I received this book for free from Piatkus in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Leopard's Blood by Christine FeehanAlso in this series: Wild Rain, Wild Fire, Savage Nature, Burning Wild, Cat's Lair (Leopard People, #7), Wild Cat, Leopard's Fury (Leopard People, #9)
Series: Leopard People #10
on October 24th 2017
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Shape Shifting, Creatures-Leopards
Pages: 304
Format: eARC
Source: Piatkus
ISBN: 0349416540
#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan cuts straight to the heart of a man who stalks the shadows in an intoxicating Leopard novel.
Though born into a leopard’s lair in the bayou, Joshua Tregre’s fighting skills were honed in the rainforests of Borneo. Sleek and deadly, he’s the perfect man to take over a crime syndicate back home in Louisiana’s lush swamplands. His razor sharp instincts give him an edge in the violent underworld he knows so well, but even the watchful leopard inside him isn’t prepared for the danger that comes from the girl next door…
She is a woman who can create beauty out of thin air—and out of the ruins of her own life. The games that dangerous men play have taken their toll on her, but she is bent, not broken. And it’s her fierce spirit that’s like a lure to Joshua, a temptation he can’t resist—even if it means bringing his true nature into the light…
In Leopard’s Blood I have to say I had high expectations for this book because its JOSHUA’S book….I mean really, I wanted it to be one of the best books this author has ever written, so of course it wasn’t. But I will say it was still a solid read just not quite what I really wanted for his book but still was pretty decent. The story starts off with INSTA LUST. Yep. So if you are new to the series, then let me get some background information out for you. With Leopard shifters, they pretty much mate for life and if its the right one for lifetimes even. So we have our heroine who grew up in a tough situation. Her father killed when she was young, her mother made to serve the crime boss and forced to have sex with him. Then she married the boss’ son and they practically grew up together and ended up in married. But when she heard her husband and father in law talking about needing to have her killed, and learning that she has a leopard inside her when a car bomb almost kills her if it wasn’t for her “other” form. Then while in Florida, settling in her new home and the swamps, while in her leopard form, going into heat finds herself being mated with another leopard, one she doesn’t know….and it turns out is Joshua Tegre. Joshua isn’t afriad of any enemies that Sonia has. Now at
Now at first their story is insta lust, because of the set up of the story with their leopards. Which isn’t my favorite aspect to be honest. I like some great build up. However I really had a exciting time with the way that the plot builds up especially with Sonia’s husband and father in law. Now it does add a certain element with Sonia being married (even though she thinks he is trying to kill her) and is in hiding from him. Some might say its a bit of a love triangle situation but not really. More like some conflict of interest. But really, Feehan delivers some great surprises for us in the end here. What I really liked though is that her husband is not what we expect and even though I had a feeling he was not what he seemed, Feehan definitely made that fun turn of events thrilling in every way. Another issue I probably had with the story was our hero. There just wasn’t enough character development for him, which I have been wanting ALL series long. Because he has practically been involved since then and I wanted more focus on his character. Even though I really enjoyed the way that this story developed, I did feel that we didn’t get enough of our Joshua. Especially with all the family history we see him suffer throughout the series.
The romance was very interesting, and not really what I expected from this author. It may have started out hot and heavy, but man once these two really get to actually know each other, the romance because more than swoony worthy. These are are just perfect for each other. At first its their leopards that know that they are for each other. But as they start building a relationship, learning each other, we see their emotional connection match their physical bond. I love the way that Joshua supports Sonia in her dreams, encouraging her in her art.
We are not fuck buddies. You are permanent. Mine. My woman. My mate. I’m not your damn boyfriend, I’m no boy and I’m not yet your friend. We’re working on that. I’m your man. Your mate. I belong to you in the same way you belong to me. I have your body and you have mine. I want your heart and your mind. I want to be your best friend. I want to be all that for you.
Even though Leopard’s Blood wasn’t quite what I was expecting or wanting, the writing was like a magnet, and pulled me instantly into the story and I just didn’t want to put it down. The stunning details, the sizzling sensuality and the power packed plot give the reader an EXHILARATING RIDE!!
there is another series of hers I always wanted to try too, dang…so much reading to catch up on, lols. Great review!
haha I know she has quite a few series . I have no idea how she does it all
Lovely review! Looking forward to this one because like you said: Joshua!!! I love that Feehan’s writing pulled you in and it sounds like it was a really exciting addition to this series. Can’t wait to check it out! 🙂
Thanks Michele. I know….JOSHUA is just unforgettable right? Hope you enjoy it.
I’m not a fan of Instagram-lust too so I get your issue. I’m curious about this author though. She’s been recommended to me many times. Which book of this series is your TOP favorite?
Anyway, awesome review! ?❤️??
I think you would like this author a lot actually. I would say Savage Nature is my favorite of the whole series. And then Burning Wild is my second fave. Both books you would really like too.
I’m not a fan of insta-love or insta-sex. Like you, I’m into the build up first. My mom is crazy for this author and her books. I just haven’t gotten around to reading them yet. They all sound so good. Great review!