The first book in the Barkside of the Moon series is absolutely adorable. It's an all-around fun, paranormal mystery with Lily Mason being a cougar shifter. Of course, her rescue pit bull Smooshie steals the show occasionally and will have you falling in love with her. Discovering a new to me author is like discovering a new cupcake flavor for me, and I'm never satisfied with just one. Thankfully, book two is already available and I've since started it. Can't wait to see what mischief Lily and Smooshie will get into next.

Pit Perfect is the first book in Renee George's Barkside of the Moon series. It features Lily Mason, a werecougar with a bit of witch. Lily has just left home in Paradise Falls, where she's surrounded by other paranormal creatures, to track down her uncle in Missouri. It's her first time living among humans, and she's got some adjusting to do! On her first day in town, Lily adopts - or rather, is adopted by - Smooshie, a loveable pit bull, and the two are quickly inseparable. However, that night, the town's matriarch and all-around-nasty-lady is murdered in the backyard of the animal rescue shelter. Parker Knowles, the shelter owner and Lily's new crush, is the prime suspect. What's a werecougar to do?

I had a blast reading Pit Perfect. I fell in love with Smooshie immediately - she definitely steals the show. I was really intrigued by the paranormal component, but honestly would have liked a little more of it in the book! Perhaps that's in book 2? I also thought the timeline was a bit unrealistic, since everything (including Lily feeling like she now has friends and family and a home) happens in pretty much 3 days, but let's be honest - neither of these things prevented me from thoroughly enjoying the story. I love these little gems - relatively unknown books that are a joy to read.

Pit Perfect is that sweet combination of two genres that I enjoy – Cozy Mystery and Shifters (PNR). Hard for me to resist that combination.

Lily is a cougar shifter who really wants to spend more time in her human skin. She’s set out to find herself a place in the world and has settled into Moonrise quite nicely. with a new job, a new place to live and a brand new, adorable companion in her rescue Pit Bull, Smooshie, she’s pretty much found paradise.

Unfortunately, murder is going to put a complication on her nice new life. Especially when the one person who has done the most for her in this new town is accused. Determined to clear Parker’s name, Lily will use all of her human… and non-human…talents in the search for the true killer – and there are so many possibilities.

I fell in love with this character and her adorable pup. With just enough mystery to solve, a town full of quirky characters – and one killer – and the shifter in Lily who wants her own time in the sun, there is plenty to enjoy about Pit Perfect. A few twists and turns will make the discovery of the true villain a race for Lily and for us. I didn’t guess right until close to the reveal, and that is always fun for me. I’m no sleuth, but it’s fun pretending.

If you enjoy a Cozy Mystery and you love Shifter Paranormal Romance then I’m guessing that you’d enjoy this story as well. Plus the next in line, The Money Pit, comes out soon so it won’t be a long wait until the next time we meet up with Lily ans Smooshie. I would recommend this one for any Mystery or Paranormal reader – and if you haven’t discovered Cozy Mysteries or Shifters yet, here’s the perfect time.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This is a great book; this is the first book in the Barkside of the Moon series written by Renee George. I could not wait to read this book, this book has two of my favorite things pit bulls and paranormal story. Lily Mason is a shifter, she has come to Moonrise, Missouri to find her uncle after her brother was killed. All she wants to do is live like a human. Lily gets more than she bargains for when a rescue pit bull named Smooshie rescues her from an oncoming car, and it’s love at first sight. Thanks to Smooshie, Lily’s first two wishes are granted by Parker Knowles, the owner of the Pit Bull Rescue center, who offers her a job at the shelter and the room over his garage for rent. Lily’s new life as an integrator is threatened when Smooshie finds Katherine Kapersky, the local church choir leader and head of the town council, dead in the field behind the rescue center. Unfortunately, there are more suspects than mourners for the elderly town leader. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

It is easy to fall in love with Pit Perfect.  It is a cute paranormal cozy with two charming heroines - one were and one pit bull, both adorable and both determined to prove the innocence of Lily’s new friend Parker.  Lily Mason is a shifter trying to start anew by connecting with the only family she has left.  Smooshie is an adorable pit bull looking for a home.  The two literally collide when Smooshie saves Lily from an oncoming car.  It is love at first sight.

When Lily and Smooshie discover the body of the cantankerous head of the City Council in the field behind Parker’s dog shelter, all eyes fall on Parker.  Katherine wanted to close down the shelter, so he has a motive.  But he wasn’t the only one Katherine rubbed the wrong way.  Most of the town had it in for her.   It is simply a matter of figuring out who.  

Renee George tackles the issue of why people are willing to open up to a stranger by giving Lily a diluted form of her mother’s truth ability.  Her were abilities also come in handy, enabling her to listen in on conversations and detect clues others would miss.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, particularly ones with adorable dogs and just a touch of magic and romance, Pit Perfect is a perfect choice.

4 / 5

I received a copy of Pit Perfect from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

Overall, a great story. I like the mystery element, and I like the romance aspect as well. Lily, who is a cougar shifter, moves to a small town to meet her uncle, and gets involved in a murder mystery. Parker, who is her romance interest, runs a shelter for pitbulls. Not sure why the point of a cougar shifter is used, as it doesn't seem like a good fit here, but regardless I liked the book, and currently started the second in the series. Highly recommend this book and author.

This book was just so much fun to read that I've already pre ordered the sequel (and am secretly keeping my fingers crossed that I can get my hands on an ARC somewhere). This book has a combination of so many elements that there really is something for everyone. There's mystery, paranormal elements (shifters, witches and I'm sure so much more), and dogs. Plus it has the small town charm which I love about cozy mysteries and books in general.

Lily is a great character. She moves to Moonrise trying to locate an Uncle who isn't even aware of her existence, but who is her only living relative left. Along the way, she meets lots of new and interesting townsfolk and some who aren't so nice and welcoming. The mystery in the book had me guessing until the end, probably because there was no short list of people who wanted the worst for the victim.

Also, it's great that Lily rescues Smooshie early on so she is a key factor in most of the book. Smooshie is a lovable, over-sized Pit Bull who is sure to play even a bigger role in the next book. If you are looking for a enjoyable quick read and love mysteries, cozy or otherwise, then seriously consider giving this book a chance!