By Midnight (A Midnight Breed Novel #8) by Lara Adrian
Paranormal Romance
September 28, 2010
Paperback, 400 Pages
Dell

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “I may grow to like being a cyborg.”

When ex police officer Jenna Darrow first awakes, she doesn’t remember much of what happened except for an unspeakable horror who kept repeating the same sentence over and over to her, “Do you choose life or death?” Though she is alive, she has been changed in ways she cannot even begin to imagine. As she struggles to understand and control these changes, she takes refuge at the compound of the Order, an ancient race of vampire warriors whose very existence is shrouded in mystery. Here she meets Brock, a mysterious beautiful male who’s sensual touch heals, comforts, and arouses her. As she integrates herself within the order, their mission becomes her mission-to stop a ruthless vampire’s plans of death and destruction. While Jenna uses her police skills and connections to help the Order during the day; during the night she is “investigating” Brock. Although humans and vampires have no future together, they cannot no longer resist the explosive passion and desire that has developed between them. When a secret from Brock’s past reappears, Jenna and Brock must decide if their forbidden love is worth fighting for.

Ms. Adrian continues her dark and sensual world of vampire warriors, rogues, and the war they are waging all around us in her eighth installment-Taken By Midnight. Here we pick up where Shades Of Midnight leaves off. Captivating characters, tension filled suspense, and nail biting action keeps you poised on the edge of your seat till the last page is turned.

Ms. Adrian takes a different approach with this one, making the romance forefront. Also, her main female protagonist, Jenna Darrow, is a different character then the one’s usually portrayed.

Jenna Darrow is a heroine after my own heart. Love doesn’t blind or bind her. A former police officer who’s husband and child were taken from her, she is a strong, self assured, and dynamic character. Even with her world crashing down around her she keeps a level head. When she awakes in the Order she demands answers and doesn’t put up with the Order’s usual cryptic remarks. When they don’t give them to her, she takes matters into her own hands. Jenna is the most “believable” of Adrian’s heroines to me. She’s not an emotional hot mess which is a refreshing change. She is a warrior.

Brock comes off in the beginning just as quiet and mysterious as in earlier books, but he opens up here and we see why he is the way he is. He is very alpha like the rest of the smexy Breed men, but he tempers his down and treats Jenna as an equal. His unique ability allows him to absorb the pain of others so he spends a lot of time with Jenna while she is recuperating. This allows him to observe first hand her strength and that draws him to her. As they both become more involved in the plot of the story, her courage and compassion only attracts him more. Even though Brock knows that he can have no future with her, he cannot resist her and finds himself seeking her out.

Ms. Adrian has created two characters who are a perfect fit. The chemistry between them is electrifying and the love scenes are spectacular. I enjoyed the interaction between them and the direction Ms. Adrian takes Jenna’s “changes” makes Brock the perfect choice in a mate for her.

While we see the other main members of the Order and their spouses, their interaction is somewhat downplayed and used more as a tool to facilitate Jenna and Brock’s story.

The plot in this story is multi directional. While there is no actual set conclusion, there are multiple story lines running simultaneously, that eventually blend together. Some loose ends tied up and others start fresh, giving the arc a much needed boost. I enjoyed seeing some of the lesser known characters given more physical and emotional direction.

One small note. I did wonder where some of the scenarios were going. I felt this is was what I call a “filler” book. Meaning it is filled with information and used as a way to introduce ideas and avenues without having a definite conclusion. We are left with a few unanswered questions-Jenna for instance. One in particular was confusing as we never discover the reasoning behind it. Lack of reasoning made it inconsequential to me. I’m sure this will be explained in later books, but the lack of explanation was a little unsatisfactory.

Ms. Adrian’s Midnight Breed series is still as exciting now as it was in the beginning. In fact more so as she is bringing in fresh characters and more convoluted storylines-taking the whole series in a new direction. I enjoyed meeting Jenna and Brock and divulging back into this world. I look forward to Hunter’s story next-title and date of release to be announced.

Rating: 3.5/5

Recent Reviews:
That’s What I’m Talking About – 4.5/5
Goodreads

Go HERE for a complete listing of the books in this series.

Author’s Website.