Part vampire, part werewolf, Riley Jenson knows what can happen when vamps don’t play well with others. But she’s never seen anything like this: a series of brutal murders surrounding the latest hot spot for vampire-human hookups—and the victims aren’t just killed, they’re beheaded. Now Riley is launching into action, toying with a seductive—and highly suspicious—club owner, and finding herself in the middle of another mystery: women being killed one by one, without a trace of violence.
For Riley, solving multiple cases—in a world going mad with human and vampire passions—would have been tough enough. Instead she has two jealous lovers on her hands: Kye Murphy, the amber-eyed werewolf who makes Riley’s wolf blood howl—and Quinn, the cool, elegant vamp who has over a thousand years’ experience at fulfilling women’s desires. While she’s busy juggling these two sexy beasts, Riley’s detective work takes a stunningly violent turn. Finding a murderer is now a matter of life and death. Especially since the killer has long since found her . . .
Bound to Shadows is the eighth book in the Riley Jenson series and the first one I have read, so please keep that in mind while reading the review. I can’t compare Riley or any other character to how they acted in previous books. While I had no problems following the story in this book, I also feel a very strong desire to go back and read the other books in this series to learn the history of these very fun characters. I fell in love with Riley, her brother Rhoan, Quinn, and yes, Kye intrigued me. I would love to go back and see how they all ended up to be where they are in this book.
Patti says
You didn't read the other books? Hmmm…I would definitely recommend doing that – it's a fun series. I just got this one and can't wait to read it!
Fiction Vixen says
I a huge fan of the Riley Jenson Guardian series. I think Riley is an amazing character. I'm glad you enjoyed and I do recommend that you read the series from the beginning. Great review. :)
Blodeuedd says
That is nice that you could read it without having read the others. I do like that, even if it would make me ache for buying 7 more books
Book Chick City says
I have this to review too. I haven't read any of the previous books either and I hate reading a series half way through, or in the case, practically at the end. I find that I miss out on so much and it's hard to really get into the story. You sound as though you managed that well though. Great review!
Caitlin says
I highly recommend reading the rest of the books. They are great! I can't wait to read Bound to Shadows. The last book left us hanging big time with the "sex triangle" between the three of them, and I've been dying to find out what happens.
I'm glad that you enjoyed the book even though you haven't read the whole series. Must mean it's good!
Liza says
I've never read any books in this series, but sounds like I should add them to my ever growing TBR pile. I normally don't read books in a series out of order. However, I love when you can read them out of order and still follow the story.
ParaJunkee says
I read the first book, and enjoyed it. Yes, Riley is a little hot in the pants – she reminded me of Max from Dark Angel when she would go in heat..LOL. I can't wait to read it, is high up on my TBR.
A Buckeye Girl Reads says
This book looks like a really good read. I've heard great things about Keri Arthur-she's one of those authors that I wonder why I haven't read her before. I'm so going to have to change that.
Smokinhotbooks says
Whoa "8th" book in the series? This kind of intimidates me a. financially and b. as a reader…how will I ever catch up? Were you lost at all by starting with Bound to Shadows?
You do realize when you give something 4 stars I usually end up buying it *Le Sigh*
Mandi says
Patti – I definitely want to read the others in the series!
Fiction Vixen – Thanks for explaining some things in the series for me chicky :)
Blodeuedd – I usually don't read out of order, but I couldn't read seven books that quickly :)
Mandi says
BCC – I definitely could have gotten more out of the book if I was familiar with the series, but Keri Arthur did a great job in writing this as easily to understand for a newbie :)
Caitlin – Can't go wrong with a sex triangle..LOL
Liza – I don't like reading out of order either. Must go back and start series to remedy it!
Mandi says
Parajunkee – Riley is definitely part werewolf! Her sensual side is out there.
Buckeye Girl – I always said the same thing..glad I started with her.
Smokin Hot – I'm sorry I gave it four stars!! ;)
Lily Child says
As I was reading your review I thought to myself, the name Keri Arthur sounds familiar. Then I got to this part in the review:
"Bound to Shadows is the eighth book in the Riley Jenson series…"
Wow, I can be slow at times! :P
I think it's difficult to pick up a series part way through, so you get major kudos for that!
The series itself sounds interesting. I am planning a trip to the bookstore today, so perhaps I'll flip through a few books from the series!
Lovely review as always Mandi! :)
Lily Child says
Mandi,
I just back from the bookstore! Guess what I picked up?! The first 3 books in this series! I started reading the first book in the series and got to page 25 and figured, I better buy it! :P
I would have never picked these up had it not been for your review! Thanks so much! :)
Mandi says
Lily – How awesome!!! Let me know how you like the first book..I have it ordered! I really can't wait to find out how she starts off and meets everyone in Bound to Shadows.
Happy reading :)
Lily Child says
Mandi
The first 25 pages were great! I am so looking forward to reading the rest of the book! :)
We'll definitely have to compare notes when we're done reading! :)
Carolyn Crane says
I'm glad to see you liked this. This Kye bit sounds super intriguing!
As you can see, I haven't read this one, but earlier in the series, you really get the whole wolf-sex desire thing. In one of them, the plot centers around a were sex club/nightclub where you really get insight into that culture.
SusiSunshine says
I'm reading this book at the moment so I didn't read the review. Will come back when I finished it!
Enjoy Vegas!
elaing8 says
I just finished reading it. Loved it!!
One of my favorite series.
Tricia says
I'm kinda behind in this series will have to remedy that soon. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed this one you gotta love Riley and her wolf side!
Donna [Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings] says
I'm so glad to see that book 8 is a good one. Makes me want to get started on this series right now. I'm real interested in seeing how a hybrid will play out in the paranormal world. Thanks Mandi!
Jamie says
Sounds like a good one! I've not heard of this author but I am so going to see if it's in our library system!
ann marie says
I so forgot about this series, and it's even worse I still have the first book in tbr pile. I will have to dig it out and give it a try. Thanks for your great review.
Have fun in Vegas :)
Kindle Vixen says
This is such a good series! Def. pick up the earlier ones. This is book 8, there is only one more in the series left… Moon Sworn. I can't wait to find out what happens next as I was a little surprised at how this one ended ~ at the same time I will be sad to see the series finished!
SusiSunshine says
Finished and I agree with you opinion. It's a great series and I really need to read the first books in this series. The one thing I disagree is Kye. Oh man I hate this guy. Such an asshole!
Great review hon!
Sparklybearsy says
Great review Mandi! If you liked Quinn in this book go back and read the first…he is delicious with a sprinkling of RAWR!!! Im so eager to finish this series.
orannia says
I stopped at about the fifth or sixth book. I'd enjoyed the others up until then but…that book (whichever book it was) I just couldn't finish. It was probably me though :) Maybe I should try again. I don't like Quinn though *ducks*