Review: Kiss of Crimson (MB, bk #2)

Kiss of Crimson (The Midnight Breed, Book 2)
Lara Adrian
Kindle Edition, 416 pages
Dell
May 29, 2007
Amazon | GR | TBD

He comes to her more dead than alive, a towering black-clad stranger riddled with bullets and rapidly losing blood. As she struggles to save him, veterinarian Tess Culver is unaware that the man calling himself Dante is no man at all, but one of the Breed, vampire warriors engaged in a desperate battle. In a single erotically charged moment Tess is plunged into his world—a shifting, shadowed place where bands of Rogue vampires stalk the night, cutting a swath of terror.

Haunted by visions of a dark future, Dante lives and fights like there is no tomorrow. Tess is a complication he does not need—but now, with his brethren under attack, he must shield Tess from a growing threat that includes Dante himself. For with one reckless, irresistible kiss, she has become an inextricable part of his underworld realm…and his touch awakens her to hidden gifts, desires, and hungers she never knew she possessed. Bonded by blood, Dante and Tess must work together to thwart deadly enemies, even as they discover a passion that transcends the boundaries of life itself…

Review:
There is little that is more enticing than having a ruggedly beautiful Italian male walk up to you at an Art exhibit to plant a breathtaking smooch on your bloody lips. But that is just what Dante does to Tess after a hell of a night left him little choice than to drink from her in order to heal from more than a few battle wounds. Dante’s plan was to drink and dash, as he is used to doing with the nameless woman that pass through his life. It is only after he takes Tess’s sweet nectar that Dante realizes she is a Breedmate, a rare female that bears the marking that makes her irresistible to his kind. And now that he has irrevocably tied himself to her, he just can’t seem to stay away, even though he knows she deserves better than a warrior that has visions of his own death.

Kiss of Crimson was another action and smexy times packed installment in a series I just can’t read fast enough. As more of the intricate world of the Breed is revealed, a better understanding develops for the way the Order operates and the war they are dedicated to fighting against the Rogues who have polluted their senses with Bloodlust.

The new threat is a street drug sold to the young males of the Breed called Crimson, and its effects are deadly. Behind the manufacturing and selling of the drug is an enemy eager to rebuild his army, unwilling to stop at nothing to do so. New characters are introduced that have very key roles in the plot heavy story.

Though I thought the romance between Dante and Tess was a little more mellow than the intensity of the one in the first book, it did provide some humorous moments between the new couple that I enjoyed immensity. And Dante’s dedication, his willingness to risk his life for the woman of his dreams, make me feel more than a little awestruck. I also think it is interesting how Adrian writes the males and has them express themselves. Expletives are certainly part of their vocabulary, but you never actually ‘hear’ them say the words. Perfect gentlemen, this lot.

Good times all around to be had if you spend time with these warriors. And GAWD, I don’t know about you, but I’m really hoping class discussion tomorrow centers around the Breed and their origin because if not, I’m SOL. Maybe if I sink down in my seat no one will notice I’m there. Anyone got an invisibility cloak I could borrow? Or even better, if you actually did the assigned reading, could you sit in for me? *begging puppy eyes*

Challenge(s): 111 in ‘11 Challenge, Vampire Challenge 2011

Midnight Breed series:
Kiss of Midnight (Midnight Breed, Book 1)
Kiss of Crimson (Midnight Breed, Book 2)
Midnight Awakening (Midnight Breed, Book 3)
Midnight Rising (Midnight Breed, Book 4)
Veil of Midnight (Midnight Breed, Book 5)
Ashes of Midnight (Midnight Breed, Book 6)
Shades of Midnight (Midnight Breed, Book 7)
Taken by Midnight (Midnight Breed, Book

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Posted at 3:51 pm  •  Labels: 2011, 4 stars, Book Review, Kindle Edition, Lara Adrian, Midnight Breed, paranormal romance, Risqué Reads, Vampires