After meeting Stephanie Ahn through #LGBTWIP on twitter, I was eager to read her work, and nothing could have prepared me for such an electric, thrilling debut of a novel.

Deadline follows the (mis)adventures of Harry Lee, a paranormal investigator of New York City. After a blood magic ritual gone bad, Harry is struggling to make rent as a freelancer. When a low-tier warlock with connections to the highest of magical families offers a life-changing case, Harry takes it--only to find herself in deeper trouble than ever.

For disappointed fans of the The Dresden Files (and there's a lot of be disappointed about in Butcher's work), Deadline is everything the investigator-end of urban fantasy should be. The pacing is on point, the story is riveting, the world-building is precise, and the characters are strong and brilliant. The identity diversity is thriving, and I am thriving because of it. Harry's inner voice is hilarious, heart-wrenching, and all too real. I was glued to the page from Chapter 1 and am super eager for the sequel. I want Harry to go on to have many, many adventures. And yes, there is lots of Harry kissing fantastic ladies and yes, I did squeal in the middle of the gym & earn confused looks.

Honestly, if you enjoy urban fantasy at all, treat yourself to Deadline. Ahn's work is going to be my go-to urban fantasy detective rec from now on.