All Fixed Up

March 21, 2016
Grimes’s humorous fourth Ciel Halligan contemporary fantasy (after The Big Fix) starts to crumple under the weight of its leaden love triangle. Ciel comes from a long line of facilitators, chameleonic people who are able to absorb and imitate the aura of anyone they come into contact with. She makes a living working as a double for celebrities and taking occasional government assignments. Usually the gigs go well, but when Ciel poses as a NASA astronaut, she inadvertently creates an opportunity for the powers of the facilitators to become public knowledge, putting her and her entire family in danger. To make matters worse, her relationship with handsome Billy Doyle has hit a very bumpy patch—and government agent Mark Fielding is happy to pick up where Billy left off. Moments of hilarity mix well with elements of intrigue and mystery to create a solid continuation of Ciel’s story, but the by-the-numbers love triangle adds little to the plot and ends up pulling the reader out of the well-developed world. Agent: Michelle Wolfson, Wolfson Literary Agency.

March 15, 2016
An addition to the sexy, fun urban fantasy series (The Big Fix, 2015, etc.) featuring Ciel Halligan, "aura adaptor"--which means that, thanks to a genetic mutation, she can assume the appearance and physical characteristics of another person in a sort of 21st-century version of elvish "glamour." Ciel's latest gig involves covering for the temporary indisposition of astronaut Dr. Philippa Carson, who intends to be the first woman to conceive--via IVF--in space. But then the mission's official photographer, Alec Loughlin, accuses Ciel of being an impostor. But how does he know? Can he see through her aura? Worse, Ciel's elderly Aunt Helen--also an aura adaptor; the talent runs in the family--turns up murdered. When Loughlin puts in a hostile appearance at the funeral, Ciel knows something's deeply amiss. Other family members are murdered using the same gruesome method, so Ciel turns to her hot-hot-hot boyfriend, adoptive cousin, adaptor, and mysterious operative, Billy Doyle. Here, Ciel's forced to make a confession: she's pregnant. And she isn't sure who the father is. Not at all the paternal type, Billy blanches and promptly disappears, compelling Ciel to turn to CIA agent and far-from-ex-crush Mark Fielding--the alternative candidate for fatherhood. Loyal, compassionate Mark insists he'll marry her even if the baby isn't his. He'll also investigate the possibly homicidal Loughlin and his perplexing associates, aura adaptors being a significant asset to the CIA. Can Ciel stay alive long enough to decide between Billy and Mark? Grimes keeps the pot bubbling with humor, suspense, steamy sex, riddles, danger...oh, and more hot sex. Sure to please series regulars and fans of urban fantasy/mystery/romance.

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April 15, 2016

With the ability to take on another person's appearance and mannerisms, aura adaptor Ciel Halligan is posing as a famous astronaut about to make an announcement when the photographer attending the event sees through her aura and nearly blows Ciel's cover. Then Ciel's elderly aunt is murdered in Central Park, with the same photographer showing up at the funeral. Soon other adaptors are killed, and Ciel struggles to figure out who is behind the deaths. Is she also a target? When Billy, her best friend and boyfriend, disappears unexpectedly, our protagonist has to turn to her not-quite-past crush, CIA agent Mark, for help. VERDICT Grimes's fourth (after The Big Fix) outing featuring her "human chameleon" delivers all the humor of her past books. Keeping a fine balance between interludes of a more personal nature and fast-paced action, this urban fantasy will please readers who prefer their female leads on the rocks with a twist of wit.--KC

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2016
Aura-adapter Ciel Hannigan can shape-shift into anyone she meets, and she's used her talent to open a business fixing people's problems by impersonating them. In this fourth novel, Ciel poses as a scientist and astronaut, Dr. Philippa Carson, who intends to be the first woman to conceive in space. The real Philippa is in hiding, passing a kidney stone, while Ciel endures the zero-g flight nicknamed the Vomit Comet and holds a press conference. Ciel is spooked when a photographer apparently sees through her aura and asks her what she is, but it's not until fellow adapters are murdered that she realizes the danger. The crime drama, though fast paced and full of action, takes a backseat to the relationship drama in this volume. Ciel is still torn between current boyfriend Billy and longtime infatuation Mark, and a possible pregnancy forces her to once again compare both men. Ciel's wavering between guys might give readers whiplash, but fans of steamy scenes will be rewarded. Grimes' combination of paranormal romance, humor, and suspense, anchored by an endearing set of characters, should have wide appeal.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)