Midnight's Paradox

The Cynn Cruors Bloodline #6

by Isobelle Cate

An immortal searching for himself. A woman discovering that nothing is as it seems.Three years after the raid on Dac Valerian’s club, Dare You!, and the discovery of a secret, Blake finds himself in the streets and closes of Edinburgh in search of answers – still believing that he isn’t worthy of being called a Cynn Cruor. Thing is, he didn’t anticipate meeting a woman so beautiful in her simplicity that his Cynn Cruor instincts demand he protect and claim her as his own.Mine.Phoebe Ruth has read of the Cynn Cruors in her father’s journal and believes that they are the ravings of a grief-stricken man after losing her mother years ago. A chance encounter with a stranger in Edinburgh Castle’s Great Hall, being beset by thugs in the cemetery, and a cryptic note from a tourist crying for help, makes her realise that the Cynn Cruors world is real. So is the Cynn Cruor immortal, whose kisses burn a trail into her soul.Whose touch ignites the fire she didn’t realize she possessed.And whose burden she’d willingly take as her own not realizing that their lives are inexplicably linked in more ways than one.Blake and Phoebe must accept the truth of who they really are, if they want to have a future together in the middle of a war that can rip them apart.***CONTENT This story contains adult language and sexual situations and is intended for audiences 18+ ONLY. ***Editorial Reviews Cate does a great job with character development. All of her characters are continuously portrayed with accurate precision from the previous novels within this series. - Turning Another Page Book Review This book was a refreshing take on the vampire/werewolf of being secret human protectors of us unknowing humans from evil forces...There's lots of hot action in this story with plenty of moments to keep you reading, making you want to see what happens next, and a few sexy scenes to make your pulse race. Another great book from this talented author, i'm looking forward to reading more books in this series. - Clare and Lou's Mad about Books Readers' Reviews This series is fantastic, had me gripped from page one I could not put any of these six books down, reading until the early hours, please tell me when the novella and book 7 release dates are, this author is awesome. - Amazon Reviewer OMG these books are so good. I cried through the ending. Can't wait to see what happens next. Wow. Poor Blake, I think he may be my fave so far out of all of these Immortals. - Amazon Reviewer Even those readers who are not usually attracted to paranormal novels and vampire stories will find much to embrace in this tale, primarily because of the author’s magic way with words – bringing us into the rarefied air of mythology and fantasy in the finest fashion. Solid reading, this. - Goodreads Review

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2016

About the author

Some stories stay with you forever. Some characters feel like old friends. Isobelle Cate writes both. Her books are full of love that surprises, second chances that feel real, and people who’ve been through heartbreak but find the courage to love again. Every story she tells reminds us that hope is never lost, and love always finds a way.

Her characters are alive, flawed, brave, funny, and achingly human. Whether it’s a sweeping romance or a touch of magic, her stories pull you in and refuse to let go.

Off the page, Isobelle is just as captivating. She’s warm, thoughtful, and a little delightfully quirky someone who loves quiet afternoons with a book, the smell of baking drifting through the house, and the gentle rhythm of crocheting. She lives in Manchester with her family and their tiny, fearless goldfish, Ninja, who somehow makes every day a little more interesting.

Readers don’t just come for her stories, they stay for her heart. Isobelle’s words comfort, inspire, and remind us that even when life feels impossible, love has a way of finding us.

Reviews

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few books in the past by this author and I even own a few books by Isobelle from this series but i've never had chance to read them before, Midnight's Paradox is the 6th book of the Cynn Cruors Bloodline series but I was easily able to read this story as a standalone without having read any of the others.
Im a big paranormal romance fan and this book was a refreshing take on the vampire/werewolf of being secret human protectors of us unknowing humans from evil forces.
I was instantly pulled into this love story of Blake Strachen who is a Cynn Cruors immortal warrior and Phoebe Ruth a woman he cant help being drawn to, he finds that he has a need to protect her that he cant understand. He is fighting his own self doubt about who he is and an inner turmoil that he isn't good enough for her or to be with the Cynn Cruors.
Phoebe is an interesting character, she's a young woman that finds out that immortals good and bad live among us and takes it all in her stride, she is drawn to Blake like a moth to a flame and the chemistry they have is explosive.
There's lots of hot action in this story with plenty of moments to keep you reading, making you want to see what happens next, and a few sexy scenes to make your pulse race.
Another great book from this talented author, i'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.

[Janka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited not so patiently for this book. I love this series. Blake - he is such a wonderful character. Can't help myself but love him. He is definitely a paradox, two sides to him and so desperate to hide who he is and where he is from. So worried about what his 'brothers' would do when they find out. And then there is Phoebe, innocent girls who knows nothing about her heritage. And then the world as she knows it crashes around her. So much happens, lots of questions get answered and secrets get revealed. This book is an emotional roller coaster. Cannot wait what's in store next.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Face it Strachan. You're crazy for her. One fuck should do the trick.

Have you found a quiet space? A drink nestled between your hands? Curled up and settled down with anticipation on reading Blake Strachan story...? Perfect! Let the pages fly...

Blake's grin faded. For him, the privilege of finding a mate was now lost. Death could only be his journey's end.

With a tainted blood Blake Strachan, feels that he is no longer worthy of being with his Cynn Cruors in Manchester anymore, Blake has taken off on his own path looking for answers. Throughout the series, we have seen Blake appear but with a secret behind his eyes and refuses to tell his brethren that he is in fact, the son of arch enemy Herod D'Argyl! To say that Blake is carry around a few 'daddy issues' is an understatement. But along with Blake we find out how he's story really began, why he is carrying the shame around himself and how strong his character is within the story.

So how does he end up in Edinburgh castle one chilly morning and without so much as a hello, ends up locking lips with Phoebe Ruth?

Their mouths locked, their tongues mating, swirling and tasting each other in near desperation.

Coming in to work early may of have boosted Phoebe Ruth mood for the day, but it left her confused and full of need. The need to find out who the man was. The need to feel to embraced with those strong arms again. The need to stroke the fire that was burning within her. It was only a brief encounter with a stranger though wasn't it? Phoebe tries to put the morning behind her as she carries on about her work at Edinburgh castle. But with a drinks with her friend after work take an unexpected turn of events, then who should appear but man from Great Hall. Blake’s coolness towards Phoebe has her head spinning believing that he is not worth her time anymore. Phoebe finds herself in trouble lately and fate plays a hand bringing Blake to be her knight in shining black armour. But as the story unfolds we find out that Phoebe is not your average human...far from it, as she is in fact a Cynn Cruor mortal and like Blake she is also on the hunt to know where she came from...what is her true path? Are Blake & Phoebe lives more entwined than they think?

Her heart bled for him. How could so fierce a man drastically change to someone who reminded her of a lost boy? The man was danger, passion, and vulnerability all rolled into one.

No secret that I'm hooked into this series and one of the many reasons is for the twists and turns. Well, Isobelle done it again of course, I didn't even see this one coming until I was on top of it! Was a very nice surprise. So keep your eyes on the lookout for that one, as it does bring with it our favourite crew of heartthrob males and sassy-lass's! They have also been busy behind the scenes, there is also a mole who is going against the very code of the Cynn Cruor’s and I don't think Herod D'Argyl is up for any father-son bonding time but he may be here for something else.

"So if you don't want me to fuck you until you can't scream anymore, tell me to move away now."
"That's one hell of an invitation."

Blake & Phoebe <3 Their love affair was very touch and go throughout the story, I really didn't know how they were going to get together. Because yes, they are mates but with everything going on with Blake finding out who he is and how he will accept if he does, how will he feel about dragging Phoebe in to his tainted past? Phoebe has her own problems and things she must overcome, learning to accept who she is and how she will cope as she steps into the world of the Cynn Cruors.

He was clothed then. But now...oh lord, she wanted more.

Midnight's Paradox, the title was well suited to the storyline and with the characters. It was great finally reading all of Blake story, with Herod D'Argyl as his father and having Phoebe as a unknown mortal Cynn Cruor was a nice addition too. The usual fabulous writing of twists/turns/surprises, witty banter, beautiful lines/scene and roller- coaster emotions that ties book together for a great read within this series.

And now here he was, the perfect moment with the perfect girl, but not the perfect time.

[Beth Orsborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been hundreds of years since the immortal Blake Strachen buried what was left of his family and it's been three years since his last unsuccessful raid on his nemesis Dac Valerian. Restless, Blake is wandering through the streets of Edinburgh in the early morning hours when he encounters the ghost witch hung centuries ago, who speaks cryptically of "the sins of the father”, but before he can ask her what she means, she disappears with the first light of dawn. Dawn means that Blake a vampire/werewolf/human hybrid must find shelter. He stumbles into the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle before visiting hours, but he's not alone. Phoebe Ruth has come to work early at the old castle when she notices the dark shadow of a man handling a relic sword with ease. The two strangers wordlessly embrace with an uncontrollable passion neither of them understands why, but just like that, Blake disappears. Was it just an arousing dream, Phoebe wonders? But when Blake rescues Phoebe from an assault by thugs in the cemetery, each becomes enraptured by the other.

Like what you’ve read? Read it!
I found this book suspenseful and romantic. Book 6 did not disappoint, and matched to her book theme and writing.
Reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Blake Strachan, it’s time to take your rightful place as a Cynn Cruor.’

British author Isobelle Cate writes about the secret stories, the people and the nations - the English, the Irish, the Scots, the Welsh, and those who are now part of these nations whatever their origins. ‘Her vision and passion are fuelled by her interest and background in history and paradoxically, shaped by growing up in a clan steeped in lore, loyalty, and legend. She is ‘intrigued by forces that simmer beneath the surface of these cultures, the hidden passions, unsaid desires, and yearnings unfulfilled.’

The Cynn Cruors are an order of immortal human/werewolf/vampire warriors and Isobelle has spanned now six books under the influence of this fascinating bloodline. She graciously aids the reader at book’s opening with an author’s note – ‘Blake and Phoebe’s story is set in Scotland and some of the characters’ dialogue will have a few words spelled according to the way the character speaks it. So I have made a glossary of some of the words you will come across in the story.’ Would that more authors were that generous in aiding the reader through a space never traveled!

She adds to this a Prologue set in Edinburgh, Scotland 1859 – ‘Snow swirled in curtains of white, the flakes landing helter-skelter on the bare tree branches. It fell on the packed earth already covered in a blanket of white, and on the tear stained, reddened cheeks of an eleven year-old boy as he watched the men lower the simple wooden casket that contained the remains of his mother. His curly hair was flattened and damp from the snowfall. His threadbare jacket stretched across his already broad back while his trousers looked a size too small for his legs. He did not wear an overcoat, no other buffer against the bitter cold. No matter: he did not feel the cold anyway. Did not know what it felt like to feel the ice numbing his fingers or his feet. When everyone was huddled in their coats and shawls, or sat close to the fire by the hearth, he was out playing in the freezing winter. The winter cold had no hold over him. It was different inside when it enveloped him, like ice creeping and coating his heart’s beating surface, as insidious as when it slowly took hold of the loch in the deepest of winters. So this is what freezing feels like…’ She then jumps to present day for the story to ignite.

She plunges us into the torso of the tale: ‘it's been hundreds of years since immortal Cynn Cryor warrior Blake Strachen buried what little was left of his family. And it's been three years since his last unsuccessful raid on his nemesis Dac Valerian. Enemies are still at large. Too much is left unfinished. Restless, Blake is wandering through the deserted streets of Edinburgh in the early morning hours when he encounters the ghost of a woman, a witch hung centuries ago, who speaks cryptically of "the sins of the father”. But before he can ask her what she means, she disappears with the first light of dawn. Dawn means that Blake--a vampire-werewolf-human hybrid--must find shelter, and he stumbles into the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle before visitor hours. But he's not alone... Phoebe Ruth has come into work early at the old castle when she notices the dark shadow of a man handling a relic sword with surprising ease. A powerful and disturbingly attractive man. Sparks ignite immediately, the two strangers wordlessly embracing with an uncontrollable passion neither of them understands... But just like that, Blake disappears. All day, like a stereo needle skipping over a vinyl scratch, Phoebe replays the steamy sexual encounter of the early morning--the hunger that threatened to devour her. Was it just an arousing dream? But when Blake rescues Phoebe from an assault by thugs in the cemetery, each becomes enraptured by the other. Forever. Phoebe has read of the Cynn Cruors in her father’s journal and believes they're only the ravings of a grief-stricken man after losing his wife. But after several chance encounters, she begins to realize that the Cynn Cruors' world is as real as the dark stranger's bonfire of burning kisses. Both Phoebe and Blake have sordid pasts to sort through. And these chance encounters inexplicably link the two lovers together in more ways than one...’ Few could summarize this fascinating tale as well.

Even those readers who are not usually attracted to paranormal novels and vampire stories will find much to embrace in this tale, primarily because of the author’s magic way with words – bringing us into the rarefied air of mythology and fantasy in the finest fashion. Solid reading, this.

[angela gunstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight's paradox

Couldn't put it down until finished loved the characters and the storyline and can't wait to read more in this series so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone

[Lauren Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing that comes to mind when reading this novel is, wouldn’t it be so nice to truly know if you have found your soulmate? There are so many men and women who think that they have found that one person, who is supposed to be there through thick and thin, love you conditionally, and be that other piece of your heart. More times than not, with divorce percentages as high as they are and cohabitation rates sky-rocketing, it means that either men and women are absolutely happy in the prospect of never forming that supposedly unbreakable bond—or they are fearful of it not being their forever. In this series, Cate explains the process of the mating ritual and the meaning behind “forever”.

Blake is confused and lost. He has grown up as Cynn Cruor, but he can’t help feeling like a traitor to his blood. When he was young, his mother and father mated, but then his father left them—never to return—causing his mother much pain and grief until her untimely death. This story is about Blake’s search to find what was lost. In doing so, he happens to find Phoebe, a Cynn mortal, who he can see sharing his entire life with—but his mind holds more weight over his heart. He feels that it would be a betrayal to have a mate, knowing that his blood is impure—the blood of the enemy, Scatha Cruor. When his father kidnaps Phoebe, he is reminded of the differences between father and son. His Cynn Cruor brothers and sisters have never stopped caring for him, and now he may need them more than ever to save Phoebe. But, can he finally tell them the truth about who he truly is? Will they continue to accept him?

Cate does a great job with character development. All of her characters are continuously portrayed with accurate precision from the previous novels within this series. The writing isn’t as clean as the one of the other installments previously read, but not as to really hinder the enjoyment of the novel. This story is a fast-paced novel like the others, which makes it very easy to read. If you are a reader of paranormal romance, you may enjoy reading this book. It can be read as a standalone, but it may be beneficial to begin reading the series from the first installment for an entire understanding of all characters.

A copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by Isobelle Cate, but this in no way affects our honest opinion of the book or the review that has been written. We provide a four-star rating for Midnight’s Paradox by Isobelle Cate.

[Angela Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a paranormal romance with a touch of suspense. This is most defiantly for adults only, due to the sexual content, you have been warned. Yes, it is very steamy and will make your toes curl. This is book six in series, but I have not read any of the other books, so it can be read as a stand alone. This book has so many OH MY moments that I was anxious to turn the page. Yes a definite page turner. I would recommend this to all my adult paranormal lovers.

Phoebe Ruth is your everyday woman, she lives a normal life.. but that is all about to change. She has a secret identity that even she is unaware of. All to soon it will all come to light. Blake comes into Phoebe's life and the heat gets turned up instantly, even though Blake fights it, he will not be able to control it for long. Time will prove they are supposed to be together.

favorite passages:
"It was different inside when it enveloped him, like ice creeping and coating his heart's beating surface, as insidious as when it slowly took hold of the loch in the deepest of winters."
"The slow rise of the sun from its bed on the horizon became the scene of a gentle tug of war between the blues of the night and the pale vanilla-orange of day."
"Invisible strings seemed to be attached to his fingers, pulling her body closer."<3
"Even from his hiding place, her sweet arousal called to him like a siren's song."
"Even in death those that went ahead still needed to be with the living."
"Phoebe watched the emotion literally die in those glazed eyes like thick curtains falling over a screen."
"His safe-haven from the travails that were part of his immortality."

[Nini (LaPtiteVieLivresqueDeNini) Jennifer Athrurion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Que dire ?

Nous en sommes au tome 6 et c’est toujours un plaisir de retrouver les Cynn Cruors.
J’ai beaucoup aimé ma lecture.
Niveau intrigue l’auteur sait toujours titiller encore plus notre curiosité et encore une fois on ne tourne pas en rond. Ce mystère qui plane, c’est non-dits j’ai qu’une à hâte, d’en découvrir plus.
Niveau romance, hummm on retrouve bien nos Cynn Cruors hot et craquant mais dans ce tome j’ai trouvé la romance un peu différente dans la façon dont le personnage masculin s’interdit de vouloir aller plus loin dans ses sentiments en croyant qu’il ne mérite pas d’avoir lui aussi l’amour dans sa vie. Bien évident il ne se peut pas s’empêcher de succomber aux plaisirs charnels mais pour lui ça ne peut pas être chose. Pourquoi ? Son passé ? Ces doutes ? Ça se sera à vous de le découvrir.
Quand à l’héroïne j’ai bien kiffé ce qui se trame vis à vis de son passé. Des secrets qui vont changer sa vision des choses.
Je vais aussi devoir vous avouer que j’ai versé une larme. Je n’étais pas prête et surtout je ne m’attendais pas à ressentir autant de choses envers un personnage. J’ai été chamboulée, surprise et émue.
Bref j’aime mes Cynn Cruors ( quoi j’ai droit d’être possessive) et vivement la suite.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Midnight's Paradox" (The Cynn Cruors Bloodline Series Book 6) by Isobelle Cate is a fantastic read. I loved Blake and Phoebe's story. This story is an excellent addition to the fantastic Cynn Cruors Bloodline Series. This story has passion, romance, action, drama, paranormal, and more. Highly recommend to all fans of romance, paranormal, and series. I can not wait to see what happens next!

[Kimothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hot and intense and so full of passion. I loved the setting of Edinburgh and the castle, the description was fantastic like i was transported back there. The chemistry between the two main characters was like a spark waiting to turn into a raging inferno. By far my best Isobelle Cate book in this series so far.

[Laurie Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

The last line of this book is a forewarning of the changes to come. Can't wait to see how it all plays out.

Blake's story is about finding g your own truth and acceptance. And learning to be comfortable with who you are.

[Tracy Kincaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG these books are so good. I cried through the ending. Can't wait to see what happens next. Wow. Poor Blake, I think he may be my fave so far out of all of these Immortals.