Genre: Urban FantasySerie: Riley Jensen Guardian #1
Published: January 2006
Pages: 357
Synopsis: author Keri Arthur explodes onto the supernatural scene with a sexy, sensuous tale of intrigue and suspense set in a world where legends walk and the shady paths of the underworld are far more sinister than anyone envisioned.
A rare hybrid of vampire and werewolf, Riley Jenson and her twin brother, Rhoan, work for Melbourne’s Directorate of Other Races, an organization created to police the supernatural races–and protect humans from their depredations. While Rhoan is an exalted guardian, a.k.a. assassin, Riley is merely an office worker–until her brother goes missing on one of his missions. The timing couldn’t be worse. More werewolf than vampire, Riley is vulnerable to the moon heat, the weeklong period before the full moon, when her need to mate becomes all-consuming.…
Luckily Riley has two willing partners to satisfy her every need. But she will have to control her urges if she’s going to find her brother….Easier said than done as the city pulses with frenzied desire, and Riley is confronted with a very powerful–and delectably naked–vamp who raises her temperature like never before.
In matters carnal, Riley has met her match. But in matters criminal, she must follow her instincts not only to find her brother but to stop an unholy harvest. For someone is doing some shifty cloning in an attempt to produce the ultimate warrior–by tapping into the genome of nonhumans like Rhoan. Now Riley knows just how dangerous the world is for her kind–and just how much it needs her.
As an Australian myself I found it quite refreshing to read a paranormal/urban fantasy set in Melbourne.
Riley Jensen is half werewolf/half vampire, but her werewolf side is more dominant. Her twin brother Rhoan is also a rare hybrid, more vampire than werewolf. They both work for Melbourne's Directorate of Other Races, an organisation that polices & dispenses justice to supernatural beings.
Rhoan is a guardian (assassin) and Riley a guardian liaison as she doesn't have the stomach for killing for a living. When Rhoan is kidnapped while on assignment, a mystery involving genetic research, cloning and experimental drugs evolves. Smart-mouthed, kick-ass Riley teams up with dead sexy vampire Quinn to locate Rhoan while taking full advantage of their rampant hormones.
The nature of weres in Arthur's reality is well explained - they are highly sexually active in the days leading up to the full moon - often with multiple partners. Fulfilled moon lust is a way for werewolves to avoid bloodlust.
Moon fever/moon lust was mentioned ad infinitum when I actually got the message and appreciated it, the first time round. That and a couple of 'cheesy' phrases in regards to the more 'physical scenes' in this novel prevented me from rating it higher. That aside, I will definitely be checking out the next book in this fun series
All in all, an enjoyable, fast paced, sexy romp with a healthy dose of scientific & government conspiracy. Oh and did I mention, lots of sex.
I haven't read much that takes place in Australia, well a book this week and historicals, but paranormal, refreshing :)
ReplyDeleteSounds good! I'm leaving that one on my TBR pile...
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Keri Arthur yet even though I've seen her books everywhere. Really great review, I think I may have to pick up one of her books 8)
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