Bound to Shadows

The books in this series just keep getting better and better I think.

This book had a sizzle all the way through it for me. At the end there were even tears, I have not had that before in a Riley Jensen story.

The mystery was as good as earlier ones with lots of action. Her relationship with Quinn is still great even though she had to contend with her soul mate Kye, who she hates because of who and what he is but the wolf part of her is drawn to.

It was just great from start to finish, for me I couldn't put it down until I had finished.

"SPOILERS!!!!!

Listened to auio narrated by well Angela Dawe. Riley has been yearning for her soulmate her whole life, but he's a murderer for hire. Kye was a syphon, using the psychic talents of those around him. He doesn't want a soulmate but he isn't beyond using Riley for his own ends. The only bright light in this story is Rhoan and Liander wanting to use Riley's eggs to have children and Quinn's loving support.

Call me idealistic but the idea that you can't stand your soulmate just rubs me wrong. I said it in the last book and I still feel that way. Soulmates should be that one person that fits, I truly dislike this story twist on principle, but Keri Arthur writes stories that are hard to walk away from.

When I read this series I show more knew there was a lot of sexual freedom and that multiple partners are acceptable. That isn't what made this book a tough read. Riley's sexual nature being used against her repeatedly made it harder to read each time it occurs in the book. Her mate bond has her torn, with her mind and heart saying no to the sex, but her soul's desires overwhelm her and she repeatedly has sex with Kye, even though she doesn't want him, even after he shot at her brother! Riley is suppose to be this strong woman, but she let's her hormones free to do whatever?

One of her suspects has such a compelling aura he forces it upon Riley and rapes her but the aura makes her body crave him, even as she works to escape him. Kye comes in when this is happening and he kills the man, then Kye starts fucking Riley. It's ugly, but Riley accepts this, not even referring to it as the abuse it was and later refers to it as good sex, that is very difficult to read and accept on so many levels.

Given all of this I just can't give this story a high rating and it really needs to come with a warning for anyone who has abuse triggers to either skip this book or brace while reading.

More of my reviews can be found at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/ show less

I really do enjoy this series, and while I know it's based on Riley's POV and it's about Riley, I wish there was more about Rhoan. I get that he's a secondary character, but he's her twin, and it's just been the two of them against the world for so long, I would like to see more of him.

I do have one peeve. I know wolves are written as sexual creatures, I just wish that Riley wasn't so ruled by her hormones. She has come a long way, but I hated the situation/choices she was in in this book. I think she did herself and her loved ones and co-workers a disservice trying to save them, instead of getting their help.

And Kade? Really?

Risa needs her own book. There is just not enough of her in the last two books.

Half-werewolf, half-vampire Riley Jensen’s job as guardian in keeping the peace between humans and supernaturals is never easy. Her latest job involves the mysterious beheadings of vampires near a sleazy bar run by a sex-appeal-oozing vampire. Riley feels that the case is tied to the seemingly inexplicable deaths of several women throughout Melbourne. As she struggles to find the connection and the killers, however, Riley’s love life is shaken by the reappearance of her werewolf soul mate, the hit man Kye. Riley’s wolf side can’t help but be attracted to this heartless man, but her heart really belongs to Quinn, an old vampire.

BOUND TO SHADOWS will satisfy fans of this series, be enjoyable for fans of paranormal lit published in show more mass market paperback format, and most likely be frustrating for those with a wider range of literary interests. This ambitious novel had a lot of flaws that bothered me but would probably go unnoticed by steady readers of this genre.

Riley’s world is complex, with supernatural creatures of all kind running together, getting in one another’s way, adding multiple dimensions to the story. Personally I am a vampire girl, but I thought the werewolf aspect of Riley’s nature was well done: it has its own share of unavoidable instincts and desires (most of which involve lust and sex, I’ll tell you up front). You can’t go a chapter without running into something new and exciting, and I appreciated the way that Arthur was able to introduce all these complexities to us without getting us hopelessly tangled.

The characters in this book were well drawn, appealing and believable. I particularly liked Kye—but then again, I’ve always had a soft spot for the seemingly hopeless bad ones. If you prefer your lovers to be gentlemanly, you’ll root for Quinn. Riley is, unfortunately, not as likable as her love interests, for I often found her narration, dialogue, and thought process to be a bit stilted.

In fact, the writing was what held back my opinion of this book and series. Much of the story seemed a little too staged to be believable: the author was clearly following a set route around the story’s world, with a completely different scene and subplot abruptly following the development of another. In addition, the romance scenes were blunt, and thus unromantic. There is a lot of buildup to the act, and then the actual sex was treated very brusquely, leaving readers detached from Riley at those moments.

That being said, Keri Arthur’s ambitious ideas make sure that she doesn’t shy away from the tragedy. BOUND TO SHADOWS ends sadly: I was practically screaming in tears at the book at the end. But I can’t help but being impressed at Arthur’s decisions. Like I said earlier, BOUND TO SHADOWS will definitely make Riley Jensen fans happy. I don’t think I will read this series, but those who love their paranormal worlds complex and sexy will get a kick out of these books. show less

This is one of my favorite books in the series.The situations in this story really pushed Riley to the limit, both mentally and physically. Kye her wolf soul mate is back stirring the pot, Quinn the sweet hunk of a vamp is just wanting love, and there is a force that is killing off important vampires. She has to make some significant sacrifices made in this book. Fantastic !

Riley Jenson is part vampire & part werewolf. Her guardian duties having been keeping her busy, trying to solve several cases. If that isn't enough she also has two lovers to deal with. Life is never easy in Riley's world. But this time not finding the killer first could end in deathly consequences.

I read the first book in this series Full Moon Rising back in 2006 (which seems forever ago) and was instantly hooked. Riley is a strong, kick ass and likeable heroine. One character I couldn't wait to read more about. Ms. Arthur has created an intriguing world with vampires, werewolves and other creatures that go bump in the night. Every book takes you on an adventure that is non stop action right until the end. Suspenseful, shocking and show more very sexy.

All these facts ring true in the 8th and latest book. I enjoyed it just as much as the previous books. I'd say Bound to Shadows is one of my favorite books in the series. The tone in this one remind me a little bit of the earlier books. The situations in this story really pushed Riley to the limit, both mentally and physically. I was very happy with the out come and can't wait get my hands on book 9. If you haven't read this series yet, I suggest giving it a try show less

Riley's latest case has to do with someone beheading vampires. She has to deal with a club owner who has a powerful sexual aura and someone draining her energy through sexual dreams. She is also helping with the case of the women who are dying young and or no apparent cause. They were known to frequent bars that catered to their need to be bitten by vampires. She is also dealing with the fact that the soulmate she hates is back in town and may be involved in the case. Also, Rhoan and Liander want to use one of her preserved eggs to have a child. Life isn't getting any easier for Riley Jensen!