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Midnight Breed #13.5
Stroke of Midnight
Born to a noble Breed lineage steeped in exotic ritual and familial duty, vampire warrior Jehan walked away from the luxurious trappings of his upbringing in Morocco to join the Order’s command center in Rome.
But when a generations-old obligation calls Jehan home, the reluctant desert prince finds himself thrust into an unwanted handfasting with Seraphina, an unwilling beauty who’s as determined as he is to resist the antiquated pact between their families.
Yet as intent as they are to prove their incompatibility, neither can deny the attraction that ignites between them. And as Jehan and Seraphina fight to resist the calling of their blood, a deadly enemy seeks to end their uneasy truce before it even begins…
But when a generations-old obligation calls Jehan home, the reluctant desert prince finds himself thrust into an unwanted handfasting with Seraphina, an unwilling beauty who’s as determined as he is to resist the antiquated pact between their families.
Yet as intent as they are to prove their incompatibility, neither can deny the attraction that ignites between them. And as Jehan and Seraphina fight to resist the calling of their blood, a deadly enemy seeks to end their uneasy truce before it even begins…
118 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2015
240 people are currently reading
3329 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 209 reviews
September 24, 2018
Sorry I think it's just the novella's in this series are too short and there for don't have enough meat for me but this read was just meh. I really liked Jehan in Lazaro's book. Still this book needed depth. Overall it was okay but nothing special.
October 30, 2015
4,5 stars
One of my favorite PNR books has to be Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breeds Series. She has created a dark and mystical world filled with engaging characters….aliens, vampires, warriors and humans, all trying to live together in harmony, since the Breeds were outed years ago. This new world is expanding and introducing new characters in new settings.
Stroke of Midnight, the 13,5th in the series introduces us to Jehan, a breed warrior with the Rome division of the Order has been called back to his country to fulfill an alliance that has been handed down to the eldest son of his family with the daughter of the royal family from the joining kingdom.
He reluctantly arrives in Morocco…..wow……what a fabulous and mysterious and exotic setting….
Prince Jehan does not believe in arranged marriages and he’s going to do everything possible to get out of it. Seraphina, the reluctant intended bride feels exactly the same.
To appease their respective parents the two form an alliance of their own…they will spend eight days together in the desert, ignore each other and return home with the news that they will not marry each other. Sounds like a good idea, right???
But then…..emotions, feelings, sexual tension, strong attraction……and their plan gets totally derailed.
Jehan had been expecting a spoilt and airhead but the more he gets to know Sera, the more he likes her…never mind the sizzling heat he feels when she’s near him…..and his feelings for her grow more and more as he finds out about her commitment to her people….
And Seraphina doesn’t want to feel too much for this man. Not at all what she had thought he was….he’s loyal, a fighter, caring and the first man to ever be interested in who she is…not just a beautiful on the outside but on the inside as well…She tries hard to fight her attraction for him but is not really successful….
Circumstances beyond their control….when a sandstorm comes their way and forces them to be alone again…..it’s time to admit that they cannot see each being apart…
This was one of the cutest couples in this series. I loved their sexual tension, their banter and their romance build-up.
Naturally there are some bad people doing bad things and having evil intentions towards the Breeds and some new and totally endearing characters…my favorites after Jehan and Seraphina were Jehan’s brother and Seraphina’s older sister!!! What lovable and engaging characters and hopefully we will get more of those two in the future…and of course more of Jehan and Seraphina.
Although this is a novella, the author managed to write a really good storyline with great character development over so few pages.
A great addition to this series.
One of my favorite PNR books has to be Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breeds Series. She has created a dark and mystical world filled with engaging characters….aliens, vampires, warriors and humans, all trying to live together in harmony, since the Breeds were outed years ago. This new world is expanding and introducing new characters in new settings.
Stroke of Midnight, the 13,5th in the series introduces us to Jehan, a breed warrior with the Rome division of the Order has been called back to his country to fulfill an alliance that has been handed down to the eldest son of his family with the daughter of the royal family from the joining kingdom.
He reluctantly arrives in Morocco…..wow……what a fabulous and mysterious and exotic setting….
Could I ask for more????
Prince Jehan does not believe in arranged marriages and he’s going to do everything possible to get out of it. Seraphina, the reluctant intended bride feels exactly the same.
To appease their respective parents the two form an alliance of their own…they will spend eight days together in the desert, ignore each other and return home with the news that they will not marry each other. Sounds like a good idea, right???
But then…..emotions, feelings, sexual tension, strong attraction……and their plan gets totally derailed.
Jehan had been expecting a spoilt and airhead but the more he gets to know Sera, the more he likes her…never mind the sizzling heat he feels when she’s near him…..and his feelings for her grow more and more as he finds out about her commitment to her people….
And Seraphina doesn’t want to feel too much for this man. Not at all what she had thought he was….he’s loyal, a fighter, caring and the first man to ever be interested in who she is…not just a beautiful on the outside but on the inside as well…She tries hard to fight her attraction for him but is not really successful….
Circumstances beyond their control….when a sandstorm comes their way and forces them to be alone again…..it’s time to admit that they cannot see each being apart…
This was one of the cutest couples in this series. I loved their sexual tension, their banter and their romance build-up.
Naturally there are some bad people doing bad things and having evil intentions towards the Breeds and some new and totally endearing characters…my favorites after Jehan and Seraphina were Jehan’s brother and Seraphina’s older sister!!! What lovable and engaging characters and hopefully we will get more of those two in the future…and of course more of Jehan and Seraphina.
Although this is a novella, the author managed to write a really good storyline with great character development over so few pages.
A great addition to this series.
September 24, 2016
Breed warrior Jehan
Special ability: Feeling the physical injuries of the others like bones fractures
Age: 33 years old
Breed mate Seraphina
Special ability: Empathetic, feeling emotional pain of others
Occupation: Volunteer at border camps, helping less fortunate people
Mark place: Left bicep
Settings: Rome, Casablanca, Marrakesh (Morocco)
A breed-prince from Morocco. Jehan is the captain of the Order in Rome. He is called back home in Morocco to fulfill his family obligation. He needs to be bloodbonded in an arranged mating with Seraphina in order their families to stay bound by blood.
Neither Jehan, nor Seraphina are happy about it in the beginning. Then, they are sent to a private oasis retreat to fall in love.
My favourite scene is when they are finally making love inside a tend in the middle of a sandstorm. Just delisious!
This is a great love story, worthy of the "one thousand and one dark nights" stories.
Special ability: Feeling the physical injuries of the others like bones fractures
Age: 33 years old
Breed mate Seraphina
Special ability: Empathetic, feeling emotional pain of others
Occupation: Volunteer at border camps, helping less fortunate people
Mark place: Left bicep
Settings: Rome, Casablanca, Marrakesh (Morocco)
A breed-prince from Morocco. Jehan is the captain of the Order in Rome. He is called back home in Morocco to fulfill his family obligation. He needs to be bloodbonded in an arranged mating with Seraphina in order their families to stay bound by blood.
Neither Jehan, nor Seraphina are happy about it in the beginning. Then, they are sent to a private oasis retreat to fall in love.
My favourite scene is when they are finally making love inside a tend in the middle of a sandstorm. Just delisious!
This is a great love story, worthy of the "one thousand and one dark nights" stories.
November 21, 2016
A first for me from this author but I don't think it will be the last. I'm still relatively new to reading paranormal romance but I think it's pretty neat when an author puts their own unique twist and makes their plot and characters unexpected. That's what was done here. I like the tie-in of tradition with the hand-fasting and arranged marriage/blood bonding. It was interesting to watch Jehan and Sera's reluctance turn into desire, need, and ultimately love. I especially liked the idea of the Breed co-existing with humans and the Order's mission to wipe out Opus. The series itself sounds highly entertaining.
Short, insta-lovey and sexy with some suspense thrown in for good measure.
Short, insta-lovey and sexy with some suspense thrown in for good measure.
October 14, 2015
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stroke of Midnight turned out to be the perfect novella to quench my PNR thirst.
Lara Adrian has been recommended to me by many readers has a must read author in this genre. I’ve read the first 2 Midnight Breed books a few months ago and was pleased to know I had so many books to look forward to. After reading quite a few contemporary romance novels these past few weeks, and when the opportunity to review Stroke Of Midnight presented itself, I jumped on the occasion to get my vampire fix.
Setting up in Casablanca of all places (my origins), this novella beautifully mixed luxurious and inviting scenery, an edge of mystery, seductive and sensual foreplay all wrapped up in a bewitching fairy tale.
Forced by an ancient pact between their families, vampire warrior Jehan and breedmate Seraphina, both estranged— are unwillingly taking part to the handfasting ceremony that will secure the future of the Breed lineage. They are contrived to spend 7 nights together in a secluded and retired place with no interaction from the outside world.
I loved Jehan and Seraphina hostility toward each other at first, both reluctant to accomplish their duty but sharing an intense chemistry at first sight. The sexual tension added by Seraphina’s feisty character and a mutual imposed set of rules to not touch each other was infuriatingly enticing!
I truly enjoyed every seconds of this alluring and captivating addition to the Midnight Breed series, with just a little over 100 pages, Lara Adrian managed to swept me of my feet page one and left me craving for more.
Part of the Midnight Breed series, Stroke Of Midnight can be read as a standalone and makes the perfect invitation to read more of this world.
Arc offered in exchange for an honest review
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
Stroke of Midnight turned out to be the perfect novella to quench my PNR thirst.
Lara Adrian has been recommended to me by many readers has a must read author in this genre. I’ve read the first 2 Midnight Breed books a few months ago and was pleased to know I had so many books to look forward to. After reading quite a few contemporary romance novels these past few weeks, and when the opportunity to review Stroke Of Midnight presented itself, I jumped on the occasion to get my vampire fix.
Setting up in Casablanca of all places (my origins), this novella beautifully mixed luxurious and inviting scenery, an edge of mystery, seductive and sensual foreplay all wrapped up in a bewitching fairy tale.
Forced by an ancient pact between their families, vampire warrior Jehan and breedmate Seraphina, both estranged— are unwillingly taking part to the handfasting ceremony that will secure the future of the Breed lineage. They are contrived to spend 7 nights together in a secluded and retired place with no interaction from the outside world.
I loved Jehan and Seraphina hostility toward each other at first, both reluctant to accomplish their duty but sharing an intense chemistry at first sight. The sexual tension added by Seraphina’s feisty character and a mutual imposed set of rules to not touch each other was infuriatingly enticing!
I truly enjoyed every seconds of this alluring and captivating addition to the Midnight Breed series, with just a little over 100 pages, Lara Adrian managed to swept me of my feet page one and left me craving for more.
Part of the Midnight Breed series, Stroke Of Midnight can be read as a standalone and makes the perfect invitation to read more of this world.
Arc offered in exchange for an honest review
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
February 9, 2017
ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I’m really enjoying all the short stories coming out 1001 Dark Knights series.
As a huge fan of Lara Adrain’s Midnight Breed series, I had been looking forward to this novella ever since it was announced.
Not only does the novella have a new setting (Morocco), it also introduces a new element of the breed society; arranged marriages. Prince Jehan left all the trappings that came with being a breed of nobility to join the order years ago but now that the alliance between his kingdom and the other kingdom is threatened he decides to give his apologies in person for not agreeing to the arranged marriage which doesn’t go as planned. Jehan and Seraphina enter a reluctant hand fasting for the sake of their parents wishes.
I really liked Jehan and Sera together and separately. They both know what they wanted from life and had their own personal goals which sadly did not involve being mated just yet especially in an arranged marriage. They both didn’t want to enter an arranged marriage or the handfasting but because of their parents and the duty they had to the people they agreed to give it a shot. They started of by not liking each other but soon enough they started to see each other in new light which made their attraction and the hand fasting even more difficult to ignore.
The novella is quite short, however we get see them fall in love and become a mates to each other along with some bad guys trying to ruin lives and misunderstandings that only lead to Jehan and Sera being closer together. All I could think of the entire I was reading was how freaking cute were they! Lovely novella and you don’t need to read the rest of the books in the series to enjoy it. Really enjoyed it hence this gets solid 4 stars.
I’m really enjoying all the short stories coming out 1001 Dark Knights series.
As a huge fan of Lara Adrain’s Midnight Breed series, I had been looking forward to this novella ever since it was announced.
Not only does the novella have a new setting (Morocco), it also introduces a new element of the breed society; arranged marriages. Prince Jehan left all the trappings that came with being a breed of nobility to join the order years ago but now that the alliance between his kingdom and the other kingdom is threatened he decides to give his apologies in person for not agreeing to the arranged marriage which doesn’t go as planned. Jehan and Seraphina enter a reluctant hand fasting for the sake of their parents wishes.
I really liked Jehan and Sera together and separately. They both know what they wanted from life and had their own personal goals which sadly did not involve being mated just yet especially in an arranged marriage. They both didn’t want to enter an arranged marriage or the handfasting but because of their parents and the duty they had to the people they agreed to give it a shot. They started of by not liking each other but soon enough they started to see each other in new light which made their attraction and the hand fasting even more difficult to ignore.
The novella is quite short, however we get see them fall in love and become a mates to each other along with some bad guys trying to ruin lives and misunderstandings that only lead to Jehan and Sera being closer together. All I could think of the entire I was reading was how freaking cute were they! Lovely novella and you don’t need to read the rest of the books in the series to enjoy it. Really enjoyed it hence this gets solid 4 stars.
October 13, 2015
Lara Adrian has me eating my words. Just when I had said that the newer characters of the series haven’t been holding my attention as well as the first few books has, Adrian brings out a story that not only has vividly developed characters but it also has the suspense and the romance that remind me of the first books so much. More impressive is the fact that this is only a novella.
However, all this shouldn’t actually be that surprising considering the fact that Lara Adrian has been one of my favorite authors for some time now and her writing has always been impeccable. But there was something about this book that made me enjoy it so much more. First off, it’s set in Morocco and Rome, two very different but equally stunning places. I loved what the atmosphere of these settings brought to the story and it definitely added much more appeal to me as a reader.
Also, the premise of the story is quite unique as well. Jehan and and Seraphina are bound together by ancients laws and their families. To prevent war from occurring, they must join together in a love match. They have a few ceremonies to do and eight nights to get to know each other and decide if they can go through with this. This idea works very well with a short novella. The time constraint creates that urgency while also upping the stakes a little bit. Surprisingly, Adrian is able to fit a well-formed romance and some action scenes in here as well.
I couldn’t put this down! STROKE OF MIDNIGHT has definitely rekindled my love for the series!
March 24, 2024
Having a hard time deciding on the rating but going to go with
3.75 stars
Very fast paced in the beginning to past the 50% mark.
Some slow down after that.
Some suspense/action
Decent steamy parts. But I think LA needs to change up her sex scenes a bit. They seem to me to be virtually the same in all her books but with a very slight difference. It's not that they aren't steamy, they are. But they just feel the same in each.
Other than that, I did enjoy the story. Loved the way it ended. Would love to read more about Morocco and the Breed there.
Oh, this is a short read of about 100 pages.
3.75 stars
Very fast paced in the beginning to past the 50% mark.
Some slow down after that.
Some suspense/action
Decent steamy parts. But I think LA needs to change up her sex scenes a bit. They seem to me to be virtually the same in all her books but with a very slight difference. It's not that they aren't steamy, they are. But they just feel the same in each.
Other than that, I did enjoy the story. Loved the way it ended. Would love to read more about Morocco and the Breed there.
Oh, this is a short read of about 100 pages.
December 26, 2019
I liked it but at the same time... I get so sad that these novellas are so freaking short.
Stroke of Midnight was an okay book. I liked getting to know Jehan and Seraphina.. but at the same time I feel like I wanted more from them or at least this book? I definitely get the smut that I needed but it's like.. I definitely want more.
In it, you will meet two people who tried to resist the pull towards another ended up failing and falling for one another. It was interesting to see two people not a big fan of arranged marriage commit to it just to please their parents.
Overall, it was interesting but nothing I haven't read before.
Stroke of Midnight was an okay book. I liked getting to know Jehan and Seraphina.. but at the same time I feel like I wanted more from them or at least this book? I definitely get the smut that I needed but it's like.. I definitely want more.
In it, you will meet two people who tried to resist the pull towards another ended up failing and falling for one another. It was interesting to see two people not a big fan of arranged marriage commit to it just to please their parents.
Overall, it was interesting but nothing I haven't read before.
March 11, 2017
Review Posted to: http://www.sweptawaybyromance.com/201...
4 Moroccan Breed Warrior Stars!!
I've been hooked on the Midnight Breed series since reading the first book, Kiss of Midnight, years ago. I admit I was worried when Lara Adrian decided to jump ahead twenty years in the series which features the 2nd generation of Warriors, who are the original Warrior's offspring, along with additional characters we're meeting along the way. But, each book in this series just keeps getting better and better and the novellas are a fun bonus!! I loved meeting Jehan, Savage and Trygg in Tempted by Midnight, who are Warriors for the Rome division of The Order, and was very excited to get Jehan's story in Stroke of Midnight.
I really enjoyed Jehan and Seraphina. To appease their families and uphold an ancient tradition, Jehan and Seraphina grudgingly agree to follow through with an archaic hand fasting. Being left alone for eight days in a secluded exotic villa they are cut off from the outside world, and they realize not only are they sexually attracted to each other (that's putting it mildly), they're also more alike than they originally thought. Both are loyal and committed to duty, Jehan being a warrior for The Order, and Seraphina being a Humanitarian.
The sexual tension and spark of awareness were instant when they were introduced to each other by their families for the first time. They're both stubborn and fought the urge to do act on it. They want to attempt to do what is right by their respective families and uphold the traditions they have believed in for centuries, but it doesn't mean they have to like it. So, they make some ground rules and pledge to stay out of each other's way...that is until Sera hears that one of her causes is in trouble. When Jehan learns what the trouble is, he goes out of his way to help Sera, and by doing so makes Sera see him as more than a Warrior, but he also makes himself a target to an old enemy.
"I Should've walked away. Now, it's too late. It's too fucking late for both of us."
This was a great novella! Jehan is a fantastic Warrior, and Sera truly has a passionate heart about her work and love. The only problem I had was with the danger threat. There was not much leading up to it, and then it was dealt with swiftly, it started up and was resolved in the blink of an eye. However, considering the book was only 100+ pages I guess there was not much room to draw it out.
I can’t wait to see what's next for this series!!!!
November 28, 2015
Far too short!!! I absolutely loved this novella!!!
Need the next book now!
Need the next book now!
August 5, 2020
For this novella our hero and heroine are in the desert. He is from an old family that has kept a border peace for generations because of marriage between the families. The last couple met with an untimely demise and now the duty falls on our hero. Meanwhile he has joined the Order and is a warrior. He can give a couple of weeks to this nonsense but then he must get back to the fight.
She doesn't like the idea either. So when the two meet they plan to give the relationship the required 8 days and then claim irreconcilable differences and let the curse move down. But 8 days is a long time between two hot and unattached folks and things happen. (If you know what I mean.)
A cute love story with excitement in all its best forms.
She doesn't like the idea either. So when the two meet they plan to give the relationship the required 8 days and then claim irreconcilable differences and let the curse move down. But 8 days is a long time between two hot and unattached folks and things happen. (If you know what I mean.)
A cute love story with excitement in all its best forms.
November 9, 2015
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Fun, sexy novella filled with action and a love at first sight type romance that actually worked.
Opening Sentence: Screams shot up from one of the many narrow, cobbled alleyways in the heart of Rome’s quaint old Trastevere ward.
The Review:
Stroke of Midnight is a sexy and exciting novella about two people who are completely made for each other. Their story is about fate and love at first sight. Stroke of Midnight is set in the Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian. I haven’t read any books set in this series as of yet but this short story enveloped me in a world that I would love to explore in more detail. I do feel like I missed out of some nuances of the worldbuilding but overall I was never lost in what was going on with the characters.
Jehan is a vampire warrior who fights to protect the humans around him. Humans know about the Breed and Jehan uses his skills to help make sure that the Breed aren’t hunted down and killed because of a terrible few. He can’t let the prejudice grow. Jehan is stationed in Rome. He gets a summons from his childhood home of Morocco because a pact must be fulfilled for peace between his family and a rival family. Jehan only goes home out of an obligation to his family.
Seraphina has also been summoned home by her family. She works as a humanitarian helping villagers in third world areas with food and medicine. Sera is a Breed Mate and has avoided being around any Breed. She only comes home because she needs the money to help with her work.
Jehan and Sera’s families have been united because of a pact of peace that was enacted centuries ago. The pact ensures peace between to two families and no one wants to find out what happens if the pact is forgotten. The couple that had been united in the pact were killed in a plane crash so Jehan and Sera fulfill the certain obligations that are required for the pact to live on.
Jehan and Sera absolutely do not want to go through with the handfasting. They especially do not want to be mated, let alone to each other. Yes, they are just meeting for the first time at the beginning of the handfasting before they are to be locked together for eight days to determine if they are suitable for each other.
Stroke of Midnight is a love at first sight type novella, but the sexual tension and heat can be felt as they fight against those feelings. As much as they want to give in to their feelings, the repercussions last for life so it isn’t something that they are just willing to give in to right away.
The world of the Breed is explained and explored more than I thought it would with two people being locked up for most of it. Lara’s writing style immediately sucked me in. I would love to learn more about this world. Even though their page time was really short, I actually would love to see both of these characters with a longer story. I don’t think Jehan’s story is over with.
Overall, Stroke of Midnight was full of sexual tension and action-packed. It was a really quick read. If you haven’t checked out this series yet. You can pick this one up without ruining the series and see if you’d be interested in reading the rest of the Midnight Breed series.
Notable Scene:
And then across the room, Marcel called for the kiss too. Someone else picked up the chant, then another. Before long, the entire place was applauding and thundering with the command. “Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!”
Sera turned a miserable look on Jehan. “We don’t really have t—“
Before she could finish, he moved closer and his mouth slanted over hers in a blast of heat. His lips caressed hers, impossibly soft, achingly sensual. His hands held her face, and yes, they were gentle. His kiss was too, but beneath its tenderness was a possessiveness—a raw power—that rocked her.
He mastered her mouth in an instant, and every brush of his lips had her aching to be claimed by him.
Her thoughts scattered. Her knees went a little boneless.
Even worse, the coil of warmth that had gathered between her thighs a few moments ago blazed molten and wild now.
FTC Advisory: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc. provided me with a copy of Stroke of Midnight. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Fun, sexy novella filled with action and a love at first sight type romance that actually worked.
Opening Sentence: Screams shot up from one of the many narrow, cobbled alleyways in the heart of Rome’s quaint old Trastevere ward.
The Review:
Stroke of Midnight is a sexy and exciting novella about two people who are completely made for each other. Their story is about fate and love at first sight. Stroke of Midnight is set in the Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian. I haven’t read any books set in this series as of yet but this short story enveloped me in a world that I would love to explore in more detail. I do feel like I missed out of some nuances of the worldbuilding but overall I was never lost in what was going on with the characters.
Jehan is a vampire warrior who fights to protect the humans around him. Humans know about the Breed and Jehan uses his skills to help make sure that the Breed aren’t hunted down and killed because of a terrible few. He can’t let the prejudice grow. Jehan is stationed in Rome. He gets a summons from his childhood home of Morocco because a pact must be fulfilled for peace between his family and a rival family. Jehan only goes home out of an obligation to his family.
Seraphina has also been summoned home by her family. She works as a humanitarian helping villagers in third world areas with food and medicine. Sera is a Breed Mate and has avoided being around any Breed. She only comes home because she needs the money to help with her work.
Jehan and Sera’s families have been united because of a pact of peace that was enacted centuries ago. The pact ensures peace between to two families and no one wants to find out what happens if the pact is forgotten. The couple that had been united in the pact were killed in a plane crash so Jehan and Sera fulfill the certain obligations that are required for the pact to live on.
Jehan and Sera absolutely do not want to go through with the handfasting. They especially do not want to be mated, let alone to each other. Yes, they are just meeting for the first time at the beginning of the handfasting before they are to be locked together for eight days to determine if they are suitable for each other.
Stroke of Midnight is a love at first sight type novella, but the sexual tension and heat can be felt as they fight against those feelings. As much as they want to give in to their feelings, the repercussions last for life so it isn’t something that they are just willing to give in to right away.
The world of the Breed is explained and explored more than I thought it would with two people being locked up for most of it. Lara’s writing style immediately sucked me in. I would love to learn more about this world. Even though their page time was really short, I actually would love to see both of these characters with a longer story. I don’t think Jehan’s story is over with.
Overall, Stroke of Midnight was full of sexual tension and action-packed. It was a really quick read. If you haven’t checked out this series yet. You can pick this one up without ruining the series and see if you’d be interested in reading the rest of the Midnight Breed series.
Notable Scene:
And then across the room, Marcel called for the kiss too. Someone else picked up the chant, then another. Before long, the entire place was applauding and thundering with the command. “Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!”
Sera turned a miserable look on Jehan. “We don’t really have t—“
Before she could finish, he moved closer and his mouth slanted over hers in a blast of heat. His lips caressed hers, impossibly soft, achingly sensual. His hands held her face, and yes, they were gentle. His kiss was too, but beneath its tenderness was a possessiveness—a raw power—that rocked her.
He mastered her mouth in an instant, and every brush of his lips had her aching to be claimed by him.
Her thoughts scattered. Her knees went a little boneless.
Even worse, the coil of warmth that had gathered between her thighs a few moments ago blazed molten and wild now.
FTC Advisory: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc. provided me with a copy of Stroke of Midnight. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
October 13, 2015
STROKE OF MIDNIGHT was a stroke of PNR genius! If you are looking for a GO-TO author in this genre, Lara Adrian is your woman! You CANNOT go wrong with the MIDNIGHT BREED series!
This amazing novella will give you a sexy, succulent taste of what this author is truly capable of. With an exotic backdrop, vivacious storyline, and gorgeous and intriguing characters Ms. Adrian gives us another winner in her next installment of this gigantic series! From the very first page, Adrian seizes her reader's attention with both an intriguing mystery element and a passionate, sizzling romance. Adrian clutches her reader's hearts while captivating them with an intense and exiting plot that will keep you guessing. Emotional, rich, and adventurous, this series and this author will immediately make their way to the top of your TBR lists!
I loved both Jehan and Seraphina. The sexual tension and the spark was instant, but they still fought the urge to do anything about it. They will do what is right by their family and their lineage because they are loyal to a fault, but it doesn't mean they have to enjoy it. They will fight this pull. They will battle their fate. They will dispute their feelings. They will deny, deny, deny, until...they can't anymore.
I couldn't keep the smile off my face the entire time reading this. To travel back to this splendid world Lara has created, brings me such great joy and wonder. STROKE OF MIDNIGHT was a suspenseful and mesmerizing masterpiece. Hang on tight as Adrian dives back into the scorching hot, alluring world of the Breed. Full of action and passion, Lara Adrian is sure to make tons of new fans with this great installment of the series.
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This amazing novella will give you a sexy, succulent taste of what this author is truly capable of. With an exotic backdrop, vivacious storyline, and gorgeous and intriguing characters Ms. Adrian gives us another winner in her next installment of this gigantic series! From the very first page, Adrian seizes her reader's attention with both an intriguing mystery element and a passionate, sizzling romance. Adrian clutches her reader's hearts while captivating them with an intense and exiting plot that will keep you guessing. Emotional, rich, and adventurous, this series and this author will immediately make their way to the top of your TBR lists!
I loved both Jehan and Seraphina. The sexual tension and the spark was instant, but they still fought the urge to do anything about it. They will do what is right by their family and their lineage because they are loyal to a fault, but it doesn't mean they have to enjoy it. They will fight this pull. They will battle their fate. They will dispute their feelings. They will deny, deny, deny, until...they can't anymore.
I couldn't keep the smile off my face the entire time reading this. To travel back to this splendid world Lara has created, brings me such great joy and wonder. STROKE OF MIDNIGHT was a suspenseful and mesmerizing masterpiece. Hang on tight as Adrian dives back into the scorching hot, alluring world of the Breed. Full of action and passion, Lara Adrian is sure to make tons of new fans with this great installment of the series.
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
October 20, 2015
Breed Warrior Jehan is trying to fight the good fight, when family and heritage demands his time. A century old pact, that is kept through marriage between the fighting families, demands that Jehan, as oldest son in the ruling family, marries with a daughter from the rivaling one.
Seraphina has no time for this, but a promise from her father makes her agree to atleast the handfasting period. But the secluded getaway brings more to them both, than just an agreed timout before going on their own separate ways..
PNR Romance and fluffy smut in a quick read.
Seraphina has no time for this, but a promise from her father makes her agree to atleast the handfasting period. But the secluded getaway brings more to them both, than just an agreed timout before going on their own separate ways..
PNR Romance and fluffy smut in a quick read.
April 1, 2016
I can't wait for the next book in these series... I just love Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series....
January 17, 2022
Stroke of Midnight
2.5 Stars
While the couple is engaging and the premise of an arranged blood bond has potential, the story is far too rushed and the declarations of love unrealistic.
Jehan and Seraphina have strong chemistry, but the novella format is simply too short to fully develop either their characters or their romance. Their rapid transition from distrust to lovers to bonded mates has little foundation other than intense physical attraction and sex.
Moreover, the minor suspense plot, which is only peripherally related to the ongoing Opus Nostrum arc, comes out of the blue and lasts less than one chapter.
In sum, there is nothing new to the series in this short novella, and no progression in the overall plotline. As such, I can only recommend it to die-hard fans.
2.5 Stars
While the couple is engaging and the premise of an arranged blood bond has potential, the story is far too rushed and the declarations of love unrealistic.
Jehan and Seraphina have strong chemistry, but the novella format is simply too short to fully develop either their characters or their romance. Their rapid transition from distrust to lovers to bonded mates has little foundation other than intense physical attraction and sex.
Moreover, the minor suspense plot, which is only peripherally related to the ongoing Opus Nostrum arc, comes out of the blue and lasts less than one chapter.
In sum, there is nothing new to the series in this short novella, and no progression in the overall plotline. As such, I can only recommend it to die-hard fans.
November 10, 2015
(RabidReads.com)The Midnight Breed books have always been favorite reads for me. They are usually well written, with a great romance, and all the action one could ever want out of a book. Great back stories, as well as complex characters also characterize these reads. This is the second 1001 Dark Nights book by this author, and now I have read both. They are novellas and I am one the people that enjoys novella length books-usually. I did have some problems with this read.
Jehan is a member of the Order and spends his time searching for rogue vampires that are suffering from blood lust. It’s up to the Order, made up of vampire warriors, to keep the human population safe from the insanity that afflicts those with blood lust. He is stationed in Rome, but is originally from Morocco, where his family was once considered royalty, making Jehan a prince, albeit only if he lived back in ancient times. As the eldest son of his family, due to an ancient pact, he is supposed to mate with the eldest daughter of another prominent family, someone he has never met. Seraphina is an aide worker at refugee camps in the area. She doesn’t want to mate for eternity with someone she has never met anymore than Jehan does. However, both of them take one look at each other and there is a definite immediate attraction.
Since it is so short, I am not going to go any farther into the story. I liked the main characters, and as long as you don’t mind the inst-love element, then the romance was a good one. Very little of the Midnight Breed trademark action makes it into this read. A bit here and there, but nothing really intense. Instead, most of the book centers mostly on the romance, which wasn’t exactly what I am used to when reading one of these books.These books are usually part of the urban fantasy genre, but not so this one. So that was disappointing for me. But my main problem with this read is this, at 118 pages, this book actually doesn’t begin until 8% into the book and ended at 88%, making a full 20% of the novella pure filler. I actually finished the book and said out loud, rip-off! So no, I wasn’t really happy with this read, something I really thought I would never say about a Midnight Breed book. It needed more character development, and more action. It could have had another thirty to fifty pages, still been a novella, and given us a better and more complex story, in my opinion.
People not familiar with all of the other books in this authors world probably wouldn’t miss the action scenes and mystery usually involved, but those of us that have read them from the beginning might feel this read comes up a bit short. I still mostly enjoyed the read, and it did keep me reading(for a little over an hour), but I just felt it wasn’t up to par with this authors usual excellent work.
Jehan is a member of the Order and spends his time searching for rogue vampires that are suffering from blood lust. It’s up to the Order, made up of vampire warriors, to keep the human population safe from the insanity that afflicts those with blood lust. He is stationed in Rome, but is originally from Morocco, where his family was once considered royalty, making Jehan a prince, albeit only if he lived back in ancient times. As the eldest son of his family, due to an ancient pact, he is supposed to mate with the eldest daughter of another prominent family, someone he has never met. Seraphina is an aide worker at refugee camps in the area. She doesn’t want to mate for eternity with someone she has never met anymore than Jehan does. However, both of them take one look at each other and there is a definite immediate attraction.
Since it is so short, I am not going to go any farther into the story. I liked the main characters, and as long as you don’t mind the inst-love element, then the romance was a good one. Very little of the Midnight Breed trademark action makes it into this read. A bit here and there, but nothing really intense. Instead, most of the book centers mostly on the romance, which wasn’t exactly what I am used to when reading one of these books.These books are usually part of the urban fantasy genre, but not so this one. So that was disappointing for me. But my main problem with this read is this, at 118 pages, this book actually doesn’t begin until 8% into the book and ended at 88%, making a full 20% of the novella pure filler. I actually finished the book and said out loud, rip-off! So no, I wasn’t really happy with this read, something I really thought I would never say about a Midnight Breed book. It needed more character development, and more action. It could have had another thirty to fifty pages, still been a novella, and given us a better and more complex story, in my opinion.
People not familiar with all of the other books in this authors world probably wouldn’t miss the action scenes and mystery usually involved, but those of us that have read them from the beginning might feel this read comes up a bit short. I still mostly enjoyed the read, and it did keep me reading(for a little over an hour), but I just felt it wasn’t up to par with this authors usual excellent work.
February 7, 2017
4 quick, exciting, sexy stars
This is a great novella set in the Midnight Breed world, but stands separate from the main storyline (though it does loosely tie in). Jehan is a Breed (vampire) Prince, but his true calling in life is as a warrior with the Order in Rome, working with Lazaro Archer. A cold and ruthless killer, he is proud of his noble work, knowing that he is making a difference in the Breed’s battle against their foes.
But his life takes a huge shift when his family call him home to Morocco to fulfil an ancient contract – one that would see him blood-bonded to a woman from a rival tribe in order to maintain peace. It’s a destiny he has been aware of for a year, but one that he has zero intention of fulfilling. But his commitment to his family sees him travelling home to at least make an show of being the faithful son.
His intended is Seraphina. A strong-willed breedmate who is committed to her humanitarian work, and who is just as disinterested in the pact as Jehan is – even though tradition requires them to be secluded for a period of 8 days to complete the bonding.
On their first meeting there is a strong spark of attraction between them, but they make their situations clear to each other, and they enter into the arrangement expecting that they will spend the 8 days avoiding each other at all costs. But when real life intrudes and an unexpected threat emerges, they are thrust together, and their passion for each other will become too strong to resist.
I really enjoyed this story. Jehan and Sera are great characters, and I love their individual strength and confidence. Their love story is fast-paced (as you would expect with a novella), and I loved their honesty and no-nonsense manner with each other. Their chemistry is sensational, the sexual tension is palpable, and the sexy time is passionate and super-hot, with a nice amount of emotion, and I loved watching them come together.
This was great read. Easy, and angst-free yet exciting and entertaining, it’s a great addition to the Midnight Breed series, and I loved it.
4 stars.
This is a great novella set in the Midnight Breed world, but stands separate from the main storyline (though it does loosely tie in). Jehan is a Breed (vampire) Prince, but his true calling in life is as a warrior with the Order in Rome, working with Lazaro Archer. A cold and ruthless killer, he is proud of his noble work, knowing that he is making a difference in the Breed’s battle against their foes.
But his life takes a huge shift when his family call him home to Morocco to fulfil an ancient contract – one that would see him blood-bonded to a woman from a rival tribe in order to maintain peace. It’s a destiny he has been aware of for a year, but one that he has zero intention of fulfilling. But his commitment to his family sees him travelling home to at least make an show of being the faithful son.
His intended is Seraphina. A strong-willed breedmate who is committed to her humanitarian work, and who is just as disinterested in the pact as Jehan is – even though tradition requires them to be secluded for a period of 8 days to complete the bonding.
On their first meeting there is a strong spark of attraction between them, but they make their situations clear to each other, and they enter into the arrangement expecting that they will spend the 8 days avoiding each other at all costs. But when real life intrudes and an unexpected threat emerges, they are thrust together, and their passion for each other will become too strong to resist.
“I Should've walked away. Now, it's too late. It's too fucking late for both of us.”
I really enjoyed this story. Jehan and Sera are great characters, and I love their individual strength and confidence. Their love story is fast-paced (as you would expect with a novella), and I loved their honesty and no-nonsense manner with each other. Their chemistry is sensational, the sexual tension is palpable, and the sexy time is passionate and super-hot, with a nice amount of emotion, and I loved watching them come together.
This was great read. Easy, and angst-free yet exciting and entertaining, it’s a great addition to the Midnight Breed series, and I loved it.
4 stars.
October 21, 2015
GENEROUS 3 STARS!!
I must say I was not impressed with Stroke of Midnight. It felt like I was reading a modern day Contemporary Romance. No real action or suspense as we come to expect from Lara Adrian's. Lots Angsts between the couple. Jehan is a Captain for the Order in Rome, he is also, a Prince of the Mafakhir Tribe. To keep the peace between the Mafakhir Tribe and the Sanhaja Tribe Jehan must married Seraphina/Sera of the Sanhaja tribe. Needless to say neither of them want to be mated. Now this was nonsense in a Paranormal series about Vampire that they must Handfast for 8 days. If they still don't want to becomes mates they can walk away after the 8 days. This is a generous 3 Star review.
I must say I was not impressed with Stroke of Midnight. It felt like I was reading a modern day Contemporary Romance. No real action or suspense as we come to expect from Lara Adrian's. Lots Angsts between the couple. Jehan is a Captain for the Order in Rome, he is also, a Prince of the Mafakhir Tribe. To keep the peace between the Mafakhir Tribe and the Sanhaja Tribe Jehan must married Seraphina/Sera of the Sanhaja tribe. Needless to say neither of them want to be mated. Now this was nonsense in a Paranormal series about Vampire that they must Handfast for 8 days. If they still don't want to becomes mates they can walk away after the 8 days. This is a generous 3 Star review.
December 3, 2015
what can i say, stroke of midnight was awesome!!! i never get tried of these hot breed warrior's and their mates. jehan a breed warrior who has to return to his family to start a handfasting with breedmate jeraphina, its instant attraction for both of them, but neither wants to be mated. they come to a understanding that they will spend the 8 days together for their familys but will part at the end.but the passion between them becomes too much and they fall in love. its a great read 5 star! if you like your vampires hot and your sex hotter you'll love this book.
October 15, 2015
It wasn't bad, but it was too short and predictable.
February 12, 2018
I felt like I should like this story but i didn’t feel the passion bteeen Seraphina and Jehan. It didn’t leap out at me and Thus it was just okay
July 21, 2021
3.85 stars
October 26, 2019
Jehan is a Breed warrior of The Order. He is also a desert prince of an ancient Moroccan family. Seraphina works to bring humanitarian aid to suffering desert peoples—particularly to the children. She is a breedmate adopted by the desert family formerly at war with Jehan’s family.
When Jehan and Seraphina are called home by their respective families to fulfill an arranged courtship intended to maintain peace between their families, they both resent the intrusion in their lives and their plans. They hold one-another at arm’s length—determined to get back to the lives they planned. As you might expect, they also had to fight their attraction to one-another.
There is a lot of insta-lust —> insta-love in this series; however, since the H/h’s are not fully human (breed and breedmates), the biological factor makes it more credible. There is satisfying action, danger, and some despicable villains (no spoilers). Yes, This short novella is definitely worth the read if you are a Midnight Breed fan.
When Jehan and Seraphina are called home by their respective families to fulfill an arranged courtship intended to maintain peace between their families, they both resent the intrusion in their lives and their plans. They hold one-another at arm’s length—determined to get back to the lives they planned. As you might expect, they also had to fight their attraction to one-another.
There is a lot of insta-lust —> insta-love in this series; however, since the H/h’s are not fully human (breed and breedmates), the biological factor makes it more credible. There is satisfying action, danger, and some despicable villains (no spoilers). Yes, This short novella is definitely worth the read if you are a Midnight Breed fan.
August 7, 2021
I love this series but the novellas haven't been my favorite since it's hard to fit both a relationship and the war between the Breed and Opus into such a short book. However, STROKE OF MIDNIGHT is probably my favorite novella of the series because it's focused much tighter on Jehan and Seraphina. Neither of them is interested in a mating because they're dedicated to their work but both are loyal to their families so they're willing to put up with the traditional handfasting ceremony. Of course both plan to leave the 8 days of seclusion with their hearts intact and no mating. With a ton of chemistry, Jehan and Seraphina find it hard to resist each other especially once Seraphina realizes that Jehan isn't the Order coldblooded killer like she thought.
October 20, 2015
This is a great taste of this wonderful series. I really enjoyed the story, it had a the feel of being a full novel. A plus in my book.
To read my full review go to my blog, Romancing the Readers: http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
ARC given for a honest review
To read my full review go to my blog, Romancing the Readers: http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
ARC given for a honest review
October 16, 2015
I liked this one - back to what Lara Adrian does best. Breed warrior meets his mate, instant lust grows into a soul searing love and he kills a few bad guys along the way... and all done in 118 pages!
September 30, 2024
Jehan
Seraphina
3.5 stars
Read 30 March 2016
Seraphina
3.5 stars
Read 30 March 2016
October 19, 2015
Short but nice story: It's always good read of Mrs Adrian
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