3.5 Stars rounded up

For those looking for something a bit different from the typical were/shifter canon, this is your book. In this reality, if you're not human, you're either born with a cat affliction or infected with one of the various cat viruses. Regardless, this change to animal form occurs monthly without conscious effort or retaining one's humanity. This series focuses on Roan, an ex-cop turned private detective, who along with his lover Paris, somehow finds himself smack dab in the middle of solving cat related crimes - intentional or not.

MC Roan is a born cat. On the outside, he's kinda an asshole - jaded, stoic, grumpy, and cynical. However deep down he's a fatalistic tragic hero with a heart of gold and a strong yearning for justice.

Paris, infected by the cat virus, is his equally fatalistic partner - a seemingly gentle, charismatic soul who wields his charm expertly with a manipulative edge and grit.

That being said, those who want erotica, you're not going to find it here. It's actually a dense with details, paranormal mystery as Roan inevitably uncovers something more sinister while investigating his various cases. This book has kidnapping, murder, cultism, hate crimes, and religious fanaticism. It also has self deprecating humor, wonderful wit, sexy banter, and unfortunately tragedy, for being infected is "not cool, not sexy, not exotic; (but) painful, heartbreaking, agonizing".

There is romance and it's a very touching, emotional one at that - but all smex is off page. At it's core, it has wonderful world building, interesting suspenseful plots, and great complex characters who have a lot of story left to tell - especially as Roan's special abilities grow and Paris's ultimate fate is further explored. An overall great entry to the genre!

And a shout out to a great BR with Sofia, Rosa, and Otila. Thanks girls!
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Excellent ( )

Even though I read this book long ago I really liked it! So when I found out that the rest of the series is (almost) complete I went mental. Can't wait to have this in my bookcase :D. ( )

Roan McKichan is an ex-cop turned private detective who is infected. Infected with a virus that essentially makes him a werecat. And, of course, society is wary of the infected and they're actively discriminated against in many circles. But when a series of murders occurs that appears to be a spree committed by the same cat, Roan--and his partner, Paris--find themselves caught up in the investigation. And truth of it is something that will change their view on what it means to be infected completely.

Which then leads into part two of this story in which Roan and Paris investigate a series of murders of infected people that appears to be connected to the Church of the Divine Transportation, a cult that worships the infected.

I really wanted to love this book. I feel like the concept is something with a great deal of potential. The problem I found is that it drags quite a bit, especially in the first half. There are some twists to keep a reader interested, and that keeps it engaging enough to be worth a read. ( )

I don't know where to start.. I have the feeling that if I let myself this will just be a rambling rant about how fantastic the book is!

Andrea Speed has created a very different take on the whole 'shifters' genre. And wow, what a take it is. I love that it's so different to the norm and that there is little cushioning and more realism of the trauma and long term effects of the shifting. Also the characters are so very human and the cats are not some super aware animal, no they are truly just an animal.

I love Roan and Paris. Their relationship is like a beautiful dance, lovely to watch, although I can tell that dire times lie ahead.. so much so that I know I'm going to have to be careful when I choose to read the next one of the series; I'll have to make sure I'm strong enough to cope with it!

Reread October 2020:
Definitely haven't changed my mind on this one! It's still as engaging to read as it was the first time. ( )