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Midnight #1
Hotter After Midnight
A Seductive Nighttime World. . .
Dr. Emily Drake's psychotherapy patients tend to be a little unusual. Instead of midlife crises and mother fixations, Emily treats vampires with blood phobias and sex-demons looking for meaningful relationships. But healing these powerful beings requires an important rule: Never trust a shifter. Especially not one like Detective Colin Gyth, whose gold-flecked eyes and predatory air make Emily realize how much she longs to lose control. . .
A Dark And Dangerous Hunger. . .
Colin can't believe the doctor he has to work with on the Night Butcher murder case is the one person who could expose his true identity as a wolf shifter. Smart and sexy, Emily brings out the alpha male in Colin, unleashing a wild desire that takes them both over the edge. . . But in the shadows, the Night Butcher waits, eager to spill Emily's blood and taste her terror. And he'll use any means to destroy her, including the one person she has grown to trust. . .
Dr. Emily Drake's psychotherapy patients tend to be a little unusual. Instead of midlife crises and mother fixations, Emily treats vampires with blood phobias and sex-demons looking for meaningful relationships. But healing these powerful beings requires an important rule: Never trust a shifter. Especially not one like Detective Colin Gyth, whose gold-flecked eyes and predatory air make Emily realize how much she longs to lose control. . .
A Dark And Dangerous Hunger. . .
Colin can't believe the doctor he has to work with on the Night Butcher murder case is the one person who could expose his true identity as a wolf shifter. Smart and sexy, Emily brings out the alpha male in Colin, unleashing a wild desire that takes them both over the edge. . . But in the shadows, the Night Butcher waits, eager to spill Emily's blood and taste her terror. And he'll use any means to destroy her, including the one person she has grown to trust. . .
302 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2008
112 people are currently reading
6510 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
309 books6,808 followersAward-winning author Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
July 29, 2013
I read this book awhile back and don't have a lot of recollection of the details of the story however, I do recall having a hard time forming any real connection with the characters, but I did enjoy the plot. To be honest, my favorite parts of the book were the sessions with Dr. Emily Drake's psychotherapy patients. A Succubus who wanted to be looked at as more than just a sex symbol, a vampire who didn't want to drink blood... those were some funny characters!
While I think this book suffers from FITSs, First In The Series syndrome it was still a good read and I plan to continue the series.
January 21, 2011
I'm feeling lazy, so I'm just going to say that I agree with almost everything that Quinn wrote in her review. The only dissenting note is, I didn't have a problem with the insta-lust between Colin and Emily - and that's why this book worked better for me than for her.
August 29, 2015
3.5 stars
Author Jacquelyn Frank describes this book as “A cross between CSI and Medium, only hotter and with a hero that truly has bite!”, and that is a fairly apt summation. Hotter After Midnight is an unusual mix of police procedural, paranormal romance and suspense.
Dr. Emily Drake is a psychotherapist who specialises in treating Other - supernatural beings whose existence is still considered myth and fairytale by most of humankind. Her psychic gift of awareness and the ability to see into minds only works with Other, and so she treats vampires with blood phobias and succubus seeking relationships based on something other than sex.
Detective Colin Gyth is a shifter – not that his colleagues on the force know this. Most of them aren’t even aware that such a thing exists, and experience has told him that it’s best to keep things that way. But when Emily is called in as profiler on the Night Butcher case, Colin knows that she is the one person who could expose his true identity.
While investigating the case, Emily and Colin find themselves caught up in the secret Demon underworld as they try to keep Colin’s secret and catch a supernatural serial killer before he strikes again, makes them his next victim, or betrays the existence of Others to the world.
Although not my preferred approach, there are times where the insta-lust trope works just fine for me. Unfortunately, this book was not one of them. It came out of nowhere with minimal explanation, before we had a chance to really get to know either of the characters, and then permeated the entire book.
I did enjoy Hotter After Midnight, particularly the middle section, but it would have been significantly improved by developing the characters rather than just moving the suspense plot forward. The explanation of the serial killer’s motive was also extremely anti-climatic and disappointing.
This is the first book in the midnight trilogy, and I liked the world the author created enough to continue with the next books – Midnight Sins and Midnight's Master.
Note to author/publisher – Given the book had a mini mystery/suspense element regarding the nature of Colin’s beast, it would have been a good idea not to identify it on the back cover blurb!
Author Jacquelyn Frank describes this book as “A cross between CSI and Medium, only hotter and with a hero that truly has bite!”, and that is a fairly apt summation. Hotter After Midnight is an unusual mix of police procedural, paranormal romance and suspense.
Dr. Emily Drake is a psychotherapist who specialises in treating Other - supernatural beings whose existence is still considered myth and fairytale by most of humankind. Her psychic gift of awareness and the ability to see into minds only works with Other, and so she treats vampires with blood phobias and succubus seeking relationships based on something other than sex.
Detective Colin Gyth is a shifter – not that his colleagues on the force know this. Most of them aren’t even aware that such a thing exists, and experience has told him that it’s best to keep things that way. But when Emily is called in as profiler on the Night Butcher case, Colin knows that she is the one person who could expose his true identity.
While investigating the case, Emily and Colin find themselves caught up in the secret Demon underworld as they try to keep Colin’s secret and catch a supernatural serial killer before he strikes again, makes them his next victim, or betrays the existence of Others to the world.
Although not my preferred approach, there are times where the insta-lust trope works just fine for me. Unfortunately, this book was not one of them. It came out of nowhere with minimal explanation, before we had a chance to really get to know either of the characters, and then permeated the entire book.
I did enjoy Hotter After Midnight, particularly the middle section, but it would have been significantly improved by developing the characters rather than just moving the suspense plot forward. The explanation of the serial killer’s motive was also extremely anti-climatic and disappointing.
This is the first book in the midnight trilogy, and I liked the world the author created enough to continue with the next books – Midnight Sins and Midnight's Master.
Note to author/publisher – Given the book had a mini mystery/suspense element regarding the nature of Colin’s beast, it would have been a good idea not to identify it on the back cover blurb!
May 9, 2012
Emily is a human (or is she??) psychic psychologist, affectionately known as the Monster Doctor. Colin is a sexy shifter cop. (But what kind of shifter is he? Were's are the most dangerous. And volatile. And they mate for life. And must be avoided at all cost because they are so dangerous. Has it been mentioned that they are dangerous? Boy, oh boy I hope the cop is anything but a were!)
Let's see, Emily hasn't been in a relationship for a while, dresses sensibly, and is sex-ay. Sound familiar? Secret-shifter cop Colin can't control his over-hyped hormones from the moment he meets Emily and proceeds to tell her over and over how much he wants her. Although Emily frequently tells him no, on the inside she laments, "How could she hunger so much for someone that she feared?"
Who remembers the episode "Life on the Fast Lane" from season one of The Simpsons? In it, Marge almost has a romance with Jacques, her smarmy bowling instructor. At one point Jacques says to Marge, "Your mouth says no, but your heart, and your loins, say YES!"
[image error]Why am I always reminded of this scene when reading so many bad romances???
But, this review is about Hotter After Midnight, not The Simpsons. So, Emily continues to resist Colin's charms, which pretty much consist of him frequently giving her smoldering stares and eloquently stating, "You want me." Poor Emily is powerless to resist such manly candor. "He'd told her that he was coming over to talk about the Other, not for a date. But she'd still wasted all that time on the meal. Wasted time showering and dressing. She'd even left her hair down, not that Colin had seemed to notice."
Oh man, don't you just hate it when you go through all the trouble of getting showered and dressed and your company doesn't even appreciate it??
Colin, however could most definitely notice, as is evidenced by this observation, "...he could smell the sweet scent of her woman's cream in the air." Ew! Just, ew.
Before long, "His cock sprang forward, lunging for her eager hands. He hadn't bothered with underwear. Never did."
Oh yeah, going commando. Like a boss.
Despite all of the cheese, Hotter After Midnight started out fairly promising. It featured a murder mystery and an interesting paranormal world. However, the more the writing focused on Emily and Colin hooking up, the less the writing focused on continuing to make the plot believable or interesting. As for Emily and Colin themselves, I found neither one likable or fresh. We have read Emily's character so many times in so many urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels. Colin is that rogue cop who does it his own way and just doesn't give a damn about the rules. Yawn.
This really wasn’t bad, for what it is. But considering the plethora of awesome books that are still waiting to be read, this is a series which I will not be continuing.
Let's see, Emily hasn't been in a relationship for a while, dresses sensibly, and is sex-ay. Sound familiar? Secret-shifter cop Colin can't control his over-hyped hormones from the moment he meets Emily and proceeds to tell her over and over how much he wants her. Although Emily frequently tells him no, on the inside she laments, "How could she hunger so much for someone that she feared?"
Who remembers the episode "Life on the Fast Lane" from season one of The Simpsons? In it, Marge almost has a romance with Jacques, her smarmy bowling instructor. At one point Jacques says to Marge, "Your mouth says no, but your heart, and your loins, say YES!"
[image error]Why am I always reminded of this scene when reading so many bad romances???
But, this review is about Hotter After Midnight, not The Simpsons. So, Emily continues to resist Colin's charms, which pretty much consist of him frequently giving her smoldering stares and eloquently stating, "You want me." Poor Emily is powerless to resist such manly candor. "He'd told her that he was coming over to talk about the Other, not for a date. But she'd still wasted all that time on the meal. Wasted time showering and dressing. She'd even left her hair down, not that Colin had seemed to notice."
Oh man, don't you just hate it when you go through all the trouble of getting showered and dressed and your company doesn't even appreciate it?? Colin, however could most definitely notice, as is evidenced by this observation, "...he could smell the sweet scent of her woman's cream in the air." Ew! Just, ew.
Before long, "His cock sprang forward, lunging for her eager hands. He hadn't bothered with underwear. Never did."
Oh yeah, going commando. Like a boss.
Despite all of the cheese, Hotter After Midnight started out fairly promising. It featured a murder mystery and an interesting paranormal world. However, the more the writing focused on Emily and Colin hooking up, the less the writing focused on continuing to make the plot believable or interesting. As for Emily and Colin themselves, I found neither one likable or fresh. We have read Emily's character so many times in so many urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels. Colin is that rogue cop who does it his own way and just doesn't give a damn about the rules. Yawn.
This really wasn’t bad, for what it is. But considering the plethora of awesome books that are still waiting to be read, this is a series which I will not be continuing.
July 22, 2013
Hot, paranormal romance, review to come. Loving Cynthia Eden.
Review!
This one had a real romantic suspense crossed with paranormal feel.
We have a murderer that the people in the "know" know is a shifter. However the rest of the world is unaware of the existence of these creatures. And by creatures I don't mean just your standard vampires, shifters, demons. In this world we have every sort of creature you could ever imagine. Djinn's, charmers, witches and warlocks just to name a few.
We have Emily Drake our heroine who can tell who is an "other" just by being near them.... and also has the special ability of being able to read there minds. She is called the monster doctor and spends her days treating vampires with a blood phobia or Charmers with problems with there animals. She gets dragged into a murder investigation to weedle out the killer by using her abilities.
Colin Gyth the lead investigator, is not just your average policeman. He is a shifter, but he is leading a secret life, not wanting anyone to know what he is. He seeks out Emily to make her keep his secret but sparks fly and when they are forced to work with one another their relationship develops.
This was an amazingly entertaining read. I was sucked in, by the world and the characters. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end. Colin was a super hot shifter hero and I loved listening to him figure out his feelings in regards to Emily. Emily was a great heroine, no simpering miss, she had a tough background, she was a survivor and I respected everything about her.
Cythia Edens writing is easy to follow and the storyline although fast paced, is never rushed. The only think I was interested in finding out and didn't was the connection between McNeal and Emily.... the secret history intrigued me.
Great start to a series and I will be reading on.
Review!
This one had a real romantic suspense crossed with paranormal feel.
We have a murderer that the people in the "know" know is a shifter. However the rest of the world is unaware of the existence of these creatures. And by creatures I don't mean just your standard vampires, shifters, demons. In this world we have every sort of creature you could ever imagine. Djinn's, charmers, witches and warlocks just to name a few.
We have Emily Drake our heroine who can tell who is an "other" just by being near them.... and also has the special ability of being able to read there minds. She is called the monster doctor and spends her days treating vampires with a blood phobia or Charmers with problems with there animals. She gets dragged into a murder investigation to weedle out the killer by using her abilities.
Colin Gyth the lead investigator, is not just your average policeman. He is a shifter, but he is leading a secret life, not wanting anyone to know what he is. He seeks out Emily to make her keep his secret but sparks fly and when they are forced to work with one another their relationship develops.
This was an amazingly entertaining read. I was sucked in, by the world and the characters. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end. Colin was a super hot shifter hero and I loved listening to him figure out his feelings in regards to Emily. Emily was a great heroine, no simpering miss, she had a tough background, she was a survivor and I respected everything about her.
Cythia Edens writing is easy to follow and the storyline although fast paced, is never rushed. The only think I was interested in finding out and didn't was the connection between McNeal and Emily.... the secret history intrigued me.
Great start to a series and I will be reading on.
May 30, 2008
It's hard for me to definitively describe this book as erotica vs. romance. I will say that I enjoyed reading this book.
Emily is the Monster Doctor, a shrink for the monsters. When we first meet Emily, she is trying to help a newly turned vamp who is disgusted by the thought of drinking blood! Emily herself is human, but has always had the ability to recognize the "Other". When Emily is called in to profile a serial killer, it becomes clear that the killer is an "Other". If that wasn't bad enough, she has to work with Colin, a cop who is a shifter of some sort, but doesn't want anyone to know and isn't thrilled that Emily can 'out' him. These two are fighting a powerful attraction for each other from the beginning. I enjoyed the storyline, and seeing these two learn about each other and how to work together.
I'd definately read this author again.
***Breaking news: This author has two upcoming releases...she's in the anthology "Everlasting Bad Boys" with Shelly Laurenston and Noelle Mack due out in August 08. Also "Midnight Sins" with more about the 'Other' due out in November of 08! Thanks to Kym for the tip on "Midnight Sins".
Emily is the Monster Doctor, a shrink for the monsters. When we first meet Emily, she is trying to help a newly turned vamp who is disgusted by the thought of drinking blood! Emily herself is human, but has always had the ability to recognize the "Other". When Emily is called in to profile a serial killer, it becomes clear that the killer is an "Other". If that wasn't bad enough, she has to work with Colin, a cop who is a shifter of some sort, but doesn't want anyone to know and isn't thrilled that Emily can 'out' him. These two are fighting a powerful attraction for each other from the beginning. I enjoyed the storyline, and seeing these two learn about each other and how to work together.
I'd definately read this author again.
***Breaking news: This author has two upcoming releases...she's in the anthology "Everlasting Bad Boys" with Shelly Laurenston and Noelle Mack due out in August 08. Also "Midnight Sins" with more about the 'Other' due out in November of 08! Thanks to Kym for the tip on "Midnight Sins".
September 3, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this paranormal!
It has a distinctive "taste" of Ms. Eden's writing and I loved it!
It is interesting and easy to read and the story flows without problems. The world building was interesting too and as soon as I finished this one, I have to grab the next in the series! LOL
I loved Emily's definition as Monster Doctor - for me it was fun. I laughed at the beginning when she's psychoanalysing a vampire with blood phobia!!!
She's great and tries to have her life under control. Obviously this goes through the window as soon as she meets Colin. LMAO
Colin is a cop and he hides from everybody his shifter nature. Naturally when he meets Emily he's busted. He doesn't know what do do with Emily (besides having his way with her! LOL).
The story revolves around chatching a brutal series killer who's one of the "Others" or SB (supernatural beings). He's vishous, he's cunning and he's killing as a shifter.
The relationship between Emily and Colin is hot, hot, hot!!! And Colin is almost He-Man possessive, but Emily is a great match for his attitude! *wink*
Go and read it: it's fun and sometimes not so fun too, but always good! :D
It has a distinctive "taste" of Ms. Eden's writing and I loved it!
It is interesting and easy to read and the story flows without problems. The world building was interesting too and as soon as I finished this one, I have to grab the next in the series! LOL
I loved Emily's definition as Monster Doctor - for me it was fun. I laughed at the beginning when she's psychoanalysing a vampire with blood phobia!!!
She's great and tries to have her life under control. Obviously this goes through the window as soon as she meets Colin. LMAO
Colin is a cop and he hides from everybody his shifter nature. Naturally when he meets Emily he's busted. He doesn't know what do do with Emily (besides having his way with her! LOL).
The story revolves around chatching a brutal series killer who's one of the "Others" or SB (supernatural beings). He's vishous, he's cunning and he's killing as a shifter.
The relationship between Emily and Colin is hot, hot, hot!!! And Colin is almost He-Man possessive, but Emily is a great match for his attitude! *wink*
Go and read it: it's fun and sometimes not so fun too, but always good! :D
May 24, 2010
I really, really, REALLY wish there was a sensuality listing on books. That way I wouldn't have to ruin with a rating a book that others might like. I picked this up on Kindle. The synopsis describes it as a paranormal romance. It is actually an erotic paranormal. If your a graphic sex-scene skipper (like me), you won't have much of a book left to read. Unfortunately what is left of the story just isn't very well written either. It rates two stars because the suspense at the end was actually pretty good.
January 14, 2017
2.5, if other books in the series will align more to 3 stars or more than this, i'll probably lower my rating to 2....
p. s. i lowered my rating.... sigh...
Buddy with Glamdring <3
p. s. i lowered my rating.... sigh...
Buddy with Glamdring <3
January 20, 2017
*1,5 stars*
It took me a week to read this book. Partly because of lack of reading time but also because when I finally could find time to read, I couldn't be bothered to do it. Here's why:
1/ The plot was lame.
2/ There was no characters development whatsoever.
3/ As a result, I couldn't connect with the heroes.
4/ The end was botched. But as the plot was lame to begin with, I suppose that this was to be expected.
That being said, I think this author has good books, I just picked poorly.
It took me a week to read this book. Partly because of lack of reading time but also because when I finally could find time to read, I couldn't be bothered to do it. Here's why:
1/ The plot was lame.
2/ There was no characters development whatsoever.
3/ As a result, I couldn't connect with the heroes.
4/ The end was botched. But as the plot was lame to begin with, I suppose that this was to be expected.
That being said, I think this author has good books, I just picked poorly.
October 15, 2019
Review posted on Got Fiction?
Emily Drake can see things normal humans can’t. She knows all about the things that go bump in the night. And because she can see them, she knows more than most humans do. They call her the Monster Doc, but she’s a psychiatrist for the Others.
Colin Gyth is a cop, and he’s a good one. But he’s also more. He’s a shifter. When his captain sends him to Emily’s office to have her consult on a case, he’s doesn’t know why they need her, but after one look into her eyes, he’s lost for her.
There’s a killer out there, and he isn’t human. He’s taunting them and hiding from them, but Colin doesn’t know what he’s dealing with. For being a shifter, he knows surprisingly little about the Other. Emily gives him a crash course on Others 101, but there’s a lot more going on than either of them can guess.
I liked the fact that the big bad alpha hero didn’t know anything about his world. He didn’t know what to do with his feelings toward Emily, and that he was protective of her while also recognizing that the fragile human was pretty scrappy. She wasn’t going down without a fight.
The killer was a surprise, and even though I’ve read this before I’d totally forgotten who it was. I also loved the fact that a lot of this story takes place in the police station. I mean, not literally, but more in the sense that we see how the police would handle Other crimes, and how human cops who don’t know about them are kept in the dark. It’s interesting and I think I’ll reread the whole series.
This book is sexy, intense, and kept me guessing. If you love Paranormal Romance, you’ll love this. If you love Romantic Suspense, you’ll love this. Cynthia Eden blends the paranormal aspect with the thriller aspect so well, you’ll feel like you’re right there in her world.
***I bought this book but it’s also available on Kindle Unlimited
Emily Drake can see things normal humans can’t. She knows all about the things that go bump in the night. And because she can see them, she knows more than most humans do. They call her the Monster Doc, but she’s a psychiatrist for the Others.
Colin Gyth is a cop, and he’s a good one. But he’s also more. He’s a shifter. When his captain sends him to Emily’s office to have her consult on a case, he’s doesn’t know why they need her, but after one look into her eyes, he’s lost for her.
There’s a killer out there, and he isn’t human. He’s taunting them and hiding from them, but Colin doesn’t know what he’s dealing with. For being a shifter, he knows surprisingly little about the Other. Emily gives him a crash course on Others 101, but there’s a lot more going on than either of them can guess.
I liked the fact that the big bad alpha hero didn’t know anything about his world. He didn’t know what to do with his feelings toward Emily, and that he was protective of her while also recognizing that the fragile human was pretty scrappy. She wasn’t going down without a fight.
The killer was a surprise, and even though I’ve read this before I’d totally forgotten who it was. I also loved the fact that a lot of this story takes place in the police station. I mean, not literally, but more in the sense that we see how the police would handle Other crimes, and how human cops who don’t know about them are kept in the dark. It’s interesting and I think I’ll reread the whole series.
This book is sexy, intense, and kept me guessing. If you love Paranormal Romance, you’ll love this. If you love Romantic Suspense, you’ll love this. Cynthia Eden blends the paranormal aspect with the thriller aspect so well, you’ll feel like you’re right there in her world.
***I bought this book but it’s also available on Kindle Unlimited
September 20, 2015
Hotter After Midnight has a little bit of everything. It has mystery, gore, sexy scenes, a romance between a shifter and a human and some great suspense moments. Doctor Emily Drake has been dubbed the Monster Doctor since she helps the supernatural deal with issues that she has a special ability to gain insight to. She is going about her business as usual when she is called to help on a grizzly murder case which puts her right into the cross-hairs of a killer. I enjoyed this story which has many signature moments from Eden. It is fast paced and the romance never takes over the plot too much. I loved Emily and Colin and was excited to see them find clues and catch a killer. I definitely recommend to Eden fans and fans of paranormal romance suspense!
August 21, 2018
DNF 44%
I really wasn't enjoying this book to begin with, but it just took a nose dive. The hero is an insufferable jackass who has the audacity to angrily accuse the heroine of purposefully being a tease to mess with his head because she decided to stop their kissing and not sleep with him. The only thing worse was her response, which was to accept the blame and sincerely apologize because she wasn't used to sleeping with men when they hadn't even been on a date.
Wow, how dare she.
An aggressive alpha shifter asshole in a PNR is nothing new but pairing him with a doormat is more than I'm willing to put up with, especially this late in the book.
I really wasn't enjoying this book to begin with, but it just took a nose dive. The hero is an insufferable jackass who has the audacity to angrily accuse the heroine of purposefully being a tease to mess with his head because she decided to stop their kissing and not sleep with him. The only thing worse was her response, which was to accept the blame and sincerely apologize because she wasn't used to sleeping with men when they hadn't even been on a date.
Wow, how dare she.
An aggressive alpha shifter asshole in a PNR is nothing new but pairing him with a doormat is more than I'm willing to put up with, especially this late in the book.
April 29, 2015
Just... No. This book was ridiculous and the characters more so. When someone is stalking you, barging their way into your house in the middle of the night, getting physically threatening with you, as well as verbally threatening, and all within the time frame of having known each other for... Maybe two hours? And you're ATTRACTED to this dick bag?
No, hun. Bye.
No, hun. Bye.
Want to read
July 22, 2013I want to read this but I'm distracted by the cover... I hate cover repeats! One Real Thing.
April 11, 2017
another great start to a great series. Very typical Ms. Cynthia Eden's style of writing. Alpha male, independent female, whole lot of sudden burning chemistry, good suspense and overall enjoyable and exciting plot.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
January 20, 2010
"Never trust anything normal. Cuz it's the normal stuff you've got to fear. Monsters, demons, witches...we're all more afraid of that normal world than you can ever imagine."
Dr. Emily Drake is psychiatrist to the paranormal. She listens to the woes of vampires who have blood phobias and succubi who just want to find true love. In a world where shifters, vampires, witches and demons all live a secret life hidden from the awareness of most humans, Emily is different. She is a human that can see paranormals. Not only see them, she knows what kind they are and how powerful they are.
Colin Gyth is a cop. And a shifter. he wonders why his captain has requested the presence of a psychiatrist to the scene of a grisly murder. But Colin soon realizes with shock what Emily is. His own identity as a shifter is a highly guarded secret. His last partner, when he found out what Colin was, attempted to kill him. So Colin keeps his paranormal identity under wraps.
But as soon as Emily sees him she knows what he is. The two are thrown together to find the killer -- a paranormal creature who is not done killing.
I got this book as a free kindle download. I had not read this author before and only got it to have "just in case." I wasn't even particularly interested in reading a paranormal either, but the first few chapters really caught my eye. And then i really got immersed in the story.
First, I like that the author has created a world with some pretty evident rules. In this case the paranormal community is not out in the open, there are a lot of different paranormal "races". Like only recognizes like. Paranormals know another paranormal when they see one, but they may not know exactly what type another one is. And Emily can see them all and can place their power level from a range of one to ten.
Second, I like that the book was a nice hybrid of styles. It was a romance, but it was also a mystery/police procedural. And the love scenes had a nice erotica flavor to them.
And third, I really liked the supporting cast. Breakout characters include Niol, the very powerful demon who runs the 'Other' bar known as Paradise Found. this is a series so I hope we get to see much more of Niol. Colin's partner, Brooks, was also intriguing. And I couldn't help but feel bad for the guy. He was kept out of the loop of the investigation because Colin was so freaked about his last partner. I also liked the captain, Danny and love the fact that he and the gorgeous ME Smith had a little vibe going.
When I finished the book, i found that I enjoyed it so much that I really wanted to go and get the second one. So i downloaded it right then. Curse you Kindle! :)
Dr. Emily Drake is psychiatrist to the paranormal. She listens to the woes of vampires who have blood phobias and succubi who just want to find true love. In a world where shifters, vampires, witches and demons all live a secret life hidden from the awareness of most humans, Emily is different. She is a human that can see paranormals. Not only see them, she knows what kind they are and how powerful they are.
Colin Gyth is a cop. And a shifter. he wonders why his captain has requested the presence of a psychiatrist to the scene of a grisly murder. But Colin soon realizes with shock what Emily is. His own identity as a shifter is a highly guarded secret. His last partner, when he found out what Colin was, attempted to kill him. So Colin keeps his paranormal identity under wraps.
But as soon as Emily sees him she knows what he is. The two are thrown together to find the killer -- a paranormal creature who is not done killing.
I got this book as a free kindle download. I had not read this author before and only got it to have "just in case." I wasn't even particularly interested in reading a paranormal either, but the first few chapters really caught my eye. And then i really got immersed in the story.
First, I like that the author has created a world with some pretty evident rules. In this case the paranormal community is not out in the open, there are a lot of different paranormal "races". Like only recognizes like. Paranormals know another paranormal when they see one, but they may not know exactly what type another one is. And Emily can see them all and can place their power level from a range of one to ten.
Second, I like that the book was a nice hybrid of styles. It was a romance, but it was also a mystery/police procedural. And the love scenes had a nice erotica flavor to them.
And third, I really liked the supporting cast. Breakout characters include Niol, the very powerful demon who runs the 'Other' bar known as Paradise Found. this is a series so I hope we get to see much more of Niol. Colin's partner, Brooks, was also intriguing. And I couldn't help but feel bad for the guy. He was kept out of the loop of the investigation because Colin was so freaked about his last partner. I also liked the captain, Danny and love the fact that he and the gorgeous ME Smith had a little vibe going.
When I finished the book, i found that I enjoyed it so much that I really wanted to go and get the second one. So i downloaded it right then. Curse you Kindle! :)
March 23, 2015
Just finished reading the Midnight trilogy by Cynthia Eden and I must say I really enjoyed the books about the Others & the humans that grow to love them. Each story can be read individually, but you'll enjoy the books more if you read them all, in order. (Because while each book is a standalone, with a separate love story, there is also a fourth love story that takes place over the course of all three books.)
In the first book we meet Dr. Emily Drake. Known as the Monster Doctor, she's not your average shrink, Her patients consist of vampires, shifters, charmers, and demons. Emily has the ability to sense the emotions of non-humans, and she uses her talent to help them navigate the trials and tribulations of being Other in a society that are either cluless of their existence - or view them as as highly dangerous.
Her only rule: Never trust a shifter, especially the wolves, who can be both unstable and psychotic.
Unfortunately, Colin Gyth is just that, a shifter... and a detective. Having been burned before, he goes through great pains to hide who he is from those around him. As a cop, he knows how dangerous life is even without admitting to others the beast that he carries inside him. When victims start turning up with their throats ripped out and animal hairs on their bodies, Colin is determined to get to the bottom of things before anyone else turns up dead. And the Monster Doctor is just what he needs: Not only as a profiler, getting to hang out with the beautiful, but wary, green-eyed empath is just a perk that comes with the job. Even if his inner beast is starting to act awfully obsessive when it comes to the little human.
I relly enjoyed the first book in this series that is a mix of UP,PNR,suspense and thriller. The supporting cast was what made this book so enjoyable. Emily's client base is really something: A succubus who wants a meaningful relationship, not just casual sex; a charmer who is despairing because her snake companion is giving her the silent treatment; and a vampire with a severe case of blood phobia. I call that highly entertaining & original! Then there's Todd Brooke, Colin's tought - but clueless partner - and the powerfully dangerous demon Niol who refuses to hide what he is...
Lucky for me, two of my favorite characters get their own books as well, because Cara, the dysfunctional succubus and the dangerous level 10 demon Niol really piqued my interest in this first installment - and their books didn't disappoint either:-)
4 stars.
In the first book we meet Dr. Emily Drake. Known as the Monster Doctor, she's not your average shrink, Her patients consist of vampires, shifters, charmers, and demons. Emily has the ability to sense the emotions of non-humans, and she uses her talent to help them navigate the trials and tribulations of being Other in a society that are either cluless of their existence - or view them as as highly dangerous.
Her only rule: Never trust a shifter, especially the wolves, who can be both unstable and psychotic.
Unfortunately, Colin Gyth is just that, a shifter... and a detective. Having been burned before, he goes through great pains to hide who he is from those around him. As a cop, he knows how dangerous life is even without admitting to others the beast that he carries inside him. When victims start turning up with their throats ripped out and animal hairs on their bodies, Colin is determined to get to the bottom of things before anyone else turns up dead. And the Monster Doctor is just what he needs: Not only as a profiler, getting to hang out with the beautiful, but wary, green-eyed empath is just a perk that comes with the job. Even if his inner beast is starting to act awfully obsessive when it comes to the little human.
I relly enjoyed the first book in this series that is a mix of UP,PNR,suspense and thriller. The supporting cast was what made this book so enjoyable. Emily's client base is really something: A succubus who wants a meaningful relationship, not just casual sex; a charmer who is despairing because her snake companion is giving her the silent treatment; and a vampire with a severe case of blood phobia. I call that highly entertaining & original! Then there's Todd Brooke, Colin's tought - but clueless partner - and the powerfully dangerous demon Niol who refuses to hide what he is...
Lucky for me, two of my favorite characters get their own books as well, because Cara, the dysfunctional succubus and the dangerous level 10 demon Niol really piqued my interest in this first installment - and their books didn't disappoint either:-)
4 stars.
December 24, 2014
As far as I'm concerned, this book is hot before, during and after midnight. I really liked this story, the first of the Midnight Trilogy. Emily Drake has been able to see the Other (as in all mythical creatures) ever since she was a child. Now she's a shrink to the things that are the cause of what goes bump in the night. That's actually a rather cute idea. When savagely mutilated body of a demon turns up, an old friend and Captain of the Atlanta PD calls her in for her help.
Detective Colin Gyth is instantly weary of the gorgeous psychic doctor who seems to know what he is. She tempts him like no other woman ever has and he knows he's in trouble when his protective instincts flare up where she's concerned. Because, shifters are very protective of only their mates, aren't they?
The schmexy times outweighed the suspense in this book. Personally, I don't find that a bad thing because I loved the chemistry between Emily and Colin and watching them try to figure out where they were headed was very cute. It was one of those light, feel-good reads with a touch of danger. Just what I needed to unwind after a horrible day. Thank you Ms Eden for making my blood hammer, lol. Now, may I please have a Colin too?
August 23, 2011
This review was posted at Under The Covers
This book was a recommendation from November's Pick It For Me Challenge. I ended up reading a different book for the challenge, but this one seemed like a good story and I couldn't be happier right now that I chose to read it.
There was hot, explosive and raw chemistry between the hero & heroine. I liked Emily's character (shrink for the Others, Monster Doctor, LOL) and the fact that, while being human, she can sense/feel SBs (Supernatural Beings). Colin also did a very good representation of a shifter, of course I had figured out what type he was, and don't really know why it was a big secret!
I had suspicions about a couple of different people being the killer throughout the book, the actual killer among them a couple of times but I ended up dismissing him.
I can't wait to read more about this series since we also met some pretty interesting characters (McNeal) that I wouldn't mind reading more about.
This book was a recommendation from November's Pick It For Me Challenge. I ended up reading a different book for the challenge, but this one seemed like a good story and I couldn't be happier right now that I chose to read it.
There was hot, explosive and raw chemistry between the hero & heroine. I liked Emily's character (shrink for the Others, Monster Doctor, LOL) and the fact that, while being human, she can sense/feel SBs (Supernatural Beings). Colin also did a very good representation of a shifter, of course I had figured out what type he was, and don't really know why it was a big secret!
I had suspicions about a couple of different people being the killer throughout the book, the actual killer among them a couple of times but I ended up dismissing him.
I can't wait to read more about this series since we also met some pretty interesting characters (McNeal) that I wouldn't mind reading more about.
November 25, 2011
I loved this story. Colin and Emily were likeable characters that were dynamic and interesting.
Emily Drake was a psychic empath who was a psychologist to the Other, supernatural beings including demons, shifters, charmers, etc. Brought in on a case by our hero, Colin Gyth, a detective for the Alanta PD and a shifter, Emily's life takes on a roller coaster pace. She is used as a profiler for a highly public murder where the suspect butchered his victim, thus being dubbed the Night Butcher.
Through a series of interesting twists, Colin and Emily work together using her abilities and his knowledge as a detective and shifter, to catch the butcher before he strikes again.
It was a well written story and I appreciated the unexpected Night Butcher villain. My only problem with the story is that Eden didn't really flesh out why the butcher was the way he was. She glossed over an explanation that I felt should/could have been more than two or three sentences. Hence the 4 stars instead of 5.
But overall, this was a very enjoyable read.
Emily Drake was a psychic empath who was a psychologist to the Other, supernatural beings including demons, shifters, charmers, etc. Brought in on a case by our hero, Colin Gyth, a detective for the Alanta PD and a shifter, Emily's life takes on a roller coaster pace. She is used as a profiler for a highly public murder where the suspect butchered his victim, thus being dubbed the Night Butcher.
Through a series of interesting twists, Colin and Emily work together using her abilities and his knowledge as a detective and shifter, to catch the butcher before he strikes again.
It was a well written story and I appreciated the unexpected Night Butcher villain. My only problem with the story is that Eden didn't really flesh out why the butcher was the way he was. She glossed over an explanation that I felt should/could have been more than two or three sentences. Hence the 4 stars instead of 5.
But overall, this was a very enjoyable read.
November 11, 2009
the characters could have used a little more development. There wasn't enough to explain Emily's past precisely enough for me; I'd have liked to know more.
I liked the plot, it had me turning pages well after I should have gone to bed. The characters were entertaining enough, but I wouldn't say completely memorable as of yet. The 'love' scenes were very steamy and just the way I like 'em... perfect! LOL! If someone puts this under erotica, I wonder what a 'normal' love scene is to them. I will most definitely continue with the series, when I can get my hands on them.
I liked the plot, it had me turning pages well after I should have gone to bed. The characters were entertaining enough, but I wouldn't say completely memorable as of yet. The 'love' scenes were very steamy and just the way I like 'em... perfect! LOL! If someone puts this under erotica, I wonder what a 'normal' love scene is to them. I will most definitely continue with the series, when I can get my hands on them.
February 28, 2009
This one took a bit of time to finish, but I really liked it. I got a bit tired of the "her cream" references though. Could Cynthia not have found another word for errr...her cream? But that's the only complaint I really have. Oh! And some unanswered questions she left in her book.
July 28, 2014
A Paranormal Romance novel with strong characters, new world building that is very well done and very steamy sex. Looking forward to the next in the series.
January 22, 2024
2.5 ☆
Давам ниска оценка, но това не означава, че книгата не ми е харесала. Даже се зачудих колко беше интересно и колко бързо я прочетох. Ако баче я бях чела преди няколко години, щеше да получи пълните 5 звезди. Но вече имам повече опит при книгите и съм чела много, много добри истории и няма как да наредя и тази между другите. Но пак казвам, книгата си е доста добра и щом с интерес продължавам да чета 2рата, значи има за какво да се хване човек. Иначе я започнах като напълно спонтанно четиво и никак не съжалявам. Имам я от толкова години, но явно сега й дойде времето, макар истории с вампири, върколаци и т.н, отдавна да са изчезнали от строя.
Колин и "Д-р Чудовище" (харесвам този прякор) т.е. Емили ми грабнаха вниманието като двойка още от първата страница, то буквално химията между тях се случи в първите редове и не беше нещо прибързано, а някак се случи естествено. Хареса ми това, да се завърна в един мистичен свят, примесен с романтика и доста страст, въпреки че сюжетът не е нещо ново. Просто ми донесе приятни емоции и самата борба на двамата ни герои, както със самите тях си, така и със злодея в историята беше интересно преплетено и ме разнообразии.
Дано и да края на поредицата остана така доволна, както съм сега. И да, ако си търсите нещо, ей така до убиете време, мисля че това са книги за вас. Няма да ви натоварят, а напротив - ще изпитате една лекота от прочетеното, защото е нещо малко по-различно от масовката, която се излива сега на пазара, нещо ново-старо.
Давам ниска оценка, но това не означава, че книгата не ми е харесала. Даже се зачудих колко беше интересно и колко бързо я прочетох. Ако баче я бях чела преди няколко години, щеше да получи пълните 5 звезди. Но вече имам повече опит при книгите и съм чела много, много добри истории и няма как да наредя и тази между другите. Но пак казвам, книгата си е доста добра и щом с интерес продължавам да чета 2рата, значи има за какво да се хване човек. Иначе я започнах като напълно спонтанно четиво и никак не съжалявам. Имам я от толкова години, но явно сега й дойде времето, макар истории с вампири, върколаци и т.н, отдавна да са изчезнали от строя.
Колин и "Д-р Чудовище" (харесвам този прякор) т.е. Емили ми грабнаха вниманието като двойка още от първата страница, то буквално химията между тях се случи в първите редове и не беше нещо прибързано, а някак се случи естествено. Хареса ми това, да се завърна в един мистичен свят, примесен с романтика и доста страст, въпреки че сюжетът не е нещо ново. Просто ми донесе приятни емоции и самата борба на двамата ни герои, както със самите тях си, така и със злодея в историята беше интересно преплетено и ме разнообразии.
Дано и да края на поредицата остана така доволна, както съм сега. И да, ако си търсите нещо, ей така до убиете време, мисля че това са книги за вас. Няма да ви натоварят, а напротив - ще изпитате една лекота от прочетеното, защото е нещо малко по-различно от масовката, която се излива сега на пазара, нещо ново-старо.
July 31, 2025
‘Ummmmmm’ was used FAR FAR FAR too much. Why are these people all confused and unsure?!
Actually started enjoying it after 50% mark.
I skipped most of the smut. I didn’t believe their chemistry tbh. Far too fast.
Her past was introduced after half way through the book and I just felt like it was rushed.
Her mums a twat.
Actually started enjoying it after 50% mark.
I skipped most of the smut. I didn’t believe their chemistry tbh. Far too fast.
Her past was introduced after half way through the book and I just felt like it was rushed.
Her mums a twat.
July 3, 2017
3 and 1/2 stars
October 15, 2021
DNF @56%
I wanted to read some good PnR from Cynthia Eden so i tried to read something old. Life didn't help i was busy busy these days but still i couldn't get into it. It was OTT the PNR part was badly done and i just quit after trying a hundred time since last week-end ^^
I wanted to read some good PnR from Cynthia Eden so i tried to read something old. Life didn't help i was busy busy these days but still i couldn't get into it. It was OTT the PNR part was badly done and i just quit after trying a hundred time since last week-end ^^
June 26, 2023
A fun detective story with paranormals, I just wanted more. I wanted to more from Emily's (Dr. Drake) therapy sessions...they sounded super interesting. I wanted more time between Emily and Colin...they were hot together and needed to be on-page more.
March 5, 2024
I liked the idea of this book, and honestly if it was just focused on Dr. Emily Drake’s career as a paranormal therapist with the mystery/serial killer plot it would’ve been good. The romance is where I lost it.
Colin was much too much of a “alpha” type dude for me and I just couldn’t deal. Adding instant love on top of that, I hated the romance. I skipped the steamy parts and had no interest in their relationship at all.
The mystery plot was pretty predictable and the serial killer’s motives were lackluster at best.
Also didn’t help that I read this after reading (and loving) Bride by Ali Hazelwood.
Colin was much too much of a “alpha” type dude for me and I just couldn’t deal. Adding instant love on top of that, I hated the romance. I skipped the steamy parts and had no interest in their relationship at all.
The mystery plot was pretty predictable and the serial killer’s motives were lackluster at best.
Also didn’t help that I read this after reading (and loving) Bride by Ali Hazelwood.
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