The Shifters: Keepers #2

The Shifters
Alexandra Sokoloff
The Keepers, book two
Mass Market Paperback, 288 pages
Published November 1st 2010 by Harlequin
ISBN 9780373618460

Charged with overseeing the shapeshifters of New Orleans, Caitlin MacDonald has her reasons for being wary of their kind. So when charismatic bounty-hunting shifter Ryder Malloy blows into town claiming to be on the trail of a horde of malevolent entities called Walk-Ins, Caitlin has no reason to trust him—with her city or her heart. But as tourists start dropping dead from supernatural possession, Cait must team with Ryder to navigate his shadowy, ephemeral world…

Fiercely independent, Ryder usually hunts alone—but this case requires an exception. To prevent a supernatural massacre, he needs the beautiful Keeper on his side—and, if possible, even closer. In his world, appearances can be deceiving and deadly. And the only way they'll survive is if this woman who tempts him like no other trusts in him completely...

Each book in this series is written by a different author. The Keepers, book one, is by Heather Graham and The Wolven, book three, is by Deborah LeBlanc. I skipped book one in this series because it stars a vampire and I'm just not in the mood for a vamp romance. Another reason for the jump.. I think Ryder's kinda cute. Although I pictured the character from the pages quite differently. Another plus? Cait doesn't care for vampires any more than I do. Of course, she's got something against anyone who's an Other. Including Ryder.

Ryder Mallory is a true shifter. He can take the form of any living person, or pet. Such a trait I often associate with the horror genre and with soul possession and living bodies jackknifing in the middle of the streets, it doesn't hit that far off the mark. But this story does have it's romantic appeal. And thankfully, it's not an incredibly unbelievable one. There's no radical end with a declaration of undying love or any of that. Just two people who want to give their feelings a chance. And getting there, from where they were, it says a lot. Cait didn't even consider Ryder a 'person'.

Ryder does have his faults though. Way too many of those moments where he answers to her vibes instead of her words. But the cast as a whole is great. They easily look beyond their personal issues with one another, partner up, and get to work. Loved Fiona's role in this one. Big sister definitely knew best. And we get a good first look at baby sister, Shauna, and, Danyon, the alpha of the West Bank pack.

The last time I read a book where drug use was so prominent and abundant it was L.A. Banks' Crimson Moon series. (I miss Hunter) Strangely enough, that too was centered in New Orleans. There's quite a stereotype developing inside my mind.

I liked this one. But I can't say that it invoked all that much emotion from me even though Ryder's loner quality got the biggest rise. Cait's tarot reading.. very nice. 3 out of 5 stars.