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Midnight Breed #4
Midnight Rising
Book 4 in the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling Midnight Breed vampire romance series
In a world of shadows and dark, cosuming hungers, desire is the deadliest weapon...
For journalist Dylan Alexander, it began with the discovery of a hidden tomb, thrusting her into the center of a gathering storm of violence and secrets. But nothing is as dangerous as the scarred, lethally seductive man who rises from the shadows to draw her into his world of dark desire and endless night.
Fueled by pain and rage over a shattering betrayal, the warrior Rio has pledged his life to the war against the Rogues. He will let nothing stand in his way--least of all a mortal woman with the power to expose the entire vampire race. For an ancient evil has been awakened, and a stunning darkness is on the rise. Suddenly Dylan is powerless to resist Rio's touch, even as she uncovers a shocking link to her own past. And now she must choose: Leave Rio's midnight realm, or risk it all for the man who has shown her true passion and the infinite pleasures of the heart. . . .
In a world of shadows and dark, cosuming hungers, desire is the deadliest weapon...
For journalist Dylan Alexander, it began with the discovery of a hidden tomb, thrusting her into the center of a gathering storm of violence and secrets. But nothing is as dangerous as the scarred, lethally seductive man who rises from the shadows to draw her into his world of dark desire and endless night.
Fueled by pain and rage over a shattering betrayal, the warrior Rio has pledged his life to the war against the Rogues. He will let nothing stand in his way--least of all a mortal woman with the power to expose the entire vampire race. For an ancient evil has been awakened, and a stunning darkness is on the rise. Suddenly Dylan is powerless to resist Rio's touch, even as she uncovers a shocking link to her own past. And now she must choose: Leave Rio's midnight realm, or risk it all for the man who has shown her true passion and the infinite pleasures of the heart. . . .
356 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 25, 2008
About the author
Lara Adrian
116 books10.9k followersLARA ADRIAN is a New York Times and #1 internationally best-selling author with nearly 4 million books in print and digital worldwide and translations licensed to more than 20 countries. Her books have been named among Amazon’s Top Ten Romances of the Year, and have also been nominated by readers multiple times as finalists for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance of the Year. Reviewers have called Lara’s books “addictively readable” (Chicago Tribune), “extraordinary” (Fresh Fiction), “strikingly original” (Booklist), and “one of the best vampire series on the market” (Romantic Times).
Writing as TINA ST. JOHN, her historical romances have won numerous awards including the National Readers Choice; Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice; Booksellers Best; and many others. She was twice named a Finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards, for Best Historical Romance (White Lion’s Lady) and Best Paranormal Romance (Heart of the Hunter). More recently, the German translation of Heart of the Hunter debuted on Der Spiegel bestseller list.
With an ancestry stretching back to the Mayflower and the court of King Henry VIII, the author lives with her husband in New England, where she is working on her next novel. Visit Lara’s website and sign up for new release announcements at http://bit.ly/LaraAdrianNews
Writing as TINA ST. JOHN, her historical romances have won numerous awards including the National Readers Choice; Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice; Booksellers Best; and many others. She was twice named a Finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards, for Best Historical Romance (White Lion’s Lady) and Best Paranormal Romance (Heart of the Hunter). More recently, the German translation of Heart of the Hunter debuted on Der Spiegel bestseller list.
With an ancestry stretching back to the Mayflower and the court of King Henry VIII, the author lives with her husband in New England, where she is working on her next novel. Visit Lara’s website and sign up for new release announcements at http://bit.ly/LaraAdrianNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,006 reviews
August 19, 2018
4 Making Peace with past hurts Stars
Spoilers
This was my second time reading Midnight Rising, and to be honest I couldn't remember much about it going in. With the first 3 books I remembered a lot during this reread but this one not so much. So it was like reading it again for the first time. Now last time I gave this book a 5 Star rating. As I don't remember reading it and didn't write a review I don't know why I felt that way but this time I rated it a 4. Which was still really good, just not perfect.
I loved Rio in all the other books. My heart broke for him and I couldn't wait for his HEA. I loved him in this one too. However I didn't like his deep self pity. I hated his give up attitude. The fact that he planned to kill himself for about half the book bugged me. As a warrior I wanted him to fight hard not quit. Don't get me wrong I totally got he went through a lot and how bad he had been hurt. Still be bitter, angry, cold, but don't try to kill yourself. Dylan I really liked. I loved that she was a trash mag journalist. Normally in books the journalist are these hard hitting serious reporters, but it was fun how she wrote for a trash magazine about Elvis and Aliens. Dylan was sassy and loyal. I also liked that Rio's scars didn't bother her at all. Rio and Dylan were very cute together. I will say it was a little creepy that Eva was the one that sent Dylan Rio's way. I also thought it was a little creepy that Eva popped up to look in on Dylan and Rio. Like a ghost peep show. Did she watch when they fuck too? Just sayin'.
I was glad Rio made peace with his past, but I'll pass on the ghost creeper. I loved Dylan's Breedmate power. The fact that she could see dead breedmates, normally wouldn't be a big deal, but the way it added to the plot made it cool. I liked were the plot was going with the Lost Ancient and all that's been going on with him. Dante and Tess are having a baby... I love that so hard! A really good read and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Spoilers
This was my second time reading Midnight Rising, and to be honest I couldn't remember much about it going in. With the first 3 books I remembered a lot during this reread but this one not so much. So it was like reading it again for the first time. Now last time I gave this book a 5 Star rating. As I don't remember reading it and didn't write a review I don't know why I felt that way but this time I rated it a 4. Which was still really good, just not perfect.
I loved Rio in all the other books. My heart broke for him and I couldn't wait for his HEA. I loved him in this one too. However I didn't like his deep self pity. I hated his give up attitude. The fact that he planned to kill himself for about half the book bugged me. As a warrior I wanted him to fight hard not quit. Don't get me wrong I totally got he went through a lot and how bad he had been hurt. Still be bitter, angry, cold, but don't try to kill yourself. Dylan I really liked. I loved that she was a trash mag journalist. Normally in books the journalist are these hard hitting serious reporters, but it was fun how she wrote for a trash magazine about Elvis and Aliens. Dylan was sassy and loyal. I also liked that Rio's scars didn't bother her at all. Rio and Dylan were very cute together. I will say it was a little creepy that Eva was the one that sent Dylan Rio's way. I also thought it was a little creepy that Eva popped up to look in on Dylan and Rio. Like a ghost peep show. Did she watch when they fuck too? Just sayin'.
I was glad Rio made peace with his past, but I'll pass on the ghost creeper. I loved Dylan's Breedmate power. The fact that she could see dead breedmates, normally wouldn't be a big deal, but the way it added to the plot made it cool. I liked were the plot was going with the Lost Ancient and all that's been going on with him. Dante and Tess are having a baby... I love that so hard! A really good read and I can't wait to see what happens next!
September 25, 2024
Rio has been entombed in a cave in the Czech Republic since the events of book 1. The other Breed warriors have entrusted him with C4 to blow it up and hide their secrets even though he’s not in his right mind after a brutal attack and betrayal by his mate left him terribly scarred and a widower. (Kind of hard to see how that plan could go wrong.) Dylan is taking photographs when she runs across him. She happens to be a breedmate.
I’m enjoying this series. The pacing is good. Each book can be read on its own even if you haven’t read the others. The books are steamy and great as a beach read.
I’m enjoying this series. The pacing is good. Each book can be read on its own even if you haven’t read the others. The books are steamy and great as a beach read.
April 21, 2010
I didn't like this book as much as Midnight Awakening. The main issue I had was Dylan flat out annoyed me in some scenes. Especially with her escape attempt. What was that about? She could have went along with Rio's plans to scrub her and then went about her life. I think it was just a plot point to drag out the story, frankly. My other issue was: Okay, this sounds really sexist, but her potty mouth was really bugging me. It seemed like the woman could not express herself without expletives and oaths. I'm not overly found of foul-mouthed heroes (probably Sam from the Suz Brockmann books is one of the few notable exceptions), but a bad-mouthed woman really is like nails on a chalkboard. It's a small thing, but that didn't help to endear her to me. Also, she just seemed too abrasive at times. She was used to being a survivor and being tough. The whys were revealed and it made sense, but I never felt for her the way I wanted to. I feel I'm being too hard on her. She was a good person, and I admired her dedication to her mom, and her sense of loyalty. She had a good head on her shoulders, and she did the right thing when it came to the pictures and story about the hibernation chamber. But, she just rubbed me the wrong way.
I really liked Rio. I felt bad for him for what he had lost. I think he had some self-pitying moments, but with his breedmate betraying him, I couldn't blame him too much. Overall, he was a good hero.
The romance itself seemed a bit rushed. I wasn't sure I completely bought into Rio falling so hard and fast for Dylan. Probably needed about fifty more pages for me to feel that. However, I liked the way Eva's ghost manifested to try to make things right after what she did. That was a nice paranormal touch.
My issue with this story is no fault of Lara Adrian's. It's me. I just like more going on in my paranormal romances. Compared to some of my other series (and it's wrong to compare, I know it), this series seems less vivid. I like the rich worldbuilding that I am treated to with some of the other paranormal faves. I'd be the first to admit that I'm not that keen on aliens as a plot device, and the whole alien vampires came to Earth and bred with special human women to form the Breed is just not floating my boat that much. I miss all the various paranormal species that interact with other. Heck, I'm a supernatural girl. I came out and said it, okay! Anyway, that's probably why I'm not in love with this series.
But, for what it is, I think the intrigue was good, and the conspiracy behind the spectres that Dylan was seeing was pretty interesting and rather disturbing. I feel bad for those poor girls.
As far as the story wrap-up, it was a little abrupt, but left some loose ends. I guess I'll have to see how this picks up in the next series. In the end, Midnight Rising was a good read, but it didn't set me on fire.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
I really liked Rio. I felt bad for him for what he had lost. I think he had some self-pitying moments, but with his breedmate betraying him, I couldn't blame him too much. Overall, he was a good hero.
The romance itself seemed a bit rushed. I wasn't sure I completely bought into Rio falling so hard and fast for Dylan. Probably needed about fifty more pages for me to feel that. However, I liked the way Eva's ghost manifested to try to make things right after what she did. That was a nice paranormal touch.
My issue with this story is no fault of Lara Adrian's. It's me. I just like more going on in my paranormal romances. Compared to some of my other series (and it's wrong to compare, I know it), this series seems less vivid. I like the rich worldbuilding that I am treated to with some of the other paranormal faves. I'd be the first to admit that I'm not that keen on aliens as a plot device, and the whole alien vampires came to Earth and bred with special human women to form the Breed is just not floating my boat that much. I miss all the various paranormal species that interact with other. Heck, I'm a supernatural girl. I came out and said it, okay! Anyway, that's probably why I'm not in love with this series.
But, for what it is, I think the intrigue was good, and the conspiracy behind the spectres that Dylan was seeing was pretty interesting and rather disturbing. I feel bad for those poor girls.
As far as the story wrap-up, it was a little abrupt, but left some loose ends. I guess I'll have to see how this picks up in the next series. In the end, Midnight Rising was a good read, but it didn't set me on fire.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2015
Rio was no saint, that was for sure. He had abducted her, imprisoned her, and she still wasn't certain what he meant to do with her, but she didn't think he was a danger to her.
What a coincidence! I fell in love with my husband after he kidnapped me and held me in a mansion for days too! I mean, come on, how sexy is a disfigured kidnapper?
Oh, it's definitely you, you sexy beast!
So, Dylan, a girl, finds Rio, the scarred and psycho warrior, irresistible. She accidentally took photos of a vampire hidden secret of chambers and is now in a crap-load of trouble with the vamps. Rio, naturally, kidnaps her to try and stop her from publishing her story and photos for the trashy rag that she works for. This is the kind of "newspaper" that has headlines of alien babies and bigfoot every week. Is it really going to be a problem if they write a story about a secret vampire lair? Are they worried that people will actually believe it? Obviously, the vamps have never heard "the boy who cried wolf" story. Just sayin....
And, of course, Dylan falls for her captor. It's Love - Stockholm Syndrome Style!
True, dat!
The side story going on is pretty interesting: alien vampire monster released and being bred to make more alien vampire monster babies.
aww, he's going to kill us all with cuteness. Yes he is! Who's a cute little monster?
So far, this is my least favorite book of the series because I found both characters unlikable. They weren't horrible, but just didn't have that special something that I look for in vampire/human love stories. I have higher hopes for the next one because it is about Niko, who is a blonde-hair, blue-eyed, gorgeous warrior. I like the sound of that! ;)
What a coincidence! I fell in love with my husband after he kidnapped me and held me in a mansion for days too! I mean, come on, how sexy is a disfigured kidnapper?
Oh, it's definitely you, you sexy beast!
So, Dylan, a girl, finds Rio, the scarred and psycho warrior, irresistible. She accidentally took photos of a vampire hidden secret of chambers and is now in a crap-load of trouble with the vamps. Rio, naturally, kidnaps her to try and stop her from publishing her story and photos for the trashy rag that she works for. This is the kind of "newspaper" that has headlines of alien babies and bigfoot every week. Is it really going to be a problem if they write a story about a secret vampire lair? Are they worried that people will actually believe it? Obviously, the vamps have never heard "the boy who cried wolf" story. Just sayin....
And, of course, Dylan falls for her captor. It's Love - Stockholm Syndrome Style!
True, dat!
The side story going on is pretty interesting: alien vampire monster released and being bred to make more alien vampire monster babies.
aww, he's going to kill us all with cuteness. Yes he is! Who's a cute little monster?
So far, this is my least favorite book of the series because I found both characters unlikable. They weren't horrible, but just didn't have that special something that I look for in vampire/human love stories. I have higher hopes for the next one because it is about Niko, who is a blonde-hair, blue-eyed, gorgeous warrior. I like the sound of that! ;)
April 29, 2022
Midnight Rising by Lara Adrian
Genres: Adult, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
4.5 Stars on the Reread.
Why lower my star rating? On the reread I found a couple of areas that lagged a bit. Slowed the pace down a bit. Other than that, my original review stays the same.
I adored reading Rio's story. He has been through so much. From the previous books I wasn't sure if he was going to make it. He is definitely suffering from P.T.S.D. But just when we were about to lose him forever, Dylan shows up.
Both Rio and Dylan are cleverly portrayed.
This one is both a skillfully written mystery and captivating romance.
Genres: Adult, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
4.5 Stars on the Reread.
Why lower my star rating? On the reread I found a couple of areas that lagged a bit. Slowed the pace down a bit. Other than that, my original review stays the same.
I adored reading Rio's story. He has been through so much. From the previous books I wasn't sure if he was going to make it. He is definitely suffering from P.T.S.D. But just when we were about to lose him forever, Dylan shows up.
Both Rio and Dylan are cleverly portrayed.
This one is both a skillfully written mystery and captivating romance.
September 2, 2016
Breed warrior Rio
Special ability: Able to kill with a touch
Age: Around 150 years old
Breed mate Dylan
Special ability: Seeing and talking with dead breedmates
Occupation: reporter, journalist
Mark place: Top of spine, by the neck
Settings: Czech Republic (Prague, Bohemian mountainside, Jisin), Berlin, Boston, New York
This was one of my favourite book of the series. I really liked the chemistry between Rio and Dylan and their characters.
Rio was such a heartbroken lonely person. Scarred inside and ouside. He was betrayed by his first breadmate Eva and his personality completely changed. From a easygoing, happy man in love, he became unstable and suicidal.
Dylan found him in the cave where Ancient was buried. She was on holidays, he was about to blow himself to pieces. They worked it out.
Dylan also was a great heroine. She was adventurous, strong minded and with a good sense of humour. And you really need theses attributes if you see ghosts all the time.
Finally I particularly liked the names of the two characters. Rio's complete name is "Eleuterio de la Noche Atanacio" which is a mixture of greek and spanish words. It meens literally "the free man of the night who never dies". Dylan last name is also greek, "Alexander". He was the great greek general who tried to conquer Asia. I thing it was very clever this little game of the names.
Special ability: Able to kill with a touch
Age: Around 150 years old
Breed mate Dylan
Special ability: Seeing and talking with dead breedmates
Occupation: reporter, journalist
Mark place: Top of spine, by the neck
Settings: Czech Republic (Prague, Bohemian mountainside, Jisin), Berlin, Boston, New York
This was one of my favourite book of the series. I really liked the chemistry between Rio and Dylan and their characters.
Rio was such a heartbroken lonely person. Scarred inside and ouside. He was betrayed by his first breadmate Eva and his personality completely changed. From a easygoing, happy man in love, he became unstable and suicidal.
Dylan found him in the cave where Ancient was buried. She was on holidays, he was about to blow himself to pieces. They worked it out.
Dylan also was a great heroine. She was adventurous, strong minded and with a good sense of humour. And you really need theses attributes if you see ghosts all the time.
Finally I particularly liked the names of the two characters. Rio's complete name is "Eleuterio de la Noche Atanacio" which is a mixture of greek and spanish words. It meens literally "the free man of the night who never dies". Dylan last name is also greek, "Alexander". He was the great greek general who tried to conquer Asia. I thing it was very clever this little game of the names.
December 9, 2010
I fell down the stairs because I was walking and reading this thing. They should add “HAZARD: So addicting, you may never put it down. (Watch your step!)” on the cover of these things! Despite my fall, I was able to save the page I was on, but failed to keep my coffee from spilling all over the floor. I spent precious reading time cleaning up at mess! But apart from my sore knee and the ruined carpet, I loved every moment of reading Midnight Rising!
Rio’s story reminds of a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Rio’s life was turned upside down at an early age and because of Eva’s betrayal, he completely lost hope for himself. Scarred both physically and emotionally, Rio struggles with the temptation of ending his own life. He truly believes he can never love or trust another again.
But through unexpected events, Rio finds himself getting caught up with a reporter named Dylan. Also suffering from her own personal demons, Dylan finds herself thrust into a world she knew nothing about. The loss that both these characters experience haunts them to the present day, but it is their unconditional love for one another that helps them through their dark times.
What I love about Lara Adrian’s work is the fact that she incorporates the Breedmates into the Order’s mission. With Elise taking an active part in uncovering riddles in Midnight Awakening and now with Dylan’s unique abilities, the Order are getting the answers that they have been searching for. The women in this series are strong-willed and courageous and it’s great to see them be involved in the action!
Rio’s story touched my heart. A story about loss and love that’s powerful and passionate but doesn’t totally disregard Rio’s past relationship with Eva. Adrian really handled this one well.
Next up is Niko’s book, which I have been dying to read! This series just keeps getting better and better. I hope it doesn’t end.
Rio’s story reminds of a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Rio’s life was turned upside down at an early age and because of Eva’s betrayal, he completely lost hope for himself. Scarred both physically and emotionally, Rio struggles with the temptation of ending his own life. He truly believes he can never love or trust another again.
But through unexpected events, Rio finds himself getting caught up with a reporter named Dylan. Also suffering from her own personal demons, Dylan finds herself thrust into a world she knew nothing about. The loss that both these characters experience haunts them to the present day, but it is their unconditional love for one another that helps them through their dark times.
What I love about Lara Adrian’s work is the fact that she incorporates the Breedmates into the Order’s mission. With Elise taking an active part in uncovering riddles in Midnight Awakening and now with Dylan’s unique abilities, the Order are getting the answers that they have been searching for. The women in this series are strong-willed and courageous and it’s great to see them be involved in the action!
Rio’s story touched my heart. A story about loss and love that’s powerful and passionate but doesn’t totally disregard Rio’s past relationship with Eva. Adrian really handled this one well.
Next up is Niko’s book, which I have been dying to read! This series just keeps getting better and better. I hope it doesn’t end.
April 21, 2010
^^ MADRE DE DIOS, MUCHO CALIENTE!^^
So book #4 of the Midnight Breed series, I enjoyed it but I had my issues with the flow of the story. Don’t get me wrong it was really good as to be expected of Lara Adrian but there was just something about the time span between the couple that left me going “hmmm”.
So the Breed are warriors sworn to protect humans and civilian vamps from vampires gone rogue, which means they just cant stop from killing and sucking the human population dry. Things are about to spice up for the breed when a new evil has been introduced and they fear the worst; they just might be helpless to stop it.
So we met Rio from the very first book Kiss of Midnight when he was caught up in a bomb blast and almost lost his life, only to find out the one who orchestrated said blast was his Breedmate. Talk about the ultimate back stab. So disfigured and emotionally ruined Rio just wants to end his life and end the suffering that comes along with betrayal.
Dylan is on vacation a trip she’s taking for her mom. Mom couldn’t make it so she went along instead. Dylan works for a tabloid magazine that writes articles about alien abductions and Big Foot spotting. Not the most credible magazine, so while on some mountain in Prague she see’s a ghost which leads her to a tomb, that leads her to Rio. So Dylan just saw something she was not to see and some crazy guy is hell bent on stopping her from reporting her findings. She cant help being drawn to this disfigured stranger and something’s telling her that he is more than he appears to be.
So boom Rio says he is a vampire and the crescent moon birthmark she has says she is a Breedmate which means she has a special genetic make-up that makes her able to give birth to future Vamps, talk about crazy. Well the truth becomes clear in Rio’s fangs and the crazy way he puts her to sleep. The life she once knew becomes a world filled with things she never thought possible and decisions she never expected to make.
Rio aka Eleuterio de la Noche Atanacio my translation “ hey sexy how about you drop those pants”. Is one messed up vamp but you cant help but to love him. He is one black out away from killing someone, and five scars ahead as being the sexiest warrior, Whooza he breaks your heart while you think dirty things about him.
So the relationship between these two felt rushed. I think more time was needed for Rio to figure out his feelings and come to terms with what happened in the past. Plus with Dylan’s decision to remain in the human world, that came tumbling down too fast. I am glad things worked out but it seemed forced. Together I like them, but they don’t light my fire the way Tegan and Elise did but Rio is right up there with hot and hotter. The ending also felt short, I wanted more of a showdown between the Breed and the bad guys, all I got was a few heated words. Overall I enjoyed it and cant wait to dive into the others.
On the PL(Pants Losing) scale a solid 4. Rio burns.
So book #4 of the Midnight Breed series, I enjoyed it but I had my issues with the flow of the story. Don’t get me wrong it was really good as to be expected of Lara Adrian but there was just something about the time span between the couple that left me going “hmmm”.
So the Breed are warriors sworn to protect humans and civilian vamps from vampires gone rogue, which means they just cant stop from killing and sucking the human population dry. Things are about to spice up for the breed when a new evil has been introduced and they fear the worst; they just might be helpless to stop it.
So we met Rio from the very first book Kiss of Midnight when he was caught up in a bomb blast and almost lost his life, only to find out the one who orchestrated said blast was his Breedmate. Talk about the ultimate back stab. So disfigured and emotionally ruined Rio just wants to end his life and end the suffering that comes along with betrayal.
Dylan is on vacation a trip she’s taking for her mom. Mom couldn’t make it so she went along instead. Dylan works for a tabloid magazine that writes articles about alien abductions and Big Foot spotting. Not the most credible magazine, so while on some mountain in Prague she see’s a ghost which leads her to a tomb, that leads her to Rio. So Dylan just saw something she was not to see and some crazy guy is hell bent on stopping her from reporting her findings. She cant help being drawn to this disfigured stranger and something’s telling her that he is more than he appears to be.
So boom Rio says he is a vampire and the crescent moon birthmark she has says she is a Breedmate which means she has a special genetic make-up that makes her able to give birth to future Vamps, talk about crazy. Well the truth becomes clear in Rio’s fangs and the crazy way he puts her to sleep. The life she once knew becomes a world filled with things she never thought possible and decisions she never expected to make.
Rio aka Eleuterio de la Noche Atanacio my translation “ hey sexy how about you drop those pants”. Is one messed up vamp but you cant help but to love him. He is one black out away from killing someone, and five scars ahead as being the sexiest warrior, Whooza he breaks your heart while you think dirty things about him.
So the relationship between these two felt rushed. I think more time was needed for Rio to figure out his feelings and come to terms with what happened in the past. Plus with Dylan’s decision to remain in the human world, that came tumbling down too fast. I am glad things worked out but it seemed forced. Together I like them, but they don’t light my fire the way Tegan and Elise did but Rio is right up there with hot and hotter. The ending also felt short, I wanted more of a showdown between the Breed and the bad guys, all I got was a few heated words. Overall I enjoyed it and cant wait to dive into the others.
On the PL(Pants Losing) scale a solid 4. Rio burns.
March 20, 2017
Awww Rio. Me gustan mucho estos vampis y Rio ha cogido la delantera en mis preferencias.
September 15, 2019
2 abducted ★★✩✩✩
⇝Preface.
I think I first discovered this series about 10 years ago when I was a teenager. The good thing about it was that it taught me there's more to fun in bed than just vanilla sex. I learned about oral sex and giving/receiving pleasure with your hands whereas my all-girls-school insisted teaching young women that sex is meant for reproduction and the ejaculation (and thus also mostly the orgasm) of men. Oh, patriarchy, why are you still around?
However, it also ensured that I would be highly irritated with my first lover. He wasn't nearly as good at giving orgasm as he should have been according to what I've read in books like these. Howl away, you peasants, this girl got fooled by yet another unrealistic depiction of sex and "love" or whatever it is these books are about.
In general, books like these give unrealistic expectations about sex, men, women, relationships and what it means to treat someone with decency, although many critics fail to say so. I suppose it's true that they are read mainly by women (of all ages) who are looking for some steam in their life. And to be honest, that's absolutely fine! Reading is not about showing off you've read Kafka's entire collection or are able to recite passages from some poet's book who had absolutely no relation to real life. Read what makes you happy. If it's a dime novel, that is okay.
Personally, I love and cannot recommend enough Nalini Singh's Psy Changeling series that starts off with Slave to Sensation. Honestly, the world-building is ahmazing and this series is really about more than just delivering a loose frame for a sequence of love stories. I've discovered them around the same time as Lara Adrian but they've always left me with a more epic and wholesome feeling.
⇝Overall
This is my umpteenth reread - only that it's English for the first time - so I pretty much knew exactly what I was getting myself into...
Except that it was so ridiculous this time I read it I had to laugh out loud several times. This is not a love story. It's a "he abducted me, held me hostage, drugged me and then my self-protection-instincts kicked in and Stockholm-Syndrome took over"-story. That pretty much sums it up.
How quickly the two main characters went from mistrust to "I love you" can compete with any race car out there. Further, if Lara didn't include looks and some specifics about their individual circumstances, I couldn't tell them apart from the previous three couples. Why did I never notice this before? Especially the women show no differences in character. I know it's gonna get better in the future, at least.
I wouldn't say I entirely hated it. I know they are not to be taken too seriously and I honestly enjoy returning to this universe like meeting an old friend that you're not super close with and can't identify with 100%, but the conversations are light and loving. Does this make sense? Whatever, I don't wanna justify myself because I don't have to, it's just hard to describe what makes me read this series every couple of years to all those who are wondering.
_____________________
Writing quality + easy of reading = 3*
pace = 4*
plot development = 1*
characters = 1*
enjoyability = 2*
insightfulness = 1*
This book is for you if…you need some really hot sex scenes, have no problem romanticising abduction and have no issue to not be served an intricate sophisticated plot.
⇝Preface.
I think I first discovered this series about 10 years ago when I was a teenager. The good thing about it was that it taught me there's more to fun in bed than just vanilla sex. I learned about oral sex and giving/receiving pleasure with your hands whereas my all-girls-school insisted teaching young women that sex is meant for reproduction and the ejaculation (and thus also mostly the orgasm) of men. Oh, patriarchy, why are you still around?
However, it also ensured that I would be highly irritated with my first lover. He wasn't nearly as good at giving orgasm as he should have been according to what I've read in books like these. Howl away, you peasants, this girl got fooled by yet another unrealistic depiction of sex and "love" or whatever it is these books are about.
In general, books like these give unrealistic expectations about sex, men, women, relationships and what it means to treat someone with decency, although many critics fail to say so. I suppose it's true that they are read mainly by women (of all ages) who are looking for some steam in their life. And to be honest, that's absolutely fine! Reading is not about showing off you've read Kafka's entire collection or are able to recite passages from some poet's book who had absolutely no relation to real life. Read what makes you happy. If it's a dime novel, that is okay.
Personally, I love and cannot recommend enough Nalini Singh's Psy Changeling series that starts off with Slave to Sensation. Honestly, the world-building is ahmazing and this series is really about more than just delivering a loose frame for a sequence of love stories. I've discovered them around the same time as Lara Adrian but they've always left me with a more epic and wholesome feeling.
⇝Overall
This is my umpteenth reread - only that it's English for the first time - so I pretty much knew exactly what I was getting myself into...
Except that it was so ridiculous this time I read it I had to laugh out loud several times. This is not a love story. It's a "he abducted me, held me hostage, drugged me and then my self-protection-instincts kicked in and Stockholm-Syndrome took over"-story. That pretty much sums it up.
How quickly the two main characters went from mistrust to "I love you" can compete with any race car out there. Further, if Lara didn't include looks and some specifics about their individual circumstances, I couldn't tell them apart from the previous three couples. Why did I never notice this before? Especially the women show no differences in character. I know it's gonna get better in the future, at least.
I wouldn't say I entirely hated it. I know they are not to be taken too seriously and I honestly enjoy returning to this universe like meeting an old friend that you're not super close with and can't identify with 100%, but the conversations are light and loving. Does this make sense? Whatever, I don't wanna justify myself because I don't have to, it's just hard to describe what makes me read this series every couple of years to all those who are wondering.
_____________________
Writing quality + easy of reading = 3*
pace = 4*
plot development = 1*
characters = 1*
enjoyability = 2*
insightfulness = 1*
January 16, 2023
3.5
Her ne kadar kitaplar birbirini tekrar etsede bu seriyi okumayı seviyorum 😇
Her ne kadar kitaplar birbirini tekrar etsede bu seriyi okumayı seviyorum 😇
September 1, 2016
3.5 stars. I'm giving the extra half star for Rio. I kind of like that guy. His name bugged me all the way up until this book (for some reason I couldn't stop picturing a man dressed for Carnival) until I found out that it was short for a name which was harder to pronounce. Okay, I get it now. Kinda.
I didn't think I'd be coming back to this series until I realized that I was having trouble attaching to anything after finishing a BDB series re-read. While the Breed aren't exactly the wit-laced bunch that the brothers are (this is the poor man's substitute for the bold personalities and crazy adventures of the BDB vamp world), the background and setup is so similar that I've found myself able to keep pace with these books (after a quick skim re-read of books 1 through 3) while I continue to wait for another series to grab me.
I do wish that Rio's book had been pushed back further in the series. The readers should have gotten more time to see Rio sink further into despair before love pulled him back from the brink. His time of "in-between" was extremely short. He could have thrown himself back into work and sworn off love forever, becoming the hard-edged warrior that no one wanted to mess with (since Tegan got bumped from that role early enough).
The Good News about Midnight Breed : The strength in the series lies with the fantasy idea of being the unknowing woman who gets to fall magically into a (dark) fairy tale seemingly overnight. One day you're a boring administrative assistant (no, not really...I just made that up)...the next - *BOOM!* - you're the much desired breedmate of one of the hottest, strongest, most protective men on the planet. And you have powers...that might be good. It's a crapshoot. Either way - hot damn you've just won the lottery!
The Bad News about Midnight Breed : If you're looking for character history, extensive and/or amusing main character interaction (outside of the couple), intriguing plot outside of the romance, etc. etc. etc. you will be out of luck. Outside of fighting together, these men don't have much screen time to hang out. I miss that much from BDB. I'm assuming that the new characters who were brought in to fight will be future love interests, but it's hard to get excited about upcoming books when I feel like the characters who are left are virtual strangers. We've gotten small glimpses of Niko, but not enough to keep me excited, and I'm already 25% into his book. What's going to happen when I get to the new kids? The only person left who I'm somewhat curious about is Chase...and maybe I might have a small interest in Reichen.
Time will tell if the series picks up or slows down. If it picks up, I'll keep my ticket on the train. If not, I'll be getting off at the next station.
I didn't think I'd be coming back to this series until I realized that I was having trouble attaching to anything after finishing a BDB series re-read. While the Breed aren't exactly the wit-laced bunch that the brothers are (this is the poor man's substitute for the bold personalities and crazy adventures of the BDB vamp world), the background and setup is so similar that I've found myself able to keep pace with these books (after a quick skim re-read of books 1 through 3) while I continue to wait for another series to grab me.
I do wish that Rio's book had been pushed back further in the series. The readers should have gotten more time to see Rio sink further into despair before love pulled him back from the brink. His time of "in-between" was extremely short. He could have thrown himself back into work and sworn off love forever, becoming the hard-edged warrior that no one wanted to mess with (since Tegan got bumped from that role early enough).
The Good News about Midnight Breed : The strength in the series lies with the fantasy idea of being the unknowing woman who gets to fall magically into a (dark) fairy tale seemingly overnight. One day you're a boring administrative assistant (no, not really...I just made that up)...the next - *BOOM!* - you're the much desired breedmate of one of the hottest, strongest, most protective men on the planet. And you have powers...that might be good. It's a crapshoot. Either way - hot damn you've just won the lottery!
The Bad News about Midnight Breed : If you're looking for character history, extensive and/or amusing main character interaction (outside of the couple), intriguing plot outside of the romance, etc. etc. etc. you will be out of luck. Outside of fighting together, these men don't have much screen time to hang out. I miss that much from BDB. I'm assuming that the new characters who were brought in to fight will be future love interests, but it's hard to get excited about upcoming books when I feel like the characters who are left are virtual strangers. We've gotten small glimpses of Niko, but not enough to keep me excited, and I'm already 25% into his book. What's going to happen when I get to the new kids? The only person left who I'm somewhat curious about is Chase...and maybe I might have a small interest in Reichen.
Time will tell if the series picks up or slows down. If it picks up, I'll keep my ticket on the train. If not, I'll be getting off at the next station.
April 27, 2018
4 1/2 "I'll wait for you." Stars!
I loved it. I do love me an emotionally damaged male; so Rio was right in my zone. And I liked Dylan too. She was very inquisitive! This one maaaay be my favorite So far. Maybe. Looking forward to Nikolai next! Happy reading!
I loved it. I do love me an emotionally damaged male; so Rio was right in my zone. And I liked Dylan too. She was very inquisitive! This one maaaay be my favorite So far. Maybe. Looking forward to Nikolai next! Happy reading!
March 13, 2017
Casi todas las sagas terminan aburriendome porque van decayendo, casi siempre el primer libro es el mejor, pero está no, todo lo contrario, aunque sabes que va a pasar me encanta leer la historia de cada uno, son todas distintas aunque los protagonistas sean ellos vampiros y ellas humanas, cada lobQuier leer el siguiente, ya!!
May 20, 2013
Madre de Dios! Yes, that gets thought a lot by our hero. Sadly, after a really good installment with Midnight Awakening, Lara Adrian slipped up a bit with Rio's story.
I did like the leads, but there were some major, unnecessary logic blips that bugged me throughout.
That said, I did like the couple's chemistry, and I'll move on to the next book. I thought it might have been the wrong choice for Adrian to do Rio's book so soon, actually. It felt rushed to me and I thought we could have seen Niko or Chase before we got to Rio. After I read on, maybe I'll see how it was important to do it this way, but right now I feel like there wasn't enough time from when the betrayal and injury occurred for him to be ready for a romance.
I appreciated the emotion -- I did get choked up a few times -- but I got the icky feeling that
At this point I'm rambling and I'll stop, but Madre de Dios, Rio deserved better!
I did like the leads, but there were some major, unnecessary logic blips that bugged me throughout.
That said, I did like the couple's chemistry, and I'll move on to the next book. I thought it might have been the wrong choice for Adrian to do Rio's book so soon, actually. It felt rushed to me and I thought we could have seen Niko or Chase before we got to Rio. After I read on, maybe I'll see how it was important to do it this way, but right now I feel like there wasn't enough time from when the betrayal and injury occurred for him to be ready for a romance.
I appreciated the emotion -- I did get choked up a few times -- but I got the icky feeling that
At this point I'm rambling and I'll stop, but Madre de Dios, Rio deserved better!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Rio, is still shattered from grief and pain and the loss of betrayal from his mate. He has fought long and hard against fighting evil, and will do anything to protect the men he fights with. An ancient evil has been released, and Rio is in the process of destroying the chamber and the evidence, and also to bury himself in the rubble. Journalist, Dylan Alexander, is traveling in Europe with friends, and working on a story. Dylan has psychic abilities that are almost a curse, but this ability leads her to a hidden tomb with ancient writing and a sense of evil that permeates the room. She stumbles across a dangerous creature, a man that is scarred and full of pain and a being she can't resist no matter the danger. Rio and Dylan are drawn together, by danger and passion. Dylan is the key to finding the answers in the search for this ancient evil, but also in the disappearance of breeds. But there is an enemy, an enemy that is hunting for Dylan and only Rio will be strong enough to protect her.
The Hero
Rio is a Breed Warrior, and to many of their kind he isn't looked upon in favor. Rio is the most loyal and fierce of them all. Rio was mated, but his mate Eve betrayed him and his warrior brethren and Rio is bitter and angry and full of hatred. Rio is both scarred physically and emotionally. He hasn't had it easy, and the pain is almost overwhelming for Rio. He has demons that he has to face. Rio has the who "tortured hero" down pat. Rio has really been struggling and we have seen this in previous books. Its been heartbreaking to see his character and the way he struggles with the pain and grief. Rio is a character that you just reach towards, he has a past that haunts him even before Eve. He is just about ready to give up on living until he meets our heroine who is like a breath of fresh air for him. We see a slow change in Rio, see him have hope and seeing his character heal. I admired Rio for his strength of character, his loyalty and devotion to doing the right thing no matter how much it hurts.
The Heroine
Dylan Alexander has a certain psychic ability. She can see ghosts of young women. Dylan has seen this since she was a little girl. They speak to her, but she can't communicate anything with them. Her father left them when she was young, and her mother is the only one in her family that has stayed with her, accepted her, and loved her unconditionally. Dylan is a journalist, but she was betrayed by a source and lost her job. Her current work isn't exactly what she has dreamed of writing about aliens and myths, but when she discovers a hidden tomb she knows she has something legit and really could make her career. Dylan was a different heroine that I was expecting. She is driven, but also compassionate and has such an open heart. I really connected with her character because she has such a down to earth personality that you instantly are drawn to. She is a fighter too and will do anything for her mother.
Plot and Story Line
Midnight Rising was such a wonderful story and ever since we see what Eve did to Rio in the previous books, I have been waiting for his story. Probably because Rio at first is such a carefree and fun loving warrior. Probably out of all of them, he is more lighthearted and fun. But then we see such a horrid change, where he is full of pain and hate. I have been so excited to see him get a happy ending and Dylan was everything and more that Rio needs. Midnight Rising follows a few months after Midnight Awakening ends. Rio has fallen off the map from his brethren, keeping secrets and keeping to himself. We also see a new and more dangerous evil that is in the works. And what is revealed in this book, was quite a shock and a new twist I was expecting. There is a thread left at the end of Midnight Rising that leaves us hanging just a bit but has a more "Happy For Now" type theme. Which I am okay with, because the ending feels more between a Happy For Now and a Happy Ever After type ending. Mostly due to the danger and the evil that is trying to undermine all the good these Warriors have been trying to accomplish. The actual romance between Rio and Dylan was so sweet at times, but quite a battle in other ways as well. At first their relationship is strained, but they have a connection with each other and that connection slowly builds in strength and in healing. Both Rio and Dylan help each other emotionally.
Their physical relationship is quite intense and provocative and I loved seeing these two spark.
What I truly enjoyed most was seeing Rio and Dylan work through the hurdles in their relationship. Now the side characters were a blast and my favorite was Niko. Niko is best friends with Rio, and we see a strain in their friendship, but Niko never loses faith in his faith and defends him quite passionately in one particular scene that probably won me over for Niko instantly. There is such depth of emotion in Midnight Rising, and I can't wait for more.
The Cover
I like the green gold and teal colors, with the scene of the city and the river. Has a more exotic feel to it.
Overall View
Midnight Rising is a passionate and enticing romance that digs deeper on darker emotions and how miraculous love can heal. It has a full range of danger, desire, emotion, and love. TRULY EXHILIARTING.
Summary
Rio, is still shattered from grief and pain and the loss of betrayal from his mate. He has fought long and hard against fighting evil, and will do anything to protect the men he fights with. An ancient evil has been released, and Rio is in the process of destroying the chamber and the evidence, and also to bury himself in the rubble. Journalist, Dylan Alexander, is traveling in Europe with friends, and working on a story. Dylan has psychic abilities that are almost a curse, but this ability leads her to a hidden tomb with ancient writing and a sense of evil that permeates the room. She stumbles across a dangerous creature, a man that is scarred and full of pain and a being she can't resist no matter the danger. Rio and Dylan are drawn together, by danger and passion. Dylan is the key to finding the answers in the search for this ancient evil, but also in the disappearance of breeds. But there is an enemy, an enemy that is hunting for Dylan and only Rio will be strong enough to protect her.
The Hero
Rio is a Breed Warrior, and to many of their kind he isn't looked upon in favor. Rio is the most loyal and fierce of them all. Rio was mated, but his mate Eve betrayed him and his warrior brethren and Rio is bitter and angry and full of hatred. Rio is both scarred physically and emotionally. He hasn't had it easy, and the pain is almost overwhelming for Rio. He has demons that he has to face. Rio has the who "tortured hero" down pat. Rio has really been struggling and we have seen this in previous books. Its been heartbreaking to see his character and the way he struggles with the pain and grief. Rio is a character that you just reach towards, he has a past that haunts him even before Eve. He is just about ready to give up on living until he meets our heroine who is like a breath of fresh air for him. We see a slow change in Rio, see him have hope and seeing his character heal. I admired Rio for his strength of character, his loyalty and devotion to doing the right thing no matter how much it hurts.
The Heroine
Dylan Alexander has a certain psychic ability. She can see ghosts of young women. Dylan has seen this since she was a little girl. They speak to her, but she can't communicate anything with them. Her father left them when she was young, and her mother is the only one in her family that has stayed with her, accepted her, and loved her unconditionally. Dylan is a journalist, but she was betrayed by a source and lost her job. Her current work isn't exactly what she has dreamed of writing about aliens and myths, but when she discovers a hidden tomb she knows she has something legit and really could make her career. Dylan was a different heroine that I was expecting. She is driven, but also compassionate and has such an open heart. I really connected with her character because she has such a down to earth personality that you instantly are drawn to. She is a fighter too and will do anything for her mother.
Plot and Story Line
Midnight Rising was such a wonderful story and ever since we see what Eve did to Rio in the previous books, I have been waiting for his story. Probably because Rio at first is such a carefree and fun loving warrior. Probably out of all of them, he is more lighthearted and fun. But then we see such a horrid change, where he is full of pain and hate. I have been so excited to see him get a happy ending and Dylan was everything and more that Rio needs. Midnight Rising follows a few months after Midnight Awakening ends. Rio has fallen off the map from his brethren, keeping secrets and keeping to himself. We also see a new and more dangerous evil that is in the works. And what is revealed in this book, was quite a shock and a new twist I was expecting. There is a thread left at the end of Midnight Rising that leaves us hanging just a bit but has a more "Happy For Now" type theme. Which I am okay with, because the ending feels more between a Happy For Now and a Happy Ever After type ending. Mostly due to the danger and the evil that is trying to undermine all the good these Warriors have been trying to accomplish. The actual romance between Rio and Dylan was so sweet at times, but quite a battle in other ways as well. At first their relationship is strained, but they have a connection with each other and that connection slowly builds in strength and in healing. Both Rio and Dylan help each other emotionally.
You are pure flame. I touch you and I ignite. I kiss you and I burn to have more. You consume me… like no other woman before you, and, I am certain, like no other ever could again.
Their physical relationship is quite intense and provocative and I loved seeing these two spark.
I have to go to her, Lucan. For my own sanity, if nothing else. If I stay here, I'm not sure what good I'd be, to tell you the truth. She's the only thing that's held me together in a very long time. I'm a wreck for this woman, my friend. She owns me now.
What I truly enjoyed most was seeing Rio and Dylan work through the hurdles in their relationship. Now the side characters were a blast and my favorite was Niko. Niko is best friends with Rio, and we see a strain in their friendship, but Niko never loses faith in his faith and defends him quite passionately in one particular scene that probably won me over for Niko instantly. There is such depth of emotion in Midnight Rising, and I can't wait for more.
The Cover
I like the green gold and teal colors, with the scene of the city and the river. Has a more exotic feel to it.
Overall View
Midnight Rising is a passionate and enticing romance that digs deeper on darker emotions and how miraculous love can heal. It has a full range of danger, desire, emotion, and love. TRULY EXHILIARTING.
April 29, 2019
This was book 4 in the
"Midnight Breed"
series. When journalist Dylan Alexander comes across a hidden tomb while on a trip in South America she comes across the breed warrior Rio. Rio has been through a lot in the last year he was betrayed by his mate Ava he was injured in a blast in the last book. Rio doesn't want to live with the bruises on his face and body he wants to die and planned to seal the cave and lock himself in it. When Dylan takes pictures of him in the cave he knows he has to stop her. Dylan has a secret she can see and hear the dead and was lured to the cave to help him she is also a breed mate. This was a really good book Dylan needs a story for her job and when Rio shows up after he feeds and hunts her down in Spain he tells her that he has to take her pictures and the ones that she sent to her family and friends. When she shows him her birth mark he tells her what he is and what she is she doesn't believe him. When they go back to the states they go to the compound where the brothers thought he was dead and they know that he wanted to die. I really liked both of these characters Dylan wasn't a push over but she sees something in Rio and when she decides to leave because her mother is sick she runs away and Rio tracks her to the hospital where he finds out about her mother. When these two have sex it is hot and he feeds from her and bond with her. I really liked this book and the narrator of this audiobook when things get hard Dylan and Rio both prove to each other that they will be there. This was a good read that was well written with no errors in grammar and since I do have the book spelling either. I am looking forward to reading or listening to the next book.
July 4, 2011
Another book to go onto my favourite list... I loved Rio's story, I actually filled up with tears at one point. Different from Tegan's and Dante's but so rewarding to read. I adore the way Lara captures her readers and loses them in a storyline that can't be put down... well that's how it works for me... Lara is definately among my top 5 favourite authors!
Every book is worth more stars that I can give!!
Every book is worth more stars that I can give!!
December 15, 2013
I really like this series and the world-building and characters is really great.
After the tragedy that Rio experienced, I was overjoyed when he found someone to love and trust again. Dylan was just the right person for him, in my opinion.
As the world of the Breeds grows, the more excited I become in getting to know more about it.
After the tragedy that Rio experienced, I was overjoyed when he found someone to love and trust again. Dylan was just the right person for him, in my opinion.
As the world of the Breeds grows, the more excited I become in getting to know more about it.
September 11, 2019
3.5 stars
August 31, 2016
In the first book of Adrian's Midnight Breed series, Kiss of Midnight, the seemingly happily mated couple, Rio & Eva, meet a tragic ending. Eva betrays Rio and the rest of his brothers in arms, bringing about her own death and leaving Rio severely scarred- emotionally and physically.
A short time later, where Midnight Rising picks up, Rio is tired of his miserable existence. At the end of a dangerous mission in the mountains of Prague, the Warriors discover an ancient, empty crypt which once hibernated a malevolent originator of their species. Rio volunteers to stay behind and blow away the evidence. Only the rest of the warriors don't know he means to blow himself up too. Weeks after they leave Rio alone with the purpose of destroying the evidence, both he and the crypt are still intact, but he's ready to do the deed that very night.
Until an intrepid reporter stumbles upon the lair and snaps some pictures before escaping. Weak from starvation and madness, Rio pulls it together enough to go after the girl. Disgusted to find she's a reporter ready to tell all, he captures her only to realize she's already sent the photos off to not only her editor but also some family and friends.
Taking her with him to a safe haven in Germany, she fights him tooth and nail- yet something about this fierce, beautiful young woman draws him out of his pain.
But when he discovers she's part of a rare group of women who have the exact genetic makeup to effectively mate with the half alien/half human Vampires known as the Breeds, things get even more difficult between them. The last thing Rio wants is to be connected to another woman, and he means to leave this one behind- and get back to dying.
Dylan cannot believe the world she's stumbled into, but part of her realizes what the scarred, tortured man before her is saying is true. She agrees to join him on a journey back to his home in the United States to clear up the mess she inadvertently made when she sent her pictures to her editor. In the end, she has no choice, for not only is Rio's world threatening her family and her very existence, but something about Rio makes her want to see him whole again.
I was surprised Adrian came up with Rio's story so early on in the series.
At the end of Kiss of Midnight he was utterly wrecked by Eva's betrayal. Rio starts off the novel suicidal and ready to give up, but before the climax even hits, he's telling Dylan he loves her and he's can't live without her?! Not that I read paranormal romance for it's basis on reality :-) - but this fantastical improbability is the very reason I had issues with Midnight Rising.
Still, I liked Dylan a lot. She was feisty and not easily swayed, and she was ready to give up the love she had for Rio in order to be with her ailing mother. She had alotta heart and I adore that in a heroine.
I also really liked Rio, considering his unlikely speedy broken heart recovery. A capacity to forgive and love again, so deeply and so quickly, is an admirable thing- if a bit far-fetched, in my jaded eyes. And, believe me, this one is all about the easy happily ever after- despite the blood sucking Vampire/Alien aspect.
I'm also diggin' the whole Alien Breed progenitor bad guy aspect and the thriller plots it gives to this set of books. So, given the whole, I did enjoy this novel.
A short time later, where Midnight Rising picks up, Rio is tired of his miserable existence. At the end of a dangerous mission in the mountains of Prague, the Warriors discover an ancient, empty crypt which once hibernated a malevolent originator of their species. Rio volunteers to stay behind and blow away the evidence. Only the rest of the warriors don't know he means to blow himself up too. Weeks after they leave Rio alone with the purpose of destroying the evidence, both he and the crypt are still intact, but he's ready to do the deed that very night.
Until an intrepid reporter stumbles upon the lair and snaps some pictures before escaping. Weak from starvation and madness, Rio pulls it together enough to go after the girl. Disgusted to find she's a reporter ready to tell all, he captures her only to realize she's already sent the photos off to not only her editor but also some family and friends.
Taking her with him to a safe haven in Germany, she fights him tooth and nail- yet something about this fierce, beautiful young woman draws him out of his pain.
But when he discovers she's part of a rare group of women who have the exact genetic makeup to effectively mate with the half alien/half human Vampires known as the Breeds, things get even more difficult between them. The last thing Rio wants is to be connected to another woman, and he means to leave this one behind- and get back to dying.
Dylan cannot believe the world she's stumbled into, but part of her realizes what the scarred, tortured man before her is saying is true. She agrees to join him on a journey back to his home in the United States to clear up the mess she inadvertently made when she sent her pictures to her editor. In the end, she has no choice, for not only is Rio's world threatening her family and her very existence, but something about Rio makes her want to see him whole again.
I was surprised Adrian came up with Rio's story so early on in the series.
At the end of Kiss of Midnight he was utterly wrecked by Eva's betrayal. Rio starts off the novel suicidal and ready to give up, but before the climax even hits, he's telling Dylan he loves her and he's can't live without her?! Not that I read paranormal romance for it's basis on reality :-) - but this fantastical improbability is the very reason I had issues with Midnight Rising.
Still, I liked Dylan a lot. She was feisty and not easily swayed, and she was ready to give up the love she had for Rio in order to be with her ailing mother. She had alotta heart and I adore that in a heroine.
I also really liked Rio, considering his unlikely speedy broken heart recovery. A capacity to forgive and love again, so deeply and so quickly, is an admirable thing- if a bit far-fetched, in my jaded eyes. And, believe me, this one is all about the easy happily ever after- despite the blood sucking Vampire/Alien aspect.
I'm also diggin' the whole Alien Breed progenitor bad guy aspect and the thriller plots it gives to this set of books. So, given the whole, I did enjoy this novel.
November 16, 2012
WOW! This series just gets better and better! I loved this book!
Midnight Rising tells the story of Rio, the most scarred and tormented member of the Breed. A year after a brutal betrayal which left him physically traumatised and emotionally wrecked, Rio is on the verge of suicide when Dylan Alexander literally stumbles across him. When Dylan sees something she shouldn’t and then takes off, it’s up to Rio to track her down and fix the problem. Oh, and what do you know, she bears the mark of a breedmate, genetically gifted to be able to bond / mate with a member of the Breed. Convenient! When Rio is asked to contain her and bring her back to the Order for damage control, they are forced to spend spend some quality time together, and it doesn’t take long for a deep attraction to form.
I love Rio and Dylan! They are both strongly drawn to each other from the very beginning, but things progress slowly with them. Mainly because Rio considers himself damaged goods. But Dylan is a strong, confident female who isn’t about to let him shut her out.
“I’m the last thing you need, Dylan. If you reach into the trap to pull me out, I can’t promise I won’t take your arm off in the process.
“You’re not going to hurt me.”
Rio grunted, a coarse, animalistic sound. “How do you know I won’t?”
“Because I’m going to trust you not to.”
The pacing of their relationship is really realistic, and their bonding is a really gorgeous moment. The two them together are so freaking swoony! Rio is obviously battling some pretty serious demons, but Dylan is there for him, loving him and helping him to heal and come to terms with who he is now. And in return, she gets this:
“You are pure flame. I touch you and I ignite. I kiss you and I burn to have more. You consume me… like no other woman before you, and, I am certain, like no other ever could again.”
SWOOOOOOOOOOON! You’ve gotta love the man!
The action in this one is also really intense. The overarching storyline is really picking up, with Gen One vampires and breedmates being killed, the mysterious ‘Ancient One’ making an appearance, and a new bad guy, Drago, emerges. He is seriously warped! But I like having an evil bad guy to hate, so it’s all good for me!
The rest of the Breed are all involved in the story, and there is a bit of character development happening behind the scenes, which I love.
I like how Lara Adrian isn’t afraid to shock her readers. Yes, it’s primarily a romance book with a HEA, but there is some real drama and shocks along the way. Overall though, this is a beautifully written romance, with lots of emotion, and action that twists and turns right up until the nail-biting finale. And it’s all set against a fantastic paranormal world that I just can’t get enough of! For the first time in this series, I didn’t think about the BDB once while reading. I think Adrian has found her groove, and it’s awesome!
Must have more!!!
Midnight Rising tells the story of Rio, the most scarred and tormented member of the Breed. A year after a brutal betrayal which left him physically traumatised and emotionally wrecked, Rio is on the verge of suicide when Dylan Alexander literally stumbles across him. When Dylan sees something she shouldn’t and then takes off, it’s up to Rio to track her down and fix the problem. Oh, and what do you know, she bears the mark of a breedmate, genetically gifted to be able to bond / mate with a member of the Breed. Convenient! When Rio is asked to contain her and bring her back to the Order for damage control, they are forced to spend spend some quality time together, and it doesn’t take long for a deep attraction to form.
I love Rio and Dylan! They are both strongly drawn to each other from the very beginning, but things progress slowly with them. Mainly because Rio considers himself damaged goods. But Dylan is a strong, confident female who isn’t about to let him shut her out.
“I’m the last thing you need, Dylan. If you reach into the trap to pull me out, I can’t promise I won’t take your arm off in the process.
“You’re not going to hurt me.”
Rio grunted, a coarse, animalistic sound. “How do you know I won’t?”
“Because I’m going to trust you not to.”
The pacing of their relationship is really realistic, and their bonding is a really gorgeous moment. The two them together are so freaking swoony! Rio is obviously battling some pretty serious demons, but Dylan is there for him, loving him and helping him to heal and come to terms with who he is now. And in return, she gets this:
“You are pure flame. I touch you and I ignite. I kiss you and I burn to have more. You consume me… like no other woman before you, and, I am certain, like no other ever could again.”
SWOOOOOOOOOOON! You’ve gotta love the man!
The action in this one is also really intense. The overarching storyline is really picking up, with Gen One vampires and breedmates being killed, the mysterious ‘Ancient One’ making an appearance, and a new bad guy, Drago, emerges. He is seriously warped! But I like having an evil bad guy to hate, so it’s all good for me!
The rest of the Breed are all involved in the story, and there is a bit of character development happening behind the scenes, which I love.
I like how Lara Adrian isn’t afraid to shock her readers. Yes, it’s primarily a romance book with a HEA, but there is some real drama and shocks along the way. Overall though, this is a beautifully written romance, with lots of emotion, and action that twists and turns right up until the nail-biting finale. And it’s all set against a fantastic paranormal world that I just can’t get enough of! For the first time in this series, I didn’t think about the BDB once while reading. I think Adrian has found her groove, and it’s awesome!
Must have more!!!
April 1, 2008
WHOA! Another great read for my keeper shelf from Lara Adrian. I just finished this book and my heart is still racing.
Dylan Alexander is on vacation in Europe. Her mother is dying and it was her wish for Dylan to take her place on this fabulous trip. Dylan's always been a little different...she can see ghosts. But they're always young and always female. She sees one while hiking on her trip and it guides her to a dark cave while whispering, "Save him."
Rio is ready to die; no, he wants to die. He's tired of existing after the betrayal by his wife that left him scarred, in pain, and sometimes out of his mind. He just can't think of anything worth living for...until she walks in.
I loved this book! At first I was mad, because I wanted one of the other warriors to get his breedmate. But oh, the great story of a love worth waiting for, worth sacrificing for, worth LIVING for. If you like dark, sexy, brooding heroes and saucy, self-efficient heroines...then go get this book NOW! You won't be sorry.
Dylan Alexander is on vacation in Europe. Her mother is dying and it was her wish for Dylan to take her place on this fabulous trip. Dylan's always been a little different...she can see ghosts. But they're always young and always female. She sees one while hiking on her trip and it guides her to a dark cave while whispering, "Save him."
Rio is ready to die; no, he wants to die. He's tired of existing after the betrayal by his wife that left him scarred, in pain, and sometimes out of his mind. He just can't think of anything worth living for...until she walks in.
I loved this book! At first I was mad, because I wanted one of the other warriors to get his breedmate. But oh, the great story of a love worth waiting for, worth sacrificing for, worth LIVING for. If you like dark, sexy, brooding heroes and saucy, self-efficient heroines...then go get this book NOW! You won't be sorry.
April 11, 2023
No dobrze, to było ciekawe, aczkolwiek trochę mnie wymęczyła ta książka. Jednocześnie mam wrażenie, że jest akcja, bo płynę przez tą książkę, ale i tej akcji nie ma i momentami strasznie mi się to dłużyło, mimo dość niewielkiej objętości. Chyba zabrakło mi jakiegoś konkretnego wow, zwłaszcza w środku, które przykułoby moją uwagę na maksa, bo ona gdzieś non stop uciekała. I to mimo faktu, że bohaterka tej części wydała mi się najfajniejsza z dotychczasowych (nie licząc Gabi, of coz). Nie wiem, może po prostu odczuwam zmęczenie materiałem, tak czy siak zrobię sobie dłuższą przerwę i do kolejnego tomu wrócę za jakiś czas.
February 26, 2009
5 stars - Vampire Romance
This is perhaps the best love story in the Midnight Breed series. I really loved the Breed warrior Rio. He is an anguished, tortured soul, but also sweet and loving. The relationship between Rio and Dylan is believable and well developed, and I found myself very anxious for them to find their HEA. Another great read in this awesome series!
This is perhaps the best love story in the Midnight Breed series. I really loved the Breed warrior Rio. He is an anguished, tortured soul, but also sweet and loving. The relationship between Rio and Dylan is believable and well developed, and I found myself very anxious for them to find their HEA. Another great read in this awesome series!
March 17, 2017
Rio ha superado a Lucan, el primer vampiro de la saga. Esta historia quizá tenga más romanticismo que acción. Pero es necesario, Rio es un vampiro destrozado por fuera y por dentro y sin embargo está lleno de amor para dar y eso es lo que Dylan,a pesar de su escepticismo, es capaz de comprender. Como también es capaz de ver el maravilloso interior de Rio a pesar de las cicatrices externas que lo afean y le hacen temible.
September 6, 2010
After a bitter betrayal by his Breedmate, Rio isn’t the same. Suffering from mood swings and blackouts, he knows he’s a danger to others. So when he’s tasked with destroying an Ancient’s hibernating chamber, he sees a perfect opportunity to end it all. Seven months later, he’s still trying to seal the chamber and end his life, when a woman stumbles into the cave…She’s a journalist, and her taking pictures of the glyphs on the cave walls, and Rio, spurs him into action, finally rousing him from his stupor and making him want to live again.
Finally! Some progress in this series. Fourth book in line and the first one I actually liked from beginning to end. There was less world and history explanation involved, the story was much more character oriented than the previous ones, and let me tell you, Rio was one interesting character, Dylan was one of those heroines I don’t hate (though she had her moments), the romance appeared fresh, the sex scenes didn’t come through as clinical, the plot was tight…It all came out nice and compact, if I forget about the “suspense” aspect of the story, because that past of the series plot (and arc) is slowly descending into the bizarre.
Skipping those parts (which come in small quantity), this is a pretty good paranormal romance and – hopefully – a good indication of things to come.
Finally! Some progress in this series. Fourth book in line and the first one I actually liked from beginning to end. There was less world and history explanation involved, the story was much more character oriented than the previous ones, and let me tell you, Rio was one interesting character, Dylan was one of those heroines I don’t hate (though she had her moments), the romance appeared fresh, the sex scenes didn’t come through as clinical, the plot was tight…It all came out nice and compact, if I forget about the “suspense” aspect of the story, because that past of the series plot (and arc) is slowly descending into the bizarre.
Skipping those parts (which come in small quantity), this is a pretty good paranormal romance and – hopefully – a good indication of things to come.
February 6, 2024
**re-read**
August 27, 2021
Falling in love with your disfigured captor? So Beauty and the beast.
This was my least favorite couple simply because I think it was waaaay too soon for the hero to even think about having a new relationship.
Its been only a year since what happened in the first book and it was a very heavy betrayal for the hero to be able to trust and fall in love so soon after. It felt forced in my opinion. I truly believe this hero should have been in the last book of the series where he could have had time to heal, to forgive if not forget.
I don't buy it that he could have fallen in love so soon and so fast and so hard for anyone. (C'mon, in the last book it took 500 years for the hero to open up to someone. One year to an immortal would feel like days for us)
Nothing against the main characters, it just felt forced. You know, you were in the right place at the right time kind of thing. You were just there so why not?
This was my least favorite couple simply because I think it was waaaay too soon for the hero to even think about having a new relationship.
Its been only a year since what happened in the first book and it was a very heavy betrayal for the hero to be able to trust and fall in love so soon after. It felt forced in my opinion. I truly believe this hero should have been in the last book of the series where he could have had time to heal, to forgive if not forget.
I don't buy it that he could have fallen in love so soon and so fast and so hard for anyone. (C'mon, in the last book it took 500 years for the hero to open up to someone. One year to an immortal would feel like days for us)
Nothing against the main characters, it just felt forced. You know, you were in the right place at the right time kind of thing. You were just there so why not?
March 7, 2017
I had forgotten how much I enjoy this world!
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