Note: This review is actually for the Audiobook version that is not yet on Goodreads.

Jae is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This is now my fourth book of her’s, but my first of her Shape-Shifter series. Manhattan Moon is part of a larger series but works as a standalone novella.

Shelby Carson is a psychiatric doctor in a hectic ER who lives a relatively ordinary life, except for one big thing - she is a Wrasa, a coyote shape-shifter living a secret existence. But the biggest problem with this secret comes in the form of a female human nurse, Nyla Rozakis. Wrasa are forbidden from having relationships with humans. Shelby’s crush on Nyla proves too strong to resist, though, and she asks her on a date. But not only does Nyla not know Shelby is a Wrasa, she doesn’t even know Wrasa exist. Which makes dating a bit more complicated.

There are also other layers to Shelby’s existence as a Wrasa. She doesn’t quite fit in with the pack, but she’s also not human. Which makes it hard for her to navigate life and find out where she belongs.

I really enjoyed this book and the layers of identity struggle and forbidden romance that are woven throughout. There is no real build up of the chemistry between Shelby and Nyla because it happens off page before the novella begins. I thought Jae did a great job of squeezing quite a lot into such a short story. These two are adorable together and I love their connection. The ending was a perfect way to wrap up this part of their story