In a Fix

July 9, 2012
In this sparkling series opener, Ciel Halligan is not a shape-shifter, but she does have a genetic quirk that allows her to look like someone else by changing her aura. Ciel has cunningly turned this ability into a profession as a “life coach”: instead of instructing her wealthy clients, Ciel poses as them to solve their problems. When Ciel goes undercover as socialite Mina Worthington to facilitate her engagement, she assumes the worst that could happen is a sunburn and the odd bit of sand in her bikini. That’s before she nearly gets blown sky-high by a bomb meant for Mina’s prospective fiancé and has to turn sleuth to investigate his disappearance. The wisecracking, whirlwind romp of a romantic urban fantasy adventure gradually spirals into the ludicrous, but endearing characters will satisfy readers willing to shrug off plot holes for the sake of fun. Agent: Michelle Wolfson, Wolfson Literary Agency.

August 15, 2012
First entry in an urban fantasy series, from newcomer Grimes. Ciel Halligan is an "aura adaptor," meaning she can take on the exact appearance and demeanor of another person. Professionally, this ability enables her, with a little research, to undetectably replace her clients in situations where the clients find it inconvenient to be themselves. The fat paychecks don't come amiss either. The only blot on the horizon is the smothering, overprotective attitude of cousin Billy (being adopted, he's not actually related) and CIA operative Mark; both share her talent, and neither thinks anything of snooping through her files. Ciel also has a huge and longstanding crush on Mark, which makes for amatory complications. Ciel's current assignment is a plum: masquerading as Mina, a stunningly attractive society girl, so Mina can take care of other business while Trey, her gorgeous hunk of an about-to-be fiance, pops the question in a luxury bungalow on a tropical resort island. Fun stuff, not to mention the prospect of hopping into the sack with Trey--until Trey suddenly vanishes and the bungalow explodes into flinders. Whodunit, and why? Well, a bunch of modern-day Vikings who, it turns out, have designs other than just adopting manly postures and dressing their womenfolk in early medieval garb. Ciel, despite the strictures imposed by Billy and Mark, refuses to be sidelined and gets on with her own investigation. Despite Mark's continuing allure, Ciel--in between getting half-drowned and shot at--notices that Billy, beneath all his teasing and banter, is pretty hot, too. But can she convince them that she is, in fact, competent to run her own life? Bright, fizzy, sexy and amusing--the perfect antidote to an attack of post-summer blues.

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Starred review from August 1, 2012

Ciel Halligan is an aura adaptor, a human imitator, and there are many like her out there. The trait lends itself well to careers in covert operations, but becoming a spook doesn't sit well with the macho males in her family. So Ciel runs a business impersonating clients, giving them a way out of sticky situations they'd rather not deal with personally. When her current client's fiance is kidnapped by neo-Vikings, Ciel finds herself caught between two men who play havoc with her emotions. When the case heats up, so does the attraction she feels for both of them. Can Ciel convince them she's adult enough to play in their game, and will she survive to see where the fates will lead her heart? VERDICT Urban fantasy and paranormal novels crowd the shelves these days, so this reviewer is impressed by debut author Grimes's fresh take on the genre. Fans of both hard and soft fantasy and crime drama will love her protagonist's spunky, irreverent attitude as well as Grimes's character-building skills and unusual storyline.--Debbie Haupt, St. Charles City/Cty P.L., MO

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