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Midnight Breed #1
Kiss of Midnight
He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell’s deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night—or this man—is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed—a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.
Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind—and the unwitting humans existing alongside them—from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.
Here, in the arms of the Breed’s formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .
Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind—and the unwitting humans existing alongside them—from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.
Here, in the arms of the Breed’s formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .
402 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2007
About the author
Lara Adrian
113 books10.8k 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 3,124 reviews
October 14, 2008
This is the first book in Lara Adrian's Black Dagger Bro- oops, I mean Midnight Breed series.
The series is about a group of huge, badass (but good) vampires who live together in a compound and fight evil vampires in order to protect their really old fashioned, hoity toity race. They wear leather and carry really hard core weapons, and go on patrol every night to kill the enemy. When they find their mate, they share blood to stay alive. I don't know how I got that mixed up with JR Ward's series. Sorry.
Yes, this series is a pretty blatant rip off of Ward's wildly popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series. But here's the catch - it's a good rip off. It's well written, exciting, interesting, the characters are likeable and well developed. So even though I roll my eyes a little at all of the obvious correlations, it's still a fun series to read. Hey, BDB is popular for a reason.
I really enjoyed the first book. By the time I finished it, I started to think, "Wow. Maybe this series is actually better than BDB!" (After reading a couple more, I've decided it's not, but it's still good.)
Adrian's books don't quite have the same depth, edge or daring as Ward's. But at the same time, they are also free from some of Ward's more irritating idiosyncracies, such as the overuse of the word "shitkickers" or the incessant rap music. (There's also not nearly as much vodka.) And as the series wears on, Adrian does a better job of incorporating the heroines from previous books so you don't feel like you spent an entire book getting to know a character only to have them completely disappear.
Highly recommend this series to vampire/paranormal romance fans. If you loved the Blackdagger Brotherhood series, you will probably also really like this series.
The series is about a group of huge, badass (but good) vampires who live together in a compound and fight evil vampires in order to protect their really old fashioned, hoity toity race. They wear leather and carry really hard core weapons, and go on patrol every night to kill the enemy. When they find their mate, they share blood to stay alive. I don't know how I got that mixed up with JR Ward's series. Sorry.
Yes, this series is a pretty blatant rip off of Ward's wildly popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series. But here's the catch - it's a good rip off. It's well written, exciting, interesting, the characters are likeable and well developed. So even though I roll my eyes a little at all of the obvious correlations, it's still a fun series to read. Hey, BDB is popular for a reason.
I really enjoyed the first book. By the time I finished it, I started to think, "Wow. Maybe this series is actually better than BDB!" (After reading a couple more, I've decided it's not, but it's still good.)
Adrian's books don't quite have the same depth, edge or daring as Ward's. But at the same time, they are also free from some of Ward's more irritating idiosyncracies, such as the overuse of the word "shitkickers" or the incessant rap music. (There's also not nearly as much vodka.) And as the series wears on, Adrian does a better job of incorporating the heroines from previous books so you don't feel like you spent an entire book getting to know a character only to have them completely disappear.
Highly recommend this series to vampire/paranormal romance fans. If you loved the Blackdagger Brotherhood series, you will probably also really like this series.
June 10, 2010
My Thoughts:
This novel was remarkably unremarkable. Don't get me wrong, it didn't suck but I'm not exactly about to clean out the Lara Adrian section at the local bookstore. The set up is pretty generic, like Adrian got tips from "Vampire Romance 101". You've got the big baddies (Rogues) & the group of men fighting to annihilate the big baddies. There personalities are even generic(at least on the surface). There's the leader, the badass, the geek, the smartass, & the suicidal loner. The hero of the first novel is Lucan the Leader aka Emo Vampenis. Seriously, he's like Angel/Angelus from Buffy the Vampire Slayer only not nearly as hot enough to get away with that shit. Apparently he's emo because of some tragic things that happened, oh, 500 years ago? Get the hell over it Emo Vamp!
The heroine Gabrielle is one of those women who claim to be unable to trust anyone yet practically gives her social security number to the first guy who bats his lashes at her (in this case, Emo Vampenis). Not to mention that she is super gullible. Only in fantasylandia do women trust guys who say "Hey baby, let me go bareback cause I can't impregnant you with my demon spawn". Unless your that stupid in real life. In which case, I'm sorry. Gabrielle professes to love Lucan with all of her slutty heart & soul which makes me think she has no backbone as all he does is boink her & snarl & act like a douche. When he's not being especially Emo anyway. This novel & many others will have men thinking the way to a woman's heart is through her coochie. And they would be right about some women (Gabrielle).
This novel didn't have much of a plot other than going after the big baddies. There was a big betrayal scene towards the end but it lasted like half a page before cutting back to Emo Vamp & his slutty breedmate. Oh, & they announce who King Big Baddie is, which I figured out like 200 pages ago. Other than that, nothing.
As for those who claim this novel is like BDB lite, I didn't really see it. I mean yeah there were similarities but those similarities run rampant in many PNR novels, lots which came out before BDB. IMHO, comparing this novel to BDB is like comparing Shiver to Blood & Chocolate because they both involve werewolves. I will say that my "copycat" meter went off when I read about the dermaglyphs. Larissa Ione's Demonica series has heroes with dermaglyphs & it's not exactly something you read about alot in romancelandia. Alas, I found out that this book came out before the first Demonica book so who knows?
Overall, this was an easy yet boring read but then again I'm sure urine goes down easy if you mix it in beer. I probably will read the 2nd novel,Kiss of Crimson because I do see a potential for kickassness in Adrian's writing.
On a side note, I love (& by love I mean laugh at in a snarky way) how one of the numerous sex scenes between Emo Vampenis & Slutty Breedmate had the hero "screaming out harsh words". You throw the f-bomb out every other page but you've gotta be all cryptic about what the hero is saying? Let me guess: "I'm *grunt grunt* ready to fill you with my vampy seed. *grunt grunt groan deflate*"? Was I close?
This novel was remarkably unremarkable. Don't get me wrong, it didn't suck but I'm not exactly about to clean out the Lara Adrian section at the local bookstore. The set up is pretty generic, like Adrian got tips from "Vampire Romance 101". You've got the big baddies (Rogues) & the group of men fighting to annihilate the big baddies. There personalities are even generic(at least on the surface). There's the leader, the badass, the geek, the smartass, & the suicidal loner. The hero of the first novel is Lucan the Leader aka Emo Vampenis. Seriously, he's like Angel/Angelus from Buffy the Vampire Slayer only not nearly as hot enough to get away with that shit. Apparently he's emo because of some tragic things that happened, oh, 500 years ago? Get the hell over it Emo Vamp!
The heroine Gabrielle is one of those women who claim to be unable to trust anyone yet practically gives her social security number to the first guy who bats his lashes at her (in this case, Emo Vampenis). Not to mention that she is super gullible. Only in fantasylandia do women trust guys who say "Hey baby, let me go bareback cause I can't impregnant you with my demon spawn". Unless your that stupid in real life. In which case, I'm sorry. Gabrielle professes to love Lucan with all of her slutty heart & soul which makes me think she has no backbone as all he does is boink her & snarl & act like a douche. When he's not being especially Emo anyway. This novel & many others will have men thinking the way to a woman's heart is through her coochie. And they would be right about some women (Gabrielle).
This novel didn't have much of a plot other than going after the big baddies. There was a big betrayal scene towards the end but it lasted like half a page before cutting back to Emo Vamp & his slutty breedmate. Oh, & they announce who King Big Baddie is, which I figured out like 200 pages ago. Other than that, nothing.
As for those who claim this novel is like BDB lite, I didn't really see it. I mean yeah there were similarities but those similarities run rampant in many PNR novels, lots which came out before BDB. IMHO, comparing this novel to BDB is like comparing Shiver to Blood & Chocolate because they both involve werewolves. I will say that my "copycat" meter went off when I read about the dermaglyphs. Larissa Ione's Demonica series has heroes with dermaglyphs & it's not exactly something you read about alot in romancelandia. Alas, I found out that this book came out before the first Demonica book so who knows?
Overall, this was an easy yet boring read but then again I'm sure urine goes down easy if you mix it in beer. I probably will read the 2nd novel,Kiss of Crimson because I do see a potential for kickassness in Adrian's writing.
On a side note, I love (& by love I mean laugh at in a snarky way) how one of the numerous sex scenes between Emo Vampenis & Slutty Breedmate had the hero "screaming out harsh words". You throw the f-bomb out every other page but you've gotta be all cryptic about what the hero is saying? Let me guess: "I'm *grunt grunt* ready to fill you with my vampy seed. *grunt grunt groan deflate*"? Was I close?
August 11, 2018
4 Hot and Cold Stars
So this is my second time reading Kiss of Midnight. The first time was like back in 2014 I think so I thought it was time for a reread and catch up on the new books in the series. The 1st time I read Kiss of Midnight I gave it 5 stars but I am only giving it 4 this time around. See even thought it's still a damn good read, there were a few things that bugged me this time around that didn't really bug me back then. Mainly the thing that really bugged me was how hot and cold Lucan would be with Gabrielle. I wanted him to be all alpha and be like MINE period not "I'm never getting mated" shit.
Lucan could be very sexy and sweet when he wanted too. Of course he totally kicks ass. I could understand Lucan had been alone a long time. He had lost a lot in his long life, including family, and he had a ton of responsibility. However so had Gabby and I needed him to be just as supportive of her as she was for him. Gabrielle was awesome. She was brave, bold and supportive. She had lost a lot in life but she didn't let fear hold her back. When she wanted Lucan she told him, When she loved him she told him, and when he disrespected her and acted like all they would be was lovers, she left him. Lucan and Gabrielle had tons of hot passion. I would have just liked more romance.
I loved meeting the other Breed warriors, and getting to see Gideon and Savannah again. My heart broke for Con and Danica, but my heart was completely ripped out over what Eva did to Rio. I was glad that bitch died just sayin'! There was some action and a nice world build up. Overall I really enjoyed it. I'm on to the next one!
So this is my second time reading Kiss of Midnight. The first time was like back in 2014 I think so I thought it was time for a reread and catch up on the new books in the series. The 1st time I read Kiss of Midnight I gave it 5 stars but I am only giving it 4 this time around. See even thought it's still a damn good read, there were a few things that bugged me this time around that didn't really bug me back then. Mainly the thing that really bugged me was how hot and cold Lucan would be with Gabrielle. I wanted him to be all alpha and be like MINE period not "I'm never getting mated" shit.
Lucan could be very sexy and sweet when he wanted too. Of course he totally kicks ass. I could understand Lucan had been alone a long time. He had lost a lot in his long life, including family, and he had a ton of responsibility. However so had Gabby and I needed him to be just as supportive of her as she was for him. Gabrielle was awesome. She was brave, bold and supportive. She had lost a lot in life but she didn't let fear hold her back. When she wanted Lucan she told him, When she loved him she told him, and when he disrespected her and acted like all they would be was lovers, she left him. Lucan and Gabrielle had tons of hot passion. I would have just liked more romance.
I loved meeting the other Breed warriors, and getting to see Gideon and Savannah again. My heart broke for Con and Danica, but my heart was completely ripped out over what Eva did to Rio. I was glad that bitch died just sayin'! There was some action and a nice world build up. Overall I really enjoyed it. I'm on to the next one!
May 9, 2020
Great take on the Vampire legends!
I really Like this series. It has a bit different take on the evolution of Vampires. They evolved from aliens who crash landed thousands of years ago and didn’t have the constitution for animal or plant life on Earth. The only food source being human blood. Eventually after much time, certain women with a special trait, characterized by a teardrop shaped birthmark were able to give birth to alien-human hybrids (male vampires). These men of the breed continue to find breed mates (women with the birthmark) to mate and have children with.
Lucan is the Leader of the warrior class of the breed and is a genOne, meaning that his father was one of the original aliens that crashed. Gabrielle is a photographer who sees a murder outside a nightclub and snaps some grainy cell phone pictures of a group of rogue vampires devouring a human. The police think she is crazy, but Lucan was there and killed most of the rogues and cleaned up the scene, but one got away. He goes to see Gabrielle to get her pictures since no human should have that kind of evidence even if the police didn’t believe her.
Lucan and Gabrielle feel an attraction for each other right away and it isn’t long before Lucan notices she has the teardrop birthmark. While he does not want a mate in his line of work as a warrior, he can’t seem to stay away from her.
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I really Like this series. It has a bit different take on the evolution of Vampires. They evolved from aliens who crash landed thousands of years ago and didn’t have the constitution for animal or plant life on Earth. The only food source being human blood. Eventually after much time, certain women with a special trait, characterized by a teardrop shaped birthmark were able to give birth to alien-human hybrids (male vampires). These men of the breed continue to find breed mates (women with the birthmark) to mate and have children with.
Lucan is the Leader of the warrior class of the breed and is a genOne, meaning that his father was one of the original aliens that crashed. Gabrielle is a photographer who sees a murder outside a nightclub and snaps some grainy cell phone pictures of a group of rogue vampires devouring a human. The police think she is crazy, but Lucan was there and killed most of the rogues and cleaned up the scene, but one got away. He goes to see Gabrielle to get her pictures since no human should have that kind of evidence even if the police didn’t believe her.
Lucan and Gabrielle feel an attraction for each other right away and it isn’t long before Lucan notices she has the teardrop birthmark. While he does not want a mate in his line of work as a warrior, he can’t seem to stay away from her.
“Jesus,” Dante interjected when the heavy quiet in the vehicle seemed endless. “All this touchy feely is making me itchy to kill something. How about we quit jerking each other off and go blow the roof off this mutha?”
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September 18, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it’s a blatant rip off of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, and while reading it I felt like I was cheating on my beloved Brothers, but I had been warned about that beforehand and because I was prepared for it, it probably didn’t bother me as much as it would of if I was going in blind. Plus I’m such a massive fan of the BDB that I’m guaranteed to love anything that even slightly resembles it! Although I did roll my eyes in disgust when the heroine referred to the hero as her “dark lover”, yes, really!
Some of the mythology is unique (vampires being from outer space for one. Again… yes, really!), and I liked the idea of the ‘breedmate’ – vampires (who are all men by the way) having to select their mates from a select group of humans. Interesting! I really liked the bad guys, or ‘Rogues’, who were chillingly evil, and I love the twist on where that part of the story is going to go. And even though parts of it were fairly predictable, in amongst the romance and the action there were also some surprise moments that had me tearing up and gasping with shock.
Gabrielle, our heroine, is very likable andWrath Lucan is a strong hero. Being a first generation vampire, he has some issues and therefore takes a long time to come around to accepting his feelings for Gabrielle, but she was a confident and persistant little thing and it was enjoyable (and not a little bit steamy!) to watch her eventually break him. The best part of the book though, was watching the Brotherhood Breed together. There are some very interesting characters there and I already know I’m going to love these boys - I can’t wait to get to their stories.
Overall, this was a great first instalment to a series I’ve been wanting to get to for a while. I’ve been assured that the series moves in a completely different direction than the BDB, and I’m very keen to see where it goes.
Some of the mythology is unique (vampires being from outer space for one. Again… yes, really!), and I liked the idea of the ‘breedmate’ – vampires (who are all men by the way) having to select their mates from a select group of humans. Interesting! I really liked the bad guys, or ‘Rogues’, who were chillingly evil, and I love the twist on where that part of the story is going to go. And even though parts of it were fairly predictable, in amongst the romance and the action there were also some surprise moments that had me tearing up and gasping with shock.
Gabrielle, our heroine, is very likable and
Overall, this was a great first instalment to a series I’ve been wanting to get to for a while. I’ve been assured that the series moves in a completely different direction than the BDB, and I’m very keen to see where it goes.
December 30, 2011
Before starting my review I admit….. upfront…that……..I AM THE ULTIMATE FAN OF JR WARD’S BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD SERIES….finishing her latest book, LOVER UNLEASHED, and in limbo waiting for her next book which will be released in March 2012, I looked around for some books in same genre that I could read in the meantime.
Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian was recommended so decided it to give it a try. I also read a few reviews about this book, mostly good but the one thing that kept coming up was how similar it is the JR WARD’s BDB series. Yes, there are similarities but there are a few differences which make it an enjoyable read, even for those die-hard BDB fans out there!!!!!!! It’s well-written, dark, sexy, edgy, with great irresistible characters…loved Lucan and Rio and the Breedmates…betrayal, action, sacrifice, loyalty and lots steamy sex – your good para-normal romance.
This is the first book in Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed Series….so did I like it???? Yes I did….
Here are some of my thoughts about this book:
-this is the story of Lucan Thorne, an ancient Breed Warrior, descendant from male vampire aliens ---a different and interesting take on vampires!!! - who mated with human women, and Gabrielle Maxwell, a photographer who has always felt disconnected with the world. When they meet, both feel an instant powerful connection.
-this book did remind me of JR WARD’s DARK LOVER – Lucan is a lot like Wrath….both are dark, sensual and strong ancient warriors dedicated to protecting his people. Gabrielle very like Beth…feisty, intense, caring and an unconditional love for her man. However, Gabrielle, is human and has the mark of a Breedmate, they are the only women that the male vampires can mate and have children with….only male vampires are born……these women remain human and the exchange of blood between a Breed male will keep them young forever.
-the Breed Warriors , gorgeous strong guys wear black leather (yes like the BDB brothers!!!), enjoy kicking ass and killing off the Rogues – once vampires who have crossed over to the dark side when they are unable to control their Bloodlust (something like the Lessers but geez these brutes are something else….with their long long fangs…scary as hell!!)
-Yes the Warriors live in their own, hidden from human eyes mansion…just this one is underground…..but there are the black candles, etc etc… sounds like a great place to live!!!!
-The Warriors live amongst each other and there is not much interaction with humans…apart from one here and there…I liked Gabrielle’s friend Jamie….great character. Wonder if he will appear in the next books????
-Lots of violent scenes….the fights between the Warriors and the Rogues are brutal, the feeding scenes…bloody and ugly…even when we see Lucan feeding….not surprising that Gabrielle felt scared and disturbed when she first saw Lucan drinking blood from a human.
-Liked the intensity of Lucan and Gabrielle’s relationship. Hot….Caring…the scene where Gabrielle is caring for Lucan when he is seriously injured from a fight with the Rogues is so amazing….threading her fingers through his hair, holding his head on her lap….I could feel her tenderness towards Lucan.
As a hard core BDB reader, I could still enjoy this book. I am going to read the next two books in the series soon. After all, what else can I do …as I wait anxiously, impatiently for my next BDB LOVER REBORN to come out!!!!!!!!!!! BDB’s out there…don’t be put off by the similarities….read another good series about the world of vampires!!!!!!
Book Overview by Barnes & Noble
He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell’s deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night—or this man—is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed—a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.
Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind—and the unwitting humans existing alongside them—from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.
Here, in the arms of the Breed’s formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .
Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian was recommended so decided it to give it a try. I also read a few reviews about this book, mostly good but the one thing that kept coming up was how similar it is the JR WARD’s BDB series. Yes, there are similarities but there are a few differences which make it an enjoyable read, even for those die-hard BDB fans out there!!!!!!! It’s well-written, dark, sexy, edgy, with great irresistible characters…loved Lucan and Rio and the Breedmates…betrayal, action, sacrifice, loyalty and lots steamy sex – your good para-normal romance.
This is the first book in Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed Series….so did I like it???? Yes I did….
Here are some of my thoughts about this book:
-this is the story of Lucan Thorne, an ancient Breed Warrior, descendant from male vampire aliens ---a different and interesting take on vampires!!! - who mated with human women, and Gabrielle Maxwell, a photographer who has always felt disconnected with the world. When they meet, both feel an instant powerful connection.
-this book did remind me of JR WARD’s DARK LOVER – Lucan is a lot like Wrath….both are dark, sensual and strong ancient warriors dedicated to protecting his people. Gabrielle very like Beth…feisty, intense, caring and an unconditional love for her man. However, Gabrielle, is human and has the mark of a Breedmate, they are the only women that the male vampires can mate and have children with….only male vampires are born……these women remain human and the exchange of blood between a Breed male will keep them young forever.
-the Breed Warriors , gorgeous strong guys wear black leather (yes like the BDB brothers!!!), enjoy kicking ass and killing off the Rogues – once vampires who have crossed over to the dark side when they are unable to control their Bloodlust (something like the Lessers but geez these brutes are something else….with their long long fangs…scary as hell!!)
-Yes the Warriors live in their own, hidden from human eyes mansion…just this one is underground…..but there are the black candles, etc etc… sounds like a great place to live!!!!
-The Warriors live amongst each other and there is not much interaction with humans…apart from one here and there…I liked Gabrielle’s friend Jamie….great character. Wonder if he will appear in the next books????
-Lots of violent scenes….the fights between the Warriors and the Rogues are brutal, the feeding scenes…bloody and ugly…even when we see Lucan feeding….not surprising that Gabrielle felt scared and disturbed when she first saw Lucan drinking blood from a human.
-Liked the intensity of Lucan and Gabrielle’s relationship. Hot….Caring…the scene where Gabrielle is caring for Lucan when he is seriously injured from a fight with the Rogues is so amazing….threading her fingers through his hair, holding his head on her lap….I could feel her tenderness towards Lucan.
As a hard core BDB reader, I could still enjoy this book. I am going to read the next two books in the series soon. After all, what else can I do …as I wait anxiously, impatiently for my next BDB LOVER REBORN to come out!!!!!!!!!!! BDB’s out there…don’t be put off by the similarities….read another good series about the world of vampires!!!!!!
Book Overview by Barnes & Noble
He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell’s deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night—or this man—is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed—a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.
Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind—and the unwitting humans existing alongside them—from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.
Here, in the arms of the Breed’s formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .
March 7, 2009
Good book and very imaginative storyline. Adrian really developed a unique concept of vampirism and vampire society. Although the warriors remind me of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, they are not carbon copies, and the Midnight Breed series is claiming its own place in the paranormal romance genre. I love warriors, and these guys are definitely creme de la creme. One thing that bothered me was the casual indifference about humans being killed by the Rogues. The Breed warriors did protect humans, and that was clear, but the ones that died in this book didn't seem overly mourned by the warriors. It seemed a little callous to me. Perhaps this due to many, many years of seeing humans dying and savagely killed by the Rogues. Lucan is a hard man (vampire), who doesn't open his heart. It was great to see Gabrielle sneak into his heart. For a young woman who felt isolated and drifting in her life, I was happy that she found her home in Lucan. I am curious about the warriors that fight alongside Lucan, and I can't wait to read their stories.
April 26, 2011
On the surface, this book is everything you would expect from a good urban fantasy / paranormal romance novel. It has a quirky heroine, good and evil vampires, and quite a lot of smut. But again I feel like this book is nothing but the combined works of J.R.Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Kresley Cole. It wasn't bad but I got nothing out of it, the story wasn't particularly different or clever and the characters were reincarnations of a thousand others that have graced the urban fantasy scene.
Also, as much as I am intrigued by characters with dark pasts of abuse and whatever else, I find that paranormal romance and/or urban fantasy books are much better suited with a spunky, sarcastic heroine like Georgina Kincaid from Succubus Blues, Mac from Darkfever and Cat Crawfield from Halfway to the Grave. The whole history of Gabrielle cutting herself took away the quirky, fun sense that I love about your typical PR and UF. That doesn't mean I'm against darker aspects of the two, in fact much of the Black Dagger Brotherhood is quite dark but it still has a lot of fun-loving banter between the characters. This novel focused on two things: vampires and abuse, and neither were told in a particularly original way. I didn't hate it but I must admit that I'm really surprised how popular this book is.
As the dark hero of a PR/UF, Lucan had a lot to live up to - and he failed. I came away from reading this with a few memories of a largely forgettable character who is gorgeous and strong and gorgeous and horny and gorgeous... damn, does this guy have any kind of personality? He reminds me a lot of the dull and boring Dark Hunter (funnily enough I can't remember is name) from Sherrilyn Kenyon's books. I'm reading so many failures lately where the sexy guy of the novel just has nothing memorable about him... why can't the authors produce something resembling Barrons or Bones? Give me something that I want to read on for because right now I have no intention of reading Kiss of Crimson. Another thing that's bugging me is why can't the majority of authors just pick their characters and carry on their series with the ones we know and love instead of having each book focus on one character or couple in particular. Books that do it the way I like: Darkfever, Halfway to the Grave and Succubus Blues. Books that feel the need to start again with a new characters' individual story in every book: The Darkest Night, Dark Lover and this one. Yes, those books are not necessarily bad (I actually like the first two) but surely the whole point of having a series is for them to continue on because the author has not finished with those characters. If every book in a series is a different story with the focus on different characters you might as well just write standalone novels.
And I must say that I'm tired of the annoyingly cheesy petnames for the women in PR and UF and I'm so glad KMM didn't ruin Barrons by having him call Mac something like "beauty" or "flower". Yes, Bones calls Cat "kitten" but that's because of her name and we can forgive him because he's really hot ;)
August 30, 2023
I’ve been meaning to start this series forever and it didn’t disappoint. Gabrielle spent her childhood in the foster care system after her mother had a mental breakdown shortly after her birth and claimed she’d been attacked by vampires. (For fans of the BDB, you’ll find similarities in this series. I was pleasantly at home.) Lucan is one of the warrior vampires, who with his band of brothers, is charged with hunting down rogue vampires who have been lost to blood lust and are harming humans.
But Lucan is tormented by his past (what good vampire isn’t?) and Gabrielle isn’t aware he’s not human. Do these two lovebirds have a chance? Some interesting world building with the rogues, the compound where the vampires live, and the war within the species. I probably liked Gabriele better than Lucan, but overall this was a nice start to a series. I’ll definitely check out book two.
But Lucan is tormented by his past (what good vampire isn’t?) and Gabrielle isn’t aware he’s not human. Do these two lovebirds have a chance? Some interesting world building with the rogues, the compound where the vampires live, and the war within the species. I probably liked Gabriele better than Lucan, but overall this was a nice start to a series. I’ll definitely check out book two.
February 3, 2018
De fácil lectura y bastante entretenido, aunque algo predecible, me llama mucho la atención lo que me recuerdan estos guerreros liderados por Lucan a los de la Hermandad de la Daga Negra (no me extraña que en los agradecimientos cite a Jessica Bird aka JR Ward), una serie que para mí por ahora es bastante superior. Lo del origen de los vampiros me ha dejado loca, así como alguna que otra cosa a la que debería dar explicación más adelante. Continuaré con la saga.
#retointimo2018
#Campañaromantica: romance de ciencia ficción
#retointimo2018
#Campañaromantica: romance de ciencia ficción
November 3, 2020
3.5 stars. Trigger warnings for mention of self harm and suicide.
This was entertaining! I do think I still want to know more about the vampire world and their history, but this was just book one. The romance was good. I wasn't in love with the couple, but I did enjoy watching their journey of growing to trust and love each other. I loved how Gabrielle had no idea about vampires and was figuring everything out while falling for a vampire. There were some action-filled moments and it was fun! I'm interested to learn more about the other couples and read some more stories in this series!
This was entertaining! I do think I still want to know more about the vampire world and their history, but this was just book one. The romance was good. I wasn't in love with the couple, but I did enjoy watching their journey of growing to trust and love each other. I loved how Gabrielle had no idea about vampires and was figuring everything out while falling for a vampire. There were some action-filled moments and it was fun! I'm interested to learn more about the other couples and read some more stories in this series!
March 22, 2022
4 1/2 "Scarlet Kiss 💋" Stars!
I LOVED this book! Dark and sensual. A tiny bit scary (but I'm a scaredy cat, so...). Great world building. The overall series arch was so intriguing.
Lucan was broody and stubborn, but sexy and protective. Gabrielle was smart and patient. I loved them both. I just know this series is going to be so addictive for me. I can't believe I waited so long to start this series. Excited to see what's to come in this dark, sexy world. Happy reading!
I LOVED this book! Dark and sensual. A tiny bit scary (but I'm a scaredy cat, so...). Great world building. The overall series arch was so intriguing.
Lucan was broody and stubborn, but sexy and protective. Gabrielle was smart and patient. I loved them both. I just know this series is going to be so addictive for me. I can't believe I waited so long to start this series. Excited to see what's to come in this dark, sexy world. Happy reading!
March 24, 2020
Kiss of Midnight is a vampire romance I read at the end of my PNR reading era.
The emphasis is on the end. It couldn't grab my attention enough to continue the series, but it was enjoyable. I guess if I had read this earlier, I would have liked it better.
The emphasis is on the end. It couldn't grab my attention enough to continue the series, but it was enjoyable. I guess if I had read this earlier, I would have liked it better.
October 26, 2015
If you like Black Dagger Brotherhood, have I got the book for you! This one....Yeah, you probably figured that out.
The similarities are eerie. Well, maybe not eerie, but it's almost Halloween so I think everything is eerie right now. My dog's capacity for shedding every season of the year is eerie. So is my capacity for eating chocolate... mmmm, Halloween = candy.
So, we have a race of vampires, and the focus is on this small group of warriors. They are a close group - a brotherhood if you will. They also carry special weapons to kill the bad guys - including daggers . They also wear a lot of black leather.
Coincidence? You tell me...
So, our first book is about the leader of thebrotherhood group. He meets a girl and realizes she is his mate. Because, there are no female vampires, only human breedmates who are specially designed to be blood-bonded to male vampires to give them children. No, there is nothing about females being breeders that is demeaning at all whatsoever.
and sandwiches. Don't forget our sandwich making abilities...
The biggest difference in this book is the bad guys. The bad guys are vampires that have gone rogue and turned into mindless-blood-sucking monsters. (insert lawyer joke here.) I actually liked the bad guys in this book better than the BDB because I wasn't happy when BDB put me off the smell of baby powder. Way to ruin the beautiful aroma of new life, JR Ward!!
Oh, and the guys wear boots, but don't call them shit-kickers, and they live in a mansion, but don't call it a manse, and one of them dies in the first book, and one of them has visions while another is so cold-hearted that they don't quite trust him.
Is it crazy to see the eeriness of the similarities?
Whoa! Nobody's calling anyone crazy here!
As for me? I liked the early books in the BDB (we won't even mention the last book, which I refer to as the crapfest.), so I enjoyed this book and will keep reading this series.
The similarities are eerie. Well, maybe not eerie, but it's almost Halloween so I think everything is eerie right now. My dog's capacity for shedding every season of the year is eerie. So is my capacity for eating chocolate... mmmm, Halloween = candy.
So, we have a race of vampires, and the focus is on this small group of warriors. They are a close group - a brotherhood if you will. They also carry special weapons to kill the bad guys - including daggers . They also wear a lot of black leather.
Coincidence? You tell me...
So, our first book is about the leader of the
and sandwiches. Don't forget our sandwich making abilities...
The biggest difference in this book is the bad guys. The bad guys are vampires that have gone rogue and turned into mindless-blood-sucking monsters. (insert lawyer joke here.) I actually liked the bad guys in this book better than the BDB because I wasn't happy when BDB put me off the smell of baby powder. Way to ruin the beautiful aroma of new life, JR Ward!!
Oh, and the guys wear boots, but don't call them shit-kickers, and they live in a mansion, but don't call it a manse, and one of them dies in the first book, and one of them has visions while another is so cold-hearted that they don't quite trust him.
Is it crazy to see the eeriness of the similarities?
Whoa! Nobody's calling anyone crazy here!
As for me? I liked the early books in the BDB (we won't even mention the last book, which I refer to as the crapfest.), so I enjoyed this book and will keep reading this series.
June 23, 2018
3,5 ★ #Reroíntimo
Esta es la tercera serie de vampiros que leo y esta en concreto me recuerda mucho a la serie de de los vampiros de la J.R Ward, tiene muchas similitudes en común. No ha estado nada mal, me ha gustado bastante, es entretenida y seguramente leeré el resto.
Esta es la tercera serie de vampiros que leo y esta en concreto me recuerda mucho a la serie de de los vampiros de la J.R Ward, tiene muchas similitudes en común. No ha estado nada mal, me ha gustado bastante, es entretenida y seguramente leeré el resto.
May 1, 2024
Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian
1st in the Midnight Breed series. Dark and gritty vampire paranormal romance.
Gabrielle Maxwell was found in a trash can when she was just a baby. Her mother had been attacked by vampires and while she initially survived, too much blood had been taken and authorities didn’t believe her rambling story about an attack. Gabrielle grew up in the foster system. She has a few good friends but her trust is hard won.
Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside a night club and is plunged into the dark world of vampires where a blood war is about to erupt. Lucan Thorne is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind while also eliminating the Rogues. Rescuing Gabrielle is his job. Falling in love with her is unexpectedly complicated because she is destined for leadership.
Violent and bloody, sexy and passionate, this initial book sets the tone of the series. Originally published in 2007, the series newest book is number 18 from 2022. Clearly, the stories will draw you in and compel (kidding!) you to read more. Vampire romance on the dark end of the spectrum. I can’t wait to read more.
1st in the Midnight Breed series. Dark and gritty vampire paranormal romance.
Gabrielle Maxwell was found in a trash can when she was just a baby. Her mother had been attacked by vampires and while she initially survived, too much blood had been taken and authorities didn’t believe her rambling story about an attack. Gabrielle grew up in the foster system. She has a few good friends but her trust is hard won.
Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside a night club and is plunged into the dark world of vampires where a blood war is about to erupt. Lucan Thorne is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind while also eliminating the Rogues. Rescuing Gabrielle is his job. Falling in love with her is unexpectedly complicated because she is destined for leadership.
Violent and bloody, sexy and passionate, this initial book sets the tone of the series. Originally published in 2007, the series newest book is number 18 from 2022. Clearly, the stories will draw you in and compel (kidding!) you to read more. Vampire romance on the dark end of the spectrum. I can’t wait to read more.
October 31, 2012
According to my Kindle, I am 10% of the way through this book, and I just don't think I can continue reading it. I got through some slightly hokey vampire moments, but I think that one has a certain forgiveness for that sort of thing in this genre. But at the 10% mark, I lost all respect for the heroine, and that I can't forgive. She is supposed to be a professional photographer of some local acclaim (local being Boston, by the way, so we aren't talking small potatoes), however, when the hero goes into her home pretending to be a detective he makes this stunning revelation about her photographs:
"Your picture are full of passion . . ."
"But?"
[I skip a little] "There are no people in them, Gabrielle."
And this is a Big Revelation for her! All of a sudden, she realizes he's right - she's been taking pictures with no people in them!
ARG! She is a professional photographer! It is her job to determine what makes an good photo and why. It is her job to create a composition and take these photos, and she hasn't NOTICED that she chooses to create compositions without people in them? No. If she were a professional photographer, that would have been a choice.
So now I have no respect for the heroine, and I'm just not sure I can continue with this book.
"Your picture are full of passion . . ."
"But?"
[I skip a little] "There are no people in them, Gabrielle."
And this is a Big Revelation for her! All of a sudden, she realizes he's right - she's been taking pictures with no people in them!
ARG! She is a professional photographer! It is her job to determine what makes an good photo and why. It is her job to create a composition and take these photos, and she hasn't NOTICED that she chooses to create compositions without people in them? No. If she were a professional photographer, that would have been a choice.
So now I have no respect for the heroine, and I'm just not sure I can continue with this book.
March 11, 2018
4.5 ☆
Como no soy mucho de fantasía, distopía y lo paranormal en general, nunca pensé que este libro podría gustarme tanto.
Y en cambio, ha sido una grata sorpresa porque lo he disfrutado muchísimo.
Intentaré seguir con la serie en cuanto pueda y conocer al resto de vampiritos 😍
Como no soy mucho de fantasía, distopía y lo paranormal en general, nunca pensé que este libro podría gustarme tanto.
Y en cambio, ha sido una grata sorpresa porque lo he disfrutado muchísimo.
Intentaré seguir con la serie en cuanto pueda y conocer al resto de vampiritos 😍
May 9, 2018
No estuvo mal. Algunos momentos un poco tedioso pero el último 10% estuvo lleno de acción e intriga. Es un libro muy introductorio. Me sigue chocando un poco la onda extraterrestre de los vampiros pero supongo que es el mundo que la autora quiso crear. Me gustaron los personajes secundarios en especial Rio y Tegan.
Los protagonistas han estado bien pero tampoco son wow. Un libro pasable y entretenido. Lo dejé en el 38% pero le di otra oportunidad.
El principio es muy lento, pero después mejora considerablemente.
Los protagonistas han estado bien pero tampoco son wow. Un libro pasable y entretenido. Lo dejé en el 38% pero le di otra oportunidad.
El principio es muy lento, pero después mejora considerablemente.
July 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this vampire read.
Plenty of room left open for this storyline to continue through the series.
In other words... read this series in order.
There was enough action and excitement to keep me interested beyond the romance.
I was annoyed by the amount of time it took the H to realize the his true feelings for the h. But, given their pretty quick initial attraction, I guess we needed something to drag the romance aspect out for the rest of the book.
Plenty of room left open for this storyline to continue through the series.
In other words... read this series in order.
There was enough action and excitement to keep me interested beyond the romance.
I was annoyed by the amount of time it took the H to realize the his true feelings for the h. But, given their pretty quick initial attraction, I guess we needed something to drag the romance aspect out for the rest of the book.
January 1, 2014
At the risk of been torn to shreds by the BDB fan's, I much preferred this book.
I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
There are definite similarities between this & BDB without a doubt. (she even called her man her "dark lover" at one stage!)
But if like me you hated the silly names, despised the Lessers and thought the slang & carry on of the brothers was a bit cringey then this is the series for you.
You still get the great elements you expect from PNR. An alpha male, a strong female, a bit of action, and lots of other Hot alpha's stories to look forward to. Oh yeah and the hot hot loving LOL.
Really enjoyed it :)
I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
There are definite similarities between this & BDB without a doubt. (she even called her man her "dark lover" at one stage!)
But if like me you hated the silly names, despised the Lessers and thought the slang & carry on of the brothers was a bit cringey then this is the series for you.
You still get the great elements you expect from PNR. An alpha male, a strong female, a bit of action, and lots of other Hot alpha's stories to look forward to. Oh yeah and the hot hot loving LOL.
Really enjoyed it :)
June 13, 2010
I decided to give kiss of midnight a chance after reading a few reviews that compared it to JR Wards "Black Dagger Brotherhood series". So in the beginning this book was already doomed, since i am admittedly an avid reader of The BDB Series. Even if that wasn't a factor in my decision, i still would of found this book to drag on more than it should have. Don't get me wrong, I'll still move on to the next book in the series but unfortunately it will not be a priority. Let me just say..... This series has nothing on the BDB series.
April 4, 2018
Se queda con las mismas 4 estrellitas después de la relectura.
Qué ganas tenía de releer estos libros, me encantan estos otros vampiritos, sus tatuajes cambia colores son lo más, el orígen de su raza una novedad y la trama me gusta mucho también, es muy adictiva y eso que en este libro solo se ve la punta del iceberg. Recuerdo que me tuvieron muy enganchada y los leía como caramelos, esta vez voy a ir de forma más pausada.
#RetoÍntimo
►Reseña completa en Mi Rinconín de Lectura◄
Qué ganas tenía de releer estos libros, me encantan estos otros vampiritos, sus tatuajes cambia colores son lo más, el orígen de su raza una novedad y la trama me gusta mucho también, es muy adictiva y eso que en este libro solo se ve la punta del iceberg. Recuerdo que me tuvieron muy enganchada y los leía como caramelos, esta vez voy a ir de forma más pausada.
#RetoÍntimo
►Reseña completa en Mi Rinconín de Lectura◄
March 4, 2008
Gabrielle is an up-and-coming (and stunningly beautiful) photographer. Lucan is an ancient (like 900 years) Breed Warrior, a vampire who hunts down vampires that have gone rogue and are wantonly killing humans. He falls for her, but cannot commit because he's a warrior and that's his number one priority. He's not about to tie himself down with a mate. She falls for him and discovers that he's a blood-sucking monster... or so she thinks.
Turns out these vampires are noble and fabulously wealthy and only drink the blood they need to survive. They don't need to kill and can wipe the memory of those that they feed on (or, if they want to kill, they just feed on bad guys.. drug dealers, the like). They also can procreate, the old fashion way, through sex, but only with a few select women whose DNA is compatible with them. These woman are breedmates, and the vampire who drinks from a breedmate is bound to her forever. (By feeding her his blood, the vampire keeps the breedmate eternally youthful.)
Guess what Gabrielle is. Yup.
The vampires don't have it easy, though. They are in constant danger of giving into bloodlust... the overwhelming urge to just keep drinking, to be a scourge on humanity, to become a rogue vampire. And none are more venerable than Generation One vampires.
Guess what Lucan is. Yup. That's his weakness. He's *this close* to losing it and giving into bloodlust.
Oh, yeah, the vampires are all descended from The Ancients, these beings from outer space. Yeah. That bugged me. I mean, it's an ok plot device: have a race that needs to feed on humans fall to earth and start a vampiric breed, but... but... Gen One vampires like Lucan, who are more than 900 years old, how did they *know* that their father was from another world? When he knew his father, people didn't have the concept of "another world" or "aliens" or "space ship". Those are modern concepts, not something you'd encounter or *understand* in the 1100's. These beings would be considered devils.
So, I kept trying to figure out how *they* figured out that the Ancients were crash-landed aliens... Maybe that's my scifi/fantasy background for you. It just didn't work for me.
And really, my first thought upon reading that plot device was: Vampires from outer Spaaaaaaaaaaaaaace! And then I couldn't stop giggling.
Overall, the plot was fine. It kept me engaged. The sex was pretty hot. Lucan was good and hunky. Gabrielle was dumb in places, but mostly so Lucan could rescue her. I mean, the heroine has to be in mortal danger at some point... and if you're smart and cautious, you just don't get into those situations where the bad guy kidnaps you.
I did get annoyed by one aspect of Lucan that were entirely writing-based. Lucan's voice in the beginning of the novel as an old-fashioned feel to it, how he phrased things, the way he spoke, which makes sense for someone 900 years old. But by the end of the novel, that was completely gone, and he spoke like some bulking guy out of a modern street-warrior scene. The shift was drastic and noticeable. I wonder if it was one of those things where the author changed her mind about how she was going to voice him, then didn't do a good enough job of going back and cleaning up the earlier chapters.
I also found the other breedmates (ugh. I hate that word.) kind of shallowly characterized. But that's also an aspect of this kind of romance, I think... the non-heroine women characters kind of act as a plot device to calm the new girl, and show her around the fabulous new world she's fallen into, and to tell her that the men that make up this world are fine. I suppose they're a kind of chorus, in a way.
In addition to the romance plot between Lucan and Gabrielle, there was a sub-plot of a brewing war between the good vampires and the rogues... someone is organizing the rogues (who are usually just chaotic bloodsucking fiends). Some of the good guys die, there's a betrayal, and a foil for Lucan.
The subplot was interesting enough that I'll probably read the next in the series.
Turns out these vampires are noble and fabulously wealthy and only drink the blood they need to survive. They don't need to kill and can wipe the memory of those that they feed on (or, if they want to kill, they just feed on bad guys.. drug dealers, the like). They also can procreate, the old fashion way, through sex, but only with a few select women whose DNA is compatible with them. These woman are breedmates, and the vampire who drinks from a breedmate is bound to her forever. (By feeding her his blood, the vampire keeps the breedmate eternally youthful.)
Guess what Gabrielle is. Yup.
The vampires don't have it easy, though. They are in constant danger of giving into bloodlust... the overwhelming urge to just keep drinking, to be a scourge on humanity, to become a rogue vampire. And none are more venerable than Generation One vampires.
Guess what Lucan is. Yup. That's his weakness. He's *this close* to losing it and giving into bloodlust.
Oh, yeah, the vampires are all descended from The Ancients, these beings from outer space. Yeah. That bugged me. I mean, it's an ok plot device: have a race that needs to feed on humans fall to earth and start a vampiric breed, but... but... Gen One vampires like Lucan, who are more than 900 years old, how did they *know* that their father was from another world? When he knew his father, people didn't have the concept of "another world" or "aliens" or "space ship". Those are modern concepts, not something you'd encounter or *understand* in the 1100's. These beings would be considered devils.
So, I kept trying to figure out how *they* figured out that the Ancients were crash-landed aliens... Maybe that's my scifi/fantasy background for you. It just didn't work for me.
And really, my first thought upon reading that plot device was: Vampires from outer Spaaaaaaaaaaaaaace! And then I couldn't stop giggling.
Overall, the plot was fine. It kept me engaged. The sex was pretty hot. Lucan was good and hunky. Gabrielle was dumb in places, but mostly so Lucan could rescue her. I mean, the heroine has to be in mortal danger at some point... and if you're smart and cautious, you just don't get into those situations where the bad guy kidnaps you.
I did get annoyed by one aspect of Lucan that were entirely writing-based. Lucan's voice in the beginning of the novel as an old-fashioned feel to it, how he phrased things, the way he spoke, which makes sense for someone 900 years old. But by the end of the novel, that was completely gone, and he spoke like some bulking guy out of a modern street-warrior scene. The shift was drastic and noticeable. I wonder if it was one of those things where the author changed her mind about how she was going to voice him, then didn't do a good enough job of going back and cleaning up the earlier chapters.
I also found the other breedmates (ugh. I hate that word.) kind of shallowly characterized. But that's also an aspect of this kind of romance, I think... the non-heroine women characters kind of act as a plot device to calm the new girl, and show her around the fabulous new world she's fallen into, and to tell her that the men that make up this world are fine. I suppose they're a kind of chorus, in a way.
In addition to the romance plot between Lucan and Gabrielle, there was a sub-plot of a brewing war between the good vampires and the rogues... someone is organizing the rogues (who are usually just chaotic bloodsucking fiends). Some of the good guys die, there's a betrayal, and a foil for Lucan.
The subplot was interesting enough that I'll probably read the next in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2022
Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian
Genres: Adult, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
4.75 Stars
2nd read July 14, 2019
Starts with action at the prologue.
A very different take on 'Vampires'!
I loved it just as much my 2nd time around as I did my first read.
I did something different this time and used both audio and ebook to read it.
I have to admit my GR friends who keep telling me to use audio have finally got me interested in it. It helped me to enjoy the story while I got other things done.
🎵 I was listening to one of the erotic scenes when my husband walked it the door.
Note to self is find the earbuds!
Roflmbo! You really should have seen his face! End 🎵
Review below from February 19, 2016
Kiss of Midnight is intense and exciting. I have just added Lara Adrian to my following list. That's how much this book delighted me.
What a perfect recipe for a great series. Vampires born, not made.
Suspenseful, there is a traitor in their midst!
Spicy, steamy romance with MATURE characters. You really get to know them and feel them.
Boundless action. There is constantly something happening. No dead spots. I am highly impressed!!
Genres: Adult, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
4.75 Stars
2nd read July 14, 2019
Starts with action at the prologue.
A very different take on 'Vampires'!
I loved it just as much my 2nd time around as I did my first read.
I did something different this time and used both audio and ebook to read it.
I have to admit my GR friends who keep telling me to use audio have finally got me interested in it. It helped me to enjoy the story while I got other things done.
🎵 I was listening to one of the erotic scenes when my husband walked it the door.
Note to self is find the earbuds!
Roflmbo! You really should have seen his face! End 🎵
Review below from February 19, 2016
Kiss of Midnight is intense and exciting. I have just added Lara Adrian to my following list. That's how much this book delighted me.
What a perfect recipe for a great series. Vampires born, not made.
Suspenseful, there is a traitor in their midst!
Spicy, steamy romance with MATURE characters. You really get to know them and feel them.
Boundless action. There is constantly something happening. No dead spots. I am highly impressed!!
May 5, 2017
I've heard many different things about this series. Some have said that it's great while others have vehemently disagreed. I've heard that this is too much like J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series while others think that it's not like BDB at all. These differing opinions both came from people that I trust and who have the same taste in books as me. So I was a little hesitant to read this, least of all buy it; so I borrowed it from a friend. I'll probably go out and buy it for myself tomorrow because I thought this was a really good book. Sure, it had its downsides, but I thought it was a good start to a series.
I didn't think that this was too much like BDB. I could certainly see parallels: they were a group of vampire warriors living together in a compound, the vampire race underappreciated them, there are mates (Breedmates) that they are drawn to. But I didn't feel that those lessened the appeal of this book or series because I really liked those aspects.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was that I felt it was too drawn out at parts. The beginning was a little slow for me and I wasn't really motivated to read it. Once I sat down to read it, though, I was immediately drawn in. That being said, I think that it could have been a bit shorter, especially towards the end when I felt like there didn't need to be so much...other stuff? and it could have just happened and ended while being just as effective.
I really liked all the warriors and look forward to seeing more of them. My favorites so far are probably Gideon and Dante, but I really love Rio, too. And oh, my poor, poor Rio. I knew, knew it was Eva, and I was utterly heartbroken when it was confirmed. I started crying a little bit for Rio when Eva admitted it and when he renounced her. Aside from her horrifying betrayal, I really liked the other females, Savannah, Danika, and Gabrielle. Although I wanted to slap Gabrielle silly at the end of the book when she left the compound at the end of the book.
All in all, I liked this series more than I thought I was going to. I will definitely be buying and reading the rest of it. Thanks, guys, for pushing me to read this!
I didn't think that this was too much like BDB. I could certainly see parallels: they were a group of vampire warriors living together in a compound, the vampire race underappreciated them, there are mates (Breedmates) that they are drawn to. But I didn't feel that those lessened the appeal of this book or series because I really liked those aspects.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was that I felt it was too drawn out at parts. The beginning was a little slow for me and I wasn't really motivated to read it. Once I sat down to read it, though, I was immediately drawn in. That being said, I think that it could have been a bit shorter, especially towards the end when I felt like there didn't need to be so much...other stuff? and it could have just happened and ended while being just as effective.
I really liked all the warriors and look forward to seeing more of them. My favorites so far are probably Gideon and Dante, but I really love Rio, too. And oh, my poor, poor Rio. I knew, knew it was Eva, and I was utterly heartbroken when it was confirmed. I started crying a little bit for Rio when Eva admitted it and when he renounced her. Aside from her horrifying betrayal, I really liked the other females, Savannah, Danika, and Gabrielle. Although I wanted to slap Gabrielle silly at the end of the book when she left the compound at the end of the book.
All in all, I liked this series more than I thought I was going to. I will definitely be buying and reading the rest of it. Thanks, guys, for pushing me to read this!
April 25, 2015
I don’t have the best track record with Paranormal Romance novels – this is why.
It’s not a horrible story or anything, and if Paranormal Romance is your gig, you should enjoy it. For me, though, the reasons I don’t care for the genre shined through, spoiling the better possibilities the book contained.
Gabrielle and Lucian are struck by instalove and instalust to a degree – it’s one of those ‘ in the stars ‘ things. Like the Carpathian novels sort of, but to a less obsessive degree, when the vampire mates with a ‘breedmate’, then it’s for life. But unlike the Carpathian novels, here they can dissever the relationship, they can survive the loss of a fallen mate, and they can choose the mate by their own will.
Lucian fought tooth and nails not to succumb to Gabrielle – he is one of the ancient warriors who wants to keep dedicating his life, his focus, on his mission to rid the world of the dreaded vampires who have turned and taint his kind. He lives amongst others of his race who vow to do the same – some bonded with mates, some not – and their mission is pretty simple, straight and clear, black and white plainness.
Gabrielle is likeable enough, although a bit daring with her escapades, but I dug her. Lucian had a hotness appeal but didn’t push my actual buttons for some reason. He was serious and no humor. The story had a good background, there were twists and turns and a surprising betrayal at the end that was emotional and well-written.
Even if the book carries clichés of the genre, the author writes her words well, dishes out good dialogue, and obviously has passion about the world she’s creating. While similar to some PNR series, it’s NOT a rip-off, the world standing on its own creative feet.
The two-star rating is explained that, in spite of the good qualities mentioned above, there is too much steam I didn’t care about because the attraction is too instant without interesting complexity. There are twists but a degree of predictability and familiar ground I didn’t want to walk again.
April 3, 2022
"Geliebte der Nacht" ist der erste Band der "Midnight Breed" Reihe von Autorin Lara Adrian. Für mich war das ein Reread in Hörbuchform.
Ich mag Urban Fantasy mit fortlaufenden Charakteren lieber. Wenn es immer um ein anderes Paar geht, wird mir das meistens schnell zu langweilig. Diese Reihe ist aber auch ziemlich düster, das gefällt mir durchaus gut. Die Vampire werden hier auch einmal etwas anders dargestellt.
Der Schreibstil ist fesselnd und angenehm. Die Charaktere sind vielschichtig und interessant, teilweise aber leider auch sehr klischeehaft. Für meinen Geschmack hätten dem Buch ein paar Kämpfe mehr und etwas weniger Erotikszenen gutgetan. Ich vergebe knappe 4 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung an alle Vampirfans, die kein Problem mit erotischen Szenen haben.
Hier folgen noch einige Infos zum Hörbuch:
12 Stunden und 15 Minuten / Ungekürzte Ausgabe
Sprecher: Simon Jäger
Ich würde dem Sprecher 5 Sterne geben.
Verlag: Audible Studios
Ich mag Urban Fantasy mit fortlaufenden Charakteren lieber. Wenn es immer um ein anderes Paar geht, wird mir das meistens schnell zu langweilig. Diese Reihe ist aber auch ziemlich düster, das gefällt mir durchaus gut. Die Vampire werden hier auch einmal etwas anders dargestellt.
Der Schreibstil ist fesselnd und angenehm. Die Charaktere sind vielschichtig und interessant, teilweise aber leider auch sehr klischeehaft. Für meinen Geschmack hätten dem Buch ein paar Kämpfe mehr und etwas weniger Erotikszenen gutgetan. Ich vergebe knappe 4 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung an alle Vampirfans, die kein Problem mit erotischen Szenen haben.
Hier folgen noch einige Infos zum Hörbuch:
12 Stunden und 15 Minuten / Ungekürzte Ausgabe
Sprecher: Simon Jäger
Ich würde dem Sprecher 5 Sterne geben.
Verlag: Audible Studios
December 31, 2018
Wow. Dreister hätte man „Black Dagger“ von J.R. Ward wohl nicht kopieren können ...
October 2, 2010
Kiss of Midnight is the first book I've read by Lara Adrian. I found that the first book of the Midnight Breed series was interesting. I couldn't help but think that there are some similarities to the BDB. However, Adrian is capable of holding her own. Her writing just flows so beautifully. It seems almost effortless.
I will admit that I thought that the first part of the book was kind of slow. I was interested in knowing what would happen to Lucan and Gabby but it seemed to take a long time for things to really heat up. If it weren't for the last 100 pages of the novel, I would have given this a 3.5 stars. BUT the things that happen within those last 100 pages truly blew me away. I found my eyes glued to the pages until I flipped the cover closed. I sense a new addiction coming along...
And this is what I feared the most. With eight books already released and more to come, I'm going to be spending less time in the real world and more time in Lara Adrian's world.
The best thing about Adrian's world, for me is the fact that the Breedmates develop friendships with one another. It's nice to see that along with their romance, the characters also exist outside of their relationship. Also, I am fascinated by Adrian's ability to write violent scenes. I loved every moment of ass-kicking in this one.
I can't wait to read Dante's story next!
I will admit that I thought that the first part of the book was kind of slow. I was interested in knowing what would happen to Lucan and Gabby but it seemed to take a long time for things to really heat up. If it weren't for the last 100 pages of the novel, I would have given this a 3.5 stars. BUT the things that happen within those last 100 pages truly blew me away. I found my eyes glued to the pages until I flipped the cover closed. I sense a new addiction coming along...
And this is what I feared the most. With eight books already released and more to come, I'm going to be spending less time in the real world and more time in Lara Adrian's world.
The best thing about Adrian's world, for me is the fact that the Breedmates develop friendships with one another. It's nice to see that along with their romance, the characters also exist outside of their relationship. Also, I am fascinated by Adrian's ability to write violent scenes. I loved every moment of ass-kicking in this one.
I can't wait to read Dante's story next!
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