Step into the electrifying world of Valentine Shepherd, where psychic visions, gritty crime, and steamy romance collide in a whirlwind of urban fantasy! Shana Figueroa’s Valentine Shepherd series follows a tough-as-nails private investigator with the uncanny ability to glimpse the future, navigating a shadowy Seattle filled with conspiracies, murder, and supernatural intrigue. With her sharp wit and relentless drive for justice, Valentine, alongside billionaire Max Carressa, unravels mysteries that challenge fate itself, making this trilogy a must-read for fans of dark, character-driven fantasy.
Blending the pulse-pounding pace of a thriller with the mystical allure of the paranormal, this series hooks you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Ready to dive into a world where every vision could mean life or death? Let’s explore the heart of Valentine Shepherd!
How Valentine Shepherd Began
Shana Figueroa, a U.S. Air Force aerospace engineer by day, crafted the Valentine Shepherd series to fill a gap she saw in speculative fiction—stories with complex characters and deeper themes, spiked with humor and romance. Inspired by her love for martial arts, science, and Toni Morrison’s advice to write the books she wanted to read, Figueroa introduced Valentine in 2016. Her goal? To create a flawed, relatable heroine who’s as vulnerable as she is fierce, set in a world where psychic powers amplify human struggles.
The series kicked off with Vengeance, published by Forever Yours, and quickly gained traction for its bold mix of genres. Figueroa’s military background and Seattle roots shaped Valentine’s gritty, no-nonsense vibe and the city’s rain-soaked, conspiratorial backdrop, making the series a standout in urban fantasy.
The Heart of Valentine Shepherd
The Valentine Shepherd trilogy—Vengeance (2016), Retribution (2017), and Reckoning (2017)—follows ex-Army sergeant turned PI Valentine Shepherd as she uses her psychic visions to solve crimes. In Vengeance, Valentine’s fiancé is murdered while defending Max Carressa, a billionaire accused of patricide. Her quest for justice unveils a conspiracy tying a mayoral candidate, a crime boss, and her own past, with Max as an unexpected ally. Retribution sees Valentine grappling with heartbreak and a missing-persons case that spirals into terror, while Reckoning delivers a high-stakes finale as Valentine and Max face a apocalyptic threat to protect their family.
The series shines through its themes of fate versus free will, love’s redemptive power, and the cost of justice. Valentine’s visions—often grim glimpses of death—force her to confront her limitations, while her chemistry with Max, a flawed yet devoted partner, grounds the supernatural in raw emotion. Seattle’s gritty streets and Figueroa’s sharp, humorous prose create a vivid, immersive world that feels both fantastical and real.
What sets the series apart is its unapologetic edge: explicit romance, diverse relationships, and morally gray characters. Fans praise its unpredictable plot twists and Valentine’s evolution from a self-destructive loner to a resilient protector, making each book a rollercoaster of action and heart.
Why Valentine Shepherd Resonates
Though niche, the Valentine Shepherd series has carved a loyal following among urban fantasy readers for its fresh take on the genre. Unlike typical vampire or shifter tales, its focus on human “seers” with psychic gifts feels grounded yet otherworldly, earning comparisons to J.C. Andrijeski’s Quentin Black series. Reviewers on Goodreads and NightOwlReviews.com laud its complex characters and shocking twists, with Vengeance earning “Top Pick” status for its addictive pacing.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its fearless exploration of messy humanity—Valentine’s flaws, Max’s redemption, and their defiance of fate resonate with readers craving authentic, high-stakes drama. Figueroa’s voice, blending humor and darkness, ensures the trilogy lingers long after the final page.
- Publication Years: 2016–2017
- Number of Books: 3 (Vengeance, Retribution, Reckoning)
- Setting: Seattle, Washington
- Author: Shana Figueroa, U.S. Air Force veteran
Ready to unravel conspiracies with a psychic PI? Grab Vengeance and dive into Valentine Shepherd’s thrilling, heart-pounding world today!