Diaries of an Urban Panther (Diaries of an Urban Panther #1)

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Diaries of an Urban Panther (Diaries of an Urban Panther #1)

by Amanda Arista (Goodreads Author)

3.93 of 5 stars 3.93 · rating details · 152 ratings · 44 reviews

Violet Jordan Rule #1 of being a superhero: No tights.

Dear Diary,

By now you know I'm hardly a normal girl. Last night I woke up naked in an alley after fighting off some werewolves. All in a day's work, I guess. I thought I was dealing pretty well with the whole werepanther thing: the training, the apocalyptic prophecies. And the hot guy following me around, protecting me...more

ebook, 250 pages

Published July 5th 2011 by Avon Impulse

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Feb 26, 2013 Douglas Meeks rated it 5 of 5 stars

NOTE: I am posting this same review for all three books since this is a trilogy and reading ANY of the books alone would be a confusing and dismal activity :) - dcm

Diaries of an Urban Panther Series
By
Amanda Arista

Diaries of an Urban Panther
Claws and Effect
Nine Lives of an Urban Panther

While NOT officially part of the trilogy, this story closes the loop on one of the characters after the events in the trilogy
“First Dates Are Hell” from Vampires Gone Wild

Summary:
Violet Jordan Rule #1 of being a s...more

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Nov 26, 2012 Jenn rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

What I liked
Witty
Captivating
Suspense
Action
Urban Fantasy with a "Were"
A Little Romance
A good heroine

One of my favorite scenes:
"...Iris. What do I say to him?"
"I don't know," Iris shrugged. "Tell him you want to have his babies."
"Iris," "It's not like that with us."
"I just say what I see."
"Well then, get a pair of glasses..."
"Better come up with something soon, he's coming up the drive." -LOL! Iris is a funny old bird. Love her.

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Aug 17, 2012 Dangerous Romance Book Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Book Promo:
Violet Jordan Rule #1 of being a superhero: No tights.

Dear Diary,

By now you know I'm hardly a normal girl. Last night I woke up naked in an alley after fighting off some werewolves. All in a day's work, I guess. I thought I was dealing pretty well with the whole werepanther thing: the training, the apocalyptic prophecies. And the hot guy following me around, protecting me at every turn, is definitely a bonus. I'm even starting to become accustomed to the bloodshed and the violence—and...more

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Apr 29, 2012 Dark Faerie Tales rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-kiwi

Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Rawr!

Opening Sentence: As I stepped into the crosswalk, the boy next to me ran across the white stripes to his mother’s waiting minivan.

The Review:

Why do the reviews always seem harder to write when you really like the book? This one had a bit of a slow start for me, actually took me two full episodes of Angel to talk myself into picking it up again after reading the first few pages and having to put it down to put the kids to bed. But I can...more

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Jul 09, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: action-adventure, contemporary, non-erotic, paranormal

Violet Jordan Rule #1 of being a superhero: No tights.

Dear Diary,

By now you know I'm hardly a normal girl. Last night I woke up naked in an alley after fighting off some werewolves. All in a day's work, I guess. I thought I was dealing pretty well with the whole werepanther thing: the training, the apocalyptic prophecies. And the hot guy following me around, protecting me at every turn, is definitely a bonus. I'm even starting to become accustomed to the bloodshed and the violence—and that's

...more

Violet Jordan Rule #1 of being a superhero: No tights.

Dear Diary,

By now you know I'm hardly a normal girl. Last night I woke up naked in an alley after fighting off some werewolves. All in a day's work, I guess. I thought I was dealing pretty well with the whole werepanther thing: the training, the apocalyptic prophecies. And the hot guy following me around, protecting me at every turn, is definitely a bonus. I'm even starting to become accustomed to the bloodshed and the violence—and that's what scares me. What will tomorrow bring…

Romantic paranormal suspense readers are in for a tasty treat. I was simply wowed by the great world building, fascinating and convoluted characters and a many leveled plot that had me wide-eyed with appreciation through most, if not all, of this book by a new-to-me author.

Ms. Arista has presented me with a new addiction and it’s all because she created an awesome heroine named Violet Jordan. One of the things that painted a vivid picture in my mind about the heroine was her self-references to Star Wars. I giggled and snickered but I got the point, and it played well into the dynamics of her character and her relationship with one of the important secondary characters, her best friend, Jenna. Violet is the focus of the tale and it’s told in her point of view. Everything I learned about the rules of engagement was gleaned when she figured things out, or when they were revealed on a need to know basis. Just like in real life, nothing is made easy or clean or without cost and that certainly applies to this story. The price is oftentimes high but with every scary or horrible thing that happens, I watched Violet grow stronger, her purpose solidify and her self esteem soar. Sure, it gets battered and smacked around a bit but that’s par for the course for a supernatural Xena on a mission. I enjoyed that whole process of her coming to terms that she even has a mission – she’s a scary movie writer for goodness sakes, not a heroine. But ultimately, that is what Violet is; a heroine with a heart.

The hero of the story is Charles Garrett, a/k/a Chaz. Oh, does he ever have a chip on his shoulder. He’s the classic mystery guy who comes to her rescue whether Violet wants him to or not. He’s not even sure why he’s involved until later on in the book. Even the good guys aren’t given all the facts, which of course compromises how effective they are at the job they’re sent to do. I am still not exactly sure about all the things that Chaz can do because I think the author only shared enough of what makes the hero tick to get him through this story alive and with Violet learning to trust him. There is so much more to this man that I am totally sucked into rooting for him and am enamored of his many talents. He’s a fighter, a cook, a domestic god and a heck of a kisser. He’s also lonely, with vengeance tormenting his heart. The best thing that ever happened to him was Violet, even when she drives him crazy and exasperates him no end.

There is plenty of humor sprinkled throughout this story as well as other secondary characters that give the tale flavor and substance. Each one plays a role in helping Violet learn about herself and glean important information that will affect her future. Some are good and some are bad and some secondary characters are icky nasty. Ms. Arista even threw me a curve ball with one of the bad guys. It was shocking and very well written. I never suspected a thing and when it was revealed, I was just has miffed as Violet was. Okay, perhaps not as strong as that. I mean, the heroine lived the tale so it personally made her fur stand on end whereas I could only commiserate with what she must have been feeling. The author did a wonderful job in getting me to care and connect with her characters, can you tell?

One thing of note, this story sounds like it is the first of many. It has a happily for now ending because Violet and Chaz really had to work up to their big moment of purrs and lovey dovey revelations. In the process of reading Diaries of an Urban Panther, a reader will see both characters fight the attraction because they both felt it had no future. By the time the story winds down, after exciting confrontations, double-crosses and fiendish claw action, the hero and heroine could finally take a breather and admit to what was in their hearts. However, it’s tempered with a few down to earth concerns that slowed the passionate pace their bodies were clamoring for. I liked how it ended, soft, with seductive promises of a future worth waiting, and perhaps fighting, for. What’s it going to take to give a full green light to their love? Maybe I’ll find out in the next book.

Diaries of an Urban Panther shows promise of being the next powerhouse series that readers will devour with avid devotion. The world building is incredible, with so many possibilities to explore and characters yet to reveal why they are really in Violet’s life. This book should resonate with readers of the Kitty Norville series because both of them have a strong leading lady who engages the imagination and keeps readers riveted by the romance blossoming and maturing in each book. I expect no less for Violet and I can’t wait. I am completely hooked on the potential fire between Chaz and Violet, and what role the heroine will end up playing in the shifter communities. The story is gripping, surprising, energetic and exciting. I was entertained and involved from the first moment the heroine saved the little boy and I couldn’t put the book down. I give Diaries of an Urban Panther high marks for being an awesome reading experience. Thank you for the new reading addiction, Ms. Arista!

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Sep 30, 2012 Van rated it 3 of 5 stars

3 1/2 stars.

Violet Jordan just recently moved to Dallas from L.A. after a breakup, and is working as a writer scripting low-budgeted horror films. Violet is your average everyday gal, someone who never gets a second glance especially when the people she hangs out with are of the model varieties. Violet life is pretty normal, nothing big ever happens to her…until she gets attacked by a wild animal in an alley. Violet’s life gets turned upside down when she finds out she’s now a were-panther and...more

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Jul 09, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs, urban-fantasy

Sometimes it's easy to read a book and say whether it's an Urban Fantasy or a Paranormal Romance. Other times, the lines are more hazy. And it while it's not essential to place every book in a neat little box, expectations can play a really big part in whether or not I enjoy something. I read a couple of complaints that this book was too UF, so I went in with the mindset that this wasn't going to be a romance --and any lovin' would just be a bonus.

The story centers on Violet, an awkward and unas...more Sometimes it's easy to read a book and say whether it's an Urban Fantasy or a Paranormal Romance. Other times, the lines are more hazy. And it while it's not essential to place every book in a neat little box, expectations can play a really big part in whether or not I enjoy something. I read a couple of complaints that this book was too UF, so I went in with the mindset that this wasn't going to be a romance --and any lovin' would just be a bonus.

The story centers on Violet, an awkward and unassuming horror script writer, who is trying to start her life over in Dallas. She's recently left a bad relationship, and the closest thing to family she has, is her best friend Jessa. But her boring life is turned on its ear when she is attacked by an animal. The handsome guy who has been "stalking" Jessa, is there in the aftermath to help her heal. And it quickly becomes apparent that the animal was a shapeshifter. "Stalker boy" (whose real name is Chaz) knows a lot about the supernatural world. He's been tasked with helping Violet cope with her changes and realize her potential.

I like the premise well enough, but as the story progresses, more and more events are revealed to be fated. I'm not a big fan of pre-destination. It makes me question free-will and ask why we're all bothering to struggle if the end is already determined. (OK... let me get off my exsistential soap-box.) It seems like Vi was always going to be a panther. It was determined long before she was infected. And suddenly, people in her life are a part of the supernatural world. And it's all a little too convenient.

I did enjoy watching Vi come into her power. Of course, it was less about physical strength and more about empowerment in general. And while I wouldn't necessarily call the book a romance, I did enjoy the tension between Violet & Chaz. Admittedly, it took a long time for the two of them to stop dancing around their attraction. I understood why Violet, who has spent a lifetime as a dumpy wallflower, had a hard time allowing herself to acknowledge her feelings for a guy as mind-blowingly handsome as Chaz. But I question his continued reticence. I know the reason we were given... it just didn't work for me that sometimes he was ok with her panther and other times it sent him running for the hills.

I also must mention that we had a smattering of typos in the version I read. But I acknowledge that I was reading an uncorrected proof, and hopefully they will be cleaned up for the finished product.

Overall, it was a fairly good read for me. I liked Vi's "voice"... her sarcasm and sense of humor. And her evolution (both physical and emotional) was fun to watch. 3 1/2 stars.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

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Jul 13, 2011 Scooper Speaks rated it 3 of 5 stars

Would have loved to rate it 2.5.
Favorite Lines: “You gave up the right to that information and tone when you decided to take ‘Blondie’ into our bed. I figure I’ve got another two years of unabashedly deserved hatred to work through. So you just need to grow a pair and live with the fact you were too stupid to see what you had.” (p. 154, e-galley)

Diaries of an Urban Panther is a paranormal romance featuring shapeshifters and the fae. Each chapter reads like an addition to a private diary minus th...more Would have loved to rate it 2.5.
Favorite Lines: “You gave up the right to that information and tone when you decided to take ‘Blondie’ into our bed. I figure I’ve got another two years of unabashedly deserved hatred to work through. So you just need to grow a pair and live with the fact you were too stupid to see what you had.” (p. 154, e-galley)

Diaries of an Urban Panther is a paranormal romance featuring shapeshifters and the fae. Each chapter reads like an addition to a private diary minus the date which can normally be found at the top of the page. I don’t really get why the title is Diaries and not Diary, but I’ll avoid boring you with my opinion of that choice.

The book starts out with an event, then backtracks two weeks to explain what is going on. It’s easy to follow and interesting. I never felt knuckle biting tension or excitement, but I didn’t stop reading the book either. It’s steady paced and filled with tons of information. However, it’s a romance and I expected there to be more in the romance department.

Violet is solidly footed in the mundane world despite her occupation as a horror script writer. She has no blood family and only a few friends. Basically Violet is the kind of girl who makes sure everyone around her is taken care of before thinking of herself. When she meets her guardian Chaz, a man who tracks and watches the paranormal world, she is swept into a prophesy only she could fulfill.

For me the story wasn’t about Violet and Chaz’s romance. It was about Violet coming to terms with her role in life and her friendship with Jessa. It seemed like the two had known each other forever for the first half of the book. Then it became clear the best friends and the only family the other has had only known each other for like six months. There’s a part in the book when the girls have a spat that gets taken to another level. Later on when Jessa explains what she knew and told how long she knew that information I felt like she was really using Violet.

For a while I wasn’t sure if I’d finish Diaries of an Urban Panther, but then the story began to pick up and I wanted to know where the author was taking it. However, I never fell in love with the book and I don’t see myself reading anything else in the series. I wish I’d have paid better attention to the book’s title. I should have prepared myself to read the story like I would a diary. When the action takes place there is no real excitement ’cause I’m not watching it happen. I’m reading about it after it’s taken place. I’m being told what happened.

To Buy or Not to Buy? If you want to read this one borrow it or pick up the ebook version. It’s several dollars cheaper than the paper version which hasn’t yet been released. It’s not a bad book, it’s just a mishmash of information. There is character growth combined with little villain action and a sprinkling of shapeshifters, fae and a witch.
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Apr 24, 2013 Miss Ami E. Bowen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 100-books-in-2013

There are a few authors that came to mind as I was reading these books; Charlaine Harris, Julia Kenner and Patricia Briggs to name but a few. It had that sweet exciting thrill of a good chick lit paranormal read you just love to curl up on the sofa on a cold do-nothing day with.

The editing could have used a bit more fine-tuning and there were a few spots of missing logic that had me shaking my head, (nothing to do with the supernatural aspects of the tale, of course, just mundane things like ch...more

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Jul 01, 2011 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley-reviews

*Please Note: It is important to know this review applies only to the uncorrected proof provided to me by the publisher and may have no reflection on the final product*

I've been reluctant to write a review for this book because I would like to give the author and publisher the benefit of the doubt. Diaries of an Urban Panther was provided to me as an uncorrected proof in e-format from the publisher. There is always a clear warning in these editions that as an uncorrected proof, things are subjec...more *Please Note: It is important to know this review applies only to the uncorrected proof provided to me by the publisher and may have no reflection on the final product*

I've been reluctant to write a review for this book because I would like to give the author and publisher the benefit of the doubt. Diaries of an Urban Panther was provided to me as an uncorrected proof in e-format from the publisher. There is always a clear warning in these editions that as an uncorrected proof, things are subject to change, however usually books I have read that have been described as such are as close to the final text as expected. Unfortunately in this instance, the book read as if a first draft submission, and it really affected by ability to connect with it.

I quite liked the general premise, panther shapeshifter's are something a bit different and the characters are likeable. Violet Jordan discovers her destiny when she is attacked by a monster in the alleyway beside her house. Violet is part of a prophecy that identifies her as the Guardian of the Veil, and . Supported by her watcher, the attractive yet brooding, 'Stalker boy' and an elder,Iris, her task is to stop a demon from crossing over at the behest of a corrupt leader, Haverty and save her best friend's life. All the potential is there, I liked Violet's attitude and Chaz is appealing as the romantic interest, there is action, romance, danger and mystery but...

It wasn't just the frequent spelling, word usage, grammar and punctuation errors, that are really only minor irritants though still in numbers I would not expect. My complaints are more about the structure of sentences and scenes. Repetition is a real problem, not only of one particular word through the whole novel - 'chilled' and it's variations are overused, but also within one or two sentences one word could be repeated three or four times unnecessarily. An example would be this sentence verbatim from the text- 'A disbelieving laugh choked out. I was caught somewhere between disbelief and delirium. "You knew. The whole time, didn't you," I asked disbelievingly.' - this type of sentence occurs regularly throughout, and is something I would expect an editor to note and rewrite almost immediately. I also noticed some small inconsistencies in action and character related to the poor sentence structure, a lead in sentence to the action, and then a paraphrased sentence to describe the actual action. This was easily my biggest issue with the book but there were also some things that made no sense to me, one of those being I could not figure out why Violet so often referred to her self inexplicably as 'little', the other, that the reference to 'diaries' in the title has no relevance to the story at all.

Diaries of an Urban Panther has a solid storyline and the potential to be an interesting series. I want to add I really struggled with the decision to publish this review, however part of the role of an advance reviewer is, I think, to alert to potential issues that a reader feels strongly about. So here is my dilemma - I can see the potential in the storyline but I was completely distracted by what I perceived to be a glaring lack of editing, from my perspective as an experienced reader. I'm willing to believe that perhaps the wrong file was distributed, or that before it is released it will be more thoroughly assessed, and the final novel will have none of the problems that I believe are in evidence in this uncorrected proof, hence the disclaimer at the beginning of this review. I am also willing to accept that it is only I who feels this way and others will love it, I couldn't find any other reviews online to compare my thoughts with so I encourage you to take note of other opinions of the final published edition when they are available.(less)

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Jul 04, 2011 Mandi Schreiner rated it 2 of 5 stars

The blurb is a quite detailed one and does a nice job of setting up the story. It definitely caught my attention, but unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. The heroine and I did not get along in this book. I normally enjoy a sarcastic heroine, but Violet comes across as whiney and bratty, and worst of all, ungrateful. After she is attacked by shifters in an alley, a stranger saves her. Well, she had actually seen him around at bars, nicknaming him “stalker boy.” His name is Chaz and he tak...more The blurb is a quite detailed one and does a nice job of setting up the story. It definitely caught my attention, but unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. The heroine and I did not get along in this book. I normally enjoy a sarcastic heroine, but Violet comes across as whiney and bratty, and worst of all, ungrateful. After she is attacked by shifters in an alley, a stranger saves her. Well, she had actually seen him around at bars, nicknaming him “stalker boy.” His name is Chaz and he takes her back to his place after the attack. Violet accuses him of kidnapping her, is rude to him and when her vicious wounds heal very rapidly, barely questions why. At this point I knew this book was not going to be for me. I get Violet is confused and angry at what happened to her, but I can’t stand it when heroines brush off their rescuer’s efforts. And blame them for “kidnapping” them when in essence he is keeping her safe from another attack. She also comes across so blasé about her healed injuries, and later when she finds out she is actually a shifter, I wanted more of a reaction to it. She takes it pretty well in stride. Not just when she learns the news, but with all of her new found powers and her part in the prophecy.

Chaz of course develops an attraction to Violet, but they way she treats him, it is never a believable attraction. Why is he attracted to her? He is her guardian, so he must stick around with her, but the basis for a spark of romance in this one never comes across as real.

I also had problems with Violet’s friend Jessa. I never understood why they would be friends in real life. I get that Jessa plays a much larger role in Violet’s pre-destined life, but it felt like they were set up as friends only for this reason. Why would Violet be friends with her before she knew any of this prophecy stuff existed? Jessa is glamorous, high class and doesn’t come across as a great friend.

The last third of the book does get better. Violet settled down somewhat and I liked the twists with the prophecy and Jessa. I do think the villain was not present enough in the story and didn’t make a viable enough threat. I can’t recommend this one.
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Sep 25, 2012 Mel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book, urban-fantasy, shape-shifters

Diaries of an Urban Panther is a great beginning to an urban fantasy series. The character development was good, there was lots of action, and a seriously evil asshat villain. Full review can be found here: http://www.smashattackreads.com/2012/...

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Sep 16, 2012 Jenni Ebba rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was an accidentally stumbled upon story. I found it one day when I was looking for something to read- honestly the price drew me in first. It was more than worth the money! Arista is taking a new perspective on the whole bitten-by-a-wild-animal-that-was-really-a-were-animal thing! I thought it was a more than unique take.
Violet Jordan starts as being the kind of girl who lets life pass her by; that is until she's bitten by a wild animal and finds her life being flipped upside down by an un...more

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Feb 14, 2013 Melindeeloo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy-romance, shapeshifters

3.5 stars - This has been out so long that I am not going to blurb it, and life is still too hectic for a real review, but ... I liked this story. I like the leading lady and her 'stalker' and I liked the touch of romance - the story is more UF so it's a side note. I liked that even though she discovers she is a 'prophesied' being that she actually goes out and preps for her new role and learns martial arts and who to shoot - although her innate 'specialness' makes these a cinch. I also like the...more

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Jan 24, 2013 Maya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: weres, urban-fantasy

Violet writes scripts for cheesy horror movies. She is also very tall with wild hair. On a drunk night in the alley by the trash cans of her house she is attacked by an animal.
Violet wakes up at Chaz house. That's when she learns of shapeshifters. She thinks Chaz is crazy.
He takes Violet to meet Iris the Shala, so she may control the beast.
Violet learns she is prophesied in book to be a great shifter. The book was written by her mother.
The book was good and provided many hours of entertainment...more

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Nov 20, 2012 Nadine rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Damn,this was GOOD! It put a fun spin on the shifter stories that I read before and was a surprisingly easy read. I say surprisingly because I was first only mildly interested in this book and I don't even know why I decided to read it now when I had it on my Kindle for months...
Anyway,what I liked most was the main character. I hate nothing more than characters who whine constantly about the situation they are in (it's especially bad when the book is written in 1st person). Violet has...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Laurie: Almost Faemous rated it 5 of 5 stars

I found this series while looking around on Goodreads for something new to read, it had actually sat in my TBR pile for a couple months before I got around to reading it. I'm sorry I waited this long to start it, before being halfway through this one I had grabbed the second one. I have been finding it hard lately to find a good UF series that I can sink my teeth into...pardon the pun, but this series shows a lot of promise.

Violet is an awkward and kinda nerdy screen writer for straight to video...more

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Feb 13, 2012 Zafia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites-s-sa, diaries-of-an-u-panther-s3x-5s-2r

I really loved this books. Its amazing. I friggin love the concept of the build-in fairy tales, that functions sorta like a blurp of whats to happen in the next pages- I really hope they'll continue to be there as the series progress.
The F prog took it all in strides, very nice to read about one that doesnt whine. Strong, witty and pretty much levelheaded is just a few words that describes her. I also loved Jessa, Chaz and Iris. Uhh and Devin - Love him as well.

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May 04, 2013 Brandy Kruse rated it 4 of 5 stars

Love it! This story has a really good ensemble of characters and jumps right in with saving the world. What's not to love about the second string, smart girl getting mauled after cocktails, going furry, being all smartass and getting the CK model? Nothing! I am going to spend my weekend off binge reading the next two books!

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Mar 11, 2012 Teri rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-release, ereader, bought, once-upon-a-readathon

I loved this debut from Amanda Arista.
We come into the story meeting Violet, a writer who only wants a fresh start in life who ends up being accosted and thus turning furry after a misadventure in a back alley. This book has hot guys, prideful panthers, faeries, evil overlords and more. What more can you want in a PNR?! There was some great snarky and quippy remarks throughout the book that I just loved and the characters totally sucked you into nonstop reading with their own great impressions....more

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Nov 03, 2012 Taye rated it 3 of 5 stars

I felt the book was a little draw out. Violet often times would not address the current issue and put it off till later. I can see that once or twice, but it seemed to be a recurring theme. I'm also over the whole heroine having a best friend who is soooo beautiful that she tends to be her bodyguard.

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Sep 23, 2012 Amber rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I did enjoy this book. If you are a fan of the fantasy it is a good book. Amanda Arista does a great job with the storyline and developing Violet from a human writer who unwittingly becomes mixed up in the world of modern day urban shapeshifters. A little intrigue, a little romance-and maybe even a little comedy as Violet trips through her new emerging personality. I had a hard time putting it down.

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Mar 29, 2013 Angie rated it 2 of 5 stars

I think the author had a great story idea with some fantastic humour but I feel the book itself could have used some more editing before being published. It was missing something though I can't pin point what.

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Mar 02, 2013 Celia rated it 4 of 5 stars

some seriously bad copy editing, mostly homophones and wrong words. felt like the ebook had been made from a non-final draft. but I persevered and found it worth the work.

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Aug 14, 2012 Dianne Socci-Tetro rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a quirky, sometimes humongous and even a lethal look into shape-shifters.

Violet is attacked one night while looking to see what is making noises out near her trash cans. From there she is rescued, semi-kidnapped, then taught all of what she can do. And for a newly risen shape-changer she if fairly powerful.

Most of this book does NOT show Violet as a kick-butt heroine but I figured that this book was the world building that will lead up to the next book. Violet does get kick-butty near...more

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Jan 14, 2012 Shelley rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this story with its reluctant heroine. I like the way she grew throughout the story.

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Aug 19, 2011 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Pretty good. I really enjoyed the second half when the pace picked up and the characters were able to develop more. I'm looking forward to the next book!

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Oct 09, 2012 Khristine Stain rated it 4 of 5 stars

Had a rocky start but it came together in the end. I would definitely read the next in the series.

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Oct 26, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

4.5

WOW... this book blew me away. I really enjoyed Violet and her world.

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Aug 20, 2012 Roxanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Really good start to the series. I'm anxious for book 2.

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Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

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Fantasy > Paranormal

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Romance > Paranormal Romance

9 users

Paranormal > Shapeshifters

9 users

Romance

7 users

Fantasy

4 users

Fantasy > Supernatural

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Contemporary

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Suspense

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Paranormal > Demons

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Books by Amanda Arista

Claws and Effect (Diaries of an Urban Panther, #2)

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Vampires Gone Wild (Vamp City, #1.5; Love at Stake, #13.5; Diaries of an Urban Panther, #3.5)

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Quotes from Diaries of an Urban Pa...

“I looked up at the waxing moon and felt the stir of the cat in my chest. I wasn’t the Violet Jordan who ran anymore. I was the Violet Jordan who threw drinks in men’s faces and threw senseis across the room. I was the Violet Jordan who dated male models.” — 1 person liked it

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avg rating	preview: Diaries of an Urban Panther Goodreads rating: 3.93 (152 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11517148-diaries-of-an-urban-panther?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1308012840l/11517148.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11517148-diaries-of-an-urban-panther?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Diaries of an Urban Panther by Amanda Arista[/url]

Diaries of an Urban Panther (Diaries of an Urban Panther #1)

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