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Bengal's Heart (Breeds #20)

4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 · rating details · 4,696 ratings · 180 reviews

Reporter Cassa Hawkins has always supported Breed rights-especially in light of a specimen like Cabal St. Laurents, the epitome of the male animal. But when the Breeds are incriminated in a series of violent murders, it's left to Cassa and Cabal to discover the truth before they become prey.

Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages

Published August 4th 2009 by Berkley (first published August 2009)

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Apr 29, 2012 Catherine rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: bad-childhood, contemporary, fantasy-paranormal-sci-fi, fated-mate, genetic-mutation, lots-of-sex, read-2011, romance, series, sucked, erotica, kindle, read-2012

*Originally read 8/12/11*

I've found myself trying to reread this book a few times, hoping that I'll like it better than the first time around. I'm always left disappointed. :( I should like this book, based on glimpses of these characters in the past, but I don't. I was severely underwhelmed by their romance and found Cabal much less interesting and more of a jerk this time around. It sucks big time, because this was one of the books I anticipated the most.

I thought the first chapter was prett...more *Originally read 8/12/11*

I've found myself trying to reread this book a few times, hoping that I'll like it better than the first time around. I'm always left disappointed. :( I should like this book, based on glimpses of these characters in the past, but I don't. I was severely underwhelmed by their romance and found Cabal much less interesting and more of a jerk this time around. It sucks big time, because this was one of the books I anticipated the most.

I thought the first chapter was pretty great and that it set the stage for a pretty intense relationship. I also liked that the mating heat started in a very different way this time around. The symbolism of tasting his blood was a pretty clever way to induce it.

I didn't like that no clear reason was ever given for the 11 year resistance to the mating. They had been in close proximity before, so why was this time around so special? We were told that he held off the mating because he could sense her fear and knew she wasn't ready, then it flipped and we were told it was because he was trying to get over the past, but then it flipped again and he told her that he never really blamed her. So why then? Why is there no clear cut motivation for this? At one point he even mentions wishing desperately for a mate of his own, but earlier in the book he had said he thought of the mating as a curse and wished it would go away. I can't stand this back and forth inconsistency.

So, we find out that Cabal and Cassa mated years ago and both have been denying it--although Cassa wasn't aware that he knew they were mates. So why was he such a playboy? The monogamy of the breeds has been a huge factor in the series, and now it's just ignored when one of the characters strays from that? I needed to know why he felt the need to sleep with everything that moved. Cassa complains bitterly about it to herself, but we never actually get any resolution to this. He just brushes it off and she gets over it. I know they hadn't accepted the mating yet, but once again this felt inconsistent with what we had seen with the series so far.

I really disliked the fact that Cabal was constantly trying to control Cassa and keep her in a little bubble. It inevitably led her to do stupid things, like ignore good advice and strike out on her own, despite the danger. They both irritated me in this matter and I got tired of their bickering. I wouldn't have minded it so much if it had felt more important. But they had all the intensity of a wet blanket and felt like they were just going through the motions.

(view spoiler)

I did like the discovery of the Primal breeds though, and the motivation of the "bad" guy. I like the grey of the situation and hope to see more develop on that front. (less)

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Mar 01, 2010 Zeek rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites-all-time, favorites-pnr, pnr, alpha-hero

I've been hankering for Cabal's story ever since Tanner's Scheme. Larger than life, he became one of those characters everyone waits anxiously for- which can be a boon for an author...or set them up for failure.

Unfortunately, this one falls in the latter category for Lora Leigh.

Bengal's Heart by Lora Leigh

Years ago Cassa Hawkins played an integral part of the rescue of Cabal St. Laurent from the compound he was being held captive in. Because of a heinous betrayal by the man she thought was her h...more I've been hankering for Cabal's story ever since Tanner's Scheme. Larger than life, he became one of those characters everyone waits anxiously for- which can be a boon for an author...or set them up for failure.

Unfortunately, this one falls in the latter category for Lora Leigh.

Bengal's Heart by Lora Leigh

Years ago Cassa Hawkins played an integral part of the rescue of Cabal St. Laurent from the compound he was being held captive in. Because of a heinous betrayal by the man she thought was her husband- no other Breed survived the bloody rescue and Cabal can never forgive her for it.

Years later, Cassa has become a famous investigative reporter fighting for Breed rights- still trying to make up for her husband's betrayal. When she receives a tip about some killings apparently done by a rogue breed she rushes in to get to the bottom of the story, only to be headed off by the one Breed who holds her heart.

Cabal knows Cassa is his mate- has known it for some time- but he's run from that fact ever since her husband's evil deeds led to the bloody massacre of his family back in the genetic's council compound he was created in. A rare breed, created by splicing the genes of humans with a Bengal tiger his skills as a covert Breed spy has kept him on the path of danger since his rescue. When Cassa begins meddling in his latest mission, he knows it's time to face the one woman he's fated to be with forever. But can he trust her with his love when she was at the center of so much of heartache in the past?

A bit of a disappointment, as she's done with some of her other series, Lora Leigh once again "phones it in" with Bengal's Heart- at least in the way of character development. Usual fare for Leigh's Breed series- too much fighting what they both know to be "fated"- however the side issues brought the book up from being something I would have felt otherwise "blah" about.

Leigh reveals more about the Breed world and gave us some answers involving some of the most intriguing characters in the series, leaving us with a tantalizing teaser for the Jonas Wyatt's story- the next full length novel up in the series. Jonas has become the "Acheron" (See Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter Series) for many of those following this series so it's going to be a biggie- however, as many of us who have been around the genre for awhile have seen- a much anticipated story like Jonas's can only lead to disappoint I'm afraid- especially considering the quality of Bengal's Heart.

Still, with it's development of the Breed world and the rogue breed plot, I raced through this book quicker than a recent popular paranormal romance I read.(less)

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Dec 21, 2009 Gigi rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-romance, lora-leigh, series-romance

Well, I was disappointed. I loved loved Tanner's Scheme. Not sure what happened here. I actually put the book down out of boredom and picked it up a few months later- just to skim the rest to read the ending. After reading a little bit of Cabal in Tanners Scheme, I expected much more from Cabal. Even though Cabal was supposed to be the fiercest of the both--Tanner came off as the fiercer of the two and Cabal just fell short to me. Oh and Cassa was just annoying. I love the breed series--but, Ben...more

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Oct 26, 2010 Lori rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-books, borrowed, preternatural-rom, 2010selfchallenge

Really bad. I have no problem with dark stories, which this one is, but the author keeps repeating the same theme over and over with amazing repetitiveness. There is actually very little plot or story between the overly enthusiastic scenes between the main characters in bed (or anywhere else for that matter). Bleh.

Characters, both main and secondary, are dull and the landscape doesn't really come through very well.

I understand this series is popular and that this is the 19th book in it, but real...more

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Mar 22, 2013 Dawn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-books, pnr, werewolves-shifter

Cassa Hawkins is a reporter who is trying to make amends for a terrible error in judgment eleven years ago. Back then she was married to an abusive guy who used her to destroy the Bengal tiger breed. It was thought the only survivor was Cabal St. Laurents who told her on the day of the massacre that he owned her and one day she would pay. So for 11 years Cassa has been living with the guilt and trying to support the breeds with positive public relations and telling the truth. The problem is on t...more Cassa Hawkins is a reporter who is trying to make amends for a terrible error in judgment eleven years ago. Back then she was married to an abusive guy who used her to destroy the Bengal tiger breed. It was thought the only survivor was Cabal St. Laurents who told her on the day of the massacre that he owned her and one day she would pay. So for 11 years Cassa has been living with the guilt and trying to support the breeds with positive public relations and telling the truth. The problem is on that fateful day Cassa and Cabal became mates. They both try to ignore it each going their own way and avoiding one another. Now the time for running has come to an end, a rougue breed is killing people and for some reason Cassa finds herself in the middle of the game without understanding the stakes.

Let me begin by saying that I did enjoy this book. What seemed weird was the Cabal from Tanners Scheme seemed different in this novel. I also think the plot where a couple has been mates for years and years and ignores one another is getting old. Cassa also was tiresome with her I must investigate this story to help the breeds. It was also irritating to watch her throw up the past in Cabal’s face. I guess this speaks to the part that is a bit disjointed for me, you have been jealous for over a decade and now is the first time you have something to say?? Another issue was in Tanners Scheme I thought it was stated rather clearly that Cabal did not have a mate and this is why he was such a playboy but now he screams he will kill anyone who touched Cassa but he left her alone and touched other women for a decade?? This does not make sense. Their relationship was also off it was all ‘damn you’ ‘you make me loose control’ and then they need to cuddle. Like why? Where is the conversation, laughter, intimacy?? Also why not more of Tanner?? Or even the other breed wives??

Moving on I liked the introduction to the new characters. This book dealt more with past vendettas so I am curious about what is going on with the council. There were some other curious hints about Rule and Lawe nice to see them back and of course we are leading into the story of Jonas which I am super excited about.
(less)

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Apr 07, 2011 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: breeds, paranormal-romance

Another one I never reviewed. Let's face it, the Breeds books are nearing end of life, at least for me. What was once an exciting concept with some titillating nuances and scorching sex... has become a little passe. This is Cabal's story. Cabal is a Bengal Breed, Tanner's twin. Since I especially enjoyed Tanner's Scheme, I thought maybe this would be another good one. But I couldn't identify very well with Cabal, and definitely did not find Cassa sympathetic. The suspense element of the plot was...more

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Apr 13, 2010 Smokinhotbooks K.C. rated it 2 of 5 stars

First let’s start with The Bad. The minute I finished this book I was on the phone with my partner in crime bemoaning my disappointments. Here was Cabal’s story, the nasty playboy Bengal tiger who spent most of the series steeped in compromising positions with his ménage-a-breed sexathons. And what do we get with his book, barely a mention of this side of him or why he was into such carnal pleasures of the flesh. We get a brief page all wrapped-up nice and tight and no closure or what-have-you’s...more

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Aug 02, 2009 Aberforth rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 23, 2012 DaisyGirl rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-borrowed_fr_library, genre-romance, other-steamy, romance-pnr

½ Star. Seriously.

I am saddened to say that Bengal’s Heart was the worst book in the series to date. Although I have disliked a few of the prior Breed books, this is the first that I actually struggled to finish. Other than the introduction of the primal breeds, this book was a waste of time. In short, the hero was a slutty jack-ass, the heroine was a contrary bitch who at times was TSTL, and the story was mind-numbingly boring.

***CONTAINS SPOILERS***

Cabal St. Laurents is a Bengal breed; his mat...more

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Aug 06, 2009 marlene rated it 4 of 5 stars

this chapter in the series showed us more of a look into the genetics council, and i have to say i wish it didn't. the books starts out with a truly horrific description of a lab. i got a little too strong of a visual from it. from that point on every time it was mentioned i saw it again. the stomach churning level didn't decrease as we learned more about the council's "deadly dozen" and their ideas of fun. i do love hearing the story of the Breeds in general and their integration into society b...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Sammy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, library-book

Lora Leigh insults her readers by attempting to rewrite the past. It isn't fair to the fans or to the Breed storyline that is already riddled with inconsistencies.

Did LL forget what she wrote in Tanner's book? When Tanner's book was written, Cabal had no mate. Tanner was worried that Cabol was truly Scheme's mate because he had no swelling of the tongue glands after kissing Scheme. He even brought Cabal in to try and seduce Scheme to see if there was chemistry between his twin and Scheme. Cabal...more Lora Leigh insults her readers by attempting to rewrite the past. It isn't fair to the fans or to the Breed storyline that is already riddled with inconsistencies.

Did LL forget what she wrote in Tanner's book? When Tanner's book was written, Cabal had no mate. Tanner was worried that Cabol was truly Scheme's mate because he had no swelling of the tongue glands after kissing Scheme. He even brought Cabal in to try and seduce Scheme to see if there was chemistry between his twin and Scheme. Cabal had no mate in this book and glorified in sleeping around. Another breed female that had a crush on him died and he actually felt guilty for not having given her a chance. In Kiss of Heat, Callan kicked Tanner and Cabal out of the main house because of their sexual exploits. Sherra walks in on Cabal and Tanner and a female breed in the act. She proceeds to caution them or they could end up mated to the same woman and Cabal replies that he'll grow up one of these days. (Are these the actions of a mated male?)

LL shouldn't go back and re right what has already been written. Cabal meets Cassa and says " I own you", when he was rescued from the Pit 11 years ago. This is a major inconsistency in the story that was unacceptable to me. We are to believe that he had a mate and didn't feel guilty about not claiming her for 11 years but felt bad about not giving a girl with a crush a chance? That he shared unlimited females with his brother while knowing he had a mate and refused to claim her? It makes no sense! Cabal only kisses Cassa because Dog acted as if he were going to kiss her. That spiked a jealous rage in Cabal and was the only reason he claimed her. So lame after 11 years of ignoring her and knowing that she was going o Eli consistently obviously for hormonal treatments.

The side story with Death was somewhat confusing because in the scene when Death kills Alonzo, page 37, LL writes "she shrugged negligently" but Death turns out to be a male later in the story not a female. Facts like this are so annoying if you are paying attention and not skimming over the story.

I have really loved some of the earlier Breed novels, Soul Deep and Mercury's War but this was a major let down. There was no closure. Death manages to get away. Death never finds his son. Cabal and Cassa don't say I love you until the last page of the book. I gave this a 3 star cause the story was ok. If Cassa and Cabal weren't fighting, they were having sex and immediately fighting again..lol..I read romance for a reason and all the fighting was too much for me.(less)

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May 02, 2011 Jenny Delandro rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: shifter-fantasy, paranormal-romance

there is a formula

1 breed meets mate
2 something happens
3 they meet again - fall into lust - mated bliss
4 something happens
5 mate and breed are reunited - usually after a fight

so lets see how we went
(view spoiler)...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Heather rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: alpha-hero, erotica, pnr, scifi, annoying-heroine, boring, mediocre, breeds

Inspite of seeing the low rating for Bengals Heart, I read the teaser chapter that was in a previous breeds book and couldn’t help myself. Unfortunately, I should have saved myself the time. Bengals Heart is the most disappointing Breed novel I have read to date, full of plot inconsistencies and not to mention, BORING. It took me a couple of weeks to finish which is unheard of for me. I just didn’t feel compelled to read it in a couple of sittings the way I normally do with these books.

Cabal St....more

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Aug 01, 2011 Christine rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, own-it

Hmph. Overall, the book was alright. Emotional turmoil and HEA, like all the others. If you don't know the formula yet, you haven't read enough of these. There was one thing that got on my nerves, which was brought up but never fully discussed, or apologized for on Cabal's part.

I vaguely remember Cabal from Tanner's book and he always struck me as a big ol' man whore, so for him to know his mate during that time seems like he was deliberately rubbing it in her face. Because he had to have known...more

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Aug 18, 2009 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lora Leigh delivers her signature mix of hot sex and page turning action. Cabal is the requisite hunky hero but you've got to wonder what gene controls stubborn pigheadedness. It's pretty obvious the Breeds all got a double-dose. Cabal has been avoiding completing the mating with Cassa for eleven years - while watching over her from afar. Now her time, and his, has come; if they can only live long enough to enjoy it.

The plot revolves around a series of murders which the Breeds are trying to solv...more

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Jun 03, 2012 Rosa rated it 3 of 5 stars

mmmmm Estos ultimos meses he leido todos los libros de esta saga, estaba muy entusiasmada con este ya que me encanto el libro de Tanner el hermano del prota de este libro.
La autora a veces usa la excusa de que los personajes se conocian desde hace varios años y por eso la historia de amor que se desarrolla se hace mas creible en medio del calor de "acoplamiento" pero en este no lo senti tan creible o tangible como en otros libros ( por ejemplo el de tanner) no se creo que a ambos protas les falt...more

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Sep 24, 2010 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, fantasy-other-world, fantasy-romance, romance, sensuous, enhanced-human

Cassa Hawkins, reporter, champion of the Breeds... married (or so she thought) to Douglas Watts, an abusive, calculating man who hunted Breeds, and used her to exploit the information of a rescue of tigers in a lab to counteract the rescue and to kill a dozen in a horrific room of blades... where only Cabal St. Laurent, Bengal Tiger prime, survived when Cassa was finally able to turn off the blades... he threw a post through Douglas' middle, killing him (or so she thought - he was only paralyzed...more Cassa Hawkins, reporter, champion of the Breeds... married (or so she thought) to Douglas Watts, an abusive, calculating man who hunted Breeds, and used her to exploit the information of a rescue of tigers in a lab to counteract the rescue and to kill a dozen in a horrific room of blades... where only Cabal St. Laurent, Bengal Tiger prime, survived when Cassa was finally able to turn off the blades... he threw a post through Douglas' middle, killing him (or so she thought - he was only paralyzed and imprisoned)... and when Cabal started to strangle Cassa, he recognized her innocence in it all and his mate - and Cassa out of shame, sorrow, and compassion touched a drop of blood on his face and licked - and was mated to him...

But they ignored and avoided one another for the next 11 years, her fearful that he could never forgive her the deaths of his family, he with the fear that he would lose her also (and a bit angry at her being with Douglas)...

But a Breed is killing Breeds, and she has been invited into the storm with emails/pictures, and a supply of pills that mask scent so that she (and bad guys) can move around Breeds without their knowing...

And it culminates in Glen Haven... a mountain town with those who sheltered Breeds early on, some who mated with Breeds, and where 22 years earlier, in a clearing in the mountains, the 'Deadly Dozen' - of the Council sent to capture/kill Breeds - many Breeds were killed...

and now someone (another primal Breed, Azreal - who lost his mate & his baby - she was in labor that night) is killing the Deadly Dozen, and sending clues to Cassa...

So Cassa and Cabal are in a contest, fighting their fears, fighting each other... fighting for freedom to be and freedom to protect... fighting the mating heat, and succumbing to it... and to love, where neither truly believed there could be any...

And her 'husband' is freed, she faces him and overcomes him... she is shot, but Cabal saves her... and her husband gives up the rest of his secrets...

and Cabal and Cassa finally fully open their hearts to one another...

Jonas is in the background, a strong leader to do what needs to be done, unable to control Cabal, trying to use him & Cassa for his own ends... hmmmm... and mated to his secretary - something they both ignore still hmmmm... (less)

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Sep 19, 2009 Mandy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Leigh's Breed series is a favorite of mine and I have been looking forward to reading Cabal's story. "Bengal's Heart" delivers the sweet and the steamy which is what I love about the Breed series.

Cabal and Cassa have that great blend of chemistry and angst that makes for a great romance couple. I think "Coyote's Mate" misses on this mark so I am glad to see Leigh back to form.

The action could be better paced. And as a long time fan of the series, it seems contrived that Cassa has been Cabal's...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Kim rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-romance

Even laying aside some terrifically lazy writing, most of Bengal's Heart read as if Ms Leigh was making it up as she went along. The characters hardly seemed to know whether they were coming or going---drawing conclusions without even a bit of evidence or, alternately, expressing confusion about assertions they'd made not twenty pages before---and the plot was all over the place, milling over the same conversations and actions until the last fifty pages or so.

I would've put the book down within...more

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Sep 02, 2009 Kaleigha rated it 4 of 5 stars

This one was a one-sit reading. I have been looking forward to Cabal's story for quite a while, and I enjoyed it. As one of the deadliest of Jonas's soldiers, Cabal has always been unpredictable, and his unknown mating of Cassa over a decade before does little to change that. But as Cassa gets deeper into a deadly situation facing the breeds, Cabal can no longer deny his need for his mate.

One of the best things about this one was the development of some of the secondary characters...Rule and La...more

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Jul 31, 2009 Erika Badass rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was much, much better than Coyote's Mate, which I did not really like. We get to see a few characters make an appearance (Mercury, Brimstone, Jonas, Del-Ray, and a few others) Overall, I was pleased with this story.

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Sep 08, 2012 Trina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

From the first page this book was high energy and sucks you into the world of the Breeds. Cassa Hawkins is an independent woman who has struggled for years to report on the Breeds while maintaining a safe distance from Cabal St. Laurents - her mate and a Bengal Breed. She had a hand in the biggest tragedy of his life and knows there is no future for her with him even if she is destiny decrees they are mates. Cabal is a man who goes on the most dangerous missions, missions where he life is always...more

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Jul 07, 2010 Pansy rated it 1 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 10, 2010 Marisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: parnormal-romance

Short Review: It’s written by Lora Leigh; what’s not to love? If you’re a Lora Leigh fan, you’re going to love this one. If you’re new to Ms. Leigh’s writing, let me just say, I’m a fan, so I’m not unbiased. I’m going to encourage you to give her books a try, particularly if you like strong alpha males and paranormals. If you’re not a fan, or you’ve only tried one or two of her books, I suggest you take a second look. Read the long review for why.

Long Review: Those of you who have been reading L...more Short Review: It’s written by Lora Leigh; what’s not to love? If you’re a Lora Leigh fan, you’re going to love this one. If you’re new to Ms. Leigh’s writing, let me just say, I’m a fan, so I’m not unbiased. I’m going to encourage you to give her books a try, particularly if you like strong alpha males and paranormals. If you’re not a fan, or you’ve only tried one or two of her books, I suggest you take a second look. Read the long review for why.

Long Review: Those of you who have been reading Lora Leigh’s Breed series have no doubt been waiting for Cabal St. Laurents’ story, the hero of Bengal’s Heart. I too have waited for his story and I was not disappointed. Let me preface my thoughts by saying that this particular series has several key elements that are part of the series like a second skin. These elements are what makes this THE BREED SERIES (capital letters intended). The series is about very, let me say that again, very strong ALPHA MALES (again caps intended). This series is not for the faint of heart, but rather for readers who enjoy a book where the male is in every sense of the word the dominant force in the book and he takes no prisoners. All the heroes in the Breed series have only one weakness. They are vulnerable when it comes to the woman they love. They will do anything for her; they would die with out her. The Breed heroes are ‘kings of their castles’ and their word is law. If that kind of hero doesn’t do it for you, then perhaps the Breed series is not for you. If however you enjoy the journey of watching an alpha hero mark his territory, fight to the death for it, discover his vulnerability and find redemption in the woman he loves, well, this series is definitely for you.

For those of you who have never read this series, Breeds are men and women (some amazing heroines) who were part of a genetic experiment where human and animal DNA were combined for the purpose of making warriors. They were bred and held as animals, tortured and experimented on and lived under barbaric conditions. Their rescue and re-entry into society is tumultuous at best. Becoming part of society, living with humans, fighting for equality against prejudice and entering a world that is foreign to them is part of each book.

In Bengal’s Heart, (the 19th book in the series) our heroine Cassa Hawkins is a reporter and a staunch believer in Breed rights. Her investigations lead her to a series of murders that are believed to be committed by Breeds. Cabal St. Laurents, a Bengal Breed, is charged with the task of finding the real killers, clearing the Breeds of any wrong doings, and keeping Cassa safe.

Did I enjoy this book? You bet. Why? Well the simple answer is Lora Leigh gets it right when it comes to creating chemistry between her hero and heroine. Her ability to create the tension not only between her characters but within the story line is well done here. The story has twists and turns and is supported throughout by the reckoning of Cassa and Cabal finding their way to each other. The continual questioning and bantering between the two, combined with realizations and truths, create a romance that is worth reading.

So, dear reader, if you’re looking for a book to read, a paranormal romance that has a strong determined alpha male and equally determined, intelligent and strong heroine, an interesting murder mystery, a take no prisoners attitude when it comes to an alpha male protecting the women he loves, might I suggest Bengal’s Heart.(less)

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Apr 04, 2010 Mspink rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ok, I'm a very loyal LL fan. It pains me to say anything negative about her stories, but I really had a hard time with this one. I would have given it 3 stars but added one more for the sheer love I have for her books. I will continue to be a die hard fan too.

I agree with most of what the other reviewers were saying. No need for a long recap of the story. Great plot, very suspenseful and lots of intrigue. Fantastic love scenes and sexy breed love!!! Like the mystery end of it and for the most pa...more Ok, I'm a very loyal LL fan. It pains me to say anything negative about her stories, but I really had a hard time with this one. I would have given it 3 stars but added one more for the sheer love I have for her books. I will continue to be a die hard fan too.

I agree with most of what the other reviewers were saying. No need for a long recap of the story. Great plot, very suspenseful and lots of intrigue. Fantastic love scenes and sexy breed love!!! Like the mystery end of it and for the most part, the love story too. However....

I absolutely hated Cassa's character. I realize a large ingredient in alot of these stories is the heavy "angst" factor. So I get that. But she was a complete stubborn brat the entire story. I know it was supposedly all rooted in fear and guilt for what happened 11 years ago; but she was abysmally difficult. Constantly fighting with Cabal and constantly keeping secrets. She couldn't try to just talk to him at any point and clear things up. It all had to be a fight. I realize the Breed males are arrogant and bossy alphas (I secretly love that...) and he wasn't mister perfect in the "keeping secrets" category either. Although I understood him more because he had a responsibility to the Bureau and also to her protection. Its ingrained in them, they can't help it. They can't knowingly just step back and let their mates do whatever whenever and not feel extreme fear for their safety. So I got him a little more than I got her whole let-me-be-independent attitude. She CLEARLY could not take care of herself. All she ever did was get herself in to trouble and she just kept on doing it and fighting him every step of the way. With all her background knowledge of how the Breeds are, she should have known he would behave the way he did. She also knows that a mate can't live without the other. She was so insulted that she didn't feel she had his respect, but for her to be so lax and carefree about her own safety was sort of disrespecting him too. I started to accept her a little bit in like the last chapter when things inevitably "come together" at the end because she of course realized things a little more clearly. But what a rough ride. For example, Dawn's awakening was an extremely emotional Breed story. Lots of heartache and pain. However, the underlying emotion for both characters in the entire story was absolute and total love and passion for each other. It was easier to handle the angst in that story knowing that it was being driven by complete adoration and obsession for each other. This one just seemed like it was one big war of wills! Yes, they loved each other but wow, they sure didn't act loving toward each other. It was a tough one.

BUT, I still can't get enough of this series. I can't wait for Jonas' story next year (finally!!!). We got a tiny little mention of that in this story. I can't even imagine how that Mating will go down!!! Keep 'em coming, however maybe just make them like each other a little more throughout the story...let them enjoy each other...just a little more... (less)

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Feb 01, 2013 Tracy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Good overall story, action and love story!

A couple of times, I think some character names in the story got mixed up?

There was one thing in this story that REALLY REALLY bugged me and was never answered clearly. It is when Cassa kept asking why if Cabel knew for 5 years that she was his mate, did he continue being the "male whore"? I know Cabel said at the end that he was afraid of losing her like his family if he claimed her but to go around and purposely display why he had the status of male wh...more

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Apr 24, 2010 Edie rated it 1 of 5 stars

Spoilers below:
Okay there is a massive clanger in this book! LL has the killer as a she for two thirds of the book, (the killer story bites are peppered with she shrugged, etc) and then when the reveal happens and it is another boring macho male breed.
For me the idea of a killer female breed was the best thing about the book, I was so excited through the two thirds of the book and then so upset by the reveal that I literally tossed the book.
Once you take out the clanger, it is just a normal L...more

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Sep 12, 2009 Lani rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, breeds, sexy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 12, 2010 Yodamom rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the first book I have read by this author and I know that it is well into the series, although I did not feel lost in any part of the story. It was well written for a romance and had enough action for my Uf loving side. I found it an enjoyable escape book, filled with romance and intrigue. The two main characters were lusty/sexy and a bit unbelievable at times. The fact that she had known for so many years that she was his mate and being a strong reporter did nothing with that ?!?! That...more

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May 17, 2010 Robin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Although I am not finished yet. I can give this one a definite thumbs up. Cabal and Cassa have been mated for some time before finally forming a commitment of sorts. Cabal is a prime Bengal breed who lost most of his family as well as his pride. Cassa is a reporter who was betrayed by her husband and frantically tries to save Cabal and the others. A great deal of emotion goes into the creation of this book. I truly wish that these Breeds of Lora's actually existed because I'd like to have one of...more

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About Lora Leigh

Lora Leigh lives in the rolling hills of Kentucky, often found absorbing the ambience of this peaceful setting. She dreams in bright, vivid images of the characters intent on taking over her writing life, and fights a constant battle to put them on the hard drive of her computer before they can disappear as fast as they appeared. Lora’s family, and her writing life co-exist, if not in harmony, in...more

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