Shadow Rider by Christine FeehanMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Unlikely Heroes
Shadow riders are unlikely heroes. They are a tightly knit but large and sprawling extended family. They are tightly knit because they have a unique ability to produce rare children that can travel through shadows. Shadow riders are only born if both parents are capable of riding the shadows. There are other gifts given to the members of the family, but the one that is the most dangerous and most prized is the ability to travel the shadows, because that ability allows them to carry out their mission, ensuring the family survives.
Stefano is the eldest brother of the five Ferraro siblings and they are all shadow riders. He is hard and ruthless and will do anything to protect those in his care. His parents were cold and distant and he thought that was the kind of marriage he had to look forward to, one arranged to carry on his abilities. Then he saw Francesca, walking through his neighbourhood, shivering in the Chicago winter without a coat and knew she was a shadow rider and that he could love her.
The problem is that Francesca doesn’t know she’s a shadow rider or that they exist and Stefano isn’t allowed to tell her unless they get married. She’s lonely, on the run and has no money and she certainly doesn’t trust the scary, hot, rich guy who wraps her in his coat and drops money in her pocket before declaring her to be given the job she’s applying for and disappearing.
This is an interesting paranormal romance. It’s different and intriguing. However, despite the interesting world-building, the plot is quite predictable. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions and there were lots of fun sexy times but there weren’t any surprises, which for me at the moment is no bad thing.
Stefano is a typical controlling alpha male hero who has to know what’s going on at all times and makes sure everyone is safe all the time. He wants to shelter everyone from getting hurt, even if they don’t want that protection.
Francesca is quite happy to be looked after. She shows a little bit of a spine occasionally but usually backs down because she ‘knows it’s because he wants her safe’. She’s a really sweet person and gets walked over a bit. She's the sort of friend you need to talk to all the time to get them to believe in themselves a little bit.
Stefano and Francesca seem to be ideally suited to one another, but I wouldn’t want to be in a relationship with either of them! Despite that, I enjoyed the read and will definitely continue with the series.
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