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Breeds #23
Cross Breed
Fans of #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh's scorching Breed series first met Cassie as a little girl in Elizabeth's Wolf. Now Cassie has finally come into her own as a young woman, and she's about to discover the one she is destined for--but it is unclear whether her fate is to be mated for life, or marked for death...
The Breeds are humans altered before conception with the DNA of the predators of Earth. But although they all carry the genetic material of beasts within them, Cassandra Sinclair stands apart. A unique mix of wolf, coyote and human, she is revered by many--but preyed upon by others. She is fiercely protected by her community...but no one manages to stop her when she slips away one day to offer her body in exchange for her sister's safety.
The man she succumbs to surprises her by unleashing her inner animal in ways she never dreamed possible--and provokes her deep, furious rage. To Cassie's shock, he is the mate she has long awaited. She may never be able to forgive his deception. Still, as dangerous enemies track her, and as the threat of all-out war between Breeds and the humans who despise them hovers in the air, they must join forces and hold fast to each other.
But the passionate union between them holds a potential that could change the world--and some will do anything to stop it...
The Breeds are humans altered before conception with the DNA of the predators of Earth. But although they all carry the genetic material of beasts within them, Cassandra Sinclair stands apart. A unique mix of wolf, coyote and human, she is revered by many--but preyed upon by others. She is fiercely protected by her community...but no one manages to stop her when she slips away one day to offer her body in exchange for her sister's safety.
The man she succumbs to surprises her by unleashing her inner animal in ways she never dreamed possible--and provokes her deep, furious rage. To Cassie's shock, he is the mate she has long awaited. She may never be able to forgive his deception. Still, as dangerous enemies track her, and as the threat of all-out war between Breeds and the humans who despise them hovers in the air, they must join forces and hold fast to each other.
But the passionate union between them holds a potential that could change the world--and some will do anything to stop it...
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 25, 2018
914 people are currently reading
4464 people want to read
About the author
Lora Leigh
190 books10.1k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Lora Leigh is a New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance novels. Leigh started publishing with electronic publisher Ellora's Cave in 2003. Leigh's longest-running series is The Breeds. She won the 2009 RT Award for erotica. Leigh was born in Ohio and raised in Martin County, Kentucky, US.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
Lora Leigh is a New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance novels. Leigh started publishing with electronic publisher Ellora's Cave in 2003. Leigh's longest-running series is The Breeds. She won the 2009 RT Award for erotica. Leigh was born in Ohio and raised in Martin County, Kentucky, US.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
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September 26, 2018
***This is finally LIVE, FYI for Breed fans!***
Thank you, lawd, Lora Leigh.
Thank you for making this not suck and giving Cassie a good story.
Cause the stakes were high here, peeps.
But let's back up.
I read my first Breed book waaaaaaay back in the day. I think I was in college or something. Which isn't bad considering I started reading smut waaaaaaay before it was age-appropriate. We are talking 12 years old here, people.
In fact, one of the books in this series (Coyote's Mate) is one of my favorite books of all time. I mean, we are talking the highest level of favorite here. The I'm-on-an-island-and-can-only-bring-x-number-of-books-and-this-is-one-of-them level of favorite.
Anyway. According to GR, I have read 21 of the books in this series, although with all the .5 installments it's hard to say how many exactly.
Also, I think I've actually read some of the ones that I haven't marked read or rated as I read them waaaaaaay before the advent of GR. So the number is probably higher than that.
In fact, it was a Breed book that actually prompted me to join GR. After picking one up and realizing I had purchased it and read it before - and the first one was STILL on my shelf to boot (this was pre-kindle so this meant I had two paperbacks) - I decided I needed to start inventorying my purchases to avoid these double-up blunders.
But I digress.
Anyone who has read or followed this series has been waiting for Cassie's story for what seems like eons. We met her adorably weird semi-physic self back in book three and she is the daughter of fan favorites Elizabeth and Dash. And that book came out in 2004. When some of you reading this were like five fucking years old.
But I digress again.
What I'm beating around the bush to say here is: again, obviously the book stakes were high.
And, being that I pretty much stopped reading the most recent releases from this series - I felt like they were starting to be 20% repetitive story line and 80% repetitive sex - my expectations for this book were...well, they were pretty low, frankly.
That said, I REALLY enjoyed this book.
But being that it doesn't come out until September, I don't want to include too many details here.
Let's just say that fans of the series will be happy with this (at least I was anyway) and I think Leigh did right by Cassie. She made her tough and even-keeled and didn't have her character suddenly go sideways.
So many times in long running series, you have a character whose story you wait for FOREVER; but when their book finally comes out, the character acts completely different than they have up to that point.
Wonder Woman is suddenly a simpering beta female with no backbone and Superman is suddenly a pussified asshat who's scared of the dark.
You get the idea.
Thankfully, that is not the case here.
I felt that Cassie stayed true to character and I loved that she didn't whine or feel the constant need to battle for dominance (this annoys me to no end).
The plot was not the strongest, but I didn't even care. I was just so happy that Cassie was awesome and that her mate was equally so.
I truly hope series fans love this as much as I did, and I think if they keep their expectations reasonable, they absolutely will.
Thank you, lawd, Lora Leigh.
Thank you for making this not suck and giving Cassie a good story.
Cause the stakes were high here, peeps.
But let's back up.
I read my first Breed book waaaaaaay back in the day. I think I was in college or something. Which isn't bad considering I started reading smut waaaaaaay before it was age-appropriate. We are talking 12 years old here, people.
In fact, one of the books in this series (Coyote's Mate) is one of my favorite books of all time. I mean, we are talking the highest level of favorite here. The I'm-on-an-island-and-can-only-bring-x-number-of-books-and-this-is-one-of-them level of favorite.
Anyway. According to GR, I have read 21 of the books in this series, although with all the .5 installments it's hard to say how many exactly.
Also, I think I've actually read some of the ones that I haven't marked read or rated as I read them waaaaaaay before the advent of GR. So the number is probably higher than that.
In fact, it was a Breed book that actually prompted me to join GR. After picking one up and realizing I had purchased it and read it before - and the first one was STILL on my shelf to boot (this was pre-kindle so this meant I had two paperbacks) - I decided I needed to start inventorying my purchases to avoid these double-up blunders.
But I digress.
Anyone who has read or followed this series has been waiting for Cassie's story for what seems like eons. We met her adorably weird semi-physic self back in book three and she is the daughter of fan favorites Elizabeth and Dash. And that book came out in 2004. When some of you reading this were like five fucking years old.
But I digress again.
What I'm beating around the bush to say here is: again, obviously the book stakes were high.
And, being that I pretty much stopped reading the most recent releases from this series - I felt like they were starting to be 20% repetitive story line and 80% repetitive sex - my expectations for this book were...well, they were pretty low, frankly.
That said, I REALLY enjoyed this book.
But being that it doesn't come out until September, I don't want to include too many details here.
Let's just say that fans of the series will be happy with this (at least I was anyway) and I think Leigh did right by Cassie. She made her tough and even-keeled and didn't have her character suddenly go sideways.
So many times in long running series, you have a character whose story you wait for FOREVER; but when their book finally comes out, the character acts completely different than they have up to that point.
Wonder Woman is suddenly a simpering beta female with no backbone and Superman is suddenly a pussified asshat who's scared of the dark.
You get the idea.
Thankfully, that is not the case here.
I felt that Cassie stayed true to character and I loved that she didn't whine or feel the constant need to battle for dominance (this annoys me to no end).
The plot was not the strongest, but I didn't even care. I was just so happy that Cassie was awesome and that her mate was equally so.
I truly hope series fans love this as much as I did, and I think if they keep their expectations reasonable, they absolutely will.
September 27, 2018
Cassie and
The Lady and the Tramp
The Breed Princess and the Bad Bad Bad Boy
“The Breed princess wants to see what it’s like to get down and dirty for a change?”
The bad boy who wants to crumple the perfect princess and then to set her finally free.
“Cassie, aren’t you tired of playing the perfect little Breed princess?” he asked as she passed him. “Haven’t you gotten sick of being a good girl all the time? You’re not human. You can’t keep pretending you are.”
Coyotes have always been the outcasts of the Breeds.
You must not dare a coyote.
You must not trust a coyote.
Cassie dared her future mate several times. And when the crucial time arrived, she trusted him.
So, before the First Chapter finishes, she will be mated and thunderstruck.
“You lied to me.”
And not even her Alpha Breed Wolf stepfather, Dash Sinclair, can save her.
“I love you, Cassie,” he said gently. “And I’ll do whatever necessary to protect you. Even from your mate.”
Besides the unavoidable and very welcome mating, we will also learn:
1. What were the voices that Cassie was hearing when she was a kid
2. That the monstrosities of the Council have never really stopped.
Hardcore fans have been waiting for about 15 years for Cassie's story and I am happy to say that they won't be disappointed.
The author wrote this story with so much love and devotion to her characters. This was definitely not just an obligation fulfilled, but a solid satisfying story.
Besides the two main characters, many more characters from the previous books appear in the book with either small or lengthier roles.
For example:
Prime and Prima Lyons, Lupine and Lupina Gunnar, Coy and Coya Delgado, Jonas Wyatt, Dash and Elizabeth Sinclair, Mongrel and Mutt, Drs. Armani and Sobolova and so many others!
Like a party that everyone is invited.
So...yes...
32!!! Breed stories so far and the series still goes strong.
Concluding, I am a very happy girl now (still my mind and my heart is somewhere in Breeds universe and I suppose it will still be there for many more days) and I hope that you will enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed it.
“You carry my soul,” he whispered as she felt exhaustion dragging her down. “My sweet, beautiful little halfling, you’re all that’s good inside me.”
Background reading:
1.Elizabeth's Wolf for the first appearance of Cassie in the series as an adorable little girl
2. Tanner's Scheme for the first appearance of Dog as a heartless mercenary
3. Dawn's Awakening when 18 years old Cassie and her future mate started their first games of dare
4. Harmony's Way if you want to learn more about Dane Vanderale
5. Styx's Storm for the innocent fling between Styx and Cassie
6. Rule Breaker if you want to learn when Rhyzan Brannigan was introduced
7. Wake A Sleeping Tiger if you want to see how Kenzi Deacon () appears.
The Lady and the Tramp
The Breed Princess and the Bad Bad Bad Boy
“The Breed princess wants to see what it’s like to get down and dirty for a change?”
The bad boy who wants to crumple the perfect princess and then to set her finally free.
“Cassie, aren’t you tired of playing the perfect little Breed princess?” he asked as she passed him. “Haven’t you gotten sick of being a good girl all the time? You’re not human. You can’t keep pretending you are.”
Coyotes have always been the outcasts of the Breeds.
You must not dare a coyote.
You must not trust a coyote.
Cassie dared her future mate several times. And when the crucial time arrived, she trusted him.
So, before the First Chapter finishes, she will be mated and thunderstruck.
“You lied to me.”
And not even her Alpha Breed Wolf stepfather, Dash Sinclair, can save her.
“I love you, Cassie,” he said gently. “And I’ll do whatever necessary to protect you. Even from your mate.”
Besides the unavoidable and very welcome mating, we will also learn:
1. What were the voices that Cassie was hearing when she was a kid
2. That the monstrosities of the Council have never really stopped.
Hardcore fans have been waiting for about 15 years for Cassie's story and I am happy to say that they won't be disappointed.
The author wrote this story with so much love and devotion to her characters. This was definitely not just an obligation fulfilled, but a solid satisfying story.
Besides the two main characters, many more characters from the previous books appear in the book with either small or lengthier roles.
For example:
Prime and Prima Lyons, Lupine and Lupina Gunnar, Coy and Coya Delgado, Jonas Wyatt, Dash and Elizabeth Sinclair, Mongrel and Mutt, Drs. Armani and Sobolova and so many others!
Like a party that everyone is invited.
So...yes...
32!!! Breed stories so far and the series still goes strong.
Concluding, I am a very happy girl now (still my mind and my heart is somewhere in Breeds universe and I suppose it will still be there for many more days) and I hope that you will enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed it.
“You carry my soul,” he whispered as she felt exhaustion dragging her down. “My sweet, beautiful little halfling, you’re all that’s good inside me.”
Background reading:
1.Elizabeth's Wolf for the first appearance of Cassie in the series as an adorable little girl
2. Tanner's Scheme for the first appearance of Dog as a heartless mercenary
3. Dawn's Awakening when 18 years old Cassie and her future mate started their first games of dare
4. Harmony's Way if you want to learn more about Dane Vanderale
5. Styx's Storm for the innocent fling between Styx and Cassie
6. Rule Breaker if you want to learn when Rhyzan Brannigan was introduced
7. Wake A Sleeping Tiger if you want to see how Kenzi Deacon () appears.
October 9, 2023
4.5 stars
We finally got Cassies book and it was a fucking good one!! And from the way things ended at least two more books are coming.
I don't know if I should say more. We got the mate we wanted, the mating we wanted, we didn't have to wait half the book for them to be together, the sexy times reached epic levels and we had a good plot foiling it all. I could have done with a touch more grovelling but that's just me, I always want more grovel, can never have enough. Other than that, a stellar Breed book coming quite close to the perfection of Del-Rey Delgado and Dash Sinclair.
Three cheers for Lora Leigh!!
Prior to reading
CASSIES BOOK!!
Oct 2017
We finally got Cassies book and it was a fucking good one!! And from the way things ended at least two more books are coming.
I don't know if I should say more. We got the mate we wanted, the mating we wanted, we didn't have to wait half the book for them to be together, the sexy times reached epic levels and we had a good plot foiling it all. I could have done with a touch more grovelling but that's just me, I always want more grovel, can never have enough. Other than that, a stellar Breed book coming quite close to the perfection of Del-Rey Delgado and Dash Sinclair.
Three cheers for Lora Leigh!!
Prior to reading
CASSIES BOOK!!
Oct 2017
August 23, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
*May contain a few spoilers....so be aware before reading! Thank You. *
Cross Breed was such a wonderful read in fact it was definitely met my expectations. I have been looking forward to Cassie's book for so long, for YEARS so I was so excited that Lora Leigh finally wrote her book. It has everything you could come to expect in a Breeds novel and I soaked it all up like a sponge.
It begins six years previous, when Cassie first meets a Breed....a very dangerous one. One that everyone views as the enemy, when in reality there is a lot more to Dog than others seem to realize, he is like a ghost (which we have seen him in past books and know of his capabilities) and then he comes to Cassie in the dead of night with a soft caress in the shadows where her guards are unable to see and leaves her with a promise....if she is ever in trouble or needs him call him but she will always owe him a favor in return. And over the years Dog has been there for Cassie when she has needed him. But when her sister's life is in danger, and Dog saves her life, she owes him....one night in his bed. But she soon finds out that they are actually "mates" and now things are about to go to hell in her life, because having Dog as her mate is very complicated. Its not as simple as it has been for many others including her own parents.
For one, despite Cassie's knowledge of Breed Law and the fact that her parents are leaders in the Breed community, she is known as an oddity and many especially wolves, see her as not one of them because of her mixed heritage since she is both wolf and coyote and that is looked down upon including her many gifts that many breeds fear from her. Even though Dog probably wouldn't be her first choice in a mate, she realizes soon that he is the right one and that she will fight for him and their mating with every breath that she has. But there are enemies that seek to destroy them and seek Cassie at all costs. But will her mate be the one to bring about a catalyst that she will never see coming...
I will admit that this story sucked me very quickly in including the sexy prologue of Dog and Cassie's first meeting. (which was released months before now and had me so excited to grab up this book here) I couldn't put this book down, and seriously I read this book way too quickly, because I never wanted it to end. I really fell in love with Dog and Cassie and seeing their relationship develop. Now first off, the sex scenes are HOT which Lora Leigh excels at but what is really remarkable about how she writes her smexy stuff, is that there is such intense emotion right along with it and always a touch of humor to make you laugh.
One aspect of the story that I couldn't understand is how the Breeds could turn on Cassie so much. We see through the series, how intuitive she is and how much she helps and aids fellow breeds and right when she needs the support...she doesn't have it because of who she is mated to? Even her father wasn't as supportive as he should have been (just my opinion) so I really struggled and yeah I was Cassie and Dog team ALL The way.
Dog is a charater that is pretty elusive throughout the series, so there isn't much we know about him until this book. So I was pretty happy to have him as the hero, because he is tough as nails and does what is necessary. Dog is on a secret mission of his own. He has his own people to protect, mostly children who are breeds and still being held captive by the council. We learn what the council has been doing lately, and yeah this really was heart breaking. Basically these children's organ's are being sold to human donor's and these breed children are being sacrificed. And yeah this really made my heart hurt especially seeing how much the Breeds have suffered from these crazy scientists from the council that they have never been able to fully bring down. So we see why Dog is so protective, and so determined to make sure that his kids are safe before anyone knows that he is a undercover agent with the council and that he is working with Jonas. Jonas is the only player other than Leo and Dane that knows of Dog's mission and the vital importance and secrecy of it. But honestly Dog....is such a great hero. Because he is protective of Cassie but he never tries to hinder who she is or her talents. He only seeks to protect her back when she needs him to be there. We learn about Dog's heritage and what happened to his parents.
Cassie is such a delight to read and we do realize how important that she is. And we get learn who her "fairy" really is, we learn about her talents and who she will rise up to become fully and boy does she KICK ASS. Especially towards the end there, yeah, when she is crossed don't mess with Cassie because she will hunt you down literally. I had a blast with her character because Cassie is super smart, sassy, and bears some heavy weight on her shoulders. You see what a strong woman she really is and she has had to be strong all of her life. She has been hunted all of her life and she has never had privacy, guards with her everywhere she goes. She has never had it easy, and I really wanted her to find her mate and her HEA because she deserves happiness and some peace.
The ending I will say that it broke me down in TEARS....PEEPS...TEARS. My goodness, sometimes Lora Leigh can really wreck my emotions and she really did that with this book and it was such happy tears too. Dog and Cassie just tore my heart so much both in sad and happy ways and seeing the romance culminate was thrilling and also gives the reader ALL THE FEELS because you get to see how much they truly deserve happiness and they find it in each other. They are both children of mated Breeds, and both have coyote traits and aren't the "norm" and they make a great fighting team.
Overall Cross Breed is a edge of your seat, work through your emotions without mercy, giveing you happy feels from beginning to end and adds in some depth of characters and some important truths are revealed for fans of the Breeds. A CAPTIVATING ROMANCE TO MELT YOUR HEART
*May contain a few spoilers....so be aware before reading! Thank You. *
Cross Breed was such a wonderful read in fact it was definitely met my expectations. I have been looking forward to Cassie's book for so long, for YEARS so I was so excited that Lora Leigh finally wrote her book. It has everything you could come to expect in a Breeds novel and I soaked it all up like a sponge.
It begins six years previous, when Cassie first meets a Breed....a very dangerous one. One that everyone views as the enemy, when in reality there is a lot more to Dog than others seem to realize, he is like a ghost (which we have seen him in past books and know of his capabilities) and then he comes to Cassie in the dead of night with a soft caress in the shadows where her guards are unable to see and leaves her with a promise....if she is ever in trouble or needs him call him but she will always owe him a favor in return. And over the years Dog has been there for Cassie when she has needed him. But when her sister's life is in danger, and Dog saves her life, she owes him....one night in his bed. But she soon finds out that they are actually "mates" and now things are about to go to hell in her life, because having Dog as her mate is very complicated. Its not as simple as it has been for many others including her own parents.
For one, despite Cassie's knowledge of Breed Law and the fact that her parents are leaders in the Breed community, she is known as an oddity and many especially wolves, see her as not one of them because of her mixed heritage since she is both wolf and coyote and that is looked down upon including her many gifts that many breeds fear from her. Even though Dog probably wouldn't be her first choice in a mate, she realizes soon that he is the right one and that she will fight for him and their mating with every breath that she has. But there are enemies that seek to destroy them and seek Cassie at all costs. But will her mate be the one to bring about a catalyst that she will never see coming...
"Don't you dare leave me alone."
"Not even for a heartbeat." His hand curved around the back of her neck, his head lowering, his lips suddenly catching hers in a kiss that rocked her entire body despite its brevity.
Savage. Hard. Determined.
Her Mate.
I will admit that this story sucked me very quickly in including the sexy prologue of Dog and Cassie's first meeting. (which was released months before now and had me so excited to grab up this book here) I couldn't put this book down, and seriously I read this book way too quickly, because I never wanted it to end. I really fell in love with Dog and Cassie and seeing their relationship develop. Now first off, the sex scenes are HOT which Lora Leigh excels at but what is really remarkable about how she writes her smexy stuff, is that there is such intense emotion right along with it and always a touch of humor to make you laugh.
"Halfling, that look on your face is making me hard."
"You're always hard. Wouldn't be a mating otherwise. "
One aspect of the story that I couldn't understand is how the Breeds could turn on Cassie so much. We see through the series, how intuitive she is and how much she helps and aids fellow breeds and right when she needs the support...she doesn't have it because of who she is mated to? Even her father wasn't as supportive as he should have been (just my opinion) so I really struggled and yeah I was Cassie and Dog team ALL The way.
Dog is a charater that is pretty elusive throughout the series, so there isn't much we know about him until this book. So I was pretty happy to have him as the hero, because he is tough as nails and does what is necessary. Dog is on a secret mission of his own. He has his own people to protect, mostly children who are breeds and still being held captive by the council. We learn what the council has been doing lately, and yeah this really was heart breaking. Basically these children's organ's are being sold to human donor's and these breed children are being sacrificed. And yeah this really made my heart hurt especially seeing how much the Breeds have suffered from these crazy scientists from the council that they have never been able to fully bring down. So we see why Dog is so protective, and so determined to make sure that his kids are safe before anyone knows that he is a undercover agent with the council and that he is working with Jonas. Jonas is the only player other than Leo and Dane that knows of Dog's mission and the vital importance and secrecy of it. But honestly Dog....is such a great hero. Because he is protective of Cassie but he never tries to hinder who she is or her talents. He only seeks to protect her back when she needs him to be there. We learn about Dog's heritage and what happened to his parents.
She was what she was, what she was meant to be, in her meate's heart, in his arms. Finally no longer a cross breed, but a mate.
Dog's mate.
Cassie is such a delight to read and we do realize how important that she is. And we get learn who her "fairy" really is, we learn about her talents and who she will rise up to become fully and boy does she KICK ASS. Especially towards the end there, yeah, when she is crossed don't mess with Cassie because she will hunt you down literally. I had a blast with her character because Cassie is super smart, sassy, and bears some heavy weight on her shoulders. You see what a strong woman she really is and she has had to be strong all of her life. She has been hunted all of her life and she has never had privacy, guards with her everywhere she goes. She has never had it easy, and I really wanted her to find her mate and her HEA because she deserves happiness and some peace.
Build your lives now, see your way through the trials together, and love each other with everything you are. The future won't be easy. There are battles yet to come for not just you and Dog, but for all Breeds. Stay true. Follow your instincts and your heart. And always love...
The ending I will say that it broke me down in TEARS....PEEPS...TEARS. My goodness, sometimes Lora Leigh can really wreck my emotions and she really did that with this book and it was such happy tears too. Dog and Cassie just tore my heart so much both in sad and happy ways and seeing the romance culminate was thrilling and also gives the reader ALL THE FEELS because you get to see how much they truly deserve happiness and they find it in each other. They are both children of mated Breeds, and both have coyote traits and aren't the "norm" and they make a great fighting team.
Every dream I've held, Cassie, You've brought to life
Overall Cross Breed is a edge of your seat, work through your emotions without mercy, giveing you happy feels from beginning to end and adds in some depth of characters and some important truths are revealed for fans of the Breeds. A CAPTIVATING ROMANCE TO MELT YOUR HEART
February 13, 2023
Cassie’s story is terrific!
I’ve been waiting since Cassie was a young child for her to grow up and find a mate of her own. I knew that time on Seth’s island when the mysterious Coyote Breed shot her that he was her mate. I never would have guessed who it turned out to be, but it makes a lot of sense now. They are perfect together.
This is another example of a Breeds book where Graeme is awesome 😎. I just love him. He is not as psycho as he used to be, but he still gets crazy now and again. He loves to torture members of the Genetics Council and those who work for them, though you can’t really blame him for that after the way the council tortured he Breeds. But he is so funny about it. He cracks me up.
You have to love Cassie because she sees ghosts and knows things that other people don’t. Also because most of her life she has had a huge price on her head because she is the only mixed breed and the Genetics Council wants to capture her and perform all sorts of tests on her. So she has always had to have a bunch of friends enforcers guarding her. She hasn’t been free to do things like other breeds. Even as a very young child, the man that everyone, including her thought was her father, tried to sell her because of her Genetics. So her mother had to take her and run.
This book was great and ended up with a look into the next book which has been hinted at a few times and looks like it will be great. It is about the Wolf Breed Alpha Lobo and Khileen. Khileen was abused by her mother and her mother used to me in a marriage of convenience with Lobo, so he is technically her stepfather. But now she knows he is her mate and he also knows. But she is fighting it and waiting for his brother Tiberius to return, because she was in love with him. Should be a good one.
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I’ve been waiting since Cassie was a young child for her to grow up and find a mate of her own. I knew that time on Seth’s island when the mysterious Coyote Breed shot her that he was her mate. I never would have guessed who it turned out to be, but it makes a lot of sense now. They are perfect together.
This is another example of a Breeds book where Graeme is awesome 😎. I just love him. He is not as psycho as he used to be, but he still gets crazy now and again. He loves to torture members of the Genetics Council and those who work for them, though you can’t really blame him for that after the way the council tortured he Breeds. But he is so funny about it. He cracks me up.
You have to love Cassie because she sees ghosts and knows things that other people don’t. Also because most of her life she has had a huge price on her head because she is the only mixed breed and the Genetics Council wants to capture her and perform all sorts of tests on her. So she has always had to have a bunch of friends enforcers guarding her. She hasn’t been free to do things like other breeds. Even as a very young child, the man that everyone, including her thought was her father, tried to sell her because of her Genetics. So her mother had to take her and run.
“Cainis. I believe the translation is ‘dog,’” Dog corrected him. “My name is Dog.”
“You’ll take the name Cain,” the old man gritted out. “It’s a family name given to the oldest son in each generation stretching back over a hundred years. Your father was Carson Cain, my name is Aaron Cain.”
Yeah, yeah, good old family legacies, right? That hadn’t done his parents a lot of good. “And my name is Dog,” Dog finished for him.
This book was great and ended up with a look into the next book which has been hinted at a few times and looks like it will be great. It is about the Wolf Breed Alpha Lobo and Khileen. Khileen was abused by her mother and her mother used to me in a marriage of convenience with Lobo, so he is technically her stepfather. But now she knows he is her mate and he also knows. But she is fighting it and waiting for his brother Tiberius to return, because she was in love with him. Should be a good one.
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September 23, 2018
Can’t really review this book so far from the release date, so this is mostly random thoughts.
The ‘World of the Breeds’ bit at the beginning was terribly heavy-handed, and not particularly true to events in previous books. The prologue was an expansion of the long ago scene on the island in Seth Lawrence’s atrium; expanded (and altered) with new info to fit the needs of this book. That was when most readers figured out who Cassie’s mate was; as well as what he was really doing.
Latter books of the series tried to set the worldbuilding of the Breeds world that should have been done back in the Ellora Cave days when the books were more smut than story. Bet LL wishes now she had made her Breeds able to shift. I’m sure she had no idea the series would last this long or become this popular. As it is, she changed the canon of the series and made up a lot of stuff as she went along. Not complaining, mind you; after reading this series for all these years, I’m well aware of Leigh’s idiosyncrasies. I just go with the flow.
LL threw everything in the Breeds world plus the kitchen sink into this book. If you have been enjoying the series you’ll like this one. Anyone who has been reading between the lines in past books knows what to expect here, especially the mating process. There were several compelling twists this time; one that threw a monkey wrench into the same old, same old of the mating dance. There were also a few surprising revelations that opened up some fascinating new players and storyline possibilities.
Overall it was a good read. The bar was set so high for Cassie’s book it was difficult for anything to actually live up to the expectations. Although LL always said Cassie would be last book, the epilogue was a definite lead-in to the next book. There are threads and characters (some new) left open that look to breathe new life in the series…more Breed and Council secrets to unearth. Apparently Leigh changed her mind and was just finally giving in to the fans for Cassie’s story.
...and to think that at the end of the last (so-so) book I was saying that maybe Leigh should wrap up the series if she couldn’t come up with anything new...
—————————————-
If Cassie's mate is not , LL will have a whole lot of 'splaining to do with the longtime fans. He's been mysteriously slipping around the edges of her life for years waiting for her to grow up...of course, the summary could be a trick and this is about we just got thrown...
The ‘World of the Breeds’ bit at the beginning was terribly heavy-handed, and not particularly true to events in previous books. The prologue was an expansion of the long ago scene on the island in Seth Lawrence’s atrium; expanded (and altered) with new info to fit the needs of this book. That was when most readers figured out who Cassie’s mate was; as well as what he was really doing.
Latter books of the series tried to set the worldbuilding of the Breeds world that should have been done back in the Ellora Cave days when the books were more smut than story. Bet LL wishes now she had made her Breeds able to shift. I’m sure she had no idea the series would last this long or become this popular. As it is, she changed the canon of the series and made up a lot of stuff as she went along. Not complaining, mind you; after reading this series for all these years, I’m well aware of Leigh’s idiosyncrasies. I just go with the flow.
LL threw everything in the Breeds world plus the kitchen sink into this book. If you have been enjoying the series you’ll like this one. Anyone who has been reading between the lines in past books knows what to expect here, especially the mating process. There were several compelling twists this time; one that threw a monkey wrench into the same old, same old of the mating dance. There were also a few surprising revelations that opened up some fascinating new players and storyline possibilities.
Overall it was a good read. The bar was set so high for Cassie’s book it was difficult for anything to actually live up to the expectations. Although LL always said Cassie would be last book, the epilogue was a definite lead-in to the next book. There are threads and characters (some new) left open that look to breathe new life in the series…more Breed and Council secrets to unearth. Apparently Leigh changed her mind and was just finally giving in to the fans for Cassie’s story.
...and to think that at the end of the last (so-so) book I was saying that maybe Leigh should wrap up the series if she couldn’t come up with anything new...
—————————————-
If Cassie's mate is not , LL will have a whole lot of 'splaining to do with the longtime fans. He's been mysteriously slipping around the edges of her life for years waiting for her to grow up...of course, the summary could be a trick and this is about we just got thrown...
September 26, 2018
I know most of the reviews will start with “I’ve been waiting for this book since forever”, and it’s very true for each and every one of us. We, the readers that have been following all this saga, have waited for so long to read Cassie’s book.
I’ve always wondered who her mate would be, I’ve had my doubts for 2 breeds and I wasn’t disappointed at all with Lora’s choice.
The starting was a bit rushed, but soooo very steamy. OMG, I had forgotten about the eroticism of these books.
I liked how the Hero (I’m not saying his name) wasn’t a complete moron, like some others in this series. I have always liked him. He was OK for the most part of the book. Until the moment when he screws up. Damn! He should have known about these things. The mistakes coming from him are so unacceptable. He’s not a beginner. Anyway, I can’t dislike him, no matter what.
Cassie: I expected more depth from her. I’m disappointed in her development. Maybe if the book was longer and the Romance not so rushed, I would have liked her more.
I just couldn’t understand when the hating and dislike became love. Just no. And the thing that bothers me more about her is that
I have read most books in this series. Apart from the one before this. Maybe I continue with the one after, or maybe I’ll wait for the tormented soul to find his mate.
I really enjoyed this. No matter what. I’m happy for both H/h.
3,5 stars only because it’s them and we’ve known them since forever.
I’ve always wondered who her mate would be, I’ve had my doubts for 2 breeds and I wasn’t disappointed at all with Lora’s choice.
The starting was a bit rushed, but soooo very steamy. OMG, I had forgotten about the eroticism of these books.
I liked how the Hero (I’m not saying his name) wasn’t a complete moron, like some others in this series. I have always liked him. He was OK for the most part of the book. Until the moment when he screws up. Damn! He should have known about these things. The mistakes coming from him are so unacceptable. He’s not a beginner. Anyway, I can’t dislike him, no matter what.
Cassie: I expected more depth from her. I’m disappointed in her development. Maybe if the book was longer and the Romance not so rushed, I would have liked her more.
I just couldn’t understand when the hating and dislike became love. Just no. And the thing that bothers me more about her is that
I have read most books in this series. Apart from the one before this. Maybe I continue with the one after, or maybe I’ll wait for the tormented soul to find his mate.
I really enjoyed this. No matter what. I’m happy for both H/h.
3,5 stars only because it’s them and we’ve known them since forever.
July 8, 2019
Disclaimer: I did not read any of the prior 22 books in this series
Why in the world is "Breed" used as a pronoun throughout this book?! Characters whose names are given are simply referred to as 'the Breed' mere sentences later for no apparent reason. It's like the author did a 'find and replace' in Microsoft Word and changed every instance of the words he/she/man/woman with 'the Breed' and called it a day. So practically every other sentence has the word 'Breed' in it. It was enough to drive me crazy. Based on that alone, I have approximately zero interest in picking up any of those earlier books and I don't think having read any of them first would have greatly increased my enjoyment of thisbreed book.
Why in the world is "Breed" used as a pronoun throughout this book?! Characters whose names are given are simply referred to as 'the Breed' mere sentences later for no apparent reason. It's like the author did a 'find and replace' in Microsoft Word and changed every instance of the words he/she/man/woman with 'the Breed' and called it a day. So practically every other sentence has the word 'Breed' in it. It was enough to drive me crazy. Based on that alone, I have approximately zero interest in picking up any of those earlier books and I don't think having read any of them first would have greatly increased my enjoyment of this
November 1, 2025
The Breeds is twenty three books in and still going strong. I LOVED finally getting Cassie's story. What can I say, Lora Leigh ROCKED it. Riveting the reader with a captivating and original plot, I couldn't help but read into the wee-hours of the morning because I just couldn't put it down. Sexy, seductive and suspense-filled, don't miss Cassie Sinclair's story in Cross Breeds.
I received this ARC copy of Cross Breed from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. Cross Breed is set for publication September 25, 2018.
I received this ARC copy of Cross Breed from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. Cross Breed is set for publication September 25, 2018.
July 19, 2018
4-4.5 stars – looooved this one. I was new to the Breeds series when I got this galley, so I read the first 4 Breeds books to prepare (I would've read more but there are wayyy too many) and I freaking LOVED Cassie and her mate. This is definitely my favorite Breeds book I've read so far. Cassie is an alpha female to her core and I loved her for it. Cross Breed was sexy without being cringey (how I felt the first couple books were). If you're new to the series, I highly recommend you give it a try. And if you're a long-time fan, I really think you'll love Cassie's long-awaited book!
Right now I am so excited for the next couple in the series!
Full review to come!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Right now I am so excited for the next couple in the series!
Full review to come!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
October 8, 2018
Read (audio) 03 Oct 2018 (★★½)
So. 14yrs since we first met Cassie in Elizabeth's Wolf (which, BTW, is still one of my favs in this series). 14yrs. But extended wait makes sense, given that we had to wait for Cassie to grow up, no? 😉
No matter how lackluster previous Breeds books have been, there was no way that I would delay or pass on reading this one. Especially since a buddy & I split the pot from a 10yr bet (re: identity of Cassie’s mate) placed after Dawn's Awakening. 😜
B/c of build-up over the yrs, I deliberately started Cross Breed w/ only 2 expectations (read: hope)—fairly coherent writing & not-too-recycled sexy times. Thankfully, check & check. Also, I liked that Lora Leigh tied several past items into Cassie & Dog’s story.
So I didn’t mind that I completely forgot about revelation/rescue of Cassie’s twin in previous book (probably b/c I did major WTF??! at that new plot point). I didn’t mind that certain issues designed to create tension were nonsensical &/or superficially addressed. I didn’t mind the WTF re: Cassie's inner nature, as well as her true-really-true paternity (new info or another tidbit I forgot at some point? 🤔) I didn’t mind that future options/possibilities were tossed out w/o any follow-up. I didn’t mind that the current series arc advanced by a micro-inch.
What *did* I mind? That, despite almost 9hrs of audio (or 384pgs HC), Cassie & Dog’s relationship advanced only a few inches—maybe reached HFN stage? Yeah, romance addressed w/ mating & ultimate acceptance. But to add insult to injury, Epilogue tripped one of my pet peeves—setting up the next couple/book instead of re-affirming HEA for current pair. 🤬
Am I the only one who finished Cross Breed unsatisfied, w/ a major sense of ‘TBC’? But will that stop me from reading the next Breeds book? Nope.
So. 14yrs since we first met Cassie in Elizabeth's Wolf (which, BTW, is still one of my favs in this series). 14yrs. But extended wait makes sense, given that we had to wait for Cassie to grow up, no? 😉
No matter how lackluster previous Breeds books have been, there was no way that I would delay or pass on reading this one. Especially since a buddy & I split the pot from a 10yr bet (re: identity of Cassie’s mate) placed after Dawn's Awakening. 😜
B/c of build-up over the yrs, I deliberately started Cross Breed w/ only 2 expectations (read: hope)—fairly coherent writing & not-too-recycled sexy times. Thankfully, check & check. Also, I liked that Lora Leigh tied several past items into Cassie & Dog’s story.
So I didn’t mind that I completely forgot about revelation/rescue of Cassie’s twin in previous book (probably b/c I did major WTF??! at that new plot point). I didn’t mind that certain issues designed to create tension were nonsensical &/or superficially addressed. I didn’t mind the WTF re: Cassie's inner nature, as well as her true-really-true paternity (new info or another tidbit I forgot at some point? 🤔) I didn’t mind that future options/possibilities were tossed out w/o any follow-up. I didn’t mind that the current series arc advanced by a micro-inch.
What *did* I mind? That, despite almost 9hrs of audio (or 384pgs HC), Cassie & Dog’s relationship advanced only a few inches—maybe reached HFN stage? Yeah, romance addressed w/ mating & ultimate acceptance. But to add insult to injury, Epilogue tripped one of my pet peeves—setting up the next couple/book instead of re-affirming HEA for current pair. 🤬
Am I the only one who finished Cross Breed unsatisfied, w/ a major sense of ‘TBC’? But will that stop me from reading the next Breeds book? Nope.
September 27, 2018
Dawn’s Awakening was forever ago! Who is your coyote?!
“Love you, halfling,” he whispered. “More than life, I love you.”
No, you're crying.
"Cross Breed" is the story of Cassie and
Firstly, PHEW ITS FINALLY HERE!! I've been WAITING for this book since Dawn's Awakening, and it feels like forever later its HERE!!!
Secondly.. I KNEW IT!! We were left guessing who the elusive Coyote mate was, but I always suspected this male and it turned out to be true!
Now for the spoiler filled review..
“You carry my soul,” he whispered as she felt exhaustion dragging her down. “My sweet, beautiful little halfling, you’re all that’s good inside me.”
Apart from beautiful one liners as well as hot, hot, hot lovemaking, there was romance, witty banter, separation as well as so much heart breaking angst, that you will need tissues for two very different reasons.
“Why don’t I just mount you and take your ass?” he suggested, the thought of that ultimate submission a temptation he could barely resist. “Teach you who’s your alpha and who’s your mate.”
Oh, how I missed the LL's brand of breed smut!! (and giving all the extra stars for all the anal!)
I love this series SO SO much.
Safe
extremely biased 4.5/5
P.S. Who are Khi and Lobo?! So grossly taboo! I WANT MORE!
September 30, 2018
Riveting paranormal suspense…
I LOVE this series! I may have mentioned that each time I read the next instalment in this series that has built its characters and storyline through dozens of storylines and even more characters. And all of them, contributing to a world that I get lost in each and every time…
Breeds have been fighting for their basic ‘human’ rights for years. To be counted as equal, for their right to live happily. To even exist at all. Yes, they are different but not of their choosing. They battle inequality and struggle for justice every day. But what happens when one of their own is even more different than an already unusual Breed? Well, prejudice can be found everywhere….
Cassandra is unique but carries all her traits with grace and acceptance. She is strength and intelligence wrapped in a petite package. Her path has not been easy but she feels loved and protected. Until he threatens everything good in her life… As she works through each obstacle and life-threatening bump in their road, she may find love but lose everything else…
How it all unfolds mixes heat and passion with danger and suspense. Beliefs are challenged even as love tries to bring two very different people together. If they can get on the same page the heat that simmers between them will burn even hotter…
This series has a plot that doesn’t stop being relevant or exciting! The strong characters, riveting storyline, and complex plot has grown more layered and complicated with each story added. I closed the last page and already started craving the next! ~Diane, 4.5 stars
I LOVE this series! I may have mentioned that each time I read the next instalment in this series that has built its characters and storyline through dozens of storylines and even more characters. And all of them, contributing to a world that I get lost in each and every time…
Breeds have been fighting for their basic ‘human’ rights for years. To be counted as equal, for their right to live happily. To even exist at all. Yes, they are different but not of their choosing. They battle inequality and struggle for justice every day. But what happens when one of their own is even more different than an already unusual Breed? Well, prejudice can be found everywhere….
Cassandra is unique but carries all her traits with grace and acceptance. She is strength and intelligence wrapped in a petite package. Her path has not been easy but she feels loved and protected. Until he threatens everything good in her life… As she works through each obstacle and life-threatening bump in their road, she may find love but lose everything else…
How it all unfolds mixes heat and passion with danger and suspense. Beliefs are challenged even as love tries to bring two very different people together. If they can get on the same page the heat that simmers between them will burn even hotter…
This series has a plot that doesn’t stop being relevant or exciting! The strong characters, riveting storyline, and complex plot has grown more layered and complicated with each story added. I closed the last page and already started craving the next! ~Diane, 4.5 stars
November 17, 2021
I Katie vow to stop starting books at the end of a series from this point on.
Okay, okay.....
I Katie vow to try and not start a series on book 23 from this point on....
Fuck, fine. I'm totally going to end up doing this to myself again...
Do I regret starting this series on book 23?
Nope, but now I have a list of characters who I fell in love with in this book and I need to know their stories like right now...i.e. Graeme.....I'm a sucker for a crazy man.
I won't lie, I was a little confused through a little of this book (you know, being book 23 in all). There was enough explanation of what was happening that I wasn't completely lost. Yes, I'm well aware that had I been a normal human and started at book 1, it would have all made perfect sense.
Had I started at book 1, I probably would have gotten bored or side-tracked like the rest of you and gave up on the series, and never got to experience the amaziness of Cassie and Dog's story. I loved them from the get go. Ladies, when a couple can get down and dirty in the first 10%, you are almost always a guaranteed 4 star review from my smut-loving ass!
Seriously, this is such a cool world that Leigh has built. The audio was awesome, it had me hooked from the start. I'm not going to bore you will the details since there are a 1000 other reviews that are way better than this one (mainly cuz they read all the books).
Now the question is... Do I actually start at the beginning to truly understand this world or just pick random books of characters that I like and pretend I understand this world.
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Okay, okay.....
I Katie vow to try and not start a series on book 23 from this point on....
Fuck, fine. I'm totally going to end up doing this to myself again...
Do I regret starting this series on book 23?
Nope, but now I have a list of characters who I fell in love with in this book and I need to know their stories like right now...i.e. Graeme.....I'm a sucker for a crazy man.
I won't lie, I was a little confused through a little of this book (you know, being book 23 in all). There was enough explanation of what was happening that I wasn't completely lost. Yes, I'm well aware that had I been a normal human and started at book 1, it would have all made perfect sense.
Had I started at book 1, I probably would have gotten bored or side-tracked like the rest of you and gave up on the series, and never got to experience the amaziness of Cassie and Dog's story. I loved them from the get go. Ladies, when a couple can get down and dirty in the first 10%, you are almost always a guaranteed 4 star review from my smut-loving ass!
Seriously, this is such a cool world that Leigh has built. The audio was awesome, it had me hooked from the start. I'm not going to bore you will the details since there are a 1000 other reviews that are way better than this one (mainly cuz they read all the books).
Now the question is... Do I actually start at the beginning to truly understand this world or just pick random books of characters that I like and pretend I understand this world.
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March 30, 2019
SPOLIER FREE
Cross Breed is book twenty three in the Breeds series by Lora Leigh
Oh my how I’ve waited and anticipated Cassie’s novel. I first feel in love with her as a child in Elizabeth’s Wolf and then she pops back up in other novels throughout the series. She is a hybrid, unique, and many fear her and her gifts. She has been hunted since the day she was born and that will never stop.
As for her mate. I had an inkling of who he was and it was whispered at in Dawn’s Awakening, so their are clues in the series. Yet, we truly don’t know until now. We also don’t know his motives and who’s side he is on, which adds to the suspense. And, he’s waiting six years to claim what is his.
I enjoyed their romance. It’s filled with the usual Breed male dominance, yet he recognizes that Cassie is a true alpha and respects her. Now her mate does miss lead her at the beginning of the story, but when the mating occurs they both embrace it and fight those outside forces together. They do have some challenges to overcome. One being another male is challenging their mating. Another issue is her mate is a known Council associate and this causes Cassie to be shunned by those she considered friends. I enjoyed their unity, but I also felt for Cassie and her trills.
Now, the Breed politics play a big role in this storyline. It added drama and tension. The politics behind her mates secret life and motives added excitement and suspense to the story.
The only issue I had was Jonas’s second in command, Rhyzan. He’s a bit confusing. We start to focus on him, but then he just disappears. No mention as to why. He’s also not involved in some climatic scenes, which you think he would be, being the second in command.
Overall, Cross Breed was another delightful read. I’m glad I got to see Cassie grow into the strong powerful Breed female.
Rated: 4 Stars
Cross Breed is book twenty three in the Breeds series by Lora Leigh
Oh my how I’ve waited and anticipated Cassie’s novel. I first feel in love with her as a child in Elizabeth’s Wolf and then she pops back up in other novels throughout the series. She is a hybrid, unique, and many fear her and her gifts. She has been hunted since the day she was born and that will never stop.
As for her mate. I had an inkling of who he was and it was whispered at in Dawn’s Awakening, so their are clues in the series. Yet, we truly don’t know until now. We also don’t know his motives and who’s side he is on, which adds to the suspense. And, he’s waiting six years to claim what is his.
I enjoyed their romance. It’s filled with the usual Breed male dominance, yet he recognizes that Cassie is a true alpha and respects her. Now her mate does miss lead her at the beginning of the story, but when the mating occurs they both embrace it and fight those outside forces together. They do have some challenges to overcome. One being another male is challenging their mating. Another issue is her mate is a known Council associate and this causes Cassie to be shunned by those she considered friends. I enjoyed their unity, but I also felt for Cassie and her trills.
Now, the Breed politics play a big role in this storyline. It added drama and tension. The politics behind her mates secret life and motives added excitement and suspense to the story.
The only issue I had was Jonas’s second in command, Rhyzan. He’s a bit confusing. We start to focus on him, but then he just disappears. No mention as to why. He’s also not involved in some climatic scenes, which you think he would be, being the second in command.
Overall, Cross Breed was another delightful read. I’m glad I got to see Cassie grow into the strong powerful Breed female.
Rated: 4 Stars
September 22, 2018
Fans of the series finally get Cassie’s story, and for those who’ve been paying attention, her mate is not a surprise. As with all these stories, though, things do not go smoothly. Cassie must deal not only with her own mixed feelings but those of friends and colleagues, all while it appears someone is gunning either for her or her new mate.
There are a lot of ongoing threads from the series that culminate in this book, and some of them do so in so oblique a manner as to be unsatisfying and incomplete.
That said, the book does reveal some interesting background as well as surprising attributes of both Cassie and her mate that will have repercussions later in the series. Although their relationship starts out on a rocky note and has some difficulties along the way, as with all the Breed matings, they become a cohesive unit by the end, sharing many energetic sexual encounters along the way.
The book is a must-read for fans of the series. With so much anticipation, there may be some disappointments as it’s hard to please everyone. But there’s enough good stuff here to feel that Cassie has been given her due.
There are a lot of ongoing threads from the series that culminate in this book, and some of them do so in so oblique a manner as to be unsatisfying and incomplete.
That said, the book does reveal some interesting background as well as surprising attributes of both Cassie and her mate that will have repercussions later in the series. Although their relationship starts out on a rocky note and has some difficulties along the way, as with all the Breed matings, they become a cohesive unit by the end, sharing many energetic sexual encounters along the way.
The book is a must-read for fans of the series. With so much anticipation, there may be some disappointments as it’s hard to please everyone. But there’s enough good stuff here to feel that Cassie has been given her due.
October 3, 2021
4.5 Stars
After years of waiting, we FINALLY get little Cassie’s book! 🤗🤗 Despite my recent rage read…looking at you Bengal's Heart… I LOVE this series… and I especially loved Elizabeth & Dash, so it’s safe to say that I’m not exactly unbiased when it comes to this book. I’ll also admit that I quit the series 10-ish years ago, because they were getting repetitive and generally not good. So, I was nervous that I’d be disappointed, but I loved it. Not only did L.L. not give Cassie a personality reboot… she also gave her a worthy mate. All while answering some questions (like her fairy) that we’ve been kicking around since 05.
I thought LL did a great job of staying true to the previous storylines, and tying it all together for both Cassie and Dog. I also felt like she stayed pretty true to their established personalities. Cassie didn’t suddenly become a lusty twit, and Dog kept his edge. Their first connection wasn’t super romantic, but I think both knew what they were getting into, and what they were to each other. (I had totally forgot about Kenzi which is going to have to be explained a lot better to ever get me on board) IMO, Cassie’s hang-up had more to do with his assumed allegiance, but I liked that she accepted him even before everything was revealed.
Bottom Line- I’m happy with Cassie’s story, and I think most series fans will be too. We got the mate we wanted. The answers we wanted, and they didn’t spend the entire book fighting. We also got several cameos from previous mc’s. (I really liked Jonas in this one) My only real complaint is that the epilogue is dedicated to the next couple (Khi & Lobo-which does sound interesting. He had sex w/ his mate’s mom??!! I’m hoping he has a twin, or she didn’t get a good look at him.) rather than giving us more of a conclusion for Cassie and Dog. Hopefully they’re in the next one, because I felt like parts were left unfinished. I was planning on rating this a 4⭐when I read it last week, but I stopped writing mid review yesterday to re-read it again… I figure that deserves a round up. 😄
* These books are hard to skip because of the ongoing story arc, but if you wanted to read this only…I would suggest reading at least Elizabeth's Wolf (maybe Dawn's Awakening) before starting this. **Totally random, but did anyone pick up on what else (other than coyote) Dog is? I know the other part (P) is separate, but thought hybrids needed to be 2 things. The only hint I picked up on is one of the Breeds thought a noise he made sounded feline, but with the name Cainus I assumed it would be something from that family. (wolf, coyote, jackal, etc.)
**reread 10/3/21 just want to make note of the epilogue, and my note section is full. Graeme tells Khi the mating drugs aren't safe for her any longer (to try to push her to her mate so he can get testing subjects) Lobo is her mate, but she's not down with that because he used to be her stepdad, and she's in love with his brother Tiberius. Mom, Jessica Langer Reever, is dead and apparently killed Khi's dad, and tried to kill her and Lobo. Mom was evil/abusive, so she hates that her mate was married to her, and feels like he ignored her abuse, bruises, etc. She also say them having sex when she was 16, but you get the feeling something else is going on. Lobo arrives after she leaves, and you can tell he really loves her, so sounds like an interesting story. Khi has good reasons for being upset, but she also had a stubborn, childish attitude vibe going on, so she might be an annoying h.
After years of waiting, we FINALLY get little Cassie’s book! 🤗🤗 Despite my recent rage read…looking at you Bengal's Heart… I LOVE this series… and I especially loved Elizabeth & Dash, so it’s safe to say that I’m not exactly unbiased when it comes to this book. I’ll also admit that I quit the series 10-ish years ago, because they were getting repetitive and generally not good. So, I was nervous that I’d be disappointed, but I loved it. Not only did L.L. not give Cassie a personality reboot… she also gave her a worthy mate. All while answering some questions (like her fairy) that we’ve been kicking around since 05.
I thought LL did a great job of staying true to the previous storylines, and tying it all together for both Cassie and Dog. I also felt like she stayed pretty true to their established personalities. Cassie didn’t suddenly become a lusty twit, and Dog kept his edge. Their first connection wasn’t super romantic, but I think both knew what they were getting into, and what they were to each other. (I had totally forgot about Kenzi which is going to have to be explained a lot better to ever get me on board) IMO, Cassie’s hang-up had more to do with his assumed allegiance, but I liked that she accepted him even before everything was revealed.
Bottom Line- I’m happy with Cassie’s story, and I think most series fans will be too. We got the mate we wanted. The answers we wanted, and they didn’t spend the entire book fighting. We also got several cameos from previous mc’s. (I really liked Jonas in this one) My only real complaint is that the epilogue is dedicated to the next couple (Khi & Lobo-which does sound interesting. He had sex w/ his mate’s mom??!! I’m hoping he has a twin, or she didn’t get a good look at him.) rather than giving us more of a conclusion for Cassie and Dog. Hopefully they’re in the next one, because I felt like parts were left unfinished. I was planning on rating this a 4⭐when I read it last week, but I stopped writing mid review yesterday to re-read it again… I figure that deserves a round up. 😄
* These books are hard to skip because of the ongoing story arc, but if you wanted to read this only…I would suggest reading at least Elizabeth's Wolf (maybe Dawn's Awakening) before starting this. **Totally random, but did anyone pick up on what else (other than coyote) Dog is? I know the other part (P) is separate, but thought hybrids needed to be 2 things. The only hint I picked up on is one of the Breeds thought a noise he made sounded feline, but with the name Cainus I assumed it would be something from that family. (wolf, coyote, jackal, etc.)
**reread 10/3/21 just want to make note of the epilogue, and my note section is full. Graeme tells Khi the mating drugs aren't safe for her any longer (to try to push her to her mate so he can get testing subjects) Lobo is her mate, but she's not down with that because he used to be her stepdad, and she's in love with his brother Tiberius. Mom, Jessica Langer Reever, is dead and apparently killed Khi's dad, and tried to kill her and Lobo. Mom was evil/abusive, so she hates that her mate was married to her, and feels like he ignored her abuse, bruises, etc. She also say them having sex when she was 16, but you get the feeling something else is going on. Lobo arrives after she leaves, and you can tell he really loves her, so sounds like an interesting story. Khi has good reasons for being upset, but she also had a stubborn, childish attitude vibe going on, so she might be an annoying h.
Want to read
October 8, 2018This book is a big deal in Breeds world - and Lora Leigh delivered a book that I like, that is better than recent books, and has a nice story. But it isn't wow. But equally, it doesn't disappoint. I'm not Goodreads' rating - purely because I am not sure what an accurate one would be.
On my Breeds Rating scale (where I am ONLY rating against other Breeds books, using lion paws not stars)
Dawn's Awakening is 5 paws (Roar)
Anything in Window Rock is 1.5 paws (Hairball)
Cross Breed is a 3.5 - 4 paw Breed Novel (Purr)
This was a much simpler book than the other "Window Rock" stories - and thank heaven for that, they were a mess. But it was too simple. I know, I know, you can't please some people. Usually you are buried under details about the main characters past and present. But very little detail here. Not so bothered about Cassie's backstory - we know a lot, but Dog - so many questions to be answered - and not.
On the other hand, I had less of my "Lora, that makes no sense" moments, because - less detail.
Did Lora capture our Dog? All in all, I thought he was pretty cool. In fairness, she was never going to win here - the problem with an enigmatic character is that they are enigmatic. Whoever she wrote was never going to compete with the images in our minds.
Cassie? She stayed true to the Cassie Lora has been developing over the past few books.
The romance - Pretty uncomplicated for a Breeds novel - they just get on with it. Everyone else is interfering.
Mystery/suspense - none really - just a weird sub-plot about Dog's grandfather.
Still in Window Rock - I hate it as a setting, it makes no sense to me. I just can't visualise it, and they all seem to live in a hotel.
My "What the F*ck, Lora" Moments
Every LL book has them - here are Cross Breed's:
Should you read it? Yes, it is a solid addition to the series - similar to the early books (short in length and heavy on the romance). But it isn't Dawn's Awakening.
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Pre-release comments
Please be Dog, please be Dog. Or I will be so disappointed.
Other than Dane, Dog to my mind is the only major male character left to get a book. No characters (besides the Doctors) have been explored in as much depth. Cassie, I believe could be paired with other characters, but for Dog - Cassie feels right.
But I guess I have just discovered why it won't be Dog - as she can get another book out of that.
So, maybe Loki or Brim Stone (but I want Ashley for him). Not Dane - I want a playboy, millionaire, James Bond story. Yachts, parties and espionage!
I don't want some random Breed who we have barely met. I have had enough of characters I have no real emotional investment in - since Lawe's Justice, I haven't really been that keen on the direction of the story or the pairings. Rule Breaker was a let down. Gideon/Graeme book was just rubbish after all the build up. So, I want someone we know for Cassie. And a return to the Breeds formula of burning romantic suspense, rather than this weird mess we have been getting lately. And not in Window Rock!
On a final note, I still think it was Dog LL was writing about in Dawn's Awakening - at that point in the series, he is still the only person who makes sense - he was the only Coyote we really knew.
ps. If she writes a book as good as Dawn's Awakening - which was emotional, dark and about a man who waited patiently for his mate to be ready - it will be a great book.
On my Breeds Rating scale (where I am ONLY rating against other Breeds books, using lion paws not stars)
Dawn's Awakening is 5 paws (Roar)
Anything in Window Rock is 1.5 paws (Hairball)
Cross Breed is a 3.5 - 4 paw Breed Novel (Purr)
This was a much simpler book than the other "Window Rock" stories - and thank heaven for that, they were a mess. But it was too simple. I know, I know, you can't please some people. Usually you are buried under details about the main characters past and present. But very little detail here. Not so bothered about Cassie's backstory - we know a lot, but Dog - so many questions to be answered - and not.
On the other hand, I had less of my "Lora, that makes no sense" moments, because - less detail.
Did Lora capture our Dog? All in all, I thought he was pretty cool. In fairness, she was never going to win here - the problem with an enigmatic character is that they are enigmatic. Whoever she wrote was never going to compete with the images in our minds.
Cassie? She stayed true to the Cassie Lora has been developing over the past few books.
The romance - Pretty uncomplicated for a Breeds novel - they just get on with it. Everyone else is interfering.
Mystery/suspense - none really - just a weird sub-plot about Dog's grandfather.
Still in Window Rock - I hate it as a setting, it makes no sense to me. I just can't visualise it, and they all seem to live in a hotel.
My "What the F*ck, Lora" Moments
Every LL book has them - here are Cross Breed's:
Should you read it? Yes, it is a solid addition to the series - similar to the early books (short in length and heavy on the romance). But it isn't Dawn's Awakening.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-release comments
Please be Dog, please be Dog. Or I will be so disappointed.
Other than Dane, Dog to my mind is the only major male character left to get a book. No characters (besides the Doctors) have been explored in as much depth. Cassie, I believe could be paired with other characters, but for Dog - Cassie feels right.
But I guess I have just discovered why it won't be Dog - as she can get another book out of that.
So, maybe Loki or Brim Stone (but I want Ashley for him). Not Dane - I want a playboy, millionaire, James Bond story. Yachts, parties and espionage!
I don't want some random Breed who we have barely met. I have had enough of characters I have no real emotional investment in - since Lawe's Justice, I haven't really been that keen on the direction of the story or the pairings. Rule Breaker was a let down. Gideon/Graeme book was just rubbish after all the build up. So, I want someone we know for Cassie. And a return to the Breeds formula of burning romantic suspense, rather than this weird mess we have been getting lately. And not in Window Rock!
On a final note, I still think it was Dog LL was writing about in Dawn's Awakening - at that point in the series, he is still the only person who makes sense - he was the only Coyote we really knew.
ps. If she writes a book as good as Dawn's Awakening - which was emotional, dark and about a man who waited patiently for his mate to be ready - it will be a great book.
September 25, 2018
Yes, the wait is over my friends. Over the decade we have been all patiently waiting for this story, and it is so darn good you guys!
Breeds series, is one of my all time favourite series, it has had some ups and downs over the years but it is safe to say this was all round 5 stars, Cassie is everything and more. She is all grown up and she is mated, to her mate! Thank you Lora, thank you for providing us with this kick ass story. The main couple is perfect. I'm not going to tell you who the main guy is, I wasn't spoiled and I wont do that here. Reading this book just confirmed again why Lora is a queen in this genre, she is just that good. You will be shook, you will be flicking them pages quickly to see what happens next, and among other things too lol don't be a prude, you know what I mean! I am all about this smutty goodness right here, and with the overall arc continuing, the plot thickens.
Bring it on!
I cant wait to see what happens in the next one, because HOLY SHIT I did not realize who and who are mates and that person is taking the serum to stop the heat coming on, I am shook! It is going to be so hot though, and to see what happens with the plot.
I cant wait for everyone to read this book!
an arc was given to me for an honest review.
Breeds series, is one of my all time favourite series, it has had some ups and downs over the years but it is safe to say this was all round 5 stars, Cassie is everything and more. She is all grown up and she is mated, to her mate! Thank you Lora, thank you for providing us with this kick ass story. The main couple is perfect. I'm not going to tell you who the main guy is, I wasn't spoiled and I wont do that here. Reading this book just confirmed again why Lora is a queen in this genre, she is just that good. You will be shook, you will be flicking them pages quickly to see what happens next, and among other things too lol don't be a prude, you know what I mean! I am all about this smutty goodness right here, and with the overall arc continuing, the plot thickens.
Bring it on!
I cant wait to see what happens in the next one, because HOLY SHIT I did not realize who and who are mates and that person is taking the serum to stop the heat coming on, I am shook! It is going to be so hot though, and to see what happens with the plot.
I cant wait for everyone to read this book!
an arc was given to me for an honest review.
September 24, 2018
Readers who follow Lora Leigh’s Breed series have been clamoring for Cassie’s story since she first appeared in Elizabeth’s Wolf back in 2005, and its finally here.
Cross Breed is all about Cassie and her mate-who will remain unknown in this review for fear of spoilers. While I have known for a couple of years who her mate was going to be, I didn’t know several things about him that come to light in this story.
The book is intense, with Cassie fighting her mate fiercely in the beginning, then having him leave her just as she begins to accept the mating. The romance between them is complicated by politics-and by another male who claims he is compatible with Cassie and would make a better mate.
Cassie is more complex than any other Lora Leigh character: we see her vulnerability and watch her come into her own as the story progresses. We find out who the ghosts are who have been watching over her all these years and have a front row seat as she argues Breed Law in court. Her mate is less complex in some ways, all Alpha male and assuming he’s in charge, but he does have a sense of humor and a strong feeling of pride in his mate.
The sex scenes are steamy but the plot was not as convoluted as most, and in fact, is shorter than most, about the length of Elizabeth’s Wolf. I was a little disappointed by this, as I expected more from Cassie’s book, but I wouldn’t have missed reading it for the world. Lora Leigh has finally answered a lot of questions-but left the door open for us to see more of Cassie, her mate, and the other Breeds. Well done!
February 9, 2020
A few days after and I had to read it again. And unexpectedly liked it more, hence the new rating.
As N. said: "The bar was set so high for Cassie’s book it was difficult for anything to actually live up to the expectations".
I wouldn't have minded some less smut, and some more plot. That said, this is one of the few series that I keep reading with pleasure and expectations. And now I want K's..
I would suggest you to read Sofs' review: it perfectly highlights what isn't exactly right...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
—---------------
Cassie's story at last! (But is it?)
As N. said: "The bar was set so high for Cassie’s book it was difficult for anything to actually live up to the expectations".
I wouldn't have minded some less smut, and some more plot. That said, this is one of the few series that I keep reading with pleasure and expectations. And now I want K's..
I would suggest you to read Sofs' review: it perfectly highlights what isn't exactly right...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
—---------------
Cassie's story at last! (But is it?)
October 14, 2018
Finally Cassie's book which has been fifteen years in the making. With so many hints and storylines over a number of books this instalment came with a lot of expectation... and I'm glad to say that Ms Leigh stayed to the script and everything pretty much fell into place with a resolution that I was completely satisfied with.
This series sure has had its ups and downs over the years including numerous publishers, convoluted book order and storylines but still remains one of my original "guilty pleasures". And the good news for Breeds' lovers.. it seems that this isn't the last we've heard of those sexy beasts.
This series sure has had its ups and downs over the years including numerous publishers, convoluted book order and storylines but still remains one of my original "guilty pleasures". And the good news for Breeds' lovers.. it seems that this isn't the last we've heard of those sexy beasts.
October 1, 2018
I'd been a fan of this series since I read my first breed book. I collected them in paperbacks and ebooks until the quality degenerated and I quit the series.........then I saw this book and absolutely had to read it.
While I've been interested in Cassie's story for years her mate is actually the reason I read this book. For years I've been intrigued by him and would frequently check in just to see if he had a book.
Thankfully I wasn't disappointed,while he had his sweet moments he was still the sexy, cunning, badass Breed that interested me so many years ago.
Since I'd skipped a few books the Primal thing was new to me but I loved that Cassie, her mate and Graeme were set apart from other Breeds because of it.
Cassie was everything I hoped she'd be,sweet yet with a core of inner strength that was beautiful to behold.
All in all I was sad to come to the end of this book and it just reinvigorated my interest in this series.
Minor quibbles
- this author's needs to leave the words soul and destroy alone lol.
-The sex scenes seemed like the same scenes from every other Breed book which is very disappointing.
- I'd really like these guys to learn to grovel. Every breed book I've read the arguments turn to sex and all is forgiven. In this case while he did what he did for Cassie's safety she was still very hurt by his choices and I'd have preferred him to grovel a bit before the make up sex 😒
-how is Dash her father? didn't he escape as a child? how'd they get his baby juice?maybe it came out in previous books I'm not too sure but this was a big deal to me
Aside from those minor issues I loved this one and will be interested in reading future books in this series(though not Lobo's if he actually slept with Khi's mom 🤢)
While I've been interested in Cassie's story for years her mate is actually the reason I read this book. For years I've been intrigued by him and would frequently check in just to see if he had a book.
Thankfully I wasn't disappointed,while he had his sweet moments he was still the sexy, cunning, badass Breed that interested me so many years ago.
Since I'd skipped a few books the Primal thing was new to me but I loved that Cassie, her mate and Graeme were set apart from other Breeds because of it.
Cassie was everything I hoped she'd be,sweet yet with a core of inner strength that was beautiful to behold.
All in all I was sad to come to the end of this book and it just reinvigorated my interest in this series.
Minor quibbles
- this author's needs to leave the words soul and destroy alone lol.
-The sex scenes seemed like the same scenes from every other Breed book which is very disappointing.
- I'd really like these guys to learn to grovel. Every breed book I've read the arguments turn to sex and all is forgiven. In this case while he did what he did for Cassie's safety she was still very hurt by his choices and I'd have preferred him to grovel a bit before the make up sex 😒
-how is Dash her father? didn't he escape as a child? how'd they get his baby juice?maybe it came out in previous books I'm not too sure but this was a big deal to me
Aside from those minor issues I loved this one and will be interested in reading future books in this series(though not Lobo's if he actually slept with Khi's mom 🤢)
December 9, 2018
Warning: Spoilers!
So, I have been waiting for this book since first picking up "Elizabeth's Wolf". It is always tough when you have a character you love and really want to read her story. It doesn't always work out.
In this instance Cassie's story was fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with a few surprises, but overall I am not quite satisfied. Things just didn't quite come together for me. There were moments that felt overly dramatic and as if the story was going that way to add just the drama. Character motivations were unclear and at times it felt as if parts of the story were missing.
And the end was a bit disappointing:
SPOILER ALERT
Cassie screams her heart out when Dog leaves, her agony and pain is surrounding her making everyone around her feel her pain. There are pages and pages describing her rage and pain. And in the end she just forgives him and hops right back into bed with him.
Still, despite it not quite living up to my expectations it was a fast read I gulped down in one sitting and a solid 3.5.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC.
So, I have been waiting for this book since first picking up "Elizabeth's Wolf". It is always tough when you have a character you love and really want to read her story. It doesn't always work out.
In this instance Cassie's story was fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with a few surprises, but overall I am not quite satisfied. Things just didn't quite come together for me. There were moments that felt overly dramatic and as if the story was going that way to add just the drama. Character motivations were unclear and at times it felt as if parts of the story were missing.
And the end was a bit disappointing:
SPOILER ALERT
Cassie screams her heart out when Dog leaves, her agony and pain is surrounding her making everyone around her feel her pain. There are pages and pages describing her rage and pain. And in the end she just forgives him and hops right back into bed with him.
Still, despite it not quite living up to my expectations it was a fast read I gulped down in one sitting and a solid 3.5.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2018
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 Stars
Cross Breeds is the 23rd installment of the Breeds series. I need to confess, I read the beginning novels a few times over, up to Megan's Mark, and read the previous release. I can attest to how easy it is to read these novels as a standalone, with little to no confusion and overall with good entertainment value. If you're well-versed in this genre, some things are similar across the board to be able to read between the lines on things missed. However, with missing out on the seeding or foreshadowing, in which the reader would develop an emotional attachment to already shown characters, I believe reading the books in order would have enriched/enhanced the journey.
Straight away, it was clear Cassie was a character where fans were eagerly waiting to hear her story, which makes me want to go back when I get a large chunk of time to dedicate to reading this intoxicating, guilty pleasure of a series.
The angst of the novel is based on who Cassie's mate is, adding a yummy deliciousness factor that kept me turning the pages yet also frustrated me to no end. Cassie's a strong woman, and her personality stayed true from start to finish of the novel, something I appreciated. Her mate (judging by the quick scroll down through the reviews as well as the evasive blurb, I won't say who he is) is unconventional, causing Cassie to be shunned/make an impossible choice.
Clearly I'm trying to talk around the plot, not wishing to ruin the experience for anyone. If you've read any books by Lora Leigh, Cross Breed is no different in the fact that you will get what you expect- and consistency is a good thing. Fated Mates. Push-pull. A little bit of angst. Lust factor through the roof.
I highly recommend to fans of the series. I'll try to wedge in a reread of the initial books in the series, then work my way up to the newest, simply because I'm curious to see if my take on this novel will change once I experience the seeding/foreshadowing.
4 Stars
Cross Breeds is the 23rd installment of the Breeds series. I need to confess, I read the beginning novels a few times over, up to Megan's Mark, and read the previous release. I can attest to how easy it is to read these novels as a standalone, with little to no confusion and overall with good entertainment value. If you're well-versed in this genre, some things are similar across the board to be able to read between the lines on things missed. However, with missing out on the seeding or foreshadowing, in which the reader would develop an emotional attachment to already shown characters, I believe reading the books in order would have enriched/enhanced the journey.
Straight away, it was clear Cassie was a character where fans were eagerly waiting to hear her story, which makes me want to go back when I get a large chunk of time to dedicate to reading this intoxicating, guilty pleasure of a series.
The angst of the novel is based on who Cassie's mate is, adding a yummy deliciousness factor that kept me turning the pages yet also frustrated me to no end. Cassie's a strong woman, and her personality stayed true from start to finish of the novel, something I appreciated. Her mate (judging by the quick scroll down through the reviews as well as the evasive blurb, I won't say who he is) is unconventional, causing Cassie to be shunned/make an impossible choice.
Clearly I'm trying to talk around the plot, not wishing to ruin the experience for anyone. If you've read any books by Lora Leigh, Cross Breed is no different in the fact that you will get what you expect- and consistency is a good thing. Fated Mates. Push-pull. A little bit of angst. Lust factor through the roof.
I highly recommend to fans of the series. I'll try to wedge in a reread of the initial books in the series, then work my way up to the newest, simply because I'm curious to see if my take on this novel will change once I experience the seeding/foreshadowing.
October 10, 2020
3.5 Stars
For months now I’ve been looking forward to this book. Cassie made her first appearance in the series in the first few books and always left an impression. She was more than just a Breed-she was a special child with more secrets and played a role in almost every step of the Breed journey. I enjoyed the fact the generalized Breed plot continued and the threats to them never leave them in peace. Unfortunately given all that I just wasn’t overly impressed with this book. Granted it has been a while since I read a book in the series, I just didn’t feel the author did a good enough job of rehashing things or reintroducing couples. I occasionally felt lost or outside the story. I’m still confused as to who the mystery little girl was 🤷🏼♀️ Furthermore I was really disappointed with the ending. I can’t belive Cassie's story went this route and everything was just so damn easy I’m left reeling. It was fun to go back to this world. I found the story at times engaging and interesting but it wasn’t enough, it didn’t live up to the buildup over the years and while I appreciate the author keeping the story going on so long I worry the plot is getting old and redundant. I mean there’s a never ending deluge of enemies, usually government or politically financed that want to control, threaten or wipe out the Breeds. It’s all the same in a way after a while.
For months now I’ve been looking forward to this book. Cassie made her first appearance in the series in the first few books and always left an impression. She was more than just a Breed-she was a special child with more secrets and played a role in almost every step of the Breed journey. I enjoyed the fact the generalized Breed plot continued and the threats to them never leave them in peace. Unfortunately given all that I just wasn’t overly impressed with this book. Granted it has been a while since I read a book in the series, I just didn’t feel the author did a good enough job of rehashing things or reintroducing couples. I occasionally felt lost or outside the story. I’m still confused as to who the mystery little girl was 🤷🏼♀️ Furthermore I was really disappointed with the ending. I can’t belive Cassie's story went this route and everything was just so damn easy I’m left reeling. It was fun to go back to this world. I found the story at times engaging and interesting but it wasn’t enough, it didn’t live up to the buildup over the years and while I appreciate the author keeping the story going on so long I worry the plot is getting old and redundant. I mean there’s a never ending deluge of enemies, usually government or politically financed that want to control, threaten or wipe out the Breeds. It’s all the same in a way after a while.
May 6, 2021
Cross Breed
4 Stars
Series note: This is book #23 (#32 with the novellas) and provides closure to several ongoing arcs as well as new directions for the series. It is, therefore, recommended that the books be read in order.
Readers are finally treated to Cassie Sinclair's book, and it is well worth the wait. Sometimes expectations for a long-awaited installment can result in disappointment, but this is certainly not the case here.
Cassie and her mate, (is anyone really surprised at his identity?), have incredible chemistry and Leigh skillfully intertwines their previous encounters from Dawn's Awakening within the storyline.
The hero's morally questionable actions over the course of the series are also well incorporated into the plot although the explanation should come as no surprise to readers familiar with the series and the character.
It is clear that Leigh has plans for additional characters appearing in the book, and I look forward to reading their stories when they are published. Hopefully, this will be sooner rather than later.
4 Stars
Series note: This is book #23 (#32 with the novellas) and provides closure to several ongoing arcs as well as new directions for the series. It is, therefore, recommended that the books be read in order.
Readers are finally treated to Cassie Sinclair's book, and it is well worth the wait. Sometimes expectations for a long-awaited installment can result in disappointment, but this is certainly not the case here.
Cassie and her mate, (is anyone really surprised at his identity?), have incredible chemistry and Leigh skillfully intertwines their previous encounters from Dawn's Awakening within the storyline.
The hero's morally questionable actions over the course of the series are also well incorporated into the plot although the explanation should come as no surprise to readers familiar with the series and the character.
It is clear that Leigh has plans for additional characters appearing in the book, and I look forward to reading their stories when they are published. Hopefully, this will be sooner rather than later.
Want to read
July 27, 2017OMG. FINALLY!!!!! I can't wait to read Cassie's story!!!!
September 19, 2018
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
If you don’t want to know who Cassie’s mate is then do NOT read my review!
As a long-time fan of the Breed series, I’ve been waiting for Cassie’s book since the first whisper of her mate in Dawn’s Awakening. It’s been hinted at throughout subsequent books, and I’m happy to report Ms. Leigh does not disappoint. If you haven’t figured it out by now, YES, Dog is her mate, and he’s waited six years to claim what is his.
Overall, I enjoyed Cassie and Dog’s story. Their romance was filled with the usual need for male sexual dominance, but Dog recognizes that Cassie is a true alpha and respects her intelligence and intuition. While Dog did mislead her about being mates, I like that they both embrace the mating and fight outside forces together. And there are problems for the pair right from the start. First, there is another Breed challenging the couple, and second, the fact that Dog is a known Council associate causes Cassie to be locked out of her world and shunned by those she considered her friends. This allows the pair the opportunity to confide in and trust one another. I really enjoyed their unity.
I also enjoyed the Breed politics. I found the storyline revolving around the challenge to Cassie and Dog’s mating status interesting, adding some entertaining drama. Additionally, I found that the politics behind Dog’s secret life and motives gives the story added excitement and suspense. Because Dog is not an alpha or affiliated with an alpha, he’s rogue and Breed law doesn’t apply.
With that, I did have a few issues, which is par for the course with Ms. Leigh’s writing. While overall the story flowed smoothly, I felt there were a few hiccups. For example, right in the beginning, Cassie claims not to know the name of the Breed who has been helping her for the past six years – the one she has sex and mates with in the opening chapters. But then, once she returns home, she knows exactly who he is. It just doesn’t flow well. Additionally, I have always been confused on who knows what about Dog – I thought many knew he was really a good guy, but apparently it was always just Jonas.
I also had a pretty significant issue with the storyline involving Jonas’s second in command, Rhyzan. What started out a bit confusing, gained focus and looked to be exciting. But then his character just disappears from the book altogether. There is no mention of why his character isn’t involved in the climatic scenes of the story.
And then… there was the “sacrifices” Dog makes to “protect” Cassie. I did some serious eye-rolling when this part took place near the end. But honestly, I don’t expect much from these books any longer.
In the end, I’m glad I stuck around the series long enough to get Cassie’s book. It was worthy of her. She’s been a bit wilted and faded in recent books, and I’m glad to see her strong and powerful. Cross Breed is straight-forward, and I liked that the pair accepted the mating early on. But as always, I seem to find issues with the writing and I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the Breeds series.
My Rating: B, Liked It
Review copy provided by publisher/Netgalley
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
If you don’t want to know who Cassie’s mate is then do NOT read my review!
As a long-time fan of the Breed series, I’ve been waiting for Cassie’s book since the first whisper of her mate in Dawn’s Awakening. It’s been hinted at throughout subsequent books, and I’m happy to report Ms. Leigh does not disappoint. If you haven’t figured it out by now, YES, Dog is her mate, and he’s waited six years to claim what is his.
Overall, I enjoyed Cassie and Dog’s story. Their romance was filled with the usual need for male sexual dominance, but Dog recognizes that Cassie is a true alpha and respects her intelligence and intuition. While Dog did mislead her about being mates, I like that they both embrace the mating and fight outside forces together. And there are problems for the pair right from the start. First, there is another Breed challenging the couple, and second, the fact that Dog is a known Council associate causes Cassie to be locked out of her world and shunned by those she considered her friends. This allows the pair the opportunity to confide in and trust one another. I really enjoyed their unity.
I also enjoyed the Breed politics. I found the storyline revolving around the challenge to Cassie and Dog’s mating status interesting, adding some entertaining drama. Additionally, I found that the politics behind Dog’s secret life and motives gives the story added excitement and suspense. Because Dog is not an alpha or affiliated with an alpha, he’s rogue and Breed law doesn’t apply.
With that, I did have a few issues, which is par for the course with Ms. Leigh’s writing. While overall the story flowed smoothly, I felt there were a few hiccups. For example, right in the beginning, Cassie claims not to know the name of the Breed who has been helping her for the past six years – the one she has sex and mates with in the opening chapters. But then, once she returns home, she knows exactly who he is. It just doesn’t flow well. Additionally, I have always been confused on who knows what about Dog – I thought many knew he was really a good guy, but apparently it was always just Jonas.
I also had a pretty significant issue with the storyline involving Jonas’s second in command, Rhyzan. What started out a bit confusing, gained focus and looked to be exciting. But then his character just disappears from the book altogether. There is no mention of why his character isn’t involved in the climatic scenes of the story.
And then… there was the “sacrifices” Dog makes to “protect” Cassie. I did some serious eye-rolling when this part took place near the end. But honestly, I don’t expect much from these books any longer.
In the end, I’m glad I stuck around the series long enough to get Cassie’s book. It was worthy of her. She’s been a bit wilted and faded in recent books, and I’m glad to see her strong and powerful. Cross Breed is straight-forward, and I liked that the pair accepted the mating early on. But as always, I seem to find issues with the writing and I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the Breeds series.
My Rating: B, Liked It
Review copy provided by publisher/Netgalley
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
September 25, 2018
OMFG. Jesus H. CHRIST. After 13 years since her debut, Cassie finally, FINALLY gets her mate. And what a Mating it was! Thank you, Lora, for giving Cassie an amazing story. I admit I haven’t enjoyed the recent breeds books...I was really just biding my time until you published Cassie’s book, then Dane’s...I was even scared this would be as lackluster as the previous books...But golly did it entertain me.
Dog was perfect. Cassie was perfect. Everything, all details so intricately placed in each of the previous books, finally come together for the one and only Breed Princess. Cassie’s growth here is astounding. To cutesy little girl who talks to ghosts and daydreams of the future to this kick ass Alpha Primal lady who is just beyond words strong and amazing. Paired with an Alpha male mate who was the perfect anti-hero double agent (plus: he’s A COYOTE Goddamnit i love em coyoteeeeeees - Del Rey & Anya are my favorite couple as if u guys didn’t know).
Storyline was close to perfect. A bit anticlimactic and disappointing towards the end. You’ll know what I mean when ya read it.
Hence the 4 Stars... because I wanted Dog to grovel more. A LOT MORE. LIKE DEL REY GROVEL. ME love some Coyote groveling dammit!
Now pls have mercy, Lora and GIVE ME SOME DANE LOVIN’. My cutesy poor little rich lion baby is hurtin’ for some lurvin’ and since ya won’t write me into the storyline (Self-insert of course! I’ll love U long time, Dane! If you just make me ur mate!) at least just end his misery already. Come ON! It’s been like a bazillion years already! I’ve already finished the entire educational system since starting this series and Dane is still lookin’ for his ONE (Read: ME! LOL). Seriously. Wouldn’t Dane be perfect with a half asian/half Spanish little jetsetter human who loves Breeds (Read: ME LOL) ??
Okay that’s enough wine for today (I drank some to celebrate Cassie finally gettin’ laid)
I’m not even remotely interested in Khi and Lobo. SKIP!
Dog was perfect. Cassie was perfect. Everything, all details so intricately placed in each of the previous books, finally come together for the one and only Breed Princess. Cassie’s growth here is astounding. To cutesy little girl who talks to ghosts and daydreams of the future to this kick ass Alpha Primal lady who is just beyond words strong and amazing. Paired with an Alpha male mate who was the perfect anti-hero double agent (plus: he’s A COYOTE Goddamnit i love em coyoteeeeeees - Del Rey & Anya are my favorite couple as if u guys didn’t know).
Storyline was close to perfect. A bit anticlimactic and disappointing towards the end. You’ll know what I mean when ya read it.
Hence the 4 Stars... because I wanted Dog to grovel more. A LOT MORE. LIKE DEL REY GROVEL. ME love some Coyote groveling dammit!
Now pls have mercy, Lora and GIVE ME SOME DANE LOVIN’. My cutesy poor little rich lion baby is hurtin’ for some lurvin’ and since ya won’t write me into the storyline (Self-insert of course! I’ll love U long time, Dane! If you just make me ur mate!) at least just end his misery already. Come ON! It’s been like a bazillion years already! I’ve already finished the entire educational system since starting this series and Dane is still lookin’ for his ONE (Read: ME! LOL). Seriously. Wouldn’t Dane be perfect with a half asian/half Spanish little jetsetter human who loves Breeds (Read: ME LOL) ??
Okay that’s enough wine for today (I drank some to celebrate Cassie finally gettin’ laid)
I’m not even remotely interested in Khi and Lobo. SKIP!
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