All Fixed Up

Ciel Halligan #4

by Linda Grimes

The hilarious adventures of human chameleon Ciel Halligan continue in the fourth installment of this original urban fantasy series from Linda Grimes, All Fixed Up. Ciel Halligan, aura adaptor extraordinaire, has a lot of experience filling in for her clients--as them. A rare genetic quirk gives her the ability to absorb human energy and project it back out in a flawless imitation. She's hard at work, posing as a well-known and celebrated astronaut, about to make a stunning announcement on behalf of the space program...when the photographer documenting the job sees right through her aura. Worse, it soon becomes apparent that he not only knows Ciel’s not who she's supposed to be, but means her harm. When Ciel's elderly Aunt Helen―also an aura adaptor―is murdered in Central Park, and the same photographer shows up at the funeral, Ciel starts to feel even more exposed. Then more adaptors are killed in the same way, and she becomes terrified her friends and family are being systematically exterminated ... and it's starting to look like she's the ultimate target. She turns to Billy Doyle, her best-friend-turned-boyfriend, for help, but when an unexpected crisis causes him to take off without a word, she's left to rely on her not-so-former crush, CIA agent Mark Fielding. Staying alive, keeping control of her romantic life, and unraveling the mystery of why adaptors are being pursued becomes a harder balancing act than ever in this new Ciel Halligan adventure from Linda Grimes.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Shapeshifters

336 pages, Hardcover

First published May 24, 2016

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

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so much fun. So different from most urban fantasies, with humor interwoven along with mystery and romance and of course a very unique aspect of adaptors.

You won't find witches, or demons, or vampires or werewolves here, instead, you will find magic of a different sort.

This series has been fun and entertaining from the beginning and this latest release wasn't any different. While it is packed full of action and adventures it is also more family and romance oriented. It truly is a nice balance and a lighter one as well even amidst all the danger Ciel manages to always get herself wrapped up in.

I was reminded all over again why I love Ciel, Billy, Mark, and the whole Hannigan gang, even if I did want to shake Billy more times than I could count. In fact, my opinion of him changed a bit in this and sadly, not for the better. This has always been a love triangle that worked for me which I don't say often but this time, this time I found myself rooting for the underdog more often than not. And while I love both guys and that will never change, it was hard seeing Ciel make some of the choices she did.

Nonetheless, this was still a fun outrageous read full of laughs, danger, and action, and it didn't take me long to once again get completely wrapped up in Grimes' writing and in her characters.


Overall another outstanding novel in the series.

*ARC copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

[Melliane · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Mon avis en Français

My English review

How to resist each new novel by Linda Grimes? This is something impossible and I wait for every story with great anticipation every time! I must say that the author always presents humorous stories and, of course, full of action at the same time! And how not to want to know more about these auras adapters? Right?

We thus find our dear Ciel facing some new adventures and I must say that she goes through many things in this fourth installment. Indeed, it appears that her first job for Mark, a work where she should replace an astronaut announcing a new original enough space program, our heroine faces a photographer who knows that she is not what she seems to appear. How can he be aware of that? And when her aunt and a friend of the family are killed, all are wondering what exactly is going on! We suspect that the great photographer did something, especially when we have many revelations but it’s hard to understand why. Ciel is going to start in a race against time to try to understand who is trying to take them down before other family members or friends are affected. Well I must say that she herself becomes a more than potential target and hopes to emerge unscathed. It was a very interesting survey and I admit that I was curious to understand what exactly was going on. I did not expect at all to such disclosures at the end of the story and I did not once link all this. Everything was really well found!

But that’s not all … oh no, because of course we also find our dear characters, Billy and Mark (and the family as well). We learn quickly enough in history that Laura, the sister of Ciel is pregnant (very good news by the way) but our heroine wonders if she is not herself pregnant and this is where begins an equally fascinating story! I was really eager to know the verdict on that and to see if her family would understand what was going on by seeing her actions. We then found our adapter in rather crazy situations, sad ones too but we look forward to see how she will come out of it all. I really loved this part of the story, seeing Mark and Billy reactions, good or not and finally attending what they are willing to do for her. I suspected a bit of the answer but I confess that Linda Grimes perfectly manages to lead us by the nose!

In any case, I had once again a great time with this story and I’m really looking forward as always to read more!

[Kimberly Sabatini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just going to say it--I LOVE the Ciel Halligan books! I don't know how Linda Grimes does it, but ALL FIXED UP is my favorite to date. The more she writes, the better she gets. Once again Grimes captures the perfect balance between humor, steamy romance and heart. If you like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum but want to add a supernatural twist, you are going to love Ciel Halligan!!!!

[Jessica *The Lovely Books* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need this!!!!

**UPDATE**

While I loved seeing Ciel and gang... There was a certain something in the book that I just couldn't agree with. And yes, it involved pretty much all the main characters.

But I do look forward to the next book!

[Chrissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 I rounded up.

I really do enjoy Ceil, her siblings, Mark and Billy, and all the crazy shenanigans everyone gets into. However, the last book and this book felt like a convoluted soap opera.

MAJOR spoiler reveal here:

Ceil becomes pregnant and isn't sure who the father is. She tells Billy and Billy leaves because his birth mother is crazy and he doesn't want to pass the "crazy gene" to his kid. So instead of talking to Ceil, he disappears, and now Ceil is vulnerable so, OF COURSE, SHE SLEEPS WITH MARK! I could have reached into the pages of this book and slapped her. But guess what? She's not really pregnant. Just kidding. All FOUR pregnancy tests she took were false positives. How does she know that? Because later, she takes FOUR more, and they were all negative. BUT wait, wait, it doesn't STOP there. She took her birth control patch off when she slept with Mark, so, hey, she still could be knocked up with his kid. I just really, really dislike her.

In short, I lost patience with this book. I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first two in the series. But if you like a soapy romance with some light fantasy thrown in along with a frustrating heroine with a quirky uterus, then this book might be for you.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5

*My Thoughts*

All Fixed Up is the FOURTH installment in author Linda Grimes Ciel Halligan series. Ciel is a facilitator. She handles difficult situations by taking up the place of the person who reaches out asking for help. As an aura adaptor (human chameleon) from a family of aura adaptor's, Ciel has the the ability to absorb human energy and project it back as a flawless imitation of the person she's trying to impersonate.

*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 05/25/2016*

http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...

Expected Publication: May 24, 2016

[Susan Swiderski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to the author and her "tour director" Karla for allowing me the privilege of reading this book prior to its publication. I could hardly wait to read it, and WOW! Did I ever LOVE it.

I mean, what's not to love? I'm telling you, there are NO other books on the market quite like these. None. The fantasy premise behind Grimes' books, in which a small group of people have the ability to adapt the auras of other people, is mind-blowing, and yet, somehow, she makes it all seem so... normal. So kick-ass cool. I mean, actors and actresses get to "play" other characters, but for all intense purposes, adapters essentially "become" other people. Look like them, act like them, talk like them... and provide the service of "filling in" for them. Certainly not a boring job, wouldn't you say? But it can sometimes be a dangerous one.

Yep, all of her books are based on that really cool premise, which always leads to unusual adventures. (Not sure, but Unusual may be the author's middle name.) So you have that cool fantasy premise in every book, and always... ALWAYS... there's a boatload of FUN. And funny? Oh my goodness. You have no idea! (Hmmm, on second thought, maybe Funny is her middle name...) And lots of toe-curling romance and mystery, too. What can I say? These books have it ALL, and this, the fourth book in the series, is the best one yet. (I keep saying that, but doggone it, they keep getting better and better!)

You'd think that by the time a series reaches its fourth book (PLUS a pre-quel!) that it might be in danger of getting just a teensy bit stale, but trust me... not this series. Not by a long shot. I don't know how she does it, but this author's material is still fresh and refreshing, and if we're all very lucky, she has lots more in store for her readers. (Let's hope her middle name is Prolific.)

If you haven't read any of these books yet, READ 'em, for goodness sake. You won't be sorry. This, the fourth book, comes out in May, so you have plenty of time to catch up. If you're already up to speed, why not pre-order this book NOW? You wouldn't want to forget. Believe me, you don't want to miss that scene about the astronauts' toilet...

Nope, I'm not related to the author. Have never even met her, but I'd like to. I simply love her books. My bet is, you will, too.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars: An exciting, more serious installment in a fun series.

Ciel Halligan is an adaptor. She can take on auras of other people and look just like them. Her latest assignment finds her enduring the Vomit Comet as she poses as an astronaut. Unfortunately for Ciel, the photographer accompanying her senses that she is not who she is pretending to be. Ciel barely escapes, and she thinks that is the end of it, until fellow adaptors start turning up dead, and the prime suspect is the same photographer. To make matters worse, Ciel's romantic life is still a mess as she is caught between Mark and Billy yet again. Will Ciel finally settle her heart once and for all or will the murderer catch up with all of them?
What I Liked:
*I still can't get enough of the Ciel Halligan Series because I love the originality, the characters and the whole idea of adaptors. If you want a fun, sexy, UF series with something different, this is series you need to try.
*Speaking of adaptors, I love the concept of being able to borrow someone's aura and appear to be another person. It can make for some funny situations, especially if you are an adaptor like Ciel with a pesky boyfriend like Billy, who always manages to turn up in unexpected places. The antics the adaptors get into will make you laugh.
*The romance continues to be sizzling hot, and even though there is a love triangle, it doesn't bother me because I like the way it is handled. In this installment there is a big focus on the romance, and Ciel makes a choice once and for all, I think, and everything is handled maturely and nicely. I love both men, and I think the romance is wonderful. Don't hesitate because of the love triangle.
*The murder mystery is almost a side story since the main focus is on Ciel and her romantic life. However, when the murder mystery part unfolds it was interesting and well developed. I enjoyed it.
*I love the humor and the focus on family in this series. Ciel and Billy come from interesting families, and I love how important family is to the characters. Add in plenty of humor and you have a strong foundation.
*The ending was neat and nice. No cliffhangers or lingering questions. I appreciated that I wasn't left hanging in any way, yet I am still eager for the next book. I can't get enough of these characters and the series.
And The Not So Much:
*I always adore the humor in this series, I was a bit disappointed that this book had a more serious tone. I missed the wild antics of Billy appearing at inappropriate times as interesting people, like the Queen of England for instance. I wanted more of the humor and the antics.
*I love Billy, but I was a bit put off by his actions at one point in the story. I will leave it at that. He made up for it, but it knocked him down a bit in my eyes.
*I was also disappointed in the choice Ciel made after what Billy did.
All Fixed Up is another entertaining installment in an exciting and unique series. I love the humor, the characters and the concept of adaptors. If you are looking for something lighter in the UF category, this is a fun series to try, especially if you enjoy a bit of romance. I am a fan of this series, and I am eager for the next book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally reviewed for & posted at Vampire Book Club

Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Rating (out of 5): 3 stars

Note: While this review will be spoiler free, there may be references to previous books in the series.

This is a very frustrated 3 star rating. On the surface this was set to be another great adventure for Ciel and the rest of her Adaptor family, filled with body swapping hi-jinx, kick-butt action and lots of snark. Unfortunately, what could have been a fantastic urban fantasy read, read more like a romantic suspense or contemporary romance, that left the fantasy plot feeling like an afterthought.

Ciel’s newest client is Dr. Philipa Carson, a renowned astronaut planning to become the first woman to conceive in Space. Unfortunately, during the pre-flight training, Dr Phil (*snort*) comes down with a kidney stone and if NASA finds out, she’ll be on the no fly list, permanently. Enter Ciel, aura adaptor and fixer extraordinaire, to fill in as Dr. Phil while she’s treated. Everything’s going well until the photographer documenting her time on the ‘Vomit Comet’ seemingly sees straight through Ciel’s projected aura. When word then comes in the her elderly aunt as been murder, Ciel must face the possibility there are those out there that can not only identify Adaptors but that these people are on a mission to rid the world of them.

Up until now (if I remember rightly) there hasn’t been a counterbalance to the Adaptors themselves, no Big Bad as such. So I was super excited about the premise of All Fixed Up. And don’t get me wrong, there are some great action scenes, (seriously, don’t piss Ciel off in a space toilet replica), and there was a definite sense of menace running through the book as the murder rate racks up. The main problem for me was it was massively overshadowed by Major Relationship Drama. So much so that when it came to the final showdown it felt rushed and pretty anti-climatic, and the ‘Big Bad’ didn’t feel all that threatening.

So on to the drama. At the beginning of the book, Ciel is still ‘melting’ around Mark—despite sleeping with him by accident and nearly losing Billy over it in The Big Fix. That being said, she and Billy seem solid—until something BIG happens. And from that point on everyone involved make some really, really poor decisions that causes a huge amount of angst and pain. I was starting to get frustrated with this love triangle in the last book but here I found it overwhelming. I love romance in my urban fantasy, in fact it’s something I look for, but here it just seems to be going round in circles. I do really like Ciel as a character, she isn’t perfect but I’ve always found her likeable (and her inner dialogue has me snorting on a regular basis) but I just couldn’t get behind her choices, one in particular, in this book.

I honestly don’t know how I feel after finishing All Fixed Up. I still love the characters, particularly the Halligan family and the concept of this world has so much potential. But the romantic element seems to be taking over and, for me, in a very frustrating way. I will pick up the next in the series because I’m invested now but I hope the relationship drama has been put to rest after this.

Sexual content: graphic sex

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story was okay but i am disappointed. Ciel is really getting on my nerves. She can't make up her mind and it's annoying. If I was Billy or mark I would leave her. I can't believe she stays with Billy anyway after he walked away from her when she thought she was pregnant. Then she sleeps with mark again. He tells her he loves her and wants to spend the rest of his life with her helping to raise the baby even if it's not his. So what does she do.....she takes Billy back. Oh I'm sorry I ran off and didn't talk to for a week after I found out you were pregnant and there's a serial killer on the loose, no big deal. Loser. Then after the storyline gets wrapped up ciel has to come clean to mark about getting her period. So instead of just letting it go there she has to tell mark that she loves him and loves Billy but Billy needs her and she needs to be needed. What a bitch. I mean I'm a little biased because I have thought throughout the series that she should end up with mark because Billy is a selfish sneaky ass. But I'm kinda glad that this book might be the last so I won't have to decide if I can stomach another one.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those series that you shouldn't judge by it's covers. I truly dislike the covers—they don't do the story justice—, but the story is fantastic.

In ALL FIXED UP, we have some pretty shady stuff going on stemming from Ciel's current job. On top of that, she finds herself having a bit of trouble on the relationship front. Speaking of that.... I really hope we get more relationship development in the next book, but without the triangle drama. I think ALL FIXED UP gave us a little bit of hope on that front at the end.

I absolutely love Ciel's—and Billy's—family. They are highly amusing and their is never a dull moment with them. We learn a lot about what makes Billy, Billy in ALL FIXED UP. We also get another glimpse into Mark's feelings for Ciel, but I won't tell you why.

Not only is this series fun, but there is always plenty of things going on in addition to the main storyline of the book to entertain. I will continue to read the Ciel Halligan series.

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Elise Skidmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Grimes has done it again. She's written a book that kept me turning pages and kept me smiling. Ciel Halligan is the kind of heroine who always seems to get into trouble, no matter how hard she tries not to, and I like knowing that she will get out of it in the end. I like books that leave me feeling good, and ALL FIXED UP does that. If you're looking for some fun, light reading for the summer, this is the perfect choice, and if you haven't read Linda's three previous installments to the zaniness that is Ciel Halligan's life, you really should. Each book gets better and better. If you like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books, you're going to love Ciel Halligan. I hope there are many, many more books to follow!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I like the Ciel Halligan series for some light entertainment with a fantasy twist, and that's what I always get. Sort of the fantasy world's equivalent of Stephanie Plum, if Stephanie could take on the aura and outward appearance of her clients who want to get the job jobbed, but don't necessarily want to be the one doing the actual work. And usually there's a little mystery, and a little romance thrown in. And a lot of family-- the cast of characters is long and sometimes hard to keep straight.

[Erin Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ciel Halligan series just keeps getting better! I wasn't sure Grimes could top "The Big Fix" but this came close. It had a wonderful mix of humor and thrills and, even though I am *definitely* Team Mark (you hear me, Linda??) this book still had plenty to satisfy me and I haven't given up hope that Ciel will come to her senses eventually and dump Billy ;)

From the first page, I couldn't put it down and finished the whole thing in 3 days. Now what to do until the next one comes out??

[Madeline Dummerth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read every installment of the Ciel Halligan series and loved them all! This book doesn't disappoint and is chock full of Grimes' witty writing. The Ciel, Billy, Mark triangle continues to intrigue (though I really do like Mark better). I can't wait to hear what adventure is up next!

[Gilwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toujours aussi fun !

[Zan Marie Steadham · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Ciel Halligan Book 4) With a bang and a giggle, Grimes continues her comic urban paranormal series. Can you imagine Ciel as an astronaut? Apparently the enemy isn't buying it. Great read.

[UnusualChild{beppy} · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Ciel is back, with her boyfriend Billy, her family, and Mark. While doing a job for Mark, Ciel seems to be recognized as an adaptor by someone who shouldn't be in the know. When adaptors start dying, it's a rush to find out who is doing the killing before Ciel ends up dead.

It's been awhile since I read the previous books in the series, but I remember them being funny. This...wasn't. At least, not to me, right now, in this reading mood. There weren't a lot of shenanigans, which made the other books interesting. This was more about navel gazing than anything else, because the mystery just seemed to flow around the story, not woven into the fabric of it. The important parts were Ciel, what was going on with her and Billy, her family, and everything else was just flotsam. While I agree that all the relationships that Ciel has with the other characters are important, there needed to be something more, for me. If this is the end of the series, and it appears as though it is, since the last book was published in 2016, it ended in a pretty good place for Ciel and everyone. Well, maybe not Mark. But he was too slow, and I'm not sure that he and Ciel would have been good together, anyway. As a couple, I mean.

[Jennifer Gottschalk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This rating is 2.5 stars rounded up.

"All Fixed Up" is a light-weight, fun but forgettable paranormal romantic comedy. It is ideal airplane reading fodder which offers a touch of enjoyment with no brainpower required. The premise is intriguing but Grimes has not really explored the implications of being able to be someone else for an extended period of time. Which is a pity.

It would be more stars but the plot did not quite satisfy.

[Emmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall rating: 3 stars

Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance
Plot: 6/10
Ending: 6/10
Writing: 7/10
Enjoyment: 7/10
Billy: 3/10
Mark: 8/10
Heroine: 8/10
Supporting Characters: 8/10
Humour? Yes
Feels? Yes
HEA: HFN/TBC (series)

[Van (Short & Sweet Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

It is always a joy to read the Ciel Halligan series, Aura Adapter extraordinaire. And All Fixed Up is no difference. Ciel’s latest gig finds her portraying the first astronaut to give birth in space! The astronaut in question is suffering from kidney stones, so it’s up to Ciel to entertain and answer the press with their many questions on pregnancy and space. But if anyone has read this series, they’d know that Ciel’s life is anything but ordinary. First day on the job and someone is already trying to kidnap her or her client. One again Ciel finds herself smack-dab in the middle of a sticky situation but it goes from bad to worse when said kidnapper starts showing up around her family and friends in the adaptors community and people end up dead.

As I’ve mentioned before, two things you can always expect from Ciel and the gang is action and laughs. And there is no shortage of either! My favorite parts of the book were with the Billy and the family. There’s never a dull moment when the family around. They made the most mundane of situation or task comedic. A particular scene comes to mind that involved James, Devon and Ciel…but I can’t say what without giving any spoilers out. And Billy, he’s always such a charmer and a goofball with his endless mischief and innuendos. While I enjoy all of books in the series, I must say this is my favorite. I think it’s because the book focused a lot more on family and relationships versus whatever problem Ciel found herself in. It wasn’t as fantastical as her previous endeavors. Plus the problem at hand was more closely connected to the adapter community.

My only quibble would be the love triangle that wasn’t. I know that sentence doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Ciel is definitely with Billy but the whole ‘what-if’ she had about Mark constantly pops up. Ciel kept asking herself what if she was with Mark? Would her life turned out differently? Honestly. I found it quite vexing. I thought Ciel made her choice at the end of the last book. If that wasn’t enough, she did something in my eyes as unforgivable and this time she was fully aware of her action. Why the author added it, I have no idea. It made me like Ciel a little less and lose respect for her. I didn’t think it served a purpose this time around and in my opinion just made me as a reader frustrated. The book ended on a happy note for the most part and I am still rooting for Billy and Ciel. I just hope she makes a permanent decision and doesn’t jump back and forth in the next book.

All in all, despite the last tidbit I mentioned, All Fixed Up still turned out to be a great addition to this fun series. It is always exciting to be immersed in the adapter world and follow along with the characters on their escapade. If you haven’t read this series yet, then you really need to check it out A.S.A.P. This series is the perfect blend of humor and fantasy and best of all…you never know what to expect from Ciel Halligan, every book is a surprise and treat.

[Kt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession

I really enjoyed ALL FIXED UP just as I have the rest of the series. They are so much fun, full of hilarious hijinx, and it’s always interesting to see what mess Ciel gets herself into in each new book, and this one was no exception. Things kicked off to a hilarious start with Ciel winding up on a job impersonating an astronaut doing a flight demo propo. Only problem is that Ciel get extreme motion sickness, so hilarity ensues as she can’t show it. Of course that’s just the start of the mayhem and hijinks. She gets herself into more than a few pickles in this book, almost more than her normal I daresay, and it’s always fun to see how she gets herself out of her messes. Typically I just sit back and laugh, but I have to admit one particular event and choice left me more than a little shocked, and frankly I’m still reeling at her choices days after finishing the book. I’m going to be vague here to avoid spoilers, but at one point I literally wanted to reach through the page and scream at her to STOP! While I understand what she was going through/thinking at that moment, it was such a shocker and utterly the wrong choice in my opinion that it just stopped me in my tracks. The funny thing about that is that while her choice horrified me, I have a feeling others may have the opposite feeling depending on where they stand on certain things.

Shocking choices aside, as always I loved the cast of characters in ALL FIXED UP, they are so rich and full of depth. I truly love the utterly strong family bonds and the quirks that not only Ciel, but everyone else had. From the two ruling matriarchs, Mo and Ro, to Ciel’s brothers, Billy, and Mark, the list goes on and on, each and every single one stood out as a fully fleshed character. The various bonds and dimensions between all their relationships truly make this series shine. Add that into the fast paced and high stakes plot, and oh yeah all the extremely hilarious moments, and you have one heck of a winner.

Fans of the series will be more than pleased with this fantastic new installment in the Ciel Halligan series. A guaranteed solid block of hilarious entertainment, ALL FIXED UP is not to be missed!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being able to adopt (aka steal) people's looks and personas would be just the COOLEST thing to have!!

Aura adapter Ciel Halligan is used to (literally) stepping in someone else's shoes, taking on their looks and persona in order to do a job that they can't or won't do themselves. This time, she's portraying an astronaut, but on one of the press days she runs into a man who seems to know she's not the real deal. When bodies of adapters start showing up, Ciel, her BFF turned BF Billy Doyle and her boss, CIA spook Mark Fielding, will have to try and figure out not only who's offing them, but also who's out to harm Ciel. But when Billy pulls a disappearing act when she needs him the most, Ciel's got to rely on longtime crush Mark to help her out. Can they resist the pull between them? Even more important, can Ciel stay alive with someone intent on eliminating her?

ALL FIXED UP, the 4th book in the Ciel Halligan series, was just excellent! I've only read one other book in this series, and I totally adored the irreverent humor and unique characters. Ms. Grimes didn't disappoint here either, as I was immediately brought back into Ciel, Billy and Mark's weird world and I formed some very definitive opinions of all three of them!! I don't want to give anything away because this is just the kind of stuff readers enjoy not knowing until they read it, but sufficed to stay I most certainly like one man over the other after ALL FIXED UP. Though I do understand Ciel's dilemma since both dudes give her something important that she needs.

The action was great; even though you know who the bad guys are, it's still fast paced and intriguing. I hope there's more to come in this series!

Bottom. Line: This is such a fun, different read that I think fans of any genre will fall in love with. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...

- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grimes' series is a great mix of action, humor and romance, with a bit of paranormal energy thrown in. There's a lot of suspense in this volume, on both the professional and personal side. The love triangle seemed to be finished in the last book in the series, but it rears its ugly head again here. I do find that element to be the only one in the book that irritated me, so I hope that Grimes finally has Ciel make a decision in the next book.

**I received an ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss. All opinions are my own.**

[Henry Lazarus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ciel Halligan is one a small family of adaptors who can mimic another person perfectly. As Linda Grimes puts it, when taking the place of an astronaut (who had a kidney stone which could take her off the flight) runs into assassins, assassins who follow her home and even attack her in an ice skating rink. Add in a positive pregnancy test that sends her boy friend fleeing. Everything is eventually All Fixed Up (hard from Tor) Giggling silly, like the other books inthe series.Review printed by Philadelphia Weekly Press

[MaryB · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's someone coming after aura adaptors and Ciel is up to her eyeballs in trouble. Ciel makes her living pretending to be someone she's not, "adapting" their aura as hers so that she's indistinguishable from the original in appearance and she's not the only one. But when others adaptors including her aunt are killed, Ciel needs to figure out who's doing it and why -- because she's a target, too. This series is fun, fast-paced and different than a lot of urban fantasies (no vamps or shifters...though I do so adore those!). This installment doesn't disappoint.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read the others in this series, so was excited to read this one. Although the characters can take on the auras of other people (fantasy-type), and the books are based around this, it really reads more like a funny romance with a little mystery thrown in. The main character (Ciel) struggles to get respect from her siblings, parents and love interests and must choose between the two men she loves. I enjoyed it because it was an easy read, but would recommend reading the series in order.

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book left me a bit ranty. I read it in a day and a half so I can't exactly score it badly but I like Ceil less and less every time she sleeps with Mark. This is why I prefer books where plot takes the forefront and the romance provides a counterpoint to the story. Right now, these books are 80% boy drama and after four books, the love triangle is just painful. *flail*

[Dr susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the Ciel Halligan books, but I really do not enjoy the love triangle, which becomes even more important to the story in All Fixed Up. The Halligans and Doyles are fun. The world is very entertaining, but the triangle sucks.

[Josie]

I ordered this at the library not realising that it was the 4th in a series, and a continuing series at that. I decided not to read this because I don't enjoy reading series out of order. I also feel like this cover does not give off a real sense of this being an urban fantasy series.