Also in this series: Kiss of Midnight, Kiss of Crimson, Midnight Awakening, Midnight Rising, Veil of Midnight, Ashes of Midnight, Shades of Midnight
Series: Midnight Breed #8
Published by Dell on September 28th 2010
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Vampires
Pages: 370
Format: Paperback
Source: Library
ISBN: 0440245273
AT THE CROSSROADS OF DEATH AND DESIRE, A WOMAN TASTES A PLEASURE NO MORTAL IS MEANT TO SURVIVE. In the frozen Alaskan wilderness, former state trooper Jenna Darrow survives an unspeakable breach of body and soul. But with her narrow escape comes an even greater challenge. For strange changes are taking place within her, as she struggles to understand—and control—a new hunger. To do so, she will seek shelter in the Boston compound of the Order, an ancient race of vampire warriors whose very existence is shrouded in mystery. Perhaps the most mysterious of them all is Brock, a brooding, dark-eyed alpha male whose hands hold the power to comfort, heal . . . and arouse.
As she recovers under Brock’s care, Jenna finds herself drawn to the Order’s mission: to stop a ruthless enemy and its army of assassins from subjecting Earth to a reign of terror. Yet in spite of their resolve, a purely physical relationship without strings soon binds Brock and Jenna together with a desire fiercer than life and stronger than death itself—until a secret from Brock’s past and Jenna’s own mortality challenges their forbidden love to the ultimate trial by fire.
Summary
Jenna Darrow, in the cold winter months of Alaska, was kidnapped and violated and now she has been rescued and has been taken back to Boston, to the Order’s headquarters. Her companion is Brock, who can’t seem to leave her side and aids her when she is in pain. Jenna learns that the life around her, the life she knew before is different from anything that she expected. She learns of the truth of vampires, and her brothers recent death and that there are certain changes happening to her body where a substance was inserted into her spine when she was captured. Jenna and Brock’s lives intertwine as they delve into a new set of circumstances that bring them together, and they realize the chemistry that they have. Brock isn’t looking for any kind of relationship, and Jenna is still grieving for her husband and daughters death and is not ready for anything with Brock. But heat and desire flare out of control ,and soon Brock and Jenna realize they might not have any control to where their hearts lead them.
The Hero
Our Hero, Brock, is a member of the order and quite a bit stand offish. He is more reserved, battle ready, and one of the most hardened warriors of the order. But there is also a soft spot to Brock and this is the book that we see him clearly. Brock still bears guilt over his past, a past that in his mind, due to his mistakes cost a young woman her life and it has haunted him for years. But when Brock meets Jenna, his world shifts to her. At first we see how Brock doesn’t full realize what is happening between them until his heart has already gotten involved. What I came to admire about Brock, was his devotion to the order and to Jenna—a woman he barely knows, but feels a soft connection to. I love the shy quiet types, and Brock fits the bill. But he isn’t weak and anything. In fact, I have gotten the impression, over the books I have read so far, that he is one of the most competent men in the order. What was fun was seeing a deeper side to his character.
The Heroine
The heroine, Jenna is a character I really grew to like in the previous book. We see what a solid human being she is and she has suffered quite a bit. Her loved husband and six year old daughter, were killed in a car accident and Jenna still blames herself and still grieves for them, despite how long its been since it happened. Jenna is a strong woman though, and she isn’t afraid to fight. She was once a cop, she understands the risks and dangers that there are in the world. Jenna is a kind soul too, but is in a vulnerable state currently. We also see her courage and passion and there were quite a few facets to her character I enjoyed. What was most intriguing is seeing her reaction to certain truths that become revealed to her. But I really liked her as the heroine overall and it was fun seeing her journey.
Plot and Story Line
Taken By Midnight started off pretty quickly following the previous book, and since it left us with a bit of a teaser in the previous book, I was very relieved to see that it didn’t take a large break and leave me confused. I will say that I truly enjoyed this one, not my favorite of the series, but well written and very engaging. This is one of my favorite aspects of Lara Adrian. She can so easily get me involved into a story, and I love that. There are some important events that take place in this book, where we see some questions answered and a certain mystery solved in the end, but there are also questions I had left unanswered. Some I was okay with, because I feel like as I continue with this series, certain events will happen to solve my curiosity. However I was very disappointed to see that we don’t know everything of what is happening to Jenna. We learn some facts, but I was left feeling like I needed more in knowing about her situation. I am crossing my fingers that in the next book or so, we will learn and get the mystery solved regarding her delicate situation.
The romance that develops between Brock and Jenna, was quite unqiue and engaging. I loved their romance, because we have two character, still dealing with past hurts and we see how fabulous they are together and how much they learn to rely on each other for strength when one of them is vulnerable. This is what I truly loved seeing in their relationship. The way they learn to trust and rely on each other through the good and the bad.
The Cover
Not my favorite of the series, however I really like the mix of colors with the red and dark blue and black….it adds a air of mystery and danger to it.
Overall View
Taken By Midnight is a thrilling addition to an exciting series that will knock you off your feet and sweep you away into adventure, passion, mystery and suspense. In love with this wonderful world that Adrian has created for us.
I am so behind on her books. You’ve made me want to pick up one again.
yeah she has a lot, but I have been loving this series so much.
So many books!
For some reason, I only have a vague recollection of this story unlike others. I remember being glad that Jenna’s storyline continued. Brock did become quite the protector of Jenna. Her writing really does keep one in the story even if it isn’t a favorite of the series. Nice review, Renee!
Brock did a great job at being a protecting hero without overdoing it. I did love the ending though with finding the women FINALLY!! I have been waiting for that for quite a few books. Interesting to see what happens in the next book.
Ah yes, Hunter’s up next. I liked that book.
yippee!!! So glad now.
You know I’m not super into paranormal romance, but I’m glad you liked this.
I read this years ago, but I remember it being one of my favorites of the series so far. I just adored Brock!
Some day I’ll catch up on this series lol
Karen @For What It’s Worth