Cover Image: Shadow Dance

Shadow Dance

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Geno Ferraro, New York branch head of the family of the secretive Shadow Riders, carries a heavy weight that he took on at an early age. Geno rules with an iron fist much like his more sophisticated cousin, Stefano Ferraro, in Chicago. For months now petty crimes have been happening in his territory, but when those crimes turn deadly, especially against his parents, Geno goes full out to find the perpetrators. Since the age of thirteen, Geno has led his territory when an unexplained event occurred to his parents years before. After setting a trap, Geno is surprised when the woman captured turns out to be a very elite and deadly Shadow Rider herself.

Amaranthe Aubert has been sent from France by the ruling Archambault family who oversee all Shadow Riders when they break the very strict rules or go rogue. Amaranthe is not only a very specialized agent for the Shadow Rider council; but also, a prima ballerina who uses dance as a cover and a way to sooth her soul from her deadly job. Amara, as she is known, is stunned to find that her shadow connects with the very intense and strident Geno Ferraro. Geno never thought to find the woman who was meant to be his until now; he is not going to let Amara go.

As Geno, Amara, the Ferraro cousins, and Elie Archambault from Chicago work together in order to find out who is targeting and taking out Ferraros, they become more entwined. Geno wants to protect his Shadow Dancer; however, she is a finely trained operative who is determined to complete her assignment despite the inherent dangers. Eighteen years ago, something happened not only to the parents of Geno and his brothers, but to one of the Chicago Ferraros as well. Now they are all working together to ferret out their mutual deadly enemy who has infiltrated Geno’s territory using his own neighborhood against him.

Several Ferraro heavy weights and their spouses are in this story as well as Emme’s husband, Valentino Saldi, and his brutal cousin, Dario Bosco. It takes all of them to fight their unknown foe while Geno convinces Amara that they are meant to be together. This is book number eight in the Shadow Rider series. Indications are Dario will either have his own book, or be a significant part of the next one which considering his dark proclivities, I prefer the main focus is not on him.

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Shadow Dance by Christine Feehan is the 8th book in her fantastic Shadow Riders series. I have note that I loved this book, as we got to meet the New York Ferraro family, and throughout the whole book we spend so much time with all of our favorite Chicago family. So much fun and entertaining. Refresher: Shadow riders have the ability to blend themselves to the shadows wherever they are, making themselves invisible to anyone. The Ferraro family runs a legitimate business; they use their ability to help others in need to solve various problems and dispense justice. They are an extremely powerful and close-knit family that is totally loyal to one another, also protecting the people that in live in their community.

We meet Geno Ferraro, the head of the New York Shadow Rider family. He protects his territory, and his two brothers. Geno senses something is amiss, with a number or murders against shadow riders all over the US & Europe. He thinks he has found an assassin, and calls Stefano to help him interrogate this person.

We meet Amaranthe (Amara) Aubert, our heroione, who is a famous dancer, now in New York to perform in the upcoming Romeo and Juliett show. Amara, is captured by Geno, as he threatens her, thinking she is one of the murderers. But soon he realizes with Stefano’s help, that she is a shadow rider working for the Archambault family to secretly find the enemies. Amara knows that she needs to reveal her true reason for being in New York, especially with two powerful Shadow Riders leaders. Geno realizes that Amara is the one for him, and their attraction to each other is immediate, though Amara will not open up her heart, as she is determined to complete her mission. In a short period, Amara begins to fall hard for Geno, as well as his two fun brothers.

The romance between Geno and Amara was fierce and inspiring, as they were fantastic individuals, with Amara also being a powerful shadow rider. Everything changes for both of them, as Geno never thought he would find the woman of his dreams, and Amara never had a family.

As noted above, all the members of the Chicago Ferarro’s played such a big part in helping fight the enemy, as well as other riders from various states. I just loved seeing all of my favorites, and the fun they had teasing each other. Amara was an amazing heroine, with her fast-moving ability within the shadows, including at one time saving Stefano’s life.

Shadow Dance was an emotional story on many levels; the danger and threats from the evil shadow riders, as well as the sizzling romance between Geno and Amara, not to mention the wonderful bond all the Ferraro’s have for each other. Geno wasn’t thrilled that Amara wanted to continue be a shadow rider, but he knew that any fears he had, resulted in her own fears for him. I will not give spoilers, as I do not want to ruin it for you; especially since this was a masterpiece.

Shadow Dance was a captivating, exciting, suspenseful, action-packed from start to finish; especially the fantastic last third of the book; where all the Ferraro family was is in danger. Their romance was sizzling and I did love Geno and Amara together. This was an awesome addition to this series, and I was very happy that we will get more Shadow Rider stories from other families.

Christine Feehan once again gives us a fabulous story, which was so very well written. This is a fantastic Paranormal series (quickly becoming my favorite series). If you have not read this series, you need to start with the first book. If you have read them all, you will love this one.

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My favorite! I loved the intense emotional plot that sucked me in and pulled on heart strings, I love the sense of family and when our dancer, (formidable shadow rider in her own right)Amaranthe and Geno(head of the Ferraro family in New York) explore the relationship the intimacy does not detract from the awesome plot. Shadow Riders are being murdered. As they try and determine why and who tidbits of info are provided, mystery, intrigue and suspense are a foot. Now add in family, romance you cannot go wrong. There were a couple of times I was wiping some tears. I did not want the book to end this one book channeled all the Shadow Riders for me, bonded them, cemented them and made me want more. Thank you for the arc, I freely share my own thoughts and opinions. #ShadowDance #ChristineFeehan #ShadowRIders #Berkley #NetGalley

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We leave the Ferraro family in Chicago and move the action to New York. Geno is the head of the family in New York, a large territory that he handles with his two brothers. People close to the Ferraro's are being targeted in New York and Geno's just the man to get to the bottom of this and make it stop. Just when he thinks he has the assassin cornered, things spin out of control. Geno's net has caught Amaranthe who is definitely not what she seems. From that point the story takes off at a fast pace and continues to build steam all the way up to the final curtain call.
Amaranthe is Geno's destined mate, a shadow rider enforcer who has been dispatched by the council to look into the happenings in New York and other parts of the world. The two team up together to get to the bottom of the events not just in New York today but to find possible links behind events that happened 18 years ago when Geno's parents took a back seat and ceded control of the New York family to a young Geno. They are supported by the Chicago Ferraro cousins and significant others who all make their way to New York and are a great supporting cast in this story. Quiet Francesca also makes quite the appearance and makes her voice felt as she sorts out the males and brings things back into balance.
A chilling tale of revenge served cold, and justice served emerges.  Amaranthe and Geno's romance plays out against the backdrop of the research and planning to draw out the Ferraro enemies and eliminate them.
Ms. Feehan said that this is her favorite Shadow Rider story, I tend to agree that it is one of my favorites though I can't decide if its Stefano and Francesca take first place or this one. Anyhow I definitely look forward to more chapters in this series.

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This was another great book by Christine Feehan! I've enjoyed all of the Shadow Rider series so far, and Shadow Dance did not disappoint. I loved how she has expanded the Shadow Rider world to new locations and is branching out from the original Ferraro family, giving more depth to the world she is building.

The action and chemistry between Geno and Amara starts immediately and while there is time spent giving the reader back ground info, it provides a solid base for understanding the motives of the various characters. I loved the Geno supports Amara and isn't intimidated or put off by the fact that she is a strong, independent, and lethal woman.

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I received an electronic ARC from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley.
A solid start to meeting the New York Ferraro branch of the family. From the start, readers meet characters who are strong, loyal and powerful. Geno is the head of this family group and has set a trap to figure out what is happening in his territory. He catches the "thief" but soon discovers Amara is innocent and far more than he expected. He saves his mate and knots their shadows to show they are a couple. Feehan spins the story from here as they figure out who is trying to kill all of the Ferraros, and may in fact, be plotting a much larger attack.
Feehan is a master of weaving her characters together without letting them become formulaic. She builds the suspense and offers hints to readers along the way so they, too, can work to solve the mystery before more murders are committed.
It's a joy to see the Chicago branch be part of this transition from the beginning. Looking forward to where she moves us next.

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Solid first book in a new part of the series. Enjoyed the setup for the heroine, her story was different and unique. At times the insta-love wasn't quite convincing, but I could go with the flow. Strong action.
Looking forward to reading more about this family. Solid 3.5

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Shadow Dance is a literary masterpiece whose breathtaking characters and searing love transported me to a while new dimension of thinking and feeling. The sheer power in the words of this story truly captivated my heart and soul. I was left raw and shredded by the depth of evil I found that longed to extinguish the precious light still shining. Nothing prepared me for the wonder and majesty of family that enveloped me as the story unfolded before me.

Amara knew her mission. It was not simple, but it was imperative. She knew that only be following her instincts would she find her quarry and stop them. Only, Fate had a surprise for her. One that would change everything. Geno had a duty to his brothers, his familgio, and to himself. He knew what to expect, and he knew what was expected of him. When an unknown silent threat turns his world upside down, he must find the elusive answer that will keep everyone he loves alive. Can these two form a temporary alliance to solve this deadly puzzle, or will they find they get more then they ever bargained for?

Geno and Amara are incredible individuals that when brought together will truly leap off the pages. The pain of their past, the intrigue of the present, and the hope for the future will steal the breath from your lungs. They are like fierce flames that will bring out the purity in your own heart by laying waste to all of your walls and defenses. Once you brings these awe-inspiring people together no one will ever be the same again.

Christine Feehan has truly outdone herself with this miraculous story. She has turned my heart inside out, and I will never be th same again. I will never be able to view the world again. My heart is now different, and my vision is not the same. What my ears hear, my heart and soul now view through a light of love and hope. I am different now.

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Another winner from Christine Feehan, it had everything that I enjoyed about the series. The story worked well in the Shadow Riders series, it had a great concept and does a great job in keeping me hooked. It left me wanting to read more in this world.

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Introduction
Shadow Dance is the eight installment in the "Shadow Riders" series and there is something so delectable about these books. In all honesty, I think in some ways, these are some of Feehan's best work. I love the feeling of Mafia surrounds them but with a Feehan twist to the them but also what is even more empowering is the way in which the sense of family is so well focused on. In Shadow Dance, we get a serial arc (or I am guessing that is what is delivered on this one) where we get to Geno's book, and I am guessing we will also get his brother's books. I wouldn't mind Dario's book but to be honest I have a feeling that Feehan will drag that out a bit, but maybe I am wrong haha but I just know whatever Feehan has chosen to do next, will be just as wonderful.

Summary
Shadow Dance starts off, with our heroine, who is a professional ballerina, is caught in the wrong place wrong time trying to help out a teenager, and gets put in the cross eyes of the Ferraro men. While Amara poses as a dancer, she also is a shadow rider, but one of special abilities who is more the "special ops" of their kind and she works for the council themselves. When Geno first meets her he knows that there is something more to Amara, but when their shadows touch in the interrogation, he knows that there is so much more to the story. As Geno and the Ferraro men come to the truth, Geno realizes that he has found the one woman for him. As Gena and Amara work on getting to know each other but also trying to figure out who is after the Ferraro men and their territory, there are secrets to be revealed and workings of the heart to be conveyed and bared open...

My Outlook
Shadow Dance was such an empowering story of harsh realities of their world but finding love when you least expect to find it. I honestly had no clue what to expect with this one, I actually went into this one blind. I have literally loved every single installment in this series, and I knew that Shadow Dance would deliver. But I have to say that Christine Feehan really upped her literal game on this tantalizing read. Shadow Dance is a story that takes two shadow riders, who are both experienced and lethal in their own rights and puts together a match of fiery sensuality that takes the reader on one wild ride from beginning to end.

This is such a action packed read, like many of her books, but there was so much poignant emotion that just endears the reader completely. The connection that Geno and Amara have together was so captivating. I honestly didn't want to put their story down, the depths of their bond is so beautifully developed and seeing these two fighters find their way towards their own HEA was quite a sight to see. Amara herself was adopted when her family died and has never known love or affection. Geno, had to take over his family as a young teen and has had to be the leader and strength of the family but when he meets Amara, his whole world changes and will do anything for Amara. Both Geno and Amara aren't ready for the torrent of emotion that will come with their bond but seeing the ways in which they come together and so readily accept their connection was beautiful in the small intimate moments we see them cultivate.

Overall View
Shadow Dance is a story that will breathe fire into your heart, its a story of sacrifice and harsh realities, but the beauty in perseverance and honor and the ways in which love and family reigns supreme...

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