Tuesday, April 29, 2008

The Darkest Kiss by Keri Arthur


The Darkest Kiss
Riley Jenson, Guardian, Book 6
Keri Arthur
Bantam Dell
April 29, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-553-59114-9

Working as a Guardian for the Directorate is more than a full time job for Riley Jenson. Her werewolf senses and vampire blood give her strength and speed in the hunt, but even she can find herself in a deadly situation. The new cases she’s working will bring her face to face with two killers that are quite different than anything she’s ever encountered before.

The Toorak Trollops are a group of high-society women who date only the wealthy and powerful men who can give them the most. When the men they’ve been with begin turning up dead, the Directorate is called in to investigate. This case also forces Riley to come face to face with an ex-lover who is never far from her thoughts. In her still fragile state from a recent break-up, Riley will have little strength to fight off the passionate connection they still share.

While she’s already on the trail of one murderer, Riley receives a call from Ben Wilson. He’s a wolf she met during a previous case and he’s in need of a Guardian’s help. More murders are occurring that may somehow have a connection to the Toorak Trollops case. Now Riley has two murderers to find who are each committed to exacting their own forms of revenge. Her skills will be put to the test, but stopping the killings is the only option. Riley will do whatever it takes to see it done, even if that means fighting something far stronger and more dangerous than she is.

The Darkest Kiss is the sixth book in the Riley Jensen, Guardian series. Riley’s instincts and skill will lead her to two deadly opponents who each started with an agenda but are more than willing to destroy anyone who gets in their way. Ms. Arthur pens a fabulous mystery filled with vampires and shapeshifters whose unique qualities add to the overall suspense. The danger throughout the story plays a big role in the building tension and the heroine’s passion for catching the killers bring each case to a searing climax. While the cases in this installment are new, readers should read each of the prior books to gain a better understanding of Riley’s background. Readers looking for a great urban fantasy series with mystery and romance need look no further than the Riley Jenson Guardian novels.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

6 comments:

Harry Markov said...

I have been around Miss Arthur's blog and I have to say that she is a very productive woman. Her daily quote of words is immense and yet she manages to have fun. Brilliant time management skills. As of yet I have't had the chance to read anything of hers. Brilliant review.

Kimberly Swan said...

Must be nice to be organized. *grin* You should really check out this series, and start at the beginning. She writes some deliciously steamy scenes too.
Thank you. :)

Harry Markov said...

Oh, you tempt me too much. I am actually stocked with several series and I don't think I can dream of adding another one on the list.

Kimberly Swan said...

You might reconsider reading another series if you read the first book...lol

Unknown said...

I read this one on the weekend and have to say I really liked the lack of steamy scenes in this one. The other books were extremely good and I enjoyed them too but I did like the more 'sex' relaxed Riley in this one.

Kimberly Swan said...

I'm sure that's only because she's been 'between men'....*grin* They've all been really good, and I have to say that she writes those 'steamy scenes' very well. :)