I picked this up because I wanted to see where Linda Grimes took her series about Ceil, an aura-adaptor life-coach. (See my review of In a Fix for series background.) This second in the series book continued at the same jaunty pace, starting off with Ceil at work, this time at the National Zoo, on an informal, but rather touchy interview. Touchy, only because the fellow doing the interview keeps trying to get his paws all over Ceil's client. She is able to get the good on him, with the help of her pseudo-cousin Billy and his little sister Molly. Things are fine, until Molly, who seems to carry the "adaptor" gene as well adapts into an orangutan. Oops. And as they try to hustle her out of the zoo, they're spotted ape-stealing and things get complicated. Oops again.

Add into the mix some mysterious subploting involving the CIA, not one, but two attempted murders, lots of shape-shifting confusion, and a bundle of imploding hormones, and you've got the plot line of Quick Fix.

The series is entertaining enough, but there are an awful lot of basic characters: Ceil, her 4 brothers and 2 parents, Billy (her pseudo cousin) his two sisters and parents, Mark, the CIA best friend of one of Ceil's brothers, and another character from the last book. To that, add all the new characters, and the fact that at least half of them are adaptors and can take on the form and features of others, and it's easy to get befuddled. If another book comes my way, I'm happy to read it, but right now, am not read to take up another series where the lead character is torn between two lovers. I've got two of those in the works, and one other waiting in the wings, and I'm just not up to having my yin yanged so much. Still, Linda Grimes does a fine job, and if paranormal romance is your cuppa, check this series out. ( )

The characters in this series are Fun, Fun, Fun. I could not imagine the greatness of being able to transform myself into different people but Linda does a great job of describing it to us. Ciel and Billy are at the zoo with Molly, Billy's sister when she comes into her adapter 'powers' and turns into an orangutan. As they are escaping a worker thinks they are stealing an animal from the zoo and they have to make a fast get away. Until they can find James and get him to change Molly back they have to not only fool their families so they think everything with Molly is alright but they also keep their eye on an orangutan Molly and figure out who is murdering people and framing Billy.

The characters really do make this series. There are a ton of plot twists involved and following the characters is nothing but entertaining. There are some great scenes where we meet more of the family and get to see how they interact with each other in their own element. There are a lot to have to get straight but it was pretty interesting to see them in action.

Lets talk romance. I know you are waiting for that. After IN A FIX I was really rooting for Billy and Ciel and they do not disappoint in QUICK FIX. We get some great sexual tension, some yummy sexy scenes as well as some jealous encounters. What more could you ask for. Family reaction is awesome too, especially the scene at the end with their Moms.

If you are looking for a bit of a change this series is the one for you. Its light and unique with a great pace and plenty of action to keep you on your toes. ( )

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

Readers who are looking for a change of pace from the numerous hardcore and gritty urban fantasy series on the shelves will find a decidedly lighter, more fun series in Linda Grimes’ In a Fix books. Both IN A FIX and QUICK FIX are a bit wacky, a lot sexy, and very much in the vein of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series.

Rather than devote copious amounts of time explaining the worldbuilding that produces individuals who can assume the appearance (or aura) of others, QUICK FIX states the fact and a couple little references to genetics and plunges right into the action. In this case it involves absconding from the zoo with baby orangutans, wrangling said baby orangutan and trying to get it to revert back into the little girl it started out as, staying sane at the annual aura adapter ball that her mother hosts, fending off amorous guys while impersonating one brother and busting out of prison while impersonating the other. Mix in murder, cheaters, and two guys who refuse to share her, and you’ve got the fun and fizzy QUICK FIX.

Back to the two guys. Yowza was the romantic tension fun. We’ve got Billy, the notorious flirt and childhood-tormentor-turned-suitor determined to win her using all of the skills he’s spent a lifetime perfecting. Then there’s Mark, the guy she always wanted and can’t seem to say no to even while doubting the reasons behind his sudden intense and bold attraction. It’s enough to spin any girl’s head and it’s a blast to read.

Apart from the romance, the zany plot twists were a little crazy and the numerous characters a little challenging to keep straight. The main trio are so appealing that the other characters can feel in the way more often than not. And while the straightforward worldbuilding is a snap to comprehend, I’d love to see it get a little juicier in book three to match the killer romance that just keeps getting better.

Sexual Content:
Moderately graphic sex. References to M/M/F sex ( )