Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Dell (December 26, 2006)
ISBN-13: 978-0553588453
A rare hybrid of vampire and werewolf, Riley Jenson and her twin brother, Rhoan, work for Melbourne’s Directorate of Other Races, an organization created to police the supernatural races–and protect humans from their depredations. While Rhoan is an exalted guardian, a.k.a. assassin, Riley is merely an office worker–until her brother goes missing on one of his missions. The timing couldn’t be worse. More werewolf than vampire, Riley is vulnerable to the moon heat, the week-long period before the full moon, when her need to mate becomes all-consuming.
Luckily Riley has two willing partners to satisfy her every need. But she will have to control her urges if she’s going to find her brother….Easier said than done as the city pulses with frenzied desire, and Riley is confronted with a very powerful–and delectably naked–vamp who raises her temperature like never before.
In matters carnal, Riley has met her match. But in matters criminal, she must follow her instincts not only to find her brother but to stop an unholy harvest. For someone is doing some shifty cloning in an attempt to produce the ultimate warrior–by tapping into the genome of non-humans like Rhoan. Now Riley knows just how dangerous the world is for her kind–and just how much it needs her.
I like a story with a smart, take charge heroine who can take care of herself, and Riley Jensen fits the bill. She’s tough, lusty by nature, but still maintains a bit of feminine softness sometimes lost on strong female characters. Riley is promiscuous and unapologetic about it, and even uses sex as a means to gain information in her job. I think this will put some readers off, however, I believe if her character were written as a man, some would find the very same behavior acceptable. But, that is a different blog post for a different day. Moving on.
Quinn, Riley’s love interest, is a very old and powerful vampire who has his own personal agenda. He seeks to find and rescue and old friend at any cost, even at the loss of a possible relationship with Riley. While the attraction between the two is hot, and at times consuming, Quinn’s behavior toward Riley is conflicted. He shows concern and tenderness, then turns cold and at times is almost cruel in his attitude toward her. He makes himself vulnerable to Riley, yet all the while making it clear there will never be anything more between them other than a temporary sexual relationship.
The writing seemed just a little awkward at times and I grew tired of certain repetitious phrases and words. The plot was a bit loose but I’ve found that happens sometimes in the first book in a series as the author sets the foundation for a their fantasy world. I loved the action scenes as they were exciting without becoming too gory or over the top. I think Keri Arthur’s paranormal world was well built and shows promise for some exciting things to come. I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the series.
About FV Sophia
I have never read Keri Arthur. I love a kickass heroine that is also girly.
Does she have a HEA at the end? Or will that be a spoiler?
The end is opened ended (more UF style), with hope for future escapades with Quinn. As I've told you I'm a bad reviewer and I'm always afraid of giving away too much.
I enjoyed this series. It's not on my "All-time favorites" list, but they are a fun way to pass the time. Riley is a kick-ass heroine, and I like her secondary characters too.
Yes, I do want to read this book. I like the fact that she is "Riley is promiscuous and unapologetic about it". Hell, yeah! This to me means she has enough confidence herself. Yes, love reading about heroines who aren't afraid of their own sexuality. Great review.
Right on the money about reading a female character that uses sex. Totally different if it's a male character, eeek tangent – your right we'll save this for a different day.
Me likely kick ass girlies. I'm eager to read your take on the next bks, so I can read vicariously through you
I love this series, can't wait for the next one, Bound to Shadows, which is number 8.
As for an HEA, Riley is definitely looking for one, but she has ups and downs. Not saying any more on the front though, because the potential for spoilers is too big – read the books and enjoy them
No, I was just curious. I would much rather you didn't give it away:)
Sounds great. I love these kind of heroines. But OMG already seven books out there. My tbr pile will never get smaller. *sigh*
I've been really enjoying this series, although though I'm behind by two books I believe.
Riley is a fun kick-a** but reluctant heroine. Makes for an intersting dynamic.
Great review and I enjoyed your thoughts!
Great review! I have this on my iTouch, waiting to be read. I know you don't want to give too much away but I have to ask, are there steamy sex scenes? You know how I like me some steamy sex scenes!
And why is there almost always a "Quinn" in a PNR novel? It's like the new Edward.
Okay, I have to add that my capcha word was "sprem", which at first glance I thought said "sperm".
*takes head out of gutter*
The whole book if full of sex. Sex in clubs, on the dance floor, in the office, you name it. Most of the sex is not romantic in this book as is the nature of the werewolf in the author's paranormal world. However the tension between Riley and Quinn is good.
You're right about the name Quinn in PNR. I've seen it several times. I guess it's just the "in" name at the moment.
Sounds like my kind of book!!
It's not my favorite series, but I do like it.