If it seems like it'll be dumb, don't. Fun read though. ( )

Between a three and a three and a half. In a lot of ways routine, not really original nor striking in its style or characterizations, but a fun, light, diverting read. I was never bored, and if romantic fantasy or urban fantasy is something you enjoy, I'd give this a try. At least instead of were wolves we get were-lions, panthers and dragons. That's different. And no vampires! It's apparently the first in a series but it works as a one-off. I liked it enough I could see giving this author another try some time. ( )

The Athens has a run-down facade, but a surprisingly loyal clientele. Then people start turning up dead in the parking lot....

With titles based on old truck-stop menu slang, a heroine who polishes her nails so she can check them to make sure she's not shifting accidentally, and a fire-breathing hero with a knack for short-order, what's not to like about this series? ( )

So I started reading a little before midnight, meaning to read a bit then finish it in the morning. And at 3 am I finished it... The first part was not gripping; I was mostly annoyed at these people and their problems and the way they kept analyzing everything to decide whether it was worth actually helping each other. But they grew on me - by the time Tom left (the first time) I was deeply engrossed. Though I did figure it was not Kyrie they found. And I strongly suspected what would happen at the end...helped by that fact that I knew there was a sequel, though that could have been just Kyrie, I suppose. And a unique shifter - hmm, call it ecology. Semi-genetic...I wonder what does happen to mixed-shifter children? And the beetles - eww. Their name was a big clue, too - though not really needed at that point. Anyway. Very good story and I'm glad I already have the sequel so I can read it...tomorrow. ( )

TBR