Derivative but still a great readNovember 14, 2007 Helen Hancox(Essex, England) 75 out of 75 found this review helpful
There's absolutely no doubt as to the readership to whom this book is meant to appeal - the commendation from J R Ward, author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, gives a big clue. This book is very, very similar to the Black Dagger Brotherhood and will no doubt be enjoyed by those who like those books; the similarities are very marked - a small number of warrior vampires live together in a compound and fight against strong and numerous adversaries. This is the first in the series and it's very akin to Ward's "Dark Lover" (in fact at one point the heroine describes the hero as her dark lover), in that the hero is the leader of the band of warriors, that he isn't looking for a romantic involvement and yet he discovers that a woman is linked to the vampire nation although she herself is oblivious of that fact. There are even mentions of a Red Sox hat, there's a computer expert vampire, a monosyllabic and weird vampire, the death of one of the six warrior vampires... the comparisons with the BDB go on and on.
And yet this is a book in its own right and it has its differences. There are several good things about this book when comparing it to the BDB. The first is that the characters don't have silly names but just unusual ones - the hero is Lucan, we also meet Tegan, Nikolai, Dante, Rio, Gideon and Conlan. Secondly there aren't loads of odd words with extra letter h peppered throughout the text which I always found rather cheesy. Thirdly the sections dealing with the Rogues, those against whom the warriors are fighting, aren't as extensive (I always find myself skim-reading the Lesser sections in the BDB) and in this series the Rogues are vampires gone bad rather than a separate species.
There are some aspects about this book that didn't feel as accomplished as the BDB. The characterisation felt somehow less authentic although it was hard to put my finger on why. Gabrielle, the heroine, was a plucky woman who seemed able to cope with an awful lot of scary information in one go, perhaps too much. Lucan's conflicted nature about not wanting a mate and being afraid that he's about to lose the plot from Bloodlust was perhaps overplayed in the book but was necessary for the suspense in the plot. And in some ways perhaps that's my chief disappointment with the story, that the overall idea on which this book hung didn't seem quite developed enough. It was a good read with some spicy scenes between hero and heroine, some fighting, lots of blood and gore and awkward relationships amongst the vampire warriors but somehow it didn't quite grip me as much as the BDB. However J R Ward's novels definitely improved as she got into her writing stride with them (with the exception of Vishous' novel) and I have hopes that Lara Adrian's books will equally mature as she continues the series.
For those who like the Black Dagger Brotherhood this is a worthy read alongside that series. For those who haven't read that series, read this one first, and enjoy it, and then read the BDB and enjoy it too. For those who don't like the BDB this book probably isn't for you. Some people may moan about the similarities between the two series but I think there is room in this genre for other books of a similar type as long as they have their own individual differences as well and as long as plot and characterisation are well-written. This is a good start to the series and I have already purchased the sequel.
5 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies!May 4, 2007 Natalie S(Nashville) 8 out of 8 found this review helpful
Photographer Gabrielle Maxwell feels eyes watching her in the crowded dance club. Searching for the source of the visual touch, she meets the gaze of a dark haired, extremely virile looking man who ignites her senses. After one brief glimpse, he is gone. Feeling tired and almost letdown, Gabrielle calls it a night and heads for home. Instead of reaching the anticipated solitude of her residence, Gabrielle is witness to a brutal murder. Being a good citizen, she frantically reports it to the local police only to have them suspect her of making a false report because of lack of evidence. With patronizing words and tone, they promise to send an officer to her home to speak with her. Unfortunately, Gabrielle has no idea the can of worms she has just opened.
Lucan Thorne senses he is just a step away from the rogue vampires he has spent most of his immortal life fighting. A Breed warrior, he and a few trusted comrades spend their nights searching out and eliminating vampires who have succumbed to blood lust. It is on one such night that Lucan's eyes meet those of Gabrielle's in a crowded club. Instantly aroused and inhaling her rich scent, Lucan begins a hunt of his own - a hunt that leads him straight to a glossy-haired temptress. There is a part of Lucan yearning to claim her while another part wants to keep her as far away as possible. When danger begins to follow Gabrielle, Lucan's skills as a warrior are put to the test. But failure is not an option and Lucan will strive to keep her safe at all costs.
KISS OF MIDNIGHT caught my eye months ago when a fellow reviewer showed me the amazon.com link. Eagerly waiting for what I envisioned to be a fantastic read, I resigned myself to reading the excerpt over and over.
It pleases me to report that KISS OF MIDNIGHT is everything I wanted it to be, and then some! I was introduced to a conclave of Breed warriors whose loyalty to each other is only surpassed by their loyalty to their breedmates. Lucan, the hero of KISS OF MIDNIGHT, is the indisputable leader and I could sense his allegiance to his men as well as his achingly tender feelings for Gabrielle.
KISS OF MIDNIGHT grabbed me by the heart and hung on tight. Lara Adrian weaves an enchanting tale with KISS OF MIDNIGHT; a tale that I hope she continues. I can envision stories about each of the Breed warriors introduced in this novel. I am happy to report that KISS OF MIDNIGHT'S sequel, KISS OF CRIMSON, is to be released less than one month after KISS OF MIDNIGHT. Look out readers, because I plan to be the first in line to purchase this next installment!
I liked it, I really liked itMay 29, 2007 Lisa(Oklahoma) 8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I won't give a run down on what this book is about as there are already several reviews on this book. I will just say I enjoyed it. It was reminiscent of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood, but so what? It's not like these authors have a patent on the vampire plot. It was good, entertaining, wonderful characters, I liked the female lead. Yes, it wasn't as strong as J.R. Ward's, but overall definitely worth reading.
Fantastic new series!!!May 11, 2007 M. Childers(Texas, USA) 10 out of 11 found this review helpful
Loved this book. Its the best "first in a series" paranormal romance I've read in a long time. Is it reminescent of Ward, Kenyon, Alexis Morgan, and Jenna Black? Yes in the sense that most paranormal romance/thrillers that feature strong ALPHA males and their soulmate/bondmate/breedmate share some similar characteristics. But this is a great genre where each author brings her own unique settings, history and storylines. This book is no exception. Ms Adrian captures the flavor of historical Boston/New England vividly. Her vampires with roots in Alien invaders is a neat twist. The heroine was smart, savvy and strong. A must for me...I personally can't stand whiny/TSTS (to stupid to survive) heroines. Gabrielle was a winner. Lucan was sexy, brooding but not too quiet. He talked with Gabrielle which is nice. For me, a good plot includes good dialog.
The sex scenes were good, sensual and just the right amount. Another plus for me. Can't stand books where every page is sex without being character driven, but at the same time...I don't like waiting til the end of the book for the main characters to get together.
This book has interesting H/H, intriging secondary characters, (can't wait for Tegan's book.) and a nicely goulish villains. And we haven't found out all about the top bad guy yet, Ms Adrian left a nice cliffhanger to be resolved in future books. I recommend this book, and look forward to future installments.
Good start to a new seriesMay 5, 2007 M. Huynh(PA) 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I've had this book on my wish list for months and was glad when I finally could order it. I won't rehash the plot as others have done so, but it was a very enjoyable read. It does remind me A LOT of Ward's brothers but I still liked the story. I also like that the next one will be released so quickly after Kiss of Midnight.
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