Showing posts with label Midnight Breed Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Midnight Breed Series. Show all posts

Monday, January 7, 2013

ARC Review: Lara Adrian’s Edge of Dawn

Right before the holidays I received an ARC copy of Lara Adrian’s upcoming, coveted and next installment in her New York Times bestselling Midnight Breed Series, Edge of Dawn. *squeals with joy*  First, I have to say a big THANK YOU to Lara for sending me the ARC.  I can’t tell you how excited I was to read this book.  If you know nothing about me, know that I am a HUGE fan of anything Adrian, and all things breed.  Don’t believe me? Check out this feed of my blog posts.
In the previous installment, Darker After Midnight, the series almost felt like it was coming to an end.  If you missed this book, check out my review here. In this book, Sterling Chase and the rest of the order defeated Dragos and in doing so, exposed themselves as vampires to the world.  In Edge of Dawn, its twenty years later and humans and the vampires are struggling with co-existing.  I remember when I read the back cover of this book, I was more excited about the characters featured than the plot.  Adrian has such a talent for writing intriguing characters.  If you recall, Mira was the young breedmate and adopted daughter of Nikolai and Renata from Veil of Midnight.  She had these wicked eyes that reflected the future when a person glanced into them—like pools of visions. Pretty cool, huh?  That pesky little talent always caused trouble for Mira and twenty years hasn't changed that.  Now that she's older and wiser with deadly skills and stunning looks, her visions reveal the worst fate imaginable—the death of the love of her life, Kellan.

Without revealing too much, Edge of Dawn was the perfect extension to the series. Adrian immediately entranced me with the new world of breed and humans. Mira, a captain with the Order, is all grown up now (along with other kid characters), and she is bad a**!  But as an adult, she’s angry and still grieving over the loss of her childhood friend and love interest, Kellan.  Believed to be dead for eight years, Kellan has been in hiding, living among the rebel humans. These two were the perfect couple to segue the series into a new era.  Of course there’s a new enemy revealed too, one with ancient ties to both Breed and their mates. I won’t tell you what happens, minions. It wouldn’t be right. 

Edge of Dawn was a 4 for me—no surprise there, huh?  Edge of Dawn releases February 26, 2013 so pre-order your copy today.  If you haven't read the series, you really need to catch up since we're already at book 11. Coincidentally, book 1, Kiss of Midnight (ebook) is on sale on Kindle for 99 cents so download that one too while you can. 

Oh, I almost forgot.  Stay tuned in the coming week.  Along with the ARC, Lara also sent me some swag so it appears I'll be doing a special giveaway, which is perfect timing since I missed my blogoversary.  Wahoo!  

Who doesn't love free sh**?

Mina B.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

ARC Review: Lara Adrian's Darker After Midnight

All I have to say is I've been waiting for Harvard's story since Book 2, Kiss of Crimson (my review.)  And it's finally here....Book 11, Darker After Midnight.  Squeak!  Ask and you shall receive.  Seek and you shall find.  Hallelujah, Lara Adrian.  First, I have to say a big thank you to Lara for sending me the ARC.  This is one of my favorite vampire series.  I simply must read all that's breed, dang it!  If you're a fan of Adrian's Midnight Breed vampire series than you know how we "breed" lovers have been patiently waiting (in near-death anticipation) for this book!  I'll do my best not to give away too many spoilers, but there may be some…sorry.

Darker After Midnight...in two words: Breed Armageddon.

If you recall, our breed hero, Sterling Chase, first arrived in Book 2, Kiss of Crimson.  Since then, we faithful readers, have read Chase's slow and painful demise.  Over the course of this series, he's managed to lose his loved ones and the damn near respect of every one of his kind.  As breed, vampire warriors almost always face bloodlust.  That's when you (according to Lara) "fuck, fight or fang" with an insatiable appetite.  And then, of course, you go “rogue.”  Going rogue is about the worst thing for a breed vampire.  Rogues are mindless and live in a constant feeding frenzy.  And poor Chase is on the cusp.  He had been there the last couple of novels, nearly going over the edge in Deeper Than Midnight (my review.)  It's there were he foils Dragos' plot and meets the lovely Tavia Fairchild.

In Darker After Midnight, the Order (Chase's Breed Warrior family) comes to terms with losing their treasured compound.  Chase, however, took one for the team, diverting attention away from the Order and becoming public enemy number one.  While the police end up containing Chase, the Order manages to relocate to another property.  While biding his time in lockup, Chase sees Tavia again.  At first glance, these two appear to be worlds apart.  She's a perfectionist and is the right hand to a prominent US Senator.  Chase, on the other hand, is the nearly rogue vampire warrior.  When Tavia first eyes Chase, she shudders at his unearthliness.  It permeates through his human facade, piercing Tavia's soul.  However different they seem, lo and behold through Adrian's plot reveal we soon find out they are not so different after all.  

So much happens in this book, I don't want to say more than that.  I have to warn you, though.  I've said it before (too many times *sigh*.)  Lara Adrian loves to break her own rules and she's done it again, minions.  Damn it, it's awesome too.  I wasn't sure what to expect having such high expectations for one of my favorite brooding heroes, Chase.  But after reading the book in its entirety, I was more than pleased.  Tavia is a force period.  And Dragos' war against the world - human and breed alike - has finally arrived.  It was nothing like I expected.  On my meter....Darker After Midnight was a 4.  

Stay tuned for my review of Lara Adrian's novella, A Taste of Midnight.

Mina B.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Freedom Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Freedom Giveaway Hop!  Woot!  Over 200 blogs are participating for a full week so you’ll have ample opportunity to win, win, WIN!  Just like before, I’d be S.O.L without my Free Sh** Fairy.   And just look at what he brought me for a giveaway….Lara Adrian’s Deeper Than Midnight (The Midnight Breed, Book 9)!
I'm #105
That’s right, minions.  That's one heck of a package from my Free Sh** Fairy, huh?  This book just came out this week so it’s hot, hot, HOT off the presses!  And thanks to my Free Sh** Fairy, I’ve got one copy to give away.  But WAIT…there’s more. 

Recently, I was fortunate to be a recipient of an ARC copy of Lara Adrian’s Deeper Than Midnight – book 9 in her Midnight Breed Series.  (Note: For those of you that missed my review, see here.)  As an added perk, I also received some book markers and SIGNED book plates for this giveaway!  *squeaks* How awesome is that?
Now, let’s get down to business. One (1) lucky winner will win one (1) copy of Deeper Than Midnight plus one (1) signed book plate and one (1) set of the series’ book markers!  Don’t ya love it!  I know.  I know.  Calm down.  Also, I have more book markers and book plates to give away so I’ll be picking additional names to send these out to some lucky winners.

The Freedom Giveaway Hop runs from 12:01 AM on July 1st on thru July 7th, midnight – so you’ll have plenty of time to enter!

To enter…
You MUST be a follower of my blog and MUST fill out this entry form. (And yes, I do check GCF)

Extra entries…
+2 For Becoming my Fan/Like on
Facebook/MinaBurrows
+2 NEW/OLD Followers on Twitter @MinaBurrows
+1 if you Retweet this (limit 1 retweet)




Again, the giveaway runs from 12:01 AM on July 1st to July 7th, midnight. Contest is for US residents only. Want to see who else is participating? Take a look at the links here and hop on by.


Mina B.

(Note: The Winner will be notified by email and will have no more than 72 hours to respond before another winner is drawn. Winners are selected by the reputable
Random.org.)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Book Review: Lara Adrian's Deeper Than Midnight

Since last fall, I’ve patiently waited – along with the rest of Lara Adrian’s fans – for Book 9 in the Midnight Breed Warrior series, Deeper Than Midnight.   And boy was this book worth the wait.   I was blessed to receive an ARC copy from Lara and her assistant, Heather, so I want to say THANK YOU so very much. Words cannot describe how grateful I am. *sniffle*


In Book 8, we finished with Brock and Jenna’s story, which in my opinion kept me guessing.  (See my review here.)  If you recall, Dragos kidnapped Kellen Archer and then viscously attacked the Lazaro Darkhaven.  The only survivors were the Gen 1 warrior, Lazaro and his grandson Kellen.   In the chaos of the abominable scene, Lucan –against his better judgment – allowed the two Darkhaven family members entrance and refuge at the Order's compound.   In Deeper Than Midnight, we learn what a HUGE mistake that was.  Want to know more?  Buy the book.

Now, the real juice behind this tale is Hunter and Corrine’s story and then the rest sets the stage for Book 10, Deeper After Midnight.  What's that?  You guessed it, Harvard lovers…Book 10 & Chase’s story. I’ll get to Sterling Chase in a minute. First, let’s talk about Hunter. *pause for a deep sigh*   What’s not to love about him? Just like all the breed warriors, he’s big and lethal but more importantly, he’s HOT! As one of Dragos’s former top assassins, Hunter comes off like a quiet, subdued, calculating warrior that in any given situation, can deduced several ways to kill a being. But what makes me swoon is his affection for the little Mira. It’s too endearing. 

As for his growing attraction to Corrine, it’s no wonder why Hunter’s drawn to her. Both of them suffered deep emotional wounds while being held captive by Dragos. And now that Corrine’s free, she’s introduced back into her old life and uncovers the horrifying truth behind Dragos abducting her. With Hunter’s help, she searches for something Dragos stole from her during her captivity. And she’ll do anything to get it back, even go head-to-head with Hunter. 

This book was dark and I loved it. Hunter and Corrine were so perfect for each other. I adored how Lara connected their stories, building a sensual and beautiful romance that started from great pain and loss. And what made this story even darker was Chase’s unraveling. Holy heck, I can’t wait Book 10.

Lara Adrian’s Deeper Than Midnight is hands down a 4.5. For me, it’s the “bump and set” to her next tale, Deeper After Midnight which I have no doubt will be the ultimate spike. I can’t wait!

Until next time…read anything Breed!

Mina B.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Lara Adrian's New Cover Art: Darker After Midnight

Hey, minions.  I've been wanting to post this for awhile now.  Released just last month is the cover art of Lara Adrian’s Book 10 in the Midnight Breed Series, Darker After Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel.  For those that don’t know, this is the book her die-hard fans have been begging for.  Its Sterling Chase’s story a.k.a. Harvard.  Ooooooh, we love him!  This former agent is wound so tight, he’s going to need a fierce female to snap him back in to place.  And we just can’t wait!  Anyway, here’s the cover art and it’s it awesome?  I know.  I know.  It’s okay.  Go ahead and freak out.  I did too.  
Darker After Midnight releases January 24, 2012. *squeals with excitement*


And now for some even bigger news… Lara recently announced via her newsletter that she has "recently signed on to write another two books in the series, and there will also be an exclusive, e-book original novella coming out.”  Wahoo!  Since we know the story won’t be about Gideon and Savannah, I wonder who it will feature?  Thoughts?  That’s a tough one, but it’s still great news! Stay tuned because later this year, we’ll find out!

Lastly, sign up for Lara Adrian's newsletter and get a sneak peek at the first few chapters of her next upcoming book Deeper Than Midnight (The Midnight Breed, Book 9), scheduled to be released June 28, 2011.  Hurry!

Until next time…read anything Breed!

Mina B.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Book Review: Lara Adrian's Taken By Midnight

Today I’m reviewing Book 8 in Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series, Taken By Midnight. Ooooh, I’ve been waiting for this book, let alone review. I tend to devour everything that’s Lara Adrian and Breed when it comes to paranormal romance. I love this series and just can’t seem to get enough. That being said, I wasn’t over the moon with this book, simply because I was left with more questions than answers. But…I still liked it…a lot. WARNING…there are spoilers. Read on…if you dare.
In Book 7, Shades of Midnight, we first met Jenna Darrow, the ex-cop who was held captive by the Ancient. Keeping her barely alive, he fed off of Jenna, a mere human, taunting her with a merciless question: Choose life or death?

The question had merit, especially for Jenna. It had been four long years since Jenna lost her husband and daughter in a terrible car accident. Four years since her life was transformed into a pit of misery. Unknowingly, Jenna answered yes to that fated question. And from that moment on, the Ancient implanted a piece of himself into Jenna; transforming her into God knows what.

Luckily Jenna’s transformation wasn’t nearly as difficult thanks to Brock. I read other reviews that didn’t appreciate their relationship and felt it lacking. I totally disagree. I liked their chemistry and understood their draw towards one another. Jenna, the control freak, had the insatiable need to control things. Brock, the vampire breed warrior, was gifted with the ability to relieve pain. And the moment he met Jenna in Alaska, he siphoned a monstrous amount of Jenna’s pain and heartache without hesitation.

For Brock, there was a possessive sort of protectiveness when it came to Jenna. As the story unfolded, it revealed more about the Jenna’s new mysterious DNA which left me flummoxed. I honestly had more questions than answers about the two of them which frankly drove me crazy. That being said, I did feel a tinge of regret when they were unable to bond. But…that may be a good thing. I sense – or hope, rather- that on the horizon, Adrian answers the unknown about Jenna and her ever-changing DNA. Dear God, the chick actually has dermaglyphs now.

And as for the plot…it wasn’t as riveting as it has been in the past but I still liked it. The action compelled me to read on – which I loved – and I was left wondering what’s to come. With the Ancient dead and the breedmates freed, what type of diabolical plans will Dragos unleash on the Order? I can’t help but think somehow Sterling Chase is involved but I could be wrong.

I’ve said it several times before; I’m a huge fan of Lara Adrian. She writes delicious vampire tales that catapult me to another world…which is the whole point of reading, isn’t it?

If you’re into vampires, romance and a killer plot, than Adrian’s Midnight Breed series is just for you. If your interest in her other books, see below.

Book 1, Kiss of Midnight (my review) 
Book 2, Kiss of Crimson (my review) 
Book 3, Midnight Awakening (my review)
Book 4, Midnight Rising (my review)
Book 5, Veil of Midnight (my review) 
Book 6, Ashes of Midnight (my review)

On my KilloMeter, I give Lara Adrian’s Taken By Midnight a 4.

Until next time…read something breed, try Taken By Midnight.

Mina B.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Lara Adrian’s Name the Baby Contest

Lara Adrian announced she’s running a “Name the Baby Contest”. Beloved characters of the Midnight Breed series, Dante and Tess, are having a baby. It’s the Order’s newest member and Lara’s asking her fans for baby names.  Holy cow...isn't that awesome?

First of all,Kiss of Crimson, is one of my favorite in the series (Midnight Awakening my other fav.) This is such an exciting contest for me, because this is one prize I’d love to win.  Right now I have my thinking cap on with baby names. The deadline is June 30, 2010 so think, think, think but don’t think pink because all breed babies are male. Unless, Adrian breaks another one of her rules. Could that be the case? I doubt it but you never know.


Until next time…Dante and Tess need to name their baby…help!


Mina B.

Friday, June 4, 2010

A Paranormal Book Review: Lara Adrian's Ashes of Midnight

In Book 6 of Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed Series, Ashes of Midnight, the hero featured is none other than the beloved breed warrior, Andreas Reichen.

He’s dashing, debonair and sexy as hell which was why I was clamoring with anticipation to read this tale. Adrian’s books are fuel for the reading demons that possess me. I know when all else fails and I can’t find a good paranormal romance book to save my life, I can turn to one of Adrian’s breed warriors to satiate my literary thirst.
Andreas's breed character is a burst of fresh air in this dark paranormal series. On the surface he’s carefree, jovial but deep down; he’s pure breed – which means he’s lethal. I can’t say this enough; I loved Andreas’s character. We first meet Andreas in Book 3, Midnight Awakening – (click here to read my review) – Tegan and the Order seek help from Andreas, the Director of the Berlin Darkhaven. You either like him or love him, there’s no denying it. And then sparks fly in Book 5, Veil of Midnight, transforming Andreas, the once charismatic breed warrior, into a deadly pyromaniac (click here for my review). An old enemy of Andreas resurfaced and attacked his home, killing his family and spinning Andreas out of control.

In Ashes of Midnight, Adrian introduces a past love of Andreas, Claire. She’s been long gone from his life since he abandoned her and she ended up marrying an unworthy breed warrior, Roth. It’s no surprise that Roth turns out to be another evil player in Dragos’s sick game of world/breed domination. With this trio - Andreas, Claire and Roth - Ashes of Midnight makes for some killer reading. What I loved most about this book is Adrian does what she does best; she breaks yet another one of her cardinal rules. If you’re a fan, then you know the bonding ritual between a breed and breedmate is sacred, connecting two beings eternally, irrevocably. But what Andreas does to Claire, after Roth kills his family is delicious and sets reader’s tongues wagging for more. I won’t spoil it. But I will hint...two is company and three is definitely a crowd. You simply must read this book.

On the Mina Burrow’s KilloMeter, I give Ashes of Midnight, a 4.

Until next time….read a Midnight Breed Series already.

Mina B.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

A Paranormal Book Review: Lara Adrian’s Veil of Midnight

Book 5 of Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed Series is Veil of Midnight. This book features Russian born, Nikolai, a fierce, adrenaline-junkie vampire breed warrior assigned to warn Gen 1, Sergio Yakut about assassination attempts on all Gen 1 warriors. While traipsing through Montreal night clubs, investigating the whereabouts of the reclusive Sergio, Nikolai is attacked by Sergio’s thugs and meets the lovely but lethal breed mate female, Renata.

Renata yields a deadly power that can momentarily cripple breed warriors. When Nikolai first meets the female, he’s impressed with her militant tactics, her sword fighting ability and ice-cold demeanor. To Nikolai, she’s a sexy, young vixen; tough enough to match his lust for titanium steel, hand-to-hand combat and best of all, love.

Despite a recent assassin attempt on his life, Sergio dismisses Nikolai and the Order’s help. But in good faith, Sergio mistakenly allows Nikolai to conduct an investigation on his secluded property. Once onsite, Nikolai was horrified by what he uncovers. The story began here and continued down a rabbit hole of lies, back-stabbing and murder. Adrian methodically integrated Sergio’s sadistic world into ongoing plot of the puppet master, Dragos and his breeding toy, the Ancient.
The clincher for me with this book was the intro of two other characters. First, Mira, a young psychic girl and then Hunter, Dragos’s enslaved breed warrior assigned to kill Sergio. Between these new killer characters, and the growing lust between Nikolai and Renata, Adrian had the makings of yet another classic paranormal thriller.

On the Mina Burrows KilloMeter, Veil of Midnight is a 4. Don’t miss out on Lara Adrian’s killer Midnight Breed Series.

Until next time…read about the breed.
Mina B.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Lara Adrian’s Announces Title of Book 9 in her Midnight Breed Series: Deeper Than Midnight

Lara Adrian announced the title for Book 9 in her Midnight Breed series, Deeper Than Midnight. And as a special perk, she's released the book's cover art.

Just a reminder this is Hunter's story. You know, Hunter, the Gen 1 vampire breed warrior that was bred and trained for one thing…killing. If you don't recall, we first met Hunter back in Book 5, Veil of Midnight. He was the assasin assigned to kill Gen 1 breed warrior, Sergei Yakut. Hunter's somewhat of a fledging, less than 50 yrs old. When on assignment about ready to strike, Hunter stumbles upon Mira, a young girl with freakish psychic powers who show’s Hunter his future. Hunter soon broke free from Dragos’s shackles and then joined The Order. And from what I recall about his character is he's a quiet, subdued and an efficient killing machine. I'm truly excited for his story but honestly not half as excited as I am to read Sterling Chase's story aka, Harvard. Still praying that’s coming soon.

Deeper than Midnight releases sometime in January 2011.


Until next time...read a little, would ya.


Mina B

Saturday, May 8, 2010

News Flash: Lara Adrian releases Taken By Midnight Excerpt

A few days ago, I got a chance to review Lara Adrian’s excerpt of her upcoming novel, Taken by Midnight. Yes, the excerpt is live on her website so check it out. Holy moly, I can’t wait to read this book.
First of all, before you read it, you should’ve read Shades of Midnight. And for that matter, you should’ve read the entire Midnight Breed series. If not, you may be lost when reading the excerpt, not to mention missing out on a killer series. Anyway, I read it and was salivating for more by the time I finished. I can’t get enough of Lara Adrian’s vampire breed warriors and Brock’s story promises to be hot, hot, HOT!

Check it out now, before I go rogue on you and have one of those warriors on my tail. Wait…that might not be a bad thing.


Until next time…Can’t wait for Taken By Midnight out September 28.


Mina B.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Demon Lover's Book Reviews Interviews Lara Adrian

I had the pleasure of coming across a blog post from Demon Lover's Book Reviews. They conducted an author interview with Lara Adrian (lucky demon lovers). I read the posting and thoroughly enjoyed it. First of all, for those that don’t know me, I worship Lara Adrian. OK, that might be stretching things just a tad but still, I think she rocks. I thought I’d highlight my favorite question and quote and tell you why.



An excerpt of the questions at Demon Lover's Book Reviews - and interview with Lara Adrian:


Please tell use 5 things about yourself, that not everyone knows?


1. I’m a Leo (the level-headed, contemplative type, not the attention-grabbing extrovert type)


2. I’m a cat-person who married a dog-person (and successfully converted him!)


3. I much prefer chocolate over flowers


4. I was a majorette (baton twirler) all through high school, and I can probably still twirl a fire baton without scorching anything vital


5. I dropped out of college after one year and I have no formal education in writing (I mention this because I think it’s important to remind people that dreams have no limits. Defy expectations, and don’t be afraid to live the life you imagine. Don’t let excuses become obstacles.)




Can you guess which one’s my favorite? #5 Why?


Because here’s a woman that has obviously defied numerous obstacles, one of the largest being getting published despite her lack of education. I couldn’t have more respect and admiration if I tried. But that’s not all. I do believe in education. I have one and am thankful for that. My theory is it can only help and nowadays it truly is a must. But what’s most important that’s not mentioned are these two factors she without a doubt had. First, Adrian knew her calling was fictional writing and second she had perseverance. I wholeheartedly believe in order to be successful you must have both: your calling and perserverance.


My hats off to Lara Adrian: the creator of the brilliant Midnight Breed Series. I so appreciated reading this interview and I hope you do to. Thank you Demon Lover's Book Reviews for a fantastic blog post on a riveting subject, Lara Adrian.


Until next time…read that blog post!


Mina B.
 .    

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Paranormal Book Review: Lara Adrian's Midnight Rising

And now on to Book 4 of Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series…Midnight Rising. This spectacular read features the beloved Spaniard, Eleuteriode las Noche Atanacio, a.k.a. Rio. If you haven’t read the series, you really should. Book 1, Kiss of Midnight has a sub plot about Rio and the betrayal of his breedmate, Eva. (Click here to see my review.)  Through a horrific explosion, partly orchestrated by Eva, Rio was left nearly dead in Book 1. And to top it off, Rio disowned Eva, causing her to kill herself seconds later. The explosion left Rio marred with both emotional and physical scars. He then rehabilitates to no avail, leaving him feeling hopeless. After months with little progress, Rio decides to entomb himself in the Ancient's cave in hopes of ridding himself of his tormenting memories.
Dylan Alexander, a new breedmate in the series, was lured to that hidden cave by Eva’s ghostly apparition. Stepping into the Ancient’s tomb, Dylan unknowingly woke Rio in a depressive slumber, ruining his plans to end his existence (and saving his life). As a journalist working for a spotty publication, she snapped a few photos of an empty stone coffin along with some creepy tribal inscriptions. From that point on, she compromised the Order’s mission and became Rio’s number one problem that he had to contain.
For Rio, Dylan inspired feelings of lust and worse, love. Before his accident, Rio was the handsome, suave, charismatic Rio and afterwards, the vampire breed warrior saw himself as a true monster. Was a monster like Rio deserving of a beauty like Dylan? Hell yeah he was. The story also continued on the plot with latest evil puppet master, Dragos. Among other things, he’s controlling the Ancient and has been for the last 50 years. While the Order fights to uncover where Dragos has taken the Ancient, Dylan becomes a critical asset to the breed warrior’s mission.

This was such a great continuation of the series. Once again, Lara pores such depth and drama into her lovable characters you’d swear they’re real. Okay, not real per sa, but real enough for one to identify with their personal tragedies or obstacles. And every time Rio gave his Christian expletives, I cracked up… “Madre de Dios" or "Cristo.” Frick’n hilarious.

On the Mina Burrows KilloMeter, I give Midnight Rising a 4.

Until next time…looking for something to read?…Try Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed Series.

Mina B.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Paranormal Book Review: Lara Adrian’s Midnight Awakening

Book 3 in the Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed Series is Midnight Awakening.  I’ve now reviewed four of her books, and I plan on continuing on getting through all seven within the next several posts. First off, let me inform all my readers, if you don’t know by now, I love Lara Adrian. She’s such a phenomenal writer that I actually wish I had one of those killer breed warriors knocking on my door. If you haven’t the faintest what I’m talking about then get yourself a copy of Adrian’s Midnight Breed Series. I’d personally start with Book 1, Kiss of Midnight, but hey, that’s the way I roll.
Okay, so like I stated in this earlier post, Kiss of Crimson and Midnight Awakening are my favs within the Midnight Breed Series. Midnight Awakening, Book 3 in the series opens with young, widowed breedmate, Elise. She’s the former wife of Quentin, Deputy Director for one of the Darkhavens (which is a political organization within the Breed). She’s paired up with Tegan, a cold, fearless Gen one vampire breed warrior. And the two dance a titillating, seductive romance that will literally heat you up.  Warning:  You may need a cold shower or a glass of ice water - whatever your poisen, you'll need it when reading this book...I promise. If I’d have to pick a favorite vampire breed warrior… it’d be Tegan.



Here’s the back story first:

In Book 2, Kiss of Crimson, we get a glimpse of Elise who’s still grieving for the loss of her dead husband. She's living in a local Darkhaven residence with her teenage son, Camden, and under the protection of her brother-in-law, Sterling Chase. When Camden disappears, Sterling and Elise seek the Order’s help. Sterling begins training and patrolling with the Order and is paired up with Dante – hoping to find Camden. Once Camden is found, it’s discovered he’s gone rogue; a result of ingesting the powerful drug Crimson. When Camden tries to attack his mother, Elise, Sterling kills him and shatters Elise’s world completely. Tegan befriends Elise in Book 2 and that’s when their world wind romance begins.

In Book 3, Midnight Awakening, Elise, now completely broken, leaves the safety of the Darkhaven and decides to live among the humans. Her only problem is she’s gifted (or cursed) with hearing evil thoughts of demented humans, minions in particular. These voices vibrate something awful in her brain, at times making her world crumble. Since living topside, she’s began playing in the dark war, fighting and many times killing any minion she can - all to avenge her Sweet Camden’s life. Tegan comes across the lovely breedmate one night hunting rogues. He follows her scent and uncovers her plight and meager surroundings. The intense couple, dance around their attraction to each other. At every turn, one will taunt, ridicule even dare the other to take their relationship to the next level. Their sensual relationship makes for such an enticing love story, and that’s only the romance side of the book. Adrian also brilliantly weaves in a killer plot filled with the narcissistic/diabolical Marek, a new player, Dragos and of course, the pinnacle to the storyline; a beast called the Ancient.

This book was so damn good that it’s now part of my Mina Burrows – Mystic Minds Classic Collection. What’s that? It's a part of my treasured book collection; one of the few I will always turn to for inspiration and read over and over again. Lara Adrian once again killed it for me, slashing it off the pages. On the Mina Burrows KilloMeter, I give Midnight Awakening a 5.

Until next time….read, and then repeat as needed.

Mina B.