Pre-Fix: A Ciel Halligan Short Story

Ciel Halligan #.5

by Linda Grimes, Melissa Frain (Editor)

Meet Ciel Halligan, aura adaptor extraordinaire, in this charming introduction to Linda Grimes' "sparkling series" (Publishers Weekly).A genetic quirk means Ciel can take on the appearance of anyone she meets by projecting their aura. This startling ability presents endless possibilities, and she's one of a rare few who has it...so you'd think it'd be easier finding a day job that lets her put it to use. Actress? Model? Ethically dubious and possibly criminal activities, like her best friend Billy? Ciel's long-time crush and fellow aura adaptor, Mark, has found his calling as a CIA agent-a life of intrigue, danger, and the perfect utilization of their rather unique skill set. It seems like the obvious choice to She could do good and spend time with her crush. What could be better?"Seamlessly blending humor and action...This deliciously sexy and fun-filled romp simply is a must-read."-RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ stars, Top Pick! on In a FixAt the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy

55 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2015

About the author

Linda grew up in Texas, where she rode horses, embarrassed herself onstage a lot, and taught teenagers they’d have to learn the rules of English before they could get away with breaking them for creativity’s sake. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband, whom she snagged after he saw her in a musical number at the now defunct Melodrama Theater in San Antonio. (There’s nothing like a rousing chorus of “If You Wanna Catch a Fish You Gotta Wiggle Your Bait” to hook a man for a lifetime.)

Like IN A FIX's globetrotting main character, aura adaptor Ciel Halligan, Linda has spent her fair share of time overseas, though fortunately under less stressful circumstances. Kidnapping and daring rescues are all well and good in fiction, but she prefers sanity in her real life.

Reviews

[Susan Swiderski · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read this series of books yet, you are reeeeally missing out on some good stuff. Not sure if the concept of "aura adaption" is your cuppa tea? Well, here's your opportunity to find out, because this entertaining short story prequel does a fantastic job introducing readers to the lovable Ciel, and shows how she got into her "unusual" line of work in the first place. WARNING: Once you enter her world through this (ahem) "gateway" short story, don't be surprised if you become as addicted to this series as I am. It's irresistible.

What can I say that I haven't already said about these Ciel Halligan books? They're over-the-top fun, filled with adventures the likes of which you'll not encounter in any other book, dripping with laugh-out-loud humor, and sizzling with some nice warm fuzzy romance. After reading the first book of this series, I said Evanovich was gonna have to move over to make room for Grimes. Later, I said Grimes had out-Evanoviched Evanovich. Forget all that, because I've changed my mind. Grimes is in a category all by herself. She's the writer other writers are gonna compare themselves to, and I hope she continues to add more books to this series for many more years to come.

Sheer entertainment.

[Gowri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick one

[Chrissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story starts right at the part where Mark tells her the gory details of his job to persuade Ceil not to pursue a career in the CIA. Ceil has this thing with blood, violence, spiders, snakes, needles, small spaces and well, she's not cut out for a life as a "spook." We get more of her crushing on Mark and more of Billy teasing her mercilessly about all kinds of things. Ceil has to figure out what she wants to do with her life since her CIA career got flushed down the toilet and we get to see how she started "fixing" people's problems. Her first "client" is her childhood friend and she does such a good job (with Billy's help of course) that she gets a referral. It was a fun little story about a less complicated time in Ciel's life.

[Harsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's good

[Alexandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected no less from Linda Grimes. The story in this short read wasn't particularly intriguing to me, but her characters remain spot on. Can't wait to read more by this author.

[Melindeeloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - Quick little prequel short, I enjoyed it and if the most recent books hadn't been so pricey I'd have kept going.

[SL · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really cute and funny short that explains how Ciel got her start in becoming a "personal facilitator." We see a few glimpses of Billy and Mark too which is always a plus.

[Zan Marie Steadham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find out how Ceil Halligan's job as an aural adaptor began...You won't be sorry. ;-)

[Ming · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun little story