Leopard’s Prey by Christine Feehan – a Review
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To begin my review of Leopard’s Prey, written by Christine Feehan; I would first like to take a moment to point out that I am not your typical romance novel reader. It wasn’t until about 11 years ago, that I found myself exploring this genre. However, the style of books in which I strictly read before; did often contain a love story. In a sense, the Epic Fantasy genre, has forever shaped my definition of “romance”. What I am attempting to convey, is that I may not view romance, in the same manner as other’s do in today’s literature. Not to be critical towards the enjoyment of those who read romance for the sensual side. In fact, for those of you who love one, two…..or ten *cough* scorching sex scenes between the main couple, this book will make you VERY happy. 
Moving on…I will admit, Christine Feehan is one of very few authors I read in the paranormal romance genre. So in essence, perhaps I am not the best judge on what is considered a great PNR novel. Sex, which is a huge part of most books contained in the romance genre–is not what I neccessarily see as intimacy. When infused with emotion, sex can certainly enhance the connection between the main couple…yet for some, I find it can become a major hinderance. For me personally, true romance has always been, and forever will be, defined by the emotion an author builds within me, and the journey of the characters themselves, to reach the destination of love.
Getting to the actual book, Leopard’s Prey follows the character of Remy Boudreux . The oldest of five brother’s to the heroine of the previous installment; Saria. This was a very highly anticipated release for me, because from the moment Remy burst onto the pages in Savage Nature, I was fascinated with his sheer, primal intensity. The nuance of a hunter very high up on the food chain, made him memorable to me as a reader. So…one can imagine my disappointment, a quarter of the way through his story; upon encountering the same issues I have had with other installments of this particular series.
In summation, the foundation of the relationship between our hero and heroine, seemingly based upon sex–left me feeling disconnected. In fact, Remy is so astute (yeah right) in his perception of the “pull” he feels towards his woman, that he even states this to her. I grasp that we as readers are suppose to recognize that what they have goes beyond sexual chemistry, but I always look for an author to SHOW me, not tell me that it is so. Due to the large amount of intimate content within this book, I found myself questioning their bond right along with the heroine. I have always said you can Take the most action packed novel in the world, and if the characters lack depth; the book goes nowhere in my opinion. The same rules apply for highly sensual storylines. It is all about balance.
Dont get me wrong. I do not mean to imply that there are no high notes. There are some great elements to this story, and a massive amount of potential. Most importantly I feel, being the history between the main couple. This backstory is very well done, and packs an emotional punch. I loved that the hero was the single contributing factor to the salvation of our heroine, Bijou or more specifically “Blue” as Remy calls her. The female lead is the daughter of a famous singer who was adored in life, and could do no wrong in the eyes of his fans. What occured behind closed doors tells a far darker story..
As a child, Bijou was labeled a rich, entitled snob by classmates in school, including our hero’s own brother Gage. It was only Remy, a young cop at the time; that knew the hell with which her life entailed. As with all children whom experience a horrible upbringing, there comes a pivital moment in Bijou’s adolescence where she could have given in. Following down the same drug laced path of depravity her father had walked. Yet because of Remy, Bijou’s world changes in a single moment, and she breaks the viscious cycle with which she was raised. It is a moment where our hero shows her something she has never before understood. Caring. It is at this fork in the road, that Bijou realizes one individual in her dark existence gives a damn about her. This powerful revealation is presented to us in the platform of a blazing memory of Remy’s, and is very moving. This scene struck me in the heart when I read it. It created an instantaneous connection for me, and these characters. Their bond was a tangible thing I could feel.
Which brings me back to my earlier statement of how sex, delivered by an author as a platform in which “romance” is built–can be a hinderance for some literary couples. To put it frankly….there was too much of it in Leopard’s Prey. Yes, this is a series interwoven with the animilistic urges of shapeshifters who are equal parts beast, and man. True. But this under current was not balanced out properly with the addition of other concepts, in regards to plot. Due to the lack of balance; the emotionally profound connection that was built between the main characters–stalled; and never grew into something memorable for me.
It isn’t that I lack the ability to understand Ms. Feehan’s take on shapeshifter romance. As I said above, these character’s are written with a duality that pushes for visceral urges between the couple. I do grasp the concept. One of my most favorite series presents shapeshifters amongst its characters. My problem with the shifters of THIS series; stems from the fact that they have always held an underlying implication that the female’s–once their Leopard emerges–could be drawn sexually to a male who is not their intended “mate”. Like I previously stated in the opening of my review–this has been an ongoing struggle with me and this particular series. For me, a mate means there is only one. So the way with which this beastial plot thread is woven into the storyarc of the Leopard series–is off putting at times for me personally. *shrugs*
Despite this, I will say that the ending action was very well done. The “twist” was creatively written–although I did see it coming–and I love that it was the heroine who came to the rescue of her dangerous, lethal Leopard. I also immensely enjoyed seeing Drake Donovan again, and the familial banter between the entire family. Definately worth reading…but Leopard’s Prey is not one for the record books in my opinion. 🙂
Reviewed by Miranda
