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Book CoverVeena’s review of Shadow Flight (Shadow Riders, Book 5) by Christine Feehan
Paranormal Romance published by Berkley 05 May 20

Readers have anticipated Nicoletta’s story from the time it was clear she casts the right shadow.  Raised in the heart of Ferraro territory, we’ve waited for Nicoletta to grow up and own her destiny as a Ferraro bride.  A birthday trip to a concert in Los Angeles turns deadly and plummets Nicoletta into the obsession of a mafia crime boss to walk the shadows with Taviano and stand by his side as his wife.

Untrained, a determined Nicoletta demonstrates an ability to walk the shadows that is far superior to some trained from birth.  Her life under threat, married to Taviano, whom she’s secretly admired but never felt worthy of, and a part of the Ferraro family, change is constant.  Taviano is the character who really surprised me. He’s so gifted and tender. He makes Nicoletta feel safe and has no qualms about making himself vulnerable in the process. Through his words and actions he cherishes Nicoletta, rebuilding her self-esteem and self-worth.  He can be mischievous as well as he demonstrates when he follows Nicoletta and they end up in the local pizza joint, where he fuels the gossip by announcing his relationship with her.

While this might be the most tenderly romantic of all the books in this series, it is also the most violent.  “Justice is served” and the body count is extremely high.  In addition to the violence trigger, given Nicoletta’s back story, there is the sexual abuse element as well, so readers with those triggers need to watch out.

I can’t see where Ms. Feehan will take this series next, since the story has taken an interesting turn, and, of course, I think Emmanuelle’s story might be even more anticipated than Nicoletta’s has been.

Grade: B

Summary:

Nicoletta Gomez was a terrified teenager when Taviano Ferraro and his brother saved her life. Ever since, she’s been trying to rise above what was done to her, molding herself into a survivor under the protective eyes of the Ferraro family. All the while, she’s been falling hopelessly in love with the man who knows her darkest secrets.…

With one look, Taviano knew that Nicoletta was his, just as he felt their shadows connect. But no matter how much he wanted to claim her, he knew she needed time to become her own woman. When Nicoletta once again finds herself in the sights of dangerous men, a split-second decision has Taviano breaking all of the Ferraro family’s rules to keep her safe. And as far as he’s concerned, the reward is more than worth the risk.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: