Full Moon Rising

As an operative for the Guardians, Riley Jensen, a hybrid vampire and werewolf, must keep track of Melbourne's supernatural creatures. But with the moon approaching its fullness, she must contend with her need to breed while also rescuing her brother, who has been kidnapped. Keri Arthur's highly charged, erotic novel is served justly by Justine Eyre's performance. Her light, crisp voice captures the upbeat and youthful Riley, making this first-person narrative authentic. Eyre's emphasis and pacing greatly enhance the story's tension. Listeners feel the impact of each blow when Riley fights and are overwhelmed by her lust during the sensual scenes with the help of Eyre's keen and intense narration. L.E. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

November 28, 2005
Australian author Arthur's fast-paced fantasy-romance, the first in a new series, introduces part vampire, part werewolf Riley Jenson, who works for Melbourne's Directorate of Other Races, as does her twin brother, Rhoan. When Rhoan goes missing, a naked yet powerful vampire, Quinn, appears on Riley's doorstep and asks for her aid. Riley and Quinn team up to find Rhoan, investigate the mysterious deaths of Directorate agents and determine who's been creating vampire and werewolf clones. Despite their mutual attraction, Quinn—once heartbroken by a werewolf lover—will never fully trust another werewolf, but that doesn't stop him from helping Riley through the lust that engulfs werewolves in the days leading up to the full moon. Strong, smart and capable, Riley will remind many of Anita Blake, Laurell K. Hamilton's kick-ass vampire hunter. While Arthur (Beneath a Rising Moon
) occasionally loses control of her plot as she sets the stage for later books, and some romance readers may be put off by the lack of monogamy, fans of Anita Blake and Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse vampire series will be rewarded.

This novel about vampires and werewolves living among humans should not be listened to in a crowded elevator or at a PTA meeting. Tamara Lovatt-Smith's husky, sensual voice and Arthur's descriptions of unbridled sex may have you reaching for a fan or your partner. Lovatt-Smith's slow, clear cadence lets the writer's vivid descriptions do the work. In addition to the steamy but not over-the-top sex scenes Lovatt-Smith masters alliteration and scenes with multiple characters, but it's definitely not a performance for blushers. When the story's heroes and villains aren't having sex with each other, there's plenty of suspense in the plot and an ending poised for sequels that you'll want Lovatt-Smith to read. D.J.M. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine