Review: Kiss of Midnight

Lucan is an ancient vampire warrior. His life's mission is to protect the world from the Rogues of his kind, fellow vampires who can no longer control their bloodlust. That's the cause for which all the vampires in the Breed fight. Unlike some of his brothers, however, Lucan does not take comfort in a Breedmate. Such human women with special DNA are the only way for his race to continue. But Lucan doesn't want the distraction, especially since he is fighting the growing bloodlust that could turn him into everything he despises.

Gabrielle accidentally becomes part of the vampire world when she witnesses a group of Rouges killing a man outside of a nightclub. She manages to take some pictures with her camera phone and escapes to alert the police. Lucan must pose as a cop to gain access to her story and her photographs. But his instant attraction to her makes it impossible to walk away. And when he realizes she is a Breedmate, it complicates things even further.

The story follows Lucan's efforts to track the growing Rogue movement, while battling with himself over his growing feelings for Gabrielle. I enjoyed the story, though it had a familiar feel: A group of warrior supernaturals, protecting humanity from a dangerous evil, while each finds the woman to complete him. It could describe about a half dozen PNR series right now. But it's done so often because it works.

The sex is hot and plentiful. And I could practically feel the pull between Gabrielle and Lucan. The pacing is good; the world building is easy to understand. My only complaint is the predictability. Don't get me wrong, there are some surprises (especially with a well played betrayal in the Breed house) --but most of things played out exactly as I expected: from Lucan's fight against his feelings; to Gabrielle's inevitable discovery that he is not a cop and her resulting reaction; to the identity of the Big Bad. And speaking of which, the fact that the author blatantly referred to the Rogue leader without a name became really tiresome. There had to be a better way to keep his identity a secret.

I did enjoy the book, though. The romance was solid. I liked getting to know the brother-warriors of the Breed and I look forward to reading their stories. I am especially excited for Tegan's book. 3 1/2 stars.

Now, some of you may remember that I won 10 copies of this book from Dell with their Midnight Breed Ambassador program. We had a giveaway here at the blog and on Twitter. Now, I'm inviting everyone else to share your thoughts on the book.  Whether you were a giveaway winner or you read the book on your own time... what did you think?  Talk to me in the comments below and leave a link if you've got a review out there, so we can all check it out.

Click to purchase: Amazon

Kiss of Midnight

by Lara Adrian

Release Date: May 1, 2007

Publisher: Dell

 

Giveaway & Read Along: Kiss of Midnight

Lara Adrian released her first novel in the Midnight Breed series back in 2007.  The books have gone on to great success.  In fact, book 10, Darker After Midnight, came out last month to rave reviews.  But for some reason, I have never read this series.  The folks at Dell are helping me change that.  Thanks to an awesome Facebook contest, I'm part of the Midnight Breed Ambassador Program.... which isn't only good for me, it's good for you too.  The publisher has provided me with 10 copies of Kiss of Midnight, the first installment in the series.  And I'm going to share (most of) them with you!
 

INSATIABLE DESIRE. ENDLESS SEDUCTION. ONE TOUCH IS JUST THE BEGINNING.

He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle's deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night--or this man--is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed--a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.

Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind--and the unwitting humans existing alongside them--from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.

Here, in the arms of the Breed's formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all . . . .

I'm giving away 7 copies on the blog (and I'll do a couple on Twitter.)  Then I'm opening up the floor to hear what everyone thinks about the book.   You can all share your opinions on Kiss of Midnight (including links to your blog, Goodreads, etc if you like) --whether you're a winner, just a new reader, or even if you read it ages ago.  The contest will run for a week.  And the post for everyone's reviews will be up on April 2nd.    I'm excited about trying something new and hopefully, some of you will take the plunge with me!!

Unfortunately, due to shipping costs, I have to limit this giveaway to followers in the US & Canada.  But everyone is invited to read along and share opinions on the book.  Thanks again to Dell for providing the prizes!  I can't wait to get started.


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