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.

Fridays with Fred: Dog Tired

Dog tired.  Yep.  That’s what I feel like lately and apparently so does Fred. I read somewhere that dogs sleep up to 18 hours a day.  I think Fred's living proof.  Below is Fred in his typical pose…snoring to boot.  Crazy canine.  I do love him, though.

Anyway, this is a shot I captured when I was writing the other day.  Much inspiration comes from my furry friend.  Interested in other ridiculous shots of my pooch?  Click here, here, and here.


Until next time….dog tired, anyone?


Mina B.

And the winner of My Free Book Contest for Paranormalcy is...

Congrats to Loriann the winner of my Free Book Contest for Kiersten White's Paranormalcy. I really liked this YA unique paranormal tale. Check out my review to find out why.

A HUGE thank you to all my mystic readers who entered. Remember you can't win it, if you're not in it. And since I'm participating in this month’s Spooktacular Book Blog Giveaway Hop…if you win…it'll be like the free sh** fairy visited you for Halloween.

Enjoy and remember...for those loyal minions - who constantly comment - I’ll give one (1) extra entry for my spooktacular giveaway. That’s how much I appreciate you! And if you don't comment - you better start because this contest begins October 25th, runs until October 31.

Until next time...I'll be watching....BOO!

Mina B.

Book Review: Kiersten White’s Paranormalcy

My review today is for Kiersten White’s Paranormalcy. This is the author’s debut novel and what a YA ride it was. There are spoilers in this review. So beware. After reading a plethora of reviews on the book, I was definitely intrigued but also guarded. Initially, I had concerns about the similarities to Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer covert military operation episodes. Still, I remained open minded and was without a doubt pleasantly surprised.


Evie works for IPCA, a covert operation called the International Paranormal Containment Agency. With no parents, this orphan was picked up by IPCA, who then raised her and trained her for strictly bagging and tagging paranormals. This 16 year old beauty is gifted with seeing through paranormal glamour’s. That might not sound very exciting to most, but when she’s surrounded with paranormals that constantly hide under elaborate glamour, one can see Evie’s allure.

With all the paranormal activity in her life, she begs for a simpler kind of life, a normal one. I was sucked in throughout this novel, feeling Evie’s loneliness. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. Poor thing really never fit in anywhere. In her paranormal world, she’s being stalked by an ex-boyfriend, Reth (a faerie) with ulterior motives. Her boss, Raquel, is the only mother figure she’s got. And her best friend is a mermaid, Lish. Yep, you know the girl’s got issues when she refers to the IPCA as being her only family.

In walks Lend, a paranormal teenage boy with a cool power. He’s a shape shifter that can appear as pretty much anyone. And Evie busted him because she saw right through his disguise. How perfect were they made for one another! As empty as Evie is, she was desperate for love, craving attention often. When she first met Lend, she gravitated towards him with curiosity. Why? Because he lives on the outside and goes to a real life high school. Lend lives a normal life and Evie can’t get enough of the detainee.

The two formed a friendship that blossomed into much more. While they begin unraveling the secrets of one another, strange happenings are occurring: paranormals are being killed everywhere. The who, what, where and why are so intriguing, up until the very end of the tale.

I loved Evie and her plight for normalcy. She’s positively refreshing when it comes to characters. Paranormalcy had a unique take on paranormals with an exciting plot. Its true blue young adult and I really liked it. There were way too many unanswered questions at the end and I totally wanted more. Bring it on Book 2, 3, 4? Possibly more? I hope so.

On the Mina Burrows KilloMeter, I give Keirsten White’s Paranormalcy a 4.

Until next time…try something normal. Try Paranormalcy.

Mina B.

Remember...

my Free Book Contest

for Paranormalcy ends Oct. 12th eod.

Click here for details!

Fridays with Fred

Okay, so here’s the scoop. Today’s Friday’s with Fred is a picture of Fred with - you guessed it – a copy of Kiersten White’s book, Paranormalcy. I bought this book initially to enter a contest to have new upcoming author, Natalie Whipple, critique my YA manuscript. My tale is a vampire one, of course, and I was interested in getting a YA author/insider opinion of my book. Sadly, I didn’t win, despite Fred’s cuteness. The contest required you to send in a picture of the book with a shot in the wild. I chose most appropriately, Fred. How much wilder can you get with this furry creature? (Psst…I thought the winner was pretty cool, though. If you’re interested, click here.)

Anyway, he’s too cute for words. And since I didn’t win, that’s why I’m running my Free Book Contest. Which reminders me…you have until October 12th to enter to win. Click here for details.


Until next time….Fred is such a die-hard fan. Love that about him.

Mina B.

My 100th Blog Post

Hey, everybody. I’m thrilled to be doing my 100th blog post today! Yeah! I contemplated for days on how I wanted to celebrate this small milestone and decided I wanted to give my minions something special.

It’s not new “news” how much I love Halloween. Who doesn’t, right? Well, to celebrate my 100th blog post, I’ve joined a special Halloween Blog Tour called, Spooktacular Book Blog Giveaway Hop. What’s that mean for my mystic mind minions? Free stuff, that's what!

In participating with this killer blog hop, I’m offering one lucky winner some killer book items. Right now, for my giveaway, I’m shooting for a Free Book, something chocolate and a gift certificate. The fun starts October 25th and ends October 31st! So you’ll have to stop by to see the giveaway then and sign up to win it. Forget about spooky – let’s just have some fun.

One more thing.  I want to thank all my minions who’ve been reading and commenting on my posts. For those loyal minions - who constantly comment - I’ll give one (1) extra entry for my spooktacular giveaway. That’s how much I appreciate you!  And if you don't comment - you better start because this contest begins October 25th - less than 20 days away.  

I’ve had more fun this year, and I’m just getting started. Happy 100th post to me!

Until next time…join me this month for a Spooktacular time October 25th - 31st!

Mina B.

Fridays with Fred: The Little Devil

Today marks the first day of the best month in the entire calendar year…October. Why? Because I live for this month! I think a lot of people do too, right? I have spider webs and spooky decorations galore plastered all over my house – and that was since mid-Sept. I don’t mess around when it comes to Halloween and neither does Fred. Even he’s gotten in the spirit, the little devil.  I know. I know. I just couldn't resist.

Do you have any adorable Halloween pet pix you’d like to share? If so send them my way. Email me your pet’s picture in a costume (by Oct. 28th) and I’ll post his/her shot on Oct. 29th.

Until next time…Halloween almost here! BOO!

Mina B.