Limecello’s review of Riding On Instinct (Wild Riders, Book 3) by Jaci Burton
Erotic romance released by Berkley on 7 Apr 09

Riding on Instinct is the third installment of Jaci Burton’s Wild Riders series, and definitely my favorite thus far. I really enjoyed Riding on Instinct, and I’m really happy about it because I find that Ms. Burton’s writing is only getting better. I’m also becoming more attached to the concept of the Wild Riders, so I’ve definitely been won over. And who wouldn’t love sexy bad boys who are actually the good guys?

While I really do like her, Shadoe Grayson is admittedly was not my favorite heroine ever. She’s smart, capable, and although I wouldn’t mind being her, I wasn’t enamored with her in this book. Let me explain. While I felt that I knew who Shadoe is and understood her personality, I didn’t entirely sympathize with her. I also felt that there were a some slight inconsistencies with her personality. Shadoe is ultimately a professional, and knows what her job is, and that everything she has with the Wild Riders is simply part of her mission. However, all her pragmatism flies out the window in regards to Spence. The way this was approached wasn’t entirely believable to me. (And this is very minor, but Shadoe? Really? I… just don’t like that name, although upon further research I’ve learned it’s a man’s name, which actually makes me like it more than I did initially. Especially for the character/heroine. Ironic.)

Spencer King (what a name!) is a very interesting, albeit normal hero. He’s sexy, a badass, not looking for emotional ties, and has enough baggage to keep Paris Hilton happy on a month long trip. Nevertheless, he’s a fun and likable character. Spence is very good at his job, and knows he’s getting attached to Shadoe. He’s even willing to admit it, but simply doesn’t think anything can come of it, so he doesn’t pursue a relationship with her. I like how he can be possessive, but isn’t controlling. He lets Shadoe be her own person, is supportive, and very honest with Shadoe. I also liked the background on Spence that Ms. Burton provided which made him more sympathetic and human. That, more than anything helps develop him as a person and character, really. He’s also a great government agent and can handle any and every situation and mission.

I’m a little torn – I really like the premise of the story, but don’t really find it believable. In a way, it seems that Ms. Burton wanted to write a heroine who is a stripper, and the situation that required Shadoe to impersonate one was a bit too contrived. Or maybe it’s just I have a hard time believing that someone who has always been rigid and by the book can train and practice for such a short period of time and become the headlining act at a well known establishment. But hey, it’s fiction. And, once you overcome that issue, Riding on Instinct is terrific. (I know it seems like I’m really coming down on the book, but I enjoyed it a lot – I’m simply trying to point out why this isn’t an “A” book for me.)

On to the good. The way Ms. Burton describes Shadoe (as Desi’s) dancing is flawless. The music, the movement, the atmosphere of the club – it makes the reader feel a part of the scene. The nuances and depiction are incredibly vivid, and allow the reader to picture everything perfectly. I love how so much of the action took place in the club, which did give credence to the part Shadoe was forced to play. It also set a nice backdrop to some of the subplots and secondary stories. Edgy, sexy, and fun, a strip club is a great place for bad boy characters to shine. And of course, a lot of shady dealing, which definitely occurred.

Something else I really liked was that Ms. Burton made her characters real. Shadoe and Spence have nicely developed personalities, and histories. Each of them has had a difficult past, which allows them to bond, and I loved how their relationship is explained, and the reasons they fit so perfectly. Their childhood really allows them to connect, and it was nice that there was the emotional tie, because of course the sex is phenomenal. Another kudos goes to Ms. Burton for writing great sex scenes, but more importantly, ones that are natural and really fit into the story and plot. The actual purpose of the mission is also well written, and I liked how all of that played out. (I don’t want to give it away.)

I did become invested in the story, and while I felt the villains were a bit static and predictable, the rest of it was quite enjoyable. I liked that Shadoe was able to shed her stripper personality and shine on her own as a federal agent in the end. It was also nice to have a bit of a cool down period, before Spence and Shadoe decide to cement their relationship. It felt right, and also allowed for some great dialogue between the secondary characters. I have to admit, I’m really curious about the next book – and whether or not Pax and AJ will find their happy ending.

Ms. Burton also does a fantastic job describing and incorporating the bikes. (As well she should!) I have to admit, I’ve become much more interested in biker gangs after watching Gangland on the History channel. And that show always makes me think of Ms. Burton’s Wild Riders. Riding on Instinct is a great book and I definitely recommend it to readers who like some spice and heat in their romance. And especially those of you who like bad boy bikers, along with leather and fun. I can’t wait to read the next story in this series – Riding the Edge. I’m sad it’s only a novella, but at least it comes out this year!

Grade: B+

Read reviews and information about other books in this series by following its tag here.

Summary:
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Department of Justice agent Shadoe Grayson is out to prove she’s no rookie, and eagerly accepts her first undercover assignment at a strip club in New Orleans. Working with the Wild Riders, a government agency of bad boy bikers, her goal is to bring down a corrupt DEA agent. All she has to do now is learn to strip like a pro.
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Standing in her way is the arrogant and smokin’ hot Spencer King, her partner and one of the Wild Riders. Spence thinks she looks more like a schoolteacher than a stripper, and doubts her ability to do the job. But when he mockingly challenges Shadoe to strip just for him, he finds out there’s more to the surprisingly sexy agent than by-the-book rules and Government Issue pantsuits.
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Now Spencer has to resist his baser instincts while Shadoe learns that taking off your clothes doesn’t always equal losing control…
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Read an excerpt here.

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