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Riley Jenson Guardian #1
Full Moon Rising
A rare hybrid of vampire & werewolf, Riley Jenson & her twin brother, Rhoan, work for Melbourne's Directorate of Other Races, an organisation created to police the supernatural races. While Rhoan is an exalted guardian, aka assassin, Riley is merely an office worker - until her brother goes missing.
357 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2006
735 people are currently reading
19913 people want to read
About the author
Keri Arthur
102 books6,002 followersKeri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson, Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne with her daughter and two crazy dogs
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,493 reviews
December 4, 2013
I'm sorry, but this book is just terrible. I seriously regret buying all nine books in the series, because I couldn't even finish this first one. They're going to the second-hand bookstore TOMORROW, lol - no way in hell am I wasting another minute of my life on Riley Jenson and Co.
There's so many things about this book that put me off, but the biggest one would have to be the superficiality ... there's no depth, whatsoever, to ANYTHING - and this makes it very difficult to connect to the characters or the storyline. No emotions, no nothing. What? I've just been shot? That's okay, I'll just do an instant shift into werewolf form, then back to human form, then - what do you know?! - instant healing!! - problem solved. Love?? Who needs that?! In my world, werewolves are overcome with the need to MATE for a quarter of every month. Yeah, we just have sex with everyone, all over the place. Sex. Sex Clubs. Sex. Sex Clubs. Sex. Sex Clubs. Sex Clubs. Sex. Sex. Sex. What? You're a nasty scum-type clone-freak trying to rape me with your barbed penis? OMG! I'm so freaking horny! But NO I'm going to use my super powers of awesome to make you have sex with your partner in crime, THEN make you sit down and stare blankly at the wall. Oh yeah, as for those powers of awesome, I just have them. So many of them. I'm just absolutely freaking amazing.
While I have no problem with a lot of sex in books, it just gets on my nerves when characters are sleeping with MULTIPLE people they have absolutely no feelings for, for some stupid contrived reason. I MUST HAVE SEX ALL WEEK!!! SEX! SEX! SEX! SEX! Meaningless sex is just - well - MEANINGLESS. It serves no purpose in this story, apart from filling the pages with sex. It's one thing when it's between two people who have feelings for one another, or are in some sort of situation where it makes sense, but when people are just sleeping with each other for the sake of it, it's just stupid. What? My twin brother's missing? Too bad! I must have sex! Then I must have more sex with another guy. Then I'm thinking about sex with the random vampire stranger trying to help me find my brother. Then I'm turned on by the bad-guy clones, or whatever the heck they are, then MORE sex with the guy who SO OBVIOUSLY drugged me the other day and sliced out my contraceptive chip because he's obsessed with having my baby, yet I'm Too Stupid To Live because all I can think of is SSSSSSEEEEEEXXXXXX!!!
I didn't even get half way and she's already had sex about 10 times ... it's all she thinks about ... it's all everyone does ... SEX! SEX! SEX! SEX! My god. Terrible. Terrible. Terrible. Terrible.
As for the plot? Please. It's so freaking boring and hardly makes any sense at all. Clone this. Experiment that. Genetics blah blah. Interesting? NO.
Also, everyone has so much MONEY! Ferrari this, multi-billionaire that ... but - hey - no big deal, Riley's had sex with rich guys before. *nods* She sure has. She only mentions this about FIVE ZILLION TIMES.
Anyway, I have a feeling that if you like Adrian Phoenix's series - the one with Dante the OMG AMAZING GOD-LIKE CREATURE - you might just enjoy this one.
There's so many things about this book that put me off, but the biggest one would have to be the superficiality ... there's no depth, whatsoever, to ANYTHING - and this makes it very difficult to connect to the characters or the storyline. No emotions, no nothing. What? I've just been shot? That's okay, I'll just do an instant shift into werewolf form, then back to human form, then - what do you know?! - instant healing!! - problem solved. Love?? Who needs that?! In my world, werewolves are overcome with the need to MATE for a quarter of every month. Yeah, we just have sex with everyone, all over the place. Sex. Sex Clubs. Sex. Sex Clubs. Sex. Sex Clubs. Sex Clubs. Sex. Sex. Sex. What? You're a nasty scum-type clone-freak trying to rape me with your barbed penis? OMG! I'm so freaking horny! But NO I'm going to use my super powers of awesome to make you have sex with your partner in crime, THEN make you sit down and stare blankly at the wall. Oh yeah, as for those powers of awesome, I just have them. So many of them. I'm just absolutely freaking amazing.
While I have no problem with a lot of sex in books, it just gets on my nerves when characters are sleeping with MULTIPLE people they have absolutely no feelings for, for some stupid contrived reason. I MUST HAVE SEX ALL WEEK!!! SEX! SEX! SEX! SEX! Meaningless sex is just - well - MEANINGLESS. It serves no purpose in this story, apart from filling the pages with sex. It's one thing when it's between two people who have feelings for one another, or are in some sort of situation where it makes sense, but when people are just sleeping with each other for the sake of it, it's just stupid. What? My twin brother's missing? Too bad! I must have sex! Then I must have more sex with another guy. Then I'm thinking about sex with the random vampire stranger trying to help me find my brother. Then I'm turned on by the bad-guy clones, or whatever the heck they are, then MORE sex with the guy who SO OBVIOUSLY drugged me the other day and sliced out my contraceptive chip because he's obsessed with having my baby, yet I'm Too Stupid To Live because all I can think of is SSSSSSEEEEEEXXXXXX!!!
I didn't even get half way and she's already had sex about 10 times ... it's all she thinks about ... it's all everyone does ... SEX! SEX! SEX! SEX! My god. Terrible. Terrible. Terrible. Terrible.
As for the plot? Please. It's so freaking boring and hardly makes any sense at all. Clone this. Experiment that. Genetics blah blah. Interesting? NO.
Also, everyone has so much MONEY! Ferrari this, multi-billionaire that ... but - hey - no big deal, Riley's had sex with rich guys before. *nods* She sure has. She only mentions this about FIVE ZILLION TIMES.
Anyway, I have a feeling that if you like Adrian Phoenix's series - the one with Dante the OMG AMAZING GOD-LIKE CREATURE - you might just enjoy this one.
August 5, 2017
Reading Full Moon Rising left me confused. I’m not sure how to rate this book: I’m torn between a 2 and a 3 star rating.
There’s one thing I am pretty sure about, though: miss Keri Arthur sure loves her heroine. Maybe she had a very strict and conservative upbringing or maybe she was an extremely insecure and overweight wallflower during puberty. Whatever the reason, it seems like she’s been living out her fantasies through her protagonist.
Riley Jenson is fan-ta-bu-lous, apparently. She is the center of attention, loved and lusted after by everyone, because she’s pretty, sweet, tough and smart. She proves the latter within the first chapter of the book by wearing 6 inch heels on the job in stead of 8 inch heels, because those are ‘easier to run with’. Atta girl!
Other than that, quite frankly, she didn’t make very well thought out decisions. What she did do, however, was run around semi naked (or completely naked) throughout more than half of the book. The other half she was having sex. And doing stupid things. Mostly simultaneously.
Writers being head over heels with their protagonists are a big no-no for me. Another thing I don’t like is bad and/or illogical world building. Riley's world seemed really interesting in the beginning. There were several supernatural communities and the fresh take (well, maybe not so ‘fresh’) on vampires was nice. But as the book progressed and we learned more about the world Riley is living in, things stopped making sense.
My biggest peeve being the whole ‘moon craze’ thing. While it was the perfect means for having Riley prance around naked and horny for most of the time, it did take away the credibility. Whatever your beliefs, there’s no denying that natural selection ensues that a species’ traits is based on survival, not the opposite. Having werewolves follow their sexual instinct for a week per month (in which they lose all morals, control and not to mention: common sense) is a sure way to get a species extinct within no time. Still, in Arthur’s world, werewolves have been around for centuries. In relative secrecy even, until recently.
Another thing that seemed illogical was the fact that the different species of the supernatural community didn’t know much about each other, even basic stuff like general powers and longevity.
The secondaries in the book were pretty one-dimensional. The scary vampire, the asshole boyfriend and of course: Quinn. Quinn’s hotness is pretty much shoved down our throat but by the end of the book, I can’t really say I’m interested to read more about him.
In spite of all my ranting, I can say that the writing in general was pretty okay. But due to my annoyance with Riley and the lack of logic, I couldn’t really enjoy the book. But since this is a first in the series: I’ll be mild and round up my rating to three stars.
There’s one thing I am pretty sure about, though: miss Keri Arthur sure loves her heroine. Maybe she had a very strict and conservative upbringing or maybe she was an extremely insecure and overweight wallflower during puberty. Whatever the reason, it seems like she’s been living out her fantasies through her protagonist.
Riley Jenson is fan-ta-bu-lous, apparently. She is the center of attention, loved and lusted after by everyone, because she’s pretty, sweet, tough and smart. She proves the latter within the first chapter of the book by wearing 6 inch heels on the job in stead of 8 inch heels, because those are ‘easier to run with’. Atta girl!
Other than that, quite frankly, she didn’t make very well thought out decisions. What she did do, however, was run around semi naked (or completely naked) throughout more than half of the book. The other half she was having sex. And doing stupid things. Mostly simultaneously.
Writers being head over heels with their protagonists are a big no-no for me. Another thing I don’t like is bad and/or illogical world building. Riley's world seemed really interesting in the beginning. There were several supernatural communities and the fresh take (well, maybe not so ‘fresh’) on vampires was nice. But as the book progressed and we learned more about the world Riley is living in, things stopped making sense.
My biggest peeve being the whole ‘moon craze’ thing. While it was the perfect means for having Riley prance around naked and horny for most of the time, it did take away the credibility. Whatever your beliefs, there’s no denying that natural selection ensues that a species’ traits is based on survival, not the opposite. Having werewolves follow their sexual instinct for a week per month (in which they lose all morals, control and not to mention: common sense) is a sure way to get a species extinct within no time. Still, in Arthur’s world, werewolves have been around for centuries. In relative secrecy even, until recently.
Another thing that seemed illogical was the fact that the different species of the supernatural community didn’t know much about each other, even basic stuff like general powers and longevity.
The secondaries in the book were pretty one-dimensional. The scary vampire, the asshole boyfriend and of course: Quinn. Quinn’s hotness is pretty much shoved down our throat but by the end of the book, I can’t really say I’m interested to read more about him.
In spite of all my ranting, I can say that the writing in general was pretty okay. But due to my annoyance with Riley and the lack of logic, I couldn’t really enjoy the book. But since this is a first in the series: I’ll be mild and round up my rating to three stars.
October 24, 2013
I finished this book a week ago and didn't write a review straight away so now all my feels are gone. What I do remember are the reasons why this book stood out from most of the PR pack:
1. No goddamn Mary Sue MC
2. Excellent world building
3. AN ACTUAL FUCKING PLOT
4. The message that it's okay to have sex with whoever the fuck you want to and you don't have to feel guilty about it.
HALLE-FUCKING-LUJAH.
1. No goddamn Mary Sue MC
2. Excellent world building
3. AN ACTUAL FUCKING PLOT
4. The message that it's okay to have sex with whoever the fuck you want to and you don't have to feel guilty about it.
HALLE-FUCKING-LUJAH.
August 14, 2019
Riley Jenson gets a fairly decent introduction, where she saves a bunch of humans from vampires despite the fact that she is utterly terrified. Physically strong, but emotionally normal. Identifiable. Believable.
And then the entire book goes to hell.
Instead of focusing on the fact that her twin is missing for the first half of the novel, Riley puts on a brave face and gets on with the day-to-day. Huh? Why isn't she curled up in a ball sobbing? Why isn't she taking off the heads of people getting in her way to find him? Why isn't this taking up her every waking moment? Because she is horny - that's why. The moon is calling to her, so she must have sex right now, and I mean rightnowmusthaveGRR. In Arthur's world, all werewolves spend a week a month having non-stop sex with anyone until they meet their one-true-love. Uh-huh. Sure. How very practical.
But whatever. So she is sleeping around while searching for "the most important person in her life" - I can get over that. My issue is with the, er, three (?) times Riley was forced to have sex because she was drugged/kidnapped/on a mission. Apparently, this is only slightly unacceptable in Riley's deluded mind. Why? Because with the insane plot device that is the "moon heat" she would have been unable to say no anyways. So really, it isn't too big a deal.
And when it's all over, is she overcome by her desire for revenge? Nope. When she is betrayed, physically and emotionally, by people she trusted for years - does she feel the need to visit a shrink and let all her emotions pour out? Of course not - that would be completely against her lack-of-character.
Honestly. Despite 300-odd pages in her POV, I don't know Riley. One minute she is all touchy feel "oh gosh, I hate to kill"; the next she is eagerly dressing up as a prostitute while psychically forcing two guys to rape each other (and no I don't care if they deserved it). What was going on in that fictional brain of hers, who knows. Although I imagine if I had, this review would have been significantly more explicit.
http://deadbookdarling.com/2009/08/re...
And then the entire book goes to hell.
Instead of focusing on the fact that her twin is missing for the first half of the novel, Riley puts on a brave face and gets on with the day-to-day. Huh? Why isn't she curled up in a ball sobbing? Why isn't she taking off the heads of people getting in her way to find him? Why isn't this taking up her every waking moment? Because she is horny - that's why. The moon is calling to her, so she must have sex right now, and I mean rightnowmusthaveGRR. In Arthur's world, all werewolves spend a week a month having non-stop sex with anyone until they meet their one-true-love. Uh-huh. Sure. How very practical.
But whatever. So she is sleeping around while searching for "the most important person in her life" - I can get over that. My issue is with the, er, three (?) times Riley was forced to have sex because she was drugged/kidnapped/on a mission. Apparently, this is only slightly unacceptable in Riley's deluded mind. Why? Because with the insane plot device that is the "moon heat" she would have been unable to say no anyways. So really, it isn't too big a deal.
And when it's all over, is she overcome by her desire for revenge? Nope. When she is betrayed, physically and emotionally, by people she trusted for years - does she feel the need to visit a shrink and let all her emotions pour out? Of course not - that would be completely against her lack-of-character.
Honestly. Despite 300-odd pages in her POV, I don't know Riley. One minute she is all touchy feel "oh gosh, I hate to kill"; the next she is eagerly dressing up as a prostitute while psychically forcing two guys to rape each other (and no I don't care if they deserved it). What was going on in that fictional brain of hers, who knows. Although I imagine if I had, this review would have been significantly more explicit.
http://deadbookdarling.com/2009/08/re...
September 28, 2024
OK, Weird shit is happening people. Between reading all 6 books of this series one after another, forgetting to get up in the morning to go to work (i don't know does it count as forgetting, if you have 4 alarms and you don't hear any of them because you were awake reading till 5.40 am and had to get up at 8) and then realising it makes more sense to stay home and read until all the books are over, i think I've lost perspective on other important things in life. Like making sure there's enough cola, juice, and food in the apartment. There's only so many days (10 days) you can live on instant noodles and 9 month old dark chocolate.
So, coming to the book. The book was better than the blurb described it to be.
This one is about a bitchy smart mouthed werewolf Riley who works for the Directorate which is an agency that looks at all the non-human affairs. She a dhampire (funky name, Yes) which is a cross breed between a Werewolf and a vampire. Her brother is kidnapped and she's in heat. Enter sexy Vampire and a plot with her sex-partners trying to get her pregnant and that's the story.
So, coming to the book. The book was better than the blurb described it to be.
This one is about a bitchy smart mouthed werewolf Riley who works for the Directorate which is an agency that looks at all the non-human affairs. She a dhampire (funky name, Yes) which is a cross breed between a Werewolf and a vampire. Her brother is kidnapped and she's in heat. Enter sexy Vampire and a plot with her sex-partners trying to get her pregnant and that's the story.
June 5, 2020
Fun, old-school Urban Fantasy - Paranormal Romance, heavy on the sex and shape-shifting story line. Riley Jenson is a half werewolf and half a vampire. In this fictional Australia, the wolf shifters are driven mindless to sex for about a week during the full moon. This leads to multiple partners and not always the best choices, since they would be compelled to act in ways they would not otherwise choose. But Riley and her twin brother work for the supernatural enforcement agency as Guardians, well, he is, she is on her way to becoming one, despite not really being a fan of violence and the mandatory blood shed... As I said, it is pretty typical set-up for an old-school UF/PNR series. I enjoyed it for exactly what it is meant to be - fun with not too much deep thinking. :)
December 20, 2008
This is not a great book. It's a little like porn for the ladies, lots of "down there" hormones working over time. I did like the character enough to pick up all of them, I'm in a pretty trashy mood, but not the first Urban Fantasy series I'd recommend. I do have to say her writing gets better and better as the series goes on, much less clumsy, so I'll be sticking with this series!
January 11, 2012
Ugh.
Seriously, ugh.
This reads like an Anita Blake novel, very late in the series when things had devolved into constant sex with only a thin approximation of plot. This entire novel was about how bad Riley needed sex, who she was going to get it from, and if she didn't get it soon, bad things were going to happen. If the sentence "I didn't really want him to touch me, but the way I was burning right now, I might have no choice" (or something similar) occurred less than 20 times in this book, I'd be shocked. Literally everything in this book was about her need for sex.
In terms of the plot? Eh. Really transparent, and not at all interesting. Window dressing for the sex, basically.
Why do people love this series so much? Seriously, WTF?
Seriously, ugh.
This reads like an Anita Blake novel, very late in the series when things had devolved into constant sex with only a thin approximation of plot. This entire novel was about how bad Riley needed sex, who she was going to get it from, and if she didn't get it soon, bad things were going to happen. If the sentence "I didn't really want him to touch me, but the way I was burning right now, I might have no choice" (or something similar) occurred less than 20 times in this book, I'd be shocked. Literally everything in this book was about her need for sex.
In terms of the plot? Eh. Really transparent, and not at all interesting. Window dressing for the sex, basically.
Why do people love this series so much? Seriously, WTF?
June 18, 2010
I tried this, the first Riley Jensen novel by Keri Arthur, but couldn't get into it- I'm realizing I'm really not a huge fan of Urban Fantasy. I need a Happily Ever After with one hero/heroine to root for- the bed hopping ala Laurel K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series makes me insane and this story was stacking up the same way.
I also had a hard time connecting with Riley. So-
passing on this series.
DNF
I also had a hard time connecting with Riley. So-
passing on this series.
DNF
February 19, 2012
Incredibly sexy! Action packed suspense! Full Moon Rising is a crossbreeding of J.D Robb meets Anita Blake meets Mercy Thompson! This book is positively FABULOUS and I'm super excited about reading the book that is *glances to my right* waiting ever so impatiently for my sweetest attention <3
This is a new author and (duh) new series for me. All of the characters are fresh in my brain ... I am being seduced by them as we speak and anxiously await the full sacrificial wave of dreams that will hopefully! ... undoubtedly! ... wake me panting o.O
*grin*
Full Moon Rising is the first book in the Riley Jenson Guardian series; therefore I will be giving you details about what I have come to know thus far... Even though I have noticed that at times I speak my mind .. I am proven "wrong" .. Hey it happens!
Not often.
But it does!
Riley Jenson, a half-breed of werewolf and vampire, the twin to the badass Guardian, Rhoan ... and an erotic dancer of the moon's pull ... She is fun and awesome. I hate comparing .. But I really like this book and I'm going to try and put her into perspective for possible addicts! It's like Anita on valium .. but Mercy on X and revenge. Where does that leave us? With a woman who is sexually confident, betrayed by bastards in her life and does what is needed to .. well the means justify the end, right?
She's excruciatingly lonely in a crowded room, a sad character who does not make friends easily ... this leaves her undying loyalty to a fault and somewhat blinds her to the creepy crawly asswipes lurking in the shadows with knives in their hands!
There are so many wonderful characters .. Hmm. I'm not sure how to "go there" without "going there" ...spoilers suck!
Skipping characters!
This book takes place in the future without the J.D. Robb vroom vrooming. There are ancient vampires, although rare. There are crossbreds, although highly improbable. There is a paranormal section of the law that ... well the seek out and handle what needs handling without bothering to let the "real" world know about the bloodshed.
Rhoan is kidnapped! A friend goes missing ... A vampire warned and warning Riley to keep her distance, and a handful of potential hot and dripping sexy lovers that quite honestly .. well I hope I dream about the club dance scene tonight!
Laurell K. Hamilton is one of my favorite authors. Keri Arthur has excellent potential to wiggle herself onto a higher shelf (the one my toddler should never be able to reach .. cross your fingers!) where she will remain safe and sound. I have high expectations and I sincerely .. I truly hope that Kissing Sin, the second book in this series, keeps me smiling! (I'm 26 pages in and I'm already sick of this review... as it is taking time away from reading!)
This book takes off with a BANG .. You do not even have to read 5 pages before being seduced into Riley's world .. She's brilliant and I'm looking forward to more.
I recommend this book to mature adults only .. awesome violence scenes although not entirely too eyeball oozing worthy. Fantastic sexual content .. frequent .. descriptive .. but brief enough to allow the actual story to stay at the front row.
~happy reading!
This is a new author and (duh) new series for me. All of the characters are fresh in my brain ... I am being seduced by them as we speak and anxiously await the full sacrificial wave of dreams that will hopefully! ... undoubtedly! ... wake me panting o.O
*grin*
Full Moon Rising is the first book in the Riley Jenson Guardian series; therefore I will be giving you details about what I have come to know thus far... Even though I have noticed that at times I speak my mind .. I am proven "wrong" .. Hey it happens!
Not often.
But it does!
Riley Jenson, a half-breed of werewolf and vampire, the twin to the badass Guardian, Rhoan ... and an erotic dancer of the moon's pull ... She is fun and awesome. I hate comparing .. But I really like this book and I'm going to try and put her into perspective for possible addicts! It's like Anita on valium .. but Mercy on X and revenge. Where does that leave us? With a woman who is sexually confident, betrayed by bastards in her life and does what is needed to .. well the means justify the end, right?
She's excruciatingly lonely in a crowded room, a sad character who does not make friends easily ... this leaves her undying loyalty to a fault and somewhat blinds her to the creepy crawly asswipes lurking in the shadows with knives in their hands!
There are so many wonderful characters .. Hmm. I'm not sure how to "go there" without "going there" ...spoilers suck!
Skipping characters!
This book takes place in the future without the J.D. Robb vroom vrooming. There are ancient vampires, although rare. There are crossbreds, although highly improbable. There is a paranormal section of the law that ... well the seek out and handle what needs handling without bothering to let the "real" world know about the bloodshed.
Rhoan is kidnapped! A friend goes missing ... A vampire warned and warning Riley to keep her distance, and a handful of potential hot and dripping sexy lovers that quite honestly .. well I hope I dream about the club dance scene tonight!
Laurell K. Hamilton is one of my favorite authors. Keri Arthur has excellent potential to wiggle herself onto a higher shelf (the one my toddler should never be able to reach .. cross your fingers!) where she will remain safe and sound. I have high expectations and I sincerely .. I truly hope that Kissing Sin, the second book in this series, keeps me smiling! (I'm 26 pages in and I'm already sick of this review... as it is taking time away from reading!)
This book takes off with a BANG .. You do not even have to read 5 pages before being seduced into Riley's world .. She's brilliant and I'm looking forward to more.
I recommend this book to mature adults only .. awesome violence scenes although not entirely too eyeball oozing worthy. Fantastic sexual content .. frequent .. descriptive .. but brief enough to allow the actual story to stay at the front row.
~happy reading!
February 24, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
In Full Moon Rising, Riley Jenson along with her brother, are what considered half breeds. Riley is half vampire and half werewolf. But her werewolf side is dominant from her vampire side. Riley despises vampires, and it still boggles her mind about what her brother Rhoan does. He works for the Melbourne’s Directorate of Other Races, this organization is basically the police force for supernatural creatures. But when Rhoan goes missing on his latest mission, she knows that something is wrong. That Rhoan is alive but has been taken by someone., Riley is shocked when Rhoan's friend and a vampire shows up on her front door. What is worse, is that Riley is about to go through the "Moon Heat" a weeklong affair, where the full moon affects her body in a carnal way. Thankfully she has two partners already available, but while on the hunt for her brother. But who she really craves is Quinn, the vampire that heats her blood like none other.
In Full Moon Rising I was highly impressed with this story. This is a author I have heard many things about, but haven't read her...until now and I can tell you right now that this won't be my last read from her. This one was a bit more sensual than I was expecting, but the scenes were pretty short but plentiful. What I enjoyed the most was Quinn and Riley and seeing the beginning's of their relationship. We see how much they are beginning to care for each other, even though a relationship can never happen. Quinn was recently betrayed by a wolf that he was in love with. And he will never risk himself ever again. I really liked Riley as the main feature of the story. We see her spunk and her charming personality. She isn't afraid to have sex when she has the need for it...she isn't ashamed of who she is. But we also see how much she craves a mate as well, someone to share a life with and have children with. So even though she is a bit brazen at times....she was refreshing and I am eager to see her in the rest of the series.
Overall this was a wonderful book and this one left me excited to try out book 2 especially with a bit of a cliffhanger, not to the story but to the romance, and since I like my HEA....it seemed like a cliffhanger for me. But in all honesty...I truly felt swept away into this story and I couldn't get enouhg. Job well done Keri Arthur....you have me hooked.
[foogallery id="19300"]
In Full Moon Rising, Riley Jenson along with her brother, are what considered half breeds. Riley is half vampire and half werewolf. But her werewolf side is dominant from her vampire side. Riley despises vampires, and it still boggles her mind about what her brother Rhoan does. He works for the Melbourne’s Directorate of Other Races, this organization is basically the police force for supernatural creatures. But when Rhoan goes missing on his latest mission, she knows that something is wrong. That Rhoan is alive but has been taken by someone., Riley is shocked when Rhoan's friend and a vampire shows up on her front door. What is worse, is that Riley is about to go through the "Moon Heat" a weeklong affair, where the full moon affects her body in a carnal way. Thankfully she has two partners already available, but while on the hunt for her brother. But who she really craves is Quinn, the vampire that heats her blood like none other.
In Full Moon Rising I was highly impressed with this story. This is a author I have heard many things about, but haven't read her...until now and I can tell you right now that this won't be my last read from her. This one was a bit more sensual than I was expecting, but the scenes were pretty short but plentiful. What I enjoyed the most was Quinn and Riley and seeing the beginning's of their relationship. We see how much they are beginning to care for each other, even though a relationship can never happen. Quinn was recently betrayed by a wolf that he was in love with. And he will never risk himself ever again. I really liked Riley as the main feature of the story. We see her spunk and her charming personality. She isn't afraid to have sex when she has the need for it...she isn't ashamed of who she is. But we also see how much she craves a mate as well, someone to share a life with and have children with. So even though she is a bit brazen at times....she was refreshing and I am eager to see her in the rest of the series.
Overall this was a wonderful book and this one left me excited to try out book 2 especially with a bit of a cliffhanger, not to the story but to the romance, and since I like my HEA....it seemed like a cliffhanger for me. But in all honesty...I truly felt swept away into this story and I couldn't get enouhg. Job well done Keri Arthur....you have me hooked.
[foogallery id="19300"]
July 15, 2011
Wow. Hmm... If you took Underworld and mixed it in a pitcher with Laurell K Hamilton's Anita Blake series, then threw in a slew of references to his bulging manhood heat and several ice cubes of "for all intents and purposes" which every character said at least once (I dislike phrases repeated over and over again) then you've got this book. If you want a lot of werewolf free sex/rape action by/on a really stupid heroine then this is the book for you! While Riley did wise up at the end, at the beginning you just want to slap her for her "What like, one glass of champagne doesn't make someone pass out? You mean he like date raped me? No way... gee.." She wakes up being told they had sex all over the house and she wasn't conscious for any of it. Apparently she makes the comment that she can't hold her (1) glass of "fancy champagne." Jesus werewolf lady. Are you really that stupid? You think that the effect champagne has on someone is to black out and have sex for 8 hours? Your an idiot. My opinion is that if the reader can see the punchline coming (and has not been privy to any info/conversations that the main character hasn't) yet the main character can't, then the author has insulted me by making a heroine that stinking dumb. I wish this book was better but I just couldn't handle it. Best of luck to the Jenson series but I won't be sailing on with you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2015
DNF at 59%
January 21, 2018
Un concentrato di azione e irrefrenabile passione!
Oh, il mio cuore. IL MIO CUORE! Quando ho inserito la categoria "Una rilettura" nella Chiara Reading Challenge 2018, sapevo che la mia scelta sarebbe ricaduta su questa indimenticabile, intramontabile serie firmata da Keri Arthur. Oh... ohhh, Keri Arthur! La sua scrittura è qualcosa di SUBLIME che ti prende all'amo e ti lascia andare solo all'ultima parola. Il suo stile narrativo è SUPERBO, descrittivo nei punti giusti – quando c'è da esplorare, annusare, percepire – e così fluido. Una prosa unica e additiva!
Sono passati sette anni da quando mi tuffai per la prima volta nel mondo senza freni e inibizioni della fantastica Riley Jenson. Aw, la mia Riley – MIA ♥ Questa Donna con la D maiuscola continua tutt'oggi a essere la mia eroina, il mio modello da seguire: è forte, indipendente e ferma nelle sue convinzioni.
ADORO la natura dei lupi descritta da Keri Arthur: sono focosi e profondamente leali alla loro specie, vivono appieno ogni loro irrefrenabile desiderio e si accoppiano senza remore durante la danza della luna (perché non sono nata lupa?!) Ogni lupo può scegliere di avere più compagni, ma quando troverà la sua anima gemella e griderà il suo nome alla luna, giurerà di essere fedele a lei soltanto e si legherà a lei per la vita. Aw, how romantic *_* Ovviamente anche i cari lupi devono faticare per trovarla, proprio come noi umani, LOL! Ma nel frattempo si godono tutte le libertà consentite dalla loro natura :3
Difatti, in questo libro il sesso è STRATOSFERICO! Sensuale, smodato e così maledettamente eccitante. Niente a che vedere con quello ultra descrittivo e noioso che ormai si legge nei romanzi erotici. Qui, la parola chiave è sentire: dalla più impercettibile carezza, alla spinta più violenta.
Con la sua fluente chioma rossa, caratteristica del suo branco, Riley è come una calamita per i maschi della sua specie e non – e, come lei, noi lettrici ci ritroviamo attratte da ogni esemplare che incrocia sul suo cammino, dal possente Talon al dolce Misha, per poi innamorarci perdutamente dell'enigmatico vampiro Quinn.
«Ho intenzione di sconvolgere la tua esistenza, vampiro».
Il suo sorriso fece quasi fumare le mie viscere. «Puoi provarci».
I miei ormoni erano pronti a provarci lì e subito, ma prima avevo un fratello da mettere in salvo. Aprii la portiera e feci per scendere, ma Quinn si sporse verso di me e le sue dita si chiusero sul mio ginocchio. Il calore di quel contatto attraversò la pelle di serpente e mi penetrò fin dentro le ossa.
«Però c'è una cosa che devo chiarire», disse, e la voce profonda tradì una nota di avvertimento.
Gli lanciai un'occhiata. «Cosa?»
«Fra noi non potrà mai esserci niente di più di un rapporto fugace. Non ho alcuna intenzione di farmi coinvolgere sentimentalmente da un altro licantropo».
Non nascosi il mio stupore. «Cosa ti fa pensare che io voglia qualcosa di più impegnativo? Sono un lupo – e come tutti i lupi, desidero trovare il compagno della mia vita, e avere figli. Tu non potrai mai offrirmi nessuna delle due cose».
«Ho voluto solo avvisarti».
«Allora mi considero avvisata».
Ma non commettere l'errore di credere che sia il sesso, il focus principale non solo di questo libro, ma dell'intera serie – nossignore! È la parte crime, la vera protagonista :D Fin dalle prime pagine si entra nel vivo dell'azione, e da lì in poi non potrete fare a meno di indagare con la nostra aspirante guardiana per risolvere il caso che le viene affidato.
Essendo trascorso molto tempo, non rammentavo praticamente nulla, perciò ho vissuto i numerosi colpi di scena come fosse stata la prima volta! Rivedere il primo incontro tra Riley e Quinn, gli inizi del loro amore... EMOZIONE PURA ♥
Cos'altro posso dirvi per spingervi a iniziare questa serie all'istante? Che Keri Arthur è la mia AUTRICE PREFERITA IN ASSOLUTO? Che QUESTA SERIE È UN MUST READ ? Che, giusto per avvisarvi, l'ottavo libro è nella mia Top Ten? Forse posso dirvi proprio ciò che Riley dice al rigido Quinn...
QUESTA SERIE SCONVOLGERÀ LA VOSTRA ESISTENZA!
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April 11, 2011
4.5 STARS!!
This is the first book I’ve read of Keri Arthur and I really enjoyed this book! I loved her writing style! It was both dark and gritty and very in your face!
I know a lot of people think Riley is a ho, but I’m going stand my ground and say that I really liked her! I’ve read plenty of Urban Fantasy books before this and not all of the heroines grabbed my attention like Riley did. She was funny, smart and unapologetically sexy! She’s a hybrid mix of vampire and werewolf, with her wolfy side a little more prominent. This fact makes her more susceptible for the moon’s calling. Like a succubus needs sex to survive, Riley needs sex to fight bloodlust during the full moon.
But Riley isn’t the only one who is a freely sexual being. Werewolves celebrate with sex and so it’s not so much a sex crazed thing as it is a way to survive. That being said, her twin brother Rhoan has his own love affair going on with Liander. I love these two! They are so amazing!
Riley has a lot of sex in this book, but they’re short scenes that are not as explicit as I initially thought it would be, given that others called her the next Anita Blake. The only prolonged, explicit love scenes are between Riley and Quinn, her love interest. Her scenes with Talon and Misha aren’t as thorough and are quite short and I think they were necessary for what Arthur has planned. I don’t want to spoil anything, so read it to find out!
And then there’s Quinn whom I just adore! He makes such a grand entrance with his dirty birthday suit! He acts like a gentleman, but I’m sensing that there’s more to him than meets the eye. I’m interested to read more about him and Riley.
I can’t wait to read Kissing Sin next!
This is the first book I’ve read of Keri Arthur and I really enjoyed this book! I loved her writing style! It was both dark and gritty and very in your face!
I know a lot of people think Riley is a ho, but I’m going stand my ground and say that I really liked her! I’ve read plenty of Urban Fantasy books before this and not all of the heroines grabbed my attention like Riley did. She was funny, smart and unapologetically sexy! She’s a hybrid mix of vampire and werewolf, with her wolfy side a little more prominent. This fact makes her more susceptible for the moon’s calling. Like a succubus needs sex to survive, Riley needs sex to fight bloodlust during the full moon.
But Riley isn’t the only one who is a freely sexual being. Werewolves celebrate with sex and so it’s not so much a sex crazed thing as it is a way to survive. That being said, her twin brother Rhoan has his own love affair going on with Liander. I love these two! They are so amazing!
Riley has a lot of sex in this book, but they’re short scenes that are not as explicit as I initially thought it would be, given that others called her the next Anita Blake. The only prolonged, explicit love scenes are between Riley and Quinn, her love interest. Her scenes with Talon and Misha aren’t as thorough and are quite short and I think they were necessary for what Arthur has planned. I don’t want to spoil anything, so read it to find out!
And then there’s Quinn whom I just adore! He makes such a grand entrance with his dirty birthday suit! He acts like a gentleman, but I’m sensing that there’s more to him than meets the eye. I’m interested to read more about him and Riley.
I can’t wait to read Kissing Sin next!
June 5, 2010
I liked Riley as a character. The mystery was semi-interesting, although I figured it out before we were supposed to know. I enjoyed the other characters taht were introduced -- of course Quinn I really liked. I understand the whole pull of the moon and the fever, but I felt it was too much of a focuse for the story. It actually got old. I have heard this phases out with the books as the series progresses, I hope it does. I do plan on reading #2 Kissing Sin, but not right away.
August 29, 2012
I am doing a happy squeal right now because I loved this book! It was fantastic. I’m definitely a new Keri Arthur fan. And there are a lot in this series to keep me busy for a while.
One of my favorite things about this book is Riley Jenson. She is a kick ass heroine. To me, she was a cross between Cat from Night Huntress and Georgina Kincaid. She had all of the snark that Cat has and can kick butt, but she is also a little slutty and definitely compelling and fun like Georgina. Her sluttiness would bother me if it wasn’t for the fact that it ties into the Paranormal story.
The werewolf mentality regarding sex is interesting: “We see sex as a celebration, something that should be enjoyed rather than something that must be hidden away behind doors and darkness.” Having multiple partners and a rampant sexual appetite is just part of being a werewolf. Definitely not what is conventional in our society, but because it’s just a part of their society it is acceptable.
Quinn was a great hero as well. I loved that it was more than attraction between him and Riley him but he would never admit it. He fights hard to convince himself that Riley is not the right one for him. He’s really just afraid of getting hurt again. He has a past history with werewolves and will not allow himself more than a casual sexual relationship with one. I can’t wait to see what happens next with Quinn.
Overall, I loved the writing, I loved the characters, I loved the story and I’ve already started book 2. I think this is going to be a great series. So why only a four star rating? I tend to like the Happily Ever Afters in my Paranormal Romances. Urban Fantasy takes a bit longer to get there and I miss the Happily Ever After.
September 5, 2013
I loved this book
Why? Well I'm so glad you asked!
Riley is just pure awesome. She's part werewolf (meh) and part vampire (yay). I have never read a novel where that was a thing before. It made her pretty kick ass. And the best part: a lot of bad shit happened to her but she never stopped being awesome.
So, onto the story!
The aforementioned Riley is as I said - half vampire & half were. She has two 'boyfriends' and someone keeps trying to kill her. The world is set in which vampires and weres are out in the open - kind of regulated by humans. Riley is both drawn to howling at the moon and f$@%ing like bunnies - but she also can move very quickly. Which comes in handy when someone is trying to kill you. She also has a new love interest in Oliver - a man who showed up naked, covered in mud on her doorstep.
I won't give any more of the plot away, but it takes some twists. Some of which were predicted and some of which I did not see coming .
I think the biggest surprise for me - it totally didn't bother me that she slept with several guys during the book.
So, in summary: If you're in need of a strong female urban fantasy story with a little bit of smut, you should read this series.
Why? Well I'm so glad you asked!
Riley is just pure awesome. She's part werewolf (meh) and part vampire (yay). I have never read a novel where that was a thing before. It made her pretty kick ass. And the best part: a lot of bad shit happened to her but she never stopped being awesome.
So, onto the story!
The aforementioned Riley is as I said - half vampire & half were. She has two 'boyfriends' and someone keeps trying to kill her. The world is set in which vampires and weres are out in the open - kind of regulated by humans. Riley is both drawn to howling at the moon and f$@%ing like bunnies - but she also can move very quickly. Which comes in handy when someone is trying to kill you. She also has a new love interest in Oliver - a man who showed up naked, covered in mud on her doorstep.
I won't give any more of the plot away, but it takes some twists. Some of which were predicted and some of which I did not see coming .
I think the biggest surprise for me - it totally didn't bother me that she slept with several guys during the book.
So, in summary: If you're in need of a strong female urban fantasy story with a little bit of smut, you should read this series.
April 13, 2010
Re-read June 2011 --- I found myself more invested in the characters on re-read. I'm planning on continuing the series after this re-read.
Original Review:
Reading this was kind of like watching an action movie on basic cable -- it served its purpose and was moderately interesting, but it was kind of forgettable after finishing. That being said, it wasn’t a bad book. It kept my attention while reading it, I liked most of the characters, and the mystery was something that managed to pull a bit of curiosity from my overworked brain. I plan to continue the series, but I am not desperate to acquire the entire series in the next few hours the way I feel after finishing some other books. I am hoping that maybe as the world has been built in book one that the author can capture and hold my interest in the future books with a little more vigor. We’ll see…
Original Review:
Reading this was kind of like watching an action movie on basic cable -- it served its purpose and was moderately interesting, but it was kind of forgettable after finishing. That being said, it wasn’t a bad book. It kept my attention while reading it, I liked most of the characters, and the mystery was something that managed to pull a bit of curiosity from my overworked brain. I plan to continue the series, but I am not desperate to acquire the entire series in the next few hours the way I feel after finishing some other books. I am hoping that maybe as the world has been built in book one that the author can capture and hold my interest in the future books with a little more vigor. We’ll see…
January 4, 2022
Riley trabaja como "analista" para el Directorado y vive con su hermano gemelo Rohan. Una noche camino a su casa se da cuenta que esta pasando algo muy raro, y decide investigar (lo que siempre la mete en mas problemas), cual es su sorpresa que el club que se encuentra cerca de su casa ha sido atacado por unos vampiros renegados y sabe que no tiene tiempo para esperar a que lleguen los "guardianes" del Directorado, asi que decide entrar para hacer tiempo mientras llegan los refuerzos. Pero al parecer ese no es el unico problema que va a tener esa noche, porque al llegar a su casa hay un vampiro desnudo en su puerta esperando a su hermano.
Y las aventuras no hacen mas que aumentar a partir de ahi, cuando se entera que hay gente que esta buscandola a ella y a su hermano para hacer experimentos cientificos, y todo eso en medio de la semana de la luna llena, cuando sus instintos de apareamiento son practicamente incontrolables.
Sin embargo, tendra que enfrentar a este grupo junto con su hermano y un grupo pequeño de "amigos" que la ayudaran a descubrir y a eliminar la amenaza.
El libro es justo lo que esperaba, y la serie se perfila justo como lo que queria leer. Me gusta muchisimo cuando las sinopsis de los libros reflejan exactamente el contenido, de esa manera sabes exactamente en lo que te espera la lectura y puedes decidir si es lo que quieres leer o no.
En cuanto a la trama, el autor sabe llevar muy bien lo que podria ser una cantidad de aventuras deslocadas, en una logica y esperada linea de accion, y que ademas refleja la personalidad de lo que son y/o piensan los protas.
El libro esta narrado desde el punto de vista de la prota, Riley, lo que hace que muchas de las acciones y descripciones sean un poco menos precisas que si fueran varios narradores, pero esto en ningun momento impide que puedas seguir la logica del libro y como se va desarrollando todo hasta llegar a un final, que se sabe muy bien, continuara en el proximo libro.
Ahora, hubieron un par de cosas que no me gustaron, y una de ellas es lo brusco que pueden ser alguno de los cambios de escenario o tiempo en la lectura, porque a veces solo con pasar un parrafo brincas una noche o un dia, o inclusive un trayecto, lo que te logra confundir en el momento, hasta obligarte a releer el parrafo anterior para entender que paso. Y la otra cosa que no me gusto, fue la escasa informacion que dio sobre el universo, pareciera que el autor quiere enfocarse mas en la accion que en donde/cuando se desarrolla.
Pero la serie esta interesante, y es justamente lo que esperaba leer para comenzar este año, asi que continuare con la lectura.
Y las aventuras no hacen mas que aumentar a partir de ahi, cuando se entera que hay gente que esta buscandola a ella y a su hermano para hacer experimentos cientificos, y todo eso en medio de la semana de la luna llena, cuando sus instintos de apareamiento son practicamente incontrolables.
Sin embargo, tendra que enfrentar a este grupo junto con su hermano y un grupo pequeño de "amigos" que la ayudaran a descubrir y a eliminar la amenaza.
El libro es justo lo que esperaba, y la serie se perfila justo como lo que queria leer. Me gusta muchisimo cuando las sinopsis de los libros reflejan exactamente el contenido, de esa manera sabes exactamente en lo que te espera la lectura y puedes decidir si es lo que quieres leer o no.
En cuanto a la trama, el autor sabe llevar muy bien lo que podria ser una cantidad de aventuras deslocadas, en una logica y esperada linea de accion, y que ademas refleja la personalidad de lo que son y/o piensan los protas.
El libro esta narrado desde el punto de vista de la prota, Riley, lo que hace que muchas de las acciones y descripciones sean un poco menos precisas que si fueran varios narradores, pero esto en ningun momento impide que puedas seguir la logica del libro y como se va desarrollando todo hasta llegar a un final, que se sabe muy bien, continuara en el proximo libro.
Ahora, hubieron un par de cosas que no me gustaron, y una de ellas es lo brusco que pueden ser alguno de los cambios de escenario o tiempo en la lectura, porque a veces solo con pasar un parrafo brincas una noche o un dia, o inclusive un trayecto, lo que te logra confundir en el momento, hasta obligarte a releer el parrafo anterior para entender que paso. Y la otra cosa que no me gusto, fue la escasa informacion que dio sobre el universo, pareciera que el autor quiere enfocarse mas en la accion que en donde/cuando se desarrolla.
Pero la serie esta interesante, y es justamente lo que esperaba leer para comenzar este año, asi que continuare con la lectura.
February 9, 2008
Set in Melbourne in an alternate version of our world where nonhumans live alongside humans, policed by the Directorate, this first book in the Riley Jenson Guardian series is easily one of the best paranormal books I've read so far.
Riley is half werewolf, half vampire - but the werewolf half is more dominant. Her twin brother Rhoan is the opposite, and a Guardian with the Directorate. One evening Riley senses he is in trouble, and when she reaches her home she finds a very attractive, very naked vampire on her doorstep, his memory patchy, but determined to wait for her brother to return.
This is only the start of a very deep mystery involving genetic research, cloning, moon fever, shape-shifting, sex, drugs and a Dhampire (Riley) who can seriously kick some arse. She's a great protagonist, strong and fiesty but not invincible, smart and cocky but not irritating. The premise is refreshingly original, and the blend of crime, mystery, espionage and danger blends perfectly and excitingly with intense sex scenes and a deep yearning for a man who wants her but has been burned too badly by wolves in the past to want more from her.
The setting and focus on genetics and mutants reminded me - in a very good way - of Dark Angel, a show I love, and the pacing is tight, the action thrilling. I do get annoyed at the way certain words and spelling are changed into American English for US editions - and why change some, like mobile (cell phone) and jumper (sweater), and leave others, like rubbish bin? It doesn't make much sense, and frankly it's pretty insulting. Besides, American books don't get changed like this when published in Australia or elsewhere, so why should ours? I really don't think Americans are so stupid they don't know what a mobile phone is. Anyway, that didn't detract from the overall pleasure of reading this book, and I'm definitely going to read the others.
Riley is half werewolf, half vampire - but the werewolf half is more dominant. Her twin brother Rhoan is the opposite, and a Guardian with the Directorate. One evening Riley senses he is in trouble, and when she reaches her home she finds a very attractive, very naked vampire on her doorstep, his memory patchy, but determined to wait for her brother to return.
This is only the start of a very deep mystery involving genetic research, cloning, moon fever, shape-shifting, sex, drugs and a Dhampire (Riley) who can seriously kick some arse. She's a great protagonist, strong and fiesty but not invincible, smart and cocky but not irritating. The premise is refreshingly original, and the blend of crime, mystery, espionage and danger blends perfectly and excitingly with intense sex scenes and a deep yearning for a man who wants her but has been burned too badly by wolves in the past to want more from her.
The setting and focus on genetics and mutants reminded me - in a very good way - of Dark Angel, a show I love, and the pacing is tight, the action thrilling. I do get annoyed at the way certain words and spelling are changed into American English for US editions - and why change some, like mobile (cell phone) and jumper (sweater), and leave others, like rubbish bin? It doesn't make much sense, and frankly it's pretty insulting. Besides, American books don't get changed like this when published in Australia or elsewhere, so why should ours? I really don't think Americans are so stupid they don't know what a mobile phone is. Anyway, that didn't detract from the overall pleasure of reading this book, and I'm definitely going to read the others.
September 15, 2008
Just a warning to anyone who may be hoodwinked by the fact that this book and series have been labeled as paranormal romance - you will not find any romance here. At least not by my definition. I would be more likely to call this way oversexed urban fantasy.
The writing is average, the story pretty good, and the characters are interesting if not a little underdeveloped. But the core of the book (and series) is sex. It's kind of like the writer created this really interesting urban fantasy world, filled with creatures and mythology that fans of the genre will love, and then thought hmm... what is a way I could twist this so that it's perfectly okay for the main character to be a raging slut?
So she made an incredibly high sex drive and incredibly low inhibitions part of the nature of the character's race, and boom, now she can have indiscriminate, emotionless sex with anyone she wants to. And she can just walk around naked all the time. It's totally cool.
You get used to it after awhile, and it can be hot (although a little redundant. If you continue to read the series, you'll find that most of the sex scenes seem to have been copied and pasted in. The wording tends to be almost exactly the same from scene to scene.)
The book is entertaining enough, and while I'm not a huge fan of the rampant sex, it wasn't enough to completely turn me off. I'm about halfway through the third book, and still no romance, and the writing keeps getting worse bit by bit, but the overall story keeps getting better and better, so if you're an urban fantasy fan, you will probably really enjoy this series. It's enough to keep me reading. Just wanted to warn people who thought they might be getting a love story... uh, no.
The writing is average, the story pretty good, and the characters are interesting if not a little underdeveloped. But the core of the book (and series) is sex. It's kind of like the writer created this really interesting urban fantasy world, filled with creatures and mythology that fans of the genre will love, and then thought hmm... what is a way I could twist this so that it's perfectly okay for the main character to be a raging slut?
So she made an incredibly high sex drive and incredibly low inhibitions part of the nature of the character's race, and boom, now she can have indiscriminate, emotionless sex with anyone she wants to. And she can just walk around naked all the time. It's totally cool.
You get used to it after awhile, and it can be hot (although a little redundant. If you continue to read the series, you'll find that most of the sex scenes seem to have been copied and pasted in. The wording tends to be almost exactly the same from scene to scene.)
The book is entertaining enough, and while I'm not a huge fan of the rampant sex, it wasn't enough to completely turn me off. I'm about halfway through the third book, and still no romance, and the writing keeps getting worse bit by bit, but the overall story keeps getting better and better, so if you're an urban fantasy fan, you will probably really enjoy this series. It's enough to keep me reading. Just wanted to warn people who thought they might be getting a love story... uh, no.
June 2, 2011
I hate that moon heat premise has Riley in constant heat. Don't get me wrong, I like steamy scenes in my books, I prefer books to have them but when they're just thrown in for the sake of having them, and not contributing towards the story, then they're not necessary.
Her attitude towards Quinn (the hero) is hypocritical. She completely trusts him to save her brother by himself, buy her crap, she completely throws herself at him, flirts uncontrollably (badly, BTW) yet she doesn't trust him to keep her safe/transport her. I don't get it.
Also, her returning to spend the night with Talon after he had drugged her, very weird.
Ugh. Just ugh.
And, for once, can someone not be a millionaire? Every guy interested in the heroine is a millionaire, well hung, and incredibly good looking. Granted, I don't want to read a steamy scene with Quasimodo but at least have some semblance of normalcy. *Snort* Maybe I ask for too much since it IS a PNR book.
Her attitude towards Quinn (the hero) is hypocritical. She completely trusts him to save her brother by himself, buy her crap, she completely throws herself at him, flirts uncontrollably (badly, BTW) yet she doesn't trust him to keep her safe/transport her. I don't get it.
Also, her returning to spend the night with Talon after he had drugged her, very weird.
Ugh. Just ugh.
And, for once, can someone not be a millionaire? Every guy interested in the heroine is a millionaire, well hung, and incredibly good looking. Granted, I don't want to read a steamy scene with Quasimodo but at least have some semblance of normalcy. *Snort* Maybe I ask for too much since it IS a PNR book.
February 23, 2013
Synopsis:
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.
My Thoughts:
I liked this book, but didn't love it. The rating is more like 3 1/2 stars as opposed to four, but I am intrigued enough to find out what's really going on with this clones/halfbreeds mess, so I will continue on.
I'm not sure how I feel about Riley as a heroine, yet. She seems fun and doesn't let what other people influence her too much. She can kick ass, too. I have no problem with her sexuality since I knew about it going into the book. Though I'm still not sure exactly how I feel about it. There were maybe some times when the sex seemed to happen at inappropriate moments. Also, I do hope that there are too many instances where Riley is on a case during the week of the full moon. I can only read about her fever rising but so many times. It reminds me of Anita and the ardeur before she got more control over it. Only in this series, moon lust is such a part of what makes weres, weres that I'm sure it will be a prominent theme in the series. I just don't want it to interrupt the ongoing plot.
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.
My Thoughts:
I liked this book, but didn't love it. The rating is more like 3 1/2 stars as opposed to four, but I am intrigued enough to find out what's really going on with this clones/halfbreeds mess, so I will continue on.
I'm not sure how I feel about Riley as a heroine, yet. She seems fun and doesn't let what other people influence her too much. She can kick ass, too. I have no problem with her sexuality since I knew about it going into the book. Though I'm still not sure exactly how I feel about it. There were maybe some times when the sex seemed to happen at inappropriate moments. Also, I do hope that there are too many instances where Riley is on a case during the week of the full moon. I can only read about her fever rising but so many times. It reminds me of Anita and the ardeur before she got more control over it. Only in this series, moon lust is such a part of what makes weres, weres that I'm sure it will be a prominent theme in the series. I just don't want it to interrupt the ongoing plot.
February 10, 2016
Ok - I originally rated this book 3 stars, but I find myself having to raise it to 4. Why? Because I'm going to be forced to continue the series. I really did enjoy the characters. I love the relationship of Riley with her brother and her boss. I even like the vampire. (I know, right? That makes this book truly special . . . )
The plot - well, I did see it coming. But, really, how many places can a plot go? The world was interesting and I loved the characters. I honestly couldn't put this one down.
So - why did I originally rate this one lower? Because of all the sex. Sex, sex, sex. I've never seen so much sex in a book that passes itself off as Urban Fantasy. And, seriously, as much as I'd like to classify this as erotica, the plot is really more important than the sex. But, Riley has sex with anyone and everyone. Sometimes quite literally jumping from one bed into another. But, hey, Riley doesn't even need a bed. A wall will do just fine. Ms. Arthur sets up all this sex by establishing the werewolves in this series as *needing* sex during the full moon. And, then sets the first book during the full moon, of course.
I skipped over as much of the sex as possible. Which made the book much shorter. And may have played a *huge* part in what a fast read this was.
I'd really like to give it 3 stars. But, I can't stop thinking about the characters. And, I'm going to want to continue in the series. This is quite a feat for Ms. Arthur (really, seriously, you just have NO idea . . . ) so I'm giving it 4.
The plot - well, I did see it coming. But, really, how many places can a plot go? The world was interesting and I loved the characters. I honestly couldn't put this one down.
So - why did I originally rate this one lower? Because of all the sex. Sex, sex, sex. I've never seen so much sex in a book that passes itself off as Urban Fantasy. And, seriously, as much as I'd like to classify this as erotica, the plot is really more important than the sex. But, Riley has sex with anyone and everyone. Sometimes quite literally jumping from one bed into another. But, hey, Riley doesn't even need a bed. A wall will do just fine. Ms. Arthur sets up all this sex by establishing the werewolves in this series as *needing* sex during the full moon. And, then sets the first book during the full moon, of course.
I skipped over as much of the sex as possible. Which made the book much shorter. And may have played a *huge* part in what a fast read this was.
I'd really like to give it 3 stars. But, I can't stop thinking about the characters. And, I'm going to want to continue in the series. This is quite a feat for Ms. Arthur (really, seriously, you just have NO idea . . . ) so I'm giving it 4.
May 18, 2008
This book has been sitting in my TBR pile for ages. I finally picked it up and I have to say I really enjoyed it, even with the almost constant sexual overtones in the book.
Now I like my nookie in my paranormals as much as the next girl. Hey I love Nalini Singh and Meljean Brook along with Erin McCarthy and JR Ward so a prude I am not but there is HUGE amounts of sex in this book, but it fits as it is part of the universe and the characters we are following.
So if you like fast paced action with a healthy dose of scientific & government conspiracy and a LOT of sex then you are going to frickin love these books. If you prefer to keep it to yearning and chaste kisses these are so NOT the books you want to be reading.
Now I like my nookie in my paranormals as much as the next girl. Hey I love Nalini Singh and Meljean Brook along with Erin McCarthy and JR Ward so a prude I am not but there is HUGE amounts of sex in this book, but it fits as it is part of the universe and the characters we are following.
So if you like fast paced action with a healthy dose of scientific & government conspiracy and a LOT of sex then you are going to frickin love these books. If you prefer to keep it to yearning and chaste kisses these are so NOT the books you want to be reading.
December 28, 2010
Horrifically BAD!!!
I wish I could give this NEGATIVE FIVE STARS!
If you like Charlaine Harris, Kim Harrison, or Patricia Briggs... STEP AWAY FROM THIS BOOK!!! Bad BAd!!!
The first 20 pages she describes her and other's vaginas and penises as "bits"... "I had to cover my bits..." "I gave him a jacket to cover his bits" WTH!! Why are we talking about her and other's vaginas and penises? I don't know! It didn't further the plot in anyway.
Not to mention that the writing is horrible....
I wish I could give this NEGATIVE FIVE STARS!
If you like Charlaine Harris, Kim Harrison, or Patricia Briggs... STEP AWAY FROM THIS BOOK!!! Bad BAd!!!
The first 20 pages she describes her and other's vaginas and penises as "bits"... "I had to cover my bits..." "I gave him a jacket to cover his bits" WTH!! Why are we talking about her and other's vaginas and penises? I don't know! It didn't further the plot in anyway.
Not to mention that the writing is horrible....
April 19, 2016
3.5 stars. I am not sure I completely followed the plot's mystery storyline 100%, but I still really enjoyed it. The "moon fever" definitely leans this book towards the smutty side, but it's done in a way that doesn't seem too gratuitous and comes across as legitimately part of the werewolf culture/worldbuilding. However if it is featured this prominently in every book in this series I think that would give me pause, so we shall see.
October 12, 2018
If you haven’t started this series, don’t wait like I did, do yourself a much deserved favor and read this book!
September 26, 2012
This is one of those books (or series) that I've heard extreme opinions on. Some love it, and others hate it with a passion that makes me tremble in my metaphorical boots. The main issue is that the leading lady, Riley, is given a great introduction as a strong female lead, but it’s all wasted. Her brother goes missing and instead of going out and moving earth and heaven to find him she's having sex. Personally, that's a big character fault and many readers who didn't like this first book stated that it was one of those PNR tropes where the magic of the world is developed so that the lead HAS to have sex. That's a huge turn off for me. So what lead me to picking up this book? A group of friends on GR with similar tastes as me loved these books. Missing great reads is something I hate to do, and so I went into Full Moon Rising with low expectations. Then I was blown away!
Riley is a great lead, a werewolf/vampire half breed. It sounds cheesy (at least to me), but Arthur works out the myths around it well. Riley isn't some kind of super killer. In fact, she's a liaison for the Directorate—a supernatural crime fighting department. When lives are on the line she will step up to the task, especially when her brother is missing. Riley is smart heroine with her own set of human flaws, she's resourceful. This is not one of those books where everything just falls into her lap, Riley has to work to solve the mystery and she does not always win. All this is going on as the Moon Heat is happening. Now don't snicker!
To elaborate on the Moon Heat. Yes, it makes werewolves once a month have to have sex. If they don't get down and dirty with it the werewolf will go into a killing rage. The government even lets werewolves have a week off to take care of these needs—which is a realistic idea for something like this. Now I thought I would have a huge problem with this in the plot line. Arthur takes a plot trop that I hate—HATE—and makes it realistic. Riley struggles trying to deal with the Moon Heat as she seeks her brother. It's realized enough that I don't feel like it steals from the story. It's a legitimate crisis that has to be dealt with. Also it's sooooooo nice having a lead female who isn't a virgin, or simply hasn't slept around a lot. Now, I'm not saying a want my lead to be a slut. What I'm saying is that Riley likes sex, she's not ashamed of it and I enjoy reading about a woman that is comfortable with her sexuality. Strangely enough in UF and PNR even though the women are strong they always have hang-ups or issues with sex.
Arthur has clearly created an amazing Urban Fantasy world that's exceptionally fleshed out. The people, society, and the concepts are great. It’s nice to read a UF set in Australia. If the paranormal creatures of legend stepped out I could believe that the government would want to create super soldiers using gene experimentation and cloning. It's great watching the politics work out. Arthur has created a wonderful mix of Urban Fantasy, PNR, mystery, and sci/fi. The legends for the myths are clear and Arthur doesn't forget it. If Riley's strength saved her from one situation, she's not going to suddenly not be able to do it a page later, or book later. Things are consistent. Sure the bad guys might get special powers because of the experimentation's and other stuff, but they're not pulling new magical rabbit tricks out of there butts.
Another plus is the romance. This series is not going to be dominated by the over done love triangle. Riley has two lovers and a potential in a Vampire that appears naked on her door step. Riley might have to use her sexual assets as tools and sometimes weapons to get what she wants, but that's an asset of being a woman. Arthur is not afraid to use the power of a woman's sexuality. It's great watching Riley fall from lust to maybe love, and then watch her deal with the betrayal of a lover(s). The emotions are raw. Most of all I love how she confronts relationship issues head on. She's not one to take it laying down (um, no pun intended).
This first book is edgy and very sexy. It has all the great features of a wonderful Urban Fantasy story and mixes the right kind of romance elements. PNR fans will love it and UF readers can appreciate a book that's sexy while still maintaining a plot. Everything is not solved in one book and there are plot threads that are going to carry on. Love how epic the plot arcs are. If the Moon Heat aspect of this book is what has been stopping you from trying out this series don't. Arthur has talent and she's clearly not going to let those tired old plot tricks most authors love to use muck up her book. She's got talent for world building, character depth, and so much more. Besides how can you say no to a lead who's strong, smart, and comfortable with her sexuality?
Sexual Content: Honestly after the review, I don’t think I need to say it! Though I do have to respond to other reviews, this isn’t erotica. Not. Even. Close.
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
Riley is a great lead, a werewolf/vampire half breed. It sounds cheesy (at least to me), but Arthur works out the myths around it well. Riley isn't some kind of super killer. In fact, she's a liaison for the Directorate—a supernatural crime fighting department. When lives are on the line she will step up to the task, especially when her brother is missing. Riley is smart heroine with her own set of human flaws, she's resourceful. This is not one of those books where everything just falls into her lap, Riley has to work to solve the mystery and she does not always win. All this is going on as the Moon Heat is happening. Now don't snicker!
To elaborate on the Moon Heat. Yes, it makes werewolves once a month have to have sex. If they don't get down and dirty with it the werewolf will go into a killing rage. The government even lets werewolves have a week off to take care of these needs—which is a realistic idea for something like this. Now I thought I would have a huge problem with this in the plot line. Arthur takes a plot trop that I hate—HATE—and makes it realistic. Riley struggles trying to deal with the Moon Heat as she seeks her brother. It's realized enough that I don't feel like it steals from the story. It's a legitimate crisis that has to be dealt with. Also it's sooooooo nice having a lead female who isn't a virgin, or simply hasn't slept around a lot. Now, I'm not saying a want my lead to be a slut. What I'm saying is that Riley likes sex, she's not ashamed of it and I enjoy reading about a woman that is comfortable with her sexuality. Strangely enough in UF and PNR even though the women are strong they always have hang-ups or issues with sex.
Arthur has clearly created an amazing Urban Fantasy world that's exceptionally fleshed out. The people, society, and the concepts are great. It’s nice to read a UF set in Australia. If the paranormal creatures of legend stepped out I could believe that the government would want to create super soldiers using gene experimentation and cloning. It's great watching the politics work out. Arthur has created a wonderful mix of Urban Fantasy, PNR, mystery, and sci/fi. The legends for the myths are clear and Arthur doesn't forget it. If Riley's strength saved her from one situation, she's not going to suddenly not be able to do it a page later, or book later. Things are consistent. Sure the bad guys might get special powers because of the experimentation's and other stuff, but they're not pulling new magical rabbit tricks out of there butts.
Another plus is the romance. This series is not going to be dominated by the over done love triangle. Riley has two lovers and a potential in a Vampire that appears naked on her door step. Riley might have to use her sexual assets as tools and sometimes weapons to get what she wants, but that's an asset of being a woman. Arthur is not afraid to use the power of a woman's sexuality. It's great watching Riley fall from lust to maybe love, and then watch her deal with the betrayal of a lover(s). The emotions are raw. Most of all I love how she confronts relationship issues head on. She's not one to take it laying down (um, no pun intended).
This first book is edgy and very sexy. It has all the great features of a wonderful Urban Fantasy story and mixes the right kind of romance elements. PNR fans will love it and UF readers can appreciate a book that's sexy while still maintaining a plot. Everything is not solved in one book and there are plot threads that are going to carry on. Love how epic the plot arcs are. If the Moon Heat aspect of this book is what has been stopping you from trying out this series don't. Arthur has talent and she's clearly not going to let those tired old plot tricks most authors love to use muck up her book. She's got talent for world building, character depth, and so much more. Besides how can you say no to a lead who's strong, smart, and comfortable with her sexuality?
Sexual Content: Honestly after the review, I don’t think I need to say it! Though I do have to respond to other reviews, this isn’t erotica. Not. Even. Close.
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
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