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Kiss of Crimson (Midnight Breed #2)

by Lara Adrian (Goodreads Author)

4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 · rating details · 18,135 ratings · 741 reviews

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...more

Mass Market Paperback, 387 pages

Published May 29th 2007 by Dell

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Oct 01, 2012 AJ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: steamy, actiony, kindle, romantic, series, pnr-vampires

I feel so dirty saying this, but I am loving this series! The BDB similarities continue unabashedly, but I can’t not read it.

The second book in the Midnight Breed series tells the story of Dante and Tess. Dante is yet another hot, broody vampire (aren't they all? *dreamy sigh*). Viciously wounded, he is found late one night by Tess, our very likeable heroine, who tries to help him and ends up as a blood source. Too late into the piece, Dante discovers that Tess is actually a breedmate and by dr...more I feel so dirty saying this, but I am loving this series! The BDB similarities continue unabashedly, but I can’t not read it.

The second book in the Midnight Breed series tells the story of Dante and Tess. Dante is yet another hot, broody vampire (aren't they all? *dreamy sigh*). Viciously wounded, he is found late one night by Tess, our very likeable heroine, who tries to help him and ends up as a blood source. Too late into the piece, Dante discovers that Tess is actually a breedmate and by drinking from her, he is halfway through completing a blood bond with her. Whoops!!!

I really liked the twist on this relationship. Tess is in the dark about what is actually going on for most of the book after having her memory wiped of her first encounter with Dante, but she cannot help but fall for the gorgeously hot but mysterious man that suddenly appears in her life. And I loved watching Dante fall hopelessly in love with Tess and become fiercely and swoonily protective of her.

Running alongside the romance is a storyline about young vampires going missing and a drug that turns vampires into Rogues. The Breed boys are joined in their operation by Agent Sterling Chase of the Boston Darkhaven (this would be the ‘Butch’ character). I initially thought Chase was a bit straight-laced for the rest of the boys, but after a very surprising visit to a nightclub, I've gotta say I'm intrigued!! I really like him as an addition to the story, and loved the snarky relationship that he develops with Dante. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him in future books.

There is also a bit of a set up for the next book – with the mysteriously dangerous ~~Zsadist~~ Tegan having a bit of a moment with emotionally scarred Elise. Looks like there are going to be many obstacles for the two of them, but I can’t wait to see them get their HEA.

The action is good with a few surprises thrown in. There are some very steamy scenes, and quite a bit of swoon. The ending was a bit abrupt, but I expect that the storylines will continue into the next books, so I’m not too concerned.

Overall, a great read. I’m looking forward to more!(less)

9 likes · like · see review

Apr 06, 2011 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Paranormal Romance fans, especially BDB fans

Shelves: pnr, vampires, warriors, books-i-go-rabid-over, my-hottie-harem, author-lara-adrian, drinks-on-me, keep-a-spare-pair-of-knickers, favorites, read-in-2010, king-of-the-harem, read-in-2011, re-read, tortured-bad-boys

2011 reread: Edited to 5 stars because DANTE IS SEXY AS HELL!!

Kiss of Crimson is another solid read by author Lara Adrian. Dante's story is one of intense passion and love. The chemistry between Dante and Tess is instant and electrifying. From the moment they meet, it is clear from the beginning that they are meant for each other. Adrian does an amazing job at telling Dante's story.

I found that I instantly liked Tess the moment she was introduced. As a private practiced vet, she seems to have m...more

16 likes · like · see review

Mar 28, 2009 Christel rated it 4 of 5 stars

This to me was better than the first book, but you do have to read them in order. If you do not you will be kinda of lost as to what is going on. But it is still a really good book.

5 likes · like · see review

Mar 12, 2010 Adrienne rated it 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this second book in the Midnight Breeds series. The story focus's on Dante (breed warrior)and Tess a Vetinarian Breed mate who despite having otherworldly abilities knows nothing of the world for which she was born. So whilst Dante hunts a Drug pusher whose noxious creation is sending good vamps bad, he meets up with Tess who unwittingly becomes involved in the action. At first unwilling to believe the tall stories she beleives Dante is spinning, Tess finally sees the depth of Dantes l...more

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 16, 2009 Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, part-of-a-series, owned-copy, vampire, medical-profession, brotherhood

Very good book. I am liking this series more and more. The thing that I like most about this series is the interesting mythology and world-building behind the vampires. It's very dark and gritty, and the violence is in your face when it comes to humans being harmed and murdered. I think that part is almost too much for me. I love a book with intense action and a dark edge, but I do hate to see innocent people dying, and this series has a lot of that.

I didn't really find Dante or Tess very tragic...more Very good book. I am liking this series more and more. The thing that I like most about this series is the interesting mythology and world-building behind the vampires. It's very dark and gritty, and the violence is in your face when it comes to humans being harmed and murdered. I think that part is almost too much for me. I love a book with intense action and a dark edge, but I do hate to see innocent people dying, and this series has a lot of that.

I didn't really find Dante or Tess very tragic, although they had issues there were dealing with. I guess not all the characters can be tortured although I certainly wouldn't mind. Dante was a character that I enjoyed reading about, but I can't say I ever fell in love with him. I do feel like Dante and Tess were meant to be together.

I liked that Tess was a veterinarian, but I think some aspects of her trade were almost simplified. The truth of the matter is that a veterinarian needs lots of help to run her practice. I was wondering how she was accomplishing all the treatment of animals and the money part with just one part-time employee. I'd like to see her give a pet intravenous medications or fluids by herself. Not an easy thing to accomplish. I was glad she didn't romanticize the economic aspects of veterinary medicine. You cannot afford to treat and save every animal and get all the bills paid. It breaks my heart, but I know that this is real life. Tess made choices to price things where she could help the most clients and their pets, but she couldn't make ends meet when it came down to it. This is one of the most heartbreaking aspects of the profession. All and all, it was nice to see a veterinarian doing her thing in these books.

I really liked Chase's character although I did not like Elise. She was a bit too whiny-mopey for me. I hope that he moves on from her and finds a real woman who's not so much of a whiny baby. Normally I don't mind a vulnerable heroine, but she bugged me. Probably because she didn't show Chase very much respect as the brother of her dead mate or see him as a flesh and blood man of merit and realize all the sacrifices he had made for her.

The part with Rio choked me up. Poor baby. Really looking forward to reading his book. I enjoyed reading scenes with the likable Gideon and his mate Savannah. Nice to see some ethnic diversity in the paranormal romance genre.

So all in all, I liked this one more than the first book, and I suspect I will like the books increasingly as the series continues. By the way, just loved little doggie, Harvard. I was so glad he was doing alright. That part nearly made me cry (with some of the stuff going on in my personal life.)(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Apr 18, 2008 Eastofoz rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-with-cooties, paranormal

This book was a dud. It was boring, there is tons and tons of filler that detracts from the "romance", there are too many clichés and stereotypical romance story moments and it's still too similar in my opinion to JR Ward's Black Dagger Brother Hood series--the difference there being that Ward's is top notch.

The love story between Dante and Tess is not well developed and the vampire world story takes up too much "space" between the brief times the couple make it back together again. Nothing rea...more

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Apr 06, 2008 Kathrynn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-paranormal, own, series-midnight_breed_adrian, 2008, reviewed

I enjoyed this book and thought the characters were well developed, the romance was good, lots of action, suspense and a very entertaining vampire romance with a twist. Sometimes the abrupt scene changes were annoying, but the overall book was a winner for This Reader. I enjoyed the dog's, Harvard's, contribution to the story. And I disliked the term "suckhead" to refer to the Rogue vampires.

I have read and enjoyed the Black Dagger series and there are enough differences in this book that I did...more

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 06, 2012 Panichaya rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: in-posession, paranormal-romance

...Yeah...emmmm...I skipped Kiss of Midnight and read this one first...and the reason is only because I...ah...like Dante's name!!! (There, I admitted it >_<)

But I absolutely adore him. Dante's love for Tess is so strong and I love the whole "little beast Harvard" thing >_<

Well, there is this one little tiny part that I don't like about Tess though...(Though I understand that there will be times when the heroine will act...annoyingly...annoying =_=')...Okay, here goes (please cover y...more

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 07, 2009 Brandy *Ahviel* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009, paranormal-romance, 2010-re-reads, 2010

wow, I thought the first book was good but Dante and Tess's story was amazing from page 1 to the end of the book. I could see a love story like that happening. This is one series so far that is going on the must re-read shelf

3 likes · like · see review

Aug 03, 2012 Karolina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, with-a-bite

I wasn't completely thrilled by the book. I think it's a lot better than the first one. The story is building real nice and if the whole series continues with the same progress it will turn out pretty good. Just the right amount of romance and action, few new characters, couple of unexpected twists all made it an enjoyable read. Will go on to the next one as Tegan is the most interesting out of all warriors, tho I hope the series will pick up a bit more originality.

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 06, 2010 Rhonda rated it 4 of 5 stars

I finished this book with tears in my eyes, Oh, how good was this book? It was awesome!!! Love, Love, Loved it!!!

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Nov 13, 2011 Lorre rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kiss of Crimson is as good as the first book in this series.
Dante is an italian god... black hair, olive skin, sensual lips... he's a real womanizer and never wants to settle down.
But one night, being severely injured after a battle with Rogues, he breaks in a vet's office to look for some medical supplies and stumbles into Tess.
After that night Dante can't stay away from Tess, although he knows he should because he doesn't want to pull her in into his world.
But Tess is already unknowingly linke...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 19, 2010 Suzanne the Mighty ~Satin Seductress~ rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, va-va-voom-vampires

3.5 Stars

This is the second in the Midnight Breed series and this time it focuses on Dante, a dark and intense warrior that you meet in the first book and Dr Tess Culver, a vet, they meet accidently (or maybe in a twist of fate) when Dante stumbles into her clinic injured after being attacked by a strange Rogue, he is in need of blood and doesn’t see her Breedmate mark until too late.

I thought this book was an improvement on the first in the series, found the story more engaging and also the cha...more 3.5 Stars

This is the second in the Midnight Breed series and this time it focuses on Dante, a dark and intense warrior that you meet in the first book and Dr Tess Culver, a vet, they meet accidently (or maybe in a twist of fate) when Dante stumbles into her clinic injured after being attacked by a strange Rogue, he is in need of blood and doesn’t see her Breedmate mark until too late.

I thought this book was an improvement on the first in the series, found the story more engaging and also the characters more likable. However, although I definitely enjoyed this book more than the first, I thought that Tess and Dante were pretty flat characters, and the love story pretty unbelievable, I think you can count on one hand the amount of times that actually met before them declaring their undying love for one another, and although I read, and like a lot of fated mates books, for some reason I just didn’t buy it, I almost felt like I was missing a vital scene between them or something.

However what I did enjoy about this book was Agent Sterling Chase, a detective from the Darkhaven community who comes to the Breed warriors as a lot of youths are disappearing. His character was interesting and seemed far more complex then the two main characters and I look forward to seeing what Ms. Adrian does with him. I also liked seeing some of the other Breed warriors, especially Rio, as you see the consequences of him Breedmate’s actions. However, the relationships between the warriors still seem to lack the camaraderie that I would have expected and although their interactions are shown a bit more it seemed forced.

I also enjoyed the continuation of the war between the Breed and the Rogues and how it seems to have stepped up a gear. I like the fact that the adversary in this series is themselves or those that they love and that anyone could turn just by taking a sip too much blood, I think it adds tension to the books.

This book was definitely an improvement and although I wasn’t too impressed by the main storyline I did enjoy the new characters introduced and the continued development of the world the Ms Adrian has created. I am going to read on and hope that the next couple will hold my interest more, although I believe the next couple is Elise and Tegan, and I confess to finding Elise slightly irritating in this book, so fingers crossed that she will improve.
(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Feb 07, 2013 LibraryLass rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-book, 2010, para-romance

The second in what is shaping up to be a fantastic series for me.

I have been off the paranormal kick for a few weeks.... kickstarted again this month with Covet and now have read this one. I have stayed away from reading both this and the BDB series at the same time because of all the negative comparisons from other reviewers. So I wanted to be able to give this series a chance to stand on its' own merits. So I will read this series first then the BDB.

I loved this one! Both Dante and Tess were...more

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 28, 2008 Shannon (Giraffe Days) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, vampires, 2008, romance

Tess Culver is a veterinarian who is disturbed one night at her clinic by a leather-clad man riddled with bullets, raiding her storeroom. He's no man, but a Breed vampire desperately in need of blood - and he takes hers. Before he can erase her memory of him, she drugs him - and that's when he sees it: the birthmark on her hand that proclaims her a Breedmate, a rare woman who can enter his world as lover and mother.

The story of Dante and Tess is, I thought, more enjoyable than the previous book...more

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Sep 07, 2010 Mojca rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: lara-adrian, own, part-of-a-series, paranormal-romance-fantasy, series-midnight-breed, vampires, rrrc-1st-reading-tournament, monthly-challenge-read-august, hb, once-and-never-again, bitchslapable-heroine

Okay, I'll get some heat for this, but though I'm not particularly fond of Kiss of Midnight (the first book in this series), this one was worse. It was slow, extremely déjà vu-ish in parts, I disliked the heroine, could never really warm up to the hero, it was slightly repetitive, etc. I could go on and on, but I'll be concise. It lacked substance to me for some reason, it was generic, and bland, while I expected more from the second book in a series, after the whole world-building is done. Unfo...more

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May 08, 2011 Debora rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fisicamente_posseduto

Migliore del precedente senza ombra di dubbio, Bacio Cremisi, ha ancora una volta dimostrato la bravura della scrittrice nel mescolare suspance, romance e fantasy.

Benchè palesemente fin troppo simile alla saga di J.R.Ward (La confraternita del pugnale nero) la saga di Lara Adrian è in grado ugualmente di affascinare e coinvolgere senza riserve.

Rispetto al primo volume, Il bacio di mezzanotte, in questo "Bacio cremisi" ritroviamo un tocco in più di suspance e azione che convive perfettamente con...more

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May 16, 2013 Consuelo Morales rated it 3 of 5 stars

Allright...First I will continue to read this series (I did buy the bundle) so I am determine to keep trying. I do not dislike completely this second book but the story line with the main characters is lacking. What do I mean? The author tends to switch too much and crowd the book with a lot of outside conflict that when she puts the characters together they seem almost boring. I can't get completely invested or lost in their relationship. They are not deep enough for me to feel like I could re-...more
Allright...First I will continue to read this series (I did buy the bundle) so I am determine to keep trying. I do not dislike completely this second book but the story line with the main characters is lacking. What do I mean? The author tends to switch too much and crowd the book with a lot of outside conflict that when she puts the characters together they seem almost boring. I can't get completely invested or lost in their relationship. They are not deep enough for me to feel like I could re-read this book again like I have done in the past with other series such as Nightwalkers (Jacquelyn Frank) or BDB (JR Ward).

There is such an exciting feeling when you read a series and every time you pick up a new book you catch glimpses of characters from prior books and get to see the progression of past relationships. That is really what bothers me about this series so far. It seems repetitive and the relationship and unity in the group feels a little shallow. There are women in this book yet none of them even get to interact with the main heroine.

I said it before and have to say it again, the villains are more passionate that the main characters and even more memorable. The story isn't a complete failure, the intrigue keeps building with every book when it comes to the bad guys and they are relentless and cruel and know how to really make the most of their killings.

Tess is a common heroine who has a kick ass psychic ability but is overwhelmed with guilt for her misused of her power, which is the power of healing, when she was younger. Dante is another warrior who is tortured with visions of what might be his death. As I said before the love was there but interactions were a little flat. Dante did show his love and at the end it was nice to see them coming together.

No I must move on with the next book. Yes I am still interested in the bad guys and want to know what happens to Marek. There is also the issue of a new member, Chase, who did came across more interesting than Lucan and Dante. So I am intrigue to see where the author takes him.

As always, Happy reading!!!(less)

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Apr 12, 2013 Miraphora rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Orbene. Secondo episodio dei vampiri/alieni e questa volta il protagonista è l'italiano mangia spaghetti Dante. Alors, se piace il tipo tutto spocchioso, con la battuta pronta e il ciuffo nero allora Dante è perfetto. Al contrario del primo eroe, Dante è più 'estroverso', parla e non mugugna, scherza e flirta...insomma, dimostra di avere uno carattere propenso all'interazione, non solo con i suoi amichetti ma anche con Tess, che poi sarebbe la protagonista. Insomma, la Adrian ci propone un tipo...more

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Mar 28, 2013 Michelle Randall rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, vampires

This is the second book in the Midnight Breed Series, and if you have read the first, then you are a step ahead and already know a great deal of the background, but I was impressed that even if you hadn't read the first novel, you could actually read this one and not be lost, although you would probably be tempted to go back and read the first if you are like me, but this one could tstand on it's own.

In this book, we learn more about Dante, he is an older Breed but not a first generation, and he...more This is the second book in the Midnight Breed Series, and if you have read the first, then you are a step ahead and already know a great deal of the background, but I was impressed that even if you hadn't read the first novel, you could actually read this one and not be lost, although you would probably be tempted to go back and read the first if you are like me, but this one could tstand on it's own.

In this book, we learn more about Dante, he is an older Breed but not a first generation, and he has inherited his mother's gift of seeing death. His mother was able to foretell her own death and his fathers death. Dante has been seeing visions for years of what he thinks is his own death, and he has been running and fighting as a warrior to keep ahead of the vision.

We return to the main compound to find the same warriors; Lucan, Gideon, Rio, Nikolai and Tegan along with the Breedmates; Savannah and Gaberielle. We are introduced to a new Breed, someone who has always lived in the Darkavens, which would be like the cities specially for the Breed and the Breedmates, Sterling Chase, who soon is known as Harvard.

At the end of the first book the Warriors had gotten a leg-up on the Rogues by blowing up their headquarters with the help of Gabby's photos. Now the Rogues are back and working on a new plan.

Quite by happenstance, or fate, Dante ends up at a low-rent vet clinic run by Tess, who turns out to be a Breedmate, and the fun starts there.

I loved the book. I loved the first, and I have to say there was still a great deal of character development. I learned about Dante and Tess, and got to know them and to want to see what happened to them and to root for them. It was well written, so much so that I just had to finish the book last night before I could go to bed, I had to know what happened. I just was that involved.

I am looking forward to the next book, because from the teaser in this book, it is a direction I did not forsee, it almost changes one of the charcters in the story from what they were in book one, and yet I am finding that interesting.(less)

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Mar 03, 2013 Anca rated it 2 of 5 stars

This was a complete repeat of the first book in the series. To the point that you could take the innermost feelings and thoughts of Dante (main vampire character) and switch them out for Lucan's (main vampire character in Book 1). I doubt anybody would notice.

I don't understand why the author would once again tell the story of "vampire meets breedmate", when this could have been a story about Gabrielle finding her place in Breed society, getting to know the warriors of the Order and their mates...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Lisette Wolffenbuttel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampire-urban-horror

Dierenarts Tess krijgt in haar praktijk onverwacht bezoek van een onbekende man. De knappe vreemdeling is door schotwonden ernstig verzwakt en alles wat Tess uit hem weet te krijgen is dat hij acuut bloed nodig heeft. Voor ze het weet voelt ze zijn tanden in haar hals. Zo komt Tess in contact met Dante, lid van de Broederschap, een groep onsterfelijken die de strijd heeft aangebonden met de wilde vampiers, voor wie een mensenleven niet telt.
Dante, meteen hersteld door het bloed van Tess wil maa...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Heidi Tieman mclennan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: lara-adrian

Another good read. Dante and Tess's story is fantastic! Even better than #1. Totally surprising twist at the end! The whole book leads you to believe one thing and then you are shocked with the actual truth! Love it!

Dante comes to Tess 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 engage...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Llalania rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fizzler, would-not-make-it-through-writers-g

I've read the first book, which isn't too bad for a first book. This second one is a little better in spots, but still needs some major work. Like someone to really read it and give actual constructive criticism. There were a ton of little things that needed to be dealt with, like why are all the vampires circumcised? The younger ones I get, but the really old ones? Is this some sort of vampire tradition I don't know about? Because they were all born with foreskins. Throwing a car into park whil...more I've read the first book, which isn't too bad for a first book. This second one is a little better in spots, but still needs some major work. Like someone to really read it and give actual constructive criticism. There were a ton of little things that needed to be dealt with, like why are all the vampires circumcised? The younger ones I get, but the really old ones? Is this some sort of vampire tradition I don't know about? Because they were all born with foreskins. Throwing a car into park while it's moving at high speed won't make the car spin around like in the movies, it'll just break the parking pin and roll for awhile. The emergency break will make it spin though. And it's not 'leaped' it's 'leapt'! Yes, I know it's considered common usage now and I've had many an argument on the topic of lingual drift. I still maintain that lingual drift due to blatant ignorance of the English language is a sorry excuse for it. Why are all these breed mates suddenly appearing? These guys have gone centuries without finding and bonding with one and suddenly they are pooping up like toys out of cereal boxes. Can the vampires have more than one reason for not wanting to mate other than "I'm not ready for this right now, maybe later"? How many vampires are there on the planet because if it's a small race, it's going to be tiny at the rate these guys are killing members. And for the love of little fishes, can you find another expletive? I really hate the use of 'Jesus Christ' but I can handle one or two. This book uses nothing but, I swear! (Pun intended.)

Over all, it's not a bad book as romance novels go, and I like the reasoning for the race, and the drinking of blood. It's the best explanation I've seen so far, and makes perfect sense in a star trek kind of way. Nothing wrong with that, by the way, just saying. Yes, it's similar to the Black Dagger books, but I have to say, the BDSM was getting a little thick on the ground in those books. And to be fair those are themselves, new takes on old ideas. Get over it. My over all complaint is that this book feels like the same people from the first book with new names. Dante didn't act or appear like this in the first book. He had his own personality but he's Lucan-light in this one.

I rated it with two stars because that's how feel about it, it's okay. Between okay and good I would say, but they don't let you give half stars, so consider it 2.5.

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Nov 12, 2012 Deb rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

I'm pretty sure I haven't read this before but the plot felt familiar. There are a lot of similar plot points in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Still it is a hard book to put down.

The world building does bug me a bit as it doesn't make much sense if you think about too hard. There is the science fiction angle of the aliens who sired the race but yet the pretty teardrop over a moon birthmark that can appear anywhere on a women's body to mark her as genetically compatible with the Breed plus...more

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Sep 21, 2012 Amarilli73 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Anche questo volume mi è sembrato piacevole.
L’Ordine ha dunque scoperto l’esistenza di un gruppo di vampiri che, per fini ancora non del tutto chiari, cerca di favorire la degenerazione dei vampiri civili nella Brama di Sangue, attraverso lo spaccio di una particolare droga sintetica (il Cremisi), che li fa letteralmente impazzire.
Ad affiancarli nelle indagini, viene mandato l’agente speciale Chase, spocchiosamente soprannominato Harvard dagli altri guerrieri (per via dei suoi innumerevoli tito...more

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Jul 13, 2012 Cecilia Quick rated it 4 of 5 stars

I bought this book on a whim and am glad I did. I really enjoyed it. It's the second in a series, and I bought the first after I read this one. I love aninmals, so I liked the heroine, Tess, right away. She's a vet who helps mistreated animals on the sly. I also liked the hero, Dante's, backstory. He's from Renaissance Italy and he foresees death by fire. An interesting setup. The book started off with a well written action scene, and it led to the initial meeting between Dante and Tess, which h...more

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Jun 18, 2012 Dianna Allen rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was pretty eager to get this one started...

I don't know what it was about this book, but I struggled from the very beginning. Maybe it was because I read a Black Dagger Brotherhood book in between reading Kiss of Midnight and this one? I don't know. I found it difficult to immerse myself in Adrian's world this go 'round ...and when I finally did, there were little things that kept jerking me out of it.

**SPOILERISH RANT**

#1 - If a dude is wet a...more I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was pretty eager to get this one started...

I don't know what it was about this book, but I struggled from the very beginning. Maybe it was because I read a Black Dagger Brotherhood book in between reading Kiss of Midnight and this one? I don't know. I found it difficult to immerse myself in Adrian's world this go 'round ...and when I finally did, there were little things that kept jerking me out of it.

**SPOILERISH RANT**

#1 - If a dude is wet and bloody, and is described as such multiple times, and he cuddles up to your neck to give you a quick bite...one would assume that you would come away from said cuddle time with dirt/mud/blood/SOMETHING on your white lab coat. Even with your memory erased, a clue that something is amiss might be that you got a gnarly super-stain on your clothes. Either I missed this being addressed, or Dante was able to produce a Tide Stain Stick super quick. Or maybe his memory erasing powers come with a side of Oxy Clean?

#2 - The dog. Okay...this borderline pissed me off. If a dude comes in (and I don't care how sexy he is) with a dog he claims is his pet that is "malnourished" and shows obvious signs of neglect, it's going to PISS ME OFF! Tess is a veterinarian...yet she says nothing? We know, as readers, that it's not his dog...but she doesn't know that! Maybe I am just more of a dog person than Tess is?

#3 - Communication. I completely understand that communication is the key to any successful relationship. Yes, I watch Oprah too. Dr. Phil is my homeboy. No. Not really. However, it seems like all of the characters' epiphanies were expressed in conversation. There was very little internal dialog to support these "ah ha" moments, or back story revelations. Sure, we get the typical "OMG - I love him/her," but nothing beyond that. I like for characters to tell ME their secrets FIRST before they tell the other characters. I'm selfish like that. I want to know and I want to follow the struggle as they search for the right words and the perfect moment. I want to cheer for them when they finally do get it and find the balls to tell the other person. 'Tis how I bond with my fictional peeps. I didn't bond with Dante or Tess. I bonded with background characters...which by the looks of it will be the focus of the next book. Go me.

**END SPOILERISH RANT**

Beyond that, the book was okay...just okay. The plot of it was almost like Breaking Bad dipped in a vampire bubble bath, which is why I gave it 3 stars. It's riding on the awesomeness of Breaking Bad in my brain.

Again, the next installment has been added to the TBR pile because I am looking forward to the continuation of the secondary characters' stories. (less)

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Jun 09, 2012 Serena rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

TRAMA: Una notte, alla clinica veterinaria di Tess Culver, si presenta uno sconosciuto vestito di nero e gravemente ferito. Perde molto sangue, e la donna, dopo i primi momenti di titubanza, tenta in ogni modo di salvarlo. Ancora non sa che colui che le si è presentato con il nome di Dante è in realtà un guerriero mezzosangue, impegnato in una disperata battaglia con i Ribelli, vampiri dotati di una sconsiderata efferatezza provocata dalla Brama di Sangue. In uno slancio di accesa intimità, Dant...more TRAMA: Una notte, alla clinica veterinaria di Tess Culver, si presenta uno sconosciuto vestito di nero e gravemente ferito. Perde molto sangue, e la donna, dopo i primi momenti di titubanza, tenta in ogni modo di salvarlo. Ancora non sa che colui che le si è presentato con il nome di Dante è in realtà un guerriero mezzosangue, impegnato in una disperata battaglia con i Ribelli, vampiri dotati di una sconsiderata efferatezza provocata dalla Brama di Sangue. In uno slancio di accesa intimità, Dante sugge il sangue dal collo di Tess, facendo di quella donna predestinata la sua Compagna della Stirpe. Da quel momento, la tranquilla vita di Tess subisce un radicale ribaltamento e lei si ritrova invischiata in una sotterranea guerra tra clan di vampiri e nel traffico illegale del Cremisi, un potente stupefacente in grado di trasformare ogni vampiro in un Ribelle. Ma la passione di Dante è capace di risvegliare nella donna caparbietà, desideri e brame che lei stessa non credeva più di possedere. Indissolubilmente legati dal sangue, Dante e Tess dovranno unire le loro forze per sconfiggere i nemici e venire a capo di una intricata faccenda.
Secondo volume della serie Midnight breed. Protagonista è Dante,guerriero abituato ai piaceri della carne. Ha un dono,trasmessole dalla madre. E’ in grado di vedersi morire ,in un futuro,bruciato dalle fiamme. Per questo non si nega niente. E’ un guerriero imbattibile ma molto provato. Una notte si rifugia nella clinica di Tess,perché ferito e beve da lei,scoprendo solo dopo che è una compagna della stirpe e che ormai vi è legato per l’eternità. Ma Dante rifiuta questi sentimenti e non vuole legarsi a lei e riconoscerla come sua. Eppure la passione sa il fatto suo e i due si trovano coinvolti nell’impossibile. Di fondo c’è il pericolo. Una minaccia chiamata cremisi,una droga in grado di far aumentare la brama di sangue e trasformare i vampiri in ribelli. Lo spacciatore di questa droga è il vecchio ragazzo di Tess che darà del filo da torcere a tutti. L’approfondimento psicologico è senz’altro migliore del precedente,viene dato spazio anche ad altri personaggi,c’è azione,suspense,passione in un mix che porta alle ultime pagine con rapidità. Un’altra buona prova. Tre stelline
(less)

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Feb 28, 2012 Felicity rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: action, bad-boys, george-kobo, paranormal, romance

I said it in the first review, and I'm probably going to say it again with every review: My biggest issue with this book is the cover! I don't understand why they have to look so romancey and cheesy! Make it kick ass and people will take more of a chance on reading it.

As it stands, it does resemble a cheesy romance novel. But do not let the cover mislead you. There is more inbetween these covers than kissing!

The first few beginning chapters of this story were strong. The action started straigh...more I said it in the first review, and I'm probably going to say it again with every review: My biggest issue with this book is the cover! I don't understand why they have to look so romancey and cheesy! Make it kick ass and people will take more of a chance on reading it.

As it stands, it does resemble a cheesy romance novel. But do not let the cover mislead you. There is more inbetween these covers than kissing!

The first few beginning chapters of this story were strong. The action started straight from the get go.

The ending was good too. Lots of action and a very dramatic rescue scene. If you were a vampire, would you walk out into the midday sun to save your one true love?

It was the middle part that fell flat for me. I'm not 100% sure as to why, it just did. Ben's character seemed suspicious from the beginning, and it felt weird that no one was catching on. And our leading lady, Tess, didn't have a spark. She was independent, but just lacked some kind of light or intrigue. It was like she was perpetually sad and alone, and totally okay with it, like she wanted to stay that way. And Dante... I'm not sure. I think it was because he appeared the exact same way Lucan did, so it was like pretty much the same character from the first book except this guy was named Dante and not Lucan.

What also threw me was the fact that Tess and Dante complete one half of the blood bond right at the very beginning. Neither of them knew she was a breedmate, and it was done more for survival reasons than anything else. But either way, the blood bond started ASAP, which makes me feel that this "love story" had no choice but to exist, like it was forced.

Later on, it's sort of TOLD to us that it's more than just a blood bond, that these feelings are something legit. But I don't think I really FELT it, and I think that is what lacking here. Also the repeating Dante/Lucan character just didn't work.

I think what really made the lack of feeling here was the overuse of the word "God". Now, I am not a religious person in anyway, shape or form and have no problem with the "lord's name taken in vain". When I'm stressed out, me and baby jesus and sweet mother mary are all on good terms, so that isn't what bugs me. What bugs me is, as a writer, I feel there are much more expressive ways of expressing how you feel than just "God I love you so much". Of course, I can't think of any examples at this present time, but I know that there are and I feel they could have been used here. I think more deeper feeling, instead of God this and God that, would have helped to really elaborate the connection to show that this is more than bond created by blood, that what they're feeling is actually something real and honest.

Other than Lucan and Dante being very similiar, sort of like a repeat but with different names, it was still entertaining. There was action. There were several nasty bad guy encounters, one scene particularly violent, and then there was Tess and Dante who didn't really do much for me.

So overall, not as good as the first but I did enjoy it. I'm excited to read the next book. In fact I feel that Kiss of Crimson was more of an "introductory step" for two new characters in the third book, both of whom sound intriguing. (less)

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About Lara Adrian

As a child, Lara Adrian used to sleep with the covers up around her neck, afraid she might become the midnight prey of deadly vampires. Later on, under the influence of Bram Stoker and Anne Rice, she had to wonder if her fear wasn't actually something else: a secret desire to walk in a darker world, to live a dangerous and sensual dream with a man of seductive, preternatural power. It is that twin...more

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Quotes from Kiss of Crimson

“I want to kiss you again, Tess.”
“Why?”
He chuckled, low under his breath. “Why? Because you’re beautiful, and because I want you. And I think you want me too.” — 69 people liked it

“It's the other part I'm not so sure about. You got any advice for me on that, Lucan?"
"Sure." The vampire grunted, his smile filled with dark amusement. "Dust off your knees,brother, because you may damn well end up walking on them before the night is through.” — 47 people liked it

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Kiss of Crimson (Midnight Breed #2)

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