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Riley Jenson Guardian #6
The Darkest Kiss
Danger turns her on. Desire turns her dangerous…
Riley Jenson hunts evildoers—and does it with a style all her own. With vamp blood coursing her through her veins, and a werewolf’s uncanny instinct for danger, Riley wears snakeskin stilettos and pure, in-your-face attitude when she plunges into her latest case: hunting down a killer whose victims are high-society strumpets—and the rich and powerful men they’ve dated.
But for Riley, the case takes a chilling turn when a second killer starts trailing mutilated bodies of his own: a crazed young vamp choosing victims from a past marked by tragedy. Riley knows she’s got the skill and cunning to catch two serial killers at once…until one of them strikes inside her own tight-knit clan—and a sexy beast of a vampire reenters her life to aid in the hunt. His name is Quinn. He’s lived forever, shed blood, and shared pleasure…and he’s the only man over whom Riley has absolutely no control…
Riley Jenson hunts evildoers—and does it with a style all her own. With vamp blood coursing her through her veins, and a werewolf’s uncanny instinct for danger, Riley wears snakeskin stilettos and pure, in-your-face attitude when she plunges into her latest case: hunting down a killer whose victims are high-society strumpets—and the rich and powerful men they’ve dated.
But for Riley, the case takes a chilling turn when a second killer starts trailing mutilated bodies of his own: a crazed young vamp choosing victims from a past marked by tragedy. Riley knows she’s got the skill and cunning to catch two serial killers at once…until one of them strikes inside her own tight-knit clan—and a sexy beast of a vampire reenters her life to aid in the hunt. His name is Quinn. He’s lived forever, shed blood, and shared pleasure…and he’s the only man over whom Riley has absolutely no control…
356 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 29, 2008
280 people are currently reading
4265 people want to read
About the author
Keri Arthur
100 books6,017 followersKeri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson, Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne with her daughter and two crazy dogs
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews
November 10, 2009
It's hard to like a book when you don't really like the main character: Riley Jenson. All she seems to do (from the 1st book all the way through the 4th book - Dangerous Games) is complain, complain, and COMPLAIN about how she doesn't want to be a Guardian, and how she thinks her lover Quinn is too narrow-minded when he doesn't want her to have sex indiscrimmiantly. "Oh, boo-hoo, my boyfriend doens't want me to have sex with other men!" And the sex scenes are not even that good: there's no real emotion portrayed in them, and sex without emotion is just whorish, in my opinion. The one with the biggest heart is Quinn, and she expects him to treat her like a princess when she acts like a whore. Sorry, not my cup of tea. Riley seems to try to be more mature in the 5th book (Embraced by Darkness), when she does her best to only have one man as her lover. I don't understand why she was willing to do that for Kellen when she had a cow whenever Quinn suggested she remain faithful to him. I do have to say, that the series redeemed itself with books #6 (The Darkest Kiss), #7 (Deadly Desire), & #8 (Bound to Shadows). Riley stops acting so childish and immature, starts realizing that sex with someone you actually like is important, and starts to restrain herself sexually with other men. She actually matures! Yay! She starts to actually put some EFFORT in her relationships! Instead of expecting only everyone else to put the effort into her. I think there was actually only one sex scene even shown in The Darkest Kiss, which is pretty impressive for this author. The end to book #8 (Bound to Shadows) was fantastic, and now that I actually like the main character, I'm looking forward to book #9 (Mooon Sworn, coming out 2010, and supposed to be the last in the Riley Jenson Guardian series).
June 17, 2008
Another excellent Riley story!
Riley’s focused on two cases this time around, and I loved the action scenes while the hunts grew. Riley’s smarts and instincts get the job done.
Excellent action scenes, lots of suspense, and more about her inner struggle with her feelings. She and Quinn have lots to work out.
Kellen had left her feeling alone, and she struggles quite a bit with that. She truly did love him, but I believe that, if a man truly loves you, he won’t ask you to change. While it hurt that he left, I believe that she’s better off. Quinn comes back, and while he may have learned the error of his ways, he still has a lot to learn about Riley. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks - I think that while Quinn may be stubborn, it may work out just between them. Like any woman, Riley is being cautious; she doesn’t want to get hurt again, and I can understand that.
We get even more between Rhoan and Liander, and Rhoan’s inner struggle where Liander’s concerned. I really like the banter between Kade and Riley, even though she refuses to let it go anywhere. In true Riley form, she gives the excuse that Jack would get mad about it. We know better. She’s not ready for it, but she won’t admit it to anyone but herself. And I wonder if anything will come of the banter between Cole and Riley. I think he’s very attacted to her and fighting it tooth and nail. It will be interesting to see if anything happens between them.
Another excellent novel and I can’t wait for the next.
Riley’s focused on two cases this time around, and I loved the action scenes while the hunts grew. Riley’s smarts and instincts get the job done.
Excellent action scenes, lots of suspense, and more about her inner struggle with her feelings. She and Quinn have lots to work out.
Kellen had left her feeling alone, and she struggles quite a bit with that. She truly did love him, but I believe that, if a man truly loves you, he won’t ask you to change. While it hurt that he left, I believe that she’s better off. Quinn comes back, and while he may have learned the error of his ways, he still has a lot to learn about Riley. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks - I think that while Quinn may be stubborn, it may work out just between them. Like any woman, Riley is being cautious; she doesn’t want to get hurt again, and I can understand that.
We get even more between Rhoan and Liander, and Rhoan’s inner struggle where Liander’s concerned. I really like the banter between Kade and Riley, even though she refuses to let it go anywhere. In true Riley form, she gives the excuse that Jack would get mad about it. We know better. She’s not ready for it, but she won’t admit it to anyone but herself. And I wonder if anything will come of the banter between Cole and Riley. I think he’s very attacted to her and fighting it tooth and nail. It will be interesting to see if anything happens between them.
Another excellent novel and I can’t wait for the next.
January 29, 2010
In this Guardian book, the 6th in the series, Riley is juggling 2 cases. Although I liked the book, it got kind of confusing at times. Another aspect that I and questioning is the Emo-Vamp and how her story really tied into the whole book. It seemed very focused towards the beginning and middle of the book on this vamp and her flock or whatever those she made are called. There was really no closure...or really any relevance to the overall story line. Maybe she will make an appearance in future installments.
Like Book #5, this one is more UF and less of the sexed up Riley we have gotten to know in the previous books. I am not complaining. Her character is evolving and really seems to be longing to find her soul mate. She has been told by Dita that her HEA will not be in the form she expects. Very curious to see how the series pans out
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
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Like Book #5, this one is more UF and less of the sexed up Riley we have gotten to know in the previous books. I am not complaining. Her character is evolving and really seems to be longing to find her soul mate. She has been told by Dita that her HEA will not be in the form she expects. Very curious to see how the series pans out
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
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Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
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August 1, 2019
I was so sad when Liander was taken because I know Rhoan would die without him! Liander is perfect for him and they have been through so much. Thank god Liander is okay and that it has forced Rhoan to finally completely commit to him. I'm sad this is the reason but happy now that he has.
Young was crazy. I don't condone what the teens did to him in the past but poor Liander did nothing! I'm glad he died.
Also that cat thing? O.o freaky!!! But cool
Young was crazy. I don't condone what the teens did to him in the past but poor Liander did nothing! I'm glad he died.
Also that cat thing? O.o freaky!!! But cool
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2022
Loved this one yet again! I really enjoyed having the two separate investigations running side by side, it always kept the story interesting - never a dull moment! The ending was a great page turning as usual, only 3 more books to go! I can’t wait to see where Riley ends up, I only hope it’s a happy ending for her!
November 5, 2012
Despite the fact that the last book wasn't quite up to par with previous ones, The Darkest Kiss comes out swinging. Popping the story line with two mysterious creatures on the loose killing people and a very complicated plot to piece together. The emotions are even more revved up and my heart was on the line with the characters. Sassy, edgy, and of course sexy this may be one of my new favorites for the series.
It might be weird to say that the murders were really fun in this book, but for me I got a kick out of them. After all it has to be amusing when one of the villains is a cat in heat (no I won't say more). The other one is connected to some past high school gang initiation. All for it spells for amusement, that's not to say that this Riley book is comical. Not at all. It's very dark and has a lot of gore.
Riley has changed from the last book after her heart was broken by her break up. She knows what she wants now and being a free and loose werewolf is not part of her plans. Besides the moon heat she doesn't want to deal with men anymore. Which is kind of refreshing for this series. Things go south for me towards the end when a certain vampire steps back into her life. It's just too hard to believe that Riley would forgive and forget his mind controlling that he did before!! There were a lot of "No-no-no-nos" running through my head. Especially since the stripper from the last book comes back into the storyline and there is clearly more there than meets the eye! We're exploring the wrong relationship here!
Despite Quinn stepping back into the storyline this has to be my new favorite entry in the Riley universe. Death and sex mix chillingly together to add an edge to the mystery. Seeing a different side of Riley's character is very refreshing and seeing her realize that the men in her life aren't at fault for all of her romantic issues is a great wake up call. The last few chapters of this book are going to have reader staying up all night and well into the morning to finish so be forewarned of the addiction ahead!
Sexual Content: Sex and murder mix. Riley of course gets some bedroom scenes.
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.
Originally reviewed on Book Whispers.
It might be weird to say that the murders were really fun in this book, but for me I got a kick out of them. After all it has to be amusing when one of the villains is a cat in heat (no I won't say more). The other one is connected to some past high school gang initiation. All for it spells for amusement, that's not to say that this Riley book is comical. Not at all. It's very dark and has a lot of gore.
Riley has changed from the last book after her heart was broken by her break up. She knows what she wants now and being a free and loose werewolf is not part of her plans. Besides the moon heat she doesn't want to deal with men anymore. Which is kind of refreshing for this series. Things go south for me towards the end when a certain vampire steps back into her life. It's just too hard to believe that Riley would forgive and forget his mind controlling that he did before!! There were a lot of "No-no-no-nos" running through my head. Especially since the stripper from the last book comes back into the storyline and there is clearly more there than meets the eye! We're exploring the wrong relationship here!
Despite Quinn stepping back into the storyline this has to be my new favorite entry in the Riley universe. Death and sex mix chillingly together to add an edge to the mystery. Seeing a different side of Riley's character is very refreshing and seeing her realize that the men in her life aren't at fault for all of her romantic issues is a great wake up call. The last few chapters of this book are going to have reader staying up all night and well into the morning to finish so be forewarned of the addiction ahead!
Sexual Content: Sex and murder mix. Riley of course gets some bedroom scenes.
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.
Originally reviewed on Book Whispers.
September 26, 2009
Once again Riley, Guardian of the Directorate, suddenly finds herself out of her element, literally flying. Another quirk from the ARC1-23, the ability to shift into the form of a seagull is begining to make Riley to think that learning to fly might be a bit outside the realm of possibilities as the bruises on her body begins to mirror that of her heart. Since Kellan left her she has suddenly found herself choosing celibacy over her normal lusty desires, which is making her doubt herself. Not a good place to be when the Directorate hands her the case of a local shapeshifting politician recently found murdered.
As one high profile preternatural being after another start getting knocked off Riley knows she could be in over her head. Thankfully her partner, Kade, and her brother, Rhoane are on hand to help her out. While in the middle of the case hunky werewolf shifter, Shadow, asks Riley to look into the death of a friend that the human authorities have written off as an accidental death due to a BDSM gone wrong. But as more of Shadows freinds start turning up tortured in the same way, it is apparent to Riley that she's now hip deep in two cases with two different serial killers. Although the clues stack up fairly quickly, allowing Riley to figure out the identity of the killers, stopping them is not going to be nearly as easy.
As in the previous books, the side players are as entertaining as Riley. Seer Dia shows her what a freind could be, while both her and her daughter help to show Riley one of her possible paths. She also has a new partner, the ex-lover and now off-limit horseshifter Kade who help her investigate the murders. Quinn, her former vampire lover show up igniting the passion between them once again. And her brother Rhoane steps up to try to keep Riley alive to complete her mission.
Murder, meyhem, and slow stirrings of lust help fuel this book to it's enjoyable conclusion.
As one high profile preternatural being after another start getting knocked off Riley knows she could be in over her head. Thankfully her partner, Kade, and her brother, Rhoane are on hand to help her out. While in the middle of the case hunky werewolf shifter, Shadow, asks Riley to look into the death of a friend that the human authorities have written off as an accidental death due to a BDSM gone wrong. But as more of Shadows freinds start turning up tortured in the same way, it is apparent to Riley that she's now hip deep in two cases with two different serial killers. Although the clues stack up fairly quickly, allowing Riley to figure out the identity of the killers, stopping them is not going to be nearly as easy.
As in the previous books, the side players are as entertaining as Riley. Seer Dia shows her what a freind could be, while both her and her daughter help to show Riley one of her possible paths. She also has a new partner, the ex-lover and now off-limit horseshifter Kade who help her investigate the murders. Quinn, her former vampire lover show up igniting the passion between them once again. And her brother Rhoane steps up to try to keep Riley alive to complete her mission.
Murder, meyhem, and slow stirrings of lust help fuel this book to it's enjoyable conclusion.
January 12, 2011
The previous installment of the Riley Jensen series was a big let down. After reading some of the reviews for this book I thought I was in for more of the same. However, the darkest kiss was very enjoyable. The series has definitely changed though. Riley has decided to settle down and not have sex with every male she comes across. She has chosen to give Quinn a chance, but she is not ready to cut out other men completely, and still believes a wolf is her soul mate. There is also a bit of progress with Rhoan, though he is also being rather stubborn. Those things only took up a few pages though. The Darkest Kiss is primarily action and mystery. I felt the mystery lacked a bit of depth since all of the answers were so easy for Riley to come by, but it had me turning pages and at the end before I knew it. It bothers me how easily some of the baddies die, and how nonchalant Riley is about getting arms broken, intestines torn out, and other massive injuries, but again, there is something about this series I absolutely love. I do miss the experimental breeding plot line and a continuing plot over several books. I feel like this series could end anytime the author wants, or go on forever, since each book is completely self contained. Yet, the series is progressing and changing, and hopefully Riley will change a bit as well. She either needs to stick to her old convictions of sleeping with anyone and everyone, or commit to one and be done. The middle ground where she is now is a bit irritating. Fans of a good paranormal action/mystery will like this book. If you are looking for the romance and sex of previous Riley Jensen novels, then this may not be your favorite book in the series. I enjoyed it immensely, and can't wait for the next book in the series!
May 10, 2008
Riley's juggling two cases: a killer who targets high-flying women and the men they date; and another who leaves mutilated bodies - and their spirits, which Riley alone can hear. It's another strange new development in her genes that has her spooked, but she's not about to let that stop her from hunting these supernatural killers down.
The double plot gets a bit confusing in this one - there were several instances where the author neglected to mention something that would help her readers follow the plot/s; for instance, it was never really explained how the people were being murdered by the bakeneko - by the end it's clear enough that she was sucking their souls out (and later ripping them apart), but the question "what was the cause of death?" seems like a pretty obvious one for any detective to ask when faced with a dead body that has only a few scratches on it. Slips like this annoyed me, and kept drawing me out of the story.
The story was saved by Quinn of course - why else am I reading these now? He's such a great character, and his development and growth is quite subtle. You really feel for him, though you feel for Riley too, and her reasonings regarding him are things I can definitely agree with. Anyway, it's enough to make me want to keep reading them. And I do love the creatures Arthur keeps coming up with - even the ones borrowed from mythology.
The double plot gets a bit confusing in this one - there were several instances where the author neglected to mention something that would help her readers follow the plot/s; for instance, it was never really explained how the people were being murdered by the bakeneko - by the end it's clear enough that she was sucking their souls out (and later ripping them apart), but the question "what was the cause of death?" seems like a pretty obvious one for any detective to ask when faced with a dead body that has only a few scratches on it. Slips like this annoyed me, and kept drawing me out of the story.
The story was saved by Quinn of course - why else am I reading these now? He's such a great character, and his development and growth is quite subtle. You really feel for him, though you feel for Riley too, and her reasonings regarding him are things I can definitely agree with. Anyway, it's enough to make me want to keep reading them. And I do love the creatures Arthur keeps coming up with - even the ones borrowed from mythology.
March 19, 2009
I liked this last Riley jenson book less than the previous. I'm beginning to think that Arthur starts biting off more than she can chew when she has Riley investigating more than one case at once - especially when both cases involve something new and unheard of.
I was looking into a seventh book and not seeing one which has me a bit disappointed, though. I may have felt less satisfaction with this particular installment, but I still think there's a lot left unexplored in the series and I hope to see more books come out that involve Jenson.
I was looking into a seventh book and not seeing one which has me a bit disappointed, though. I may have felt less satisfaction with this particular installment, but I still think there's a lot left unexplored in the series and I hope to see more books come out that involve Jenson.
January 9, 2022
Un asesinato politico pone en la mira del Directorado a una criatura ancestral en busca de venganza, y si agregas a un vampiro que castiga a sus victimas hasta matarlas, Riley ahora tiene entre sus manos el averiguar, atrapar y eliminar a un par de criaturas miticas que despertaron por el odio y el rencor a las personas causantes de su dolor.
Riley aprendera nuevas cosas sobre los diferentes tipos de vampiros, ademas de que algunas cosas es mejor dejarlas en el pasado y con otras es mejor seguir viendo hacia adelante. Tambien aprendera realmente como se siente cuando encuentras tu alma gemela, y el dolor que causa perderla, y entendera que no puede cerrarse a sus sentimientos y que si la vida le da otra oportunidad, lo mejor es no desperdiciarla.
Como aventura, la trama del libro no tiene mayores sorpresas, sin embargo, por primera vez en esta serie me doy cuenta que el autor llevo un solo tema durante toda la trama, y este era, no resientas el pasado y agradece la nueva oportunidad que tienes en la vida.
Si uno lo piensa bien, es un excelente consejo, pero muy dificil de seguir cuando la bruma del dolor nos aflije, sobre todo, como en el caso de este libro, has perdido a la persona mas importante de tu vida o has sido traicionado de la manera mas cruda posible.
Si no fuera parte de la serie, quizas no lo hubiera leido, porque como entretenimiento es demasiado empalagoso para lo que queria leer, pero resulto ser una lectura entretenida que nos permitio ver un poco mas la evolucion de los personajes y preveer hasta donde quiere el autor hacernos llegar con el mismo.
Asi que continuare con la serie, ya que solo me quedan 3 libros, y esperando que el final de la misma, sea tal y como espero.
Riley aprendera nuevas cosas sobre los diferentes tipos de vampiros, ademas de que algunas cosas es mejor dejarlas en el pasado y con otras es mejor seguir viendo hacia adelante. Tambien aprendera realmente como se siente cuando encuentras tu alma gemela, y el dolor que causa perderla, y entendera que no puede cerrarse a sus sentimientos y que si la vida le da otra oportunidad, lo mejor es no desperdiciarla.
Como aventura, la trama del libro no tiene mayores sorpresas, sin embargo, por primera vez en esta serie me doy cuenta que el autor llevo un solo tema durante toda la trama, y este era, no resientas el pasado y agradece la nueva oportunidad que tienes en la vida.
Si uno lo piensa bien, es un excelente consejo, pero muy dificil de seguir cuando la bruma del dolor nos aflije, sobre todo, como en el caso de este libro, has perdido a la persona mas importante de tu vida o has sido traicionado de la manera mas cruda posible.
Si no fuera parte de la serie, quizas no lo hubiera leido, porque como entretenimiento es demasiado empalagoso para lo que queria leer, pero resulto ser una lectura entretenida que nos permitio ver un poco mas la evolucion de los personajes y preveer hasta donde quiere el autor hacernos llegar con el mismo.
Asi que continuare con la serie, ya que solo me quedan 3 libros, y esperando que el final de la misma, sea tal y como espero.
August 21, 2024
Another enjoyable read in the series. This one combined a strange shapeshifing murderer killing society ladies and their lovers with weird mutilating vamp.
These are fun reads and the character Riley Jensen is sassy
These are fun reads and the character Riley Jensen is sassy
August 14, 2010
Riley Jenson hunts evildoers—and does it with a style all her own. With vamp blood coursing her through her veins, and a werewolf's uncanny instinct for danger, Riley wears snakeskin stilettos and pure, in-your-face attitude when she plunges into her latest case: Hunting down a killer whose victims are high-society strumpets—and the rich and powerful men they've dated.
But for Riley, the case takes a chilling turn when a second killer starts trailing mutilated bodies of his own: a crazed young vamp choosing victims from a past marked by tragedy. Riley knows she's got the skill and cunning to catch two serial killers at once…until one of them strikes inside her own tight-knit clan -- and a sexy beast of a vampire re-enters her life to aid in the hunt. His name is Quinn. He's lived forever, shed blood and shared pleasure…and he's the only man over whom Riley has absolutely no control…
*********************************************************
I am a big Keri Arthur fan and have followed this series since book 1.
Riley is a kick ass werewolf/vampire/slightly chemically enhanced chick who totally rocks! And her leading man Quinn, a mega -sexy Vampire is decadent and cultured . He could sweep any woman off her feet and he is hot, hot, hot in the bedroom!
Her brother Rhoan is a wonderful character and his lover Liander, keep Riley on the right track. There are other characters intwined in the story and Ms. Arthur pulls it all together with action, sexiness and talent.
This is a definite must read! So if you haven't read her, please do you won't be dissappointed. Her next book in this series is out, I think after the first of the year. She also has a new series starting that sounds really good, the first one of those "Destiny Kills".
December 20, 2008
Really enjoyed this one, thank god she brought back Quinn! Please, keep him around. I'm so tired of these over-sexed shifter creatures that want to hop into bed at the sight of Riley, KEEP QUINN AROUND HE"S YUMMY!
Ahem.
Ahem.
October 20, 2016
Surprise surprise Quinn back to Riley life. And all of the sex in this volume only between Riley and Quinn.
There is two case in this book like the fifth book. Bakeneko and Bhuta vampire. I don't remember any details more lol.
There is two case in this book like the fifth book. Bakeneko and Bhuta vampire. I don't remember any details more lol.
September 30, 2018
Libro di passaggio questo, in cui Riley chiude con il passato e si apre, con fatica, al futuro. Dopo la fine della relazione con Kellen la nostra guardiana è sempre più concentrata sul suo lavoro, verso il quale si è rassegnata ad amarne alcuni aspetti, quali la caccia.
Ho amato molto la parte investigativa, in cui i due casi si intrecciano ma questo libro si distingue per l'accento che pone su Rohan e Liander. Mi piacerebbe leggere qualche spin-off sul personaggio del gemello, lo adoro e in questa storia viene dato maggior risalto.
Inoltre il ritorno di Quinn non può che farmi piacere.
In questa rilettura ho però notata alcuni particolari che mi hanno non dico infastidita ma che non mi sono piaciuti. Il fatto che Riley continui a ripetere che è costretta a fare il suo lavoro quando poi ammette di apprezzarne alcuni aspetti, la ripetitività di alcuni concetti, più volte ribaditi. E la facilità del perdono, troppo veloce per me.
Ma comunque non sono riuscita a fermarmi, la suspense mi ha attanagliato lo stomaco e, nonostante conoscessi già lo svolgimento, ho dovuto leggerlo. La Arthur per me è proprio bravissima a scrivere.
Ho amato molto la parte investigativa, in cui i due casi si intrecciano ma questo libro si distingue per l'accento che pone su Rohan e Liander. Mi piacerebbe leggere qualche spin-off sul personaggio del gemello, lo adoro e in questa storia viene dato maggior risalto.
Inoltre il ritorno di Quinn non può che farmi piacere.
In questa rilettura ho però notata alcuni particolari che mi hanno non dico infastidita ma che non mi sono piaciuti. Il fatto che Riley continui a ripetere che è costretta a fare il suo lavoro quando poi ammette di apprezzarne alcuni aspetti, la ripetitività di alcuni concetti, più volte ribaditi. E la facilità del perdono, troppo veloce per me.
Ma comunque non sono riuscita a fermarmi, la suspense mi ha attanagliato lo stomaco e, nonostante conoscessi già lo svolgimento, ho dovuto leggerlo. La Arthur per me è proprio bravissima a scrivere.
March 10, 2024
The story is easy to read and holds your attention, plus I love the banter.There are a few things keeping it from being more than a four. One the repetitive of certain facts. Two the FMC will hear something in passing and when she hears it later she acts like its the first time. And three the FMC being naive at times, just doesn’t fit her character. That being said this series is worth reading if you like werewolf romance and lost of action.
October 17, 2019
The first half of this book nearly killed me with anticipation. I was hoping against all odds that Quinn would swoop back in and fix things and lo and behold, I got my wish. I am way too giddy about this.
January 13, 2015
Something is murdering the rich and powerful, its hunger growing with every life it takes. It's up to Riley Jenson to do what she does best; stop the creature by any means necessary, however a second beast also begins a killing spree, finally targeting someone Riley herself cares about. With the added reunion of a former lover, her hands are definitely full.
(Please be aware that this review DOES contain spoilers before reading further.)
This series has been on a slippery slope from the beginning, with aspects that annoyed me as well as interested me. For some time now I've been steadily making my way through each instalment, finding improvement in Dangerous Games and Embraced by Darkness, however this one I found average at best. I think the confusion of the multitude of names got to me a bit, as even though I've a good enough memory and usually have no issue with keeping track, I struggled a little here, especially after taking a break from reading and having to sit back to recall everything and everyone before once again resuming. Despite that, the plot was at times engaging, as well as successful in making me wonder what was going on and how things tied together. I liked the introduction of Vincenta (Vinny) and whilst she didn't play a big part, I'm positive she'll be back, probably causing trouble with her many fledglings. For the first time I felt something for Liander, which surprised me. He's never really stood out before, but the thought of something bad happening to him had me on edge, so I guess I'm fond of him and I never realised it.
I do enjoy the Guardian side and grisly murders that come with it, adding to the overall dark tone of Arthur's world. Nothing is left to the imagination, but rather the most disturbing details are shoved in your face time and time again, whether it be gore or sexual situations. I'm usually not a fan of detective investigative work, unless it's done in a way that pulls me into the mystery, but with the Directorate, I find I enjoy their ugly cases that has Riley squirming. The new and bizarre creatures are always a treat, as it's nice to have more than your typical vampires and werewolves.
I didn't feel particularly happy about Quinn returning, but I knew it would happen sooner or later. I admit I expected more control from Riley, but I suppose whilst in a vulnerable state she accepted his affections too easily, thus her loneliness and still aching heart drove her into his arms. I don't think it'll work out, as the past only proved their incompatibility and I doubt Riley will stay monogamous forever. I await the book Riley finally gets a lover I actually like, which may not happen considering there's only three left. If only Cole was a possibility and perhaps he is, as his liking for her seems to be increasing over time. I wonder if her soul-mate will pop up at some point, maybe creating a happily-ever-after to finish the series off.
Do I want a happy ending? Yes, I think Riley deserves such. I've always been fond of her, even though she's certainly not everyone's cup of tea. She has grown a lot and I'm curious as to which direction her new abilities will lead. I won't begin to try and predict what may happen, as I'm quite terrible at that. I only hope I won't be disappointed.
Notable Scene:
Her lips touched mine again, and after a moment of hesitation, I moved into them, kissing her gently but thoroughly. It was a strange kiss, a passionless kiss, and yet it was a kiss that had my nerves tingling and pulse racing. It wasn't desire. It was fear of the unknown.
© Red Lace 2014
(Please be aware that this review DOES contain spoilers before reading further.)
This series has been on a slippery slope from the beginning, with aspects that annoyed me as well as interested me. For some time now I've been steadily making my way through each instalment, finding improvement in Dangerous Games and Embraced by Darkness, however this one I found average at best. I think the confusion of the multitude of names got to me a bit, as even though I've a good enough memory and usually have no issue with keeping track, I struggled a little here, especially after taking a break from reading and having to sit back to recall everything and everyone before once again resuming. Despite that, the plot was at times engaging, as well as successful in making me wonder what was going on and how things tied together. I liked the introduction of Vincenta (Vinny) and whilst she didn't play a big part, I'm positive she'll be back, probably causing trouble with her many fledglings. For the first time I felt something for Liander, which surprised me. He's never really stood out before, but the thought of something bad happening to him had me on edge, so I guess I'm fond of him and I never realised it.
I do enjoy the Guardian side and grisly murders that come with it, adding to the overall dark tone of Arthur's world. Nothing is left to the imagination, but rather the most disturbing details are shoved in your face time and time again, whether it be gore or sexual situations. I'm usually not a fan of detective investigative work, unless it's done in a way that pulls me into the mystery, but with the Directorate, I find I enjoy their ugly cases that has Riley squirming. The new and bizarre creatures are always a treat, as it's nice to have more than your typical vampires and werewolves.
I didn't feel particularly happy about Quinn returning, but I knew it would happen sooner or later. I admit I expected more control from Riley, but I suppose whilst in a vulnerable state she accepted his affections too easily, thus her loneliness and still aching heart drove her into his arms. I don't think it'll work out, as the past only proved their incompatibility and I doubt Riley will stay monogamous forever. I await the book Riley finally gets a lover I actually like, which may not happen considering there's only three left. If only Cole was a possibility and perhaps he is, as his liking for her seems to be increasing over time. I wonder if her soul-mate will pop up at some point, maybe creating a happily-ever-after to finish the series off.
Do I want a happy ending? Yes, I think Riley deserves such. I've always been fond of her, even though she's certainly not everyone's cup of tea. She has grown a lot and I'm curious as to which direction her new abilities will lead. I won't begin to try and predict what may happen, as I'm quite terrible at that. I only hope I won't be disappointed.
Notable Scene:
Her lips touched mine again, and after a moment of hesitation, I moved into them, kissing her gently but thoroughly. It was a strange kiss, a passionless kiss, and yet it was a kiss that had my nerves tingling and pulse racing. It wasn't desire. It was fear of the unknown.
© Red Lace 2014
January 7, 2011
Post listen review: You know how people say about someone that doesn't read much that it's good if they read anything? Like, it's a trashy romance but hey at least she's reading? That addage does not apply here. If you see someone reading this book, rip it out of their hands and take them by force to watch fourteen hours of cats playing piano on youtube instead. It will be a much more valuable use of their time.
I hated this in the first track. So here goes, this book is about a half werewolf, half vampire shapeshifter that has altered DNA and is now shape shifting into a (wait for it) seagull, and is a clairvoyant detective of supernatural murder. Not to mention she can't seem to get a guy to just love her for who she is. Go figure.
In the book there are murders being committed by two separate killers. One of them turns out to be a ghostly vampire that can go out in the day but is only visible at night and he is killing his old schoolmates because of an old incident where they tried to kill him. He also eats their souls. Yeah, seen that one on CSI right?
Then the other killer is a cat that can shapeshift into a human and kills people with her paws that she can turn enormous.
Riley, the main character who is struggling with her shapeshifting into a seagull and flying (and always wears just underwear when she does it) has to track down the murderers and bring them to supernatural justice.
Along the way she is constantly complaining about how she wants to "find her soulmate" but when ever she encounters a good looking guy she instantly thinks things like, "My treacherous hormones were certainly into all that leather."
On every crime scene she goes to where the cat was the killer it ends up being a naked man that has been killed and every time she looks at the body the first thing we get to know is what position the guy's butt landed in. Apparently this is helpful when you are looking for a cat turned into a human shapshifter serial murderer.
Oh why can't she find someone to love her? Well this is a romance so of course she does find someone. And it's exactly who you would expect- a billionare vampire with a dark history who is also a half angel and empathic. Run of the mill guy for romance books. She also mentions all the time that every guy thinks she is hot and then mentions how she has all these scars from her job but when she finally gets the vampire dude in bed there is no mention of any of her scars at all.
But wait it gets suckier! So Riley's brother's boyfriend (who is naturally a half werewolf) is taken hostage by the vampire ghost thing and they have to save him. Easily done. Then to catch the cat get this, she has to fly as a seagull to do it and THIS time she does. Yay!
But wait it gets even suckier! There are empath vampires running around town and if you are in the room with them they can suck your soul partially away (or something)
Even suckier still! Because Riley is clairvoyant she gets to talk to dead people and they help her to catch the cat killer.
I can't believe my tax dollars helped to put this in the public library!
What a bunch of crap!
Pre-listen guess: My guess is that this is gonna blow
I hated this in the first track. So here goes, this book is about a half werewolf, half vampire shapeshifter that has altered DNA and is now shape shifting into a (wait for it) seagull, and is a clairvoyant detective of supernatural murder. Not to mention she can't seem to get a guy to just love her for who she is. Go figure.
In the book there are murders being committed by two separate killers. One of them turns out to be a ghostly vampire that can go out in the day but is only visible at night and he is killing his old schoolmates because of an old incident where they tried to kill him. He also eats their souls. Yeah, seen that one on CSI right?
Then the other killer is a cat that can shapeshift into a human and kills people with her paws that she can turn enormous.
Riley, the main character who is struggling with her shapeshifting into a seagull and flying (and always wears just underwear when she does it) has to track down the murderers and bring them to supernatural justice.
Along the way she is constantly complaining about how she wants to "find her soulmate" but when ever she encounters a good looking guy she instantly thinks things like, "My treacherous hormones were certainly into all that leather."
On every crime scene she goes to where the cat was the killer it ends up being a naked man that has been killed and every time she looks at the body the first thing we get to know is what position the guy's butt landed in. Apparently this is helpful when you are looking for a cat turned into a human shapshifter serial murderer.
Oh why can't she find someone to love her? Well this is a romance so of course she does find someone. And it's exactly who you would expect- a billionare vampire with a dark history who is also a half angel and empathic. Run of the mill guy for romance books. She also mentions all the time that every guy thinks she is hot and then mentions how she has all these scars from her job but when she finally gets the vampire dude in bed there is no mention of any of her scars at all.
But wait it gets suckier! So Riley's brother's boyfriend (who is naturally a half werewolf) is taken hostage by the vampire ghost thing and they have to save him. Easily done. Then to catch the cat get this, she has to fly as a seagull to do it and THIS time she does. Yay!
But wait it gets even suckier! There are empath vampires running around town and if you are in the room with them they can suck your soul partially away (or something)
Even suckier still! Because Riley is clairvoyant she gets to talk to dead people and they help her to catch the cat killer.
I can't believe my tax dollars helped to put this in the public library!
What a bunch of crap!
Pre-listen guess: My guess is that this is gonna blow
December 22, 2010
Although this review won't contain spoilers for The Darkest Kiss as this is book 6 in the Riley Jenson series it will probably include spoilers for previous books. If you're new to the series or haven't read this far then I'd recommend checking out the reviews for book 1 Full Moon Rising. It is definitely an urban fantasy series that I'd recommend though.
This book picks up with Riley a couple of months after the ending of Embraced by Darkness and we find her still struggling to deal with a broken heart after her break up with Kellen. She is still working as a Guardian and when a politician is murdered she is called in to investigate. Soon she has a trail of bodies and realises she has a serial killer on her hands but before long it becomes clear that there is not just one killer on the loose. As if that wasn't enough to deal with Quinn is also back on the scene - can she capture the killers and protect her bruised heart at the same time?
This is a series I've enjoyed from the beginning but I have to say that I think it really is getting better with each new installment. Riley has come a long way since Full Moon Rising and although I've always liked her I'm pleased to see the changes in her. She still has her snarky, kick ass attitude but whilst nursing her broken heart she has become less interested in casual sex and she seems to have grown up more. She will always enjoy flirting - and has more than a few men who are interested in that and more - but she wants to find a partner who she can actually care about. It was also nice to see more about the new abilities Riley has started to gain, although they didn't help her much in this book I'm curious to see what happens next.
I wasn't sure how I felt about the fact that Quinn would be making an appearance, I really liked him at first but then his attitude started to annoy me and I'd completely gone off him. However, I was really pleased to discover that he has also changed since the last time we saw him. With his attitude adjustment and Riley's new outlook I can actually see a future for them again and it was nice to be reminded of what attracted me to him in the first place. I'm now back to being interested in seeing how things play out with them over the rest of the series.
As I've come to expect from Keri Arthur the plot was well thought out and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I was on the edge of my seat at certain points mentally screaming "nooooooo
please don't let this be happening" but I can't really say more about that without giving spoilers so you'll have to read the book to find out if I was happy at the end or not. If you're a fan of the series then I'm sure you'll enjoy this installment. I'm looking forward to picking up Deadly Desire and finding out what happens next.
This book picks up with Riley a couple of months after the ending of Embraced by Darkness and we find her still struggling to deal with a broken heart after her break up with Kellen. She is still working as a Guardian and when a politician is murdered she is called in to investigate. Soon she has a trail of bodies and realises she has a serial killer on her hands but before long it becomes clear that there is not just one killer on the loose. As if that wasn't enough to deal with Quinn is also back on the scene - can she capture the killers and protect her bruised heart at the same time?
This is a series I've enjoyed from the beginning but I have to say that I think it really is getting better with each new installment. Riley has come a long way since Full Moon Rising and although I've always liked her I'm pleased to see the changes in her. She still has her snarky, kick ass attitude but whilst nursing her broken heart she has become less interested in casual sex and she seems to have grown up more. She will always enjoy flirting - and has more than a few men who are interested in that and more - but she wants to find a partner who she can actually care about. It was also nice to see more about the new abilities Riley has started to gain, although they didn't help her much in this book I'm curious to see what happens next.
I wasn't sure how I felt about the fact that Quinn would be making an appearance, I really liked him at first but then his attitude started to annoy me and I'd completely gone off him. However, I was really pleased to discover that he has also changed since the last time we saw him. With his attitude adjustment and Riley's new outlook I can actually see a future for them again and it was nice to be reminded of what attracted me to him in the first place. I'm now back to being interested in seeing how things play out with them over the rest of the series.
As I've come to expect from Keri Arthur the plot was well thought out and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I was on the edge of my seat at certain points mentally screaming "nooooooo
please don't let this be happening" but I can't really say more about that without giving spoilers so you'll have to read the book to find out if I was happy at the end or not. If you're a fan of the series then I'm sure you'll enjoy this installment. I'm looking forward to picking up Deadly Desire and finding out what happens next.
December 28, 2010
Synopsis: Riley Jenson hunts evildoers and does it with a style all her own. With vamp blood coursing her through her veins, and a werewolf’s uncanny instinct for danger, Riley wears snakeskin stilettos and pure, in-your-face attitude when she plunges into her latest case: hunting down a killer whose victims are high society strumpets and the rich and powerful men they’ve dated.
But for Riley, the case takes a chilling turn when a second killer starts trailing mutilated bodies of his own: a crazed young vamp choosing victims from a past marked by tragedy. Riley knows she’s got the skill and cunning to catch two serial killers at once…until one of them strikes inside her own tight-knit clan and a sexy beast of a vampire reenters her life to aid in the hunt. His name is Quinn. He’s lived forever, shed blood, and shared pleasure…and he’s the only man over whom Riley has absolutely no control over.
Review: It helps to have read the previous books in this series (Full Moon Rising, Kissing Sin, Tempting Evil, Dangerous Games and Embraced by Darkness) before jumping into this one. The Darkest Kiss sees the return of Quinn, who couldn't cope with Riley sharing her attentions with other men. Riley seems to be settling down, though, so that when Quinn walks back into her life, there's possibly some kind of a future for them.
Riley's interactions with Jack Parnell's PA, the vampire Salliane, are fun as usual, although with a rather different tone than in the previous books. Her relationship with Quinn kicks into overdrive and is not overdone this time around with alot of unnecessary sex. Riley is partnered with horse shifter Kade and with wolf shifter Cole as they work the crime scenes. Riley and Cole's banter is interesting and it's a wonder that the writer didn't add Cole to one of Riley's many conquests and ex-lovers.
Riley has a new shifting ability that she keeps trying to have work; the ability to turn into a bird and fly. This is all because of the drugs she was given at the beginning of this series.
Riley has also decided to give Quinn a chance and not sleep with every male (wolf) she meets. Still, she's not totally dedicated to not sleeping with other men, and still believes a wolf is her soul mate that she can settle down and have children with. That window is slowly closing on Riley as her vampire side is becoming more dominant like Rhoan, her brother.
I usually don't care for the same sex relationships, but, Rhoan is still an idiot when it comes to his soul mate. Either take it or walk away already.
But for Riley, the case takes a chilling turn when a second killer starts trailing mutilated bodies of his own: a crazed young vamp choosing victims from a past marked by tragedy. Riley knows she’s got the skill and cunning to catch two serial killers at once…until one of them strikes inside her own tight-knit clan and a sexy beast of a vampire reenters her life to aid in the hunt. His name is Quinn. He’s lived forever, shed blood, and shared pleasure…and he’s the only man over whom Riley has absolutely no control over.
Review: It helps to have read the previous books in this series (Full Moon Rising, Kissing Sin, Tempting Evil, Dangerous Games and Embraced by Darkness) before jumping into this one. The Darkest Kiss sees the return of Quinn, who couldn't cope with Riley sharing her attentions with other men. Riley seems to be settling down, though, so that when Quinn walks back into her life, there's possibly some kind of a future for them.
Riley's interactions with Jack Parnell's PA, the vampire Salliane, are fun as usual, although with a rather different tone than in the previous books. Her relationship with Quinn kicks into overdrive and is not overdone this time around with alot of unnecessary sex. Riley is partnered with horse shifter Kade and with wolf shifter Cole as they work the crime scenes. Riley and Cole's banter is interesting and it's a wonder that the writer didn't add Cole to one of Riley's many conquests and ex-lovers.
Riley has a new shifting ability that she keeps trying to have work; the ability to turn into a bird and fly. This is all because of the drugs she was given at the beginning of this series.
Riley has also decided to give Quinn a chance and not sleep with every male (wolf) she meets. Still, she's not totally dedicated to not sleeping with other men, and still believes a wolf is her soul mate that she can settle down and have children with. That window is slowly closing on Riley as her vampire side is becoming more dominant like Rhoan, her brother.
I usually don't care for the same sex relationships, but, Rhoan is still an idiot when it comes to his soul mate. Either take it or walk away already.
January 19, 2011
Worst book of the series so far! Sorry Riley (and Keri) but this book kinda sucked - and that's an adjective that I don't use lightly ;) My first complaint is about the type of killers that appear in Riley's world. It bugs me that there are no rules or limits. Anyone can be absolutely anything and the talents they can possess are limitless. A vamp ghost who can travel in the daylight while invisible and cannot be killed until night fall? Did I get that right? Or a soul-sucking, flesh-eating cat that can shape shift into a human and can choose the size of her form? What about the woman who was the world's most prominent eco-terrorists who was obsessed with botany and used toxins from plants and mind controlling pheromones for her criminal activities? Okay, so that wasn't a part of the story, but the point is that it could have been ;) I didn't like the double plot she had going on. It was a little confusing at times and then I just became disinterested in it entirely. I didn't want to know any more about the dying hookers or the nude dead guys and why they were being killed.
I like Riley better when she has an active social life, not Riley the loner who spends every waking minute performing tasks as a Guardian. I must say that she has come a long way from the first book, but I can't say that I prefer it. She didn't think twice about taking time out to enjoy herself before and that was much more entertaining in my opinion.
I considered putting this book down completely until Quinn showed up. . and that's really saying something because I have always hated Quinn and Riley as a couple, or whatever they were. But Arthur gives them a very dynamic moment together that makes you forget exactly why it is that she was angry with him. I was confused at first as to why she just completely pushed everything he ever did to her under the rug. But I was so glad for the change of pace in the story that I just went with it.
My biggest problem came when one of the killers, who has been on a bloody, murderous rampage from the beginning, decides to kidnap his victims in one big group instead. What?!? That makes NO sense - at all. Arthur could have been more creative than that. If you read the story then you know why she did this. She had to get "you-know-who" into the killer's hands without him actually dying. The chase was exciting but the reasoning behind it was ridiculous.
Even with all of my bitching about this story, I'm going to read the next one, and the next one. . and the next one. I adore Riley, I just hated this book.
I like Riley better when she has an active social life, not Riley the loner who spends every waking minute performing tasks as a Guardian. I must say that she has come a long way from the first book, but I can't say that I prefer it. She didn't think twice about taking time out to enjoy herself before and that was much more entertaining in my opinion.
I considered putting this book down completely until Quinn showed up. . and that's really saying something because I have always hated Quinn and Riley as a couple, or whatever they were. But Arthur gives them a very dynamic moment together that makes you forget exactly why it is that she was angry with him. I was confused at first as to why she just completely pushed everything he ever did to her under the rug. But I was so glad for the change of pace in the story that I just went with it.
My biggest problem came when one of the killers, who has been on a bloody, murderous rampage from the beginning, decides to kidnap his victims in one big group instead. What?!? That makes NO sense - at all. Arthur could have been more creative than that. If you read the story then you know why she did this. She had to get "you-know-who" into the killer's hands without him actually dying. The chase was exciting but the reasoning behind it was ridiculous.
Even with all of my bitching about this story, I'm going to read the next one, and the next one. . and the next one. I adore Riley, I just hated this book.
August 7, 2020
This has definitely been my favourite book of the series so far (might have said that about the last one as well, but this one was brilliant!) Riley is still recovering from her broken heart and has gone off men and sex apart from during the moon heat and is finally starting to realise that sex with someone she cares about is definitely more important and more fulfilling than just sleeping with random wolves whenever she feels horny! She's finally starting to mature here where her relationships are concerned! And Rhoan does as well - he finally realises what he could lose if things went wrong as well.
Riley has to work two major cases in this book, both with unfamiliar creatures, both of whom were not easy to trace, trace and kill either! I really enjoyed both of these cases and loved how they ended up being intertwined with the first murder triggering a load of others by the second, yet unlinked, perpetrator! Riley also got a to use her new found shapeshifting form to help out and I would love to see her use this one a bit more!
Quinn makes a reappearance here - I still haven't yet forgiven him over his treatment of Riley, even though I understand why he did it. He wanted her to be his only and didn't want to share her - maybe if he had told her this instead of using mind control the consequences would have been different. But this time, Riley knows what he did and maybe things will work out differently! I did have hopes for Ben being a new love, but maybe not this time round!
Looking forward to finishing off this series soon!
Riley has to work two major cases in this book, both with unfamiliar creatures, both of whom were not easy to trace, trace and kill either! I really enjoyed both of these cases and loved how they ended up being intertwined with the first murder triggering a load of others by the second, yet unlinked, perpetrator! Riley also got a to use her new found shapeshifting form to help out and I would love to see her use this one a bit more!
Quinn makes a reappearance here - I still haven't yet forgiven him over his treatment of Riley, even though I understand why he did it. He wanted her to be his only and didn't want to share her - maybe if he had told her this instead of using mind control the consequences would have been different. But this time, Riley knows what he did and maybe things will work out differently! I did have hopes for Ben being a new love, but maybe not this time round!
Looking forward to finishing off this series soon!
February 19, 2012
Another good installment in the series - a few more to go, I don't know what i'm going to do when I finish them all!! Keri you need to write some more fast!!!
I originally read this book 16th-18th January 2011. Started re-read 13th February 2012.
***************
Reading this book for the second time, I got more from it than the first time around as I felt I analysed what was happening more with the relationships in the book, rather than with the action (which I seemed to focus on more the first time I read it). I really love the way that Riley has 'grown up'.... she has realised there is more to relationships than sex, and she wants 'more'. She wants to be loved and cared for and wooed, and when Quinn walks back into her life she grabs that opportunity with both hands. He has missed her like crazy, and he too has learnt a lot from the experiences they have been through and doesn't want to lose her again. He appears to be less demanding, more tolerant of Riley's heritage and much more in tune with her needs. In turn, Riley is not as 'free and easy' as she was in the beginning. Quinn and Riley's characters have grown so much since the first few books, and I love that I noticed that this time. There is still, of course, the gory action running alongside the relationship threads, and the combination makes for a fantastic, exciting read.
I originally read this book 16th-18th January 2011. Started re-read 13th February 2012.
***************
Reading this book for the second time, I got more from it than the first time around as I felt I analysed what was happening more with the relationships in the book, rather than with the action (which I seemed to focus on more the first time I read it). I really love the way that Riley has 'grown up'.... she has realised there is more to relationships than sex, and she wants 'more'. She wants to be loved and cared for and wooed, and when Quinn walks back into her life she grabs that opportunity with both hands. He has missed her like crazy, and he too has learnt a lot from the experiences they have been through and doesn't want to lose her again. He appears to be less demanding, more tolerant of Riley's heritage and much more in tune with her needs. In turn, Riley is not as 'free and easy' as she was in the beginning. Quinn and Riley's characters have grown so much since the first few books, and I love that I noticed that this time. There is still, of course, the gory action running alongside the relationship threads, and the combination makes for a fantastic, exciting read.
February 6, 2016
Description:
Danger turns her on.
Desire turns her dangerous...
Riley Jenson hunts evildoers—and does it with a style all her own. With vamp blood coursing her through her veins, and a werewolf’s uncanny instinct for danger, Riley wears snakeskin stilettos and pure, in-your-face attitude when she plunges into her latest case: hunting down a killer whose victims are high-society strumpets—and the rich and powerful men they’ve dated.
But for Riley, the case takes a chilling turn when a second killer starts trailing mutilated bodies of his own: a crazed young vamp choosing victims from a past marked by tragedy. Riley knows she’s got the skill and cunning to catch two serial killers at once…until one of them strikes inside her own tight-knit clan—and a sexy beast of a vampire reenters her life to aid in the hunt. His name is Quinn. He’s lived forever, shed blood, and shared pleasure…and he’s the only man over whom Riley has absolutely no control….
my review:
Riley is back at it trying to solver 2 cases that both deal with serial killers. Riley's heart is broke and who should show back up into her life but Quinn. Danger around ever corner new and old.
Danger turns her on.
Desire turns her dangerous...
Riley Jenson hunts evildoers—and does it with a style all her own. With vamp blood coursing her through her veins, and a werewolf’s uncanny instinct for danger, Riley wears snakeskin stilettos and pure, in-your-face attitude when she plunges into her latest case: hunting down a killer whose victims are high-society strumpets—and the rich and powerful men they’ve dated.
But for Riley, the case takes a chilling turn when a second killer starts trailing mutilated bodies of his own: a crazed young vamp choosing victims from a past marked by tragedy. Riley knows she’s got the skill and cunning to catch two serial killers at once…until one of them strikes inside her own tight-knit clan—and a sexy beast of a vampire reenters her life to aid in the hunt. His name is Quinn. He’s lived forever, shed blood, and shared pleasure…and he’s the only man over whom Riley has absolutely no control….
my review:
Riley is back at it trying to solver 2 cases that both deal with serial killers. Riley's heart is broke and who should show back up into her life but Quinn. Danger around ever corner new and old.
March 11, 2009
I haven't read Embraced by Darkness (book 5), but I needed my Riley fix and it was sitting on my dresser taunting me. I started it around 10:30 PM. That was my mistake. I know Keri Arthur is one of those authors whose books I cannot put down, no matter how determined I am, but the lure was too great.
This book had the fewest sex scenes, but was the most emotional and Riley seemed the most human. The relationship between Quinn and Riley became something very special and the ending was perfect. How's that for no spoilers?
I need to write reviews for all the books in the series, but they would all come out as fan girl's blabber. She is one of the writers who make me a better writer. I read her stuff and see what I need to be doing in my own work. She is excellent to study when it comes to description and pacing.
There are some books I wished I had six stars to give to. This would be one.
This book had the fewest sex scenes, but was the most emotional and Riley seemed the most human. The relationship between Quinn and Riley became something very special and the ending was perfect. How's that for no spoilers?
I need to write reviews for all the books in the series, but they would all come out as fan girl's blabber. She is one of the writers who make me a better writer. I read her stuff and see what I need to be doing in my own work. She is excellent to study when it comes to description and pacing.
There are some books I wished I had six stars to give to. This would be one.
September 22, 2009
What I love best about this series, is Riley's comic spats with Sal and Cole, ever so entertaining to read... and Quinn is back...sigh.
In book 6, Riley have to deal with two serial killers; a crazed bakeneo — a very bad supernatural kitty and an insane invisible vampire. The first chapter was very hilarious, where Riley is learning to fly: "Not that I particularly wanted to be a bird. And particularly not the type of bird I could now become. I mean, a seagull? A rat of the sea? Why that? Why not something more dignified and fearsome—like a hawk or an eagle?..." Her ever evolving abilities and her relationships keeps me in suspense.
Riley relationship with Quinn is strengthen by her observation of Rhoane's relationship with Liander. Taking that next step to commitment is a hard decision to make for a Guardian. Even though Riley turning out to be one of the better Guardians, our little compassionate wolf still needs love and protection.
In book 6, Riley have to deal with two serial killers; a crazed bakeneo — a very bad supernatural kitty and an insane invisible vampire. The first chapter was very hilarious, where Riley is learning to fly: "Not that I particularly wanted to be a bird. And particularly not the type of bird I could now become. I mean, a seagull? A rat of the sea? Why that? Why not something more dignified and fearsome—like a hawk or an eagle?..." Her ever evolving abilities and her relationships keeps me in suspense.
Riley relationship with Quinn is strengthen by her observation of Rhoane's relationship with Liander. Taking that next step to commitment is a hard decision to make for a Guardian. Even though Riley turning out to be one of the better Guardians, our little compassionate wolf still needs love and protection.
July 5, 2013
Another lovely book in the series. I was so glad we got Quinn back in this book. I like that him and Riley are starting afresh and finally dating like a real couple. I was very scared for Rhoan. The killer that went after Liander was really crazy and I'm glad he made it through because Rhoan won't have survived and then Riley won't have either. It's interesting to see how all their lives are intertwining and how their little family is expanding. I liked the cases Riley worked in this book. The cat killer was very creepy. I couldn't believe the number of people she killed in such a short time. I understood Aron's need for revenge but he was taking it out on the wrong people. I found Vinny to be very creepy and I have a suspicion that we haven't seen the last of her. I know Riley is going to meet her soul mate in the next book and I'm very interested in seeing how that will progress and how it will affect her relationship with Quinn.
February 6, 2009
I was given this book by my mother... okay I'll admit I heisted it because I saw the word vampire on it and said it was mine! She didn't seem to mind. ;)
Mind you I've never read a Keri Arthur book nor am I familiar with this series. What a surprise it was to find out that the main character has all this other stuff going on. I think even though I hadn't read the other books prior to this one, I still had a good sense of what was going on and what happened to Riley. Granted when she talked about killing a demon god and other things I was temporarily lost, but I'm sure it will all click later on.
I'm glad to have found this series even if it was by accident. All of the things that Riley gets caught up in inside of this book kept me hooked and her sexual tension is rather amusing. A good read for fans of paranormal.
Mind you I've never read a Keri Arthur book nor am I familiar with this series. What a surprise it was to find out that the main character has all this other stuff going on. I think even though I hadn't read the other books prior to this one, I still had a good sense of what was going on and what happened to Riley. Granted when she talked about killing a demon god and other things I was temporarily lost, but I'm sure it will all click later on.
I'm glad to have found this series even if it was by accident. All of the things that Riley gets caught up in inside of this book kept me hooked and her sexual tension is rather amusing. A good read for fans of paranormal.
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