skimmed the latter half, if only because I read that there was a story written from Jacob's POV set after this one, and I kind of was curious enough to read that, but after reading some of the reviews I won't do that.
See, my two main issues are this: Jacob is WAY too perfect (completely in love with Victor for no fathomable reason, great in bed, eternally patient and of course also really well hung) and Victor is WAY too imperfect. In fact, I have no idea what Victor brings to their relationship apart from being psychic (which is something Jacob is apparently into? Yeah, that's not creepy at all.) and a complete mess.
I mean, I do get that the reader is supposed to identify with Victor, because after all, aren't we all messes who can't believe anyone would love them but wish for a perfect guy like Jacob to appear who loves us and takes care of us? Maybe that's a little too extreme, but it's vicarious wish-fulfillment at it's best, and while there is nothing wrong with it as such, it's really not well done in this case.
Oh, and one other thing: while I don't have any problem at all with a character... ascertening his sexuality, there's such a thing as too much, and Victor's constant musings about how gay this is and how gay that is was just annoying, because it just felt ridiculous rather than an honest questioning of self.
Of course, the question remains: why I am doing this to myself? I usually end up reading m/m romance when I don't have enough unread fanfic of my favorite slash pairing left to read. So far, there've been more examples of disappointing m/m than of satisfying m/m. But I just don't want to believe that it's all crap (and considering the satisfying examples I KNOW it isn't), and also I do like romance stories. My problem is that both m/f and f/f tend to not appeal to me because I don't like most of the female characters. And Xena fanfic is not well-written enough (then of course, neither is most of this m/m crap). Sigh.
First, I could not believe that Victor is supposed to be in his mid-to-late-30s. He sounds like a really emo 20-year-old at best. Second, the sex scenes are not very sexy at all. Third, there are some sentences so mindboggingly, ridiculously stupid that at some point I couldn't take it anymore. "Did straight guys eat salads?" being one great example.) I mostly skimmed the latter half, if only because I read that there was a story written from Jacob's POV set after this one, and I kind of was curious enough to read that, but after reading some of the reviews I won't do that.
See, my two main issues are this: Jacob is WAY too perfect (completely in love with Victor for no fathomable reason, great in bed, eternally patient and of course also really well hung) and Victor is WAY too imperfect. In fact, I have no idea what Victor brings to their relationship apart from being psychic (which is something Jacob is apparently into? Yeah, that's not creepy at all.) and a complete mess.
I mean, I do get that the reader is supposed to identify with Victor, because after all, aren't we all messes who can't believe anyone would love them but wish for a perfect guy like Jacob to appear who loves us and takes care of us? Maybe that's a little too extreme, but it's vicarious wish-fulfillment at it's best, and while there is nothing wrong with it as such, it's really not well done in this case.
Oh, and one other thing: while I don't have any problem at all with a character... ascertening his sexuality, there's such a thing as too much, and Victor's constant musings about how gay this is and how gay that is was just annoying, because it just felt ridiculous rather than an honest questioning of self.
Of course, the question remains: why I am doing this to myself? I usually end up reading m/m romance when I don't have enough unread fanfic of my favorite slash pairing left to read. So far, there've been more examples of disappointing m/m than of satisfying m/m. But I just don't want to believe that it's all crap (and considering the satisfying examples I KNOW it isn't), and also I do like romance stories. My problem is that both m/f and f/f tend to not appeal to me because I don't like most of the female characters. And Xena fanfic is not well-written enough (then of course, neither is most of this m/m crap). Sigh.
March 31, 2021
This was an improvement from the first one, but it's lacking still. 😞😞
The crime obviously is never gonna be the same as other books because of the psycop element, but *sighs* how to explain this? There is no crime, there is no structure, no steps, no clues, nothing! It's just Victor trying to survive his abilities while being targeted without him knowing, for a cop with so many experiences he's clueless, or is that because of his drug abuse? I dunno, but everything is really confusing until it's not, wich means the bad guy it's about to get caught, so maybe this is not much of a crime trope but paranormal/mystery one? Makes more sense to me.
The relationships is there, it has always been there, I never understood how or why but since I love to see a couple together and through books I don't mind it much. They are sweet and they are there, so that's about it.
This series is appealing, I haven't figured out why yet but it is, I don't know if it's the story or Victor or the other psycs who have such interesting abilities, but there is something. I just hope the crime part keeps improving. 🧐❤
The crime obviously is never gonna be the same as other books because of the psycop element, but *sighs* how to explain this? There is no crime, there is no structure, no steps, no clues, nothing! It's just Victor trying to survive his abilities while being targeted without him knowing, for a cop with so many experiences he's clueless, or is that because of his drug abuse? I dunno, but everything is really confusing until it's not, wich means the bad guy it's about to get caught, so maybe this is not much of a crime trope but paranormal/mystery one? Makes more sense to me.
The relationships is there, it has always been there, I never understood how or why but since I love to see a couple together and through books I don't mind it much. They are sweet and they are there, so that's about it.
This series is appealing, I haven't figured out why yet but it is, I don't know if it's the story or Victor or the other psycs who have such interesting abilities, but there is something. I just hope the crime part keeps improving. 🧐❤
January 14, 2015
Oh, fuck yeah! On to the next one!
December 30, 2018
There's a new drug on the streets. Goes by the name PsyCop. I am one of it's victims...
April 13, 2017
3.5 Stars
The fun times continue for Victor Bayne, the psycop extraordinaire who can see dead people. This time around his ability is a bit off the chain - the ghosts are actually seeking him out, being more aggressive. To make matters worse he has some health problems and discovers his life is in jeopardy - perhaps by those closest to him.
So yes, I just basically rephrased the blurb :)
If you want a further exploration of the world building, as well as another peak at Victor and his boyfriend, then start reading! As with the first installment, Victor has a unique voice - a little less on the confident and suave - which makes him that much more endearing and relatable. I also loved Jacob - is he too perfect? Maybe. But you can't say that that isn't appealing. This was great entertainment and the hotness factor does not disappoint! That last scene?? *fans self*
The fun times continue for Victor Bayne, the psycop extraordinaire who can see dead people. This time around his ability is a bit off the chain - the ghosts are actually seeking him out, being more aggressive. To make matters worse he has some health problems and discovers his life is in jeopardy - perhaps by those closest to him.
So yes, I just basically rephrased the blurb :)
If you want a further exploration of the world building, as well as another peak at Victor and his boyfriend, then start reading! As with the first installment, Victor has a unique voice - a little less on the confident and suave - which makes him that much more endearing and relatable. I also loved Jacob - is he too perfect? Maybe. But you can't say that that isn't appealing. This was great entertainment and the hotness factor does not disappoint! That last scene?? *fans self*
February 2, 2020
I just love Vic.
“Oh, hey,” I said. “This is Roger, my new partner. Roger, this is Jacob, my, uh....” God, could there be a worse word than “boyfriend?” It made us sound like Barbie and Ken. Or Ken and Ken. Or Ken and G.I. Joe. I told my mind to stop stalling and think of a way to say it. “My partner...at home.”
“Oh, hey,” I said. “This is Roger, my new partner. Roger, this is Jacob, my, uh....” God, could there be a worse word than “boyfriend?” It made us sound like Barbie and Ken. Or Ken and Ken. Or Ken and G.I. Joe. I told my mind to stop stalling and think of a way to say it. “My partner...at home.”
January 4, 2015
I enjoyed reading more about Vic and Jacob and their uncommon relationship. Jacob is so sweet and understanding of Vic's ability. It has to be hard on him to love someone who is seeing dead people. *shudders*
Due to the events in the first book Jacob is homeless and staying with Vic. The transition is not easy on Vic, and typical to his personality he internally worries and questions everything. Vic finds himself surrounded by ghosts that are being way to pushy. His usual meds are killing his liver, and the new pills he gets aren't any more effective than sugar pills. .
Crash, an empathic healer - Woohoo! I love that guy! - might be able to help get Vic's powers under control. It turns out he's Jacob's ex, and wouldn't mind getting in Vic's pants...
I loved reading Criss Cross. It's a great mix of suspense, fast paced action, dry humor and romance. From beginning to end the pace is quick and the writing style entertaining.
Highly recommended! :)
March 3, 2021
Again re reading this series is as enjoyable as the first time. Knowing who the bad guys are is just as frustrating as not knowing lol.
I really love the paranormal aspect of this series. But it’s the chemistry between Jacob and Vic that really makes me happy.
Jacob is such a great character. To others he is a strong no nonsense cop, but with Vic we see his more vulnerable side. Victor is still as jumbled as ever. His thoughts are crazy at times but I love him, insecurities and bad humour and all.
I even have no complaints about the two females that play strong roles in this lol.
A real lose your self and get pulled into the story kind of read.
ETA Really enjoying my re reading. Vic and Jacob are just great together.
ETA See above
I really love the paranormal aspect of this series. But it’s the chemistry between Jacob and Vic that really makes me happy.
Jacob is such a great character. To others he is a strong no nonsense cop, but with Vic we see his more vulnerable side. Victor is still as jumbled as ever. His thoughts are crazy at times but I love him, insecurities and bad humour and all.
I even have no complaints about the two females that play strong roles in this lol.
A real lose your self and get pulled into the story kind of read.
ETA Really enjoying my re reading. Vic and Jacob are just great together.
ETA See above
January 20, 2023
Another GREAT read!! I love Vic and Jacob and am hoping Vic can get control of his power for the sake of his well-being.
February 17, 2021
This was fast passed and interesting. I still have niggles about the series, the writing could -for me- do with a little filling out still, but the pace of the story negated some of the abruptness.
Emotions fly around, there was potential for more tension and worry but enough was conveyed. Jacob is definitely to good to be true, despite what seems like a psychic kink we still know nothing of him except his size, his size 😉, and his devotion to Vic. Doesn't show them getting to know each other, and I'm not convinced the shower sex was hot!
Vic, being in his pov makes him sympathetic, a lot of the niggles involved dreams over which he had no control. Odd bit of vouyerism though. Think we need more Jacob to help see how Vic comes across to others. (I'm still caught on what Vic's ideal man image from the first book, compared to Jacob)
The attitude to gayness feels dated, and I did think the series older than the given pub date? 'do straight men eat salad?' And the converse for fishing in a boat was a huh? Not sure if that's Vic or the book as Jacob seems confidentially out.
At the moment I'm caught up with Vic and wanting to read more, but with some lingering reservations.
Emotions fly around, there was potential for more tension and worry but enough was conveyed. Jacob is definitely to good to be true, despite what seems like a psychic kink we still know nothing of him except his size, his size 😉, and his devotion to Vic. Doesn't show them getting to know each other, and I'm not convinced the shower sex was hot!
Vic, being in his pov makes him sympathetic, a lot of the niggles involved dreams over which he had no control. Odd bit of vouyerism though. Think we need more Jacob to help see how Vic comes across to others. (I'm still caught on what Vic's ideal man image from the first book, compared to Jacob)
The attitude to gayness feels dated, and I did think the series older than the given pub date? 'do straight men eat salad?' And the converse for fishing in a boat was a huh? Not sure if that's Vic or the book as Jacob seems confidentially out.
At the moment I'm caught up with Vic and wanting to read more, but with some lingering reservations.
November 11, 2022
I loved the book, especially the love scene at the end and also how the plot twisted and turned. An added attraction was seeing that Maurice was there at the end. This is only book #2 and I have already read several of the other books...out of order of course, so I know that the story plots well from one book to the next. This is a paranormal cop series, with same sex partners and a slew of interesting, strange characters and happenings. It may seem a bit strange to describe paranormal creepy stuff as fun, but Jordan Castillo Price has a way of bringing all the fun and more to the table no matter what the main characters face. I couldn't help but love Vic and Jacob. Anyone who needs to have their books follow perfectly in a storyline and not have to wonder why or how something occurred will really want to read these in order.
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