.Review: In A Fix by Linda Grimes

In a Fix (In a Fix #1)

by: Linda Grimes

Paperback, 336 pages /Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Published: September 4th 2012 by Tor Books

ISBN: 0765331802 (ISBN13: 9780765331809)

*ARC Review copy: Via Netgalley from Tor Pub. Thank you, Tor!



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 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.









Next in series is Quick Fix (In A Fix #2)  -Expected publication: 2013 by Tor Books

In A Fix is an Urban Fantasy, with humor, action, and engaging characters, by debut author Linda Grimes.




Ciel Halligan is an aura adapter. She can jump into someones body and basically become them. Assuming the persons identity is her job. People hire her, why? you ask, well, have you ever felt like you couldn't do something or handle a problem in life? I'm sure you have, ever wish you didn't have to do it? That's where Ciel comes in, she assumes the persons identity and accomplishes the feat.

In this latest job, Ciel has to assume the idenity of a woman who wants to find out if her boyfriend is ready to propose-he's hot and wealthy-and the job seems fairly easy, but things are never easy and when things take a turn for the worst, Ciel tries to become the heroine, but not without the help of two concerned men in her life.

There is Billy, her best friend. They both have great bantor together and there is some sexual tension between the two, although, most of it is harmless flirting. He makes Ciel laugh and is quick to take her side and understands, that Ciel would love to "spread her wings" and accomplish missions without having protection from him or Mark.

Then there is Mark. He's a professional. He comes across as strong, in a Marine like fashion, always looking out for his best friend's sister, Ciel, he tends to treat her like a kid, and protects her from danger. But, Ciel wants to spread her wings and take on the dangers-head first- and wants to be included in missions, so there is a slight tension between these two, because of that. There is also alot of sexual tension, on Ciel's part for Mark. She crushes on him, and has been crushing on him for a long time.
There is a slight love triangle between these three, but it doesn't seem to be a brooding one.


I really enjoyed In A Fix, I enjoyed the action, humor, and bantor, between the three main characters. Although, I can say I wasn't a fan of the way the whole plot was thrown at you all at once. I think I would of enjoyed a little more back story, but the action toward the end of this book was enjoyable as Ciel, finally seems to show she can "hang" with the big boys, and maybe she's just not the little sister to Mark's best friend, maybe she can and will be someone Mark can finally show his true feelings too, because deep down inside you know he cares for her, and has feelings for her.

4/5 Stars