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Riverford Shifters #1
Transformation (Tempted by the Jaguar, #1)
Kylie Moore has a secret, one she and her adoptive father have carefully guarded for over a decade since the night her parents disappeared. However, when she is randomly attacked one night in her apartment complex's parking lot, that one violent act sets in motion events that reveal not only her long-dormant shifter heritage in the worst possible way, but could also railroad her efforts of finding out what really happened to her parents.
Suddenly finding herself the center of attention among Riverford's shifter clans, Kylie's only hope of navigating such a dangerous minefield of politics and perpetual battles over territory is Hunter, a too-sexy-for-her-peace-of-mind jaguar shifter that might be her key to gaining insider access to the hidden and secretive shifter society.
Now Kylie must decide whether to integrate more deeply into Hunter's jaguar clan in order to take advantage of this rare opportunity or to run while her secret still remains uncovered. To stay would mean deliberately putting herself in more danger than Kylie may be prepared to handle, especially when Hunter, the person she must rely on, may be hiding something as well.
This is Part One of a Four-Part serialized story arc in the Riverford Shifters novella series.
It is not meant to be read as a standalone entry.
Contains strong sexual content and is intended for readers 18+
Suddenly finding herself the center of attention among Riverford's shifter clans, Kylie's only hope of navigating such a dangerous minefield of politics and perpetual battles over territory is Hunter, a too-sexy-for-her-peace-of-mind jaguar shifter that might be her key to gaining insider access to the hidden and secretive shifter society.
Now Kylie must decide whether to integrate more deeply into Hunter's jaguar clan in order to take advantage of this rare opportunity or to run while her secret still remains uncovered. To stay would mean deliberately putting herself in more danger than Kylie may be prepared to handle, especially when Hunter, the person she must rely on, may be hiding something as well.
This is Part One of a Four-Part serialized story arc in the Riverford Shifters novella series.
It is not meant to be read as a standalone entry.
Contains strong sexual content and is intended for readers 18+
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2014
732 people are currently reading
1449 people want to read
About the author
Cristina Rayne
44 books159 followersNew York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author
I live in West-Central Texas with my crazy cat and about a dozen bookcases full of fantasy worlds and steamy romances. I also have a degree in Computer Science which totally qualifies me to write romances. Fantasy is my first love, and if I can inject a little love into the fantastical, along with a few steamy scenes, then all the better.
I live in West-Central Texas with my crazy cat and about a dozen bookcases full of fantasy worlds and steamy romances. I also have a degree in Computer Science which totally qualifies me to write romances. Fantasy is my first love, and if I can inject a little love into the fantastical, along with a few steamy scenes, then all the better.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
June 16, 2015
A 20 year old college student is suddenly a jaguar shifter - not much else happened in this read
This book was short and pretty predictable. It also had major insta-lust thing going on. It just didn’t have enough character or story depth to keep me interested in continuing this series. That being said, I think my biggest complaint is that AS SOON as a relationship started to even remotely progress/develop, the book just ends???? I don't mind a series or serials, but I despise cliffhanger type endings. They do not intrigue me to continue the series, only piss me off. There wasn’t even any sex, just sexual frustration :(
I really gained nothing from reading this book aside from frustration. It is currently offered as a freebie on Amazon, so that caused me to bump this review up from a 1.5 star review to a 2 star rating.
This book was short and pretty predictable. It also had major insta-lust thing going on. It just didn’t have enough character or story depth to keep me interested in continuing this series. That being said, I think my biggest complaint is that AS SOON as a relationship started to even remotely progress/develop, the book just ends???? I don't mind a series or serials, but I despise cliffhanger type endings. They do not intrigue me to continue the series, only piss me off. There wasn’t even any sex, just sexual frustration :(
I really gained nothing from reading this book aside from frustration. It is currently offered as a freebie on Amazon, so that caused me to bump this review up from a 1.5 star review to a 2 star rating.
September 29, 2016
UGH. I dislike serials. I dislike serials that don't indicate they are serials even more.
This one was particularly frustrating. As soon as the story actually progresses beyond world building, it ends. Just ends. This is NOT a complete book, despite it's presentation as one. In order to be a book, you need a beginning, a middle and an end. This has a beginning and the start of a middle.
The world building isn't the best. I think the author made a lot of assumptions about what the reader would understand. And both the hero and heroine are hiding so many secrets, not just from each other but also from the reader, that it was confusing to try to follow.
There was, of course, the almost obligatory shifter-mating sex scenes, which were actually pretty interesting, but rather out of place.
This also needs a read-through from an editor. One of the first conversations the hero and heroine have is about the heroine's college major...and then towards the end of the book, the hero turns to the heroine and says he never asked what she was majoring in. A good editor would have caught a mistake like that. I can only assume there are others - as I said, there is so much the characters are keeping from the reader that it's a rather convoluted story that is hard to follow.
I wanted to like this one, and there are definitely aspects that I found fascinating - such as the BIG REVEAL at the end - but I won't be continuing this series. I felt almost no connection to the characters because we know almost nothing about them, other than the superficial. I do recommend this one to those who like really hot shifter mating.
This one was particularly frustrating. As soon as the story actually progresses beyond world building, it ends. Just ends. This is NOT a complete book, despite it's presentation as one. In order to be a book, you need a beginning, a middle and an end. This has a beginning and the start of a middle.
The world building isn't the best. I think the author made a lot of assumptions about what the reader would understand. And both the hero and heroine are hiding so many secrets, not just from each other but also from the reader, that it was confusing to try to follow.
There was, of course, the almost obligatory shifter-mating sex scenes, which were actually pretty interesting, but rather out of place.
This also needs a read-through from an editor. One of the first conversations the hero and heroine have is about the heroine's college major...and then towards the end of the book, the hero turns to the heroine and says he never asked what she was majoring in. A good editor would have caught a mistake like that. I can only assume there are others - as I said, there is so much the characters are keeping from the reader that it's a rather convoluted story that is hard to follow.
I wanted to like this one, and there are definitely aspects that I found fascinating - such as the BIG REVEAL at the end - but I won't be continuing this series. I felt almost no connection to the characters because we know almost nothing about them, other than the superficial. I do recommend this one to those who like really hot shifter mating.
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October 4, 2015
Title: Tempted By The Jaguar
Riverford Shifters Book One
Author: Cristina Rayne
Reviewed: Stephanie Jordan
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
This was an interesting book, at first I think I was as confused as the victim. She was unconscious so when she came too, she was blabbling like the book was. Than things started to open up, I realized she was the victim but not for long, he was.
Kylie Moor is a college student who left her class to go home. Only to being attacked from behind and clobbered in the head, than tied up, thrown in the trunk of another car.
Being in the trunk after awhile they stopped and he took her out the trunk she screamed and screamed and thrown to the ground. He cut her clothes off and then something happened.
Hunter Rivera is a Jaguar hunting in his territory when he hears a women screaming
but when he gets there he see another Jaguar mauling a human. After he tackles the other jaguar he tries talking to her. But Kylie is so confused and scared she runs.
This is definitely a must read book it is a fantastic read. Why it even has a cliffhanger
I was gifted this ARC for an honest and truthful review.
My Personal Stars Scores
Hero Rating 5 Stars
Heroine Rating 5 Stars
Sexual Tension Rating 4 Stars
Sex Scenes Rating 4 Stars
Plot Development Rating 5 Stars
Dialogue Stars 5 Stars
Overall Rating 5 Stars
Storytelling Rating 5 Stars
StoryEnding Rating 1 Stars NOT A CLIFFHANGER FAN
Would I Reread This Book?? PROBABLY
Would I Read Future Books By This Author?
Paranormal Yes I would.
Riverford Shifters Book One
Author: Cristina Rayne
Reviewed: Stephanie Jordan
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
This was an interesting book, at first I think I was as confused as the victim. She was unconscious so when she came too, she was blabbling like the book was. Than things started to open up, I realized she was the victim but not for long, he was.
Kylie Moor is a college student who left her class to go home. Only to being attacked from behind and clobbered in the head, than tied up, thrown in the trunk of another car.
Being in the trunk after awhile they stopped and he took her out the trunk she screamed and screamed and thrown to the ground. He cut her clothes off and then something happened.
Hunter Rivera is a Jaguar hunting in his territory when he hears a women screaming
but when he gets there he see another Jaguar mauling a human. After he tackles the other jaguar he tries talking to her. But Kylie is so confused and scared she runs.
This is definitely a must read book it is a fantastic read. Why it even has a cliffhanger
I was gifted this ARC for an honest and truthful review.
My Personal Stars Scores
Hero Rating 5 Stars
Heroine Rating 5 Stars
Sexual Tension Rating 4 Stars
Sex Scenes Rating 4 Stars
Plot Development Rating 5 Stars
Dialogue Stars 5 Stars
Overall Rating 5 Stars
Storytelling Rating 5 Stars
StoryEnding Rating 1 Stars NOT A CLIFFHANGER FAN
Would I Reread This Book?? PROBABLY
Would I Read Future Books By This Author?
Paranormal Yes I would.
May 14, 2017
This one didn't really do a lot for me. It was fairly predictable with a lot of instant lust/love and sometimes just a little silly. The heroine just came off as a bit immature and there wasn't a lot of depth into the hero. I also felt like I had missed a previous book even though this is a book #1. The book referenced actions that had already taken place that weren't in this book.
July 7, 2019
Started off so good
I enjoyed the story and the characters up to the end of the book. Unfortunately, the book is a cliff hanger. I love series, and don't mind when the books build on the previous books. But to get to the end of a book and simply stop in the middle of a scene is extremely frustrating. I feel manipulated by the author and will not continue this series.
I enjoyed the story and the characters up to the end of the book. Unfortunately, the book is a cliff hanger. I love series, and don't mind when the books build on the previous books. But to get to the end of a book and simply stop in the middle of a scene is extremely frustrating. I feel manipulated by the author and will not continue this series.
January 30, 2015
Serial novel
I am less than thrilled that this novel is a serial. I guess that's the trend now, especially for writers of this type of series. The next section 130 pages costs $2.99 which seems high to me for that many pages, I not sure this book has that high a value.
I am less than thrilled that this novel is a serial. I guess that's the trend now, especially for writers of this type of series. The next section 130 pages costs $2.99 which seems high to me for that many pages, I not sure this book has that high a value.
February 17, 2019
Was a good read until it just stopped....cliffhanger!
July 11, 2019
Very exciting, much better writing and plot than the typical romance novel.
September 18, 2019
Suddenly kidnapped by a serial killer a girl does what a girl has to do and turns into a jaguar. Doesn’t everyone?
Kylie Moore has been keeping her secret from everyone except for her step-father. They have been trying to find out the answers as to what and who she is. Getting killed by a serial killer was not in their plans. Getting caught mid-escape by another shifter was not in their plans either. Hunter is thrilled to find a Returned One as is his clan. All Kylie wants is answers and then to escape into obscurity. Hunter and his clan have other ideas. The biggest complication Kylie has is that she has gone into heat and everyone is answering the call.
Let me begin with this is the first novella in a four part series and according to Cristina Rayne’s Goodreads page, these are not standalone reads. It is a very good thing for Rayne that the first novella Transformation (2014) “Riverford Shifters” story arc in the “Tempted by the Jaguar” series is one to sink your teeth into. I did not guess the ending at all which is fabulous. Kylie’s character is sympathetic and mysterious at the same time. Her chemistry with Hunter is fantastic and as they both agree untimely. The sub characters are intriguing and I hope we see more of them in the upcoming novellas. I do not want to say too much as this is a novella. I am hooked and I cannot wait to read the rest.
Kylie Moore has been keeping her secret from everyone except for her step-father. They have been trying to find out the answers as to what and who she is. Getting killed by a serial killer was not in their plans. Getting caught mid-escape by another shifter was not in their plans either. Hunter is thrilled to find a Returned One as is his clan. All Kylie wants is answers and then to escape into obscurity. Hunter and his clan have other ideas. The biggest complication Kylie has is that she has gone into heat and everyone is answering the call.
Let me begin with this is the first novella in a four part series and according to Cristina Rayne’s Goodreads page, these are not standalone reads. It is a very good thing for Rayne that the first novella Transformation (2014) “Riverford Shifters” story arc in the “Tempted by the Jaguar” series is one to sink your teeth into. I did not guess the ending at all which is fabulous. Kylie’s character is sympathetic and mysterious at the same time. Her chemistry with Hunter is fantastic and as they both agree untimely. The sub characters are intriguing and I hope we see more of them in the upcoming novellas. I do not want to say too much as this is a novella. I am hooked and I cannot wait to read the rest.
September 19, 2018
I went into to this not know what to expect since this is my first back by this author and it was a freebie when I got it on Amazon.com. I am so glad that I read it though.
Kylie is a shifter, but she is a shifter with secrets. On the night when she first shifts (I am assuming this was the first time since it is still a lot of secrecy around her and her family) she was kidnapped and about be attacked in a much harsher way. That allowed her inner cat to make an appearance to keep her out of harms way.
This all happens in Hunter's territory. Now Hunter is tasked with convincing her to meet with the Elders and helping her learn the laws of the shifters.
This book is pretty action packed from the start. One thing after the other happens and you don't know what to expect next.
While all this is happening there is still the mystery of what Kylie is actually hiding, what happened to her parents, what happened to Hunter's brother, why did Paul toothbrush help her in her "dire" situation, what are the mating rituals like for these shifters (can they just mate with whomever or do they have one true mate)?
Some of them where just questions I had and had nothing to do with the real mysteries in this story.
Kylie is a shifter, but she is a shifter with secrets. On the night when she first shifts (I am assuming this was the first time since it is still a lot of secrecy around her and her family) she was kidnapped and about be attacked in a much harsher way. That allowed her inner cat to make an appearance to keep her out of harms way.
This all happens in Hunter's territory. Now Hunter is tasked with convincing her to meet with the Elders and helping her learn the laws of the shifters.
This book is pretty action packed from the start. One thing after the other happens and you don't know what to expect next.
While all this is happening there is still the mystery of what Kylie is actually hiding, what happened to her parents, what happened to Hunter's brother, why did Paul toothbrush help her in her "dire" situation, what are the mating rituals like for these shifters (can they just mate with whomever or do they have one true mate)?
Some of them where just questions I had and had nothing to do with the real mysteries in this story.
September 7, 2017
A Different Paranormal Take
I enjoyed this paranormal story because it presented most of the usual life of what their lives would be like. This author presented some aspects of their behavior and conditions that were more prominent for these groups than the usual stories emphasized by other authors. Mating frenzy for instance, presented here as a very widespread epidemic response, even cross-species. That was a new and fresh presentation for me, and I've been reading paranormal tales forever. Definitely going to read the next in the series. I like imagining the differences between paranormals and humans.
I enjoyed this paranormal story because it presented most of the usual life of what their lives would be like. This author presented some aspects of their behavior and conditions that were more prominent for these groups than the usual stories emphasized by other authors. Mating frenzy for instance, presented here as a very widespread epidemic response, even cross-species. That was a new and fresh presentation for me, and I've been reading paranormal tales forever. Definitely going to read the next in the series. I like imagining the differences between paranormals and humans.
July 29, 2018
She gets kidnapped and shifts into a jaguar under the stress, almost gutting her kidnapper.
Found by a jaguar shifter before she killed her kidnapper, she is now in the position of a new member of the local jaguar clan, will she, won't she. More problems ensue over the next days, ending with her shifting again to protect a wounded wolf shifter and her new boyfriend, the jaguar that found her. Unfortunately, she did not shift into a jaguar this time, and this is where the story ends. A cliffhanger, so it lost a star for that.
Found by a jaguar shifter before she killed her kidnapper, she is now in the position of a new member of the local jaguar clan, will she, won't she. More problems ensue over the next days, ending with her shifting again to protect a wounded wolf shifter and her new boyfriend, the jaguar that found her. Unfortunately, she did not shift into a jaguar this time, and this is where the story ends. A cliffhanger, so it lost a star for that.
July 9, 2019
I like how the book just starts out with action then catches you up with history of characters, setting, details etc., but was sad at the end where it leaves you in the middle of the action and just ends. Talk about a cliffhanger It's a typical romance story line where boy meets girl, they both fight their attractions with, then eventually get together, but a little different than other shifter stories. Some of the frustrations between the main characters is obvious/cliche but overall the story was amusing to read and seems to be well written.
July 2, 2019
Interesting story of a young woman who turnout to be a shifter.
Kylie must guard her secret while in the company of a jaguar. Lions have infiltrated the city and the other shifter clans do not like it. Hunter finds Kylie after her first shift as a jaguar, but it appears at the end of the story that she is able to shift to not more than one shifter. Her parents were. Able to do the same b fore they were killed.
Kylie must guard her secret while in the company of a jaguar. Lions have infiltrated the city and the other shifter clans do not like it. Hunter finds Kylie after her first shift as a jaguar, but it appears at the end of the story that she is able to shift to not more than one shifter. Her parents were. Able to do the same b fore they were killed.
October 17, 2018
I fell in love with this book. I liked so much I bought all books available. It was one of my "free" books that end up costing me more. It did end as a cliffhanger. It's so different from what I've read in the shifter world and I read a lot of shifter romance. It just hooked me and I can't put the nest book in series down. For me an awesome series.
September 10, 2017
Shifters steamy romance and dram
This was a very good book. It has shifters, drama, suspense and steamy romance scenes. Each character has their own secrets that come to light. It does end in a cliffhanger. Very good plot and characters
This was a very good book. It has shifters, drama, suspense and steamy romance scenes. Each character has their own secrets that come to light. It does end in a cliffhanger. Very good plot and characters
November 13, 2018
Awesome!
This was a really great shifter romance read. The author knows how to keep your interest and you on the edge of your seat just waiting to see what happens next. Will definitely check out the next book.
This was a really great shifter romance read. The author knows how to keep your interest and you on the edge of your seat just waiting to see what happens next. Will definitely check out the next book.
February 1, 2019
This series is an interesting paranormal series.
I was thrown off track a couple of times during the beginning of this book. It did draw me in and get me hooked.
Warning this is a 5 book series not to be read individually.
I was thrown off track a couple of times during the beginning of this book. It did draw me in and get me hooked.
Warning this is a 5 book series not to be read individually.
May 2, 2019
Kylie and Hunter
Excellent story! Kylie’s kidnapping forces her hand—or paws—and she shifts in public. Hunter is assigned to her. Hiding her true nature has never been harder. This story will keep you on your toes and the cliffhanger is a nail-biter!
Excellent story! Kylie’s kidnapping forces her hand—or paws—and she shifts in public. Hunter is assigned to her. Hiding her true nature has never been harder. This story will keep you on your toes and the cliffhanger is a nail-biter!
July 4, 2019
Cliffhanger
So this book is a cliffhanger. If you read the first one you have to purchase the second one to continue the story. I am not fond of cliffhanger books at all. So honestly I can't recommend this book to anybody.
So this book is a cliffhanger. If you read the first one you have to purchase the second one to continue the story. I am not fond of cliffhanger books at all. So honestly I can't recommend this book to anybody.
July 30, 2019
Cliffhanger UGH
This was interesting, entertaining and the characters were likeable but its not a complete storyline so it's kind of disappointing. It's worth looking for the next book but hopefully it's not going to take a bunch of books to get to a HEA.
This was interesting, entertaining and the characters were likeable but its not a complete storyline so it's kind of disappointing. It's worth looking for the next book but hopefully it's not going to take a bunch of books to get to a HEA.
September 22, 2019
Book 1
This is an intriguing book, she's on the run, then she gets kidnapped and everything changes. She meets the elders and a hot jaguar who introduced his friends. Will her secret be discovered and will she find out the information she truly seeks.
This is an intriguing book, she's on the run, then she gets kidnapped and everything changes. She meets the elders and a hot jaguar who introduced his friends. Will her secret be discovered and will she find out the information she truly seeks.
November 20, 2019
I truly enjoyed this book. Some complain that it just stops without warning. Frustrating? Yes. Tactical? Yes. It is always a good book if it leaves you wanting more. I received this book for free and have given a free and honest review.
November 21, 2019
Interesting book. I enjoyed most of it. I dislike cliffhangers. I made the mistake of reading a review on amazon of the next book. the person kinda ruined it for me. If there are spoilers I like a heads up. I might still read the book at a later date.
October 13, 2020
I enjoy books with shifters, I would love being able to shift back & forth between human & something that could fly. My second choice would be a jaguar. This was to me a quick little read, that I enjoyed. If you enjoy getting away from reality, I recommend this book.
January 18, 2021
Loved this book! The lore was new and made every reveal interesting, and the main character silently bemoaned having a secret throughout without actually revealing it to the reader, making the ending that much more fun. Already bought the next book in the series, can't wait to read it.
January 30, 2025
Mysterious
If the male lead hadn't interfered in the beginning a lot of the story wouldn't have been relevant. This frustrated me in the beginning but it seems more mystery than romance which sets a nice pace. Definitely makes me want to read the next book in the series.
If the male lead hadn't interfered in the beginning a lot of the story wouldn't have been relevant. This frustrated me in the beginning but it seems more mystery than romance which sets a nice pace. Definitely makes me want to read the next book in the series.
March 10, 2025
Good premise, disappointing execution
The world this author created is fairly intriguing. The secrets that Kylie and Hunter are keeping have explosive potential. However, poorly managed cliffhangers that only exist to bait the reader into continuing a series annoy me.
The world this author created is fairly intriguing. The secrets that Kylie and Hunter are keeping have explosive potential. However, poorly managed cliffhangers that only exist to bait the reader into continuing a series annoy me.
January 21, 2017
Good book
I really liked this book. I can't wait to read the next one. It keeps you on your toes. Just triing to figure it out.
I really liked this book. I can't wait to read the next one. It keeps you on your toes. Just triing to figure it out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews