Saturday, September 8, 2012

In a Fix (In a Fix #1) by Linda Grimes with Giveaway!

The start of an original new urban fantasy series starring human chameleon Ciel Halligan 
Snagging a marriage proposal for her client while on an all-expenses-paid vacation should be a simple job for Ciel Halligan, aura adaptor extraordinaire. A kind of human chameleon, she’s able to take on her clients’ appearances and slip seamlessly into their lives, solving any sticky problems they don’t want to deal with themselves. No fuss, no muss. Big paycheck. 
This particular assignment is pretty enjoyable... that is, until Ciel’s island resort bungalow is blown to smithereens and her client’s about-to-be-fiancé is snatched by modern-day Vikings. For some reason, Ciel begins to suspect that getting the ring is going to be a tad more difficult than originally anticipated. 
Going from romance to rescue requires some serious gear-shifting, as well as a little backup. Her best friend, Billy, and Mark, the CIA agent she’s been crushing on for years—both skilled adaptors—step in to help, but their priority is, annoyingly, keeping her safe. Before long, Ciel is dedicating more energy to escaping their watchful eyes than she is to saving her client’s intended. 
Suddenly, facing down a horde of Vikings feels like the least of her problems.
 Oh a urban fantasy with a snarky heroine, hot men (including the Vikings), and a fun adventure that made me laugh more than once? Oh yea... you know I loved it.

In this world, Ciel is a sort of shifter. One that doesn't actually move bones and flesh to take shape per se, but "borrows" some energy off of a aura to mimic that person which includes some of the habits and personality with it. I found that to be an interesting take on the whole "shifter" genre.

The characters are quite entertaining. I really enjoyed them but I did at times found Ciel to be frustrating when she would put herself in situations where she had no training and was really a detriment rather than an asset... despite the outcome. However, as you read on, you realize just how young and nieve she is and I think then it made more sense. I also think that she will grow as the series grows. She's smart and has such potential I think it will be a fun ride to watch her mature.

I have to caution those who don't like love triangles. There is one here, but at the same time, there really isn't much of one. You still have two heros you root for, but one seems a bit too oblivious to her feelings even though they are readily evident. However, even he isn't always that dense, but is still unwilling to commit. However, there is another you aren't sure if he is perfect for her, but I honestly think is a better fit. I don't always root for the one you know may not get the girl in the end, but in this case I hope he does come through and they make it. I'm not telling you who or what only because I'm afraid I may have already said too much, but I have to state here and now... I really didn't mind this triangle and it didn't come across as ridiculous as some of them have become.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I really have to give props to a book that had me LOL'ing more than once. So if you enjoy snark, humor and a fun adventure... do pick up this book. I think you'll end up smiling.
I received this ARC from Tor and no compensation for my review was given.


Oh and guess what??? Tor is graciously giving away, to one lucky winner, this book! It's open to anyone with a snail addy in US/Can. Just fill out the rafflecopter form to enter!
Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

34 comments:

  1. Yay! I knew you would love it! The humour and banter between the characters was my favourite part of the story - plus the triangle isn't too in your face. Yay for snarky heroines!

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  2. Yay! So glad you enjoyed it as much as I did, I loved this book and I can't wait to have more now! Ciel is so fun!

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  3. Because you all Really Liked I want to Win; )

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  4. I love that this books sounds different. Don't mind love triangles and long as we got snark on the side. :-)

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  5. Okay, who doesn't want to get their own marriage proposal??? What kind of person is her client??
    Red flags! This sounds very original and the only thing I can think of when you say modern day Vikings is Erik from True Blood. I know he's a vampire but he was once a Viking.

    Heather

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  6. Another grat giveaway on your super fun blog. Thanks so much for offering it and thanks to Tor. Mrsmommybooknerdsbookreviews at gmail dot com

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  7. I'm glad to see that you enjoyed the book. I do think that if, in the sequel, Ciel starts behaving a little bit more responsibly I would enjoy the series more and continue reading it.

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  8. I so want this one, everyone is enjoying it :D

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  9. I am so in a book slump. I definitely need a strong snarky heroine to mske me laugh. Kimba recommended this as well!

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  10. i like the fishey thing and then i am liking the book more and the cover

    desi the blonde at msn dot com

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  11. Ooh, ooh! I want to hire her! I totally have some sticky situations I'd love to have her resolve for me.

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  12. This sounds like a great book! I love snarky female characters. The "shifter" aspect as me very interested. I love all things paranormal. I can think of a few instances when I would have loved to have her abilities. Thanks for the awesome review and the giveaway!

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  13. I've been hearing a lot of talk about this book recently, to the point where I've now got to check it out. I love novels that have strong female characters with a bit of attitude, so this should be a perfect read. Thanks for the review and giveaway. =^.^=

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  14. After reading your review, I can't wait to read this book!

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  15. I'm feeling uncreative. Boo. Can I still enter, pretty please?

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  16. This is exactly the kind of book I love! So glad to hear it is good. Thanks *shoots off fireworks*

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  17. Thanks for a great review! I wants this book sooo bad!!! :) Thanks for the giveaway!

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  18. We love your blog. I really want to win this book.

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  19. Very nice review. The book sounds intriguign.

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  20. Ya don't see a lot of Vikings in literature these days, do ya? These fellas seem nice, let's give 'em a look. Thanks.

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  21. Sounds great. I am really looking forward to reading it after all I have heard.

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  22. Nice review, I have put in on my neverending wishlist.

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  23. It is insane how excited I am to read this book! Insane, I tell you!

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  24. I can't wait to read In A Fix!! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  25. Wow! Judging by the above comments, I really have to read this book!! Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy:)

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  26. I am loving this review! The totally am loving the independent,slightly sarcastic Ciel! She really intrigued me! I am left with an overwhelming desire to read this book! I am a total fantasy/sci-fi nut! I want this book! I hope I win!

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  27. I love paranormal that can also make you laugh. Too many books get too serious without lightening the mood enough.

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  28. Love this post!! I have been seeing this book everywhere! I think this sounds like a great read! Thanks for the chance.

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  29. Oh! So glad to see you loved this one so much, and laughed too! :D I just got my winning copy from another giveaway and look forward to reading it. :) Thank you!

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  30. Ooh, this sounds like a lovley read! I need another UF to read. Thanks so much for the awesome review. I will check this books out.

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  31. I don't mind love triangles. They keep things interesting!

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  32. I like the idea of a shapeshifter, but one who can take on the appearances of other people. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  33. you're blog's awesome! I really like it and i followed (:

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