Kiss of Crimson

One of the vampire Breed warriors who police their own ends up ravaged and bullet-ridden after a battle with unusually strong Rogues. Dante manages to get to some semblance of safety though he is much the worse for wear. Dire need rages for blood to fuel his body’s ability to heal from his injuries. A kind woman discovers him in his hiding place and his instincts for survival take over. Too late he sees the mark indicating that the female is a Breedmate.

Veterinarian, Tess Culver, finds a bedraggled and badly wounded man in her clinic’s storeroom late one night. She is made to forget the incident but Dante becomes irrevocably entwined in her life.

This particular warrior has never wished for a mate since visions implying his death have long haunted him. The bond was inadvertently begun but the emotion he feels for the woman is what rocks his world.

It all occurs at a time of danger with a terrible drug called Crimson turning unwary Breed youths into Rogues. And the person selling it is Tess’ ex-boyfriend.

Ms Adrian’s ability to write fantastic romance is again displayed with this second book in the Midnight Breed Series. The reluctant romance on the hero’s part as he battles himself in his fall into love makes ones heart turn over.

Hero and heroine clearly belong together and they both have special gifts which they also consider a curse. We enjoy the coming together of these characters and the overcoming of the terrible problems that they face.

Some things niggled as one reads this story. Dante is from 18^th century Italy but his style of speech varies. Sometimes it is old-fashioned in phrasing, other times it seems very modern. There is a small inconsistency of detail regarding titanium reaction on a Rogue. Lastly, the reaction of the affected society towards the danger of Crimson is curious. No mention was made about educating the youth who were most likely to use recreational drugs that something so reprehensible was being sold on the streets. It seemed odd.

There is much to enjoy with KISS OF CRIMSON. Both main characters and minor ones are well fleshed out and side stories enrich the main tale. It is wonderfully easy reading with sensuous detail, spicy love scenes, exciting battles and touching romance.

September 2007