Midnight Reckoning by Kendra Leigh Castle (Dark Dynasties #2)
January 1, 2012
Paranormal Romance
Grand Central Publishing

Reviewed by Helyce

Lyra Black has had one goal in life-to become alpha, taking over for her father, for the very powerful pack of the Thorn. She’s lived it and breathed it and at the next full moon, she will participate in the Proving, a fight to the end where only the strongest will remain. Unfortunately, there are those who are against this, or who don’t believe that she can do it. They want her to find a strong mate instead. Someone worthy who can take on the pack with her at his side. Lyra refuses. This is her right, by birth and she won’t let anyone stand in her way.

Jaden Harrison is enjoying his new freedom from slavery to the Ptolemy now that the Lilim Dynasty has been reborn and Lily Quinn-MacGillivray has taken her place as leader. There is much to do and Arsinoe, queen of the Ptolemy, is still a huge threat to this fledgling dynasty. Lily wants Jaden to take over as Captain of the Guard for her, and he’d do anything for Lily, he’s just not sure he’s the man for the job.

When Jaden is out patrolling one night, he comes across a man and woman having a heated argument. Oddly, a scent comes to him that is familiar and as he approaches he realizes that the woman is someone he’s met before, and disliked on site, though he doesn’t know why. Back when he and Ty were protecting Lily from Arsinoe at a safe house, this woman, this wolf, was there. But as he listens, he realizes that she might not be able to handle the situation she’s gotten herself into and he intervenes. Lyra is less than grateful to say the least, and after a few choice words she shifts and disappears. When Jaden looks down, he sees a moonstone locket. He knows it’s Lyra’s and his first instinct is to just leave it there, but then, he picks it up and takes it with him.

Jaden is confused by Lyra. He doesn’t understand why she’s taking up so much of his thoughts. He knows the necklace is important and he wants to return it to her, even though venturing into pack territory is one of the stupidest things he could ever do. But he’s compelled for some reason and he heads out to return Lyra’s necklace. Needless to say, his unwelcome arrival at Lyra’s home is met with dismay as almost immediately; a wolf knocks him down and attempts to tear Jaden apart. But Jaden fights back and his graceful movements are no match for the wolf.

Watching this fight unfold on his front lawn, Dorien Black, Lyra’s father, is surprised by Jaden’s grace and agility as he easily fights off Simon. Lyra begs her father to stop Simon, explaining that Jaden only came to return her necklace. He’s alone and he didn’t come to fight. Calling Simon off and sending him away with Lyra, Dorien approaches Jaden. After seeing Jaden move, it occurs to him that Jaden may be useful in some way. He proposes to Jaden that he stick around and train Lyra on his fighting style, hopefully giving her a different kind of advantage when fighting in the proving. If Dorien can’t change Lyra’s mind and stop her from participating, the least he can do is give her every advantage.

Jaden is stumped by Dorien’s suggested proposal, but the confusing feelings he has whenever he’s around Lyra have him seriously considering it. Thinking with his heart, and perhaps another part of his anatomy, Jaden agrees to Dorien’s request. Now they just need to convince Lyra.

Unfortunately, Lyra and the upcoming Proving are not the only things that the weres or the vamps have to worry about. Someone in the pack is working with Queen Arsinoe and she’s promised him much if he can succeed in bringing Jaden to her alive. Arsinoe is determined to bring down the Lilim Dynasty and regain every one of her Cait Sith slaves, especially Jaden. But she’s thoroughly misjudged the capabilities of this new Dynasty and the people who have pledged themselves to Lily.

Midnight Reckoning is book two in Ms. Castle’s Dark Dynasties series and I really enjoyed her take on the pairing of a vampire and werewolf. While the first in this series, Dark Awakening, spent a lot of time creating, building and setting up the world of the dynasties, and the conflict with Queen Arsinoe, in this there is pure focus on our couple, Lyra and Jaden. As Jaden begins his training with Lyra, there is much sexual tension and the buildup is simply delicious! Jaden’s sarcastic snarky humor is really enjoyable as well. Lyra knew from the moment she’d met Jaden that he was trouble. As her training begins, and she spends more and more time with Jaden she begins to see him in a different light and it becomes harder and harder for her to ignore her feelings. But to give in is forbidden and Lyra has enough going against her at the moment to complicate things by taking a vampire for a lover. When Lyra finally gives into her feelings for Jaden, it starts a chain of events that neither of them could have prepared for. A long hidden secret is revealed from the were histories and Lyra is forced to make a very difficult choice.

I fell for Jaden’s quiet intensity and protective nature in the first book and really looked forward his story. I wasn’t too sure about a vampire and werewolf mating, but it really works in this and the special, attributes gained by this mating were unexpected. I was truly surprised at who the bad guy turned out to be as well. Ms. Castle’s fresh take on the world of vampires and werewolves in this series is unlike anything out there right now. Next up is the elusive Damien in Shadow Rising and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for us!

Rating: B+

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