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Midnight Breed #9.5
A Taste of Midnight
Book 9.5 (a novella) in the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling Midnight Breed vampire romance seriesFor fans who have been been waiting to devour Darker After Midnight, as well as new readers tempted by the seductive thrills of her Midnight Breed novels, New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian offers up a tantalizing appetizer in A Taste of Midnight. In this spellbinding eBook novella of otherworldly desire, a woman whose destiny was born from a blood kiss discovers that second chances do come . . . even for immortals. A shimmering holiday gala lights up an ancient castle in the Scottish Highlands, but beautiful widowed Breedmate Danika MacConn feels alone in the crowd. Even among the friends and festivity of the Darkhaven celebration, she can't forget her lost love, a fallen warrior of the Order. Her brief return to her mate's homeland has become treacherous after rejecting the advances of a dangerous Edinburgh crime boss with a taste for blood sport. As Danika seeks to expose the vampire and his dark trade, she discovers an unexpected ally in his forbidding, enigmatic henchman, Brannoc, a man who exudes heat, danger, and dark menace--and seems somehow achingly familiar. Bran has his own reasons for wanting to keep Dani out of his employer's business . . . and his own secrets he means to keep buried. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a woman who tempts the wildest part of his Breed nature--especially when that woman is Danika MacConn, the one woman capable of bringing him to his knees. Contains a preview of the hotly anticipated nightcap of Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series, Darker After Midnight!
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
317 people are currently reading
5181 people want to read
About the author
Lara Adrian
94 books11k 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 502 reviews
September 3, 2018
4 Finding love again Stars
Spoilers
A Taste of Midnight was a cute little novella. I was glad that Danika got another chance at love. My heart broke for her when Conlan was killed. I was glad the author didn't try to down play her love for Con just because she was getting a new mate. I did wish however that Malcolm's mate and child had been gone longer than just 7 months. I felt that it was too soon for him to move on. That kind of pain needs time. I loved that Danika and Malcolm knew each other and had feelings for each other before she fell in love with Con. It helped with their connection. I think this would have been a better read if it had been a full length novel. That way Danika and Malcolm could have more time to grow together as a couple and let go of the pain of losing their mates together. Still a nice read!
Spoilers
A Taste of Midnight was a cute little novella. I was glad that Danika got another chance at love. My heart broke for her when Conlan was killed. I was glad the author didn't try to down play her love for Con just because she was getting a new mate. I did wish however that Malcolm's mate and child had been gone longer than just 7 months. I felt that it was too soon for him to move on. That kind of pain needs time. I loved that Danika and Malcolm knew each other and had feelings for each other before she fell in love with Con. It helped with their connection. I think this would have been a better read if it had been a full length novel. That way Danika and Malcolm could have more time to grow together as a couple and let go of the pain of losing their mates together. Still a nice read!
July 12, 2025
After the Buddy Read of 5/16/20 Reread My new rating is
3.75 Stars. That rounds up to 4 Stars.
I actually enjoyed it a lot more during my Buddy Read. The suspense & tension of Mal's & Danika's situation just captured my interest more this time around.
The ending was where the 'saccharine' bit comes in. It also felt rushed & I would have liked just a bit more. A couple more paragraphs or an epilogue would have gone a long way.
⏬⏬⏬Previous Comments⏬⏬⏬
Nothing like hitting the wrong button on your tablet. I was looking at the series page and while scrolling somehow changed my star rating from 3 to 5. So, while I'm here....
A Taste of Midnight by Lara Adrian
Genres: Adult, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
3 Stars
I liked it, but didn't love it. I liked that it gave good closure on Danika. I also like that it brought into focus that there are people who can be trusted in The Enforcement Agency that are working towards capturing criminals and evil psychopaths.
I gave it 3 stars because the romance parts were a bit saccharine for me personally, and the action/adventure parts a bit to rushed.
3.75 Stars. That rounds up to 4 Stars.
I actually enjoyed it a lot more during my Buddy Read. The suspense & tension of Mal's & Danika's situation just captured my interest more this time around.
The ending was where the 'saccharine' bit comes in. It also felt rushed & I would have liked just a bit more. A couple more paragraphs or an epilogue would have gone a long way.
⏬⏬⏬Previous Comments⏬⏬⏬
Nothing like hitting the wrong button on your tablet. I was looking at the series page and while scrolling somehow changed my star rating from 3 to 5. So, while I'm here....
A Taste of Midnight by Lara Adrian
Genres: Adult, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
3 Stars
I liked it, but didn't love it. I liked that it gave good closure on Danika. I also like that it brought into focus that there are people who can be trusted in The Enforcement Agency that are working towards capturing criminals and evil psychopaths.
I gave it 3 stars because the romance parts were a bit saccharine for me personally, and the action/adventure parts a bit to rushed.
April 10, 2015
I am such a fan of this series and having first being introduced to Danika McConn in Kiss of Midnight, I wondered what had happened to her after losing her mate, Conlan McConn during one of his missions whilst being pregnant with their child.
I was so happy to be given a chance to see how she was coping with the loss and how she dealt with her life with her baby son, Connor.
On a visit to family in Edinburgh, Scotland she attends a party and is immediately thrown into a very dangerous and deadly situation after eavesdropping on a group of Breeders discussing human trafficking.
She also recognizes Brannoc, the bodyguard of the leader of the cabal and is shocked with the discovery. He’s Malcolm McBain, who had introduced her to his best friend, Conlan McConn who became her mate.
Mal has never forgotten her and had been in love with her but stepped aside for his friend.
Many years later, he finally met someone to love and who had been cruelly killed together with their unborn child.
I felt for Mal.
But then, Danika comes back into his life and he knows that this might be the only chance he has to be with her again.
Loved the scenes at Mal’s castle where he takes Danika to hide from the bad guys!!!
”
I was so happy that Danika and Mal found love and happiness together. Yes, I know I am a sucker for …..
A lovely addition to this fabulous series.
I was so happy to be given a chance to see how she was coping with the loss and how she dealt with her life with her baby son, Connor.
On a visit to family in Edinburgh, Scotland she attends a party and is immediately thrown into a very dangerous and deadly situation after eavesdropping on a group of Breeders discussing human trafficking.
She also recognizes Brannoc, the bodyguard of the leader of the cabal and is shocked with the discovery. He’s Malcolm McBain, who had introduced her to his best friend, Conlan McConn who became her mate.
Mal has never forgotten her and had been in love with her but stepped aside for his friend.
Many years later, he finally met someone to love and who had been cruelly killed together with their unborn child.
I felt for Mal.
He was such a sad, tortured, scarred , heart-broken and lonely character who will do anything to avenge his family’s murder even if it means having to do some horrible things for his evil boss and cahoots.
But then, Danika comes back into his life and he knows that this might be the only chance he has to be with her again.
Loved the scenes at Mal’s castle where he takes Danika to hide from the bad guys!!!
Even though it was a short story, there was a lot packed into it…..of course I would have liked more but it did leave me feeling….
”I was so happy that Danika and Mal found love and happiness together. Yes, I know I am a sucker for …..
A lovely addition to this fabulous series.
September 17, 2012
Posted on Under the Covers
A TASTE OF MIDNIGHT is an exhilarating read that will leave Midnight Breeds fans wanting more! Lara Adrian crafts a well-written and passionate story for widow Danika MacConn, the Breedmate who lost her mate, Conlan in the first book of the Midnight Breed series, Kiss of Midnight.
Now in Edinburgh with her infant son, Conner, Danika has an unpleasant encounter with Mr. Reiver, an arrogant Breed male who enjoys selling live human game for the pleasure of seeing them suffer. Dani overhears a secret conversation about cargo that is being shipped containing humans for blood sport. Though Danika shows her courage countless times in this short story, she still has reason to fear for her life because now Reiver is interested in Dani.
It is then when Danika notices Reiver’s bodyguard, a man who goes by the name of Brannoc. He works as Reiver’s henchman, doing deeds to keep him close to his greatest enemy. In truth, Bran wants nothing more than to exact revenge for a crime that Reiver’s blood club has committed.
I loved this short story. Adrian incorporates all the elements that she is known for in this story – a strong heroine, a dangerously seductive Breed male and enough action to get your heart pumping. I was really impressed with the emotion in this one. I have been following the Midnight Breed series for awhile now so I was curious to see who Danika would be paired with. Oftentimes, it’s hard to have a character come back from such a heartbreaking experience, but Adrian does it with ease. Danika still grieves for her lost mate, still loves him dearly. But in her heart, she still has the ability to love and in A TASTE OF MIDNIGHT, Lara Adrian gives her a love to last several more lifetimes.
A TASTE OF MIDNIGHT is an exhilarating read that will leave Midnight Breeds fans wanting more! Lara Adrian crafts a well-written and passionate story for widow Danika MacConn, the Breedmate who lost her mate, Conlan in the first book of the Midnight Breed series, Kiss of Midnight.
Now in Edinburgh with her infant son, Conner, Danika has an unpleasant encounter with Mr. Reiver, an arrogant Breed male who enjoys selling live human game for the pleasure of seeing them suffer. Dani overhears a secret conversation about cargo that is being shipped containing humans for blood sport. Though Danika shows her courage countless times in this short story, she still has reason to fear for her life because now Reiver is interested in Dani.
It is then when Danika notices Reiver’s bodyguard, a man who goes by the name of Brannoc. He works as Reiver’s henchman, doing deeds to keep him close to his greatest enemy. In truth, Bran wants nothing more than to exact revenge for a crime that Reiver’s blood club has committed.
I loved this short story. Adrian incorporates all the elements that she is known for in this story – a strong heroine, a dangerously seductive Breed male and enough action to get your heart pumping. I was really impressed with the emotion in this one. I have been following the Midnight Breed series for awhile now so I was curious to see who Danika would be paired with. Oftentimes, it’s hard to have a character come back from such a heartbreaking experience, but Adrian does it with ease. Danika still grieves for her lost mate, still loves him dearly. But in her heart, she still has the ability to love and in A TASTE OF MIDNIGHT, Lara Adrian gives her a love to last several more lifetimes.
June 12, 2020
In this novella we revisit Danika. In the first book in the series she lost her mate and left the series. While the rest of the Breed Warriors were fighting the good fight on the East Coat of U.S.A. our heroine is in Scotland. She has gone back to her husbands family to raise their son. But things have changed since she was there a hundred years earlier. It's a dangerous place.
Our hero was in love with her when she chose his friend as her mate. He stayed in Scotland when they relocated to America. He found his own mate. But fate stepped in with the help of the villain of this piece. Now he is set on revenge. Unfortunately he must seek his revenge while keeping our heroine safe.
Good story with interesting characters.
Our hero was in love with her when she chose his friend as her mate. He stayed in Scotland when they relocated to America. He found his own mate. But fate stepped in with the help of the villain of this piece. Now he is set on revenge. Unfortunately he must seek his revenge while keeping our heroine safe.
Good story with interesting characters.
September 10, 2016
Breed (warrior) Malcolm or Brannoc
Special ability: Speaking inside someone's head
Age: Around 500 years old
Breed mate Danika
Special ability: Reading others thoughts
Occupation: None. She was a breedmate more than 400 years.
Mark place: Abdomen
Settings: Edinburgh, Highlands, Scotland
This is a great short story. Danika was mourning her lost husband since book 1 of the series. Being left alone in life, she decides to visit her husband's relatives in Scotland with her infant son Connor. There during a ball, she accidentally overhears something terrible coming from a high lord of the area, Reiver. Apparently Reiver runs a Blood Club with a live human game, totally forbidden. The person who drives her attention is Reiver's bodyguard. A knife scarred man, controlled, cool and devoid of any tenderness.
It takes some time for Danika to recognise him as a person from her distant past. Danika and Mal (Malcolm) have shared the same past at some point of their lives more than 400 years ago. After discovering an unfinished nurcery in his castle, Danika realises that Mal is also trying to cope with his own loses.
In the book we also meet another new character, Thane.
Special ability: Speaking inside someone's head
Age: Around 500 years old
Breed mate Danika
Special ability: Reading others thoughts
Occupation: None. She was a breedmate more than 400 years.
Mark place: Abdomen
Settings: Edinburgh, Highlands, Scotland
This is a great short story. Danika was mourning her lost husband since book 1 of the series. Being left alone in life, she decides to visit her husband's relatives in Scotland with her infant son Connor. There during a ball, she accidentally overhears something terrible coming from a high lord of the area, Reiver. Apparently Reiver runs a Blood Club with a live human game, totally forbidden. The person who drives her attention is Reiver's bodyguard. A knife scarred man, controlled, cool and devoid of any tenderness.
It takes some time for Danika to recognise him as a person from her distant past. Danika and Mal (Malcolm) have shared the same past at some point of their lives more than 400 years ago. After discovering an unfinished nurcery in his castle, Danika realises that Mal is also trying to cope with his own loses.
In the book we also meet another new character, Thane.
January 28, 2013
Nice little short that compliments the series! I think considering who Malcolm was in relation to Conlan, Danika's deceased mate, it would have been nice to embellish on their story a little. I liked him, felt sorry for him, and would have enjoyed seeing him become a part of 'The Order'. He had to the goods and would fit right in. Alas though, it's not meant to be! On to Chase's book! Now this should be good!
December 5, 2011
Be still my heart!
This was a fabulous read and I read it in one sitting. If you remember from Kiss of Midnight, Danika is the widow of fallen Order member Conlan. She is in Scotland for the holidays visiting with Conlan's family. Unwittingly involved in a vicious plan for yet another underground blood club, Danika is saved by none other than Malcolm - Conlan's one time best friend, and the man whom Danika once thought she could love.
My only complaint is that it wasn't a full length book. I wanted more!!
This was a fabulous read and I read it in one sitting. If you remember from Kiss of Midnight, Danika is the widow of fallen Order member Conlan. She is in Scotland for the holidays visiting with Conlan's family. Unwittingly involved in a vicious plan for yet another underground blood club, Danika is saved by none other than Malcolm - Conlan's one time best friend, and the man whom Danika once thought she could love.
My only complaint is that it wasn't a full length book. I wanted more!!
July 9, 2022
Das Sehnen der Nacht (Midnight Breed, #9.5) ♦ Lara Adrian | Rezension
Das Sehnen der Nacht ist die zweite Novelle in der Midnight Breed – Reihe aus der Feder von Lara Adrian. Sie hätte nicht spannungsvoller und emotionaler sein können. Es war mir ein Fest in diese Kurzgeschichte abzutauchen.
Das Sehnen der Nach ♦ Lara Adrian
Meinung
Fans der Midnight Breed – Reihe werden nach »Das Sehnen der Nacht« nach mehr verlangen. Für die Witwe Danika MacConn, die Stammesgefährtin, welche in »Geliebte der Nacht«, dem ersten Buch der Reihe, ihren Gefährten Conlan verloren hat, verfasste Lara Adrian eine fesselnde und gut geschriebene Story.
Danika, die mittlerweile mit ihrem kleinen Sohn Connor in Edinburgh lebt, hat ein unangenehmes Zusammentreffen mit Mr. Reiver. Dieser ist ein hochmütiger Stammesvampir, der Freude daran hat, lebende Menschen als Wild zu kaufen und verkaufen, damit er sich an ihrem Leiden erfreuen kann. Danika belauscht ein geheimes Gespräch über den Transport von Waren, Menschen für die Blutjagd. Trotz all ihrer Tapferkeit, die Danika in dieser Novelle an den Tag legt, muss sie um ihr Leben und das ihres Kindes fürchten, denn nun hat sie Reivers Interesse in sie geweckt.
In dem Moment als0 Brannoc, Reivers Leibwächter, auf der Bildfläche erscheint, erkennt ihn Danika sofort und ist entsetzt über seine Aktivitäten. Denn er dient Reiver als Handlanger. Doch was Danika nicht weiß, er tut dies nur, um in Reivers Nähe sein zu können, denn er hat mit ihm noch eine Rechnung offen. Denn Bran nur daran interessiert, ein Unrecht auszugleichen, welches durch Reivers Blutclub begonnen wurde.
Diese Novelle war fantastisch. Die Kurzgeschichte beinhaltet alle Aspekte, für die Adrian bekannt ist: eine starke Heldin, ein verführerisch gefährlicher Stammesvampir und jede Menge Action, um das Herz der LeserInnen höher schlagen zu lassen. Die Intensität der Leidenschaft in dieser kurzen Story hat mich beeindruckt. Ich war gespannt, mit wem Danika zusammenarbeiten würde und ob sie der Sache gewachsen ist. Es kann schwierig sein, einen Charakter von einem so traumatischen Ereignis, wie dem Verlust des Gefährten, zu erholen. Doch Adrian schafft es ohne Probleme. Sie gibt Danika die Chance, auch weiterhin, um Conlan zu trauern und ihn wirklich schmerzlich zu vermissen. Aber in ihrem Herzen lässt die Autorin der Protagonistin noch immer die Fähigkeit zu lieben und den Mut eine neue Liebe einzugehen. Diese Liebe hat auch gute Aussichten die nächsten Jahrhunderte zu überstehen.
Fazit
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Das Sehnen der Nacht ist eine rasante und emotionale Novelle. Lara Adrian hat mit diesem Buch eine fantastische Story zu Papier gebracht, die meiner Meinung nach in keiner Sammlung der Midnight Breed – Reihe fehlen darf.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.
Das Sehnen der Nacht ist die zweite Novelle in der Midnight Breed – Reihe aus der Feder von Lara Adrian. Sie hätte nicht spannungsvoller und emotionaler sein können. Es war mir ein Fest in diese Kurzgeschichte abzutauchen.
Das Sehnen der Nach ♦ Lara Adrian
Meinung
Fans der Midnight Breed – Reihe werden nach »Das Sehnen der Nacht« nach mehr verlangen. Für die Witwe Danika MacConn, die Stammesgefährtin, welche in »Geliebte der Nacht«, dem ersten Buch der Reihe, ihren Gefährten Conlan verloren hat, verfasste Lara Adrian eine fesselnde und gut geschriebene Story.
Danika, die mittlerweile mit ihrem kleinen Sohn Connor in Edinburgh lebt, hat ein unangenehmes Zusammentreffen mit Mr. Reiver. Dieser ist ein hochmütiger Stammesvampir, der Freude daran hat, lebende Menschen als Wild zu kaufen und verkaufen, damit er sich an ihrem Leiden erfreuen kann. Danika belauscht ein geheimes Gespräch über den Transport von Waren, Menschen für die Blutjagd. Trotz all ihrer Tapferkeit, die Danika in dieser Novelle an den Tag legt, muss sie um ihr Leben und das ihres Kindes fürchten, denn nun hat sie Reivers Interesse in sie geweckt.
In dem Moment als0 Brannoc, Reivers Leibwächter, auf der Bildfläche erscheint, erkennt ihn Danika sofort und ist entsetzt über seine Aktivitäten. Denn er dient Reiver als Handlanger. Doch was Danika nicht weiß, er tut dies nur, um in Reivers Nähe sein zu können, denn er hat mit ihm noch eine Rechnung offen. Denn Bran nur daran interessiert, ein Unrecht auszugleichen, welches durch Reivers Blutclub begonnen wurde.
Diese Novelle war fantastisch. Die Kurzgeschichte beinhaltet alle Aspekte, für die Adrian bekannt ist: eine starke Heldin, ein verführerisch gefährlicher Stammesvampir und jede Menge Action, um das Herz der LeserInnen höher schlagen zu lassen. Die Intensität der Leidenschaft in dieser kurzen Story hat mich beeindruckt. Ich war gespannt, mit wem Danika zusammenarbeiten würde und ob sie der Sache gewachsen ist. Es kann schwierig sein, einen Charakter von einem so traumatischen Ereignis, wie dem Verlust des Gefährten, zu erholen. Doch Adrian schafft es ohne Probleme. Sie gibt Danika die Chance, auch weiterhin, um Conlan zu trauern und ihn wirklich schmerzlich zu vermissen. Aber in ihrem Herzen lässt die Autorin der Protagonistin noch immer die Fähigkeit zu lieben und den Mut eine neue Liebe einzugehen. Diese Liebe hat auch gute Aussichten die nächsten Jahrhunderte zu überstehen.
Fazit
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Das Sehnen der Nacht ist eine rasante und emotionale Novelle. Lara Adrian hat mit diesem Buch eine fantastische Story zu Papier gebracht, die meiner Meinung nach in keiner Sammlung der Midnight Breed – Reihe fehlen darf.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.
January 22, 2012
2 stars or D grade
Lara Adrian is an author who is hit-or-miss with me. The heroines have a tendency to lose their instinct for survivial. Sometimes the warriors feel like a weak interpretation of kicka$$ men. (I use to cringe when Rogue vampires were called "suckheads" by the warriors of the Order; luckily, that term was dropped several books ago.)
Breedmate Danika MacConn, widow of a fallen warrior, goes to Scotland to visit her deceased husband's family, along with her 3 month old baby. She meets an insulting man and slaps him. Later, she finds out he is a greatly feared leader in organized crime. She must investigate, which leads her to the hero of the story.
Danika absolutely killed this story for me. She bumbles about with clueless zeal, lack of self-preservation for her family and child, and goes from mourning widow to sensual woman in 3 seconds. I pushed through to 68% of the book and could stand no more. I hoped to return to this short story, but no matter how much time passed I could not bring myself to do it.
To me, this is Danika.
She did not choose safety. She didn't die when she should have. *facepalm*
This novella influenced my decision to borrow the upcoming hardback release from the library rather than purchase the ebook edition. I'm looking forward to Chase Sterling's story. I'm hoping the heroine is smart and shows a will to live.
Lara Adrian is an author who is hit-or-miss with me. The heroines have a tendency to lose their instinct for survivial. Sometimes the warriors feel like a weak interpretation of kicka$$ men. (I use to cringe when Rogue vampires were called "suckheads" by the warriors of the Order; luckily, that term was dropped several books ago.)
Breedmate Danika MacConn, widow of a fallen warrior, goes to Scotland to visit her deceased husband's family, along with her 3 month old baby. She meets an insulting man and slaps him. Later, she finds out he is a greatly feared leader in organized crime. She must investigate, which leads her to the hero of the story.
Danika absolutely killed this story for me. She bumbles about with clueless zeal, lack of self-preservation for her family and child, and goes from mourning widow to sensual woman in 3 seconds. I pushed through to 68% of the book and could stand no more. I hoped to return to this short story, but no matter how much time passed I could not bring myself to do it.
To me, this is Danika.
She did not choose safety. She didn't die when she should have. *facepalm*
This novella influenced my decision to borrow the upcoming hardback release from the library rather than purchase the ebook edition. I'm looking forward to Chase Sterling's story. I'm hoping the heroine is smart and shows a will to live.
December 19, 2018
It was nice to catch up with what's been happening with Danika in this novella. I'm glad that she was able to find love again after losing Conlan. I like Malcolm also and I hope to see them again later in the series.
April 23, 2012
It was ok. But I can't say I liked it.
Why? Easy. It was too short.
I'm not ranting about the shortness itself. I believe it is absolutely possible to write good romance with a bit of suspense or angst or whatever in 70 pages. I do not believe the best heroine to choose for such a short story is one like Danika, who lost her mate some measly one and a half years ago. Like others here have said, it's totally ridiculous of any author to want us to believe in some sort of crazy bonding for life stuff and then have a character not only bounce back from losing such a mate in less than two years but also find another mate-for-life and live happily ever after without one backward glance.
Which is what bothered me the most here. Conlan and everything about his life with Danika is hardly ever mentioned. That's not closure.
It's bad enough when it happens in novel-length stories. In a short story that also has some plot besides the romance going on, it's even less believable.
Aside from the fact that yes, it was an enjoyable read because it WAS nice to read about Danika and her son and her possible HEA, I couldn't believe it, because there were so many issues not even mentioned, let alone resolved. And it makes me really mad that the only way romance authors deal with late spouses is by kind of diminishing the love they once had. We didn't see all that much of Conlan before he died, but he didn't deserve that and if LA hadn't for some incomprehensible reason thought that this would make a good short story; well, maybe she would have found a way to make the romance between Danika and Mal more believable. All they neeeded was a little more time.
Why? Easy. It was too short.
I'm not ranting about the shortness itself. I believe it is absolutely possible to write good romance with a bit of suspense or angst or whatever in 70 pages. I do not believe the best heroine to choose for such a short story is one like Danika, who lost her mate some measly one and a half years ago. Like others here have said, it's totally ridiculous of any author to want us to believe in some sort of crazy bonding for life stuff and then have a character not only bounce back from losing such a mate in less than two years but also find another mate-for-life and live happily ever after without one backward glance.
Which is what bothered me the most here. Conlan and everything about his life with Danika is hardly ever mentioned. That's not closure.
It's bad enough when it happens in novel-length stories. In a short story that also has some plot besides the romance going on, it's even less believable.
Aside from the fact that yes, it was an enjoyable read because it WAS nice to read about Danika and her son and her possible HEA, I couldn't believe it, because there were so many issues not even mentioned, let alone resolved. And it makes me really mad that the only way romance authors deal with late spouses is by kind of diminishing the love they once had. We didn't see all that much of Conlan before he died, but he didn't deserve that and if LA hadn't for some incomprehensible reason thought that this would make a good short story; well, maybe she would have found a way to make the romance between Danika and Mal more believable. All they neeeded was a little more time.
January 22, 2012
I've felt sad for Danika since she lost Con and was left alone with her child. Unmated, now left to start aging, she was still strong. She moved away from The Order and went in search of closeness with her mate's family.
It's been enough time and now she finds someone that might be able to spark some interest in her, as it turns out, it's Cons' best friend. I loved the fact that technically Bran had *seen* her first. He was just a bit too slow to make a move and Con got a jump on that. He's always cared for Danika, she was that one that got away and he was happy that Con was a good mate to her.
Now she's back in their land, and in danger. Bran will have to go against what he's worked for for a very long time in order to keep Danika and her son safe.
You can't miss out on reading this short story!!
It's been enough time and now she finds someone that might be able to spark some interest in her, as it turns out, it's Cons' best friend. I loved the fact that technically Bran had *seen* her first. He was just a bit too slow to make a move and Con got a jump on that. He's always cared for Danika, she was that one that got away and he was happy that Con was a good mate to her.
Now she's back in their land, and in danger. Bran will have to go against what he's worked for for a very long time in order to keep Danika and her son safe.
You can't miss out on reading this short story!!
October 31, 2013
2.5 stars
I liked the story surrounding Mal, Reiver, and Thane, but once again LR tried to force feed me an implausible romance. While I could see the potential in the Dani/Mal pairing, there is no way a woman mated for hundreds of years and still wearing her widow's garb would jump into bed with anyone within 24 hours; regardless if they had history or not!! I mean really why spend time painting a detailed picture of the heroine as the still grieving, devoted widow only to destroy it by having her wantonly on her back with the hero in the blink of an eye?!?! Nope, not buying it - so Lara stop trying to sell me this crap :/
Read
July 15, 2017Mit 18 oder so habe ich die ersten 10 Bücher in der Reihe verschlungen und letztens mit Freundinnen über unsere shameful Bücher Vergangenheit geredet und gelacht. Medimops konnte mich dann gleich unschlagbar günstig mit den nächsten 3 versorgen and here we are... Empfehlen würde ich das hier niemandem. Es war mehr Komödie als alles andere, da die Klischees einen anspringen und der Dialog nur zum Kopfschütteln ist. Weiterlesen werde ich meinem 18 jährigen ich zuliebe aber trotzdem
April 7, 2012
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I have always wanted to see more about Danika, the widowed Breedmate from very early on in the series. This novella absolutely satisfied that need.
Danika is feeling smothered at a Darkhaven soiree and wants nothing more than to return to her infant son at the cottage they are staying in. She's made a trip to the Highlands to visit Conlan's family, but she just wants to return home to Denmark.
But as she's walking to the terrace for a breath of fresh air, she over hears something menacing. Danika's breedmate talent is that she can hear other people's thoughts. It's sporadic since her mate died, but it's still there. But she also hears a seductive Scottish voice telling her that she shouldn't be eavesdropping.
Malcolm has one goal, and that goal is revenge. Not your run of the mill revenge, oh no, he wants this man to suffer. He's had 7 months to kill him, but is waiting to make it worse, so much worse. So when this Breed male named Riever sets his sights on Danika, Mal has to figure out how to stay under cover and still protect Dani.
Mal and Dani have a history together-several hundred years ago, Danika the Nordic Princess came to Scotland and met both Con and Mal (although Mal saw her first-lol). But she recognized right away that Mal would break her heart. Con and she were married for several centuries, and I like that Ms. Adrian never made us feel like Con was just a convenient mate. Danika and Conlan loved each other, and Mal understood that.
I only wish that Mal had decided to take the Order up on their offer. Instead he wanted to stay with his new mate (totally understandable, but I'd hoped we would see more of him). On the whole, it was a great novella, and I loved the action and fast pace. An easy read and a smokin' hot romance.
I will say that I truly hope we see more of Thane-it'd be a shame to let his character go to waste.
I have always wanted to see more about Danika, the widowed Breedmate from very early on in the series. This novella absolutely satisfied that need.
Danika is feeling smothered at a Darkhaven soiree and wants nothing more than to return to her infant son at the cottage they are staying in. She's made a trip to the Highlands to visit Conlan's family, but she just wants to return home to Denmark.
But as she's walking to the terrace for a breath of fresh air, she over hears something menacing. Danika's breedmate talent is that she can hear other people's thoughts. It's sporadic since her mate died, but it's still there. But she also hears a seductive Scottish voice telling her that she shouldn't be eavesdropping.
Malcolm has one goal, and that goal is revenge. Not your run of the mill revenge, oh no, he wants this man to suffer. He's had 7 months to kill him, but is waiting to make it worse, so much worse. So when this Breed male named Riever sets his sights on Danika, Mal has to figure out how to stay under cover and still protect Dani.
Mal and Dani have a history together-several hundred years ago, Danika the Nordic Princess came to Scotland and met both Con and Mal (although Mal saw her first-lol). But she recognized right away that Mal would break her heart. Con and she were married for several centuries, and I like that Ms. Adrian never made us feel like Con was just a convenient mate. Danika and Conlan loved each other, and Mal understood that.
I only wish that Mal had decided to take the Order up on their offer. Instead he wanted to stay with his new mate (totally understandable, but I'd hoped we would see more of him). On the whole, it was a great novella, and I loved the action and fast pace. An easy read and a smokin' hot romance.
I will say that I truly hope we see more of Thane-it'd be a shame to let his character go to waste.
January 11, 2013
This was a gorgeous little read, taking us back to the story of Danika, who tragically lost her mate, Conlan, earlier in the series. One of the previous books in the series showed us a brief glimpse of Danika’s new life after she had returned to her native Denmark and had given birth to her and Conlan’s son, Connor. This book sees her and her baby in Edinburgh, visiting Conlan’s family. And while she is there, she unexpectedly runs into the tall, dark and mysterious vampire, Bran, who gets her heart racing again and is harbouring a big secret…
Danika is still in mourning, although still standing strong and confident and carrying on with her life. I was worried about how this story would unfold, as the length of the novella would not allow a big lead up for a strong love to develop, but the way that it came about and then all unfolded was pretty much perfect . And through it all, I love that her history with Conlan and her feelings for him were never disrespected.
“Con’s gone, and I’m still alive. I still mourn him, but I can’t tell you that my heart isn’t glad to be looking at you now.”
Bran, like Danika, is also recovering from a loss from his past and I was really happy to see them come together. Their love story is intense and very passionate!
There is a bit of action as Bran is tied up with the bad guys, and Danika is unwittingly dragged into the nastiness. And there is an epilogue which ties the story in a little with what is about to go down in Boston with the Order, as a newly introduced character makes his way over to help with the big epic battle to come.
I love that Adrian went back to finish off Danika’s story for us, and was very happy to see her get her HEA. And now, it’s time for the big showdown. Woohoo!
Danika is still in mourning, although still standing strong and confident and carrying on with her life. I was worried about how this story would unfold, as the length of the novella would not allow a big lead up for a strong love to develop, but the way that it came about and then all unfolded was pretty much perfect . And through it all, I love that her history with Conlan and her feelings for him were never disrespected.
“Con’s gone, and I’m still alive. I still mourn him, but I can’t tell you that my heart isn’t glad to be looking at you now.”
Bran, like Danika, is also recovering from a loss from his past and I was really happy to see them come together. Their love story is intense and very passionate!
There is a bit of action as Bran is tied up with the bad guys, and Danika is unwittingly dragged into the nastiness. And there is an epilogue which ties the story in a little with what is about to go down in Boston with the Order, as a newly introduced character makes his way over to help with the big epic battle to come.
I love that Adrian went back to finish off Danika’s story for us, and was very happy to see her get her HEA. And now, it’s time for the big showdown. Woohoo!
August 16, 2018
Feeling so lost and alone, Breedmate Danika MacConn braves a holiday party thrown in the Highlands. When her senses overhear a conversation about bloodsport she can't help but eavesdrop. But when the same man who is setting up the horrific situation makes a pass for her, she can't resist letting him know just how much she reviles him, smacking him in front of all the guests at the party. Unbeknownst to her is that he is the local crime boss and now she is in trouble. But there is an unexpected ally in the crime bosses society that she hasn't seen in hundreds of years.
Brannoc is hiding a secret so deep that revenge has become his life. When he sees Danika for the first time in a long time, he is reminded of the love he felt for her years ago. Unfortunately, his revenge has become a living part of him and he can't let it go, even for love.
When things heat up, it comes down to love. Will it win once again?
This series is a wonderful, gripping storyline. Danika lost her husband, Con, in a battle in the first book. It was so heartbreaking to read that novel, seeing her grieve and to know she is three months pregnant with his baby. You don't think she will ever find love again, assuming a mating is a one time thing. I am so glad it isn't and you get to see Danika find some happiness.
This is a quick novella, but it kept me satisfied as I wait for the next book in the series, Darker After Midnight, due out late January 2012.
Brannoc is hiding a secret so deep that revenge has become his life. When he sees Danika for the first time in a long time, he is reminded of the love he felt for her years ago. Unfortunately, his revenge has become a living part of him and he can't let it go, even for love.
When things heat up, it comes down to love. Will it win once again?
This series is a wonderful, gripping storyline. Danika lost her husband, Con, in a battle in the first book. It was so heartbreaking to read that novel, seeing her grieve and to know she is three months pregnant with his baby. You don't think she will ever find love again, assuming a mating is a one time thing. I am so glad it isn't and you get to see Danika find some happiness.
This is a quick novella, but it kept me satisfied as I wait for the next book in the series, Darker After Midnight, due out late January 2012.
December 6, 2011
OMG!!! Lara didn't disappoint with this Novella and Danika's new love. I enjoyed this book so much I had to read it right off!!!
The Breeds are at the top of my favourite list alongside only 1 other and they have every right to be there. Dani lost her love, Conlan, in an earlier story and she was also pregnant, this short story picks up when her child is just a baby and she has returned to Scotland for the winter holidays. Mal was Con's best friend and meets up with Dani under unfavourable circumstances and then the story begins...
I grasped this story with both hands, craving for a taste of the Breeds after so long and this short story did the trick, filled a small void, for now! I was pleasantly surprised at the twists and turns that a Novella could bring but trust Lara to pull out all the stops...
This mouth watering taste has left me hungry for the next installment early next year... I simply can't wait now that my appetite has been tickled!!!
Loved it!!!!
The Breeds are at the top of my favourite list alongside only 1 other and they have every right to be there. Dani lost her love, Conlan, in an earlier story and she was also pregnant, this short story picks up when her child is just a baby and she has returned to Scotland for the winter holidays. Mal was Con's best friend and meets up with Dani under unfavourable circumstances and then the story begins...
I grasped this story with both hands, craving for a taste of the Breeds after so long and this short story did the trick, filled a small void, for now! I was pleasantly surprised at the twists and turns that a Novella could bring but trust Lara to pull out all the stops...
This mouth watering taste has left me hungry for the next installment early next year... I simply can't wait now that my appetite has been tickled!!!
Loved it!!!!
March 16, 2012
Short & Enjoyable!
Another enjoyable midnight breed story, this short 75 page novella was a fast page turner as the story brought forward a widowed breed mate with a child into the troughs and dangers of human trafficking breed leader by the name of Reiver. The Breed society is against human trafficking and between the Breed Order warrior “Thane” and Malcomb (Scott Breed), Reiver’s business was snuffed out and demolished.
I have to add that Malcomb’s character is sort of a tortured soul because of his loss and his passion for revenge. The romance between Danika and Malcomb was based on an old flame between both of them from their past as it rekindled. They were the perfect mates for each other in the end because of the similar loss of their mates and it was beautiful that they could find love again.
Very good and Enjoyable story! Look forward to reading Darker After Midnight.
Another enjoyable midnight breed story, this short 75 page novella was a fast page turner as the story brought forward a widowed breed mate with a child into the troughs and dangers of human trafficking breed leader by the name of Reiver. The Breed society is against human trafficking and between the Breed Order warrior “Thane” and Malcomb (Scott Breed), Reiver’s business was snuffed out and demolished.
I have to add that Malcomb’s character is sort of a tortured soul because of his loss and his passion for revenge. The romance between Danika and Malcomb was based on an old flame between both of them from their past as it rekindled. They were the perfect mates for each other in the end because of the similar loss of their mates and it was beautiful that they could find love again.
Very good and Enjoyable story! Look forward to reading Darker After Midnight.
December 28, 2011
I thought this little Novella was great but I do wish that it was longer!......We already knew Danika and I am hoping that this little novella was slipped in to introduce Mal to us and that he becomes a main character in the series as I would really like to read more about him and the relationship between them.
Less than a month to go before the next installment is released and I can't wait ! ☺☺
Less than a month to go before the next installment is released and I can't wait ! ☺☺
December 6, 2011
wow what an awesome novella. Definitely filled my need for Breed :D cannot wait for chase's book in January but this was a very good shorty and im so happy to see Danika finally find love again since we all know sweet Conlan wouldn't have wanted her to mourn forever. Keep it up Lara and you'll keep landing on my shelves for sure.
October 3, 2019
Re-reading
October 23, 2022
Danika is a widowed Breedmate with an infant son, Connor. Bran is a henchman with secrets and his own agenda. During her visit to Scotland, Danika mentally hears criminal plans being made with a top vampire gangster and his cronies. Bran knows Danika's gift and mentally tells her to stop eavesdropping. She thinks she recognizes the man's voice, but she is not sure. Soon Danika is fighting and running for her life and Bran is just the vampire to help her, but can he keep it from his boss?
Novellas are not my favorite books because the fiction elements happen quickly, especially the characterization and the plot. The reader is no sooner getting acquainted with the main characters then a chapter or two later the protagonists are jumping into bed together. Despite my humble opinion, I found the characterization and the plot well planned. The setting was easy to follow through the characters. The tension is high causing the pacing to be fast. The dialogue defines each character. The descriptions are hardly graphic. I backtracked to read this novella. I'm actually fixing to start reading Crave the Night, the twelfth novel in the series.
Novellas are not my favorite books because the fiction elements happen quickly, especially the characterization and the plot. The reader is no sooner getting acquainted with the main characters then a chapter or two later the protagonists are jumping into bed together. Despite my humble opinion, I found the characterization and the plot well planned. The setting was easy to follow through the characters. The tension is high causing the pacing to be fast. The dialogue defines each character. The descriptions are hardly graphic. I backtracked to read this novella. I'm actually fixing to start reading Crave the Night, the twelfth novel in the series.
December 18, 2011
Danika was pregnant when her breedmate Con was killed while on a mission for the Order. Unable to face the constant reminders of her lost love she left the Order's compound in Boston to return to her homeland for a quiet life with her son. While visiting Con's family in Scotland she overhears a dangerous criminal talking about humans being traded for blood sport and is determined to put a stop to it. She doesn't expect to run into an old friend but as soon as she sees Bran she recognises him as her childhood friend Mal. She is going to need Mal's help if she wants to put a stop to the criminal activities.
Fans of the Midnight Breed series will remember Danika losing her mate Con in the first book Kiss of Midnight, she has made several minor appearances since then so we have had the chance to see how things have been for her. I always found it sad that she lost her happily ever after at the same time that the other warriors all started to find theirs so I was really pleased to get to see her find love again.
I'm not going to go into too much detail about the story as this is a short novella and it would be too easy to give spoilers but I really liked the way the romance develops between Danika and Mal. They have known each other for years and there had been an attraction between them before she met Con so although their romance is fast it was still believable. What I liked most was the fact that Danika's relationship with Con wasn't dismissed, too often when someone loses their partner in a romance novel it seems like they have to realise that they never really loved them before they can move on with someone else. This isn't the case here, Danika and Con were together for a long time and she will always have feelings for him but that doesn't mean she can't move forward and be happy again with Mal.
There were a couple of moments when I was shouting at Danika not to be so stupid when she put herself at risk investigating the human slave ring that she uncovers but you can't help but admire her bravery and the fact that she wants to do the right thing. Mal has his own reasons to be investigating the criminals but he may have to put his hope for revenge on hold if he wants to keep Danika safe. I really hope we get to see more of both Danika and Mal in the series and I'm also very curious about Thane - I'd love to find out more about him!
A Taste of Midnight is a fabulous novella and a perfect treat for fans of the Midnight Breed series while we're waiting for the release of Darker than Midnight in January. It would also make a great introduction to anyone who hasn't tried the series yet, the story is stand alone so won't give spoilers for the rest of the series but it will leave you wanting to pick up the other books. Lara Adrian is one of my favourite authors and this novella doesn't disappoint, if you haven't tried this series yet what are you waiting for?
Fans of the Midnight Breed series will remember Danika losing her mate Con in the first book Kiss of Midnight, she has made several minor appearances since then so we have had the chance to see how things have been for her. I always found it sad that she lost her happily ever after at the same time that the other warriors all started to find theirs so I was really pleased to get to see her find love again.
I'm not going to go into too much detail about the story as this is a short novella and it would be too easy to give spoilers but I really liked the way the romance develops between Danika and Mal. They have known each other for years and there had been an attraction between them before she met Con so although their romance is fast it was still believable. What I liked most was the fact that Danika's relationship with Con wasn't dismissed, too often when someone loses their partner in a romance novel it seems like they have to realise that they never really loved them before they can move on with someone else. This isn't the case here, Danika and Con were together for a long time and she will always have feelings for him but that doesn't mean she can't move forward and be happy again with Mal.
There were a couple of moments when I was shouting at Danika not to be so stupid when she put herself at risk investigating the human slave ring that she uncovers but you can't help but admire her bravery and the fact that she wants to do the right thing. Mal has his own reasons to be investigating the criminals but he may have to put his hope for revenge on hold if he wants to keep Danika safe. I really hope we get to see more of both Danika and Mal in the series and I'm also very curious about Thane - I'd love to find out more about him!
A Taste of Midnight is a fabulous novella and a perfect treat for fans of the Midnight Breed series while we're waiting for the release of Darker than Midnight in January. It would also make a great introduction to anyone who hasn't tried the series yet, the story is stand alone so won't give spoilers for the rest of the series but it will leave you wanting to pick up the other books. Lara Adrian is one of my favourite authors and this novella doesn't disappoint, if you haven't tried this series yet what are you waiting for?
January 17, 2012
Unfortunately I didn't like this story at all.
I've never been convinced by the romance part in the MB books but this was one of the worst.
Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with characters moving on and I know you can't decide when you fall in love but you should make it at least believable. Rio's story was already bad and this one isn't much better.
Danika was mated for several hundred years, Con is dead like 1,5 years and *bamm* she moves on like that. He was hardly even mentioned in the story. It made me really mad when there were hints that she'd always loved Mal and vice versa. Made it seem like Con and Fiona have always been secon choices and I don't like it when former matings get diminished.
Sometimes authors do that by giving all kinds of stupid 'explanations' for the first mating (it was arranged, it was only out of obligation, the mate suddenly wasn't as great as thought compared to the new one etc.) or like here implying a secret love that goes back several hundred years.
I also find it laughable when authors try to sell the HEAs as "the one and only now and for all times" when the characters can clearly move on like it is the case here. It was a WTF moment when at the end Mal and Danika talked about being together forever. I'm sure they promised that to Con and Fiona as well. Maybe they should just keep their mouths shut and enjoy the time they have. Because I'm sure they can move on when one partner dies.
Like with all MB books I didn't feel the romance at all. They met, recoginzed each other, fucked and were deeply in love. It was also once again full of sappy cliché lines that make me cringe.
In the other books I at least have the overall storyline which is the best part about the MB series and the reason I'm still reading it. Here you had a boring and predictable story. Oh, Danika is one of the captured humans in the end. I never expected this! *rolls eyes*
I always liked Danika but hated it when she used her talent to get information about Mal's past and he isn't really pissed about it. WTF!
But it was still great to see her again although I was more hoping of a story with flashbacks of her and Con that also showed how she was coping with the loss. But it seems everyone has to have a HEA, no matter how unbelievable it is.
I really liked Thane and am sure he'll be transfered to Boston soon. Can't wait to see him again!
I've never been convinced by the romance part in the MB books but this was one of the worst.
Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with characters moving on and I know you can't decide when you fall in love but you should make it at least believable. Rio's story was already bad and this one isn't much better.
Danika was mated for several hundred years, Con is dead like 1,5 years and *bamm* she moves on like that. He was hardly even mentioned in the story. It made me really mad when there were hints that she'd always loved Mal and vice versa. Made it seem like Con and Fiona have always been secon choices and I don't like it when former matings get diminished.
Sometimes authors do that by giving all kinds of stupid 'explanations' for the first mating (it was arranged, it was only out of obligation, the mate suddenly wasn't as great as thought compared to the new one etc.) or like here implying a secret love that goes back several hundred years.
I also find it laughable when authors try to sell the HEAs as "the one and only now and for all times" when the characters can clearly move on like it is the case here. It was a WTF moment when at the end Mal and Danika talked about being together forever. I'm sure they promised that to Con and Fiona as well. Maybe they should just keep their mouths shut and enjoy the time they have. Because I'm sure they can move on when one partner dies.
Like with all MB books I didn't feel the romance at all. They met, recoginzed each other, fucked and were deeply in love. It was also once again full of sappy cliché lines that make me cringe.
In the other books I at least have the overall storyline which is the best part about the MB series and the reason I'm still reading it. Here you had a boring and predictable story. Oh, Danika is one of the captured humans in the end. I never expected this! *rolls eyes*
I always liked Danika but hated it when she used her talent to get information about Mal's past and he isn't really pissed about it. WTF!
But it was still great to see her again although I was more hoping of a story with flashbacks of her and Con that also showed how she was coping with the loss. But it seems everyone has to have a HEA, no matter how unbelievable it is.
I really liked Thane and am sure he'll be transfered to Boston soon. Can't wait to see him again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2011
This short novella came in early to my Kindle, and at $1.99 it was worth the read.
This is one of those 'in between' stories and catches us up with what happens to Danika MacConn, the pregnant Breedmate widow (of Conlan MacConn) we met in an earlier book. She lived in a cabin in Denmark and offered shelter to members of the Order that needed it.
In this novella, Danika is visiting her deceased H's Scottish relatives and attends a Darkhaven party with them.
While there, she overhears a group of males discussing an arriving shipment of 'live cargo', which Danika assumes to be blood slaves.
That leads to an altercation with the 'boss' of the group, Reiver, after he introduces himself to Danika.
The next day, Danika starts nosing into Reiver's business... not a smart thing, especially for a new mother of an infant son.
The H of the story, Malcolm Brannoc, knew Conlan and Danika centuries before. He is working for Reiver under an assumed identity to get his revenge for the death of his pregnant breedmate. She had gone to town to shop and was kidnapped by a pimp that supplied Reiver with humans for his blood house. Mal's breedmate was killed before she was taken there, but Mal blames the criminal for being behind the whole business, and vows to take down Reiver and the vamps he does business with.
We meet another intriguing male in this story whom I wish would become a regular or have his own book.
Not saying anymore... this is a short story!
There is also a teaser for 'Darker After Midnight' which will come out in January 2012 (of course I have pre-ordered that, lol).
This is one of those 'in between' stories and catches us up with what happens to Danika MacConn, the pregnant Breedmate widow (of Conlan MacConn) we met in an earlier book. She lived in a cabin in Denmark and offered shelter to members of the Order that needed it.
In this novella, Danika is visiting her deceased H's Scottish relatives and attends a Darkhaven party with them.
While there, she overhears a group of males discussing an arriving shipment of 'live cargo', which Danika assumes to be blood slaves.
That leads to an altercation with the 'boss' of the group, Reiver, after he introduces himself to Danika.
The next day, Danika starts nosing into Reiver's business... not a smart thing, especially for a new mother of an infant son.
The H of the story, Malcolm Brannoc, knew Conlan and Danika centuries before. He is working for Reiver under an assumed identity to get his revenge for the death of his pregnant breedmate. She had gone to town to shop and was kidnapped by a pimp that supplied Reiver with humans for his blood house. Mal's breedmate was killed before she was taken there, but Mal blames the criminal for being behind the whole business, and vows to take down Reiver and the vamps he does business with.
We meet another intriguing male in this story whom I wish would become a regular or have his own book.
Not saying anymore... this is a short story!
There is also a teaser for 'Darker After Midnight' which will come out in January 2012 (of course I have pre-ordered that, lol).
January 2, 2015
We never really had a chance to get to know Danika in the first Midnight Breeds book. Her mate, Conlan, was the warrior who died in that installment. Danika was pregnant and went off to Europe to have the baby. Now, a couple of years later, she is still trying to come to terms with Conlan’s death and new love is the last thing on her mind.
While attending a Darkhaven party, she overhears something she shouldn’t have and ends up making waves with a crime boss who puts her in his crosshairs. But there is a special man from her distant past who turns out to be part of the equation, and he ends up turning her whole life on its head. I don’t want to spoil too much, but Mal is fighting a pretty heartbreaking past of his own and these two turn out to be an unexpected balm to each other’s souls.
It was a good story and I appreciate that Conlan is not forgotten. I am also glad that the hero was someone who had an important place in Danika’s past, which helped soften the blow of her moving on. But once these two got started, things moved at warp speed. I know it’s a novella, but I got a bit of whiplash by how quickly their relationship progressed.
Overall, though, I enjoyed it. Chronologically, it’s set before the events of Deeper Than Midnight, but it’s not really necessary to read it in order, as it is largely removed from what’s happening in the full length novels. The pacing is quick; the plot is interesting; and the ending is satisfying. I think fans of the series would enjoy.
Rating: B
While attending a Darkhaven party, she overhears something she shouldn’t have and ends up making waves with a crime boss who puts her in his crosshairs. But there is a special man from her distant past who turns out to be part of the equation, and he ends up turning her whole life on its head. I don’t want to spoil too much, but Mal is fighting a pretty heartbreaking past of his own and these two turn out to be an unexpected balm to each other’s souls.
It was a good story and I appreciate that Conlan is not forgotten. I am also glad that the hero was someone who had an important place in Danika’s past, which helped soften the blow of her moving on. But once these two got started, things moved at warp speed. I know it’s a novella, but I got a bit of whiplash by how quickly their relationship progressed.
Overall, though, I enjoyed it. Chronologically, it’s set before the events of Deeper Than Midnight, but it’s not really necessary to read it in order, as it is largely removed from what’s happening in the full length novels. The pacing is quick; the plot is interesting; and the ending is satisfying. I think fans of the series would enjoy.
Rating: B
December 7, 2011
In this novella, we get more of the story of Danika who had lost her mate, Con, who worked for The Order. She is striving to continue on with her life and take care of their child, Connor. She goes back to Scotland to be with family during the holidays.
At a party, she overhears some disturbing talk and has a brief encounter with the main culprit, Reiver. She just cannot let that go. She contacts Gideon from The Order to find out more information. He doesn't give it to her but through her ESP, she's able to obtain the address of Reiver's Club. There she runs into one of his bodyguards that she also met at the party, Brannoc, who just happens to be her late husband's best friend, Malcolm.
Okay, so that bothered me. I really hate when they make it so convenient and the whole "I've always loved you" thing but surprisingly, this works. I think it's the shared tragedy that did it and while the relationship seems a bit rushed, I liked how they came together. I definitely would've liked this to be a full length novel. And what the heck was this??
Don't miss this if you're a Midnight Breed fan!
At a party, she overhears some disturbing talk and has a brief encounter with the main culprit, Reiver. She just cannot let that go. She contacts Gideon from The Order to find out more information. He doesn't give it to her but through her ESP, she's able to obtain the address of Reiver's Club. There she runs into one of his bodyguards that she also met at the party, Brannoc, who just happens to be her late husband's best friend, Malcolm.
Okay, so that bothered me. I really hate when they make it so convenient and the whole "I've always loved you" thing but surprisingly, this works. I think it's the shared tragedy that did it and while the relationship seems a bit rushed, I liked how they came together. I definitely would've liked this to be a full length novel. And what the heck was this??
Don't miss this if you're a Midnight Breed fan!
July 23, 2015
I really enjoyed A Taste of Midnight. Usually these novellas feel too rushed for me, but I felt the story was well written and explored just enough for the story to be developed and finished in the short amount of chapters. Wonderful to know that Danika was able to mourn her mate in the amount of time she did and able to find another worthy male to be beside her and baby Connor. The fact that this male was part of her life so long ago just added to the sweetness and not a cheesy feeling that often times occur for me when it's a prior love or acquaintance. Glad I picked this series up again to read, never disappointed.
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