Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (Midnight Breed, #1)

by Lara Adrian

• ISBN10: 0440336678
• ISBN13: 9780440336679
• Publish Date: 1 May 2007 (first published 1 January 2007)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Dell Publishing Company
• Format: eBook
• Language: English

Reviews

[RoXXie]

The first time I read this book was in German. From page one I was captured. Lara Adrian made it happen that I felt like a watcher from above or like a ghost within line of warriors and their breedmates.
I could feel every single emotion of both main characters and everyone else.
After I read this book I had to get the rest of series so far it was already published in German.
After a while I found the series in English. And I'm looking forward to read them again.

[Caitiebelle]

As a fan of J.R Ward - this is def. a series I can see myself finishing.
The book had me intrigued and I was easily pulled in.
Def. a new admission to my bookshelves and I've already ordered several books.

I like the world-building and though I had to get used to thinking about the Vampire race as descendants (some direct) of a type of alien explorer species etc - it actually does fit in well.

Breedmates are what we are calling the few women of the humans who have the capability of bearing offspring for the Vampires and they also come with their own unique gifts - either helpful or a ...curse... depending on how you look at it. But all fitting into the universe and has its place.

It's early days yet - but I am indeed liking this series quite a lot. And as I write this I have already finished the pre-qual story, book 1 + book 2 - so that should tell you some things at least. :D

[Leigha]

Photographer Gabrielle Maxwell witnesses vampires killing a human in this unremarkable adult fantasy romance.

I was chomping at the bit for a worthy romance this November. Since I'm trying to save as much money as possible, I took to searching my library's Overdrive account to see the availability of their romance selection. Although I went through a heavy paranormal romance phase in college, I realized I never read any of the Midnight Breeds series. Not sure how it escaped my attention, but I thought I'd give it a shot now.

Kiss of Midnight is a generic and unoriginal paranormal romance. I didn't feel invested in the characters or the plot. The chemistry between Gabrielle and Lucan is probably the only reason for me finishing the novel. The sex scenes are wonderful despite their problematic romance. And, oh boy, do problems abound. How about that time Lucan broke into Gabrielle's room to have sex/feed from her without her consent? Or that time Lucan was a complete asshole to Gabrielle for no other reason than she happened to be in the area? The side characters were well developed if for no other reason than the series continues with their individual stories. For a novel that spends so much time building up to the confrontation between our heroes and the antagonist, it did absolutely nothing to make that confrontation interesting or integral to the story. I might have given it a higher rating if the plot at all matched the climax.

tl;dr Uninspired fantasy romance with interesting side characters, a problematic romance, and a ho-hum of a climax.

[annieb123]

I understand that dialogue and character development can be technically difficult to write. I also accept that there's a very fine line between steamy sex and unintentionally funny sex. These books seem to be crafted with care, but I'm just not the target audience.

If you like bosom-heaving-eyelid-fluttering helpless females being rescued by big 'dangerous' (but marshmallow creme on the inside) vampire aliens and H.E.A. endings then these are probably right on target. (Look, they even turn physiologically monogamous after 700+ years of rampaging blood-sucking tantric sex preying on women (and men) indiscriminately).

The whole 'boys club only' thing bugged me. The whole 'breedmates are goddesses to us and stay home and cook and take care of us and patch us up after we come home from being violent psychopaths' REALLY bothered me.

I see these books as being read (devoured?) by young women who like romance genre books. None of these relationships are particularly healthy. Then again, yes, it's fantasy... but there are so many better alternatives.

Conclusion:

Not for me.

*Too many 'melting slippery cores'.

*Vampire aliens/hybrid compatible human DNA could be interesting, but the birthmark thing is ridiculous - (full disclosure: I'm a professional bionerd).

*meh.

[nitzan_schwarz]

To read more reviews and fun things go to my blog; Drugs Called Books!

I liked it a lot. Loved the romance and the love, and how, even though there was the physical attraction, it somehow didn't take the stage. Their relationship and feeling for one another overpowered the physical, which I absolutely adore.
The only reason I gave it only three stars is because I could put it away much too easily. I don't even know why. It was interesting and gripping, and yet I found myself drifting to other things very easily. Maybe it was just me and my mood. Maybe, when I'll read it again I'll give it more stars. But, for now, it's three.
I did love it, though~!

[kimbacaffeinate]

Kiss of Midnight is the first in the Midnight Breed Series by Lara Adrian. This book is currently featured as the book of the month for the Paranormal and Urban Fantasy group on Goodreads. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fast paced novel. Adrian delivers a steamy, suspenseful paranormal romance that will leave you wanting more.

Lucan Thorpe is the leader of the Breed Warriors, a group of vampires sworn to protect their kind by handling Rogue vampires who have gone mad from bloodlust. Lucan is sexy, troubled and unwilling to bind himself to anyone. He has a chance encounter with Gabrielle Maxwell, a talented, beautiful photographer who can’t understand what anyone sees in her photos.

They meet at a new night club. Gabrielle has been dragged their by her friends to celebrate her successful art show. Upon entering she senses something is off about the place. She feels someone watching her and gazes across the room to lock eyes with Lucan. A noise down the other end of the bar draws her attention and that fast Lucan is gone. Outside the club she witnesses a crime that unknowingly puts her in danger. As a result of this chance encounter both of their lives will be forever changed.

The tale Adrian weaves is suspenseful. The history behind the vampires is unique and I liked the way she introduces the rest of the players in this series. Kiss of Midnight unravels smoothly and we are given glimpses of the past and hints of the future. At its core it’s a story of good verse evil, love, loyalty, betrayal and loss. This was a great weekend read and I plan on reading the next book in this series. Fans of paranormal romance and suspense will enjoy Kiss of Midnight. There are currently nine novels published in this series. The next book is entitled, Kiss of Crimson.

[mitabird]

3.5 stars