Name: Rachel Benton's review of Shadow Rider by Christine Feehan
Item: Shadow Rider
Rating: 5
Author: Rachel Benton

Christine Feehan

The #1 New York Times bestselling "queen of paranormal romance" (USA Today) is back with a sexy series starring a Chicago crime family that hides a dark, mystical secret... Whether it's fast cars or fast women, Stefano Ferraro gets what he wants. When he's not fodder for the paparazzi, he commands Ferraro family businesses--both legitimate and illegitimate. While their criminal activity is simply a rumor yet to be proven, no one knows the real truth. The Ferraros are a family of shadow riders capable of manipulating light and dark, an ability Stefano thought ran in his family alone--until now... With little left to her name, Francesca Cappello has come to Chicago in hopes of a new life. She wasn't expecting to attract the attention of a man with primal hunger in his eyes, driven to claim her as his to protect and to please. And if he discovers her secret, it could ruin her...

Shadow Rider

Rachel Benton

Lover of Romance 

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
  

 
  
    Summary 
  
 
Stefano Ferraro has always been able to get access to fast cars, women with zero commitment, and keeping his family secret from everyone apart from those closest to the family. Stefano has always known duty and honor, he lives up to what is expected from him. But he is keeping a secret, a secret that allows him to seek justice for those that the law is unable to protect. Stefano has everything he could want (or atleast in the view of the public) except one thing, a woman to love and a family. He dreams of finding the one woman for him, that will match him and be his in every way. Until one day he catches a woman's laugh, a stranger who has just come to town. Shaking from the cold, weak from hunger and hiding from her past, Francesca Cappello isn't ready for this stranger who intimidates her in every way possible, but makes her feel safe. Francesca has had it pretty rough, and doesn't trust anyone except her close friend who brought her to Chicago. She doesn't trust especially men with money, especially those that have it easy like the Ferraro family. But soon Francesca has gained the attention of dark and dangerous Stefano and doesn't know if she has what it takes to handle him...and she soon realizes that their love is worth fighting for!
 
  
    The Hero 
  
 
Stefano Ferraro is one of the few shadow riders left in the world. He is the oldest brother, and will do anything for his siblings. Each of them are shadow riders, and went through rigorous and for some horrible training. Their family has a great legacy, one that isn't easy to live up to. Stefano is the toughest of them all, he is the leader and he has made it his life's mission to protect his family. He has dedicated his whole life since he could walk to being a shadow rider, protecting the innocent, and seeing to his family's needs. He does what is necessary and doesn't apologize for actions he has had to commit. Stefano isn't a easy hero, but he is a hero you want by your side. He is tough, intimidating and pretty scary at times. He is alpha male, but is patient when he needs to be.He can be intense but is loyal and devoted once he commits!!  I really liked this hero quite a bit, much more than the more recent ones that Feehan has created.
 
  
    The Heroine 
  
 
Francessa Capello has had a rough time of it lately. Her parents were killed when they were younger, and she only had her sister. They took care of each other. But then her sister was murdered and the man to blame, has power, police and the law behind him. He has destroyed everything she worked for, and has to be living on the streets to stay one step ahead of him. But now she has a fresh start, somewhere new and hoping to have time to gather what she needs to fight him to get justice for her sister. What she doesn't expect is to be bull dozed over by the most compelling man she has ever met, Stefano. She fears what he is a part of, but can't deny the magnetism, or the sizzling chemistry she feels for him or how safe he makes her feel when he is close. What a heroine this one turned out to be. Probably one of my favorites that Feehan has created. She has some issues to work through, especially when it comes to self confidence, however she has her own strength and I like how sassy she becomes with Stefano and stands on her own feet. She doesn't let the fear control how she handles him. We see her become stronger throughout the story and I liked seeing her inner strength come shining through.
 
  
    Plot and Story Line 
  
 
WHAT a book!! Christine Feehan has done it with this one and I fell in love with so many aspects of this story. Before reading it, I had browsed a few ratings and reviews just to get an idea of what to expect but all I heard were positive things about this new series!! I will admit I was a bit nervous to read this one. Mostly because the past two books from this author I have read, the heroes I had a hard time with, they were jerks and I couldn't stand how they treated their women. However this book completely blew me away!!! First off, the world-building is pretty wonderful. It is still full of mystery and intrigue but I loved what Feehan has shown us so far.  This book pulled me in with the first page and I couldn't put it down!! So compelling and I loved the chemistry between these two. I did like that they didn't have sex until half way, it really built it up just right!! Now the heat is pretty high, and some scenes weren't my favorite. Not a big fan of the BDSM style and it was lighter than typical BDSM but it did have some elements that might not be for everyone. Frankly, I skimmed over those parts, since I didn't feel the need to read them but many will enjoy how Feehan did these scenes. The family that Feehan introduces to us is freakin' AWESOME!! I loved each and every sibling. They each are a bit different, have unique personalities. The sister was my favorite though, she is kick ass but I have a feeling she has quite a few vulnerabilities we haven't seen yet. What is so wonderful about this family is the way they protect each other, watch over one another and support each other in ways that is mind boggling. Seriously, this family almost brought me to tears. All of them have been through hell of training, and each suffer the scars from the past, but they are strong and hilarious at times. What was most admirable is the way they look out for Francesca. The moment that Stefano finds her, they treat her as their own. It really creates the perfect setting because Francesca has no family left and they fill that gap she craves. The actual romance between Stefano and Francesca is beautifully written. I loved the depth and rich tones you feel with these two.

  Trust that always, always, before any other, I will have your back. I'll keep you safe. I'll make you happy and give you the world. 

They have some hurdles to cross, but their story is quite tender yet intense at the same time!! And the bad villain gets his just deserts which I felt was just perfect seeing that. I am curious to see which sibling will be next!! :)
 
  
    The Cover 
  
 
Interesting, it definitely gives the feels that the book conveys so I do like the shadow effect here!!
 
  Overall View 
 
Shadow Rider is a thrilling tale that will have you on edge, a romance that is tender and a story you don't want to miss out on!! A TRUE JEWEL!!

Brittany

Paranormal/mafia romance with an Uber protective alpha head of the family. One of my favorite series!!

Amanda J 

I really enjoyed this one. The concept of shadow riding is different and the world building was nicely done. I thought the romance and devolpment of relationship of the h/H to enjoyable; definetly to sustain reality but pure fantasy.

Love this book, Christine Feehan is starting to become a favorite author of mine and getting me back into romance, which I have had a long break from. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. The story is about Francesca who is running from her past and trying to create a new life for herself. Her friend sets her up for a job interview and that's were she meets Stefano who is head member of the Ferraro family, I strongly reminded of the mafia when it comes to this family, though the author stresses they are legitimate family, though I have to say that murder is murder no matter what the circumstances are. Stefano is what they call a shadow rider, I am still not clear what this is- but hoping to get a clearer view on it with the next upcoming books. Francesca we learn is a shadow rider as well, but we learn that she is Stefano life mate. I liked Stefano character- but felt that at times he could be a total ass. But softened my stance when it came to how protective he was over his woman. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to begin a story and into this type of book.

Judy Hudgins

Great start to a new and interesting series.

lilreaderSakura

Omg I loved this book well worth the wait, it had a lot of dramatic tension wrap in burrito male macho -ness. I can't wait to read more about this family 

I felt for Francesca trauma and her desperation to escape her past and Stefano blows down all those walls to make her feel safe and emotional opens him self up which is dangerous thing to do. 

Just wow

Gennesa Leu 

Sarahy Benavides 

Elizabeth Neill

Amanda Kordeliski

Michelle Hammond

danielle bush

Mae Gabriel Loke

The No. 1 New York Times bestselling 'queen of paranormal romance'* is back with a sexy new series starring a Chicago crime family that hides a dark, mystical secret . . . Whether it's fast cars or fast women, Stefano Ferraro gets what he wants. When he's not fodder for the paparazzi, he commands Ferraro family businesses - both legitimate and illegitimate. While their criminal activity is simply a rumour yet to be proven, no one knows the real truth. The Ferraros are a family of shadow riders capable of manipulating light and dark, an ability Stefano thought ran in his family alone - until now . . . With little left to her name, Francesca Cappello has come to Chicago in hopes of a new life. She wasn't expecting to attract the attention of a man with primal hunger in his eyes, driven to claim her as his to protect and to please. And if he discovers her secret, it could ruin her . . . Find out why readers are OBSESSED with the Shadow Series 'Dark, gritty, edgy, magical . . . will hold you spellbound' Fresh Fiction 'Exciting, nerve-wracking, suspenseful . . . a true page-turner' Long and Short 'Dark and sensual . . . tore my heart apart and pieced it back together again' Harlequin Book Junkie 'The family that Feehan introduces to us is freakin' AWESOME! I loved each and every sibling' Addicted to Romance 'An exciting, action-packed romantic ride' Goodreads reviewer *J. R. Ward

Rachel Benton &
Shadow Rider by Christine Feehan

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Rachel Benton &Shadow Rider by Christine Feehan

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Rachel Benton &
Shadow Rider by Christine Feehan