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I am Lover of romance, who indulges in the romantic adventures of literature

My name is Renee, and I am the host of this site. I am a 34 year old woman, on the prowl for her mate, searching out the best of books, exploring the wilds of the imagination and delving into the heart of a beautiful love story.

 

Book Review-Midnight Rising

by | Sep 22, 2015 | Book Reviews | 15 comments

Book Review-Midnight Rising

Book Review-Midnight RisingMidnight Rising by Lara Adrian
Also in this series: Kiss of Midnight, Kiss of Crimson, Midnight Awakening, Veil of Midnight, Ashes of Midnight, Shades of Midnight, Taken by Midnight
Series: Midnight Breed #4
Published by Dell on March 25th 2008
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Psychic Abilities
Pages: 356
Format: Paperback
Source: Library
ISBN: 0440244447
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four-stars

In a world of shadows and dark, cosuming hungers, desire is the deadliest weapon...
For journalist Dylan Alexander, it began with the discovery of a hidden tomb, thrusting her into the center of a gathering storm of violence and secrets. But nothing is as dangerous as the scarred, lethally seductive man who rises from the shadows to draw her into his world of dark desire and endless night.
Fueled by pain and rage over a shattering betrayal, the warrior Rio has pledged his life to the war against the Rogues. He will let nothing stand in his way—least of all a mortal woman with the power to expose the entire vampire race. For an ancient evil has been awakened, and a stunning darkness is on the rise. Suddenly Dylan is powerless to resist Rio’s touch, even as she uncovers a shocking link to her own past. And now she must choose: Leave Rio’s midnight realm, or risk it all for the man who has shown her true passion and the infinite pleasures of the heart. . . .

My Review

Summary 

Rio, is still shattered from grief and pain and the loss of betrayal from his mate. He has fought long and hard against fighting evil, and will do anything to protect the men he fights with. An ancient evil has been released, and Rio is in the process of destroying the chamber and the evidence, and also to bury himself in the rubble. Journalist, Dylan Alexander, is traveling in Europe with friends, and working on a story. Dylan has psychic abilities that are almost a curse, but this ability leads her to a hidden tomb with ancient writing and a sense of evil that permeates the room. She stumbles across a dangerous creature, a man that is scarred and full of pain and a being she can’t resist no matter the danger. Rio and Dylan are drawn together, by danger and passion. Dylan is the key to finding the answers in the search for this ancient evil, but also in the disappearance of breeds. But there is an enemy, an enemy that is hunting for Dylan and only Rio will be strong enough to protect her.

The Hero 

Rio is a Breed Warrior, and to many of their kind he isn’t looked upon in favor. Rio is the most loyal and fierce of them all. Rio was mated, but his mate Eve betrayed him and his warrior brethren and Rio is bitter and angry and full of hatred. Rio is both scarred physically and emotionally. He hasn’t had it easy, and the pain is almost overwhelming for Rio. He has demons that he has to face. Rio has the who “tortured hero” down pat. Rio has really been struggling and we have seen this in previous books. Its been heartbreaking to see his character and the way he struggles with the pain and grief. Rio is a character that you just reach towards, he has a past that haunts him even before Eve. He is just about ready to give up on living until he meets our heroine who is like a breath of fresh air for him. We see a slow change in Rio, see him have hope and seeing his character heal. I admired Rio for his strength of character, his loyalty and devotion to doing the right thing no matter how much it hurts.

The Heroine 

Dylan Alexander has a certain psychic ability. She can see ghosts of young women. Dylan has seen this since she was a little girl. They speak to her, but she can’t communicate anything with them. Her father left them when she was young, and her mother is the only one in her family that has stayed with her, accepted her, and loved her unconditionally. Dylan is a journalist, but she was betrayed by a source and lost her job. Her current work isn’t exactly what she has dreamed of writing about aliens and myths, but when she discovers a hidden tomb she knows she has something legit and really could make her career. Dylan was a different heroine that I was expecting. She is driven, but also compassionate and has such an open heart. I really connected with her character because she has such a down to earth personality that you instantly are drawn to. She is a fighter too and will do anything for her mother.

Plot and Story Line 

Midnight Rising was such a wonderful story and ever since we see what Eve did to Rio in the previous books, I have been waiting for his story. Probably because Rio at first is such a carefree and fun loving warrior. Probably out of all of them, he is more lighthearted and fun. But then we see such a horrid change, where he is full of pain and hate. I have been so excited to see him get a happy ending and Dylan was everything and more that Rio needs. Midnight Rising follows a few months after Midnight Awakening ends. Rio has fallen off the map from his brethren, keeping secrets and keeping to himself. We also see a new and more dangerous evil that is in the works. And what is revealed in this book, was quite a shock and a new twist I was expecting. There is a thread left at the end of Midnight Rising that leaves us hanging just a bit but has a more “Happy For Now” type theme. Which I am okay with, because the ending feels more between a Happy For Now and a Happy Ever After type ending. Mostly due to the danger and the evil that is trying to undermine all the good these Warriors have been trying to accomplish. The actual romance between Rio and Dylan was so sweet at times, but quite a battle in other ways as well. At first their relationship is strained, but they have a connection with each other and that connection slowly builds in strength and in healing. Both Rio and Dylan help each other emotionally.

You are pure flame. I touch you and I ignite. I kiss you and I burn to have more. You consume me… like no other woman before you, and, I am certain, like no other ever could again.

Their physical relationship is quite intense and provocative and I loved seeing these two spark.

I have to go to her, Lucan. For my own sanity, if nothing else. If I stay here, I’m not sure what good I’d be, to tell you the truth. She’s the only thing that’s held me together in a very long time. I’m a wreck for this woman, my friend. She owns me now.

What I truly enjoyed most was seeing Rio and Dylan work through the hurdles in their relationship. Now the side characters were a blast and my favorite was Niko. Niko is best friends with Rio, and we see a strain in their friendship, but Niko never loses faith in his faith and defends him quite passionately in one particular scene that probably won me over for Niko instantly. There is such depth of emotion in Midnight Rising, and I can’t wait for more.

The Cover 

I like the green gold and teal colors, with the scene of the city and the river. Has a more exotic feel to it.

Overall View 

Midnight Rising is a passionate and enticing romance that digs deeper on darker emotions and how miraculous love can heal. It has a full range of danger, desire, emotion, and love. TRULY EXHILIARTING.

Series Order

Kiss Of MidnightKiss of CrimsonMidnight AwakeningMidnight RisingVeil of MidnightAshes of MidnightShades of MidnightTaken by MidnightDeep Than MidnightDarker After MidnightEdge of DawnCrave the NightBound To Darkness

About Lara Adrian

LARA ADRIAN is a New York Times and #1 internationally best-selling author with nearly 4 million books in print and digital worldwide and translations licensed to more than 20 countries. Her books have been named among Amazon’s Top Ten Romances of the Year, and have also been nominated by readers multiple times as finalists for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance of the Year. Reviewers have called Lara’s books “addictively readable” (Chicago Tribune), “extraordinary” (Fresh Fiction), “strikingly original” (Booklist), and “one of the best vampire series on the market” (Romantic Times).

Writing as TINA ST. JOHN, her historical romances have won numerous awards including the National Readers Choice; Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice; Booksellers Best; and many others. She was twice named a Finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards, for Best Historical Romance (White Lion’s Lady) and Best Paranormal Romance (Heart of the Hunter). More recently, the German translation of Heart of the Hunter debuted on Der Spiegel bestseller list.

With an ancestry stretching back to the Mayflower and the court of King Henry VIII, the author lives with her husband in New England, where she is working on her next novel.

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15 Comments

  1. Quinn's Book Nook

    I’m not totally into paranormal romance for adults, but I have to say this book really seems interesting. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      I am really loving this series, its quite fun. Has a lot of intrigue and mystery involved which I am really soaking it in. Hope you try it out and enjoy it. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Bea @ Bea's Book Nook

    Lordy, that’s a lot of books in the series. I don’t I’ve read Adrian but I’ve heard about this series for years. I like the sound of this one, especially Dylan. I think I’d like her a lot.

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      Yeah it is…but I think “one book at a time” lets me not be overwhelmed when reading a larger series. I am loving this series, I am so hooked on it,

      Reply
  3. Sophia Rose

    This was one of the books that I really wanted. I’m so glad that it met up with your expectation.

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      oh it did!!! I think from when he gets betrayed, I was hoping for his story because he is just one of those characters you want to have a happy ending for.

      Reply
  4. Jennifer_FairyTales

    I love reading your reviews of this series! I read this book quite a few years ago, but it was fun to re-visit in my mind. Rio’s character journey was wonderful and I loved Dylan!

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      aww thanks Jen!!! Rio has been one of those characters you watch from the beginning.

      Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      I know!! Aren’t they the best. I don’t know how you stopped hehe I just have to keep reading these books, I am so addicted.

      Reply
      • Anna@herding cats&burning soup

        LOL it was so not a sign of restraint on my part. It was more I’d just read a series too similar to it and wasn’t the right time to read them but then I got distracted. Ahhhh

        Reply
        • Lover Of Romance

          hehe yeah I can understand that. The first book seemed a bit like BDB series, but its so different from it after reading more into the series. I think in some ways I like it way more.

        • Anna@herding cats&burning soup

          Yeah it was too close after finishing those. Happens sometimes like that. I do have them so plan on going back to them. You’re making me want to ditch my review schedule. lol

  5. kimbacaffeinate

    Ooo you are killing me. I need to read this series. It is on my wishlist now. I have two others with tons of back listings I am working on now..but this series will be read. I love tormented heroes, and like that the ending for the romance was happily open-ended.

    Reply

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