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The Shadow Shifters #1
Temptation Rising
Washington D.C. police officer Kalina Harper still dreams about that night, two years ago, when a huge cat-like creature saved her from a crazed attacker. Although she kept the truth to herself, Kalina can never forget the ferocious strength of the beast’s fangs and claws—or the raw animal hunger in its eyes. Until she meets Roman Reynolds…
Muscular, magnetic, and all man, Roman is a high-powered attorney with a predatory smile and seductive charm. He is also a criminal suspect with suspicious connections to the Amazon jungle. But when Kalina discovers that Roman is linked to a secret race of shapeshifting jaguars—who hunt down maneaters—she is forced to put her trust in a man who unleashes her wildest fantasies and fears. A fierce creature of the night whose nature is to protect his female at any cost…
Muscular, magnetic, and all man, Roman is a high-powered attorney with a predatory smile and seductive charm. He is also a criminal suspect with suspicious connections to the Amazon jungle. But when Kalina discovers that Roman is linked to a secret race of shapeshifting jaguars—who hunt down maneaters—she is forced to put her trust in a man who unleashes her wildest fantasies and fears. A fierce creature of the night whose nature is to protect his female at any cost…
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2012
55 people are currently reading
1555 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Arthur
183 books916 followersAC Arthur has worked as a paralegal in every field of law since high school, but her first love is and will always be writing romance. She’s written and won awards for her acclaimed Donovans and Shadow Shifters contemporary and paranormal romance series. Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she created the quaint small town of Sweetland and wrote the novelization for the Original Hallmark Channel Movie, A Gingerbread Romance.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
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June 15, 2016
Temptation Rising is book one in The Shadow Shifters series by A.C. Arthur. With this series, I first read the last book released and vowed to go back and start at the beginning. I am so glad I did. I loved this book. These are dark, broody, and very sexy jaguar shifters that are working so hard to fit into our civilized world unseen. They just want to be productive members of our world. But there are forces that are against them. Rogues that feel that they are superior to humans and want nothing but power and will stop at nothing to get it.
Roman Reynolds is a faction leader amongst his kind. He lives and works as an attorney in Washington, D.C. but also leads other jaguar shifters like him in his area. Two years ago, Rome just happened to be in the right place at the right time to witness an attack on a woman. He intervened and saved her life after shifting into his jaguar form and killing her attacker. But before he could speak to the woman he saved, she was gone. He has never been able to get her out of his mind, her face, her scent. Until she simply walked into his office at his law office.
Kalina Harper is a cop with the Metro Police Department narcotics unit. She still dreams of that night two years ago and what she thought she saw and heard. She can still see the glowing eyes and hear the roars but there are no big cats in DC. It must have been her imagination due to the trauma of the attack. She’s good at her job and has been recruited by the DEA to work undercover to dig up information on Roman Reynolds. They suspect him of running drugs. Kalina is working as an accountant in his law office and spends her time digging through everything she can find to get the information she needs to prove him guilty. Everything changed, though, the day she walked in to his office and met Rome for the first time face to face.
Rome can’t believe it’s her, after all this time dreaming of her. What is it about her that won’t let him go? Why can’t he get her off his mind? He doesn’t believe in old jaguar shifter tales that shifters have a destined mate and that once they bond, that they are mated for a lifetime. He needs to be concentrating on his duties as faction leader. The rogues are getting bolder and more violent and they must be stopped before the humans figure out who and what they are. They have to be kept a secret. Somehow, though, Kalina figures in to all of this. The rogues are following her and watching her. They have tried to take her more than once. Why do they want her? He doesn’t know why but he has to protect her. He can’t let them have her. Because he must have her.
“The cat wanted Kalina. The man craved her. They both would have her.”
“You are for me, Kalina. Only for me.”
I really loved this book. I love the world that Ms. Arthur has created with the shifters living and working right under our noses without us even realizing they are there. The sexy scenes in this book are hot, steamy and perfect. It is also filled with intense action and gripping nail biting scenes as Rome and his group strive to stop the rogues before they are discovered. Kalina and Rome were perfect together and it was awesome watching them fight each other or attempt to fight what was fated to be. I can’t wait to continue on to book two, Seduction’s Shift which is Nick Delgado’s story.
July 8, 2012
I am conscious of the fact that whenever I start reading a book that features a shirtless man on the cover, it is perhaps naive to expect brilliance, but I am ever optimistic that I will get swept up in a fun story. Despite having read a few iffy reviews of the book, the blurb of Temptation Rising seemed promising for some easy weekend reading and I found a copy in the library. I am very glad I did not part with my cash for this book.
Starting with the positive: I liked the South American background and a fair amount of thought had been put into the society and its rules, which I always appreciate.
Unfortunately, pretty much everything else about the book annoyed me. Temptation Rising is lacking in any subtlety whatsoever - by page 15, the reader has been the recipient of such a high level of info dumping, we know that the heroine has been the victim of a vicious attack that has coloured her view of all men, she was raised in foster care and lives an isolated life, she is a cop and she is undercover and she finds the hero totally attractive (even though it's super unclear whether she has met him or not by this point) and the hero is an orphan and his best friend is an orphan and he plans to find the murderer of his parents. All of the above is rammed down our throats BY PAGE 15. There is no showing in this book, only telling.
The 'romance' was unconvincing, heavily reliant on the "pre-destined mate" trope without spending any time developing the relationship away from animal lust (the best offerings from the genre have proved time and again that this angle can be worked more successfully if you spend the time and effort establishing your characters). And the heroine is guilty of so many TSTL moments, it boggled my mind that she was an allegedly successful undercover cop. Why would you phone your cop boss from the office you are working in UNDERCOVER??? And then GO TO THE POLICE STATION??? Just so many moments that made no sense.
I like fun fluff but poor writing only serves to yank me out of the story. Disappointing.
Starting with the positive: I liked the South American background and a fair amount of thought had been put into the society and its rules, which I always appreciate.
Unfortunately, pretty much everything else about the book annoyed me. Temptation Rising is lacking in any subtlety whatsoever - by page 15, the reader has been the recipient of such a high level of info dumping, we know that the heroine has been the victim of a vicious attack that has coloured her view of all men, she was raised in foster care and lives an isolated life, she is a cop and she is undercover and she finds the hero totally attractive (even though it's super unclear whether she has met him or not by this point) and the hero is an orphan and his best friend is an orphan and he plans to find the murderer of his parents. All of the above is rammed down our throats BY PAGE 15. There is no showing in this book, only telling.
The 'romance' was unconvincing, heavily reliant on the "pre-destined mate" trope without spending any time developing the relationship away from animal lust (the best offerings from the genre have proved time and again that this angle can be worked more successfully if you spend the time and effort establishing your characters). And the heroine is guilty of so many TSTL moments, it boggled my mind that she was an allegedly successful undercover cop. Why would you phone your cop boss from the office you are working in UNDERCOVER??? And then GO TO THE POLICE STATION??? Just so many moments that made no sense.
I like fun fluff but poor writing only serves to yank me out of the story. Disappointing.
July 29, 2012
A.C. Arthur’s first book in the Shadow Shifters series is edgy and fascinating. She paints an energizing world of shape-shifting jaguars, and their battle to maintain a peaceful co-existence with humans. Arthur skillfully builds characters – introducing readers to Roman and his associates who function as humans, keeping their society and shape-shifting abilities secret. The colorful alpha males are an enticing blend of masculinity and seductive prowess with a very protective nature towards women. The pace is fast, the dialogue is snappy, and unknown motives are revealed as necessary without detracting from the hero and heroine’s tangled relationship. The sexual chemistry between the couple sizzles from the start, and the sex scenes/dreams are steamy and imaginative, but both are strong individuals who have a difficult time giving themselves emotionally. I am hoping that this will be a long series, and eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
May 8, 2012
I was really looking forward to this. Cat shapeshifters, angst, alpha heroes, smut: it sounded like my idea of a near-perfect read. Sadly, I thought the book was crippled by the fact that Kalina doesn't find out that Roman is a shapeshifter (and that he isn't a criminal) until very late in the book. This made the sections from Kalina's POV feel rather more like erotic contemporary romance than PNR. More critically, it meant that we saw very little of the hero and heroine working together.
Overall, the book was lacking in depth, and this superficiality was especially noticeable in the characterisation. In particular, I just couldn't buy Kalina as a tough narcotics cop. The book also suffered from language which felt clunky and unpolished, such as 'his semi-thick lips'. Between the lack of depth and the awkward language, I ended up with a feeling of largely non-specific disappointment.
I was tempted to give the book two stars, but I had enjoyed the earlier sections of the book much more than the later sections. I also felt that it suffered because I put it aside to re-read Bonds of Justice, which was still fresh in my mind when I read those later sections. I love that book, and comparing this to the Psy/Changelings series, however unconsciously, was perhaps unfair.
Overall, the book was lacking in depth, and this superficiality was especially noticeable in the characterisation. In particular, I just couldn't buy Kalina as a tough narcotics cop. The book also suffered from language which felt clunky and unpolished, such as 'his semi-thick lips'. Between the lack of depth and the awkward language, I ended up with a feeling of largely non-specific disappointment.
I was tempted to give the book two stars, but I had enjoyed the earlier sections of the book much more than the later sections. I also felt that it suffered because I put it aside to re-read Bonds of Justice, which was still fresh in my mind when I read those later sections. I love that book, and comparing this to the Psy/Changelings series, however unconsciously, was perhaps unfair.
January 12, 2014
great book. I never thought that I would like a romance book where the characters were half human, half animal. This was a really good read and I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
April 30, 2012
At night, Kalina Harper is haunted by memories of an attack two years ago and the dangerous creature that saved her. By day, she is a Washington D.C. cop who has been sent undercover to find evidence that links the handsome and powerful attorney Roman Reynolds to a drug operation. An assignment that proves difficult when Roman takes a special interest in Kalina and she's finding him hard to resist. Roman and his jaguar want Kalina in a way he's never wanted any other woman. He'll do anything to not only have her, but keep her. When a rogue group of shifters commit a string of grisly murders, Roman will need to find and stop them before they get their hands on their next target, Kalina.
Kalina is a woman with a sad past who wants to get ahead in her career while doing good. She's at Roman's firm to find evidence that would link him to drugs coming out of South America. This is where my problems with Kalina started. She doesn't really seem to put any effort forth in finding any clues that would connect Roman to the drugs and what little she does do, seems pointless. My second problem with her was her relationship with Roman. She's a cop trying to take everything away from him and send him to prison yet she starts a physical relationship with him? That just doesn't make any sense. I wasn't expecting the twist regarding her past when I first started the book so I thought that was interesting but other than that, there just wasn't anything remarkable about her.
Roman takes being an alpha almost to the point of being too overbearing but he struck just the right cord with me. He has met Kalina before and now that she's back in his life, he doesn't just want her, he craves her. I love the possessiveness that Roman exhibits. I know that vampires also get the same way yet there's something about when a shifter does it that makes it feel so primal and sexy. In his relationship with Kalina, I can't help but feel that it was more about lust between them than love. The hot, sweaty, skin on skin action they did very well. I just couldn't imagine them having anything real outside the bedroom.
Roman is in charge of the east coast jaguars and it's his responsibility to find out who is viciously killing humans before his kind is exposed. There's no huge mystery as to who is behind it all. What I did enjoy was learning about the shifter politics and how Roman wants to make it better. Here's a man who truly loves his kind and there is a certain passion he shows when he's dealing with issues regarding them and I couldn't get enough of these scenes.
There's no new ground broken in Temptation Rising. Still, I didn't have a hard time finding a few things to keep me interested. Aside from Roman, his friends Nick and X are just as alpha yet have something extra that set them apart. I look forward to getting to know more about them in future books as well as what's going on with the rogues and how they'll affect the overall system of the jaguars. I probably won't rush out and buy book two as soon as it comes out but continue on in this series.
- Stephanie
Kalina is a woman with a sad past who wants to get ahead in her career while doing good. She's at Roman's firm to find evidence that would link him to drugs coming out of South America. This is where my problems with Kalina started. She doesn't really seem to put any effort forth in finding any clues that would connect Roman to the drugs and what little she does do, seems pointless. My second problem with her was her relationship with Roman. She's a cop trying to take everything away from him and send him to prison yet she starts a physical relationship with him? That just doesn't make any sense. I wasn't expecting the twist regarding her past when I first started the book so I thought that was interesting but other than that, there just wasn't anything remarkable about her.
Roman takes being an alpha almost to the point of being too overbearing but he struck just the right cord with me. He has met Kalina before and now that she's back in his life, he doesn't just want her, he craves her. I love the possessiveness that Roman exhibits. I know that vampires also get the same way yet there's something about when a shifter does it that makes it feel so primal and sexy. In his relationship with Kalina, I can't help but feel that it was more about lust between them than love. The hot, sweaty, skin on skin action they did very well. I just couldn't imagine them having anything real outside the bedroom.
Roman is in charge of the east coast jaguars and it's his responsibility to find out who is viciously killing humans before his kind is exposed. There's no huge mystery as to who is behind it all. What I did enjoy was learning about the shifter politics and how Roman wants to make it better. Here's a man who truly loves his kind and there is a certain passion he shows when he's dealing with issues regarding them and I couldn't get enough of these scenes.
There's no new ground broken in Temptation Rising. Still, I didn't have a hard time finding a few things to keep me interested. Aside from Roman, his friends Nick and X are just as alpha yet have something extra that set them apart. I look forward to getting to know more about them in future books as well as what's going on with the rogues and how they'll affect the overall system of the jaguars. I probably won't rush out and buy book two as soon as it comes out but continue on in this series.
- Stephanie
May 12, 2012
Should we always understand why we are drawn to someone?
What should have been a routine investigation for Kalina Harper has turned into anything but that. She knows sneaking around Roman Reynolds office is beyond a bad idea but it is something she was assigned to do. Roman is not at all what he appears to be yet Kalina is not sure what that something is that she is unable to see.
There is a shadow world that Roman prowls and protects. Roman now feels that overwhelming need to do all those things with Kalina including possess her and the motivation is unclear. He scents that she may be his perfect match yet she is caught in one lie after another making him wonder if he can trust his own feelings about her. The parts that are missing for Kalina are the same for Roman, family. They are surrounded by people that know them, and yes care for them but no one truly belongs to them.
There is a battle brewing between factions of Romans world and he sees the only constant to be Kalina. Does Kalina see the same in Roman or is he just another job to be completed. Then there is the darkest secret of all that Kalina must reveal that she is not even sure she herself understands. The more Kalina spends time with Roman the more she realizes that business does not mix well with pleasure and Roman is an expert at giving her pleasure.
A.C. Arthur has hit everything right with this book with an ability to have as much romance as there is character tension. Nothing goes smoothly but Ms. Arthur shows it can all come together when written with pizazz.
What should have been a routine investigation for Kalina Harper has turned into anything but that. She knows sneaking around Roman Reynolds office is beyond a bad idea but it is something she was assigned to do. Roman is not at all what he appears to be yet Kalina is not sure what that something is that she is unable to see.
There is a shadow world that Roman prowls and protects. Roman now feels that overwhelming need to do all those things with Kalina including possess her and the motivation is unclear. He scents that she may be his perfect match yet she is caught in one lie after another making him wonder if he can trust his own feelings about her. The parts that are missing for Kalina are the same for Roman, family. They are surrounded by people that know them, and yes care for them but no one truly belongs to them.
There is a battle brewing between factions of Romans world and he sees the only constant to be Kalina. Does Kalina see the same in Roman or is he just another job to be completed. Then there is the darkest secret of all that Kalina must reveal that she is not even sure she herself understands. The more Kalina spends time with Roman the more she realizes that business does not mix well with pleasure and Roman is an expert at giving her pleasure.
A.C. Arthur has hit everything right with this book with an ability to have as much romance as there is character tension. Nothing goes smoothly but Ms. Arthur shows it can all come together when written with pizazz.
May 26, 2012
This being my FIRST paranormal series...I really have NOTHING to compare it to...so all I can say is IMHO it's an AMAZING read...a THRILLING, suspenseful page-turner...with an INTRIGUING plot...and an ENTERTAINING and colorful cast of characters...the intimate connection between Kalina and Roman is mysterious, INTENSE and quite SPICY...and I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in this series...well done Mrs. Arthur!
October 17, 2014
I really liked this book , I was not sure about this book because a previous book of this kind that she wrote. This book was A.C. at her best it was sexy , exciting and it is hot !!! I cant wait to read the next book I know it will be even better.
May 28, 2012
A thoroughly enjoyable hot read, although I thought the ending could've been better. Can't wait for the next in the series.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
July 1, 2012
Having been spoiled by Octavia Butler and Tananarive Due, I get a little skeptical when choosing to read new supernatural or science fiction books. Especially when they are also part of the romance genre. The recently passed authors L.A. Banks and Monica Jackson were masters at this subject. Because I've read most of A.C. Arthur's romances, I was interested to see what she had in store with Temptation Rising and I was not disappointed.
Kalina Harper is a police officer in Washington, DC who is dedicated to her job and mostly keeps to herself. She is plagued by dreams of the attack on her two years ago by a low level drug dealer. Someone (or something) came to her aid and pulled the man off of her. Kalina didn't get a good look at the man who saved her, but she can't shake the feeling of the presence of a beast as well. And were they one and the same.
Now Kalina has been assigned an undercover position as an accountant at the law firm of Reynolds & Delgado to determine if they are linked to a South American drug organization. Her new boss, Roman Reynolds, is a great lawyer, but he is also a shapeshifting jaguar who will finally answer the questions of what happened to her that night.
This first entry into the Shadow Shifters series was quite interesting and enjoyable. In addition to witnessing the growing attraction between Kalina and Roman (very steamy), we are also shown the history of the Shifters and the infighting that is threatening their existence. It's standard in stories like this to show the power struggles that happen when humans are given special powers. There is always a faction that wants to use it to help the world and another that wants to rule it. I look forward to seeing how this plays out in the forthcoming books in the series.
Kalina Harper is a police officer in Washington, DC who is dedicated to her job and mostly keeps to herself. She is plagued by dreams of the attack on her two years ago by a low level drug dealer. Someone (or something) came to her aid and pulled the man off of her. Kalina didn't get a good look at the man who saved her, but she can't shake the feeling of the presence of a beast as well. And were they one and the same.
Now Kalina has been assigned an undercover position as an accountant at the law firm of Reynolds & Delgado to determine if they are linked to a South American drug organization. Her new boss, Roman Reynolds, is a great lawyer, but he is also a shapeshifting jaguar who will finally answer the questions of what happened to her that night.
This first entry into the Shadow Shifters series was quite interesting and enjoyable. In addition to witnessing the growing attraction between Kalina and Roman (very steamy), we are also shown the history of the Shifters and the infighting that is threatening their existence. It's standard in stories like this to show the power struggles that happen when humans are given special powers. There is always a faction that wants to use it to help the world and another that wants to rule it. I look forward to seeing how this plays out in the forthcoming books in the series.
August 11, 2012
If you liked reading Lora Leigh's 'Breeds' series...You will love A.C. Arthur! A very sexy, suspense filled read of The Shadow Shifters - shapeshifting jaguars. Kalina, a Washington D.C. officer, and Roman, a seductive high-powered attorney, discover their past and present are intertwined, bringing fantasies, intrigue and danger to an all time high!
December 28, 2012
3.5
el inicio fue super lento y casi lo dejo, pero me alegro de no haberlo hecho, creo que la autora se esforzó para darnos un contexto adecuado de la historia, y explicarnos sobre este universo, al final me engancho y las ultimas paginas las lei de un tiron ;
Definitivamente quiero leer el siguiente libro
el inicio fue super lento y casi lo dejo, pero me alegro de no haberlo hecho, creo que la autora se esforzó para darnos un contexto adecuado de la historia, y explicarnos sobre este universo, al final me engancho y las ultimas paginas las lei de un tiron ;
Definitivamente quiero leer el siguiente libro
June 5, 2017
This is a slightly interesting shifter mating type books. There is an interesting element with the shifters being part of a tribe and having come from Brazil's jungle. There was interesting elements in this book, but it was slightly boring, and slow paced. I often didn't find myself caring too much about the Rouges but also most of the book didn't delve too deep. Overall a typical mate romance.
January 5, 2014
Reviewed by Molly
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Oh.My.God. I am in love with A.C. Arthur’s new series, Shadow Shifters. Temptation Rising is the first book and from start to finish I was absolutely hooked. From page one, there is a suspenseful plot line, and it just kept getting better and better. The characters of the story reached out and gripped me, making me a part of their story and it was an incredible roller coaster ride!
Kalina was attacked 2 years ago and was rescued by and unnaturally large cat like creature. She’s never forgotten that day, nor has she forgotten the cat that rescued her. She dreams of that night most every night, and it leaves her looking over her shoulder. Problem is, she’s a cop and can’t afford to be on edge. When word of drug dealings makes it to her she’s assigned as an undercover agent and seeks employment the Reynolds, Delgado Law Firm. Her suspect: the hotter-than-hell attorney, Roman Reynolds.
Roman Reynolds has never forgotten the scent that attracted him two years ago to a woman in need of rescuing. It’s a shock to him to see her standing in his office, employed by his firm. It instantly makes him feel things he’s never felt for anyone and, with a war about to rage among his tribe, he’ll do what ever he can to keep the sexy accountant safe…..and in his life forever.
With amazing suspense and sizzling sparks, Arthur creates a fantastic cast of characters that have secrets and lust and so much more. Each page brought something new to the story, each turn had a new sizzling spark or piece to a puzzle. By the end of the story, though, you’ll need a fan and tall glass of ice water to cool off!
This is definitely a highly recommended novel to all paranormal romance lovers out there. From start to finish, you’ll be engrossed in a new series of shifting cats and the women they’ll do anything to protect. I am already on edge waiting for September to come….it brings the release of Nick’s story, Seduction’s Shift, book 2 in this fantastic series!
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Oh.My.God. I am in love with A.C. Arthur’s new series, Shadow Shifters. Temptation Rising is the first book and from start to finish I was absolutely hooked. From page one, there is a suspenseful plot line, and it just kept getting better and better. The characters of the story reached out and gripped me, making me a part of their story and it was an incredible roller coaster ride!
Kalina was attacked 2 years ago and was rescued by and unnaturally large cat like creature. She’s never forgotten that day, nor has she forgotten the cat that rescued her. She dreams of that night most every night, and it leaves her looking over her shoulder. Problem is, she’s a cop and can’t afford to be on edge. When word of drug dealings makes it to her she’s assigned as an undercover agent and seeks employment the Reynolds, Delgado Law Firm. Her suspect: the hotter-than-hell attorney, Roman Reynolds.
Roman Reynolds has never forgotten the scent that attracted him two years ago to a woman in need of rescuing. It’s a shock to him to see her standing in his office, employed by his firm. It instantly makes him feel things he’s never felt for anyone and, with a war about to rage among his tribe, he’ll do what ever he can to keep the sexy accountant safe…..and in his life forever.
With amazing suspense and sizzling sparks, Arthur creates a fantastic cast of characters that have secrets and lust and so much more. Each page brought something new to the story, each turn had a new sizzling spark or piece to a puzzle. By the end of the story, though, you’ll need a fan and tall glass of ice water to cool off!
This is definitely a highly recommended novel to all paranormal romance lovers out there. From start to finish, you’ll be engrossed in a new series of shifting cats and the women they’ll do anything to protect. I am already on edge waiting for September to come….it brings the release of Nick’s story, Seduction’s Shift, book 2 in this fantastic series!
June 8, 2012
Animal Attraction At Another Level
A.C. Arthur introduces readers to a new series with the first book in her Shadow Shifters series, Temptation Rising. Kalina Harper has one thing on her mind - she wants to be a DEA agent. In order to do it, she has to go undercover as an account assistant at the law firm of Reynolds & Delgado. But, there were two things that interfered with her plan. First, Kalina is haunted by an incident that occurred two years earlier where she was rescued by a creature that appeared to be a huge cat. Second, Kalina cannot deny the heat that rises in her every time she is with Roman Reynolds.
Roman Reynolds is not aware that he was a suspect in a criminal investigation. Known as a lethal litigator, Roman is muscular, tall and every woman’s fantasy. He is also the leader of a secret race. Roman has two goals – to avenge the death of his parents and to protect Kalina by any means necessary.
Arthur has stepped up the game with this romantic paranormal thriller. From the first page to the last, readers will become engrossed in the adventures of Kalina and Roman as a secret society is revealed. Readers will become engrossed in their lust-filled attraction. Fans of L.A. Banks Vampire Huntress series will definitely be intrigued to read this series. I eagerly await the next installment.
This novel was provided by the author for review purposes.
Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub
A.C. Arthur introduces readers to a new series with the first book in her Shadow Shifters series, Temptation Rising. Kalina Harper has one thing on her mind - she wants to be a DEA agent. In order to do it, she has to go undercover as an account assistant at the law firm of Reynolds & Delgado. But, there were two things that interfered with her plan. First, Kalina is haunted by an incident that occurred two years earlier where she was rescued by a creature that appeared to be a huge cat. Second, Kalina cannot deny the heat that rises in her every time she is with Roman Reynolds.
Roman Reynolds is not aware that he was a suspect in a criminal investigation. Known as a lethal litigator, Roman is muscular, tall and every woman’s fantasy. He is also the leader of a secret race. Roman has two goals – to avenge the death of his parents and to protect Kalina by any means necessary.
Arthur has stepped up the game with this romantic paranormal thriller. From the first page to the last, readers will become engrossed in the adventures of Kalina and Roman as a secret society is revealed. Readers will become engrossed in their lust-filled attraction. Fans of L.A. Banks Vampire Huntress series will definitely be intrigued to read this series. I eagerly await the next installment.
This novel was provided by the author for review purposes.
Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub
January 5, 2013
Temptation Rising is the first of the Shadow Shifters series. I found the concept of the story interesting of having a half man and half cat living in a metro city especially in Washington D.C. Roman (Rome)Reynolds is a strong and idealistic character in this story. He is one of the Faction Leader and would protect his race of shapeshifters at all costs.
Kalina Harper is a Metro Police Officer recruited by the DEA to investigate Roman Reynolds of laundering money to the South America drug cartel. I find her character a bit weak and and too ambitious to get the job offer from DEA if she could prove that Roman is dirty.
In some way, there are no connection that that even indicate that Roman is dirty that would trigger an investigation. It is just the assumption that someone higher up in the law enforcement agency said he is.
Kalina kept indicating to Rome that she could take care of herself and yet to prove differently. She hasn't done anything that she could except toward the end of the story.
Since this is the first story in the series, I do like the concept of this series. Hopefully, in the second book, the characters and story would be better development. After all the first story just set the pace and background information to get the series going.
Kalina Harper is a Metro Police Officer recruited by the DEA to investigate Roman Reynolds of laundering money to the South America drug cartel. I find her character a bit weak and and too ambitious to get the job offer from DEA if she could prove that Roman is dirty.
In some way, there are no connection that that even indicate that Roman is dirty that would trigger an investigation. It is just the assumption that someone higher up in the law enforcement agency said he is.
Kalina kept indicating to Rome that she could take care of herself and yet to prove differently. She hasn't done anything that she could except toward the end of the story.
Since this is the first story in the series, I do like the concept of this series. Hopefully, in the second book, the characters and story would be better development. After all the first story just set the pace and background information to get the series going.
November 23, 2013
This is a great read! A.C. Arthur did her thing with this one. Shifter romance is my favorite genre. When it’s well written; that’s a bonus. This book is a 5 star read.
Roman Reynolds is a sexy attorney who happens to be a jaguar shifter accused and suspected of crimes he did not commit. Sexy, wealthy and high powered all wrapped up into a delicious package. Kalina Harper is a police officer who wants has aspirations of being an agent taking her career to the next level. When these two meet, their individual plans turn into a joint venture.
This book has everything from lust, love, passion, mating, danger, intrigue, deception, extremely hot sex and raw power all wrapped up into an incredible read. We highly recommend this book as well as the others in the series. Pick up your copy today. Be sure to get all the books in the series at once. You will not be disappointed.
Roman Reynolds is a sexy attorney who happens to be a jaguar shifter accused and suspected of crimes he did not commit. Sexy, wealthy and high powered all wrapped up into a delicious package. Kalina Harper is a police officer who wants has aspirations of being an agent taking her career to the next level. When these two meet, their individual plans turn into a joint venture.
This book has everything from lust, love, passion, mating, danger, intrigue, deception, extremely hot sex and raw power all wrapped up into an incredible read. We highly recommend this book as well as the others in the series. Pick up your copy today. Be sure to get all the books in the series at once. You will not be disappointed.
July 16, 2012
This is the first book in The Shadow Shifters series. Kalina Harper is a D.C. cop undercover at a large law firm run by Roman Reynolds which is suspected of working with a South American drug cartel. Roman, in addition to being a lawyer, is the head of a shapeshifting jaguar group from the Amazon. Kalina and Roman find themselves working together to battle Rogues, shifters who want to rule over humans instead of live with them. This fast-paced, paranormal novel sets the stage for an exciting new series.
Available from OCLS in print.
Find additional titles by A.C. (Artist C.) Arthur here.
Available from OCLS in print.
Find additional titles by A.C. (Artist C.) Arthur here.
January 22, 2014
Temptation Rising, the first book in AC Arthur's Shadow Shifter series has definitely made me a fan of paranormal romance. A well developed storyline loaded with exciting twist and turns. Highly recommended for fans of this genre. Can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
April 12, 2012
Unbelieveable a must read way above a five
dnf-skimmed
July 11, 2012Dumbest. Undercover cop. Ever.
February 4, 2014
Great read AC. This is the first time I've read a shifter book. I was hesitant at first but I'm glad I read it. Kalina and Rome are incredible together. Going to read Nicks book soon.
July 8, 2018
I started this book 3 years ago, and DNF, saw good reviews recently so tried again. This time I persisted until 88% but just couldn't go on. The h who is an idiot, but we are told is a smart police officer, working hard to get into the DEA, because she is so smart, uses her prodigious brain to slip away from the body guard the H allocated to her - you know, to keep her safe. Of course she walks into a trap, she sees that there is something wrong but still proceeds to meet the evil person. I tried, really I did, but this felt so dated and everyone was so stupid. The H is the leader, surrounded by his very clever people, she's been working at his company for 2 weeks, but no-one does a background check? Perhaps this was set before mobile phone, and yes, I know it's fiction and a story but I can't read stupidity on this level. I might try a more recent book, because the author has good imagination so I hope for a better plot and characters.
February 13, 2018
Plot: 3/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
July 1, 2012
Bookswagger Danielle: Four Crowns, good read, on the way to swagger. While the concept didn’t wow I wasn’t totally bored to tears. I applaud the author for her use of ethnic characters it wasn’t overly done and exaggerated in fact after the initial descriptions I was hard pressed to even think about it. That tells me she did a wonderful job because it wasn’t the focus. Roman was hands down my favorite character. I’m not sure if it’s a character flaw within me but I just love imperfect, aggressive, slightly arrogant heroes with flaws. His desire for Kalina didn’t take away from his alpha status and there were really no silly arguments to detract from the story. I would have liked to see the author develop Kalina more.
Without giving too much away I felt her investigation was really kind of weak and a little unrealistic for me. If I didn’t find a money trail seeing the name Cortez the drug lord on documents would have triggered way more questions. Simply put other characters outshined her. I found myself intrigued with Baxter wondering how he knew things and was he really human.This book had a little something for everyone suspense, romance, fantasy and paranormal and I really enjoyed it. I found myself at the end looking for more. I will definitely be reading the second book when it comes out.
Bookswagger Marcia: Three crowns, swagger jacked , decent read. I have read contemporaries by A.C. Arthur and I really like Arthur’s style. I would recommend giving this books a try especially for our AA readers who do not like paranormal and are mostly into the contemporary or street urban fiction romances. I liked the hero Roman he met the heroine early in the book in were form saving her during a brutal attack. Which is one of the things I did not get, I mean this is romance fiction right, we had to include a prologue with the BLANK scene. I left it BLANK because as I sit and write this I realize that is what threw me off about the whole book I don’t even want to type that word on my blog. The only thing about the scene was the hero met her saved her and caught her unique scent and they didn’t meet again until years later.
I am a fan of the A.C., I even made Danielle read it see above 4 crowns. All in all this was a decent read. I was glad to see her writing a paranormal. The cast of characters is multicultural and the book can be bought in print in an actual bookstore which is not something that can be said of many multicultural romances and hardly ever of a multicultural paranormal unless was an erotic story sold at the now closed Borders… Lord I wanted to love this book. I really did. I know I am rating this book low while still recommending it. Because I think some people will like this book. So read it and tell me what you think.
Without giving too much away I felt her investigation was really kind of weak and a little unrealistic for me. If I didn’t find a money trail seeing the name Cortez the drug lord on documents would have triggered way more questions. Simply put other characters outshined her. I found myself intrigued with Baxter wondering how he knew things and was he really human.This book had a little something for everyone suspense, romance, fantasy and paranormal and I really enjoyed it. I found myself at the end looking for more. I will definitely be reading the second book when it comes out.
Bookswagger Marcia: Three crowns, swagger jacked , decent read. I have read contemporaries by A.C. Arthur and I really like Arthur’s style. I would recommend giving this books a try especially for our AA readers who do not like paranormal and are mostly into the contemporary or street urban fiction romances. I liked the hero Roman he met the heroine early in the book in were form saving her during a brutal attack. Which is one of the things I did not get, I mean this is romance fiction right, we had to include a prologue with the BLANK scene. I left it BLANK because as I sit and write this I realize that is what threw me off about the whole book I don’t even want to type that word on my blog. The only thing about the scene was the hero met her saved her and caught her unique scent and they didn’t meet again until years later.
I am a fan of the A.C., I even made Danielle read it see above 4 crowns. All in all this was a decent read. I was glad to see her writing a paranormal. The cast of characters is multicultural and the book can be bought in print in an actual bookstore which is not something that can be said of many multicultural romances and hardly ever of a multicultural paranormal unless was an erotic story sold at the now closed Borders… Lord I wanted to love this book. I really did. I know I am rating this book low while still recommending it. Because I think some people will like this book. So read it and tell me what you think.
May 24, 2017
I had a tough time with this one. In the prologue we learn that the heroine, Kalina Harper was practically raped in an alley and Roman Reynolds (as a jaguar) saves her. The very next time he sees her (two years later), he practically rapes her himself. No means no but Roman definitely didn't think it applied to him. For a good portion of the story, Roman continues this very aggressive (boarding on rape) behavior and it just gave me a bad feeling about the entire book. I kept having to put it down and read something else to get that taste out of my mouth. About halfway through, Roman finally started acting like a real man and some romance entered the picture so it was more palatable (hence the three stars and not two.)
I am very interested in Nick's story so I will read Seduction's Shift to see how Nick saves his kidnapped first love, Aryiloa (pronounced Ar-ee-ola) gotta love it.
I am very interested in Nick's story so I will read Seduction's Shift to see how Nick saves his kidnapped first love, Aryiloa (pronounced Ar-ee-ola) gotta love it.
February 2, 2014
I only read the free sample so take keep that in mind while reading this... Some times you want a really good story with a little bit of sex and sometimes you want a lot of sex with a little bit of bad story. This is the latter. Kalina is a cop and Roman is the shifter that kills the guy that is sexually assaulting her... This gave me my first pause if you are going to include something like that it needs to handled delicately not ...it happened and I got over it. My second pause came when Kalina is talking about being a cop and how she handles situations. If you're going to have a female cop you need to make her kick-ass bc it's a hard job and no one likes working with a nitwit. The last straw was Roman and his constant convoluted anger about the past. I understand you had a tough time stop telling me about how mad you are and show me what happened or even better move on. I might give the whole story another try but I would really have to be in the right mood.
July 15, 2012
This was a decent story. There were a lot of really good things about the book although I can not really specify anything in particular. The story line kept me intrigued and I looked forward to getting through the book. I wish the book had been more descriptive in addressing the characters. I usually appreciate books that give me a vivid description of a particular person and gives off a personality. This story although gave me a since of the characters did not really give me the visualization of the characters.
Again it was a pretty good read and the story line intriguing and I will definitely read the follow ups. I would recommend this book for reading and the grammatical and contextual errors where few.
Again it was a pretty good read and the story line intriguing and I will definitely read the follow ups. I would recommend this book for reading and the grammatical and contextual errors where few.
April 4, 2013
I found myself skipping parts... especially the love scenes near the end, because I just couldn't read about turgid nipples or globes any more. (that's just a couple of examples, lol)
The beginning was a combination of two books I have read before, at least a few times... not original. There was also a lot of rehashing, info dumping and belivability issues.
The take on shifters did have a new twist that will have me reading the next one before I decide to go further, or not, with this series; since I already have it. I liked the tribe aspects, going back to the jungle, seers, being more animalistic. We'll see.
The beginning was a combination of two books I have read before, at least a few times... not original. There was also a lot of rehashing, info dumping and belivability issues.
The take on shifters did have a new twist that will have me reading the next one before I decide to go further, or not, with this series; since I already have it. I liked the tribe aspects, going back to the jungle, seers, being more animalistic. We'll see.
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