Member Reviews
Christine Feehan is one of my favorite authors, and this novel is hot!
I love all her series and this one does not disappoint!
Thank you NetGalley and publisher.
I loved reading this book! The fact that we got meet the New York Ferraro family, in their home turf, was so great! This almost felt like a series reboot, like Shadow Rider, since it follows the head of the New York family like Stefano is the head of the Chicago family.
If we've met Geno before, and I'm pretty sure we have, I've forgotten about it, these books come out one a year, and I read a lot. So it was really great to be in his perspective, and watch his and Amaranthe's story! I really enjoyed them together! They were both strong people, but because of his cousins, he knows some of the pitfalls of his strong personality and protectiveness, and works to balance that in their relationship.
18 years ago, Geno's dad was injured, and they just blocked off their sons. They didn't see their kids for a year, and after that year, it was like they were talking to some random person, not their son. And that mystery has really dug deep into Geno, because that abandonment had a negative impact on his brothers, and Geno was the one that had to take charge as the oldest. So that was a great part of the story.
The other part was in what was going on currently, with all this theft and rising distrust of the Ferraro family, alongside the murders was really interesting. The ties to the past, and that tie to Taviano, yeah, just made the take down of these bad guys just oh, so satisfying!
This was a really great read and a great pick for my birthday read, and I can't wait for the next!
I don’t even know why I am still surprised by the way Ms Feehan’ books affect me time and time again, because even though I have come to expect greatness from her every single time I open one of her books, the way her stories hook me in is something I never want to get used to.
Danger, suspense, tension, romance, and action provide readers with an entertaining and compelling reading experience in Shadow Dance by Christine Feehan. I loved the intense emotional plot that sucked me in and pulled on heart strings, I love the sense of family.
Geno Ferraro, the head of the N.Y. Ferraro set's a trap for the individuals committing crimes and murders in his territory. Amaranthe Albert who dances and works for the Ferraro Performing Arts Theatre is captured and brought to Geno's home for interrogation. Geno feels that something is off and Amara isn't what she appears to be. When he enters the room his and Amanda's shadows connect. Regardless of the attraction, Geno's determined to find out is Amara an Assassin sent to kill the N.Y. Ferraros.
Amara proves her innocence to Geno in a unique way and their relationship slowly grows with mutual respect, communication and trust as Elite Shadow Riders and mates.
What follows is a plot within a plot based on revenge and the destruction of ALL shadow riders. Things are revealed from the past that are brutal and heartbreaking. The sins of the fathers are pasted down to the sons and the legacy will be felt by all shadow riders. Will Geno and Amanda's love for each other and family be enough to survive what's coming?
Review: SHADOW DANCE (A Shadow Riders Novel Book 8) by Christine Feehan https://bit.ly/3L7x6eI
Publication Date: August 22, 2023
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
I enjoyed the introduction to the New York Ferraros. They are fierce, loyal, dangerous, and yet share a lighthearted camaraderie that tempers their dangerous personalities. It did take me a little bit to warm up to Geno and Amaranthe, so the insta-love once their shadows merged didn’t mesh with me. Thankfully that changed as their attraction and mutual respect blossomed into a loving and romantic dance. I particularly enjoyed watching Geno struggle with his need to shelter her while respecting her innate abilities that rivaled his. They made quite the couple. The storyline was compelling and had my heart racing a few times. I liked that the Chicago Ferraros were there to help round out this new direction of the Riders. I look forward to the next installment!
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
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Kindle https://amzn.to/3ReB0qd
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Shadow Dance is the eighth book in the Shadow Riders series by Christine Feehan. The far-reaching Ferraro family can travel through shadows. They look to the world as rich playboys, but in reality, they deal justice to those above the law.
Geno Ferraro is head of the New York branch of the Shadow Riders. Brutish and ruthless, Geno is determined to find his parent’s killers. Amaranthe, or Amara, is a dancer harboring a huge secret and is Geno’s number one suspect. When their shadows collide, Geno instantly recognizes his soul mate in Amara. After resolving misunderstandings, Geno and Amara must work with the extended Ferraro family to find the killers threatening the entire family.
Geno and Amara are perfect for one another. Both are isolated, lonely, and lethal. However, Amara has a light inside her that draws Geno. The couple’s romantic chemistry was electric. I would have liked more of a sensual connection. I enjoyed the time the characters were alone on the page but wanted more.
This plot is intricate and complex, and each book builds upon the next. Many previous characters have essential roles in this book. I’d advise reading this series in order. This is a page-turner, and it is lightning-fast. The action sometimes overshadowed the romance, but I got so caught up in the storyline that I didn’t care. I love the extended family and their meals together! This series focuses on the power of a loving family, and I love that! I enjoy all of Christine Feehan’s series, but this one holds a special place in my heart. If you love paranormal romance, you must read Christine Feehan; she is the queen of this genre!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SHADOW DANCE is the best of author Christine Feehan’s Shadow Rider series! There is a lot of action, family drama, and danger.
Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction
https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=83451
Christine Feehan continues her Shadow Riders saga in Shadow Dance. The Ferraro family is assassination targets from unknown enemies. Amaranthe Aubert, ballerina, is a shadow rider who is investigating suspicious murder of riders under contract with the international Archembault investigators. Geno Ferraro, head of the New York Ferraro family, suspects her of complicity, and in her interrogation of her finds she is his soul mate. How do Geno and Amaranthe keep everyone safe and find the assassins? Read and find out.
Someone is killing members of the Ferraro family, other riders. Geno Ferraro is determined to discover who it is... his determination to find out how this tiny ballet dancer, Amaranthe, is involved how he's determined to protect those in his heart, had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page!
Action, Danger, Suspenseful discoveries surrounding the Shadow Riders... all keeping me riveted and immersed in the story of Geno and Amaranthe...while I dreamy sigh over these two finding how they fit together in and out of the shadows!
One heart discovering the connection and love to another opens them to love of family, too... the other discovering what it means to have the love of another just for them.
Ms. Feehan’s newest addition to the Shadow Riders series is one of the most complex stories she’s written to-date!
Moving the series to NYC, Gino Ferraro’s territory; the story begins with the Ferraro’s under attack, friends and family members killed. Gino has set a trap and secured the woman who tripped it. Ready to interrogate her using whatever means necessary.
Amaranthe Aubert, ballerina extraordinaire and skilled assassin accesses her chances of getting out of her predicament alive and knows they are not good. When Gino enters with Stefano and Dario….well….just let me say it’s a great action scene and the four of them come to terms as there is much larger danger looming over the entire Ferraro clan.
The rest of the story is so complex that it took me several rereads and a reread of “spoiler”
Shadow Flight to figure it all out. The clues in this story have clues! Gino and Amaranthe’s love story in the middle was a delight to watch unfold although I always chuckle at the men’s belief that they are in control.
This is an all time top favorite over all Ms. Feehan’s series!
4.5stars-SHADOW DANCE is the eight instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult SHADOW RIDERS paranormal, erotic, romance series focusing on the Ferraro Crime Family. This is Shadow Rider Geno Ferraro, and ballet dancer Amaranthe “Amara’ Aubert’s story line. SHADOW DANCER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
SOME BACKGROUND: The Shadow Rider male must find his mate –a woman who is capable of riding the shadows-or at the very least with the ability to bear children with the shadow-riding gene. Within the family, the Ferraro siblings are tasked with finding a mate, fated by DNA, who is capable of continuing the family line. People with the ability to ride the shadows are few and far between, and future generations are at risk if no mates are found with the shadow-riding gene. The Ferraro’s are also part of the Chicago Underworld-a crime family linked to both legal and criminal activity.
Told from third person perspectives SHADOW DANCER follows in the aftermath of the murder of Geno’s parents Eugene and Margo Ferraro. Someone is killing Shadow Rider couples, and Geno is about to discover the Ferraro family has been targeted. Enter ballet dancer and elite investigator Amaranthe Aubert, the woman with whom Geno will fall in love. As Amara and Geno begin investigating a series of attacks against anyone connected to the Ferraro family, our couple will discover that all is not well in the world of the Shadow Rider, past sins are about to reveal a darkness that has targeted the Ferraro family. What ensues is the building relationship between Amara and Geno, and the potential fall-out as Geno’s need to protect Amara threatens their future and their own happily ever after.
The world building continues to focus on the world of the Shadow Rider: their ability to ‘ride the shadows’, and those who are trained to serve justice when a ‘rider’ cannot be sentenced through regular law enforcement. As each member of the Ferraro finds their own happily ever after, secrets will reveal a past haunted by neglect and abuse.
The relationship between Geno and Amara is one of fated mates but Amara has been tasked with investigating the people or person’s responsible, having been lead to believe the Ferraro’s may be the key. When Geno’s ‘shadow’ entwines with our story line heroine’s, Amara knows immediately that separating from Geno could mean death to them both. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including most if not all of the previous story line couples, even if just by way of mention of total involvement. We are reintroduced to Geno’s brothers Salvatore and Lucca, and Dario Bosco, a non-rider who is aware of the Shadow Rider’s existence. The requisite evil has many faces.
SHADOW DANCE is another dramatic story of family and relationships, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, fate and love. The premise is edgy, detailed, complex and dark; the romance is spirited and provocative; the characters are impassioned, desperate, powerful and determined.
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The newest Shadow book is set in New York!
Geno is having some major issues in his New York territory. At first, there were just minor issues. Pick pocketing of tourists and elderly people and then bigger crimes like robberies and assaults. Then the murder of 2 elderly people. And then his parents are murdered. As he investigates, traps are set to ensnare the culprits and bring them to justice.
He now has a seemingly delicate young lady in his interrogation room. She took the bait in his trap. But even though he knows somehow that she is a shadow rider and is guilty and is a traitor to the shadow riders; he feels that something is off. He is incredibly drawn to her and knows she is meant to be “the one”. She may look sweet and innocent, but he senses a steel backbone and a mind that is working to figure out how to escape. He realizes that he needs help, so calls Stefano and the enforcers to come and assist him.
Amaranthe is sitting in the interrogation room trying to figure out what she has gotten into. When Dario, Stefano and Valentino followed Geno into the room, she knew something was terribly wrong. Geno was supposed to be her one contact source and now she was regretting not contacting him when she arrived. But she was used to working alone, never counting on anyone but herself. When she realized how badly she had messed up and that they thought she had something to do with the shadow rider murders, she did what she was trained to do. Let no one find out what she knew. She activated her poison wafer in the roof of her mouth!
Geno could tell that Amaranthe was shocked when he asked her if she had been involved with any of the murders. He could tell that she was telling the truth, but also that she knew more than she was letting on. When he threatened lethal force, he realized he had pushed her too far. He instinctively knew what she was doing and managed to get part of the poison wafer out of her mouth and into his. As the poison took effect, he let Stefano know that she was innocent and try to save them both.
Thankfully they were both saved, and they were able to sit down with Geno and the other riders, and Dario and Val. Amaranthe told them that she was there to investigate as she knew that somehow the murders were connected, and that Geno was probably the next target.
As a world ballet dancer, Amaranthe had many months before applied and was accepted into the ballet community in New York. Her cover was secure. She was a highly trained investigator and assassin. It was her job to try to stop the murders.
Together, Geno and Amaranthe must work together and figure out what is happening with the retired shadow riders. Who has a vendetta against them and why does it seem like they have waited almost two decades to seek revenge? Was it connected to the night that Geno had to take over the New York Riders due to an accident that happened to his parents? What really happened that night when he was thirteen?
Enjoy this page turner and get to know Geno and Amara!!! Great reading #ShadowRiders, #ChristineFeehan
Christine Feehan shines with SHADOW DANCE (Shadow Riders #8). Geno Ferraro head of the New York City Shadow Riders interrogates dancer Amaranthe Aubert about a series of murders. He discovers that she is a fellow rider, and their shadows connect.
Christine Feehan does a fantastic job with this novel. It is an excellent addition to the Shadow Riders series. As always, the story is skillfully written. There are interesting twists. We discover attention-grabbing details about the Shadow Riders’ world and characters in the series. They uncover tragedies that happened in the past.
I love Geno and Amaranthe. They have amazing chemistry. Amaranthe has a fascinating background and is a talented dancer. I enjoyed Stefano’s (SHADOW RIDER, Shadow Rider #1) role in the story. SHADOW DANCE is the perfect addition to the Shadow Riders series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Geno is the cousin to the notorious Ferraro family whom we have seen in the other books in this series. He as well as his Ferraro cousins are shadow riders, meaning they are able to move very quickly through the tubes of the shadows. Essentially they are able to turn into shadows and quickly move anywhere shadows are. The Ferraro family as well as their cousins gets justice for people who have been hurt by child predators and human traffickers. They are a crime family but they find and kill child predators and human traffickers which makes them the good guys in my book.
When Amaranthe is picked up by Geno and his crew, he thinks she's there to assassinate him but she's hiding a huge secret and isn't sure who she can trust. Her cover is she's a ballet dancer and she can play the sweet, innocent small woman when she has to, but underneath all that facade is a strong women ready to pounce on her target. But is Geno her target? Geno feels something for her right away and because a Shadow Rider can feel their mate because their shadows are attracted to each other, he knows he isn't going to be able to hurt her in this interrogation which puts him in danger. So when he brings in some of his crew to interrogate her, she panics and does what she's been trained to do which almost kills her and Geno.
After they both recover, she finally tells him the truth and they start working together to find out who is killing people close to his family. This was a great murder mystery, I had no idea who was doing the killing or why until the reason was revealed. I have been loving this series since the very first book and this was no exception. I liked that we got to see all the Ferraro siblings and their spouses from the past books and had a chance to watch Geno and Amaranthe slowly get more comfortable with each other. Both Amaranthe and Geno have had hard lives. Amaranthe was adopted by the council when her parents died when she was young, she wasn't shown love or affection but she was trained to be a very lethal shadow rider. Geno had to take over his family's business at a very young age when something bad happened to his parents. So these two really needed each other.
There was so much action in this book and I love watching these lethal shadow riders do their thing. If they have you in their sights, there's no getting away from them. You can't hide from them, because as long as there's a shadow, they can get to you.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Geno protects his family. So when a trap ensnares Amara he doesn't know what to think? His heart is saying one thing his head another.
Amara is use to working alone. But when a miscalculation puts her squarely in Geno's sights she is unsure of her next steps.
Danger surrounds Geno and by extension Amara. Will they learn to trust the new feelings both are unfamiliar with before it is too late?
I thoroughly enjoyed Shadow Dance the latest in Christine Feehan's Shadow Riders series. Geno appears so closed off. He has had to grow up quickly and he shoulders that responsibility but trust is hard. He knows Amara is important to him but can he handle just what that means? Can he accept all sides that make of Amara? And Amara doesn't know about family. She doesn't have one and her job isn't conducive to gaining one. But Geni accepting Geno gives her something she has secretly desired. But can she accepts the responsibility that comes with family?
Ms. Feehan allowed us on Geno and Amara's journey. It was full of unexpected twists even as the Ferraro family bands together to protect the whole. I cannot wait to see where Ms. Feehan will take us next in this world she has created.
Powerful, heartfelt, mysterious and exciting!
The Ferraro Family shadow riders are divided into four different areas of the country: Chicago, New York, LA and San Francisco. Ms. Feehan shifts this series from Chicago to the New York family in Shadow Dance. The New York family is made up of Geno and his two younger brothers Lucca and Salvatore.
Shadow Riders are individuals born with an inherent gift of being able to disappear into the shadows where they travel unseen, dispensing justice to those denied by every other legal means of justice. Yes, it is as exciting as it sounds! Eight books in and I feel like Ms. Feehan is just getting started!
Geno takes the stage in this latest shadow riders read and is a hard, complex and complicated brute of a man. He is unequivocally fierce in his loyalty to his family–his famiglia–a shark in the business world and has a single-minded purpose as a protector, protecting his family, his territory, and those who reside there.
When a string of murders start happening in New York directly affecting the family, Stefano and some of the Chicago family are asked to assist. When you attack one Ferraro, you attack them all.
Amaranthe is a strong heroine, a brilliant ballet dancer and a very skilled and deadly elite shadow rider. She’s been ordered by the International Council to go undercover to find rogue shadow riders and bring them in. She winds up in New York, gets snagged in a trap and mistakenly fingered for the murders. When Geno and Amaranthe’s shadows connect though… ooo fire!
I absolutely loved this book! It’s so exciting from start to finish and packed full of information, action and intrigue. Stefano has always been my favorite shadow rider but I think Geno is coming in a close second. Geno is so much like Stefano (head of the Chicago family and Ferraro family, in general) yet so different.
I found a lot of similarities in the way Stefano and Geno are tasked with their responsibilities as heads of their family groups but this is definitely not a copycat story. Geno is his own character and has so many layers. He’s brilliantly written and I thought he paired so beautifully with Amaranthe.
There’s lots of action, adult content and some material that may be difficult for some readers. Definitely check your trigger warnings. This is a dark romantic suspense with paranormal elements.
But there is also a lot of love and the struggle to be worthy of love and acceptance. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I cannot wait for the next one!
The darkness of the Shadow Riders series keeps me coming back for me. Whilst this book can be read as a standalone, it is more enjoyable to read the books in this series from start to finish. In the latest installment, we receive Geno's story. He is the "big boss" in New York city. He is also thrown into a puzzle that makes no sense. Trigger warning, this book delves into child abuse.
When the left does not know what the right hand does, misunderstandings can happen. This is the case between Geno and Amaranthe. For those that find similarities between the characters in the Shadow Riders and the Ghost Walkers, I can see the formula Ms. Feehan uses and I like it. In fact, most of her books have characters created in this manner. It appeals to me and it works for her. Sometimes the characters pull me in more than others. This story, Amaranthe pulled me in. I loved her back story. Her childhood was not easy and I admire her for how she achieved to such great heights. Yes, others will, specifically characters in this story are horrified with how hard she was pushed. I guess from an immigrant child's perspective, it is familiar and normalized for me. I can appreciate other people's horror at how hard Amaranthe was pushed. I guess I just identify with it and see nothing wrong with it. Look where Amaranthe is today. Could her childhood been adjusted to have a bit more love? Probably. But she never really went without and her temperament suited the upbringing and training she received. Not saying this works for all people, but it worked for her.
I must admit, about a quarter of the way through this story, I started to suspect what was going on. I have to say, I wasn't surprised with the big reveal. I was angry that the vengeance doled out wasn't louder and with more ramification. The mishandling in my mind was keeping the vigilant justice quiet. I can understand why it happened. I do not agree with it because what is kept secret can grow into an ugly monster. And this ugly monster was even worse than the original crimes.
I like how Ms. Feehan doesn't shy away from the gritty, abusive, and taboo topics. She gives it no quarter as she exposes right from wrong. There are times where clear lines must be delineated for us to survive as a society. This series feels like this over and over again. Unfortunately, there must be people who have to do the "dirty" work to protect the rest of society. This is why I enjoy this series and others. There is a time and place for violence. Ms. Feehan showcases it in a way that I enjoy reading.
I found the plot of this story more riveting than the romance between Geno and Amaranthe. The two are well matched, but their chemistry didn't wow me. I did like their interactions and specifically how they partner together to solve the mystery. I liked how their character was developed. Ms. Feehan creates characters I usually thoroughly admire and sometimes wish I could be. They inspire me to be better. I'm left with a positive feeling at the end of this book.
This dark romance is recommended to reader who appreciate vengeance.
Shadow Dance by Christine Feehan is a captivating and thrilling novel that seamlessly blends danger, suspense, tension, romance, and action to offer readers an enthralling and compelling reading experience.
Danger, suspense, tension, romance, and action provide readers with an entertaining and compelling reading experience in Shadow Dance by Christine Feehan. The eighth book in the Shadow Riders series switches from the Chicago Ferraro family to their cousins in New York City. Geno Ferraro became the head of his family and his family’s territory at the age of thirteen after an event that left this father severely injured. Eighteen years later, his parents are killed in the latest string of murders. He sets a trap and thinks he has the assassin caught.
Amaranthe “Amara” Aubert is a classical ballerina and a shadow rider. She had nothing to do with the murders, but when Geno connects to her in the shadows, she can’t hide her true reason for being in New York.
Shadow riders are a fascinating concept where they slip from one shadow to the next to travel unseen. Tasked with the job of bringing justice to those who can’t get it achieved via regular law enforcement, it is a dangerous job requiring training from an early age. Geno and Amara are compelling characters. Geno took on business and family responsibility at a young age. He puts family first, has learned to compartmentalize, thinks quickly, is trained in self-defense and fighting techniques, has a strict moral code, and is very good at observation. He’s also viewed as ruthless and cold by many. Amara is a talented ballerina, determined, captivating, fast, confident, deadly, and can process info at an extremely rapid rate. While there are several new characters, including Geno’s brothers, Salvatore and Lucca, readers also get to spend time with some of the Chicago members of the family as well.
A chilling scene to start the novel immediately pulls readers into the story. Who is committing the murders and why? Who will be the next target? As knowledge is pooled and research delves into events, possibilities become known. The significant amount of danger and action kept me fully engaged and made this a true page turner for me. It is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their journey progressed and became ever more dangerous and unusual. It contained the elements that I love in this genre of books. The book delivers on escapism through attraction, friendship, family, romance, action, and love while also tackling serious issues including secrets, trust, abuse, stressful situations, honor, having the courage to do what’s right, duty, loyalty, battling evil, and selfless sacrifice for others. There are a couple of steamy scenes in the second half of the novel.
Overall, this briskly paced novel was engaging and had great characterization. I can’t wait to find out who will be featured in the next book. I recommend this to those that like paranormal romantic suspense novels and urban fantasies with relatable and likeable main characters.
Berkley Publishing Group and Christine Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 22, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.