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Midnight Breed #12.5
Tempted by Midnight
Once, they lived in secret alongside mankind. Now, emerged from the shadows, the Breed faces enemies on both sides—human and vampire alike. No one knows that better than Lazaro Archer, one of the eldest, most powerful of his kind. His beloved Breedmate and family massacred by a madman twenty years ago, Lazaro refuses to open his heart again.
Sworn to his duty as the leader of the Order’s command center in Italy, the last thing the hardened warrior wants is to be tasked with the rescue and safekeeping of an innocent woman in need of his protection. But when a covert mission takes a deadly wrong turn, Lazaro finds himself in the unlikely role of hero with a familiar, intriguing beauty he should not desire, but cannot resist.
Melena Walsh has never forgotten the dashing Breed male who saved her life as a child. But the chivalrous hero of her past is in hard contrast to the embittered, dangerous man on whom her safety now depends. And with an unwanted—yet undeniable—desire igniting between them, Melena fears that Lazaro’s protection may come at the price of her heart….
Sworn to his duty as the leader of the Order’s command center in Italy, the last thing the hardened warrior wants is to be tasked with the rescue and safekeeping of an innocent woman in need of his protection. But when a covert mission takes a deadly wrong turn, Lazaro finds himself in the unlikely role of hero with a familiar, intriguing beauty he should not desire, but cannot resist.
Melena Walsh has never forgotten the dashing Breed male who saved her life as a child. But the chivalrous hero of her past is in hard contrast to the embittered, dangerous man on whom her safety now depends. And with an unwanted—yet undeniable—desire igniting between them, Melena fears that Lazaro’s protection may come at the price of her heart….
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2014
269 people are currently reading
5355 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 252 reviews
September 16, 2018
3 I wanted more Lazaro Stars
Tempted by Midnight was Lazaro Archer's long awaited story. I have wanted Lazaro to get a HEA ever since he lost all that he loved thanks to Dragos. The problem I had with this book was it was just a novella. It was too short to build up a good connection with the MC. It made their love feel rushed. Lazaro's growth felt rushed. I really needed more depth. I think this would have been a great read if it had been a full novel.
Tempted by Midnight was Lazaro Archer's long awaited story. I have wanted Lazaro to get a HEA ever since he lost all that he loved thanks to Dragos. The problem I had with this book was it was just a novella. It was too short to build up a good connection with the MC. It made their love feel rushed. Lazaro's growth felt rushed. I really needed more depth. I think this would have been a great read if it had been a full novel.
June 18, 2017
Lazaro finally gets a second chance at love!!
My heart went out to Lazaro Archer a few books ago when his entire family was slaughtered. I'm talking, his wife, all of his children and his grandchildren. The only one to survive was a grandson that had snuck out of the house that evening. I had always hoped that Lara Adrian would give Lazaro his own book. I just didn't expect it to be so Freakin hot!!
Lazaro Archer
Lazaro has been mourning the loss of his family for over 20 years. He has decided to never love again. To never bond with a Breedmate or have children again. He is not prepared for the physical attraction he feels the moment he lays eyes on Melena. She's all grown up now and looks nothing like the lanky teen he once saved from drowning.
Melena
Melena has hero worshipped Lazaro Archer every since the day he saved her life. But seeing him again, brings about feelings she never expected. She is unable to deny the overwhelming attraction she feels for him. When these two are placed in a life of death situation, they are unable to deny the sparks they feel anytime they touch.
This was a wonderful, short, steamy read that any Midnight Breed fan will appreciate. I only wish I had read it sooner.
My heart went out to Lazaro Archer a few books ago when his entire family was slaughtered. I'm talking, his wife, all of his children and his grandchildren. The only one to survive was a grandson that had snuck out of the house that evening. I had always hoped that Lara Adrian would give Lazaro his own book. I just didn't expect it to be so Freakin hot!!
Lazaro Archer
Lazaro has been mourning the loss of his family for over 20 years. He has decided to never love again. To never bond with a Breedmate or have children again. He is not prepared for the physical attraction he feels the moment he lays eyes on Melena. She's all grown up now and looks nothing like the lanky teen he once saved from drowning.
Melena
Melena has hero worshipped Lazaro Archer every since the day he saved her life. But seeing him again, brings about feelings she never expected. She is unable to deny the overwhelming attraction she feels for him. When these two are placed in a life of death situation, they are unable to deny the sparks they feel anytime they touch.
This was a wonderful, short, steamy read that any Midnight Breed fan will appreciate. I only wish I had read it sooner.
September 15, 2016
Breed warrior Lazaro
Special ability: Surviving the most extreme temperatures (hot or cold), Gen One breed
Age: Over 1000 years old
Breed mate Melena
Special ability: Being able to see people's auras, to understand if their intentions are good or bad
Occupation: Personal assistant to Breed diplomat, translator
Mark place: Base of her throat
Settings: Tyrrherian sea between Anzio and Sardinia, Rome, Washington, Baltimore
Oh well, the grandfather of the Order is falling in love :-)
We all know Lazaro. He is the grandfather of Kellan, he lost his family in Boston because of Dragos and he is very very very old. But he is a breed and as a result he has the body and the attitude of a 30 years old male - especially the attitude. Actually his behaviour in this book was less mature than the behaviour of Melena who was just 29 years old. Melena was a girl that he saved when she was just 7 years old. In this book she is 29, beautiful, available, and she thinks he is her God and her Hero. It does not help the situation the fact that he keeps saving her again and again.
I loved their story. I loved Lazaro being in love. And I loved how the Order's operations are separated and working in different cities all over the world. After London in the previous novella, we visit the Rome operation and new characters are introduced: Jehan, Sav and Trygg.
Special ability: Surviving the most extreme temperatures (hot or cold), Gen One breed
Age: Over 1000 years old
Breed mate Melena
Special ability: Being able to see people's auras, to understand if their intentions are good or bad
Occupation: Personal assistant to Breed diplomat, translator
Mark place: Base of her throat
Settings: Tyrrherian sea between Anzio and Sardinia, Rome, Washington, Baltimore
Oh well, the grandfather of the Order is falling in love :-)
We all know Lazaro. He is the grandfather of Kellan, he lost his family in Boston because of Dragos and he is very very very old. But he is a breed and as a result he has the body and the attitude of a 30 years old male - especially the attitude. Actually his behaviour in this book was less mature than the behaviour of Melena who was just 29 years old. Melena was a girl that he saved when she was just 7 years old. In this book she is 29, beautiful, available, and she thinks he is her God and her Hero. It does not help the situation the fact that he keeps saving her again and again.
I loved their story. I loved Lazaro being in love. And I loved how the Order's operations are separated and working in different cities all over the world. After London in the previous novella, we visit the Rome operation and new characters are introduced: Jehan, Sav and Trygg.
August 3, 2015
I was really excited that we would be getting Lazaro Archer’s story. Having met him previously, we know that, twenty years before, he had all his family except his grandson, Kellan and has since been working for the Breed Order. He’s broken, lonely, and sad and trying to get on with his life, without the people he most loved in his life.
He meets up again with Melena Walsh, who he had saved when she was a child. She’s grown into a beautiful woman and she’s also a Breedmate.
Saving her life again during a secret meeting he had set up, he’s faced by the intense feelings he feels for her.
Lots of angst, betrayal, sexual and emotional tension. And totally surprised by who the villain was…that I never expected.
I would have liked it if the story had been a bit longer..but regardless, I enjoyed it and was happy that the two found their HEA. I think Lazaro deserved to be given a second chance and find happiness again.
He meets up again with Melena Walsh, who he had saved when she was a child. She’s grown into a beautiful woman and she’s also a Breedmate.
Saving her life again during a secret meeting he had set up, he’s faced by the intense feelings he feels for her.
Lots of angst, betrayal, sexual and emotional tension. And totally surprised by who the villain was…that I never expected.
I would have liked it if the story had been a bit longer..but regardless, I enjoyed it and was happy that the two found their HEA. I think Lazaro deserved to be given a second chance and find happiness again.
October 25, 2015
This was a novella and so I'm thinking that my lack of emotional attachment to the hero and heroine were more because there just wasn't enough time to become attached! I just didn't feel their relationship at all. In fact, one minute the hero was pushing her away, and then the next he realized he loved her. Too quick, and I just wasn't inspired by it at all. I gave this a three stars though because I still enjoy Lara Adrian's writing style, as well as I enjoyed some of the secondary characters. I still look forward to Book #13 but truthfully, I could have done without reading this particular novella.
October 15, 2014
3 Stars
Lazaro, a secondary character from an earlier novel, lost his Breed Mate, children, and most of his grandchildren due to an earlier villain's plot. He finally gets a happy ending. It's what I expect from this author. This novella was enjoyable and surprisingly steamy compared to other Midnight Breed novels.
Lazaro, a secondary character from an earlier novel, lost his Breed Mate, children, and most of his grandchildren due to an earlier villain's plot. He finally gets a happy ending. It's what I expect from this author. This novella was enjoyable and surprisingly steamy compared to other Midnight Breed novels.
October 17, 2014
Huge Midnight Breed fan right here, so I was very excited to jump into this story featuring Lazaro Archer – long time ally of the Order who has been through hell in this series.
At over 1000 years old, he is first generation Breed – one of the oldest of his kind. 20 years ago his life fell apart following the brutal and devastating slaying of his beloved mate, his sons and their mates and children at the hands of Dragos. His grief has dulled over the years, but he still carries a lot of guilt that he wasn’t there to protect them. Now, he is commander of the Order’s operation in Rome and keeps himself busy trying not to think about his past.
When he runs into Melena Walsh, the Breedmate daughter of a long-time friend, she starts to stir things in him that he hasn’t felt for years, and when he ends up saving her life, things start to get interesting. Melena has known Lazaro since she was a child, and has always hero-worshipped him a bit. Seeing him again now that she is an adult has her hormones jumping up and down in excitement, and when she recognizes that he feels the same attraction that she does, things start to get very intense, and all kinds of sexy!
But Lazaro is still nursing his guilt and refuses to consider the possibility of a relationship between the two of them. His anger at himself for being unable to resist Melena fuels some pretty hot sexy time…
…and even with all of his anger, he can’t deny how she makes him feel.
Yes, it’s a VERY fast moving relationship, but it’s a novella, so it kind of has to be, and I was able to deal with it. And although the inevitable conflict between them is not an original one, Lara Adrian does it well, and I was happy to see Lazaro get his happy ending after all that he has been through. And Melena is a great heroine who shows a good amount of backbone in dealing with her man.
I enjoyed getting to meet the boys in Lazaro’s crew in Rome, and with the intro given to the three warriors, I’m wondering whether they’ll appear in future books. If so, I’d be very happy with that! The dynamics between them are great, and they are three very different personalities with interesting backgrounds.
This is a great addition to the series. It not only gives us a happy ending for a much-beloved character, but the little bit of action going on behind the scenes ties it in nicely with the growing anticipation over a new danger facing the Order.
I really enjoyed it – 4 stars.
At over 1000 years old, he is first generation Breed – one of the oldest of his kind. 20 years ago his life fell apart following the brutal and devastating slaying of his beloved mate, his sons and their mates and children at the hands of Dragos. His grief has dulled over the years, but he still carries a lot of guilt that he wasn’t there to protect them. Now, he is commander of the Order’s operation in Rome and keeps himself busy trying not to think about his past.
When he runs into Melena Walsh, the Breedmate daughter of a long-time friend, she starts to stir things in him that he hasn’t felt for years, and when he ends up saving her life, things start to get interesting. Melena has known Lazaro since she was a child, and has always hero-worshipped him a bit. Seeing him again now that she is an adult has her hormones jumping up and down in excitement, and when she recognizes that he feels the same attraction that she does, things start to get very intense, and all kinds of sexy!
It was so intense, so startlingly real, this thing coming to life between them.
But Lazaro is still nursing his guilt and refuses to consider the possibility of a relationship between the two of them. His anger at himself for being unable to resist Melena fuels some pretty hot sexy time…
“Damn you for making me want you,” he muttered thickly. His searing breath skated across her electrified skin like a lick of flame. “Damn you for making me want this...”
…and even with all of his anger, he can’t deny how she makes him feel.
She had done in less than a day what no other woman before her had managed to do in two decades.
She made him feel alive again.
Yes, it’s a VERY fast moving relationship, but it’s a novella, so it kind of has to be, and I was able to deal with it. And although the inevitable conflict between them is not an original one, Lara Adrian does it well, and I was happy to see Lazaro get his happy ending after all that he has been through. And Melena is a great heroine who shows a good amount of backbone in dealing with her man.
“Why are you pulling away from me now? Why are you acting as if I don’t mean anything to you?”
He held her gaze, his own haunted and filled with remorse. “Because it isn’t fair to you, letting you think I could ever be any kind of mate worthy of you.”
…
“I’d resisted the temptation for a very long time, Melena. And it was easy. Until I found you.”
I enjoyed getting to meet the boys in Lazaro’s crew in Rome, and with the intro given to the three warriors, I’m wondering whether they’ll appear in future books. If so, I’d be very happy with that! The dynamics between them are great, and they are three very different personalities with interesting backgrounds.
Jehan snorted. “He’s a legend in his own mind. Pay no attention to him.”
Sav barked a laugh. “Envy isn’t a good look for you, Highness.”
“And you may kiss my royal ass, peasant.”
This is a great addition to the series. It not only gives us a happy ending for a much-beloved character, but the little bit of action going on behind the scenes ties it in nicely with the growing anticipation over a new danger facing the Order.
I really enjoyed it – 4 stars.
October 16, 2014
OH WOW!!
I absolutely loved this short, Lazaro's story is just what I needed to read about, I loved this guy, still do and it's about time he found some happiness!
Lara has not lost her ability to move me, I honestly thought the series was about to die a death for me but the last book and this short just proves that we can all hiccup at times but then it's right back on track....
Gotta love The Breed!!!
I absolutely loved this short, Lazaro's story is just what I needed to read about, I loved this guy, still do and it's about time he found some happiness!
Lara has not lost her ability to move me, I honestly thought the series was about to die a death for me but the last book and this short just proves that we can all hiccup at times but then it's right back on track....
Gotta love The Breed!!!
October 10, 2014
Let me begin by saying that The Midnight Breed series, by the brilliant author, Lara Adrian, is hands down my favorite paranormal series of all time. It was this series and this author that began my journey into the realm of romance and who opened my eyes to a world I had not known existed before. Twelve and a half stories into the series and it's a comfortable old friend or one of the family. TEMPTED BY MIDNIGHT is no exception because it takes one of our old friends in the series, Lazaro Archer, who has suffered so much in the past and gives him a chance at a new life worth living.
When Lazaro Archer lost his Breedmate and family to the evil Dragos, he blamed himself completely for not being there to save them. Now, twenty years later he is a hardened Breed enforcer keeping himself at arm's length from any kind of relationship with his own kind. He is dedicated to keeping the Order in check in Europe and nothing will sway him from his mission, until red headed trouble comes his way.
Breedmate, Melena Walsh owes her life to Lazaro. Some twenty years ago, Melena was on the verge of drowning in a frigid lake when Lazaro Archer broke through the ice, went in and brought her to safety. She never forgot that. Now after the Breed have been made known to humans and a new fear being precipitated by the secret organization Opus Nostrum, Melena wishes to help her father broker peace. The goodwill abruptly ends when a missile takes out the yacht the talks were being held on and Lazaro once again saves the life of the former tomboy.
Melena is a distraction for Lazaro, and the minute they set eyes on each other, the very air surrounding them promises to ignite with want and need. Very much a woman now, Melena will not deny the attraction to Lazaro, but he does everything he can to challenge that attraction. He never wants to be put in the same situation that took his family from him again, therefore he blocks whatever feelings he might have. Melena is no pushover though, once she sees that deep down, Lazaro feels just as strongly as she does, she will go after what she wants. Those glyphs don't lie.
When faced with this new danger possibly taking her life, one more time, will Lazaro stand up and take responsibility? Or will be run back to the safety net of the Order in Europe? Only by reading TEMPTED BY MIDNIGHT by Lara Adrian, will you find out.
What a difference twenty years makes. This novella is almost too hot to handle, a ticking time bomb of emotions that promises to explode. The more the sexy Gen One denies his feeling for Melena, the deeper he gets involved. I love Lazaro's evolution from when we first met him. He is quite the force to be reckoned with, and it takes the former tomboy to put him in his place. Melena is a great heroine who doesn't cower to all the Breed machismo. When Lazaro gets in her face, she gives it right back to him. Ms. Adrian has taken this story that begins decades ago with a tragedy and morphed it into not only a tribute to the Breed of the past, but a perfect HEA.
~KIMBERLY~
July 20, 2016
3.5 Sexy Gen One Stars!!
This was a great addition to the "Midnight Breed" series and I was completely hooked once I started reading it. 20 yrs after losing his whole family (except for grandson Kellan Edge of Dawn) to evil Dragos, 1000 yr old Gen One warrior Lazero is now a Commander of The Order in Rome.
While overseeing a secret meeting between humans and the Breed, he reconnects with Melena, a women he once saved when she was a child, she is definitely no longer a child, but now a beautiful young woman. When the meeting is sabotaged, he once again finds himself saving Melena, doing everything he can to keep her safe, and fighting his desire to mate with her, a fight he's quickly losing. He's not happy about the feelings Melena is making him feel, he does what he can to push her away and yet still hold on to her.
As I said it's a great addition to the series, it was fast paced, with a great storyline and we get to see some familiar characters and we meet some new intriguing characters (that I hope we get more of) however, the ending seemed rushed and ended abruptly otherwise it would have been a five star read for me.
This was a great addition to the "Midnight Breed" series and I was completely hooked once I started reading it. 20 yrs after losing his whole family (except for grandson Kellan Edge of Dawn) to evil Dragos, 1000 yr old Gen One warrior Lazero is now a Commander of The Order in Rome.
While overseeing a secret meeting between humans and the Breed, he reconnects with Melena, a women he once saved when she was a child, she is definitely no longer a child, but now a beautiful young woman. When the meeting is sabotaged, he once again finds himself saving Melena, doing everything he can to keep her safe, and fighting his desire to mate with her, a fight he's quickly losing. He's not happy about the feelings Melena is making him feel, he does what he can to push her away and yet still hold on to her.
As I said it's a great addition to the series, it was fast paced, with a great storyline and we get to see some familiar characters and we meet some new intriguing characters (that I hope we get more of) however, the ending seemed rushed and ended abruptly otherwise it would have been a five star read for me.
April 3, 2024
3 Stars
The problem was the story. There wasn't enough 'Emotional Connection' written into Lazaro and Melena's relationship. It felt stilted, stiff and uncomfortable. Like a shoe that 'almost' fits but ends up leaving blisters on your feet.
Also, the 'Suspense' was pretty much just a gloss over. No real action there either.
I lot of words that didn't really amount up to much.
If the pace of the first 2 and last 2 chapters had been throughout the story, it would have been much better.
I was looking forward to getting Lazaro's hea. Unfortunately, this one was disappointing.
The problem was the story. There wasn't enough 'Emotional Connection' written into Lazaro and Melena's relationship. It felt stilted, stiff and uncomfortable. Like a shoe that 'almost' fits but ends up leaving blisters on your feet.
Also, the 'Suspense' was pretty much just a gloss over. No real action there either.
I lot of words that didn't really amount up to much.
If the pace of the first 2 and last 2 chapters had been throughout the story, it would have been much better.
I was looking forward to getting Lazaro's hea. Unfortunately, this one was disappointing.
December 29, 2018
4 1/2 "I'm So pleased." Stars!
Awww... This one made my heart happy. Lazaro had such a heartbreaking story, I really wanted him to find happiness again. This story was exactly the struggle it needed to be. Even being a novella. Happy reading!
Awww... This one made my heart happy. Lazaro had such a heartbreaking story, I really wanted him to find happiness again. This story was exactly the struggle it needed to be. Even being a novella. Happy reading!
April 21, 2021
It was a quick Glimpse into the midnight breed world, But so glad Lazaro got a happy ending....
I only wish it was a little longer
I only wish it was a little longer
February 12, 2018
Well Lazaro Archer met his match in the independent Melena. I enjoyed this novella because the MCs were likable and honorable. Their chemistry was believable despite the age difference although i could have done without the references of remembering her when she was 7yrs old.
The overall plot (fight against Opus Nostrom) didn’t really advance much so this was just about Lazaro bonding to a new breed mate and ending his twenty year self imposed ban against commitment. Good story!
The overall plot (fight against Opus Nostrom) didn’t really advance much so this was just about Lazaro bonding to a new breed mate and ending his twenty year self imposed ban against commitment. Good story!
January 17, 2015
3.8 solid stars... It was very enjoyable read but also very small for The Lazaro Archer. That man deserves a full book but nevertheless, I'm happy for him. And we also get to meet the Italian Order's sexy members. They were all a bunch! I hope each of them will get a book of their own especially Prince Jehan.
March 28, 2021
Tempted by Midnight
4 Stars
Series note: Although this is a short novella, the events depicted provide important information in the overall story arc. As such, it should not be skipped over.
Twenty years ago, Lazaro Archer's lost virtually his entire family in a despicable act of terrorism. Now, having dedicated his life to the Order and to the protection of the Breed, Lazaro refuses to risk love again even for Melena Walsh, the one woman who has finally cracked the ice around his heart.
Adrian packs a great deal into this short story - action, suspense, romance as well as plot and character development for the series as a whole.
While Lazaro and Melena's push/pull attraction is appealing, there are one or two problematic elements. To begin with, the age difference is significant. Yes, the vampires in this series are often hundreds of years old and often much older than their Breedmates. Nevertheless, the gap in Lazaro and Melena's ages is highlighted due to the fact that he knew her as a child. This lends a somewhat icky undertone to their relationship. Second, Lazaro's "woe-is-me" attitude puts a damper on his alphaness, and his change of heart from rejecting to accepting his love for Melena is rather sudden and unrealistic.
Despite these issues, the events in the story are compelling and contribute to the development of the second arc in the series. Moreover, the introduction of new Breed warriors opens up fresh avenues and directions for exploration.
4 Stars
Series note: Although this is a short novella, the events depicted provide important information in the overall story arc. As such, it should not be skipped over.
Twenty years ago, Lazaro Archer's lost virtually his entire family in a despicable act of terrorism. Now, having dedicated his life to the Order and to the protection of the Breed, Lazaro refuses to risk love again even for Melena Walsh, the one woman who has finally cracked the ice around his heart.
Adrian packs a great deal into this short story - action, suspense, romance as well as plot and character development for the series as a whole.
While Lazaro and Melena's push/pull attraction is appealing, there are one or two problematic elements. To begin with, the age difference is significant. Yes, the vampires in this series are often hundreds of years old and often much older than their Breedmates. Nevertheless, the gap in Lazaro and Melena's ages is highlighted due to the fact that he knew her as a child. This lends a somewhat icky undertone to their relationship. Second, Lazaro's "woe-is-me" attitude puts a damper on his alphaness, and his change of heart from rejecting to accepting his love for Melena is rather sudden and unrealistic.
Despite these issues, the events in the story are compelling and contribute to the development of the second arc in the series. Moreover, the introduction of new Breed warriors opens up fresh avenues and directions for exploration.
September 13, 2015
I skimmed so much of this novella. I LOVE the Midnight Breed books. I love the world. It is always fascinating and intriguing. Tempted by Midnight, Lazaro and Melena, not much to be intrigued or fascinated by. I was very disappointed in this read.
Lazaro runs the Order headquarters in Rome. It’s where he ran off to and buried himself in work as he grieves for the loss of his family and their Darkhaven. For twenty years has not let anyone get close to him. His work for the Order is what he lives for. It is what has brought him to a yacht in the middle of the ocean where a secret peace meeting will happen with a Breed GNC (Global Nations Council) member and an Italian human political leader.
As her father’s personal assistant Melena is used to going to various GNC meetings with him. As a Breedmate she is used to using her extrasensory ability to determine attitudes and dispositions. The oceanic yacht meeting puts her face to face with the Breed male who saved her life when she was a mere child. The hero worship is strong here. The fact that they have both savored this connection was creepy. It is part of the older than time man falling for the woman he has known since she was a child that didn’t work for me.
The other thing that didn’t work for me with Tempted by Midnight was Melena. Her immediate desire to have a blood bond with Lazaro made absolutely no sense. Her reaction and behavior when she discovers he’s found a blood host to feed (heal his massive wounds) from was childish, appalling, and made her look very insecure. I think her behavior was supposed to appear as pointing out all of the faults in Lazaro’s stay alone logic, but it came off to me as irrational. There was nothing about Melena that would make me think I’d want to spend minutes with her much less thousands of years. Lazaro has a long rough road ahead of him with his happily ever after.
Lazaro runs the Order headquarters in Rome. It’s where he ran off to and buried himself in work as he grieves for the loss of his family and their Darkhaven. For twenty years has not let anyone get close to him. His work for the Order is what he lives for. It is what has brought him to a yacht in the middle of the ocean where a secret peace meeting will happen with a Breed GNC (Global Nations Council) member and an Italian human political leader.
As her father’s personal assistant Melena is used to going to various GNC meetings with him. As a Breedmate she is used to using her extrasensory ability to determine attitudes and dispositions. The oceanic yacht meeting puts her face to face with the Breed male who saved her life when she was a mere child. The hero worship is strong here. The fact that they have both savored this connection was creepy. It is part of the older than time man falling for the woman he has known since she was a child that didn’t work for me.
The other thing that didn’t work for me with Tempted by Midnight was Melena. Her immediate desire to have a blood bond with Lazaro made absolutely no sense. Her reaction and behavior when she discovers he’s found a blood host to feed (heal his massive wounds) from was childish, appalling, and made her look very insecure. I think her behavior was supposed to appear as pointing out all of the faults in Lazaro’s stay alone logic, but it came off to me as irrational. There was nothing about Melena that would make me think I’d want to spend minutes with her much less thousands of years. Lazaro has a long rough road ahead of him with his happily ever after.
December 16, 2019
Why hello Lazaro and Melena!
Tempted by Midnight was so freaking good. I'm really sad that it was so short though because anything with sexy vampires makes me happy. In it, you will meet Lazaro and Melena. Lazaro has lost his entire family about 20 years ago and he's still mourning over it all. Then there's Melena, a girl he saved years ago and she looks all grown up.
The sparks, chemistry and fire was all there. I ate it all up. Even thought I'm not a big fan of insta stuff, I definitely enjoyed this book. Maybe it's because the characters were so likable but I also really enjoy second chances (or one hundred chances) in love. Will definitely look into this whole series nex year.
Tempted by Midnight was so freaking good. I'm really sad that it was so short though because anything with sexy vampires makes me happy. In it, you will meet Lazaro and Melena. Lazaro has lost his entire family about 20 years ago and he's still mourning over it all. Then there's Melena, a girl he saved years ago and she looks all grown up.
The sparks, chemistry and fire was all there. I ate it all up. Even thought I'm not a big fan of insta stuff, I definitely enjoyed this book. Maybe it's because the characters were so likable but I also really enjoy second chances (or one hundred chances) in love. Will definitely look into this whole series nex year.
August 4, 2020
A novella that takes the time to set up the new world order. Our heroes are known to mankind and people have reacted in the many expected ways. In this story our hero is one of the first of his species and has seen a lot of violence. We met him in a previous story in which he lost his entire family while he and his grandson were away. Now time has past and a little girl he saved has become a woman.
I often have trouble with this kind of story since he knew her as a child. But only the paranormal books can take a step back from a feeling of pedophilia. After all he is a thousand years old it would be hard to find a female his own age. And he looks thirty. So there's that.
Anyway, she is an adult now and still idolizes him, until he makes her see him as a man, with lots of flaws. This story is well worth the read, and helps to establish future books in this world.
I often have trouble with this kind of story since he knew her as a child. But only the paranormal books can take a step back from a feeling of pedophilia. After all he is a thousand years old it would be hard to find a female his own age. And he looks thirty. So there's that.
Anyway, she is an adult now and still idolizes him, until he makes her see him as a man, with lots of flaws. This story is well worth the read, and helps to establish future books in this world.
October 17, 2014
Lazaro Archer lost everything one night twenty years ago when his mate and entire family were ruthlessly murdered in the battle between the Breed Order and madman Dragos. Now this Gen One Breed who has lived more than one thousand years, dedicates his life to helping the Order keep peace across the earth.
Melena Walsh, daughter of U.S. Darkhaven leader and member of the Global Nations Council, Byron Walsh, uses her breedmate gift to help her father learn the true nature of those with which he deals. Knowing her father fears for his life, she attends a secret meeting between her father and Italian businessman with ties to Italy’s anti-Breed leader, Paolo Turati. But it’s the Order’s warrior, Lazaro, who seems to occupy most of her thoughts once she climbs aboard the yacht where the meeting is held.
Tempted by Midnight is the fourth story to come out of Ms. Adrian’s Midnight Breed series since the author fast-forwarded the series twenty years in to the future, to a time when humans know all about the existence of the vampiric Breed race. Although the story can be read completely stand-alone, there are clues and ties to the larger picture, which is coming to light in the full-length novels, and most recently in Crave the Night. Long-time readers will recognize familiar names, but there are a few new characters tossed around as well.
Overall, the novella has all the hallmark signs of a typical Midnight Breed story: a couple who both feel strong attraction to each other, timing is horrible, alpha male who doesn’t feel worthy of a Breedmate’s affections, he pushes her away because he's no good and unworthy and dangerous, but also a warm and tender male who eventually comes around. Even though sometimes the romance feels a bit formulaic, I find myself engrossed in the story. And Ms. Adrian knows how to write some wonderfully passionate scenes!
One issue I did have with Tempting Midnight is the fact that Lazaro knew Melena as a child – he saved her life when her family was visiting his many years ago. I understand the Breed males live a very long time, and there will be an age difference, even 1,000 years, but the fact that he was sort of a “father figure” in that one instant just puts me on edge and gives the romance a bit of a creepy factor. Eventually, as the sparks began to fly, I was able to put the incident behind me, until it was brought up again, and then again. Unfortunately, each time it was mentioned, it pulled me out of the heat of the moment and story.
In the end, I enjoyed Tempted by Midnight. Ms. Adrian must put some kind of crack in her words because I keep coming back, even if the h/h pairings can be a bit repetitive, the overall stories are not. I liked Lazaro and Melena as a couple, when I wasn’t reminded that he knew her as a child. Outside of that issue, the story held tremendous passion, and I really liked that Melena held her ground and refused to walk away meekly from the relationship.
The novella held more pieces to the larger puzzle, which the author is constructing with each new story in since the Edge of Dawn time shift. I like the mystery of new threats and I hope we delve into who and what they are in the next full-length title.
Melena Walsh, daughter of U.S. Darkhaven leader and member of the Global Nations Council, Byron Walsh, uses her breedmate gift to help her father learn the true nature of those with which he deals. Knowing her father fears for his life, she attends a secret meeting between her father and Italian businessman with ties to Italy’s anti-Breed leader, Paolo Turati. But it’s the Order’s warrior, Lazaro, who seems to occupy most of her thoughts once she climbs aboard the yacht where the meeting is held.
Tempted by Midnight is the fourth story to come out of Ms. Adrian’s Midnight Breed series since the author fast-forwarded the series twenty years in to the future, to a time when humans know all about the existence of the vampiric Breed race. Although the story can be read completely stand-alone, there are clues and ties to the larger picture, which is coming to light in the full-length novels, and most recently in Crave the Night. Long-time readers will recognize familiar names, but there are a few new characters tossed around as well.
Overall, the novella has all the hallmark signs of a typical Midnight Breed story: a couple who both feel strong attraction to each other, timing is horrible, alpha male who doesn’t feel worthy of a Breedmate’s affections, he pushes her away because he's no good and unworthy and dangerous, but also a warm and tender male who eventually comes around. Even though sometimes the romance feels a bit formulaic, I find myself engrossed in the story. And Ms. Adrian knows how to write some wonderfully passionate scenes!
One issue I did have with Tempting Midnight is the fact that Lazaro knew Melena as a child – he saved her life when her family was visiting his many years ago. I understand the Breed males live a very long time, and there will be an age difference, even 1,000 years, but the fact that he was sort of a “father figure” in that one instant just puts me on edge and gives the romance a bit of a creepy factor. Eventually, as the sparks began to fly, I was able to put the incident behind me, until it was brought up again, and then again. Unfortunately, each time it was mentioned, it pulled me out of the heat of the moment and story.
In the end, I enjoyed Tempted by Midnight. Ms. Adrian must put some kind of crack in her words because I keep coming back, even if the h/h pairings can be a bit repetitive, the overall stories are not. I liked Lazaro and Melena as a couple, when I wasn’t reminded that he knew her as a child. Outside of that issue, the story held tremendous passion, and I really liked that Melena held her ground and refused to walk away meekly from the relationship.
The novella held more pieces to the larger puzzle, which the author is constructing with each new story in since the Edge of Dawn time shift. I like the mystery of new threats and I hope we delve into who and what they are in the next full-length title.
August 4, 2015
“And because I realized the only thing worse than loving you and dreading that I might know the pain of losing you in the future, was the idea of losing you now.”
Lazaro is more of a warrior than a gentleman, the fact that two decades ago, his family – his blood-bonded Breedmate, his sons and their mates, his grandchildren – was killed when the Archer’s Darkhaven home was razed to the ground. Now, his afraid to form connection with anyone, or let alone be attracted to a woman.
“He stood alone at the rail in the dark, a stoic figure, unmoving, forbidding.”
And then one night, his world was again shaken to the core.
“She came out of the cabin completely then, and every pair of eyes on deck rooted onto her like the tide pulled toward the moon.”
“She was tall, elegant, with bountiful curves that filled out every body-skimming line of a conservative-yet damned sexy-charcoal gray skirt that skimmed her knees and showcased her long, shapely legs.”
I love the details of each character in this story. This was a plunge into an unknown world for me in the middle of somewhere, and yet somehow, I wasn’t ‘lost’ with all the details. I also like the character development, of how I was introduced to them and their character, and the connection between us were built.
Lazaro and Melena are both loveable characters but what I like most of Melena’s personality is that she knows her weakness and strength and her weakness was actually what made her character stronger. She fight for what she believes is right and worth fighting for, and she knows how to pick her battles. Lazaro is a brooding man I just wanted to cuddle.
“The face of an angel and the kind of body to temp a saint.”
But as much as I’ve loved the story and the character no matter this story was short, I can’t really give this a 5★ because I felt flat at the end. Like ended so abruptly I feel like there should be something more. Anything! Give me more!
“The thick, long shaft of his cock was circled with glyphs, their hues flushing even deeper…”
Oh goodie! Glyphs on cock? Close enough. I’m ready to explore these Breed and Gen One warriors!!
August 7, 2021
TEMPTED BY MIDNIGHT gives us civilian turned Order Commander Lazaro Archer's story and it was interesting to see where Lazaro ended up after his first appearance in earlier books. He's still grieving the loss of his family and is afraid to take a chance on love even after he meets the vivacious Breedmate Melena Walsh. Things move quickly between these two since it's just a novella and while they were certainly hot together it's not the smoothest relationship development, depending mostly on insta-love. Lazaro is pretty much a jerk most of the story but I loved Melena who was outspoken, feisty, and strong which is a nice contrast to the more genteel heroines in the series. I also really enjoyed meeting the other Order warriors in the Rome branch and I hope we get their stories because I am very intrigued.
Content Warning: Lazaro lost his wife, children, and almost his entire family in a fire 20 years prior
Content Warning: Lazaro lost his wife, children, and almost his entire family in a fire 20 years prior
April 8, 2022
Decided to give this series another go in novella form. I had lost interest awhile ago. Wasted time, I remember why I decided I could care less. I'm not crazy about the Breed/Breedmate universe. In short, the guys (the Breeds) have all the "fun" and the women (Breedmates) exist to make the guys lives easier and to have babies.
I thought Lazaro was an asshole and could not warm up to him. It was creepy that he was the love interest and had known Melena as a child. I did like Melena and thought she deserved better.
I thought Lazaro was an asshole and could not warm up to him. It was creepy that he was the love interest and had known Melena as a child. I did like Melena and thought she deserved better.
October 28, 2014
It would have been a 4* if it were even a chapter longer. The start was amazing the same with the middle... unfortunately Ms Adrian rushed the ending :(
October 14, 2019
Re-reading
November 6, 2014
Rating~ 3 stars
Lazaro Archer was first introduced in the series when his whole family excluding his then teenage grandson Kellan was murdered twenty years ago. Lazaro and Kellan having lost their family joined the order. Lazaro now resides in Italy and is the leader of the order's command center there. He never quite got over his breedmate's death, the guilt of not being able to protect his family and ever since has dedicated his life to the order.
Daughter of a Darkhaven leader in America, Melena Walsh helps her father with his business by using her breedmate gift and as a child she was saved from drowning by Lazaro. Melena is there in Italy to help her father with his meeting that is coordinated by Lazaro. Melena never forgot that Lazaro had saved her from dying.
While the premise and the plot line was interesting even for a novella I just had problems connecting with the story at times. Melena had a case of hero worship for Lazaro because he saved her life as a child which to be honest I found very unsettling. I don't have problems with the hero or heroine being thousands years old and the partner human or younger in years because most of the PNR stories/series has at least one such character. The problem I had was they met when Melena was a child, lazaro and her father were friends and Lazaro was mated at the time. So every time the past was mentioned I felt a bit icky and the whole thing was present in the back of my mind throughout the whole story which affected my enjoyment of the story and my ability to 'live' in the book. I might have been ok with their relationship if they had never met before but unfortunately they had. Another thing there was very little mention of Kellan by Lazaro even in his thoughts, I mean Kellan is his only family left yet there was not any mention of him apart from at the start.
I think people who would be or are able to get past the issue of Lazaro meeting Melena as a child would really enjoy the book since it follows the similar methodology as the other books in the series; the attraction, time running out to do whatever it is needed to be done, danger, action and the short time span for the couple to fall in love. I was not able to get my issue hence only a three star rating.
Originally posted on my blog: http://www.afortressofbooks.com/2014/...
Lazaro Archer was first introduced in the series when his whole family excluding his then teenage grandson Kellan was murdered twenty years ago. Lazaro and Kellan having lost their family joined the order. Lazaro now resides in Italy and is the leader of the order's command center there. He never quite got over his breedmate's death, the guilt of not being able to protect his family and ever since has dedicated his life to the order.
Daughter of a Darkhaven leader in America, Melena Walsh helps her father with his business by using her breedmate gift and as a child she was saved from drowning by Lazaro. Melena is there in Italy to help her father with his meeting that is coordinated by Lazaro. Melena never forgot that Lazaro had saved her from dying.
While the premise and the plot line was interesting even for a novella I just had problems connecting with the story at times. Melena had a case of hero worship for Lazaro because he saved her life as a child which to be honest I found very unsettling. I don't have problems with the hero or heroine being thousands years old and the partner human or younger in years because most of the PNR stories/series has at least one such character. The problem I had was they met when Melena was a child, lazaro and her father were friends and Lazaro was mated at the time. So every time the past was mentioned I felt a bit icky and the whole thing was present in the back of my mind throughout the whole story which affected my enjoyment of the story and my ability to 'live' in the book. I might have been ok with their relationship if they had never met before but unfortunately they had. Another thing there was very little mention of Kellan by Lazaro even in his thoughts, I mean Kellan is his only family left yet there was not any mention of him apart from at the start.
I think people who would be or are able to get past the issue of Lazaro meeting Melena as a child would really enjoy the book since it follows the similar methodology as the other books in the series; the attraction, time running out to do whatever it is needed to be done, danger, action and the short time span for the couple to fall in love. I was not able to get my issue hence only a three star rating.
Originally posted on my blog: http://www.afortressofbooks.com/2014/...
November 11, 2014
You know what happens when an author is an auto-buy? You stop reading blurbs! So imagine my surprise when I cracked this beauty open and found none other than Lazaro Archer! *swoon* I’ve been waiting for Lazaro to get another chance at an HEA since his family was attacked and killed. I knew it would take time to heal his wounds.
This story takes place 20 years after that. Lazaro has been closed off to feeling anything again or even thinking he may want another mate. But his immediate attraction to Melena Walsh takes him by surprise. And when I say immediate, I mean I probably would’ve liked to see this couple’s story develop in a full length novel. This is me being greedy, yes. Nonetheless, I enjoyed how their romance took them by storm.
Melena Walsh’s father has been a family friend of the Archers for many years. Lazaro even saved Melena’s life when she was a child. And from that moment on he’s been her hero. So Melena’s infatuation with Lazaro started early. And no other man has been able to measure up since. Now that she’s all grown up, Lazaro can’t help but to notice her.
As much as I love a good push and pull romance, I also love reading ones where they aren’t constantly fighting their feelings. Lazaro knows that he wants her, and even though his mind is on red alert for him not to take her,
With just enough action to keep you on your toes, and the smexy level we always expect when reading a Midnight Breeds novel, this is a must read installment in the series. It will just leave you wanting more!
*ARC provided by publisher
October 8, 2014
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 3/4
REVIEW:
Oh novella’s how I love to hate you. Love because I get more stories from Lara Adrian about the Midnight Breed’s. Hate you because I read you to fast and my experience is over so quickly.
With that I give you my thoughts.
Starting Tempted by Midnight I was transported back to when Lazaro’s family was killed. It was so bitter sweet. Because I remember crying when it happened. But in Tempted by Midnight Lazaro meets with fate. A fate that he didn't want yet could not resist.
Melena has be awestruck by Lazaro Archer since the moment he saved her a stupid little girl trying to prove her toughness. But now she finds herself in awe of the man. The man that just saved her life yet again.
I loved this novella. Love Lazaro. Loved Melena. Really wish the story was longer (insert dramatic sigh). But as with all novella’s I can’t give you to much (what fun would that be). If you are a Midnight Breed fan you will love and devour this novella. If you are new to the Midnight Breed you could actually read this novella and be okay. BUT I think you should start at the beginning and get catch up. There is a LOT of history behind this book.
So can’t wait to see what Lara has in store for the Midnight Breeds next.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Evil Eye Concepts & 1001 Dark Nights in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 3/4
REVIEW:
Oh novella’s how I love to hate you. Love because I get more stories from Lara Adrian about the Midnight Breed’s. Hate you because I read you to fast and my experience is over so quickly.
With that I give you my thoughts.
Starting Tempted by Midnight I was transported back to when Lazaro’s family was killed. It was so bitter sweet. Because I remember crying when it happened. But in Tempted by Midnight Lazaro meets with fate. A fate that he didn't want yet could not resist.
Melena has be awestruck by Lazaro Archer since the moment he saved her a stupid little girl trying to prove her toughness. But now she finds herself in awe of the man. The man that just saved her life yet again.
I loved this novella. Love Lazaro. Loved Melena. Really wish the story was longer (insert dramatic sigh). But as with all novella’s I can’t give you to much (what fun would that be). If you are a Midnight Breed fan you will love and devour this novella. If you are new to the Midnight Breed you could actually read this novella and be okay. BUT I think you should start at the beginning and get catch up. There is a LOT of history behind this book.
So can’t wait to see what Lara has in store for the Midnight Breeds next.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Evil Eye Concepts & 1001 Dark Nights in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
October 15, 2014
I NEEDED MORE!!!
I think Tempted by Midnight was way to short. I have been waiting since book 8 Taken by Midnight to discover more about Lazaro Archer. He was always a compelling character. Tempted takes place 20yrs after his Darkhaven and his Breedmate and family was murdered by Dragos. All the family Lazaro has left is his grandson Kellan. Lazaro now heads the Breeds organization in Rome where he is negotiating peace talks between Humans and the Breed on board Paolo Turate's yacht a human billionaire. The representative from the U.S. Breed Order is Byron Walsh and he is accompanied by his Breedmate adopted daughter Melena Walsh. Lazaro had once saved Melena's life when she was a young girl and he had felt something for her even then. The yacht is hit by a missle and blows up but Melena and Lazaro were on the deck and he saw it coming. He threw Melena an himself overboard and swims ashore. Melena has always looked up to Lazaro and has always been in love with him. Now there attractions is undeniable. Lazaro resits but Melena does let him off the hook. I liked Melena alot she was strong and had lots of courage and she didn't give up on what she wanted. Lazaro is afraid to mate with her becasue of what happen to his family 20yrs ago. He feels he was unable to protect them and he can't stand to lose another Breedmate. The story moves very quickly and their is not really much to it. That's why I gave it 3 stars. The romance is hot, but that about it of course they get their HEA and that's what counts. I just wanted more of a story.
I think Tempted by Midnight was way to short. I have been waiting since book 8 Taken by Midnight to discover more about Lazaro Archer. He was always a compelling character. Tempted takes place 20yrs after his Darkhaven and his Breedmate and family was murdered by Dragos. All the family Lazaro has left is his grandson Kellan. Lazaro now heads the Breeds organization in Rome where he is negotiating peace talks between Humans and the Breed on board Paolo Turate's yacht a human billionaire. The representative from the U.S. Breed Order is Byron Walsh and he is accompanied by his Breedmate adopted daughter Melena Walsh. Lazaro had once saved Melena's life when she was a young girl and he had felt something for her even then. The yacht is hit by a missle and blows up but Melena and Lazaro were on the deck and he saw it coming. He threw Melena an himself overboard and swims ashore. Melena has always looked up to Lazaro and has always been in love with him. Now there attractions is undeniable. Lazaro resits but Melena does let him off the hook. I liked Melena alot she was strong and had lots of courage and she didn't give up on what she wanted. Lazaro is afraid to mate with her becasue of what happen to his family 20yrs ago. He feels he was unable to protect them and he can't stand to lose another Breedmate. The story moves very quickly and their is not really much to it. That's why I gave it 3 stars. The romance is hot, but that about it of course they get their HEA and that's what counts. I just wanted more of a story.
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