Tag Archives: Christine Feehan

Leopard’s Blood (Leopard People #10) by Christine Feehan-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Leopard’s Blood (Leopard People #10) by Christine Feehan-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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LEOPARD’S BLOOD
Leopard #10
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: October 24, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, romance

Leopard's Blood

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 24, 2017

Though born into a leopard’s lair in the bayou, Joshua Tregre’s fighting skills were honed in the rainforests of Borneo. Sleek and deadly, he’s the perfect man to take over a crime syndicate back home in Louisiana’s lush swamplands. His razor sharp instincts give him an edge in the violent underworld he knows so well, but even the watchful leopard inside him isn’t prepared for the danger that comes from the girl next door…

She is a woman who can create beauty out of thin air—and out of the ruins of her own life. The games that dangerous men play have taken their toll on her, but she is bent, not broken. And it’s her fierce spirit that’s like a lure to Joshua, a temptation he can’t resist—even if it means bringing his true nature into the light…

•••••••••••

REVIEW: LEOPARD’S BLOOD is the tenth installment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult LEOPARD erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on the supernatural world of the Leopard shifter. This is businessman Joshua Tregre and artist/carpenter Sonia Lopez’s story line. LEOPARD’S BLOOD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary although LEOPARD’S BLOOD continues to follow the author’s latest series arc focusing on the Russian and Italian mafia.

Told from dual third person points of view (Joshua and Sonia) LEOPARD’S BLOOD follows the building relationship between leopard shifters Joshue Tregre, and Sonia Lopez. Following the murder of her father and the death of her mother Sonia found herself indebted to the Russian mob. Escaping to the swamplands of Louisiana, our heroine works as a home rebuilder until the fated day her internal beast goes maddeningly into heat. Enter Joshua Tregre, Sonia’s neighbor and her would be mate who claims our heroine as his own. What ensues is the insta-lust/love between two people more animal than human, and the potential fall-out when Sonia’s past comes seeking revenge.

Like all Leopard males Joshua Tregre is an over –possessive, over-protective alpha who claims his mate before anyone else. His need to protect is controlling but our heroine needs to be protected from a past seeking revenge. Sonia is willing to place herself in danger to protect the people she loves but she is not as capable of defending herself against men and leopards twice her size. The back and forth, yin and yang of their relationship is somewhat volatile but unlike many of the author’s previous story line heroes Joshua Tregre is a little tamer, and not willing to break the will of his leopard mate. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense; Joshua needs to mark his mate to warn others of their mating. There are some scenes of light spanking (discipline) and toy play.

We are reintroduced to Alonzo Massi (Leopard’s Fury #9) and his brothers and cousins -Gorya, Timur and Mitya; Joshua’s right hand man Evan; Sonia’s friend Molly Sheffield, and police detective Bastien Foret; and Russian mobsters Nikita and Sasha Bogomolov. There are many mentions of, but no appearances by previous story line leopards including Jake Bannaconni, Eli Perez, Elijah Lospostos, and Drake Donovan.

The world building continues to look at the world of the leopard shifter with mentions of Borneo, and the abusive earlier lives of many of the leopard males; there are some threats of rape, murder ands sexual assault but the author does not go into livid detail as in previous series and stories. LEOPARD’ S BLOOD, although bloody and violent does not go into graphic detail.

LEOPARD’S BLOOD is a story of fated mates; of a shifter breed capable of violence and murderous rage but a shifter that is also capable of romance and love. The premise is exciting and action packed; the characters are colorful and lively; the romance is provocative and seductive.

 

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

Posted by arrangement with Berkley, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © Christine Feehan, 2017.

 

Nights in the swamp were often sultry. Heat and moisture drifted through the cypress groves and clung to the long shawls of lacy Spanish moss hanging from crooked branches. The long-fringed drapes swayed in the slight breeze adding a macabre feel to the already eerie night. Frogs chorused loudly, hundreds of them, calling out joyously while raccoons slipped noiselessly down to the duckweed-filled water to wash their paws. Two bull alligators challenged for territory, their bellows reverberating through the air.
Sonia Lopez followed the narrow game trail, the one she’d widened over the last few weeks that led deeper into the swamp. Insects droned all around her, a loud cacophony of sound. None stopped when she stepped lightly along the ground, a tribute to the fact that she’d spent every night for the last two months learning every inch of the piece of swamp that belonged to her. She owned forty acres and wanted to become acquainted with all of it. For this. She’d known it was coming, and she was very, very glad she’d prepared.
“We’re almost there,” she whispered softly. “Hold on. I know it’s hard.”
Something moved beneath her skin, a wave that pushed outward and then slid away, leaving behind a horrible itch that made her want to scratch until she bled. Her joints ached. She burned in her most feminine core, a savage, brutal need driving her deeper and deeper into the swamp. She was on fire. Every part of her, her body so sensitive, clothing hurt. Every movement brushed streaks of fire from her breasts to her sex. She ached. She needed. The only safe place she had was the swamp.
The grunt of a wild boar had her quickening her step. She had to get to the very heart of the swamp where she’d constructed a small blind, just big enough so she could have a thin mattress, strip, leave her clothing in relative safety and shift. Hurry. Hurry. Hurry. The words thundered in her ears accompanied by the drumming of her heart.
Sonia had allowed her leopard to run free when there was opportunity, ever since that first, shocking, terrifying appearance when the cat had saved her life. It had never been like this. This . . . this . . . necessity. She breathed deep as her joints began to pop. Her knuckles were on fire, the ache becoming a terrible pain that wouldn’t let up. “Wait. Just try for me, Gatita. Just try to hang on. We’re close.”
She didn’t dare let her cat loose anywhere near civilization. Not now. Not ever, but now was the most important. Gatita was definitely in heat. That meant Sonia was in heat and couldn’t be any place a man might be. She didn’t trust herself. She had had no idea the heat would be so intense, such a terrible force driving her beyond all endurance.
Her leopard was in need, and if the way her body was burning was any indication, her cat was going up in flames. She tried running, but stumbled when her toes began to curl down. The blind was just ahead and she threw herself forward those last few feet, tugging her shirt over her head and pulling off her shoes. Her jeans were next. She was usually good about folding clothes and being neat, but there was no time. Her female was in trouble, and Sonia was driven to help her.
Nothing had prepared her for the brutal hunger, the need filling her mind and body until she wanted to scream. Nothing helped. She’d tried. Toys. Fingers. She’d given up, sobbing, standing under the cold of the shower until she realized that wouldn’t help. Nothing would help. And it was far worse for Gatita.


 

 

Giveaway

Christine’s Feehan’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of LEOPARD’S BLOOD to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE Christine Feehan on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from October 24-30, 2017

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Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

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Dark Legacy
Carpathian (Dark) series – Book #31
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: September 5, 2017

Dark LegacyAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
In a beautiful compound hidden away from the world, Emeline Sanchez tries to blunt the pain that has wracked her body ever since her terrifying ordeal in the labyrinth beneath the city—when she was forced to exchange blood with an evil master vampire.

Now, it’s his voice that haunts her…that calls to her in the dark…that never lets her rest. And while the children that she helped to free from his clutches struggle to heal, watched over by their Carpathian protectors, Emeline knows one thing: She must sacrifice herself to keep them all from harm…

 

Barb’s Review:
Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan is the 31st book in her Dark (Carpathian) series.  In my last review, I had noted how happy I was that Christine was ‘back’ to giving us what we fell in love with in the Dark series.  Dark Carousel was the best book in my opinion since Dark Slayer, though I did enjoy Skylar & Dimitri’s story.  In Dark Legacy, so much happens to keep us glued to our seats, and unable to put the book down.  The exciting storyline plots; the return of the evil Malinovs;  a strong wonderful  heroine and a hero who not only worshipped his lifemate, but treated her  like a queen from the start; not like the abusive male heroes we had to endure in many of the later Dark books. I loved Dark Legacy. 

Emeline Sanchez was one of the people rescued in Dark Carousel and staying at the home of Tariq Assenguard. Emeline has a secret that she hides from her friends and those staying at Tariq’s mansion. When she was in captivity by the Malinovs, Emeline suffered many horrific disturbing things by Vadim Malinov, and he now has the ability to talk to her telepathically, threatening her to return to him.  Emeline has her own psychic powers, which enable her to be able counteract his demands, but he is still able to hurt her with enormous pain. 

Dragomir, our hero, is one of the Monastery Carpathians that is helping to protect Tariq’s family (including Emeline, and the children rescued in the previous book), and home.  He avoids talking to anyone, concentrating only protecting everyone.  When Vadim sends in his creatures to attack everyone, Dragomir goes into action, and runs to save Emeline from the evil master vampire.  At that moment, everything changes for Dragomir, as his world opens up with color and he knows that Emeline is truly his lifemate.

What follows is a wonderful story, where Darogmir , his ancients from the Monastery & Tariq’s people must find a way to protect Emeline, the children, and the entire Asenguard home from the massive attacks by the Malinovs .   I also loved seeing how strong Gary has become, as well as meeting so many new ancients.  It was nice to spend time with Tariq, Charlotte, Genevieve and the children we got to know in Dark Carousel.  It was amazing to watch Gary, Dragomir, the ancients together, not once but a few times to remove Vadim’s splinters in Emeline, and some of the children.  Dark Legacy was nonstop action all the way through and written so well by Feehan.

Though Christine’s stories continue to have a lot of sexual content (erotic), the storyline and the couple remained in the forefront.  Dark Legacy was a fantastic exciting pulse pounding story, with a wonderful couple we rooted for from the beginning. With the Malinov’s still around, I can’t wait to see where Christine will be taking us in the next book.

 

Sandy’s Review

There may be some overlapping information between mine and Barb’s reviews, as well as the possibility that we do not necessarily agree on the overall impact and enjoyment of this particular story line.

DARK LEGACY is the thirty –first installment in Christine Feehan’s DARK CARPATHIANS paranormal, romance series. This is ancient Carpathian warrior Dragomir Kozel, and Emeline Sanchez’s story line. DARK LEGACY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although there is an ongoing series arc that continues in Dark Legacy. Several of the characters from previous story lines play secondary and supporting roles including a number of Carpathian warriors, from a Carpathian monastery, who have yet to find their lifemates.

NOTE: DARK LEGACY contains scenarios and references to rape, sexual assault of women and children.

SOME BACKGROUND: All Carpathian males must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul. As the unmated Carpathian male ages, the darkness begins to envelope his soul.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Dragomir and Emeline) DARK LEGACY continues to focus on the search for a master vampire. Dragomir Kozel, a Carpathian warrior, has yet to find his lifemate, and like many of the ancients, he struggles with his lack of emotions, colors, and the pull of the dark side. Now that Tariq Asenguard (Dark Carousel) has found his lifemate, he has opened his home and his California compound to a number of homeless children and women, whose own psychic abilities have attracted the evil vampires-former Carpathian warriors-who have lost the battle with evil, or have given up finding the mate of their heart. Enter Emeline Sanchez, a young psychic woman whose recent capture and torture by Vadim Malinov has left our heroine struggling with the lure of dark side, and her belief that she is no longer pure for the Carpathian world. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Dragomir and Emeline, and the numerous battles between the Carpathian warriors, and two master vampires with hopes of destroying the Carpathian race.

Emeline Sanchez was brutally tortured and raped by Vadim Malinov. Now with Xavier’s parasites, and an even more prominent reminder of her recent ordeal, Emeline knows that she is a liability to the Carpathian males, and anyone who considers our heroine his mate. As a psychic female, Emeline is a potential mate for one of the Carpathian males but her dreamwalking, precognizant abilities push our heroine towards a warrior who figures prominently in her dreams.   Dragomir Kozel knows the reluctant Emeline Sanchez is his lifemate-with his emotions and colors restored, Dragomir is determined to rid his lifemate of the painful parasites, and complete Emeline’s conversion before Vadim Malinov returns to finish the job. But there is something more about Emeline than anyone could have imagined; she hides several psychic abilities and a lingering reminder of Vadim’s cruel and methodical ways.

The relationship between Emeline and Dragomir is one of immediate attraction but Emeline is hesitant to trust another Carpathian male. Her experience with the vampire has left our heroine broken yet determined to protect the other children that Vadim took control. The limited $ex scenes are intimate and intense without the over the top, sexually graphic language and text but as per CF’s style of writing, they are very long and detailed.

There is a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the newly turned and very powerful Gary Daratrazanoff, Tariq and Charlotte, Maksim and Blaze, triplets Tomas, Lojos, and Matais, ancients Petru, Andor, Isai, Ferro, Sandu and Benedek, as well as the orphaned children found in Vadim’s underground lair-Danny, Amelia, Lourdes, Bella and Liv, as well as their nanny Genevieve Marten. The requisite evil has many faces including the return of both Vadim and Sergey Malinov.

DARK LEGACY is a graphically violent story line with fight scenes reminiscent of Dark Demon and Dark Slayer, and the familiarity of Xavier’s experiments, imprisonment and torture; there is plenty of action that, at times, got bogged down with too many characters. The Carpathian race remains at war with the Malinov brothers but a war that has intensified with the possibility of another Malinov heir. With the ‘reemergence’ of Xavier a few stories back, his ‘triplet’ lineage continues with the appearance of another mage who may or may not be a lifemate to one of the ancient warriors. The premise is entertaining but familiar; the characters and romance are similar to many of the previous story line couples. Christine Feehan’s DARK LEGACY continues the author’s escape into the supernatural world of the Carpathian male and the woman that will save his soul.

Copy supplied by the publisher for review

excerpt

This had been her worst nightmare, the dream occurring over and over for the last month. Emeline knew she shouldn’t run to her house. If she did, the Carpathian known as Dragomir would die. He always died saving her. She’d tried to avoid this destiny. She’d made certain not to meet him, never to speak to him, yet here she was, forced to make a split-second decision. If she didn’t make it to her house, Vadim would have her again and there would be no stopping him.

“Don’t follow,” she pleaded, rushing up her steps. She knew Dragomir would. He was one step behind Vadim. She knew coming after Dragomir was Vadim’s army of horrible creatures. Vadim had already weakened her, taking her blood. Her neck burned, a fierce, intolerable pain that spread through her like wildfire.

Vadim waved his hand and her door stuck as she tried to jerk it open. She turned to face him, despair moving through her. Despair. Sorrow. Fear—although she was almost beyond fear. Back to the door, she slid down until her bottom hit the porch, knees up. She already knew exactly how the scenario would play out. Dragomir was on the stairs, and Vadim swung around to face him.

Emeline forced herself to look at the ancient warrior. He was the opposite of everything Vadim was. Roped muscles, scars, waist-length salt-and-pepper hair. He looked rugged. Tough. Scary. He had tattoos drifting up his neck so he looked a little like a modern-day outlaw biker. Vadim, despite his head being blown off repeatedly, always managed to restore his flawless, model looks. At first glance, one would be terrified of Dragomir, not Vadim, and that would be a very big mistake.

Her breath caught in her throat as Dragomir continued right up the stairs toward Vadim. She wanted to close her eyes, but she couldn’t. She’d witnessed his death over and over in her nightmare. She always woke up when he went down and she never saw the outcome, only that he sacrificed his life for hers. She felt the least she could do was watch. More—this time, she planned to aid him.

Her hand dropped to the pocket of the long dress she wore. Once before, after continually trying new things in her dreams, she’d changed the outcome of the future. She was determined to do the same this time, or die trying. Time slowed down. Just as she knew it would, the air exploded with more vampires, and as they appeared, the Carpathian hunters joined in the fight.


 
Posted by arrangement with Berkley, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © Christine Feehan, 2017.

giveaway

Christine Feehan’s publisher is graciously offering a Hardcover copy of DARK LEGACY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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9.. Giveaway runs from September 5 – 9, 2017

 

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Shadow Reaper (Shadow Riders #2) by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Shadow Reaper (Shadow Riders #2) by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

 
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Shadow Reaper
Shadow Riders series – Book #2
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: May 30, 2017

Shadow ReaperAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
Billionaire playboy Ricco Ferraro knows no other life. Being a shadow rider is in his blood – but so is a haunting desperation stemming from the secrets of his dark past. His recklessness puts not only his life at risk, but also the future of his entire family. To save them all, he must find a woman who can meet his every desire with a heat all her own…

Just when Ricco has given up hope, he meets her – a mysterious woman whose shadow connects with his. She’s someone looking for a safe haven from the danger that has stalked her over the last several months. In Ricco’s embrace, she finds one. But the darkness in which they so often find sanctuary can also consume them…

 

Barb’s Review:

Shadow Reaper by Christine Feehan is the 2nd book in her fantastic Shadow Riders series.   Having read just about everything by Christine Feehan, I am amazed that this series is quickly becoming my favorite. I love the first book, Shadow Rider, and I must say that Shadow Reaper was equally great.  I am loving every moment of this series.  Now to my review. 🙂

A quick refresher on Shadow Riders:.  Shadow riders have the ability to blend themselves to the shadows wherever they are, making themselves invisible to anyone.  The Ferraro family run a legitmate business, live and protect the town where they live, and use their ability to help others in need to solve various problems and dispense justice

In Shadow Reaper, Ricco Ferraro is our hero, and at the start, his family (they are all elite shadow riders), are watching over him in the hospital.  Ricco, who had a violent crash, which almost cost him his life, was determined to go home to recuperate.  But his family, especially Stefano, the leader of the family, know Ricco has been reckless, and they suspect he is hiding a terrible secret.   It will take Ricco, to see how happy Stefano is with Francesca, and know that he needs to find a woman who is capable of mating with a shadow rider, which will bring him out of the darkness that consumes him.

We meet Mariko, when she applies to be a rope model (shibari) for Ricco, who when interviewing her sees she is also a shadow rider.  Ricco knows that the innocent persona presented by Mariko is hiding that she is there to kill him.   Mariko has had a difficult life, and we learn early that she has been ordered to kill Ricco.  But someone else is also plotting against Ricco and the entire Ferraro family, which becomes a major mystery throughout the story.   Mariko will find herself attracted to Ricco, and knows he is a good man, which enables her to tell him the truth.  The family will stand by Ricco and Mariko as the danger escalates for all of them.  Slowly Mariko begins to feel like part of the family, and wants to help them fight off the enemy.  

The romance between Ricco and Mariko was scorching hot, with even the rope modeling being very steamy & intense.  Besides the sensual romance, the overall story line was very exciting.  I loved seeing all the Ferraro’s work and bond together to fight their enemy, with many of them becoming injured. They are a powerful team, but they are all so much fun to spend time with.  What I also love about this close-knit family is their loyalty, protection and care giving to their surrounding townsfolk.   It will be  Stefano &  Ricco who will bring in other Shadow riders to help find the one behind the attacks, and it is a surprise ending as to who is behind this. 

Shadow Reaper was such a fantastic story; nonstop action, suspenseful, steamy romance, great couple, awesome family and very exciting.  As I have said before, this series has become one of my favorite series by Christine Feehan very quickly. 

•••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

SHADOW REAPER is the second installment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult SHADOW paranormal, romance series focusing on the Ferraro family-a Chicago crime family that uses ‘shadows’ to move about in secret. This is Ricco Ferraro, and Mariko Majo’s story line. SHADOW REAPER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Shadow Reaper contains scenes of graphic violence that may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from several third person perspectives including Ricco and Mariko SHADOW REAPER focuses on betrayal and revenge, as it follows the building relationship between billionaire playboy and shadow rider Ricco Ferraro, and Mariko Majo-a woman whose past is mired in blood and death. The darkness in Ricco is closing in, and our hero is desperate to find the one woman to calm his soul. Ricco is a master in the art of Shibari rope play and hopes to find a ‘rope model’ that is worthy of his ministrations and strengths. Enter Mariko Majo, a shadow rider, but also a woman from a long line of woman who have also modeled for the art of rope. What ensues is the fated romance between Mariko and Ricco, and the search for the people targeting the Ferraro family for sins of the past.

SHADOW REAPER is a story about one woman’s search for the truth, and one family’s battle with ghosts from the past. The Ferraro family is a well-respected Chicago crime family who take care of their own but when the entire family is targeted, not everyone will survive to see retribution and revenge.

Christine Feehan’s SHADOW series is similar in context to her Dark (Carpathian) series in that the male must find his mate-a woman who is capable of riding the shadows-or at the very least with the ability to bear children with the shadow riding gene. SHADOW REAPER contains scenes of graphic violence, blood shed and death; the $ex scenes are limited but long and intense although there are numerous sexual situations including the erotic art of Shibari rope play that is both sensual and seductive.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including all of the Ferraro siblings, their extended family of cousins and relations, as well as an assortment of international shadow riding clans from Europe, Asia and Russia. The requisite evil has many faces and is very familiar to our story line couple.

SHADOW REAPER is an intense story of betrayal and revenge; family and blood; revelation and retribution. The premise is inventive and captivating; the characters are animated, colorful and dramatic; the romance is fated, passionate and energetic. Christine Feehan has created a sultry world of shadows and the supernatural where one family is bound by honor and code.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

 

 

giveaway

Christine Feehan’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of SHADOW REAPER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE Christine Feehan on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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9.. Giveaway runs from May 30 to June 4, 2017

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Bound Together by Christine Feehan – Review & Giveaway

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Bound Together by Christine Feehan – Review & Giveaway

 

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Bound Together
Sea Haven/Sisters of the Heart series – Book #6
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: March 21, 2017

Bound TogetherAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
The Sea Haven series comes to a climactic end as the mysterious man from Blythe Daniels’ past re-enters her life

For five years, Viktor Prakenskii has put his life on hold in order to take down the world’s most feared motorcycle club from the inside. But carrying out the insane violence and seeing the club’s exploitation of the innocent has brought his traumatic past roaring back. And there’s only one cure: to see the wife he left behind…

Blythe Daniels thought she’d never see Viktor again after he murdered her stepfather and left without a word. She rebuilt her life without him, becoming a personal trainer and physical therapist…becoming strong enough for others to lean on. But when Viktor comes back to Sea Haven, he’ll make Blythe question everything she thought she knew about good and evil—and the dark desires of the heart…

 

Review:

Bound Together by Christine Feehan is the 6th and final book in her Sea Haven/Sisters of the Heart series.  Viktor Prakenskii is the final brother that is destined to meet his mate in Sea Haven.  Ilya was the one who started it all in the Drake Sisters series, and all his brothers have since followed meeting their mates in Sisters of the Heart.  Blythe Daniels is the last woman to find her happiness, but 5 years ago, she married a man who disappeared after killing her evil step father, and never heard from again.

Viktor has had the same violent and harsh upbringing his brothers had, and is the most lethal, as well as their leader.  Viktor has been working undercover for the evil and powerful Evan Gratsos (we remember him from the Drake Sisters).  Viktor has his own motorcycle gang (Torpedo Ink) , who grew up together at the school, where they were abused sexually and emotionally, then trained to be assassins.   But Viktor is a good guy, even if he is hard and dangerous; he and his team fight to save the children against the pedophiles.    They do all they can to save them and get them out of the clutches of Even and his Swords Gang.  Then Viktor finds out that Evan is planning to go to Sea Haven and kill Jackson and Elle.  Viktor, under the guise of checking out the place for Evan, then goes back to Sea Haven, where Blythe lives to help alert Jackson and his brothers of the upcoming attack.  

When Blythe sees Viktor, she is shocked, and even more so when Viktor proves to her that she is his wife. She never believed she was married; thinking since he left without a word, the marriage was a ruse.  Viktor was a loose cannon, as he was determined to win back Blythe and convince her that she belongs to him.  There was also an issue where he tells Blythe that he left her messages both to her and his brothers to watch over her.  No one ever received these messages. Viktor brought half of his team, also undercover working for Evan’s gang.  I really did like adopted family, which when all come together would be 18, which include two girls; all having survived horrific childhoods and all totally devoted and loyal to Viktor.  Blythe, who is an empath, knows in a short time, despite her anger and distrust, that she still loves Viktor.  It was an emotional and difficult meeting when Viktor comes face to face with his birth brothers whom he has not seen for many many years or have never seen. 

At the start, when Viktor was very demanding to Blythe, even though he had not talked to her in 5 years, I was kind of not liking him too much.  But that changed quickly, as their romance heated up and he was so loving to her.  Viktor always told his team that Blythe would be the one who would help them see the good of life and teach them how to enjoy and trust.  With all that pressure, by the time we get to the end, you can tell she was going to be there for them. 

This was a wonderful story throughout the book, with many different elements within; we worried, we laughed, we became emotional or tense and even sad.  We got to see Blythe and Viktor rekindle their second chance romance; we learned about the atrocious life Viktor and the young men and girls, who have become lethal, but  take care of each other, as well as those who are being mistreated; the tense suspense as they prepare for the attack; the teaming of all our favorites from both Drake Sisters and Sisters of the Heart (Sea Haven) to fight the enemy, and healing that needs to be done for some of the children they bring home to Sea Haven.  This was such an exciting, emotional and sexual read, and at the same time, some humor from Viktor’s men when they always managed to enter Blythe’s room at the inappropriate time.  I loved Bound Together and hope that Christine will continue to show us what happens to all of the men and women of Torpedo Ink.  Thank you Christine Feehan for this wonderful fantastic finale of this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Christine Feehan’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of BOUND TOGETHER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Power Game (Ghostwalker #13) by Christine Feehan-Review and Giveaway

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POWER GAME (Ghostwalker #13) by Christine Feehan-a review and giveaway

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POWER GAME
Ghostwalkers #13
by Christine Feehan
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance
Release Date: January 24, 2017

Power Game

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 24, 2017

When members of a United Nations joint security force are taken hostage by radical terrorists in Indonesia, Captain Ezekiel Fortunes is called to lead the rescue team. Part of a classified government experiment, Zeke is a supersoldier with enhanced abilities. He can see better and run faster than the enemy, disappear when necessary and hunt along any terrain. There are those in the world willing to do anything for power like that.

A mysterious woman with her own agenda rescues a captured GhostWalker soldier held by a secret enemy. Together they uncover a conspiracy that extends beyond the reaches of the US government and proves a deadly threat to national security…

A formidable spy genetically engineered to hide in plain sight, Bellisia rarely meets a man who doesn’t want to control her or kill her. But Zeke is different. His gaze, his touch—they awaken feelings inside her that she never thought possible. He’s the kind of man she could settle down with—if she can keep him alive.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: POWER GAME is the thirteenth installment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult GHOSTWALKERS paranormal, romance series focusing on an elite group of ‘genetically enhanced’ men and women known as the Ghostwalkers. These ‘supersoldiers’ were part of an unauthorized government experiment performed by Dr. Peter Whitney-a man tantamount to evil incarnate. This is Ghostwalker Dr/Captain Ezekiel Fortunes, and Bellisia Adams’s story line. POWER GAME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order (especially the previous 2-3 installments) for cohesion and back story.

Told from several third person perspectives including Ezekiel and Bellisia POWER GAME returns to the Louisiana Bayou, and focuses on the take down of Senator Violet Smythe. Violet is a female Ghostwalker but a woman driven to become the most powerful person in the USA at the expense of her fellow female Ghostwalkers. Dr. Peter Whitney will send Bellisia Adams, a female Ghostwalker with ‘unusual DNA’ to ferret out Violet’s plans with the intent that our heroine returns to Whitney’s compound to reveal all of Violet’s secrets including her plans to destroy Ghostwalker Team 4 and anyone with insect or reptilian DNA. Enter Ezekiel Fortunes, a Ghostwalker targeted by Violet Smythe, and the man who has been genetically matched to our story line heroine. What ensues is the struggle to keep one step ahead of both Whitney and Smythe, and the building relationship between Ezekiel and Bellisia.

The relationship between Ezekiel and Bellisia is a dramatic change from several of Feehan’s previous story line couples including the relationship between Trap and Cayenne (Spider Game #12)-a relationship that bordered on abusive and controlling. Our current hero Ezekiel Fortunes, although alpha and protective, is also a man who does not use power or abuse to control or protect the woman he claims to love. The building love and partnership is an equal and balanced relationship in that our heroine is just as capable of making her own choices and decisions as the man with whom she is falling in love. The one hundred and eighty degree turn in the author’s writing style is a welcome relief. The $ex scenes are limited although seductive and intense.

In Power Game, the author tries to justify Trap’s abusive behavior towards his mate in Spider Game (Ghostwalker 12) by backtracking and proclaiming Trap suffers with Asperger’s syndrome-a neurobiological disorder on the higher end of the autism spectrum thus rendering him with issues of social and communication skills. The ‘Asperger’s’ story line is new and never once mentioned in the previous installment thusly I suspect the author is trying to justify her hero’s behavior to appease the many negative comments about the abusive and controlling character.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to several members of the Ghostwalker Team 4: Gino ‘Phantom’ Mazza and Draden ‘Sandman’ Freeman, psychic surgeon Joe Spagnola whose own potential DNA match is revealed, newcomer Rubin Campo, as well as Ezekiel’s brothers Malichai and Mordichai Fortunes; the female Ghostwalkers Cayenne, Pepper and her Ghostwalker husband Wyatt, and their triplets Ginger, Thym and Cannelle; and we cannot forget about Grace ‘Nonny’ Fontenot-sadly Gator is no where to be seen. We are introduced to Bellisia’s friend, a war veteran named Donny, and her ‘handlers’ Adam and Gerald whose own Ghostwalker DNA may be a cause for concern. The requisite evil comes with many names and faces including Violet Smythe and a Chinese businessman named Cheng angling for the Ghostwalker technology. If only by way of mention there are a number of female Ghostwalkers waiting for rescue: Zara, Shylah, Scarlett, Blue, Cat and Amaryllis-I am suspecting these ladies will be matched with several members of Team 4.

Unlike some of the other installments in the series, there is a large amount of military jargon and technical information as it pertains to a rescue mission in Indonesia, and Ezekiel’s Navy SEALs although it does not interfere with the understanding or enjoyment of the story line.

POWER GAME is a story of action, suspense, betrayal and revenge. The slow building romance is almost secondary to the overall plot but the relationship is dramatic and captivating none-the-less. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the characters are colorful, animated and inspiring; the romance is passionate and sensual. POWER GAME is a thrilling and powerful return to the original Christine Feehan brand of paranormal romance.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Reading Cafe and Christine Feehan’s publisher are graciously offering a hard cover copy of POWER GAME to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Leopard’s Fury (Leopard Series #9) by Christine Feehan-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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LEOPARD’S FURY (Leopard Series #9) by Christine Feehan-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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LEOPARD’S FURY
Leopard Series #9
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: November 8, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal romance

Leopard's Fury

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository /

About the book: Release Date November 8, 2016

Passion melts the will of an ice-cold criminal when he meets the one woman who can tame the beast inside him.

With her own bakery in San Antonio, Evangeline Tregre made a new life far from the brutal lair of shifters she was born into. Though she is all too aware of her leopard-shifter blood, she never felt the sensation of a wild animal stirring inside her. Not until Alonzo Massi walked into her bakery. The powerful shifter is as irresistible as he is terrifying, but his icy demeanor tells her to keep her distance.

Alonzo knows better than to let himself get involved with someone like Evangeline. She doesn’t deserve the type of danger that follows him, or the threat of his Amur leopard. But even with his lean muscle and iron will, Alonzo isn’t strong enough to stay away from the one woman who can make him feel at peace. And when their secret lives draw a mortal threat, Alonzo unleashes the feral passion he keeps pent up inside himself.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW:  LEOPARD’S FURY is the ninth installment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult LEOPARD SERIES paranormal, romance series focusing on the supernatural world of the Leopard shifter. This is baker Evangeline Tregre, and businessman and Mafia Don Alonzo Massi’s story line. LEOPOARD’S FURY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles including Jake and Emma, Eli and Cat, Elijah and Siena, Drake and Saria, as well as Joshua Tregre, Evangeline’s first cousin.

Told from several third person perspectives LEOPARD’S FURY focuses on Mafia Don Alonzo Mazzi’s need and draw towards baker Evangeline Tregre. For close to one year Alonzo has been drawn to Evangeline, visiting her bakery, ensuring her safety and making sure no other male comes close to the woman that calms the beast within. Alonzo knows that to begin a relationship with Evangeline Tregre could place our heroine in the direct line of fire when the illegal side of his business world seeks revenge. What ensues is Alonzo’s slow seduction of Evangline, and the search for the person responsible for the threats against Evangeline’s life.

Abandoned as a small child in the Louisiana swamps, Evangeline is a woman who left the Bayou in search of peace and an escape from a life of abuse and neglect. Alonzo’s backstory is heartbreaking and rife with death and destruction. Growing up in an abusive world set Alonzo’s leopard on a path of darkness and revenge. Our hero’s quiet demeanor hides a dark and lonely existence for a dangerous leopard shifter-baring his heart and his soul to Evangeline Tregre places Alonzo in a position to lose it all.

LEOPARD’S FURY is a passionate story line of fated mates. I am pleased that Christine Feehan has returned to her original style of romance writing without the need for copious amounts of graphic violence and abuse against women and children. The premise is entertaining, engrossing, and compelling; the characters are charismatic, spirited but flawed. We are introduced to several new Leopard shifters including Jeremiah Wheating as well as Alonzo’s brothers and cousins-Gorya, Timur and Mitya. The romance is sensual and seductive without the need for abusive power and control.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt beige

Alonzo didn’t smile. He rarely, if ever smiled. His gaze was restless, scanning the streets, the sidewalks and most of all, looking through the plate-glass windows of the Small Sweet Shoppe. She was there, just as she always was. Working. Beautiful. Breath-taking. He shouldn’t be there. He was the last man that should ever go into that bakery and put his gaze on that woman, but he couldn’t stop himself. Timur was right. She was his Achilles’ heel.
He sighed and put his hand to the door, shoving it open because he couldn’t stop himself. He was a disciplined man in every area of his life, he had to be, yet for eight months he’d come to the bakery at least three times a week. That was him being disciplined. He’d wanted to go every damn day. He’d stayed away over a month, nearly two. He could count the weeks, days, hours and minutes since he’d last seen her.
“Bad idea, boss,” Timur muttered. He was deadly serious and when he pushed past Alonzo to take a sweep of the small interior, his body in front of his brother’s, he scowled at the woman behind the counter—the one who eventually was going to be the death of his brother if Fyodor kept this madness up.
Alonzo paused inside the door, taking a moment to drink her in. Savor her. Just for that moment before she looked up. He found he was holding his breath. A part of him almost wished she had a man. That she wouldn’t look up, see him and smile that innocent, shy smile that told him she was interested in a monster. On the other hand, if she didn’t smile at him that way, he’d be crushed. Shattered. It had been so damned long since he’d laid eyes on her, and he couldn’t take it one more minute. More, if she was smiling that way for another man, he might commit murder and it would have nothing to do with his leopard.
Her name was Evangeline Bouvier. She was small and curvy with beautiful breasts that called to him. Her hair was a thick, dark silky mass that cascaded over her shoulders nearly to her waist. She wore it pulled back from her face in a thick intricate braid that always made him want to run his hand down it to the very end where it rested in the sweet curve of her ass. And she had a very nice ass. He spent far too much time thinking about it, just as he did every single part of her.
Evangeline glanced up, and instantly it was there. That smile she reserved solely for him. He’d seen countless customers come in over the last few months. She always smiled at them, but not like that. That smile was reserved for him alone and that told him she didn’t have a man. No one had come in and tried to steal her out from under him.
She had a fantasy mouth—one he’d dreamt of many times. He’d woken up every one of those times with his fist on his cock and the dream of her mouth tight around him. Her eyes were a true emerald, startling green, rich and warm and he wanted her looking up at him when he fucked her mouth. He always dreamt of her that way. If she had any idea of the dirty things he wanted to do to her, she’d order him out and lock the door behind him. Yeah, and if any other man ever had the same thoughts about her and he knew it, that man would be dead within the hour.
“Alonzo, I haven’t seen you in a while.”
Even her voice got to him. Low. Sexy. So damned sweet he wanted to take a bite out of her. He stepped up to the counter.

Posted by arrangement with Berkley, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin
Random House Company. Copyright © Christine Feehan, 2016.

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Christine’s publisher is offering a paper copy of WILD CAT (Book 8) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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9.. Giveaway runs from November 8-12, 2016

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Dark Carousel by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Dark Carousel by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

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DARK CAROUSEL
Dark Carpathians #30
by Christine Feehan
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal romance
Release Date: August 2, 2016

 

Dark CarouselAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
The moment Charlotte Vintage walks into his club, Tariq Asenguard’s blood is set on fire. The ancient Carpathian had given up hope of finding his lifemate, but now he will do anything to make Charlotte his own. What Tariq doesn’t know is that Charlotte is using herself and her best friend as bait—to try to draw out the bloodthirsty killers who have already murdered Charlotte’s brother and mentor.
 
Charlotte is familiar with Tariq. Not only is he one of the richest and most eligible bachelors in the city, but he’s also a renowned collector of old carousel horses, which Charlotte restores. Their shared passion opens Charlotte up to trusting him with her life and with the desire she can no longer control. But it also makes her vulnerable to a centuries-old curse that will unite her and Tariq in a war against the enemies of humans and Carpathians alike…

 

Barb’s Review:

Dark Carousel by Christine Feehan is the 30th book in her Dark/Carpathian series.  For those of you who have been reading my reviews on this series, you know I have been disappointed in most of the books Christine has written since my favorite book, Dark Slayer.  I did not like most of the heroes (still loved Dimitri), who were abusive/arrogant / macho to their mates for a large part of the story, as well as the books being more erotic then story driven.  I also did not like that many of the earlier characters, or villains, such as the Malinovs, did not play much of a part in most of the books. In Dark Carousel I have to say……..CHRISTINE FEEHAN IS BACK.  I loved Dark Carousel and I love Tariq.  Now to my review.  🙂

We have been waiting for Tariq Asenguard’s story for a long time, and in Dark Carousel he finally gets his story and his lifemate.  Charlotte Vintage is our heroine, and we meet her from the start.   Charlotte is with her best friend at a club owned by Tarig, where they act as bait to find the men responsible for the death of members of each of their families. Charlotte and her friend, Genevieve were part of a special psychics evaluation that was done for women who have psychic abilities.  We did learn many books ago that Psychic women are suspected of being lifemate candidates for the Carpathian warriors. When they leave the club, they are surrounded by dangerous men, who are vampires.  Tariq sensed in his club the scent of a woman who pulls on him, and who he suspects is the lifemate he has spent his life looking for.  It will be Tariqand his friends who will save Charlotte and Genevieve from the vampires.

Tariq will bring them and Charlotte’s niece to his mansion, where he will protect them. The mansion is also the safe house for a few children that Tariq and his men rescued from the vampires; with most having been tortured, and are in the process of healing.  Tariq has assumed responsibility for them, making them his family.  Almost immediately after arriving at the mansion, Tariq and Charlotte become a scorching hot couple, with Tariq using his sexual charm and trance to start the lifemate chant. There is no way Tariq will allow Charlotte to get away from him, since she is one person to keep him alive.  Charlotte was also falling in love with Tariq, with his loving care of her, and his promise to love her and care for her forever. 

What follows is a wonderful story, where Tariq and his Carpathian friends must find a way to save the children in their care, and also save Charlotte, who is in very much danger.   It was amazing how we saw all of the warriors work together to heal her from a splinter controlled by a master vampire.  As Charlotte’s life hangs by a thread; they had no choice but to convert her early.

 This was an exciting, action packed story that brought us back to the days left off in Dark Slayer.  The Malinovs are back, with Vadim being the master.  Sergey is also there, but so far, Vadim is the one in control.  There was a race to the climax to save one of the younger girls that was tortured, and a fight for life against one of Vadim’s other master vampires. I loved how Charlotte adapted to becoming Carpathian and loved her new powers and helping  Tariq, and living in his world.   Great story, great characters, great couple.    The story with the Vadim and Sergey was left open for future books.    Welcome back, Christine, I pray we get to see more like Dark Carousel and the rest of the people we just met.

 

Sandy’s Review:

DARK CAROUSEL is the thirtieth installment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult DARK CARPATHIAN paranormal, romance series. This is ancient warrior Tariq Asenguard, and carousel restorer Charlotte Vintage’s story line. DARK CAROUSEL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several of the characters including Maxim and Blaze introduced in DARK CRIME found in the anthology EDGE OF DARKNESS (July 2015) play secondary and supporting roles throughout the story.

NOTE: DARK CAROUSEL is a story with brutally, graphic violence and issues of rape and abuse against women and children.

SOME BACKGROUND: All Carpathian males must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul. As the unmated Carpathian male ages, the darkness begins to envelope his soul.

Told from several third person points of view DARK CAROUSEL follows Charlotte Vintage as she endeavors to come to terms with the deaths of several family members and friends seemingly linked back to her visit to a psychic center in Paris, France. As Charlotte and her friend Genevieve return to America, they are being stalked by an unknown source, and find themselves at a nightclub run by Tariq Asenguard-an ancient Carpathian male who has yet to find the woman who holds the other half to his soul. What ensues is the awareness for Tariq when Charlotte’s voice returns his emotions and color, and the quick building romance/insta love between two people connected by the past. While Charlotte struggles with her attraction and need for Tariq, there is something more sinister working behind the scenes. A master vampire is on the hunt, and Charlotte is one of his intended victims.

Like all of Christine Feehan’s male leads, Tariq is over protective and alpha, but in saying this, he is not abusive, not arrogant, not controlling or verging on total domination like many of Christine’s recent male ‘heroes’-a term I use lightly. For an ancient Carpathian, Tariq is quite modern, and willing to accept that his mate is his partner in many aspects of their relationship but fighting vampires is not in her repertoire.

DARK CAROUSEL, like so many of the recent DARK stories, is a graphically violent tale of murder, rape, blood shed, and gore with disturbing scenes and brutal imagery. Christine Feehan’s vampires are evolving into a darker, more sinister species with the ability to think and act independently, where no one is off limits, and children and women are the latest targets as the vampires struggle for power and control.

The large ensemble cast of characters is numerous including the introduction of several new ancients we first met in Dark Promises, who are struggling to retain their honor, as well as the triplets Tomas, Lojos, and Matais. All of the psychic children introduced in Dark Crime are now wards of Tariq Asenquard, and like Sara and Falcon from Dark Dream, Tariq and Charlotte are now the foster parents for several psychic children who are featured throughout the story. One young child will be the saving grace for an ancient Carpathian (reminiscent of Skylar and Dimitri). Vadim Malinov is the Master vampire and, for newcomers to the series, and as a reminder, Tariq reveals some history about the Malinov’s and their battle with the Carpathian people.

Christine Feehan’s DARK CAROUSEL is a welcome return to her earlier writing style and story line presentation including the ongoing battle with the Malinov family, which has been missing for awhile, but the original characters we grew to love are absent and without representation. The Daratrazanoffs are mentioned for their healing abilities but have yet to make an appearance. The up-kick in graphic and brutal violence against women and children is still an issue-one that I don’t see coming to an end with the current direction of the series, and the ever-evolving vampires. The premise has plenty of action, fight scenes and sexual situations; the characters are an eclectic mix of humans, vampires, children and Carpathians; the romance is a quick build to lifemates and love.

For diehard fans of the series, many are aware that the characters from DARK CAROUSEL are part of a ‘lost’ manuscript previously started by the author-the premise has somewhat changed from the recovered text.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Christine’s publisher is offering a Hardcover copy of DARK CAROUSEL to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9.. Giveaway runs from August 2 to August 6, 2016

 

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Shadow Rider (Shadow #1) by Christine Feehan-Dual Review and Giveaway

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SHADOW RIDER (Shadow #1) by Christine Feehan-Dual Review and Giveaway

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SHADOW RIDER
Shadow #1
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: June 28,2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal romance

Shadow Rider

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2016

The #1 New York Times bestselling “queen of paranormal romance”* is back with a sexy new series starring a Chicago crime family that hides a dark, mystical secret…

Whether it’s fast cars or fast women, Stefano Ferraro gets what he wants. When he’s not fodder for the paparazzi, he commands Ferraro family businesses—both legitimate and illegitimate.

While their criminal activity is simply a rumor yet to be proven, no one knows the real truth. The Ferraros are a family of shadow riders capable of manipulating light and dark, an ability Stefano thought ran in his family alone—until now…

With little left to her name, Francesca Cappello has come to Chicago in hopes of a new life. She wasn’t expecting to attract the attention of a man with primal hunger in his eyes, driven to claim her as his to protect and to please. And if he discovers her secret, it could ruin her.

••••••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW:

SHADOW RIDER is the first installment in Christine Feehan’s adult, contemporary SHADOW paranormal, romance series focusing on a species that is able to ‘use’ shadows, to move about in secret. This is the head of the Ferraro Family Stefano Ferraro, and Francesca Cappello’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Stefano and Francesa) SHADOW RIDER introduces a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters who are driven to protect Stefano’s mate. Broke and on the run, our heroine, Francesca Cappello, finds herself in Little Italy where her best friend Joanna Masci has offered her a job and a place to stay. Enter Stefano Ferraro, the head of one of Chicago’s most powerful and secretive crime families, and the man who will lose his heart to the new stranger in town.

Stefano and the Ferraro family are ‘shadow riders’; a group of supernatural beings able to manipulate light and dark; able to use shadows to hide in plain sight, or enter a world where vengeance is enforced, and peace is restored. The ‘shadow riders’ carry out that which cannot be controlled by any other means, and Francesca’s appearance is a promise for the future for the entire Ferraro clan. But Francesca is on the run, and her past is about to catch up and seek revenge.

SHADOW RIDER is a detailed story line; an engaging and intriguing tale introducing some of the background and the many members of the Ferraro family. The characters, although numerous (requiring a spreadsheet to keep track) are fascinating, energetic and protective; vibrant, transcendent and powerful.

The attraction between our leading couple is immediate and palpable; the sexual tension is taut and unmistakable but our heroine is unaware of who and what Stefano Ferraro commands. Herein lies my concern with the story: the explanation as to the ‘shadow riders’ is limited, and Francesca’s connection is never completely explained or fleshed out. Francesca is Stefano’s mate-she is the woman ‘made’ for him but her ‘shadow rider’ capability is never discussed or rationalized-let’s hope the next installment clarifies and acknowledges some of the missing information. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and provocative-Stefano’s ‘alpha tendencies’ are not as violent or sexually aggressive as some of Christine Feehan’s other male leads in her previous and past series.

SHADOW RIDER is a magical story about family and love; betrayal and revenge; fate and the future. The premise is imaginative; the characters are heartwarming and intense; the romance is impassioned and electrifying. Congratulations Christine Feehan on a powerful new series with memorable characters and fated loves.

 

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Barb’s Review:

Shadow Rider by Christine Feehan is the 1st book in her new Shadow series.  Shadow Rider is a different and cool paranormal theme, which takes place in Chicago modern times.  It is a fantastic start to a series that will revolve around the Ferraro family, their business, the town where they live and protect, and their own hidden powers.  The Ferraro family is not your usual crime family, as they run legitimate business, and use their ability to help others in need solve various problems and dispense justice.  Shadow riders have the ability to blend themselves to the shadows wherever they are, making themselves invisible to anyone.  They have been in existence for the Ferraros for centuries, with all members of their families trained to use those abilities.

Stefano Ferraro, our hero, is the leader of the Ferraro family and immediately we learn how powerful, strong and tough he is.  On his way to a meeting, he senses something that calls to him.  Stefano knows everyone in their area that is under the family protection; everyone respects and fears him; though they know he will always watch out for them all.  He sees a young lady walking with one of the local people and follows.  Francesca Capello is our heroine, and she has just arrived in town to get a job with her college roommate’s father.  Francesca is broke, and is running away from a powerful enemy who has destroyed her life.

Stefano abruptly introduces himself to Francesca, makes sure she gets the job and tells her to buy a coat and better shoes, as the weather is bad. He senses her fears, and is determined to find out why. He also knows she is the mate he never thought he would ever find. No matter how much she fears him, he will not let her go.  Early on Stefano would curse a lot, but he cared about the well being of everyone under his protection, including now Francesca.  The Ferraro family, are all loyal and dedicated to each other, especially the older brother who has taken care of them.  They are all powerful and shadow riders, and they take their responsibility to help others seriously.

What follows is a romance that will heat up fast, even if the heroine fights any attraction or attention from Stefano.  But he is very persistent. Despite her determination not to let anyone know the truth of her past, Francesca finds herself slowly falling for Stefano, even when he is annoying dominant in protecting her at all times.  We learn when and how the family uses those powers, usually to help those in dire situations that even the police cannot help.  What a family.  I loved all the Ferraros , they were all hot, including the sister,, and how they protected and loved Francesca, too.  They knew she was destined for Stefano, and they treated her like their sister. 

This was also a captivating & exciting story, as Francesca’s past comes back to haunt her, and she tries to run away to protect her newfound family.  But no matter how powerful the enemy is, the Ferraros will always protect their own.  I loved loved the exciting climax when Francesca’s life is in danger and out of the shadows will come her saviors.   Fantastic!

Christine Feehan has a fabulous start to a series that I cannot wait to continue.  A great new premise, a great sexy couple, super powerful family and very steamy.  If you are a Christine Feehan fan, and even if you are not, you need to read Shadow Rider and get in on the fun.

 

Copy provided by Publisher

giveaway

Christine’s publisher and The Reading Cafe are offering a paper copy of SHADOW RIDER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9.. Giveaway runs from June 28 to July 2, 2016

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