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Shape-Shifter #1.75
Manhattan Moon
Nothing in Shelby Carson’s life is ordinary. Not only is she an attending psychiatrist in a hectic ER, but she’s also a Wrasa, a shape-shifter who leads a secret existence.
To make things even more complicated, she has feelings for Nyla Rozakis, a human nurse.
Even though the Wrasa forbid relationships with humans, Shelby is determined to pursue Nyla. Things seem pretty hopeless for them, but on Halloween, during a full moon, anything can happen...
To make things even more complicated, she has feelings for Nyla Rozakis, a human nurse.
Even though the Wrasa forbid relationships with humans, Shelby is determined to pursue Nyla. Things seem pretty hopeless for them, but on Halloween, during a full moon, anything can happen...
95 pages, ebook
First published October 14, 2012
59 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Jae
126 books3,805 followersJae is the author of twenty-six award-winning romances between women. She lives in the sunniest city of Germany, near the French and Swiss borders. The writing bug bit her at the age of eleven.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
September 29, 2023
I read this novella in 2019 and rated it but didn't review. Here's my review of the audiobook.
Shelby Carson is a Wrasa, a coyote-shifter, and a ER psychiatrist with a thing for human nurse Nyla Rozakis. Despite relationships between Wrasa and humans being forbidden, Shelby asks Nyla on a date. Not the easiest thing to navigate while having to hide who she is from Nyla and conceal her feelings from other Wrasa.
Manhattan Moon is a novella set in the same universe as Second Nature, so as an audiobook, it’s a little under three hours long. Instalust and instalove are a given, and I know it’s a novella but the desire to commit came a little too quickly for me. And while the ending was cute, it left me with too many questions.
My favourite part, I think, is Shelby’s feeling of not fitting in anywhere: she’s not human but she’s also not like the rest of her family, as she doesn’t shift as easily as other Wrasa. A situation which I guess is relatable to a lot of neurodivergent readers.
I received a copy of the audiobook from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
January 12, 2025
Overall this was cute. I think I tend to struggle a little with novellas and short stories when it comes to romance sometimes. There’s just a lot of cram in, and I’m more of a longer is always better, id like 500+ pages more of than not, kinda gal.
With this one, I was hoping since I’m already into the world/have read the main novels and enjoyed them both, I’d be on board, but it just felt a tiny bit rushed. I did like both Shelby and Nyla, and I was rooting for them, but I’d def have preferred a longer arc.
It was fun though, and def worth a read.
With this one, I was hoping since I’m already into the world/have read the main novels and enjoyed them both, I’d be on board, but it just felt a tiny bit rushed. I did like both Shelby and Nyla, and I was rooting for them, but I’d def have preferred a longer arc.
It was fun though, and def worth a read.
June 10, 2019
This can be read on its own although there is mention of characters from the series.
I thought that this was a well-paced novella and enjoyed every single page.
It was a nice short read.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Me
I thought that this was a well-paced novella and enjoyed every single page.
It was a nice short read.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Me
September 30, 2023
**Audiobook review**
Jae is a prolific author in a multitude of genres. This is the first I've read in the Shape-Shifter series, but there are definitely key traits of her writing style - the characters are well-developed, and the story paced well. However, Manhattan Moon does end abruptly with a few unresolved aspects and I was confused by this sudden ending. Regardless, this novella is very sweet and the romance between Shelby and Nyla is low in angst and easy to follow.
The audiobook is narrated by Abby Craden, and again she does a fantastic job in her narration. I definitely recommend the audio version if you are intrigued by the Shape-Shifter premise.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Tandor Audio for a copy of this audiobook. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Jae is a prolific author in a multitude of genres. This is the first I've read in the Shape-Shifter series, but there are definitely key traits of her writing style - the characters are well-developed, and the story paced well. However, Manhattan Moon does end abruptly with a few unresolved aspects and I was confused by this sudden ending. Regardless, this novella is very sweet and the romance between Shelby and Nyla is low in angst and easy to follow.
The audiobook is narrated by Abby Craden, and again she does a fantastic job in her narration. I definitely recommend the audio version if you are intrigued by the Shape-Shifter premise.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Tandor Audio for a copy of this audiobook. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2016
This is my 22nd work that I’ve read by Jae. Something like the 9th short story (though I do not always remember to include that shelf). This is also the last story in the Shape-Shifter series that I had not yet read. This might be the only Jae series where I’ve actually read everything in it. Every novel length work, every short story length work.
Right, so – Shelby Carson is a psychologist who works in the psych ward at an ER in New York. Or works in an ER deal with psych patients. One, the other, or both. She works with a woman by the name of Nyla Rozaksi – a nurse. Both characters have appeared before, though the timing is a little confusing here (Shelby mentions Jorie and Griffin, and how they are an accepted Wrasa/human couple; while at the same time Shelby and Nyla are not currently a couple (and haven’t previously been) – yet I have a strong recollection that they were a couple when Jorie and Griffin meet them (meaning that they became a couple before that point, which means Jorie and Griffin weren’t an out (to Wrasa) and accepted coupling, which means . . . circling I go).
Right, sorry.
I was going to lead into it, but I kind of already indirectly indicated the issue at play in this book. Shelby is a Wrasa – a werecoyote (like Mercy Thompson, though completely different fantasy universe, one by Patricia Briggs, other by Jae), while Nyla is a human. Both, as you might expect considering, are females who like females.
Both Nyla and Shelby show signs of being interested in each other, and they go on a date. Though the date is almost instantly ruined when Shelby, indirectly, mentions the matter to a cousin – who howls at her. Then later by neighbors who catch Shelby and Nyla on her date. Neighbors who happen to be Wrasa. Humans in the past who learned about the Wrasa were killed. Things are changing now, but that doesn’t mean that Wrasa and humans are allowed to date (with the one exception of Griffin and Jorie). And so – naturally Shelby doesn’t show her good side on the date. She’s incredibly nervous, and somewhat cowering. While at the same time pulled towards Nyla.
I liked the story. Though it was a) super short; and b) incomplete () and unlikely to be completed (what, this story came out in 2012, and none of the stories that came later addressed the issue (or, if they did, it flew past me because I hadn’t read the Shelby Nyla story yet).
October 26 2016
Right, so – Shelby Carson is a psychologist who works in the psych ward at an ER in New York. Or works in an ER deal with psych patients. One, the other, or both. She works with a woman by the name of Nyla Rozaksi – a nurse. Both characters have appeared before, though the timing is a little confusing here (Shelby mentions Jorie and Griffin, and how they are an accepted Wrasa/human couple; while at the same time Shelby and Nyla are not currently a couple (and haven’t previously been) – yet I have a strong recollection that they were a couple when Jorie and Griffin meet them (meaning that they became a couple before that point, which means Jorie and Griffin weren’t an out (to Wrasa) and accepted coupling, which means . . . circling I go).
Right, sorry.
I was going to lead into it, but I kind of already indirectly indicated the issue at play in this book. Shelby is a Wrasa – a werecoyote (like Mercy Thompson, though completely different fantasy universe, one by Patricia Briggs, other by Jae), while Nyla is a human. Both, as you might expect considering, are females who like females.
Both Nyla and Shelby show signs of being interested in each other, and they go on a date. Though the date is almost instantly ruined when Shelby, indirectly, mentions the matter to a cousin – who howls at her. Then later by neighbors who catch Shelby and Nyla on her date. Neighbors who happen to be Wrasa. Humans in the past who learned about the Wrasa were killed. Things are changing now, but that doesn’t mean that Wrasa and humans are allowed to date (with the one exception of Griffin and Jorie). And so – naturally Shelby doesn’t show her good side on the date. She’s incredibly nervous, and somewhat cowering. While at the same time pulled towards Nyla.
I liked the story. Though it was a) super short; and b) incomplete () and unlikely to be completed (what, this story came out in 2012, and none of the stories that came later addressed the issue (or, if they did, it flew past me because I hadn’t read the Shelby Nyla story yet).
October 26 2016
June 21, 2020
My love affair with shapeshifter romance continues and am loving it so-far!! There’s just nothing not to like.... Though the only complain that I have on Manhattan Moon is that it’s just a tad too short.. I would have loved to read a full length novel on Dr ‘Coyote’ Shelby and Greek nurse Nyla 😉
March 26, 2017
Where's the rest of the story? My book got cut off early.
No?
That's really where the author left it?
That's just cruel...
In all seriousness though, I was really enjoying this story. It's cute, the characters are likable, and even for a novella there's depth and even some amusing side tangents. It just ended too early!!
No?
That's really where the author left it?
That's just cruel...
In all seriousness though, I was really enjoying this story. It's cute, the characters are likable, and even for a novella there's depth and even some amusing side tangents. It just ended too early!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2019
Lovely shapeshifter novella, 4.5 stars
December 26, 2021
4.5 stars
A very well written novella! Enjoyed it.
A very well written novella! Enjoyed it.
August 22, 2023
Note: This review is actually for the Audiobook version that is not yet on Goodreads.
Jae is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This is now my fourth book of her’s, but my first of her Shape-Shifter series. Manhattan Moon is part of a larger series but works as a standalone novella.
Shelby Carson is a psychiatric doctor in a hectic ER who lives a relatively ordinary life, except for one big thing - she is a Wrasa, a coyote shape-shifter living a secret existence. But the biggest problem with this secret comes in the form of a female human nurse, Nyla Rozakis. Wrasa are forbidden from having relationships with humans. Shelby’s crush on Nyla proves too strong to resist, though, and she asks her on a date. But not only does Nyla not know Shelby is a Wrasa, she doesn’t even know Wrasa exist. Which makes dating a bit more complicated.
There are also other layers to Shelby’s existence as a Wrasa. She doesn’t quite fit in with the pack, but she’s also not human. Which makes it hard for her to navigate life and find out where she belongs.
I really enjoyed this book and the layers of identity struggle and forbidden romance that are woven throughout. There is no real build up of the chemistry between Shelby and Nyla because it happens off page before the novella begins. I thought Jae did a great job of squeezing quite a lot into such a short story. These two are adorable together and I love their connection. The ending was a perfect way to wrap up this part of their story 🥹(but I will leave it there instead of sharing any spoilers)! I would love to learn more about what happens between Nyla and Shelby next. But even if I never do, I have faith that they will somehow figure out whatever life throws at them.
And as always, Abby Craden’s narration was perfection. As soon as I saw she was the narrator, I knew I had to listen! I received an advanced reader copy of this audiobook through NetGalley and TantorMedia and this is my honest review.
Jae is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This is now my fourth book of her’s, but my first of her Shape-Shifter series. Manhattan Moon is part of a larger series but works as a standalone novella.
Shelby Carson is a psychiatric doctor in a hectic ER who lives a relatively ordinary life, except for one big thing - she is a Wrasa, a coyote shape-shifter living a secret existence. But the biggest problem with this secret comes in the form of a female human nurse, Nyla Rozakis. Wrasa are forbidden from having relationships with humans. Shelby’s crush on Nyla proves too strong to resist, though, and she asks her on a date. But not only does Nyla not know Shelby is a Wrasa, she doesn’t even know Wrasa exist. Which makes dating a bit more complicated.
There are also other layers to Shelby’s existence as a Wrasa. She doesn’t quite fit in with the pack, but she’s also not human. Which makes it hard for her to navigate life and find out where she belongs.
I really enjoyed this book and the layers of identity struggle and forbidden romance that are woven throughout. There is no real build up of the chemistry between Shelby and Nyla because it happens off page before the novella begins. I thought Jae did a great job of squeezing quite a lot into such a short story. These two are adorable together and I love their connection. The ending was a perfect way to wrap up this part of their story 🥹(but I will leave it there instead of sharing any spoilers)! I would love to learn more about what happens between Nyla and Shelby next. But even if I never do, I have faith that they will somehow figure out whatever life throws at them.
And as always, Abby Craden’s narration was perfection. As soon as I saw she was the narrator, I knew I had to listen! I received an advanced reader copy of this audiobook through NetGalley and TantorMedia and this is my honest review.
September 1, 2023
It's the world of supernatural creatures, and Shelby is one of the shapeshifters. Though the rules discourage these shifters from any possible human entanglement, Shelby has lost her heart to Nyla, a human. With the approaching full moon, it's becoming increasingly difficult for Shelby to keep her secrets and maintain her distance from Nyla. However, fate and the moon have other plans in store for them.
To start, I felt that this book was too short. Just as I was getting a grasp of the baseline, it ended abruptly. The plot was intriguing, with a forbidden romance trope, but it was disappointingly brief - shorter even than a novella.
Thanks to @netgalley and @tantoraudio for the audiobook.
To start, I felt that this book was too short. Just as I was getting a grasp of the baseline, it ended abruptly. The plot was intriguing, with a forbidden romance trope, but it was disappointingly brief - shorter even than a novella.
Thanks to @netgalley and @tantoraudio for the audiobook.
August 21, 2023
As always, everything I've read by Jae has been great and never disappoints. Also Abby Craden has an amazing voice and way of telling the story she narrates.
I usually don't really read shape shifter books, but Jae is the exception.
Overall I enjoyed listening to Manhattan Moon, it could've only been a little bit longer.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the Audiobook version in exchange for leaving a honest review.
I usually don't really read shape shifter books, but Jae is the exception.
Overall I enjoyed listening to Manhattan Moon, it could've only been a little bit longer.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the Audiobook version in exchange for leaving a honest review.
April 15, 2021
I feel Shelby’s struggle of liking and falling in love with someone you are not suppose to. Nyla and Shelby are so good together I couldn’t help but root for them from the beginning. It was heartbreaking when Shelby was trying to share her secret and reveal her wolf form to Nyla, but she couldn’t shift and Nyla didn’t believe her. I felt so much happiness when Nyla showed up at Shelby’s apartment. I hate that for now they have to hide their relationship from other shape-shifters. The end was beautiful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2025
Audio review - Abby Craden is kind of the FF romance narrator. Feels like every book I listen to in the genre, Craden narrates!
Shifter + human pairing, psychiatrist and nurse leads that are longstanding coworkers at the hospital, short and sweet romance, no on page sex. Overall a short and quick listen. Curious if they pop up more throughout this series.
Also, coyote shifters sound like fun!
Audio ARC provided by Netgalley.
Shifter + human pairing, psychiatrist and nurse leads that are longstanding coworkers at the hospital, short and sweet romance, no on page sex. Overall a short and quick listen. Curious if they pop up more throughout this series.
Also, coyote shifters sound like fun!
Audio ARC provided by Netgalley.
January 15, 2020
Well!!
I'm hooked. Well and truly. Jae's shape shifter novels are both compelling and addictive. Jae's writing style is fun and easy to follow. Also her style is humorous but her novels are serious. I'm seriously addicted. Her imagination is out of this world. I definitely vote for more.
I'm hooked. Well and truly. Jae's shape shifter novels are both compelling and addictive. Jae's writing style is fun and easy to follow. Also her style is humorous but her novels are serious. I'm seriously addicted. Her imagination is out of this world. I definitely vote for more.
November 6, 2016
4 stars
This was a re-read. I first read this novella a few years ago. It follows the romance between Nyla, a human nurse and Shelby a Wrasa coyote shape-shifter who works with Nyla in a human ER as a psychiatrist. Only Shelby is an outsider in both worlds. Not a human and a shapeshifter who cannot shift. It would be 5 stars if it only it mentioned how Shelby's pack accepted the relationship. But I guess Jae wanted to keep it short? A pleasant read in Jae's shapeshifter series.
This was a re-read. I first read this novella a few years ago. It follows the romance between Nyla, a human nurse and Shelby a Wrasa coyote shape-shifter who works with Nyla in a human ER as a psychiatrist. Only Shelby is an outsider in both worlds. Not a human and a shapeshifter who cannot shift. It would be 5 stars if it only it mentioned how Shelby's pack accepted the relationship. But I guess Jae wanted to keep it short? A pleasant read in Jae's shapeshifter series.
July 28, 2019
I need more.
April 13, 2025
This was my favorite sequel to the shape-shifter series.
July 29, 2021
The moral: your favourite author can't take any subject and make it palatable. Shape-Shifters? What was I thinking?? My bad.
January 15, 2023
Enjoyed this shapeshifter novella by Jae, I hope to read more of Shelby and Nyla in True Nature.
August 21, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley & Ylva Publishing for the advance audio copy of Manhattan Moon!
Shelby Carson has had nothing short of an exciting life, being both an attending psychiatrist in a busy ER and a Wrasa, a shape-shifter whose people have been forced to hide their existence while living among humankind for centuries.
Shelby's life is further complicated by developing feelings for Nyla Rozakis, a nurse at the ER, who is also a human who is unaware of Wrasa's existence in the world. If Nyla were to find out about Shelby's true identity, she would be at risk of harm from the Wrasa community.
This is a sweet and fast-paced novella with a happy ending. Manhattan Moon is my first read by Jae, and I can see why Jae is so widely acclaimed within the lesbian fiction realm. While a short book overall, Jae manages to delve into Shelby & Nyla's characters well.
Abby Craden is a top-notch narrator and I always find myself enjoying the novels that she narrates. Manhattan Moon was a short, sweet, and interesting take on the "forbidden romance" trope. I will definitely check out some of Jae's other works in the future.
Thanks again to Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for the audio copy of Manhattan Moon in exchange for my honest review.
Shelby Carson has had nothing short of an exciting life, being both an attending psychiatrist in a busy ER and a Wrasa, a shape-shifter whose people have been forced to hide their existence while living among humankind for centuries.
Shelby's life is further complicated by developing feelings for Nyla Rozakis, a nurse at the ER, who is also a human who is unaware of Wrasa's existence in the world. If Nyla were to find out about Shelby's true identity, she would be at risk of harm from the Wrasa community.
This is a sweet and fast-paced novella with a happy ending. Manhattan Moon is my first read by Jae, and I can see why Jae is so widely acclaimed within the lesbian fiction realm. While a short book overall, Jae manages to delve into Shelby & Nyla's characters well.
Abby Craden is a top-notch narrator and I always find myself enjoying the novels that she narrates. Manhattan Moon was a short, sweet, and interesting take on the "forbidden romance" trope. I will definitely check out some of Jae's other works in the future.
Thanks again to Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for the audio copy of Manhattan Moon in exchange for my honest review.
August 22, 2023
This was a fun paranormal, queer women romance novella! It's a quick listen and I enjoyed it. (As a doctor, I appreciated that the scenes that took place in a psychiatric emergency department weren't distractingly unrealistic beyond the point of suspended disbelief.)
Thanks to Net Galley and Ylva Publishing for the audiobook advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to Net Galley and Ylva Publishing for the audiobook advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
June 27, 2021
I wish this is a full-length novel because it has so much potential, but I’m only feeling unsatisfied now. I want more!
July 10, 2025
Enjoyable but nothing more.
I think this could have been a full length novel but I also enjoyed that it was so short and quick.
The ending was quite unsatisfying though, especially Nylas reaction to all of it - almost felt like there wasn't a reaction at all.
I think this could have been a full length novel but I also enjoyed that it was so short and quick.
The ending was quite unsatisfying though, especially Nylas reaction to all of it - almost felt like there wasn't a reaction at all.
July 25, 2015
4.5 stars.
This is a great bonus story that takes place after 'Second Nature' and before 'True Nature'. I would not consider this a standalone story because the laws and world of the Wrasa (i.e. the shapeshifters) are too complex to fit into this short story/novela and may leave the reader feeling like they've been in a hit and run when the rules come up but aren't explained in depth.
What is easy to grasp, though, is the romantic arc of the book. The two characters here Shelby and Nyla, one Wrasa and the other human, is a really sweet love story that is written very well. There is no explicit sex scene and it's all character development through the eyes of Shelby. Per usual, Jae has a fantastic way of telling a story that I really appreciate.
I definitely recommend this but only if you read 'Second Nature' first. This couple was not seen in the first book, 'Second Nature', but they do make an important appearance in the second novel in the series, 'True Nature'.
This is a great bonus story that takes place after 'Second Nature' and before 'True Nature'. I would not consider this a standalone story because the laws and world of the Wrasa (i.e. the shapeshifters) are too complex to fit into this short story/novela and may leave the reader feeling like they've been in a hit and run when the rules come up but aren't explained in depth.
What is easy to grasp, though, is the romantic arc of the book. The two characters here Shelby and Nyla, one Wrasa and the other human, is a really sweet love story that is written very well. There is no explicit sex scene and it's all character development through the eyes of Shelby. Per usual, Jae has a fantastic way of telling a story that I really appreciate.
I definitely recommend this but only if you read 'Second Nature' first. This couple was not seen in the first book, 'Second Nature', but they do make an important appearance in the second novel in the series, 'True Nature'.
February 12, 2023
Rushed. Characters were not well developed at all. They seemed like cardboard cutouts. The conflict seemed contrived. And there wasn’t even a sex scene…which (let’s be honest) is part of the point of reading romance novels. Not Jae’s best work. If you’re looking for a decent paranormal lesbian romance, read “Second Nature.”
June 2, 2025
Typical Jae
This is a fantastically well written short story that despite being entwined with her other 'shifter' novels can be read and enjoyed as a strand alone.
This is a fantastically well written short story that despite being entwined with her other 'shifter' novels can be read and enjoyed as a strand alone.
July 28, 2017
Manhattan Moon stars a psychiatrist who works in an ER and a nurse who works in the same ER. Though everything is from the psychiatrist’s point of view.
Shelby Carson, the psychiatrist, quite fancies Nyla Rozakis, the nurse. But there are some major problems with attermpting to date her. Among them the part where she doesn’t even know if Nyla is interested in women, or, more importantly, in her. Actually, there’s also the part where they work together and Nyla is lower down the hierarchy at the hospital – that’s a tough roadblock to overcome. Oh, and Shelby is a shifter, something like a werecoyote (I’ve lost the part where the exact Wrasa name for that creature was mentioned). A Wrasa. And humans and Wrasa do not date. Well, except for Jorie and Griffin, but that’s different, since Jorie is a dream seer (and yes this long short story occurs after Second Nature, and Shelby knows about Jorie and Griffin).
Shelby and Nyla work the Halloween shift at the hospital. Those familiar with the concepts inherent in the Wrasa storyline might be confused by one specific aspect. Wrasa have always been described in a way that makes it seem as if they couldn’t work in something like a busy, hectic, loud, adrenaline charging ER. Well, the night Shelby and Nyla face, that Halloween, and the other days and nights they face aren’t exactly calm moments of peace. No, quite hectic and crap. The reason why Shelby is the only Wrasa working in an ER is quite simple really – she has massive problems shifting. So she doesn’t suddenly become a coyote every three seconds, no, she’s able to keep herself looking human. And therefore continue working in the ER and do other stuff.
That other stuff includes the part where Shelby finally, with much nervousness, gets up the nerve to ask Nyla out. She accepts and they go to the movies, which Wrasa normally don’t do, so they should be safe, right? Since humans and Wrasa aren’t supposed to have relationships. Except Shelby’s neighbors are there! And stuff.
Cute neat almost 100 page short story. Rather liked what I read, including the tiny drops of Greek culture (since Nyla and her grandmother are Greek). And, most importantly maybe only to myself, I actually liked this story more than I did the first time I read it (and yes, this is yet another reread – at this point I think I’ve reread more stuff by Jae than any other author).
Last comment: Jorie and Griffin are mentioned in this book, but do not appear. No characters from other Shape-Shifter stories appear in this book.
Rating: 4.82
July 28 2017
Shelby Carson, the psychiatrist, quite fancies Nyla Rozakis, the nurse. But there are some major problems with attermpting to date her. Among them the part where she doesn’t even know if Nyla is interested in women, or, more importantly, in her. Actually, there’s also the part where they work together and Nyla is lower down the hierarchy at the hospital – that’s a tough roadblock to overcome. Oh, and Shelby is a shifter, something like a werecoyote (I’ve lost the part where the exact Wrasa name for that creature was mentioned). A Wrasa. And humans and Wrasa do not date. Well, except for Jorie and Griffin, but that’s different, since Jorie is a dream seer (and yes this long short story occurs after Second Nature, and Shelby knows about Jorie and Griffin).
Shelby and Nyla work the Halloween shift at the hospital. Those familiar with the concepts inherent in the Wrasa storyline might be confused by one specific aspect. Wrasa have always been described in a way that makes it seem as if they couldn’t work in something like a busy, hectic, loud, adrenaline charging ER. Well, the night Shelby and Nyla face, that Halloween, and the other days and nights they face aren’t exactly calm moments of peace. No, quite hectic and crap. The reason why Shelby is the only Wrasa working in an ER is quite simple really – she has massive problems shifting. So she doesn’t suddenly become a coyote every three seconds, no, she’s able to keep herself looking human. And therefore continue working in the ER and do other stuff.
That other stuff includes the part where Shelby finally, with much nervousness, gets up the nerve to ask Nyla out. She accepts and they go to the movies, which Wrasa normally don’t do, so they should be safe, right? Since humans and Wrasa aren’t supposed to have relationships. Except Shelby’s neighbors are there! And stuff.
Cute neat almost 100 page short story. Rather liked what I read, including the tiny drops of Greek culture (since Nyla and her grandmother are Greek). And, most importantly maybe only to myself, I actually liked this story more than I did the first time I read it (and yes, this is yet another reread – at this point I think I’ve reread more stuff by Jae than any other author).
Last comment: Jorie and Griffin are mentioned in this book, but do not appear. No characters from other Shape-Shifter stories appear in this book.
Rating: 4.82
July 28 2017
August 22, 2023
Attending psychiatrist Shelby Carson works in a busy ER in NYC. She is also a Wrasa, a member of a species of shape shifters, that live among humans. Shelby is attracted and drawn to ER nurse Nyla Rozakis. Finally summoning her courage she asks her on a date. But there are rules against mixing with humans and of course Shelby will have to share her secrets if they want to be together.
I’ve previously read a short shorty that belongs to this shape shifting series but this is a complete novel on its own. I like the way Jae describes the differences in the Wrasa, their vision and sense of smell. It makes things seem very plausible. I listened to a new audio book of this story that was published Oct 2012. I’m glad that more sapphic stories are being made available in audio form. Abby Craden is a voice I trust and she does a great job with this narration.
I really enjoyed this short novel and both Shelby and Nyla. I missed the intimacy that is kept behind closed doors. And I was disappointed that there wasn’t an explanation for Shelby’s difficulty in shifting forms and I wondered at the consequences of their relationship from the pack. I’m not a big fantasy reader so I’m surprised I liked this so much.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the audio book and I am leaving a voluntary review.
I’ve previously read a short shorty that belongs to this shape shifting series but this is a complete novel on its own. I like the way Jae describes the differences in the Wrasa, their vision and sense of smell. It makes things seem very plausible. I listened to a new audio book of this story that was published Oct 2012. I’m glad that more sapphic stories are being made available in audio form. Abby Craden is a voice I trust and she does a great job with this narration.
I really enjoyed this short novel and both Shelby and Nyla. I missed the intimacy that is kept behind closed doors. And I was disappointed that there wasn’t an explanation for Shelby’s difficulty in shifting forms and I wondered at the consequences of their relationship from the pack. I’m not a big fantasy reader so I’m surprised I liked this so much.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the audio book and I am leaving a voluntary review.
August 7, 2017
I delayed reading Jae's Shape-Shifter series as I was a touch skeptical about it, however, having devoured (excuse the pun) Gill McKnight's Garoul werewolf series I decided to give Jae's version a lash. While Goodreads bills this as number 1.75, Jae's publishers Ylva list it as number 3! Either way, it doesn't really matter, but it definitely comes after Second Nature. While Manhattan Moon is essentially a stand alone novella it makes a brief reference to a pretty major plot point from Second Nature (which is awesome, I'd highly recommend it)
Anyway, all of the above has very little bearing on the book itself, so here it is, short and sweet; buy this book. It's excellent as the vast majority of Jae's work is. The characters are very well drawn and utterly believable and despite the fact that one of them can turn into a coyote, seriously relatable! The romance is both sweet and heartbreaking but we get to see their compassion as individuals as well through their work in their work in a psych unit of a hospital in NY.
Anyway, all of the above has very little bearing on the book itself, so here it is, short and sweet; buy this book. It's excellent as the vast majority of Jae's work is. The characters are very well drawn and utterly believable and despite the fact that one of them can turn into a coyote, seriously relatable! The romance is both sweet and heartbreaking but we get to see their compassion as individuals as well through their work in their work in a psych unit of a hospital in NY.
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