Styx's Storm (Breeds, #22)

Dec 01, 2010 Mojca rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: lora-leigh, part-of-a-series, paranormal-romance-fantasy, series-breeds, bodyguard-military-merc-gov-cop-leo, let-s-celebrate-it-challenge, cover-hunkiness, monthly-challenge-read-december, scottish-irish-celtic-hh-setting, rrrc-1st-reading-tournament, bitchslapable-heroine, own

When she was fourteen she witnessed her brother and father's murder at the hand of a Coyote. She's hated Breeds ever since...So what the heck is she doing, ten years later, in a hotel with one.

Well, he doesn't know who she is, he's warm, provides a sense of (false) security, and he's hot in and out of bed. I guess that makes it right.
Yeah, if the first "thesis" were true, but Styx knows exactly who he holds in his arms. The woman he's been chasing for the past two years. The woman who holds vita...more When she was fourteen she witnessed her brother and father's murder at the hand of a Coyote. She's hated Breeds ever since...So what the heck is she doing, ten years later, in a hotel with one.

Well, he doesn't know who she is, he's warm, provides a sense of (false) security, and he's hot in and out of bed. I guess that makes it right.
Yeah, if the first "thesis" were true, but Styx knows exactly who he holds in his arms. The woman he's been chasing for the past two years. The woman who holds vital information for the Breeds, and especially Jonas' young daughter. The woman who hates all the Breeds. The woman who is his mate.

Yet another LL book in which I hated the heroine. I waited for Styx to snap, break her neck and find himself a new mate. Alas that moment never happened.
Though I did like this book much more (despite the heroine) than Lion's Heat, probably because Ms. Leigh at least stayed true to who Styx was from the beginning instead of turning him into a sissy. Also, despite her lack of "charm", Storme also kept true to her beliefs (until the very end), instead of pouting away not knowing what she wanted. Yes, she was obnoxious. Yes, she acted like a child everybody accused her of being (granted, she witnessed a Coyote killing her family, but grown-ups tend to think rationally, not with the brain of a child). Yes, I wanted to kill her. Yes, she took a bit too long to come through (there's nothing like a well placed kidnapping to change a girl's mind). But at least she was consistent in her behavior. Does that make any sense?

[Beginning of rant] A lot of people have problems with LL's writing, editing, -isms, lack of research etc. I just take them as her little quirks and just go with the story (despite it's glaring problems, this was still a good story, mostly thanks to Styx). I'm not here to judge her style or anything, I'm here to enjoy the ride. If I don't like an author (for any reason, be it the narrative style, be it the writing, be it anything at all), I don't read their books. Period. I don't go back for more.[End of rant]

As mentioned, despite the huge heroine problem, this was a good, solid story, coupled with some little insight into what the future might bring. A good addition to the series.(less)

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Sep 30, 2010 Alisa rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Breeds

Shelves: breeds

09/27/2010... I would have given this book a 5 stars but there was just something about Storme that I didnt like... it might have been her prejudice, it might have been her ignorance.. hell, it could have been all the friggin pouting she did... but I didnt like the way she was throwing all types of nasty hateful things about the breeds.. I understand that she grew up like that but come the frig on.. you have had 10 years to grow out of your ignorance...Styx was friggin adorable but Storme.. I ju...more

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Dec 14, 2010 Zeek rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites-pnr, pnr, pnromantica, favorite-author

Assigned to bring in the daughter of a scientist who once worked for the dreaded Council that created a new race of genetically enhanced cross breeds, Styx knows almost immediately that Storme Montague is his woman, even if the the telltale mating signs are mysteriously regressed for them. So when he gains the opportunity to charm and seduce he does so with little effort, ensnaring the elusive woman thought to secretly hold information vital to both the evil Council and The Breeds.

Storm cant bel...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Laura Wright rated it 3 of 5 stars

Lora Leigh has officially hooked me into her Breed series! Starting at the beginning now..

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Jan 10, 2011 Camille-Dhark Nytmhare rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: breeds, read-in-2010, books-i-reviewed

Styx Storm

The story sets off with the big bang and intriguing mystery that we are accustomed to with Lora Leigh’s Breed series. Lora Leigh is a master at writing erotica. Although the first sex scene seems contrived it is no less exquisitely detailed and leaves you squirming in your seat. Subsequent sex scenes get thrown in at seemingly inopportune moments but they are no less detailed and spicy.

This story continues from Lions Heat where information that is crucial to the Breeds, Council and gen...more Styx Storm

The story sets off with the big bang and intriguing mystery that we are accustomed to with Lora Leigh’s Breed series. Lora Leigh is a master at writing erotica. Although the first sex scene seems contrived it is no less exquisitely detailed and leaves you squirming in your seat. Subsequent sex scenes get thrown in at seemingly inopportune moments but they are no less detailed and spicy.

This story continues from Lions Heat where information that is crucial to the Breeds, Council and genetic scientist is missing. Storme is being chased by all parties because she holds the key to retrieving this information. Styx is the breed who is used to gain Storme’s trust and get the info from her. I would rather not explain the plot further because it would spoil your enjoyment of the book.

Storme is not a likeable character in this story. Most readers in this series have come to intimately know and love the Breeds. We have been shown the heartbreaking, gritty sides of their world. We look forward to their happiness after they have had such a crappy start in life.

Storme does not know the side of Breeds that we love. She represents the outside world where fear, prejudice, hate and jealousy feeds on itself. These negative qualities unfortunately represent the current political climate in the US between the Dems and Repulicans.

We begin to understand her unreasonableness, but we still want someone to kick her ass. Hard. She has an ugly attitude and you may wonder how the author will redeem this character. While reading , I was thinking I would not forgive Storme’s character.

Storme begins to have epiphanies about herself and her past that very slowly make her question her beliefs. In this I learned how easy it is to fall back on assumptions. I also learned how ignorance is fed by finding like minds who feed your beliefs with lies and propaganda. I begin to understand how hard it is to learn that everything you believe in and have based your life on is a lie. It destroys the faith in people you adore to learn they are part of something so wrong.

Lora Leigh expands on the Breed community. Former books have not given us glimpses into the everyday lives of the Breeds that we get in Styx Storm. This was such a necessary part of the book because it further humanizes the Breeds. Even though danger is still lurking around, they try to establish a sense of normalcy, peace and community.

The story is a little slow paced, but Storme will be a memorable character for me. It looks at the Breeds from the eyes of the haters and challenges the readers since of compassion.

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Dec 01, 2010 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Styx’s Storm (Breeds) by Lora Leigh
Paranormal Romance – Oct. 5th, 2010
4 1/2 stars

Storme loved her father and brother. Both of them were intelligent scientists who worked in the Breed labs where genetically altered men and woman were given super human powers when their DNA was illegally combined with animal DNA. These 2 men were deeply sympathetic toward the unwilling victims of science. But there was no way they could escape. When their lab is raided, both scientists frantically try to erase...more Styx’s Storm (Breeds) by Lora Leigh
Paranormal Romance – Oct. 5th, 2010
4 1/2 stars

Storme loved her father and brother. Both of them were intelligent scientists who worked in the Breed labs where genetically altered men and woman were given super human powers when their DNA was illegally combined with animal DNA. These 2 men were deeply sympathetic toward the unwilling victims of science. But there was no way they could escape. When their lab is raided, both scientists frantically try to erase their top secret Omega research. They hide the information with 14 year old Storme and tell her to leave, but Storme stubbornly stays hidden only to see their brutal deaths by the same ‘animals’ that they tried to protect. She bravely escapes and vows to hold the vital information for the one person whom her father said would find her in their secret stronghold. But he or she never appears and the Breeds and the Council keeps her on the run.

It is 10 years later and Storme is exhausted. She has successfully eluded the dreaded Council and the Breeds who have ruthlessly been hunting her down for her information. But what she doesn’t know is that her information may hold the key to saving the Breed Director’s adopted child and he is determined to bring Storme in, willing or unwilling. He is tired of her games. He has assigned his scientists to find among the Breeds a man who is the genetic mate for Storme and to hunt her down and ‘convince’ her with their natural animal magnetism and additive pheromones.

I really liked the tough and gutsy heroine. Storme refuses to bow down to the Breeds and the sexy lothario Styx. Although Styx’s playboy attitude disguises his primal and aggressive side - a side that is prepared to kill and to protect his mate. I enjoyed this story more than the last couple of books because although Styx is an alpha, he uses his skills of persuasion. Styx has a gentleness that many of Lora Leigh’s prior heroes lack. I found his character a nice change. He is patient with the heroine (some reader may find him too patient) which I thought was a nice switch from the really dominating hero (Such as in Coyote’s Mate.). I also enjoyed seeing a Breed’s softer and more fun loving side. His personality allowed me to understand how Storme could love Stxy. I liked the depth in Styx’s character. Even though Storme’s constant denial of Styx may tire some readers, I found this an extremely enjoyable read.

This latest Breed book is an enjoyable departure from Leigh's previous novels with its delightfully different and appealing hero and a super strong-willed heroine.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
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Nov 10, 2012 Tamela rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-fiction, adventure, alternate-reality, contemporary, m-f, mid-size, sci-fi-fantasy, series, love-romance

This is one of the first m/f books I've read in ages since I've been reading mostly m/m for months. I'm a fan of Lora Leigh and I've enjoyed the first books in this series.

I love the background story - the antagonism between the Breeds and the Council.

I had a harder time with this story because I actually disliked Storme. I found the narrow-mindedness regarding anything to do with the victims of the experimentation in the labs very off-putting. I'm not a fan of "blaming the entire race for the a...more

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Mar 30, 2012 Johanna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Styx's Storm
(The Breeds Book #22)
by Lora Leigh

Genre: Urban Fantasy | Paranormal Romance

To save innocent, young Storme Montague from the claws of Breed slave traders, Wolf Breed Styx is forced to claim her himself-on the condition that Storme will no longer be a virgin by night's end. And though Storme's defenses are up, Styx will free her-in ways she never expects.

Storme's earliest memories are of the facilities where the Breeds where made, tortured, experimented on, and much more. At such a you...more Styx's Storm
(The Breeds Book #22)
by Lora Leigh

Genre: Urban Fantasy | Paranormal Romance

To save innocent, young Storme Montague from the claws of Breed slave traders, Wolf Breed Styx is forced to claim her himself-on the condition that Storme will no longer be a virgin by night's end. And though Storme's defenses are up, Styx will free her-in ways she never expects.

Storme's earliest memories are of the facilities where the Breeds where made, tortured, experimented on, and much more. At such a young age, the world with her scientific family was all she knew . . . until the day escaped Coyote Breeds brutally killed her father and brother. Now, 10 years later, Storme is still on the run from all Breeds who look for her. They know her father entrusted her with vital Breed secrets and until those with power get what they want, Storme will never have a life of her own. Except one night, she breaks her exhausted escape (in hopes of forgetting her hunted existence) in the arms of Styx; a Scottish wolf breed and is treacherously caught for the first time. Yet, is being held captive by her "almost" mate such a bad thing? Can she overcome her childhood prejudices and finally give up hiding from the world?

I wasn't that big of a fan of Leigh's last Breed book, Lion's Heat, for many reasons. Thus, I was pleasantly shocked by how much I REALLY enjoyed Styx and Storme's story. I got sucked into the overall plot right away. I enjoyed the past story of Storme's childhood flashbacks and her struggle to continuously be on the run until getting caught by Styx's team and being taken to the Haven compound. I liked how Styx wasn't such a hard ass alpha and treated Storme with respect but scolded her when needed. Storme came off as having a dark past with something truly personal to overcome and her personality changes were pretty evident throughout the story.

There were certain quirks to the story that were endearing at first, but became pretty redundant pretty fast: Styx's chocolate addiction and the line "so good" were just a few I could think of off the top of my head. Yet, overall Styx's Storm was a great read. Its got its romance scattered throughout (no building up the anticipation and waiting till the end of the tale for any play), plenty of action to keep the story pumping, heart-wrenching emotion, and lots of past character interactions. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours, I love books like that!

Likes: I enjoyed that the "almost" mate plot was introduced into the series since the whole hormone kick was getting a little overdone. Something new thrown into the mix was nice.

Dislikes: I guessed early on who the person was sent to Storme by her father. It kind of bugged me it wasn't even brought up until the very end and not even by that person to begin with, esp. someone who was pretty active from the beginning of the story. I wanted more in regards to this fact, but it all worked out in the end anyways and that characters story is up next . . . so we'll probably hear all about this then.(less)

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Nov 10, 2010 Kaleigha rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This seems to be my day for tricky reviews. In the last book I read, I enjoyed the story in spite of the main female character, and I am in the same boat here. The Styx part I liked...the Storme part I didn't.

Let me start by saying that Styx is a sweetie. While having all of the intense Breed hotness, he lacks a lot of the Breed baggage. He is genuinely more easy going, flirty and fun than most with his genetics. Styx has a lot of charm, and it goes a long way to making this book enjoyable. The...more This seems to be my day for tricky reviews. In the last book I read, I enjoyed the story in spite of the main female character, and I am in the same boat here. The Styx part I liked...the Storme part I didn't.

Let me start by saying that Styx is a sweetie. While having all of the intense Breed hotness, he lacks a lot of the Breed baggage. He is genuinely more easy going, flirty and fun than most with his genetics. Styx has a lot of charm, and it goes a long way to making this book enjoyable. The drawback was his leading lady, Storme Montague.

Storme's father and brother were council scientists, killed by a coyote breed. Storme was entrusted with a vital microchip, containing information that Breeds and council alike would kill to have. She has spent the last 10 years on the run, hating pretty much everyone and everything. But she is getting tired of running, tired of being alone and cold and scared, when she meets Styx. He is everything she has come to hate, but hate is not what she feels.

Styx has been hunting Storme for 2 years, aware the entire time that she is his mate. But he has his work cut out for him, convincing the stubborn Storme to trust him, and the other Breeds, nearly impossible. She has a lifetime of hatred and fear to overcome, and not long to do it before Jonas Wyatt takes matters into his own hands. And when Jonas gets involved, there won't be any winners.

I liked this story...it grabbed my attention, and kept me entertained (in spite of the horrible proof-reading). You know what you are getting with a Breeds book, and this one is no different. The drawback here was Storme. She was a big mouth and a bigot for most of the book, and came off as nothing more than a immature bitch. Even though you could see where she was coming from, even though you could tell she didn't even feel most of the things she was saying, she still came off as quite vile for most of the story. And when she does change her tune, I thought she got off way too easy. Some things just can't be fixed with a "sorry".

In spite of Storme, I liked this one. I wish she had been more feisty, less nasty, and gotten more of a come-uppance at the end, but Styx made up for that. And the development of a few back characters, like Cassie and the newly introduced Navarro, made it better. So, while not my favorite of the series, it still was worth the read.(less)

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Oct 22, 2010 Ane rated it 1 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Seems like this book is just an excuse to give Jonas another chance of redeeming himself to look like a bad ass because he totally failed in his own story. The first half of the story had too much of Jonas trying too hard. News to Lora… this story should’ve been about Styx & Storme. I kept finding myself annoyed whenever Jonas was described as being dangerous, and scary, and creepy, and blah blah blah [insert all alpha description here] because after Lion’s Heat, we all know that’s not true....more Seems like this book is just an excuse to give Jonas another chance of redeeming himself to look like a bad ass because he totally failed in his own story. The first half of the story had too much of Jonas trying too hard. News to Lora… this story should’ve been about Styx & Storme. I kept finding myself annoyed whenever Jonas was described as being dangerous, and scary, and creepy, and blah blah blah [insert all alpha description here] because after Lion’s Heat, we all know that’s not true.

I love me some Breeds and their woman, but in this story, I found myself irritated with the Breeds because they were such assholes. Think about it in Storme’s side : she witnessed her family’s murder - has been on the run since she was 14 - gets kidnapped by the Breeds - and is forced / threatened / seduced to hand over the data chip she spent 10 years protecting. Yeah, she may act like a bigot, but it’s not her fault after she’s been through such a hard life. Imagine you having to forego wearing underwear because you could no longer afford such things! What a miserable existence. I’d be pissed off at the world too. Now, back to my rant about why I was irritated with the Breeds… So, after she gets kidnapped, she meets Hope, someone she‘s familiar with since back at the lab. Excuse her for not being all lovely dovely and happy to see a familiar face when she’s being held captive and against the very people she was trying to run from. Storme crops an attitude with Wolfe Gunner, and Hope goes all bitchness on Storme - demanding that Storme show respect to the Alpha as if he DESERVED it. Storme was right… if he wanted her respect, he should earn it! To which Hope replies with she’ll order to have Storme gagged. Not only was her first meeting with them about them trying to tell her what to do and what to believe, but also them threatening to submit her under Breed’s law. What a callous, unbearable, unlikable bunch.

IMHO, I don’t care much for Storme’s character, but I pitied her because Lora Leigh just set her up to fail.

I’m getting tired of all this disappointment Lora’s putting me through. I am such a huge fan of the series, but the past few stories has totally let me down. Lora Leigh… I’ve seen better from you. (less)

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Oct 17, 2010 Abby rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-romances

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

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Oct 10, 2010 Marisa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: parnormal-romance

I love me some 'breeds' and I've been reading this series since it debut at Ellora's cave. This book was a hard one for me. I had a hard time liking the heroine. However, I think that was the whole point of the book and Ms. Leigh does the whole 'living with enemy' really well. She also advanced the larger series arc with this book - so for that, well done. The thing I had the hardest time with was the whole 'push/pull', 'will they or wont' they, the endless one note of not understanding each oth...more

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Oct 09, 2010 Marissa Dobson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Styx's Storm might be book 22 in the Breeds series but it is still going strong. Styx's Storm is full of both heat and drama, that will have you clinging to the pages.

For the most part I enjoyed Storme Montague's character, there were times that I wanted to grow up a little and accept the hand she was dealt. But overall I understood why she didn't trust people. It would be hard to trust people with the life she had. She survived all those years on the run by being smart and cautious, and not ma...more

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Oct 07, 2010 Jamie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I really enjoyed this book. I actually liked Storm. She was stubborn as hell holding onto her prejudices. It was refreshing. Having read all of the Breed books, you get used to women giving in easily. Storm didn't. She had witnessed Breeds murder her family. That isn't something you just get over. I loved that Styx had to actually put in the time and effort to gain trust for this mating.

As a teenager, Storm witnessed her brother and father murdered by Breeds. She was left in charge of a microch...more

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Oct 05, 2010 Samantha rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

Storme Montague is on the run trying to protect important data that her father had left her after he was brutally murdered by a Coyote breed. It has been ten years of running, hiding and fighting off breeds and Council members and Storme is tired. She knows the breeds will do anything to lure her in and they sent in Styx Mackenzie, a sexy, Scots wolf breed. After one night of passion with him, where she lets down her guard, she is taken by Breeds to the Wolf Compound. Bitter, angry and full of f...more Storme Montague is on the run trying to protect important data that her father had left her after he was brutally murdered by a Coyote breed. It has been ten years of running, hiding and fighting off breeds and Council members and Storme is tired. She knows the breeds will do anything to lure her in and they sent in Styx Mackenzie, a sexy, Scots wolf breed. After one night of passion with him, where she lets down her guard, she is taken by Breeds to the Wolf Compound. Bitter, angry and full of fear, Storme refuses to turn over the data, no matter what Styx does to her.

Styx Mackenzie is tired of chasing Storme. He believes that if he marks her, then she will be forced to turn over the information to him. Needless to say, things do not go as plan. Styx is very aware that Storme is his mate and this causes a huge conflict because she dislikes and distrust breeds after witnessing her family’s murder. Storme also harbors ill feelings towards the breeds because she feels as though her father and brother chose their work as scientist over her and their family. Since he knows Storme fears them, his wolf will not allow him to claim his mate. The mating heat is so close to the surface but until Storme allows him access to her heart, he can’t mark her.

Being a huge fan of Lora Leigh’s Breeds series, I was slightly disappointed in the latest installment. Styx and Storme’s relationship is rocky at its best. Storme has trust issues which is understandable. Styx wants her to trust him and is frustrating with her throughout the book. All the breeds are upset with Storme’s lack of trust, fear and anger. Some of my favorite characters in the series are less understanding which is out of character for them. They think of Storme as being childish but in my opinion she acts very true to character considering all that she has been through. Her brother and father are murdered in front of her by a breed. She has been on the run and alone since she was fourteen. So why should she trust anyone?

The only time Styx and Storme connected is in the bedroom. Lora Leigh does not leave out the sex in her books but at some point there has to be more to develop a relationship than sex. After the sex scenes, the repetitive arguing occurs and it became a tiresome cycle. Half way through the book, I thought of Cassa and Cabal’s story in Bengal’s Heart. This book takes the same direction with the lack of plot and connection.

There is a lack drama or action scenes in this read until the very end and even that is weak. Storme’s epiphany is too late in my opinion and I questioned why she has a change of heart to trust the breeds because there is no Ah ha moment. Readers are left hanging to find out what the data can do and if it helps the breeds.

Overall, a lack of connection, constant bickering and repetitiveness contributed to this being a frustrating read.
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Feb 17, 2012 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: enhanced-human, fantasy-romance, sensuous

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. hmmmm... gotta love those breeds... Storme's father (and brother) worked in the first labs... her father was in on the creation of the Breeds... but her father and brother loved the breeds, abhorred the atrocities and did what they could to protect & free them... and they were working on Omega (what is Omega? we're never sure - except the Vanderale, who injected himself and Jonas' adopted daughter with something - daughter's only symptoms so far are purring & a smell - Vanderale 's sympt...more hmmmm... gotta love those breeds... Storme's father (and brother) worked in the first labs... her father was in on the creation of the Breeds... but her father and brother loved the breeds, abhorred the atrocities and did what they could to protect & free them... and they were working on Omega (what is Omega? we're never sure - except the Vanderale, who injected himself and Jonas' adopted daughter with something - daughter's only symptoms so far are purring & a smell - Vanderale 's symptoms body/organs regenerating but his mental disintegrating... something with the mating hormones & humans & add genetics to existing humans (not zygots) and longer life? hmmm)... when the Breeds were being freed, dad & brother hid a data chip in 14-year old Storme's mother's ring and told her to hold onto it, and to give it to the one he sent for her.. and they destroyed the data in the complex' computers... and sent her out through a hidden tunnel - and before they could escape or the good Breeds could get to them, a Council breed coyote (Marx Whitman) kills her brother then her father (chomping on their jugulars) - and she saw...

Storme hates Breeds, her father loved them more than her... the breeds she saw (tortured & caged) acted like animals... the coyote killed her family... and for 10 years she was on the run... She kept as current as possible .. council is halfheartedly yet continually after her... Breeds (especially Jonas) extended invitations to come in to them for protection... and the breeds started sending agents to shadow and protect her... waiting for her to be ready to come to them... Styx became her guard 2 years ago...

and with Vanderale's threat, and obscure references to Omega, Storme and the information she has is now in demand... and Jonas asks the scientists to see if Storme is a potential mate to any Breed, and they find Styx as a match... (who has been fascinated by her)....

Styx is Scottish, a wolf - direct link to the first to use the genetics - Dougal Mackenzie... his life was easier than many breeds - he was taught to be a spy - which includes seduction... he keeps a better handle on angry emotions than many breeds... he enjoys women and chocolate... he is charming and good lucking...

And Storme is at the end of her rope - she is exhausted, her motel/car broken into and much of her stuff missing... at the bar she is hiding out at, in walk in 4 breeds - she doesn't recognize Styx, though she recognizes the rest... she and Styx exchange a soulful look... he takes her in his arms to dance... she leaves (thinking he did not recognize her or her smell)... she is confronted by council breeds, and rescued by Styx... and he takes her to safety, to his luxurious hotel - and seduces her - her thinking that he doesn't know who she is, he recognizing her as his mate - though when they have sex, the mating hormones & barb hover, but don't fully 'extend'..

and thus starts 6 weeks of Styx and Storme... he takes her to his home at Haven - insisting it is his right - a mate that isn't mated - Jonas wants her at Sanctuary... They continue to have sex (hot sex!)- both are pulled to one another... but her hatred and distrust of the Breeds keep them away from her and her away from them... They demand the chip, she denies having it... and no one really tries to explain things to her. The social wolf & coyote meet at night for communal dinner - and she watches them from the porch... Though Styx threatens her (with a spanking) if she doesn't behave, he never is less than gentle and loving with her... they (the doctor's and himself) theorize that the mating is not full because of Styx will not force her love, or because he doesn't 100% trust her not to betray them... hmmmm

And bit by bit, as Styx leaves her to reason it out herself, she acknowledges her anger and hurt from her father, she sees the Breeds as more than animals - that there are good and bad... she realizes she loves Styx... and at the 10th anniversary of the wolf leader & his mate, Styx requires that Storme join the celebration... and as Storme sees their love... sees all of the mates' love... she realizes her father would want her to give the chip to the Breeds - and makes the invitation to Styx, Jonas, & wolf king... but then the Coyote who killed her father and brother is there - and there is uproar, pulling people away from the dancing... the coyote is protected as pre freedom acts are no longer punishable... but then explosions start around the compound... the coyote, not knowing she was there was part of an attack on the compound... Styx grabs her to protect her, but is knocked out by flying wood... and the coyote takes her...

and her father's cabin, they are about to rape & torture her to get the information... she thinks Styx must be dead or he would be there to rescue her... she makes her bid for freedom (out the window again)... and gets somewhat away, but falls and is unconscious just as Styx gets to her...

At Styx's home, Cassie tells Styx that Storme thought he was dead, and approach her accordingly, and that she is pregant with a girl...

She awakens ... and... yeah... they now fully mate, fully expressing their love for one another. and first reports on the information on the chip are promising for Jonas' daughter... ahhhh(less)

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Feb 25, 2011 willaful rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: here-there-be-brogue

3.5 stars

Dear Lora Leigh,

I know your loyal fans would buy your grocery list, in hopes of finding anal on it, but could you please do me a huge favor anyway and hire an editor for grammar errors and word repetition? Because the grammar errors and word repetitions were really annoying. Let me tell you, I was very annoyed by the frequent word repetitions.

Despite that, I enjoyed this more than the last several Leighs I’ve read, perhaps because I wasn’t already familiar with the main characters and h...more

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Oct 09, 2010 marlene rated it 3 of 5 stars

I am not sure the last time I disliked a “heroine” in a book so much. Storme really had no likeable qualities at all. Not one. Anywhere. The book's saving grace was its plot advancement for the Breeds in general and character cameos along the way. I am a sucker for a well placed update from previous books and this one seemed to have those in abundance.

This book takes place only six weeks after Lion's Heat so we don't see too much of the progression of Jonas at this point. Which I have to say is...more

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Mar 19, 2012 Kasey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica, paranormal-romance, shifters-weres

Not really my favorite Breed story. It is what it is. I liked Wolfe. Not a big fan of Storme. I did sympathize with her history, but found she didn't really make any since in her choices and long held resentment after the fact. I think it could have been a fantastic complication for their mating, but it needed something, and a little less of the whining. I would like to have seen her grow into a strong woman making well thought out decisions in one direction or the other because of her past. And...more Not really my favorite Breed story. It is what it is. I liked Wolfe. Not a big fan of Storme. I did sympathize with her history, but found she didn't really make any since in her choices and long held resentment after the fact. I think it could have been a fantastic complication for their mating, but it needed something, and a little less of the whining. I would like to have seen her grow into a strong woman making well thought out decisions in one direction or the other because of her past. And really could the woman not take some fighting courses if she spent that many years evading Breeds and the council. It's one of my pet peves in story lines. If a woman spends several years in dangerous situations, they do something to learn to protect themselves in any way possible. I know, I know she was broke. I'm sure she could have found someone to teach her or for crying out loud she would have just learned from experience.

Also regardless of my disliking Storme as a character I didn't like the treatment she received from the Breeds when they captured her. In the scheme of things she was a victim too. And she had lived through some bad stuff. Not the same, but still not good herself. All because of the same people who had miss treated them. All that money they have to have a therapist around somewhere. Someone could have helped them find the best way to approach her and deal with her history.

Overall this book just felt a little less complete than most. There are some hot sex scenes as expected. But for the majority of the book that seems to be the only real connection our leads have. And yet it isn't even necessarily because of the heat in the same sense as the previous breeds.

Also the main story line besides our romance was incomplete and stilted. Not sure what was on the chip still. Just some useful information is about all we were told. I'm sure we will find out later? Most likely. But it was a major story line for this book and with that if felt a little incomplete to be robbed of the success of what they had worked so hard and treated someone poorly to obtain. (less)

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Aug 03, 2012 DaisyGirl rated it 1 of 5 stars

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

1.0 Star.

ARGH! What is happening to this series? Styx’s Storm was a huge disappointment (IMHO).

Storme Montague grew up in the Omega breed lab where her father and brother worked as scientists. At the age of 14, she watched a Council coyote brutally murder her father and brother. Upon his death, Storme’s father gave her a data chip for safe-keeping. For the past ten years, Storme has hidden from the Council and Breeds who have come in search of the data chip. She has developed a hatred and distru...more 1.0 Star.

ARGH! What is happening to this series? Styx’s Storm was a huge disappointment (IMHO).

Storme Montague grew up in the Omega breed lab where her father and brother worked as scientists. At the age of 14, she watched a Council coyote brutally murder her father and brother. Upon his death, Storme’s father gave her a data chip for safe-keeping. For the past ten years, Storme has hidden from the Council and Breeds who have come in search of the data chip. She has developed a hatred and distrust for breeds.

Styx Mackenzie, a Scottish wolf breed who lives in Haven, finally captures Storme. She refuses to turn over the data chip to the breeds (even though doing so will not hurt her in any way AND may save the life of Jonas’ adopted infant daughter). Styx knows that Storme is his mate and takes her back to his cabin in Haven. He works hard to earn Storme’s trust and show her that she is mistaken about the breeds.

This is yet another LL book where I despised the heroine. Storme is, by far, the least likeable character I have encountered in this series. She’s an obnoxious bigot who spews vile, hateful things. I get that she was traumatized by her past experience but as another reviewer noted, “there are none so blind as those who will not see.” Storme held on to her misguided, hate-filled beliefs like a security blanket despite the mounds of evidence to the contrary.

Her hatred for all things breed notwithstanding, Storme willingly jumped into the sack with Styx. WTF?!? Unfortunately, there was no chemistry to their relationship because the character development consisted of nothing more than alternating scenes of fighting and f---ing. Yuck; I’m sorry but I do not find that the least bit romantic.

For most of the book, Storme was belligerent, hurtful, and rude. When the evil coyote kidnapped and backhanded her, I actually thought “good riddance.” (I know. That’s so horrible of me but I couldn’t help it, I despised her that much!) About 85% of the way through the book, Storme suddenly re-evaluates her feelings for the breeds (including Sytx), comes to her senses, and finally apologizes to Hope. Her sudden transformation (sans an epiphany or other ah-ha moment), however, seemed disingenuous and rang false. In any event, it was way too little and way too late IMHO.

Sadly, Storme’s acerbic character overshadowed too much of the story. Styx’s character was likeable enough but I had a hard time connecting with him because I could not understand his love for Storme. And BTW, am I the only one who found his on-again-off-again Scottish brogue irritating and distracting? I was a die-hard fan of LL’s Breed series, but my hope for the rest of the series is dwindling … fast.(less)

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Jan 07, 2011 Lynsey A rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: borrowed-to-read, part-of-a-series, lora-leigh-breeds, erotic, 2011-reads, heroine-who-annoys-me

2.5* Well, on the one hand this book didn't have near as many continuity issues as Lion's Heat. Nor did it have as many grammatical errors. It just takes away from the book when things like that happen, at least for me. On the other hand, I could not stand Storme for about 85% of the book. Also, it is also an all of a sudden change on her part to trusting the Breeds.

Perhaps I am too hard on Storme after the brutal murder of her father and brother at the hand of a Breed however, she just wasn't a...more

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Oct 09, 2010 Lani rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: breeds, paranormal-romance, sexy

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

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Oct 15, 2010 Hanne rated it 3 of 5 stars

The breed characters all have the elements needed for making terrific books, and Lora Leigh has managed this many times over, making her breed books one of my favorite series.

This book however did not live up to the standard set in previous books in my opinion. It was disappointing, and even lots of visits by characters from earlier books, (something i normally love) did little to raise the standard.

The main characters Storme and Styx did not have the chemistry we have gotten used to by charact...more

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Oct 12, 2010 Smokinhotbooks K.C. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr

Read Full Review Here

The last few Breed books have pleasantly surprised me, I feel like Leigh is taking her characters into a different direction than mating hormone + sexual angst + unwilling female = plot. I was ok with this formula for the first few books but it can be a bit repetitive by book 20. I was a little hesitant to start Styx’s story a. because I had no earthly idea who this character was and b. I think Lion’s Heat is a hard act to follow; alas this is a series I just can’t say no t...more

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Oct 06, 2010 Ally rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010

Storme Montague knew all about the Breeds from an early age as her father and brother were two of the scientist’s who helped create them. Storme was only fourteen years old when she saw her brother and father die at the hands of a coyote breed directed by the Council, after her father gave her a micro-chip full of important information and told her to run. Storm hasn’t stopped running in the ten years since her family died, until Styx catches her.

Styx’s Storm was amazing! I wasn’t sure how much...more Storme Montague knew all about the Breeds from an early age as her father and brother were two of the scientist’s who helped create them. Storme was only fourteen years old when she saw her brother and father die at the hands of a coyote breed directed by the Council, after her father gave her a micro-chip full of important information and told her to run. Storm hasn’t stopped running in the ten years since her family died, until Styx catches her.

Styx’s Storm was amazing! I wasn’t sure how much I was going to enjoy it because normally you have an idea who the main character is going to be. But I had no idea who Styx was! Maybe my memory isn’t as good anymore but I think I’d remember a red-headed, Scottish warrior breed being mentioned before but for the life of me I can’t!
Styx’s Storm started a bit slow but quickly picked up and I devoured it in one sitting!

I really loved the character of Storme, within the first few pages I was already intrigued about her as a child and how she’d be as a grown woman and it only got better. I really enjoyed the different side of the Breed topic Styx’s Storm brought out. It’s not been very common for the heroine to be anti-breed but that’s exactly how Storme was. She didn’t go around killing Breeds unless they attacked her first and generally it was only the Council Breed assassins that threatened Storme that she hurt but she’d been running from all Breeds in general.
After ten years of running Storme’s getting tired and dropping her guard. She’s sure Styx doesn’t really know who she is, she’s been running from him for a year and he’s never caught her. Although Styx was tested and told Storme wasn’t his mate, as soon as he gets her in his arms his Wolf knows she’s his and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her save, even from herself.

Styx has an unusual background compared to the other breeds; his DNA is of a red wolf and a dead Scottish warrior, he was raised by his grandfather and trained to be a warrior with martial arts and other fighting skills. Styx was another one of those Breeds who had women falling at his feet so it was enjoyable to watch how Styx suffered with being unable to mate properly with Storme and I think it made Styx’s Storme all that more enjoyable because Styx had to really work for Storme, he couldn’t gain her trust or love overnight.

Favourite Quote: “My loyalty is yours. I’d die to protect you, whether from Council soldiers, scientists or Breed Law and Jonas Wyatt. I’ll no longer allow anyone or anything to steal the security I can give you. I’d prefer to make it easy.” He gave her a soft smile. “I do rather enjoy my lazier side. For you though, I’ll deal with whatever I must, unless you make the choice to give the information to anyone other than myself or Jonas.”

It was really great to see some of the previous characters, Wolfe, Hope, Cassie, Jonas, Anya just to name a few. I loved seeing a bitchy side to Cassie, I think it shows she’s still growing as a person and she’s not just sweetness and light! But it also means it still might be a while longer before we get her book.

It was great to see the new character Navarro, whose book is out next year I believe!

Styx’s Storm was a brilliant read and had everything you could want from a Lora Leigh Breed book!
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Apr 12, 2012 Alex Economides rated it 3 of 5 stars

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

I am amazed how Lora Leigh manages to find the twists and plots in her Breed Series and Styx’s Storm, book 22 has that and more.

Styx, the red haired wolf breed (born from DNA of a dead Scottish warrior and a red wolf) ...note I am not too crazy about red-haired men...but wow this is some sexy, hunk that is known for his love of chocolate and irresistible to women...and he’s trained in martial arts too!!!!. He has been part of the Breed team that has been on the trail of Storme Montague for year...more I am amazed how Lora Leigh manages to find the twists and plots in her Breed Series and Styx’s Storm, book 22 has that and more.

Styx, the red haired wolf breed (born from DNA of a dead Scottish warrior and a red wolf) ...note I am not too crazy about red-haired men...but wow this is some sexy, hunk that is known for his love of chocolate and irresistible to women...and he’s trained in martial arts too!!!!. He has been part of the Breed team that has been on the trail of Storme Montague for years as she is the holder of a data chip that could save the Breed population from extinction.

Storme must be one of the most unlikeable and irritating characters so far in this series. Okay, one can understand her feelings towards breeds because of what happened to her father and brother when she was 14...but wow....how far can that hate go...and let me tell you...she makes no excuses about her hatred. She’s a vocal breed racist!!!! But wait.....does that stop her from doing it with Styx ?the very thing she hates with a vengeance....no, not even when she discovers how he betrays her on their first meeting and is taken as a prisoner to the local breed headquarters called Haven....you got to love the names...sanctuary...haven!!!!!! Have to admit that I began to like her as I got to know her back-story and the trauma she experienced at such an early age. She redeemed herself at the end as she embraced the people she had always believed were animals but instead lead lives like any other human.

Styx is so patient and sweet with Storme...never gives up on her....she is the woman who will complete him.... and will do anything to protect her even if he has to be ostracized from the breed community – even dying for her...though he did have to work hard at gaining her trust and love...certainly not getting her in one night!!!!!!! The sex is as hot and sexy as in previous book...but Styx wants more than just that...he wants her to realize that they are soul mates and meant to be with each other.

I really enjoy the appearance of characters from previous book appearing in the story.....Cassie, wow can she be a minx....i can’t wait for her book, Jonas Wyatt and his lovely wife...finally he’s found his mate....and loved loved the Wolf Alpha and his lupina (wife in our language!!), Styx’s grandfather....what a fabulous and interesting character.....i hope we get to know more about him in the future........and Navarro......omg....this is a beyond awesome male.......I am dying to read his story. Also like the link between the different breeds and their lives and how their lives are closely intertwined with each other....

Book Blurb: When Storme Montague’s father and brother are killed by the Breeds, her father’s research is also destroyed — except for a crucial data chip that both the Council and the Breeds would kill to possess. Betrayed to the Council, she is rescued by Styx, a Wolf Breed who is different from most other Breeds she has ever known. Storme has something he wants too — but it’s not a data chip.
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Oct 16, 2010 Rory G rated it 3 of 5 stars

Styx's Storm was not what I was expecting. For me Styx's was a relatively unknown character. I found the intermittent brogue he used confusing. Is his accent Scottish? Does he just fake it and turn it on and off and if so, why? None of these things are ever explained and I found it bothersome and it took me out of the story repeatedly. I found Styx's Storm was also full of repetition and various grammatical errors. The basic plot of the story was enjoyable - the suspense, the desire, and the ult...more

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Oct 18, 2010 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is never going to be a favorite Breed story for me. To me at least the heroine is the poster child for 'there are none so blind as those who will not see'. Sure she had issues - but she held onto them like a three year old with a favored toy...

Plot-wise, Storme is holding information that the Breeds, and especially Jonas, need. Then there's Styx and Storme's relationship and [yet another] kink appears in the mating heat problem.

It could be read as a stand-alone but the story really starts...more

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Oct 16, 2010 Willow Brook rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: shape-shifters-breeds

Sometimes I feel like I shouldn't rate Lora Leigh books. I don't think I'm rational about her work. I loved her so many of her earlier books, especially the Breeds. I know I've rated her way too high for several of her works over the past couple of years as she went through personal turmoil while continuing to churn out several books a year. But this one really is 4 stars for me.

I'm happy to see that the editing improves with each book lately, though I hope to see continued improvement. Lora Le...more Sometimes I feel like I shouldn't rate Lora Leigh books. I don't think I'm rational about her work. I loved her so many of her earlier books, especially the Breeds. I know I've rated her way too high for several of her works over the past couple of years as she went through personal turmoil while continuing to churn out several books a year. But this one really is 4 stars for me.

I'm happy to see that the editing improves with each book lately, though I hope to see continued improvement. Lora Leigh has never been one to mind plot holes and she has a number in this book. I kept wondering how on earth Storm managed to survive, never mind get educated, never mind find work that allowed her to have a credit card when she was on her own from her early teens and hunted by Breeds and Council alike. Leigh hints at some help from a person, but that doesn't explain anywhere enough of how Storm survived. And I didn't fully get why Styx's Scottish accent came and went, apparently at will. It started to feel like he'd put it on as a sort of act, rather than who he was.

Otherwise, I liked this story more than probably anything she's done in the past two years. I still haven't forgiven her for what she did to Jonas. The Big Bad Lion remains just as much a total wuss with his overbearing mate in this story, but maybe that helps him relax after a long day at the office being an total manipulating SOB with all those around him, LOL.

I noticed that lots of readers really dislike Storm for giving Styx such a hard time. However, her attitude makes sense to me given her post-traumatic stress (seeing her father and brother murdered by a Breed), screwed up childhood and being left on her own from age 15. It felt realistic that she'd be frightened by and hate and yes be a bigot about Breeds. At the same time, she was drawn to Styx as an individual. I really liked how her lack of trust prevented a mate bond from happening. Overally, Styx was fun character, very patient and charming with Storm as he seeks to win her over, keep her safe and help his fellow Breeds. Of course, there is the typical Lora Leigh drama/action at the end of the story followed by a happy ending for the two lovers.

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Feb 26, 2013 Tracy rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this series but there were so many things lacking. We should have seen more about Storm growing up at the labs, why she was kept from seeing how the Breeds really were. Her Dad told her that he thought of them as his children but never explained it so she could understand. I would have liked to read more about her on the run as a teenager too. I think with more stories about this then we would have more understood why she felt the way she did about breeds. I wish she was...more

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Styx's Storm (Breeds #22)

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