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Shifters #7
Fat Cat
Off a two-lane highway outside of a southern Tennessee town you’ve probably never heard of stands a hole-in-the-wall establishment called the Fat Cat Bar and Grille. Drinks are served by a woman named Charley, who seems to hear things a little too well and see things a little too clearly. She might listen to your life story, but she won’t tell you a single word of hers.
The other thing she won’t tell you? That you have wandered into the only shifter-friendly bar in the country…
In the three years since I was infected, I’ve finally managed to put my life back together. The bar is actually turning a profit. That bad breakup is totally behind me. And as Marshal, I now run the northern zone of the Mississippi Valley Pride.
So when two fierce, gorgeous strangers accuse one of my regulars of killing a human woman—a charge he vehemently denies—I’m determined to get to the truth. With the victim’s brother in search of justice, the widower demanding brutal vengeance, and the fate of the entire “stray” Pride resting on the outcome of this case, I can’t afford to make a mistake.
But then my investigation unearths a shocking connection to a killer I put in the ground years ago, and I realize the cards were stacked against me before this game even began…
The other thing she won’t tell you? That you have wandered into the only shifter-friendly bar in the country…
In the three years since I was infected, I’ve finally managed to put my life back together. The bar is actually turning a profit. That bad breakup is totally behind me. And as Marshal, I now run the northern zone of the Mississippi Valley Pride.
So when two fierce, gorgeous strangers accuse one of my regulars of killing a human woman—a charge he vehemently denies—I’m determined to get to the truth. With the victim’s brother in search of justice, the widower demanding brutal vengeance, and the fate of the entire “stray” Pride resting on the outcome of this case, I can’t afford to make a mistake.
But then my investigation unearths a shocking connection to a killer I put in the ground years ago, and I realize the cards were stacked against me before this game even began…
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2023
47 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Vincent
66 books9,785 followers[Note: Though Rachel's blog entries are cross posted here, she does not frequent Goodreads. The best ways to contact her are FB, Twitter, or her Wordpress blog. PLEASE DO NOT SEND HER MESSAGES HERE. SHE DOES NOT CHECK THEM.]
A resident of Oklahoma, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.
A resident of Oklahoma, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 27, 2023
Bit disappointing.
I enjoy the pride books starting all.the way back with Faythe Saunders in Stray. Then we had a break for a while and got the short story Hunt which reintroduced us to Abby Wade and Jace Hammond. This is the fourth book in the new pride series dealing with the strays. Let me explain, there are werecats all mainly male, female werecats are very rare and are called Tabbys. The prides are a group.of werecat families which run their regions in America as apportioned by the Council. They are the law. There are also three so called "free zones" in the States in which Strays. (Humans infected with the werecat virus) are allowed to exist). Charley is a Tabby, infected three years earlier she survived the fever which usually kills women who are infected, she's only one of three women known to have survived being infected. Charley runs the Fat Cat bar and grill with her human sister, the Fat Cat is the first ever shifter friendly bar and is the base from which Charley also.police's her zone. She's one of three marshals responsible for keeping order among the cats in her zone, Charley is working one night when two men barge into her bar and start beating one.if her regulars. Turns out the two werecats are brothers in law, who were both infected at the same time and they are out to find out who bit their sister and wife resulting in her death from the virus. ( I hope you are still following me) Charley doesn't believe the man accused is guilty so proceeds to investigate and when she does she uncovers a murderous trail which goes all the way back to her infection. But that can't be, the werecat who kidnapped and infected her is long dead, Charley should know she's the one who killed him,...............so who is this new suspect who seems to have taken up where the previous killer left off...................... I enjoy this series, like the characters and the world Ms Vincent has created for the werecat is a very restrictive one, with lots of hard choices constantly having to be made. But............ This is the first in the series with no pride cats in it and although they are bound by rules of the pride cats society surely some would have a problem adjusting. The characters here can talk about killing and kill very easily (even a police officer) a woman who until three years earlier worked her whole life in a bar can now order around strong, dominant men and make the hard decisions with no qualms whatsoever. I don't buy it and it spoiled the book for me I'm sorry to say. Making the female character the dominant without explaining how she came to.deserve that role (after ten books about Alpha's) and no.internal.debates or arguments about if what they are doing is right. You can't live under one society's rules for the majority of your life and slip seamlessly into a society you didn't know existed without a steep learning curve. That in my opinion is a major plot hole in this book.
I enjoy the pride books starting all.the way back with Faythe Saunders in Stray. Then we had a break for a while and got the short story Hunt which reintroduced us to Abby Wade and Jace Hammond. This is the fourth book in the new pride series dealing with the strays. Let me explain, there are werecats all mainly male, female werecats are very rare and are called Tabbys. The prides are a group.of werecat families which run their regions in America as apportioned by the Council. They are the law. There are also three so called "free zones" in the States in which Strays. (Humans infected with the werecat virus) are allowed to exist). Charley is a Tabby, infected three years earlier she survived the fever which usually kills women who are infected, she's only one of three women known to have survived being infected. Charley runs the Fat Cat bar and grill with her human sister, the Fat Cat is the first ever shifter friendly bar and is the base from which Charley also.police's her zone. She's one of three marshals responsible for keeping order among the cats in her zone, Charley is working one night when two men barge into her bar and start beating one.if her regulars. Turns out the two werecats are brothers in law, who were both infected at the same time and they are out to find out who bit their sister and wife resulting in her death from the virus. ( I hope you are still following me) Charley doesn't believe the man accused is guilty so proceeds to investigate and when she does she uncovers a murderous trail which goes all the way back to her infection. But that can't be, the werecat who kidnapped and infected her is long dead, Charley should know she's the one who killed him,...............so who is this new suspect who seems to have taken up where the previous killer left off...................... I enjoy this series, like the characters and the world Ms Vincent has created for the werecat is a very restrictive one, with lots of hard choices constantly having to be made. But............ This is the first in the series with no pride cats in it and although they are bound by rules of the pride cats society surely some would have a problem adjusting. The characters here can talk about killing and kill very easily (even a police officer) a woman who until three years earlier worked her whole life in a bar can now order around strong, dominant men and make the hard decisions with no qualms whatsoever. I don't buy it and it spoiled the book for me I'm sorry to say. Making the female character the dominant without explaining how she came to.deserve that role (after ten books about Alpha's) and no.internal.debates or arguments about if what they are doing is right. You can't live under one society's rules for the majority of your life and slip seamlessly into a society you didn't know existed without a steep learning curve. That in my opinion is a major plot hole in this book.
Want to read
April 8, 2023I’m so excited that Rachel is returning to the Shifters world! I can’t wait to meet the new characters but I feel a reread of the rest of the series coming on first
November 18, 2023
Fat Cat, Charley and Davey's shifter-friendly bar, is the setting for Rachel Vincent's return to her Shifters series, which ended with Alpha (2010) and spun-off into Lion's Share (2015). To say I was surprised to find another installment would be an understatement. I loved Shifters and really enjoyed Wildcats. I'm excited about what is to come with this continuation though I was hesitant going into it. I quickly fell back into Vincent's world of strays. While much of this reads like the start of a new series, I'm sure to bring in those who haven't read the previous 9.5 books, I would recommend reading the earlier installments to familiarize yourself with this shifter world, the stray community and the trauma faced by the females in it.
Charley and Davey took over Fat Cat bar in Buford, Tennessee when their parents retired to Florida. Charley is a stray and the Marshal of the northern zone of the Mississippi Valley Pride. Her sister, Davey, is a human-in-the-know, but humans aren't supposed to know. The community of strays who frequent the bar is tight and everyone in it has pledged to keep the sisters' secret and keep Davey safe.
I liked Charley's story, but I'd been hoping for more interactions with Vincent's OG Shifters. We have a couple of great interactions with Faythe, the only female Alpha, and most likely more to come following her proposition to Charley, as well as a short interaction with Jace. I think those who don't read the previous installments will find this entertaining without feeling like they're missing a lot of history built earlier. But, that could be because I know what came before.
The last 3/4 of the story and the way this book ended left me even more inclined to continue with the series. As a fan, I'm glad Vincent decided to return to this world. I'm hoping this generation will be as good a read as those before them.
Charley and Davey took over Fat Cat bar in Buford, Tennessee when their parents retired to Florida. Charley is a stray and the Marshal of the northern zone of the Mississippi Valley Pride. Her sister, Davey, is a human-in-the-know, but humans aren't supposed to know. The community of strays who frequent the bar is tight and everyone in it has pledged to keep the sisters' secret and keep Davey safe.
My zone. My rules. Anyone who doubted that was welcome to fuck around and find out.Charley's friendly, but understands the weight of her responsibilities. She's a fair, but strong leader. When two newbies come to the bar, she goes through the process of interviewing and registering them. Austin Graham and Bishop Mattheson have lost their sister and wife, respectively, and they're on the hunt for her murderer. The manner of her death bring forth the trauma of Charley's attack leaving her wondering if her attacker, long dead, wasn't acting alone or if an unknown second man or someone new has taken to attacking and killing human women.
I liked Charley's story, but I'd been hoping for more interactions with Vincent's OG Shifters. We have a couple of great interactions with Faythe, the only female Alpha, and most likely more to come following her proposition to Charley, as well as a short interaction with Jace. I think those who don't read the previous installments will find this entertaining without feeling like they're missing a lot of history built earlier. But, that could be because I know what came before.
The last 3/4 of the story and the way this book ended left me even more inclined to continue with the series. As a fan, I'm glad Vincent decided to return to this world. I'm hoping this generation will be as good a read as those before them.
June 5, 2023
*Source* Purchased via Amazon
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Rachel Vincent's Fat Cat marks the authors return to the world of the Shifters which I would recommend having some knowledge of before jumping into this story. This story follows Charlene (Charley) Studebaker who, along with her sister Davey, operate the Fat Cat Bar & Grille deep in the heart of the Mississippi Valley Pride zone run by Alpha Titus Alexander. Charley is the Marshall of the northern zone of Titus's region, and her word is law. It is her job to keep tabs on how many shifters live in the zone.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Rachel Vincent's Fat Cat marks the authors return to the world of the Shifters which I would recommend having some knowledge of before jumping into this story. This story follows Charlene (Charley) Studebaker who, along with her sister Davey, operate the Fat Cat Bar & Grille deep in the heart of the Mississippi Valley Pride zone run by Alpha Titus Alexander. Charley is the Marshall of the northern zone of Titus's region, and her word is law. It is her job to keep tabs on how many shifters live in the zone.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
April 20, 2023
*4.5*
April 23, 2023
I really liked this author's shifter series when it came out, so I was so happy she was back writing in this world.
This one takes place in the stray territory, one of their zones. The main part of that community was the bar, The Fat Cat. I love that this bar is the center of their community, a place where the shifters can come and talk, drink, commiserate. It's run by a pair of sisters, Charley and Davey, Charley being a shifter herself and the Warden of the zone. Charley is pretty bad ass and has lived through some stuff. When you first meet her, she comes off as fair and not someone you want to mess around with. Sadly trouble found her when a fight broke out at her bar between a regular and 2 newcomers. From here things went into over drive.
Charley found herself in charge of an investigation that was very familiar to her, a woman bitten and died not making it through the change. As Charley and her crew investigated they found so much more and yet were sort of on track at the start of things. By the end, Charley was able to put some ghosts to bed, make sure some bad guys were dealt with, met her hero, Faythe, a couple of times, realized her relationship with her sister has changed and has 2 new members in her zone, which bring all sort of other interesting possibilities. Life won't ever be the same for her, I just hope we get to see what all these changes bring.
This one takes place in the stray territory, one of their zones. The main part of that community was the bar, The Fat Cat. I love that this bar is the center of their community, a place where the shifters can come and talk, drink, commiserate. It's run by a pair of sisters, Charley and Davey, Charley being a shifter herself and the Warden of the zone. Charley is pretty bad ass and has lived through some stuff. When you first meet her, she comes off as fair and not someone you want to mess around with. Sadly trouble found her when a fight broke out at her bar between a regular and 2 newcomers. From here things went into over drive.
Charley found herself in charge of an investigation that was very familiar to her, a woman bitten and died not making it through the change. As Charley and her crew investigated they found so much more and yet were sort of on track at the start of things. By the end, Charley was able to put some ghosts to bed, make sure some bad guys were dealt with, met her hero, Faythe, a couple of times, realized her relationship with her sister has changed and has 2 new members in her zone, which bring all sort of other interesting possibilities. Life won't ever be the same for her, I just hope we get to see what all these changes bring.
May 6, 2023
Ahhh, I wanted to see what happened next!!!
When Rachel first announced that she was returning back to the world of Shifters and that it would be an UF like Shifters, I cried happy tears. I would have read Fat Cat the moment it released but due to losing my husband last year, I haven’t been able to read like I used to. But once I started it, I hated life for forcing me to put the book down.
I liked Charley the moment I met her. She reminded me of Faythe immediately and Faythe is one of my all time favorite characters ever. I love the dynamic of Fat Cat and it being in a bar that was run by a female marshal and her human sister was pretty awesome. Especially how much everyone respects them both. I loved seeing familiar faces and meeting all of the new ones. As a new widow, I was a little put off with certain actions because it felt like it came out of nowhere but i think it was necessary for character development and the direction where the story is heading.
I do hope that there will be more to come as I’d love to see what happens next in this world as there is SO much more to see, not just in Charley’s world but the Shifter world. Now that Faythe and Charley have teamed up, nothi bc is impossible for the future of the tabbies and I can’t wait to see them shake up the shifter world!
When Rachel first announced that she was returning back to the world of Shifters and that it would be an UF like Shifters, I cried happy tears. I would have read Fat Cat the moment it released but due to losing my husband last year, I haven’t been able to read like I used to. But once I started it, I hated life for forcing me to put the book down.
I liked Charley the moment I met her. She reminded me of Faythe immediately and Faythe is one of my all time favorite characters ever. I love the dynamic of Fat Cat and it being in a bar that was run by a female marshal and her human sister was pretty awesome. Especially how much everyone respects them both. I loved seeing familiar faces and meeting all of the new ones. As a new widow, I was a little put off with certain actions because it felt like it came out of nowhere but i think it was necessary for character development and the direction where the story is heading.
I do hope that there will be more to come as I’d love to see what happens next in this world as there is SO much more to see, not just in Charley’s world but the Shifter world. Now that Faythe and Charley have teamed up, nothi bc is impossible for the future of the tabbies and I can’t wait to see them shake up the shifter world!
April 8, 2024
I hope she writes more in this series! I enjoy every book as much as the last! This one addresses the issue of the female shifter issue. It has appearances by some of the OGs which is awsome! Excellent and cleverly written. This is always a series I recommend.
June 11, 2024
I was excited to return to the Shifter world several years later than the original six novels had been set. I couldn’t wait to see what the new world looked like and what had happened to some of the characters I’d grown to love. But actually, I mostly feel disappointed that those “several years” were lost, fast forwarded with very brief summaries of key events; I think I’d have much preferred to see those events unfold and it really reminded me why “Alpha” was a bit of a disappointment to me - it wrapped up too quickly, and felt a really rushed conclusion to what had otherwise been a fantastically compelling series.
Ironically, Fat Cat has a rushed ending too. Maybe that works for some readers but for me it’s so frustrating to invest multiple hours into a story which wraps up in a few pages. It also had more editing errors than I’ve seen in a while!
In any case, Fat Cat introduces a new collection of characters with brief cameos from previous characters and I think this works well! Charley runs a bar specifically for Shifters and is a female Shifter herself. Her sister helps her out in the bar but is human herself. Two guys rock up to the Shifter bar looking for revenge - someone, a Shifter, had bitten their wife/sister and killed her and they want blood in return. Charley helps them get to the bottom of it, particularly as some of the story seems very reminiscent of her own attack which made her a werecat herself.
The pacing is pretty poor - it’s slower than you’re likely used to if you’ve ventured into this world before. The Shifters series for me excels at very generous detailing making the plot feel huge with fast pacing for the most part, but Fat Cat was quite slow in comparison and not a lot of depth to it. I cared far less for the characters - to the extent that I’m not particularly bothered to ever revisit them should a sequel follow - which was disappointing. It was, to put it bluntly, boring compared to the previous six.
You do need to have read those, as this is marketed as book 7 in the series (although serves well as a standalone, had there not been spoilers for the previous series) and presumably it would have been beneficial to read the Wildcats trilogy too (I hadn’t) because there were mild relationship-type spoilers for that series as well. If you didn’t intend to read either series and therefore spoilers didn’t matter to you, there is enough explanation in this book to read it entirely as a standalone. There is a bit too much explanation of the rules for Shifters though if you’re familiar with the story, which again was a bit of a drag.
Overall I just didn’t care about any of it. The characters were just okay, the plot was alright and the world building was overly descriptive for those familiar with the series (which is presumably most readers since Vincent is calling this book 7…). Such a shame.
Ironically, Fat Cat has a rushed ending too. Maybe that works for some readers but for me it’s so frustrating to invest multiple hours into a story which wraps up in a few pages. It also had more editing errors than I’ve seen in a while!
In any case, Fat Cat introduces a new collection of characters with brief cameos from previous characters and I think this works well! Charley runs a bar specifically for Shifters and is a female Shifter herself. Her sister helps her out in the bar but is human herself. Two guys rock up to the Shifter bar looking for revenge - someone, a Shifter, had bitten their wife/sister and killed her and they want blood in return. Charley helps them get to the bottom of it, particularly as some of the story seems very reminiscent of her own attack which made her a werecat herself.
The pacing is pretty poor - it’s slower than you’re likely used to if you’ve ventured into this world before. The Shifters series for me excels at very generous detailing making the plot feel huge with fast pacing for the most part, but Fat Cat was quite slow in comparison and not a lot of depth to it. I cared far less for the characters - to the extent that I’m not particularly bothered to ever revisit them should a sequel follow - which was disappointing. It was, to put it bluntly, boring compared to the previous six.
You do need to have read those, as this is marketed as book 7 in the series (although serves well as a standalone, had there not been spoilers for the previous series) and presumably it would have been beneficial to read the Wildcats trilogy too (I hadn’t) because there were mild relationship-type spoilers for that series as well. If you didn’t intend to read either series and therefore spoilers didn’t matter to you, there is enough explanation in this book to read it entirely as a standalone. There is a bit too much explanation of the rules for Shifters though if you’re familiar with the story, which again was a bit of a drag.
Overall I just didn’t care about any of it. The characters were just okay, the plot was alright and the world building was overly descriptive for those familiar with the series (which is presumably most readers since Vincent is calling this book 7…). Such a shame.
May 26, 2023
4.75
It’s no secret that the original Shifters series that this is a spin-off from is my all time favorite Urban Fantasy series, so my excitement for this book when I found out about it was SO high. I’m beyond happy that Rachel Vincent decided to come back to this world with Charley and the gang.
I waited a bit to start this one because I wanted to be in the right mind set to absolutely love it and I’m so glad that I did. I love Rachel Vincent’s writing and I have for a very long time so it was no trouble at all to immerse myself in the story right off the bat. The story itself does start off slower wit the introduction to Charley and the gang at Fat Cat but it gains traction pretty quickly.
I loved the heroine, Charley. She’s the only scratched female shifter in her area, but she’s in a position of power (the marshal) so that makes the dynamic with her patrons at the shifter sanctuary bar she owns with her sister pretty unique and makes them very protective of her. The bar really did feel like one big family. Charley has succeeded in making it a sanctuary for the scratched shifters in her area. I love her personality. She’s the sarcastic, take no shit type.
This is Urban Fantasy like the Shifters series, so the focus is more on the story and the plot with some romance dabbled in. Thats not to say the romance isn’t there because it is but it is quite messy what with a killer on the loose and all, not whole lot of time for that but it is steamy, nonetheless. 😏I am very interested to see where this particular part of the story goes in future books.
This book felt like coming home. The nostalgia from the drop ins from characters in the Shifters series was real. I’m so glad she incorporated them into this new venture. It felt like seeing old friends after a long time.
Fat Cat does stand on its own, but it’s much better enjoyed if you have read the previous series’ in my opinion. There’s so much to enjoy. The plot and murder mystery aspect keeps you glued to the pages (I mean that literally since I stayed up until 5am to finish it) the found family aspect with the bar patrons and Charley’s friends is heartwarming and you really feel it, the tension and little bit of steam gets your heart pumping, and the humor and sarcasm will have you smiling and laughing.
I feel like it ends on a good note but still with just enough hanging in the air to have me extremely excited to see where this goes but not hanging off of a cliff. If you hadn’t already guessed I 100% recommend this book! If you love urban fantasy, paranormal shifters, mystery, steam, found family, and action, read it!
Reasons to read:
- Shifters (Pride Cats)
- Urban Fantasy
- Steam
- Tension
- Murder mystery
- Found family
- Strong female lead in male dominated world
- Immersive writing
It’s no secret that the original Shifters series that this is a spin-off from is my all time favorite Urban Fantasy series, so my excitement for this book when I found out about it was SO high. I’m beyond happy that Rachel Vincent decided to come back to this world with Charley and the gang.
I waited a bit to start this one because I wanted to be in the right mind set to absolutely love it and I’m so glad that I did. I love Rachel Vincent’s writing and I have for a very long time so it was no trouble at all to immerse myself in the story right off the bat. The story itself does start off slower wit the introduction to Charley and the gang at Fat Cat but it gains traction pretty quickly.
I loved the heroine, Charley. She’s the only scratched female shifter in her area, but she’s in a position of power (the marshal) so that makes the dynamic with her patrons at the shifter sanctuary bar she owns with her sister pretty unique and makes them very protective of her. The bar really did feel like one big family. Charley has succeeded in making it a sanctuary for the scratched shifters in her area. I love her personality. She’s the sarcastic, take no shit type.
This is Urban Fantasy like the Shifters series, so the focus is more on the story and the plot with some romance dabbled in. Thats not to say the romance isn’t there because it is but it is quite messy what with a killer on the loose and all, not whole lot of time for that but it is steamy, nonetheless. 😏I am very interested to see where this particular part of the story goes in future books.
This book felt like coming home. The nostalgia from the drop ins from characters in the Shifters series was real. I’m so glad she incorporated them into this new venture. It felt like seeing old friends after a long time.
Fat Cat does stand on its own, but it’s much better enjoyed if you have read the previous series’ in my opinion. There’s so much to enjoy. The plot and murder mystery aspect keeps you glued to the pages (I mean that literally since I stayed up until 5am to finish it) the found family aspect with the bar patrons and Charley’s friends is heartwarming and you really feel it, the tension and little bit of steam gets your heart pumping, and the humor and sarcasm will have you smiling and laughing.
I feel like it ends on a good note but still with just enough hanging in the air to have me extremely excited to see where this goes but not hanging off of a cliff. If you hadn’t already guessed I 100% recommend this book! If you love urban fantasy, paranormal shifters, mystery, steam, found family, and action, read it!
Reasons to read:
- Shifters (Pride Cats)
- Urban Fantasy
- Steam
- Tension
- Murder mystery
- Found family
- Strong female lead in male dominated world
- Immersive writing
May 24, 2023
If you've been around for a while, you know that I would do terrible things for Rachel Vincent and her Shifter novels. I have been a fan since the original series and I am constantly blown away by the fact that we are blessed enough to keep getting more stories in this fabulous world.
If this series has all the fans, I am one. If the series has one fan, I am that one.
The politics are fantastic. The characters are glorious. The dynamics between characters we've known from before and new characters constantly brings new light to who they are as a group and as individuals. The romance is never NOT top tier. The women are always badass.
Every story, every iteration, brings us a little bit deeper into the fabric of a journey many of us started long ago, and gives us a little bit wider view of the world we've come to know and love. Rachel could literally write a story about a group of fabulous shifters going to the grocery store and I would be the first in line to read it.
This story, in particular, sets us off with a new heroine, a new set of love interests, and brings back many of the players we've loved from before. It continues the evolution of politics that literally began in book one of the original series, and brings all of the drama and angst that you would expect from something that has taken so long to come around the curve. It makes the world so visceral, and a joy to come back to every time.
If we're being honest, this story is teasing a thruple and (if you also know me and my other reviews) it should come as no surprise that I am ALL ABOUT the thruple. I cannot express how much joy it would bring me for that to be the outcome.
All that to say: this was a fabulous new start to a new set of spin-off books and I will be here for every single one, for every single release, ready to love it and tell the world about it.
I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to make it that long, but that's a me problem.
Until then, as Carol Baskin would say, stay cool you crazy cats and kittens.
If this series has all the fans, I am one. If the series has one fan, I am that one.
The politics are fantastic. The characters are glorious. The dynamics between characters we've known from before and new characters constantly brings new light to who they are as a group and as individuals. The romance is never NOT top tier. The women are always badass.
Every story, every iteration, brings us a little bit deeper into the fabric of a journey many of us started long ago, and gives us a little bit wider view of the world we've come to know and love. Rachel could literally write a story about a group of fabulous shifters going to the grocery store and I would be the first in line to read it.
This story, in particular, sets us off with a new heroine, a new set of love interests, and brings back many of the players we've loved from before. It continues the evolution of politics that literally began in book one of the original series, and brings all of the drama and angst that you would expect from something that has taken so long to come around the curve. It makes the world so visceral, and a joy to come back to every time.
If we're being honest, this story is teasing a thruple and (if you also know me and my other reviews) it should come as no surprise that I am ALL ABOUT the thruple. I cannot express how much joy it would bring me for that to be the outcome.
All that to say: this was a fabulous new start to a new set of spin-off books and I will be here for every single one, for every single release, ready to love it and tell the world about it.
I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to make it that long, but that's a me problem.
Until then, as Carol Baskin would say, stay cool you crazy cats and kittens.
June 24, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
I was really enjoying this book up until near the end. Then it went from a 4 star rating to a 1.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
I was really enjoying this book up until near the end. Then it went from a 4 star rating to a 1.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
October 14, 2023
Huh....
Years ago in 2007 I read the first book in the Shifter series. In fact, I left my paperback I was reading at the dentist office after an appointment, stopped at Walmart on the way home to get another. Admittedly, that first book had about 200 pages of bloat that RV worked out in subsequent novels in the series. That being said, this book wouldn’t rate the top 5 of my favorites which also include the 3 wildcat books.
The Why-
The series and the subsequent sequel series were about strong women being strong in the face of a dominating masculine subculture. This isn’t that in the least. This is an angry woman, fractured by trauma who just happens to be in charge. She has a problem in her ranks. There is a shifter who is biting then accidentally killing women who are direct relatives a the strays who inhabit her zone. It take so much time and there is so much filler (RV’s #1 bad trait) that it becomes tedious and bogged down by it. I get the trauma, and I get the pain.. but there is glossing over and really bad decisions.
I am not sure what is really happening with Austin and Bishop. These two guys show up looking for the stray cat who bit their sister and wife who died of scratch fever – Austin’s sister, Bishop’s wife. They were best friends, then Yvette married Bishop. The three lived together. I got to say that Austin is the beta male where Bishop is the out of control cowboy. There is no chemistry between Charley and Austin and hate… between Charley and Bishop. Austin is aware that Charley and Bishop are getting drunk and having angersex but still asks Charley out anyway. Its like the beginnings of the strangest thruple ever..
The situation with Vance and Charley’s sister, Davey is just boring … and really obvious.
I'm not sure that I can in good faith recommend this book…I didn’t really like it.
Years ago in 2007 I read the first book in the Shifter series. In fact, I left my paperback I was reading at the dentist office after an appointment, stopped at Walmart on the way home to get another. Admittedly, that first book had about 200 pages of bloat that RV worked out in subsequent novels in the series. That being said, this book wouldn’t rate the top 5 of my favorites which also include the 3 wildcat books.
The Why-
The series and the subsequent sequel series were about strong women being strong in the face of a dominating masculine subculture. This isn’t that in the least. This is an angry woman, fractured by trauma who just happens to be in charge. She has a problem in her ranks. There is a shifter who is biting then accidentally killing women who are direct relatives a the strays who inhabit her zone. It take so much time and there is so much filler (RV’s #1 bad trait) that it becomes tedious and bogged down by it. I get the trauma, and I get the pain.. but there is glossing over and really bad decisions.
I am not sure what is really happening with Austin and Bishop. These two guys show up looking for the stray cat who bit their sister and wife who died of scratch fever – Austin’s sister, Bishop’s wife. They were best friends, then Yvette married Bishop. The three lived together. I got to say that Austin is the beta male where Bishop is the out of control cowboy. There is no chemistry between Charley and Austin and hate… between Charley and Bishop. Austin is aware that Charley and Bishop are getting drunk and having angersex but still asks Charley out anyway. Its like the beginnings of the strangest thruple ever..
The situation with Vance and Charley’s sister, Davey is just boring … and really obvious.
I'm not sure that I can in good faith recommend this book…I didn’t really like it.
February 28, 2024
I'm so happy Vincent decided there were more stories to tell in the Shifters universe. Having re-read the main series and the spin-offs, it was wonderful to dive back into this world and have a fresh and brand-new story. If you haven't read the OG series and even the spin-off Wildcats trilogy, you may be able to follow along with this story, but you'll probably end up more confused than anything. It benefits having read Vincent's earlier works. I mention that in case anyone is wondering if they can pick this book up and dive blindly into the Shifter's world.
That said, this story was everything and more. I love that we have a new female MC, AND she's a stray! I love that there wasn't too much werecat politics in this book. Aside from a few cameos and name-drops, this story stands well all on its own. (The reason I mentioned you might be confused when reading was not because of the name drops and cameos, but because of the werecat world in general). I did find it refreshing that everyone wasn't referring to each other as toms and tabbies, probably because they were all born strays and not natural-born cats.
I also love having Charley's sister be human and in the know. And the shifter-friendly bar was a great setting.
Because of how it ended, I hope Vincent continues with these characters in the future or has them be mentioned in other spin-off works, should she choose to write more in this universe. As it stands, it did end perfectly and can be read as a stand-alone, but it also ended in a way that we could potentially see more of this story from Davey's POV. I'd be interested in that and hearing how Faythe's new project works out.
Overall, I am happy with this story, and it's just another reason why Vincent is my favourite author. Everything she writes is an auto-buy for me.
That said, this story was everything and more. I love that we have a new female MC, AND she's a stray! I love that there wasn't too much werecat politics in this book. Aside from a few cameos and name-drops, this story stands well all on its own. (The reason I mentioned you might be confused when reading was not because of the name drops and cameos, but because of the werecat world in general). I did find it refreshing that everyone wasn't referring to each other as toms and tabbies, probably because they were all born strays and not natural-born cats.
I also love having Charley's sister be human and in the know. And the shifter-friendly bar was a great setting.
Because of how it ended, I hope Vincent continues with these characters in the future or has them be mentioned in other spin-off works, should she choose to write more in this universe. As it stands, it did end perfectly and can be read as a stand-alone, but it also ended in a way that we could potentially see more of this story from Davey's POV. I'd be interested in that and hearing how Faythe's new project works out.
Overall, I am happy with this story, and it's just another reason why Vincent is my favourite author. Everything she writes is an auto-buy for me.
April 22, 2023
I read Rachel Vincent’s Shifter series when it first came out years ago and fell in love with it. The family dynamics of the shifter books really hit home for me and it’s a series that I have often reread. When Rachel Vincent announced she was writing a new shifter series set in the same universe, (and we would even get some cameos!!) I was thrilled. I immediately pre-ordered Fat Cat and counted down the days. Well, the day finally arrived and holy moly, did Rachel out do herself. I devoured Fat Cat in four days. This book was like a big warm hug from a family member.
Charley is such a kick butt character, she reminds of Faythe, in that she doesn’t take crap from any of the male shifters. She stands on her own four paws and gets the job done. The family dynamic is still there, both blood family, and found family. You get to see, some of the old crew! (I won’t say who, I don’t want to spoil it for anyone) The plot was well done, but I expected nothing less considering the author, and the character building was top-notch, as always. This is the first book in a new series, and it will continue to follow Charley, which I’m super happy about. If you liked the original Shifter Series, then you’ll love this. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next in the Fat Cat series!
Charley is such a kick butt character, she reminds of Faythe, in that she doesn’t take crap from any of the male shifters. She stands on her own four paws and gets the job done. The family dynamic is still there, both blood family, and found family. You get to see, some of the old crew! (I won’t say who, I don’t want to spoil it for anyone) The plot was well done, but I expected nothing less considering the author, and the character building was top-notch, as always. This is the first book in a new series, and it will continue to follow Charley, which I’m super happy about. If you liked the original Shifter Series, then you’ll love this. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next in the Fat Cat series!
April 22, 2023
Loved diving back into the shifters world, with a new dynamic. Rachel Vincent continues to provide the familiar that readers love about the series, while also developing and growing the world into a whole new realm of possibilities.
I loved Charley. Her quiet strength and power were more relateable to me than the feeling if initially reading Faythe's story. While Faythe was someone you aspired to be like, Charley feels like someone you can relate to and care for.
I also love the way Vincent brought in characters from previous novels in a way that felt purposeful, and not just as fan service.
The twist at the end, I could not for the life of me work it out, so was a major surprise and I really like it.
Only marked one star down as I'm not sure I understood the dynamic Charley had with Bishop AND Austin, unless it's a set up for further development between this set of characters. I'm also not sure if I'm forgetting something regarding her brother from a previous novel, but I thought her grief regarding Ben would come back around in another way which I waited for but did not see.
I loved Charley. Her quiet strength and power were more relateable to me than the feeling if initially reading Faythe's story. While Faythe was someone you aspired to be like, Charley feels like someone you can relate to and care for.
I also love the way Vincent brought in characters from previous novels in a way that felt purposeful, and not just as fan service.
The twist at the end, I could not for the life of me work it out, so was a major surprise and I really like it.
Only marked one star down as I'm not sure I understood the dynamic Charley had with Bishop AND Austin, unless it's a set up for further development between this set of characters. I'm also not sure if I'm forgetting something regarding her brother from a previous novel, but I thought her grief regarding Ben would come back around in another way which I waited for but did not see.
May 20, 2023
I did not realize how much I missed Rachel Vincent's Shifters until I read Fat Cat. It was such a joy go back and visit such amazing characters. Now I want, no need, to go back and reread all of the books.
This story takes place in the new Mississippi Pride region. The large area has been broken down into three areas with Charley as marshal of the area where the Fat Cat Bar and Grille is located. The bar is conveniently owned by Charley, a female stray, and her sister, Davey.
Someone is trying to create female cats. The victims all have one thing in common. The victims are related to strays within Charley's area. It is personal to her, and soon becomes even more personal. Was she the first victim? Or did others come before her? What will happen if it comes out? Will the council interfere?
So many questions that I needed answering. I fell into the story. I was hooked. I became invested. I needed to know who thought they were above the law. It wasn't just the attacks on females that had me rushing through the pages. There was a lot going on and it was all a joy to read.
This story takes place in the new Mississippi Pride region. The large area has been broken down into three areas with Charley as marshal of the area where the Fat Cat Bar and Grille is located. The bar is conveniently owned by Charley, a female stray, and her sister, Davey.
Someone is trying to create female cats. The victims all have one thing in common. The victims are related to strays within Charley's area. It is personal to her, and soon becomes even more personal. Was she the first victim? Or did others come before her? What will happen if it comes out? Will the council interfere?
So many questions that I needed answering. I fell into the story. I was hooked. I became invested. I needed to know who thought they were above the law. It wasn't just the attacks on females that had me rushing through the pages. There was a lot going on and it was all a joy to read.
February 2, 2024
OK, this was difficult to finish. I will say that I was in a period of high stress while reading this, so that was probably part of it. However, the main thing was...I didn't like the main character. And I didn't like the relationship that eventually developed between her and the friends. Also, THREE MONTHS? Like, seriously? You couldn't have made it a year or two. That way, there could be rage, but I wouldn't feel dirty reading the sex scenes. I just didn't like this book...and I really wanted to, because I LOVED the original six. I liked seeing the old gang come to visit, but that didn't make up for not liking the main chickadee. Once you don't like the main character, it is really hard to like the other people. Also, the ending was just sad. It wasn't fun, it was just sad. Maybe that is what I found so hard to read. Anywho, I'm glad that I finally finished it. I dragged it out enough.
July 25, 2023
Charley runs a paranormal bar where shifters hang out. She's part of a self formed pack of stray paranormal's that are basically rejected by other packs. There are two types of shifters. Those born and those "made". Made shifters are from a bite and usually (99%) only males can survive the process. Except Charley. She's the exception. Anyway a mystery walks into the bar. Not really, just two friends looking for revenge for the (bite) death of a loved one. Thus begins the mystery involving women being bitten by a werewolf intentionally even though it's instant death if caught. Why is this happening and by who? Interesting premise but it fell apart a bit. There is some possible sexual partner overlap that might bother some people (I thought Charley could make her own choices). Obviously part of a series I haven't read but it was easy enough to follow along.
May 14, 2023
Stray by Rachel Vincent got me into urban fantasy back when I was aging out of YA angst.
Fat Cat brought me right back into the world I loved so much, while giving me a fresh new set of characters to fall for.
Where the first series has strong Yellowstone vibes, this one adds a little bit of a shifter-only True Blood feel. Solving a murder case while getting to know the locals at the town bar.
Rachel nailed the sister relationship dynamic and the bromance trope. I am here for all the relationship drama I know will unfold in the next book. It’s UF not PNR so the spice is hot but an accent, not the whole flavor of the book.
I feel like you could read this without having read the shifters series, but it would spoil some major plot points for you.
Please write more Rachel!
Fat Cat brought me right back into the world I loved so much, while giving me a fresh new set of characters to fall for.
Where the first series has strong Yellowstone vibes, this one adds a little bit of a shifter-only True Blood feel. Solving a murder case while getting to know the locals at the town bar.
Rachel nailed the sister relationship dynamic and the bromance trope. I am here for all the relationship drama I know will unfold in the next book. It’s UF not PNR so the spice is hot but an accent, not the whole flavor of the book.
I feel like you could read this without having read the shifters series, but it would spoil some major plot points for you.
Please write more Rachel!
July 17, 2023
Where to begin?? First I’m a little frustrated with myself for the book taking so long to read but alas sometimes life gets in the way.
I alternated between the paperback and kindle version of this book, depending on where I was at the time but Rachel Vincent does not disappoint at all with going back into this world of the shifters, I always wish we get more each time a book ends and now she’s given us a second spin off to the original series, which opens a lot more doors that were previously closed and allowing a whole new section to be explored in the shifters world. With new characters and old characters back, it’s a book I’ve been waiting for and loved all of it! I hope there is more to come so this isn’t the end of the new storyline that’s came up.
I alternated between the paperback and kindle version of this book, depending on where I was at the time but Rachel Vincent does not disappoint at all with going back into this world of the shifters, I always wish we get more each time a book ends and now she’s given us a second spin off to the original series, which opens a lot more doors that were previously closed and allowing a whole new section to be explored in the shifters world. With new characters and old characters back, it’s a book I’ve been waiting for and loved all of it! I hope there is more to come so this isn’t the end of the new storyline that’s came up.
November 25, 2023
Intriguing
I really enjoyed the mystery of this book.
But I honestly felt like I started in the second book of a series. There were a bunch of people that were name dropped but not really explained, or just given a basic overview. I still have questions about Ben, about Eamon etc.
There were some errors, but they were easily overlooked.
The ending seemed abrupt, and almost like a cliffhanger. There are many things unresolved so it seems like there should be a book following this one.
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S
BELOW...
If not, that's upsetting because there are so many doors still open... Faythe and the research, Davey's transition, Austin's intention to stay and pursue something with Charley, or Bishop's therapy with her.. I REALLY hope there's another one coming.
I really enjoyed the mystery of this book.
But I honestly felt like I started in the second book of a series. There were a bunch of people that were name dropped but not really explained, or just given a basic overview. I still have questions about Ben, about Eamon etc.
There were some errors, but they were easily overlooked.
The ending seemed abrupt, and almost like a cliffhanger. There are many things unresolved so it seems like there should be a book following this one.
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S
BELOW...
If not, that's upsetting because there are so many doors still open... Faythe and the research, Davey's transition, Austin's intention to stay and pursue something with Charley, or Bishop's therapy with her.. I REALLY hope there's another one coming.
April 23, 2023
Back to the world of the shifter series,impossibly brilliant.
My favourite book series was the shifter ones,followed of course by the wild cats books,and now Rachel Vincent takes us back to that world and it doesn't disappoint.We meet new characters and old friends whilst the seemingly effortless writing style ,world building and plot line flow into a brilliant exciting new story.Can't recommend these books enough.Old fans will love another chance to explore this world while new ones can easily fall into this story without having read any of the previous titles,though I'll bet you'll want to.
My favourite book series was the shifter ones,followed of course by the wild cats books,and now Rachel Vincent takes us back to that world and it doesn't disappoint.We meet new characters and old friends whilst the seemingly effortless writing style ,world building and plot line flow into a brilliant exciting new story.Can't recommend these books enough.Old fans will love another chance to explore this world while new ones can easily fall into this story without having read any of the previous titles,though I'll bet you'll want to.
April 27, 2023
Many years ago I picked up the first Shifter book by Rachel Vincent in a random store, at a train station in a small town I was just passing through.
Since then I have read them back to back, several times over and with great joy. So when I found that there would be a return to that world after so many years I pre-orderet it as fast as I could push the buttons on my computer.
So now what is my verdict. I loved it! I can see how the author has matured in her craft over the years and the world that she started to build have matured with her. So I am a very happy fangirl and I really hope for more.
Kind regards
Erica
Since then I have read them back to back, several times over and with great joy. So when I found that there would be a return to that world after so many years I pre-orderet it as fast as I could push the buttons on my computer.
So now what is my verdict. I loved it! I can see how the author has matured in her craft over the years and the world that she started to build have matured with her. So I am a very happy fangirl and I really hope for more.
Kind regards
Erica
July 8, 2023
It was so much fun to get back in the Shifters world!
I really liked the FMC. She was strong and relatable, and very dedicated to her sister's safety. She finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation that turns into a hunt for a serial killer.
I must say, I wished there had been more shifted scenes or fights like we used to have in the original Shifter series, Fat Cat almost reads more like a thriller, but I still enjoyed it.
There are two potential love interest developing in the last third of the book, and I really want to see more of that in the second book. It could maybe even turn into a why choose *smirks*
I will be looking forward to the next book!
I really liked the FMC. She was strong and relatable, and very dedicated to her sister's safety. She finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation that turns into a hunt for a serial killer.
I must say, I wished there had been more shifted scenes or fights like we used to have in the original Shifter series, Fat Cat almost reads more like a thriller, but I still enjoyed it.
There are two potential love interest developing in the last third of the book, and I really want to see more of that in the second book. It could maybe even turn into a why choose *smirks*
I will be looking forward to the next book!
April 17, 2023
I enjoyed being back in this world. Charley is a strong protagonist. I really hope that we don’t have an annoying love triangle as the series develops. The saga of Faythe, Marc and Jace annoyed me in the original series. I personally like the choice she made in this one but it doesn’t seem likely that they’ll work out. The other guy seems very boring though. If there’s gonna be another love interest, please make him completely new. Davey kind of annoyed me. Everything just works out for her. I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next book.
April 18, 2023
It's been a long time since I've bought a book on the day that it dropped and stayed up all night to read it, but Fat Cat is 100% worth it. It doesn't hurt that I've (not-so-)patiently waited for this book for 13 years since the Shifters series wrapped up.
Urban Fantasy. Mystery. Spicy Romance. This book has it all! If you haven't read any of the previous Shifters or Wildcats books, this is a great standalone and an introduction to an amazing world. If you have read the previous UF or Romance books, you'll recognize a few choice cameos. Either way, you'll want to read more!!!
Urban Fantasy. Mystery. Spicy Romance. This book has it all! If you haven't read any of the previous Shifters or Wildcats books, this is a great standalone and an introduction to an amazing world. If you have read the previous UF or Romance books, you'll recognize a few choice cameos. Either way, you'll want to read more!!!
October 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I love Rachel's shifter series! This was a fun way to get back to that type of series for me. I enjoyed meeting Charley and the Mississippi Valley Pride! This book has magic, shifters, and a mystery in it. I really would like to see another book about the Mississippi Valley Pride. Rachel did end this book on a positive note and I love a good happy ending. I really enjoy Rachel's books!
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