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Nightshade #1.5
Primal
Four all-new stories of primitive desire- with a never-before- published novella of the Breeds.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh returns to her sensual world of the Breeds in an all-new novella that explores just how savage, and how far, a man is willing to go in the name of desire. Plus three other stories of irresistible passions from three masters of hot paranormal romance.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh returns to her sensual world of the Breeds in an all-new novella that explores just how savage, and how far, a man is willing to go in the name of desire. Plus three other stories of irresistible passions from three masters of hot paranormal romance.
392 pages, Paperback
First published December 21, 2010
About the author
Lora Leigh
204 books10k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Lora Leigh is a New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance novels. Leigh started publishing with electronic publisher Ellora's Cave in 2003. Leigh's longest-running series is The Breeds. She won the 2009 RT Award for erotica. Leigh was born in Ohio and raised in Martin County, Kentucky, US.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
Lora Leigh is a New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance novels. Leigh started publishing with electronic publisher Ellora's Cave in 2003. Leigh's longest-running series is The Breeds. She won the 2009 RT Award for erotica. Leigh was born in Ohio and raised in Martin County, Kentucky, US.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
December 5, 2016
Breeds 23
Feline Breeds 14
Featured Couple: Creed (Lion) & Kita (Human)
(The review is only for Lora Leigh’s story: Primal Kiss)
Although this story could be read as a standalone, it is the continuation of Amber’s story from “Lion's Heat”. Amber is Jonas daughter who was injecting with a chemical agent that it is altering her DNA. Nobody knows what was in that mix and nobody knows the consequences of this for little Amber.
Jonas will move heaven and earth to find a cure, even if he has to use Kita. Kita is the daughter of one of the Breeds’ enemies, the man responsible for what happened to Amber, and the heir to his pharmaceutical empire.
Creed Raines is the bodyguard of Miss Kita Engalls. But things are not that simple. Of course Creed is also a Breed who is undercover.
Breeds are almost sure that Kita could be a good potential pawn against their enemies, but Creed is absolutely sure that Kita is his potential mate.
Unluckily, Kita has been raised to believe the Breeds are bad, so she will need a bit of convincing in order to accept Creed’s protectiveness and love.
The sex scenes in this story are pretty intense as usual and there is some romance on the side.
Feline Breeds 14
Featured Couple: Creed (Lion) & Kita (Human)
(The review is only for Lora Leigh’s story: Primal Kiss)
Although this story could be read as a standalone, it is the continuation of Amber’s story from “Lion's Heat”. Amber is Jonas daughter who was injecting with a chemical agent that it is altering her DNA. Nobody knows what was in that mix and nobody knows the consequences of this for little Amber.
Jonas will move heaven and earth to find a cure, even if he has to use Kita. Kita is the daughter of one of the Breeds’ enemies, the man responsible for what happened to Amber, and the heir to his pharmaceutical empire.
Creed Raines is the bodyguard of Miss Kita Engalls. But things are not that simple. Of course Creed is also a Breed who is undercover.
Breeds are almost sure that Kita could be a good potential pawn against their enemies, but Creed is absolutely sure that Kita is his potential mate.
Unluckily, Kita has been raised to believe the Breeds are bad, so she will need a bit of convincing in order to accept Creed’s protectiveness and love.
The sex scenes in this story are pretty intense as usual and there is some romance on the side.
February 6, 2011
A diverse collection of authors and stories- mild and hot, naughty and nice
Primal instincts fuel many of the love connections in this collection which pulls together four stories that vary greatly in sensuality, as well as showcasing a pretty diverse group of authors. Most of the stories are related to the authors' series - Rowen's and Gray's standalone pretty well - Leigh's requires at least some familiarity with her Breeds, and Strong is a new to me author, so I am not sure about whether or not it fits in with her other books.
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen ~*~ A woman now carries a deadly drug in her blood. The drug turns vampires to ash with just a taste, but it is also slowly killing her, so she and her dhampyr ally are hoping to find a cure. ~*~ This first story is a short connected to Rowen's new Nightshade series - it was the mildest of the romances and an interesting tease to Rowen's new series - in which she has supposedly left her trademark humor behind - it does fall in time after the first book, so I suspect it may be mildly spoilerish if you plan on reading Nightshade.
Skin & Bone by Ava Gray ~*~ When an earthquake hits in Ecuador, a man with much to atone for saves a woman caught under the rubble and finally finds someone who doesn't fear him, a woman who sees him as a hero instead of the monster he considers himself to be. ~*~ Connected to Gray's 'Skin' series, this was my favorite of the stories, I really liked both of the leads: the huge scary man who can be so gentle, and the free spirited woman who finally finds a connection she's willing to keep.
Angel Claimed by Jory Strong ~*~ An immortal seeks to reclaim the woman he lost centuries ago, despite his dreams of how their reunion will play out, he will not simply force her to submit to his claim but will first help her to keep a vow to the vampire family she is bound to. ~*~ I liked this one the least of the stories, the world building is interesting but confusing and I am not really into the dominance stuff (whipping, spanking, bondage). There are angels, djinn and vampires, this is my first story by this author so it may be connected to her other stories.
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh ~*~ Breed enforcer Creed is undercover protecting the daughter of one of the Breed's enemies, she's a potential pawn just waiting to be used - by the Breeds or by their enemies - to force her father's cooperation. But Creed's priorities may well be tested if - as he has come to suspect - she is his mate. ~*~ My sense of this one is that if you follow the Breeds there is a revelation tied to the series arc that you will not want to miss. For me, I've read all of Leigh's stories in anthologies but only a few of her novels, so this didn't end up supplanting my favorite Breed short (I liked the one in Magical Christmas Cat the best), since - and I can't believe I am saying this - there was too much story and not enough of the romance even though there is still plenty of hot clenching, drenching, and throbbing for those who like Leigh's more explicit love scenes.
Primal instincts fuel many of the love connections in this collection which pulls together four stories that vary greatly in sensuality, as well as showcasing a pretty diverse group of authors. Most of the stories are related to the authors' series - Rowen's and Gray's standalone pretty well - Leigh's requires at least some familiarity with her Breeds, and Strong is a new to me author, so I am not sure about whether or not it fits in with her other books.
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen ~*~ A woman now carries a deadly drug in her blood. The drug turns vampires to ash with just a taste, but it is also slowly killing her, so she and her dhampyr ally are hoping to find a cure. ~*~ This first story is a short connected to Rowen's new Nightshade series - it was the mildest of the romances and an interesting tease to Rowen's new series - in which she has supposedly left her trademark humor behind - it does fall in time after the first book, so I suspect it may be mildly spoilerish if you plan on reading Nightshade.
Skin & Bone by Ava Gray ~*~ When an earthquake hits in Ecuador, a man with much to atone for saves a woman caught under the rubble and finally finds someone who doesn't fear him, a woman who sees him as a hero instead of the monster he considers himself to be. ~*~ Connected to Gray's 'Skin' series, this was my favorite of the stories, I really liked both of the leads: the huge scary man who can be so gentle, and the free spirited woman who finally finds a connection she's willing to keep.
Angel Claimed by Jory Strong ~*~ An immortal seeks to reclaim the woman he lost centuries ago, despite his dreams of how their reunion will play out, he will not simply force her to submit to his claim but will first help her to keep a vow to the vampire family she is bound to. ~*~ I liked this one the least of the stories, the world building is interesting but confusing and I am not really into the dominance stuff (whipping, spanking, bondage). There are angels, djinn and vampires, this is my first story by this author so it may be connected to her other stories.
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh ~*~ Breed enforcer Creed is undercover protecting the daughter of one of the Breed's enemies, she's a potential pawn just waiting to be used - by the Breeds or by their enemies - to force her father's cooperation. But Creed's priorities may well be tested if - as he has come to suspect - she is his mate. ~*~ My sense of this one is that if you follow the Breeds there is a revelation tied to the series arc that you will not want to miss. For me, I've read all of Leigh's stories in anthologies but only a few of her novels, so this didn't end up supplanting my favorite Breed short (I liked the one in Magical Christmas Cat the best), since - and I can't believe I am saying this - there was too much story and not enough of the romance even though there is still plenty of hot clenching, drenching, and throbbing for those who like Leigh's more explicit love scenes.
February 9, 2011
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen
Please note: Bleeding Heart contains spoilers related to the first book in the series, Nightshade.
Bleeding Heart picks up a few days after Nightshade ends. Declan’s friend tells them of a Dr. Reynolds who has stated he could help get the poisonous Nightshade serum out of Jill’s veins. Jill was injected with Nightshade, a deadly poison to vampires. It gives her spells of being nauseous and the black, ink-like substance that runs through her veins has turned her hair and eyes dark. Fearing it might one day kill her, Declan and Jill are desperate to find a cure. Meeting with Dr. Reynolds however will bring its own string of problems.
I really loved Nightshade, so I was very eager to read this short story. It doesn’t necessarily further this story arc, but I don’t really expect an anthology to do so. I actually would be angry if something big happens in an anthology because I don’t always pick them up. This story gives us a few tense moments, which Jill and Declan have learned is pretty much their life now. We also get a glimpse of Declan, struggling with his emotions, or I should say lack thereof. Being given a permanent serum at the end of Nightshade, he lacks feeling. He is extremely protective over Jill, he just can’t return her love. And in this short story we see how patient and willing Jill is to wait for her beloved Declan’s heart to find her own.
Rating: B
Skin & Bone by Ava Gray
The Skin series by Ava Gray is one of the more unique paranormal series out there, and Skin & Bone is a very strong addition. It is my favorite out of this anthology. Silas (who we first meet in Skin Tight) has escaped the Foundation prison, where he was kept for five years. He has a “special” talent just like everyone else who was kept and experimented on and now he is on the run. Knowing the Foundation won’t give up, he doesn’t stay in one place long. While in Ecuador, an earthquake devastates the city he is in, and he finds Juneau, injured in rubble. Freeing her, they become a team helping others and organizing supplies until the Red Cross can appear. Both are use to being alone, but they have found an ally in the other, and decide to take a chance on their future.
Ava Gray does a great job giving us a believable love story with a hero and heroine that has no past history in a story less than 100 pages. Silas has a violent past, but after the earthquake, he finds himself helping people, playing the hero, a role he is not used to. It stuns him to be on the “good” side and he likes it. Juneau doesn’t look upon him with fear or uncertainty as so many do. She is alone in life just like him – they are both survivors in a sense, and they bond over that. Juneau is bold and I love that about her. She soon finds out Silas’s secret, and together must survive.
Ava Gray also gives us a very, very hot sex scene is this book. That added with some great action and two characters that jump right off the page, I have no complaints.
Rating: A-
Angel-Claimed by Jory Strong
Let me just start by saying I have never read Jory Strong and I was very confused by this story. The scion Corinne has gone missing, and it is up to Sajia, a servant to the vampires to find her. Sajia lives in a world ruled by ruthless vampires. Addai is a Djinn, and after thousands of years, his mate has been reborn. She will have no memories of him however. When Addai finds the girl (Sajia), although she thinks she is human, she is really a Djinn trapped in a human form. He must convince her she is destined for him.
Like I said, this story confused me. If you have read previous Jory Strong books, then this one might flow quite well for you. Besides a lot of characters and events happening that made me scratch my head, I didn’t love the romance scenes between the hero and heroine. The hero just didn’t appeal to me at all.
Rating: D
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh
Kita Engalls, is an heir to a pharmaceutical empire, and has her own bodyguard in Creed Raines. Her father is not on good terms with the Breeds and fears Kita will be used against him with by the Breeds. Although he promised her he wouldn’t move against them, his behavior is pointing the other way.
Creed Raines is working undercover as Engall’s security specialist. He is slowing replacing Engall’s men with his men. He knows her father is an expert at betrayal, and is patiently waiting for that to happen.
This is the first Breeds book I have read. Yes, I know I have totally failed in the Lora Leigh department. I really liked this one – although the Breeds world seems immense and there are something like 23 books before this one, it is a pretty straight forward romantic story. Maybe romantic is a bit mushy, because holy wow the sex scenes are pretty intense in this one. Have I really been missing these sex scenes all my life? This definitely needs to be resolved!
Rating: B
Overall, this is a pretty solid anthology. I think everyone will enjoy the stories by Ava Gray and Lora Leigh. If you haven’t read Nightshade, you will want to do so first before reading Michelle Rowen’s addition. The Jory Strong story did nothing for me, but again, I have not read her Ghostland series (I am assuming this novella belongs to that series).
Overall Rating: B
Please note: Bleeding Heart contains spoilers related to the first book in the series, Nightshade.
Bleeding Heart picks up a few days after Nightshade ends. Declan’s friend tells them of a Dr. Reynolds who has stated he could help get the poisonous Nightshade serum out of Jill’s veins. Jill was injected with Nightshade, a deadly poison to vampires. It gives her spells of being nauseous and the black, ink-like substance that runs through her veins has turned her hair and eyes dark. Fearing it might one day kill her, Declan and Jill are desperate to find a cure. Meeting with Dr. Reynolds however will bring its own string of problems.
I really loved Nightshade, so I was very eager to read this short story. It doesn’t necessarily further this story arc, but I don’t really expect an anthology to do so. I actually would be angry if something big happens in an anthology because I don’t always pick them up. This story gives us a few tense moments, which Jill and Declan have learned is pretty much their life now. We also get a glimpse of Declan, struggling with his emotions, or I should say lack thereof. Being given a permanent serum at the end of Nightshade, he lacks feeling. He is extremely protective over Jill, he just can’t return her love. And in this short story we see how patient and willing Jill is to wait for her beloved Declan’s heart to find her own.
Rating: B
Skin & Bone by Ava Gray
The Skin series by Ava Gray is one of the more unique paranormal series out there, and Skin & Bone is a very strong addition. It is my favorite out of this anthology. Silas (who we first meet in Skin Tight) has escaped the Foundation prison, where he was kept for five years. He has a “special” talent just like everyone else who was kept and experimented on and now he is on the run. Knowing the Foundation won’t give up, he doesn’t stay in one place long. While in Ecuador, an earthquake devastates the city he is in, and he finds Juneau, injured in rubble. Freeing her, they become a team helping others and organizing supplies until the Red Cross can appear. Both are use to being alone, but they have found an ally in the other, and decide to take a chance on their future.
Ava Gray does a great job giving us a believable love story with a hero and heroine that has no past history in a story less than 100 pages. Silas has a violent past, but after the earthquake, he finds himself helping people, playing the hero, a role he is not used to. It stuns him to be on the “good” side and he likes it. Juneau doesn’t look upon him with fear or uncertainty as so many do. She is alone in life just like him – they are both survivors in a sense, and they bond over that. Juneau is bold and I love that about her. She soon finds out Silas’s secret, and together must survive.
Ava Gray also gives us a very, very hot sex scene is this book. That added with some great action and two characters that jump right off the page, I have no complaints.
Rating: A-
Angel-Claimed by Jory Strong
Let me just start by saying I have never read Jory Strong and I was very confused by this story. The scion Corinne has gone missing, and it is up to Sajia, a servant to the vampires to find her. Sajia lives in a world ruled by ruthless vampires. Addai is a Djinn, and after thousands of years, his mate has been reborn. She will have no memories of him however. When Addai finds the girl (Sajia), although she thinks she is human, she is really a Djinn trapped in a human form. He must convince her she is destined for him.
Like I said, this story confused me. If you have read previous Jory Strong books, then this one might flow quite well for you. Besides a lot of characters and events happening that made me scratch my head, I didn’t love the romance scenes between the hero and heroine. The hero just didn’t appeal to me at all.
Rating: D
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh
Kita Engalls, is an heir to a pharmaceutical empire, and has her own bodyguard in Creed Raines. Her father is not on good terms with the Breeds and fears Kita will be used against him with by the Breeds. Although he promised her he wouldn’t move against them, his behavior is pointing the other way.
Creed Raines is working undercover as Engall’s security specialist. He is slowing replacing Engall’s men with his men. He knows her father is an expert at betrayal, and is patiently waiting for that to happen.
This is the first Breeds book I have read. Yes, I know I have totally failed in the Lora Leigh department. I really liked this one – although the Breeds world seems immense and there are something like 23 books before this one, it is a pretty straight forward romantic story. Maybe romantic is a bit mushy, because holy wow the sex scenes are pretty intense in this one. Have I really been missing these sex scenes all my life? This definitely needs to be resolved!
Rating: B
Overall, this is a pretty solid anthology. I think everyone will enjoy the stories by Ava Gray and Lora Leigh. If you haven’t read Nightshade, you will want to do so first before reading Michelle Rowen’s addition. The Jory Strong story did nothing for me, but again, I have not read her Ghostland series (I am assuming this novella belongs to that series).
Overall Rating: B
June 20, 2011
Primal is a collection of novellas from 4 paranormal romance authors, each taking place in the middle of an already published series. This means that the book is a horrible place to begin for any reader interested in the authors.
As a rule, I dislike anthologies. As many readers have pointed out, some anthologies can feel like a rip off, including essentil stories only available in the collection. Completist readers find this frustrating. Yet this collection, since it only includes 4 popular authors and the novellas are not necessary to enjoy the full length novels, I can happily say that I think this is a book worth buying, if the reader is interested and familiar with at least two of the authors. I have so far only read 2 of the novellas but based on those, I hope to look up the other two authors and give them a try as well. See, the whole purpose of this anthology worked on me!
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh was exactly like all of her other novels and novellas belonging in the Breed series. So, there were no surprises. I have the impression that Leigh simply cut a few chapters, mostly the getting-to-know-you chapters, as this novella is not lacking in steamy scenes.
Skin and Bone by Ava Gray is the real reason I bought this. I enjoy her Skin series and was hugely interested in a story about Silas. This novella takes place after book 3, but can be read after book 2, just not before. Obviously, since he wasn't introduced until book 2. But I liked the characters and the setting. I really wish this had been written and published as a full length novel. But Gray included some very interesting tidbits here and there. I hope Mockingbird plays a larger role in future books. With book 4 being published soon, the wait will not be long.
As a rule, I dislike anthologies. As many readers have pointed out, some anthologies can feel like a rip off, including essentil stories only available in the collection. Completist readers find this frustrating. Yet this collection, since it only includes 4 popular authors and the novellas are not necessary to enjoy the full length novels, I can happily say that I think this is a book worth buying, if the reader is interested and familiar with at least two of the authors. I have so far only read 2 of the novellas but based on those, I hope to look up the other two authors and give them a try as well. See, the whole purpose of this anthology worked on me!
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh was exactly like all of her other novels and novellas belonging in the Breed series. So, there were no surprises. I have the impression that Leigh simply cut a few chapters, mostly the getting-to-know-you chapters, as this novella is not lacking in steamy scenes.
Skin and Bone by Ava Gray is the real reason I bought this. I enjoy her Skin series and was hugely interested in a story about Silas. This novella takes place after book 3, but can be read after book 2, just not before. Obviously, since he wasn't introduced until book 2. But I liked the characters and the setting. I really wish this had been written and published as a full length novel. But Gray included some very interesting tidbits here and there. I hope Mockingbird plays a larger role in future books. With book 4 being published soon, the wait will not be long.
February 7, 2017
** Please not that this review/rating is for Lora Leigh's "Primal Kiss" only.
Primal Kiss - Rated: 3.5 Stars
This one takes place at Sanctuary.
We have Kita a human and air to a pharmaceutical company that use to help the Council that hurt Breeds. Then we have Creed a wolf Breed who does covert undercover work. He’s been hired by Mr. Engall’s, Kita’s father, to protect his daughter.
Everyone wants Kita: the Breeds, the Council, and the Human groups all because they think they can get her father to give them information on the Breeds that has been hidden away. This story gives you information pertaining to the Phylip Brandenmore storyline. There's much more going on then Kita or Creed know about.
It was a hot and sexy novella. Very quick and good to have a storyline wrapped up.
February 6, 2011
had to read Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh first. It was fab as she is always! Bleeding Heart, by Michelle Rowen is the continuation of another novel Nightshade, and while I read it as stand alone it is obvious it is part of a series and doesn't really work for me.The second story by Ava Gray was also part of a series, but was easy to pick up the story line on and made me want to read more of the series(the point of anthologies I guess) The third story I could barely get thru,(my daughter skipped it after a few pages) It was VERY hard to follow, I spent most of it going Huh?
January 31, 2011
Ok... I only read the Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh and all I have to say is that with all the little rumors flying around.. I was anxcious to see how this was going to be... and all I can say is WOW. WOW. WOW. Not only was the sex sexy..lol.. but what you find out about someone that for like 22 friggin books you thought was totally the evil nasty SOB you thought they were.. comes to find out not so much... CRAZY!!!!
February 9, 2011
Only read the Breeds anthology for now. For me, it was just ok. I did like it better than some of the past Breed anthologies..some of the older ones i really didn't care for...although the series as a whole i LOVE! This particular story was centered around Creed, a lion breed enforcer. I think that i maybe didn't feel a very strong connection w/ this story because i didn't really know a whole lot about Creed..i remember him being mentioned in some of the past books, but i don't feel that i knew him enough to feel fully invested in his HEA. With any antho. it's sometimes hard to feel a connection to the story when it is so short and rushed, which is what may have been the problem...not enough time to fully get to know the characters.
June 7, 2011
This novella was actually very good, even in size. I only wish Leigh would get a better editor or beta. There were so many repetitive parts, that someone like me who doesn't notice those things, got annoyed by it.
April 1, 2016
This is an anthology of four short paranormal romance stories by Lora Leigh, Jory Strong, Michelle Rowan, and Ava Gray.
Series:
"Primal Kiss" (Breeds, 23)
"Bleeding Heart" (Nightshade, 1.5)
"Skin & Bone" (Skin, 2.5)
"Angel-Claimed" (Ghostland World)
The Stories
Lora Leigh's "Primal Kiss" is part of her Breeds paranormal romance series. They're not shapeshifters, but men and women who were genetically created in a lab using the DNA of felines, wolves, coyotes, and marine life. They've broken out of those torturous, inhuman labs, and they are finally finding life although the Breeds must still fight for their freedom from those who don't believe they should exist…or, at least, not as humans with human rights.
The Breeds are still desperately searching for a cure for a months-old infant injected by Brandenmore as part of an experiment. In this particular story, Jonas has Creed Raines (Lion Breed) working as undercover security for Horace Engalls, brother-in-law and partner of Philip Brandenmore in researching drugs to restrain Breeds. Raines has escaped detection for over a year. A year in which he's had plenty of opportunities to attract Kita Engalls, the daughter.
"Primal Kiss" advances the primary storyline and, yes, the sex is good, but the story itself doesn't have much tension to it.
The primary characters in Michelle Rowen's "Bleeding Heart" are a dhampyr (half-human, half-vampire), Declan, who hunts rogue vampires for an organization and his charge, Jill. While held as a hostage, Jill was injected with Nightshade, a poison which, when mixed with human blood, will cause any vampire who bites her to go up in flames (see Nightshade, the first in the Nightshade series). That's the positive side. The negative side is that it's killing Jill, and she and Declan are desperate to find a cure. In Bleeding Heart, they believe they've found that cure until everything goes tits up.
I like the storyline but I could wish the writing were better.
Jory Strong's "Skin & Bone" makes me think of Lora Leigh's Breeds series. There are some humans who have paranormal abilities, and there are labs scattered throughout the world dedicated to capturing and experimenting on them…sound familiar? In this episode, Silas is caught in an earthquake in Ecuador where he's fled after he escaped one of those labs. Rescuing a young woman, Juneau, sets Silas off on a heroic stint in which he spends days in little Puerto Lopez helping Juneau care for other quake victims before he gets worried about detection. Juneau seems to have the same need to hit the road, and they take off together. Unused to a woman accepting him, Silas and Juneau have an uneasy trek which is made worse when Silas has to use his power to gather supplies. Juneau becomes very accepting until that detection becomes reality. Thank god for the counter-organization which is looking to recruit those gifted individuals!
In the five years he spent in the lab, Silas managed to fool the scientists into believing that he was stupid and had no powers. I have a problem with just how gullible the scientists were, if they actually believed that a professor of theoretical physics was stupid.
That's my only quibble. For the rest, their abilities seem fascinating, and I'd like to know more about Mockingbird, Tanager, Finch, and the rest. Juneau's family is warmly accepting, and I'm curious as to how their existence fits into the story.
Ava Gray's "Angel-Claimed" is a different fantasy. The humans lost the Last War, and now the vampires are at the top of the hierarchy. Having taken over a number of cities, humans must bond themselves as blood-slaves or companions to the human child(ren) of a vampire. Think Mob family loyalties. In this story, the San Francisco-based Sajia is companion to Corrine Tucci who turns up missing. Major problem for Sajia as she could lose her life…brutally…as well as see harm come to her family. Frantic, Sajia starts her search in a magic shop in Oakland where she encounters a hunk who sets her body afire with desire. The hunk, Addai, is an angel, one of the powers on Earth, and he knows what Sajia does not. That she is the reincarnation of his long-lost love and he will allow nothing to stand in the way of his claiming her.
Although he seems a bit of a pushover as Sajia gets him to give way in everything major: he wants to take her to his lair in the Sierras while she refuses to ignore her sworn oath to the Tucci family, and then she insists on starting the search of the Bay that afternoon when he would prefer to wait 'til morning. Of course, Addai does make use of her resistance to push memories and sexual images of her submitting to his bondage, so I suspect he doesn't mind the major and minor rebellions too much.
It's actually an interesting little story in which Gray has managed to cram a ton of information about this world. I'm curious to find more.
March 19, 2017
Ummmm giro "inesperado" fue interesante esa parte que serian las últimas 20 pag del libro
March 7, 2011
Primal Kiss (Breeds series) - by Lora Leigh. I will never stop reading this series. I'm committed. But I have to admit that I don't enjoy them as much as before. And that really bothers me. Because I'm a huge fan and always will be. Probably the first 10 books or so were the most powerful for me. They seem a bit predictable to me now. I admire LL's ability to describe things and her attention to so much technical detail also speaks very well of her writing talent. But the plot lines have been a bit rushed for me in the last few books. Sometimes the H/H are so combative and always at odds, its difficult when they finally do get together. I'm already so frustrated with them. HOWEVER, I love this series nonetheless. I'm a breed-a-holic!
This story was short and sweet. Kita and Creed figured things out pretty quickly and I loved her receptiveness towards him. It was a welcome change. He was yummy and totally tough-guy alpha male! She was strong but feminine. Its an interesting twist to find out her father's "role" with the breed community is...
Looking forward to the next full length story coming soon!
This story was short and sweet. Kita and Creed figured things out pretty quickly and I loved her receptiveness towards him. It was a welcome change. He was yummy and totally tough-guy alpha male! She was strong but feminine. Its an interesting twist to find out her father's "role" with the breed community is...
Looking forward to the next full length story coming soon!
March 13, 2011
BLEEDING HEART
RATING:**
SENSUALITY:**
PLOT:**
This one was just okay for me. Although I was intrigued enough to purchase the 1st book based on these characters.
SKIN & BONE
RATING:***
SENSUALITY:**/HALF
PLOT:***
I really liked the characters in this one. The pacing for the setting and what makes these two tick were done superbly. I will definitely be checking out "Skin Heat"
ANGEL CLAIMED
RATING:**/HALF
SENSUALITY: **
PLOT:*
This was my least favorite out of the four. This one just was not all that interesting to me.
PRIMAL KISS
RATING:****
SENSUALITY:****/HALF
PLOT:****
You already know that Ms. Leigh delivered once again with this brief installment to the "Breed" series. Hot, engaging, emotional, but most importantly believable. I loved Creed he was HAWT!
Overall the entire book was a pretty good read. I would recommend it.
RATING:**
SENSUALITY:**
PLOT:**
This one was just okay for me. Although I was intrigued enough to purchase the 1st book based on these characters.
SKIN & BONE
RATING:***
SENSUALITY:**/HALF
PLOT:***
I really liked the characters in this one. The pacing for the setting and what makes these two tick were done superbly. I will definitely be checking out "Skin Heat"
ANGEL CLAIMED
RATING:**/HALF
SENSUALITY: **
PLOT:*
This was my least favorite out of the four. This one just was not all that interesting to me.
PRIMAL KISS
RATING:****
SENSUALITY:****/HALF
PLOT:****
You already know that Ms. Leigh delivered once again with this brief installment to the "Breed" series. Hot, engaging, emotional, but most importantly believable. I loved Creed he was HAWT!
Overall the entire book was a pretty good read. I would recommend it.
February 12, 2011
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen: 4/5 Even though it is part of a series I got enough of the back story to enjoy it very much.
Skin and Bones by Ava Gray: 3.75/5 Another one that is part of a series but is very much stand alone too. You don't get confused about who is what and why. I just couldn't get into the characters very much. The story though was really good.
Angel-Claimed by Jory Strong: 2.25/5 I'm not sure if this was part of a series or not but I found myself skimming and skipping a lot to get to the end.
Breed 23 - Primal Kiss by Lora leigh: 4/5 I think this is one of the good breed stories after the last few that weren't so good. I hope she continues on the same path.
Total = 3.5/5
Skin and Bones by Ava Gray: 3.75/5 Another one that is part of a series but is very much stand alone too. You don't get confused about who is what and why. I just couldn't get into the characters very much. The story though was really good.
Angel-Claimed by Jory Strong: 2.25/5 I'm not sure if this was part of a series or not but I found myself skimming and skipping a lot to get to the end.
Breed 23 - Primal Kiss by Lora leigh: 4/5 I think this is one of the good breed stories after the last few that weren't so good. I hope she continues on the same path.
Total = 3.5/5
February 4, 2011
I loved the leigh book. Who doesn't love her stories. Not a fan of first person so didn't read the Rowen. Gray's story was not bad. This was the second story of her's I've read. It wasn't that I didn't like it, I just did love it. The Strong story you can tell was from a series. When I started it I thought...I've missed something. Instead of using this story to get non-readers to read her series, she left you feeling lost.
February 16, 2011
Okay, truth be told, I purchased this anthology for Lora Leigh's contribution and I must say I wasn't disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed Creed and Kita's story. It had my heart racing and my pulsing speeding. HAWT just doesn't cover it. Fabulous read!
I highly recommend it.
I highly recommend it.
February 22, 2011
Only read Primal Kiss by LL - 3.5 stars, she still isn't quite back on her game yet but it wasn't a bad story (just could have been better)
July 11, 2017
I bought this book specifically for the Lora Leigh's story. It was okay. Creed as a shifter gets his girl who is the daughter of an enemy, or is she? A couple of Ms. Leigh's patented subterfuge and another mating is set!
The first story, Nightshade one was weird for me. It was easy to follow along since I've read many vampire theme books in the past couple of decades. It was a good story, I just didn't get into it. Probably because it references characters I did not know much about and did not really care about. Still, it was well written.
The Ava Gray story is part of the "Skin" series that I tried. I honestly do not remember the series much to my chagrin. I liked this one though. It reminds me of why I wanted to read that series. Psychic powers to be used for good or evil? Government labs churning out super soldiers without emotion. I love these kind of stories. Add in a wanderlust female who is at the wrong place at the wrong time, it gets interesting.
Jory Strong's story is intriguing. It does make me want to look into the series and see what is going on. Fallen angels, dijins, vampires in a post apocalyptic world catches my attention. Of course, the kinky sex with a dominant male just makes it that much more alluring. Yum.
Overall, a nice quartet of stories for a light reading. Just enough of a taste to whet a reader's appetite.
The first story, Nightshade one was weird for me. It was easy to follow along since I've read many vampire theme books in the past couple of decades. It was a good story, I just didn't get into it. Probably because it references characters I did not know much about and did not really care about. Still, it was well written.
The Ava Gray story is part of the "Skin" series that I tried. I honestly do not remember the series much to my chagrin. I liked this one though. It reminds me of why I wanted to read that series. Psychic powers to be used for good or evil? Government labs churning out super soldiers without emotion. I love these kind of stories. Add in a wanderlust female who is at the wrong place at the wrong time, it gets interesting.
Jory Strong's story is intriguing. It does make me want to look into the series and see what is going on. Fallen angels, dijins, vampires in a post apocalyptic world catches my attention. Of course, the kinky sex with a dominant male just makes it that much more alluring. Yum.
Overall, a nice quartet of stories for a light reading. Just enough of a taste to whet a reader's appetite.
April 12, 2011
Primal by Lora Leigh, Michelle Rowen, Jory Strong & Ava Gray
*This book is part of my private library, not a review copy*
I picked up Primal because it contained a new breed story by Lora Leigh. I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed the other three stories in this book, especially after reading Running with the Pack.
Primal Kiss picks up right where Styx’s Storm left off. Some of my favorite breeds make an appearance giving you glimpses on what is going on in the breed world. We learn a little more about Brandenmore’s past, his relationship with his brother-in-law and what drove him to do the things he did.
The mating heat continues to evolve with each book and affects each mated pair differently, this one is no exception. I love Creed, he is the typical alpha male but he totally changes when he’s around Kita. He is still very protective of her though. She has been raised to believe the Breeds are bad but underneath it all, she has been questioning what her father and uncle have been doing.
I have to say, if you are a fan of Lora Leigh's Breeds, Primal Kiss is a must read for the series. There are some things that come out that I totally wasn't expecting and you will need to know before you read Navarro's Promise.
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen is a short story set in the world of Nightshade her new Urban Fantasy series. The story is best read after Nightshade but can be read as a standalone. The author provides you with enough history that you are not lost while reading this short story.
Jill has become a killing machine when it comes to vampires. Her blood contains Nightshade, a chemical that has bonded with her blood and will eventually kill her. Her blood is a magnet for vampires but once they ingest her blood, they blow up. She is a very powerful weapon in the war against the vampires.
Declan is a dhampyr and kills rogue vampires. He has to take a serum that controls his vampire urges, the downside is that is also keeps him from feeling any emotions. He is there to protect Jill and try and help her find a cure against the nightshade. They are tricked by a Dr. that was supposed to help and they realize that they can only rely on one another.
Skin & Bone by Ava Gray was my favorite new find in this book. I really enjoyed this short story and will definitely be looking for other books in this series.
The main characters in this short story are interesting and help draw you in right from the beginning. Silas, is a man who has to conceal his supernatural abilities in order to stay off the radar of the Foundation, a group of very bad people. Juneau is a free-spirited woman who has traveled all over the world helping others because she doesn’t like to be tied down in one place too long.
As we travel along with them we learn about the rebel faction that wants Silas to join them and help get rid of the Foundation. There are others out there like Silas, each with their own unique ability. Each time one of them uses their ability, the Foundation go after them. Silas doesn’t want anyone to have to go through the living hell he did before he escaped from them.
Juneau is concerned that her attraction to Silas is due to the stress they were under so returns home once they are rescued from Ecuador. Silas makes her promise to contact him if she decides what they had was real. He hated letting her go, he has never had anyone that truly knows him before.
Angel-Claimed by Jory Strong was my least favorite story in the book, it was good and I enjoyed it though. The main characters are soul mates and were married at one time before Sajia was killed many years ago. Addai has been waiting for her to be reborn all these years.
When he gets word she is alive, he can’t wait to whisk her away to their home and never let her out of his sight. Sajia has other plans though, she is a vampire bajaran and her family’s safety is tied to her servitude to the master vampire of the Tucci family. She agrees to his terms if he will help her find Corrine and ensure her family’s safety.
Sajia doesn’t know that she is not human until she is released from the spell that is binding her to the human body. She is a djinn and Addai’s reward for the things he has done for her family. She is afraid that she has changed too much and he will not love her but Addai is finding that he likes the changes in her. It will make for a long interesting life together.
Overall I enjoyed all four of the short stories in Primal and I give it 4 flaming hearts.
*This book is part of my private library, not a review copy*
I picked up Primal because it contained a new breed story by Lora Leigh. I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed the other three stories in this book, especially after reading Running with the Pack.
Primal Kiss picks up right where Styx’s Storm left off. Some of my favorite breeds make an appearance giving you glimpses on what is going on in the breed world. We learn a little more about Brandenmore’s past, his relationship with his brother-in-law and what drove him to do the things he did.
The mating heat continues to evolve with each book and affects each mated pair differently, this one is no exception. I love Creed, he is the typical alpha male but he totally changes when he’s around Kita. He is still very protective of her though. She has been raised to believe the Breeds are bad but underneath it all, she has been questioning what her father and uncle have been doing.
I have to say, if you are a fan of Lora Leigh's Breeds, Primal Kiss is a must read for the series. There are some things that come out that I totally wasn't expecting and you will need to know before you read Navarro's Promise.
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen is a short story set in the world of Nightshade her new Urban Fantasy series. The story is best read after Nightshade but can be read as a standalone. The author provides you with enough history that you are not lost while reading this short story.
Jill has become a killing machine when it comes to vampires. Her blood contains Nightshade, a chemical that has bonded with her blood and will eventually kill her. Her blood is a magnet for vampires but once they ingest her blood, they blow up. She is a very powerful weapon in the war against the vampires.
Declan is a dhampyr and kills rogue vampires. He has to take a serum that controls his vampire urges, the downside is that is also keeps him from feeling any emotions. He is there to protect Jill and try and help her find a cure against the nightshade. They are tricked by a Dr. that was supposed to help and they realize that they can only rely on one another.
Skin & Bone by Ava Gray was my favorite new find in this book. I really enjoyed this short story and will definitely be looking for other books in this series.
The main characters in this short story are interesting and help draw you in right from the beginning. Silas, is a man who has to conceal his supernatural abilities in order to stay off the radar of the Foundation, a group of very bad people. Juneau is a free-spirited woman who has traveled all over the world helping others because she doesn’t like to be tied down in one place too long.
As we travel along with them we learn about the rebel faction that wants Silas to join them and help get rid of the Foundation. There are others out there like Silas, each with their own unique ability. Each time one of them uses their ability, the Foundation go after them. Silas doesn’t want anyone to have to go through the living hell he did before he escaped from them.
Juneau is concerned that her attraction to Silas is due to the stress they were under so returns home once they are rescued from Ecuador. Silas makes her promise to contact him if she decides what they had was real. He hated letting her go, he has never had anyone that truly knows him before.
Angel-Claimed by Jory Strong was my least favorite story in the book, it was good and I enjoyed it though. The main characters are soul mates and were married at one time before Sajia was killed many years ago. Addai has been waiting for her to be reborn all these years.
When he gets word she is alive, he can’t wait to whisk her away to their home and never let her out of his sight. Sajia has other plans though, she is a vampire bajaran and her family’s safety is tied to her servitude to the master vampire of the Tucci family. She agrees to his terms if he will help her find Corrine and ensure her family’s safety.
Sajia doesn’t know that she is not human until she is released from the spell that is binding her to the human body. She is a djinn and Addai’s reward for the things he has done for her family. She is afraid that she has changed too much and he will not love her but Addai is finding that he likes the changes in her. It will make for a long interesting life together.
Overall I enjoyed all four of the short stories in Primal and I give it 4 flaming hearts.
February 6, 2011
Primal- Anthology
Paranormal Romance – Feb. 1st 2011
4 stars
This anthology is a mix of action pack to ultra sexy stories. It features a short urban fantasy which is part of Michelle Rowen’s new Nightshade series. It also includes a new Breed story by Lora Leigh and has a story that is part of Eva Gray’s Skin. And finally, the anthology also has a novella by Jory Strong featuring vampires and angels. Each author has their own voice which makes this anthology an uneven if good mix.
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen is a fast paced Urban Fantasy that really got me interested in her Nightshade series. The heroine is named Jill. She is on the run, because she was injected with a secret formula. This formula is deadly because it has changed her blood and made vampires crave it. However, her blood is poisonous to them. The other problem is that the formula is unstable and is slowly killing her. Jill is living on borrowed time unless she can find a cure. Thank goodness she has a cool and ruthless guardian named Delcan to protect her.
-This was an exiting read. The hero fascinated me. He is a scarred man who is half vampire. The story is fast and had me wanting more. Plus the heroine was very likeable. Great start. 4 ½ stars
Skin and Bone by Eva Gray introduces us to a man named Silas who was experimented on and gained super powers. He wants to be left alone and wanders the world trying to hide himself and his powers from everyone. Silas is in Ecuador when a disaster occurs and he happens to find and help an American teacher. They form an unlikely bond. She accepts him for who he is, but will he let her?
-This short story is a little strange because it doesn’t have a real paranormal storyline and lacks action. It is more about the relationship that grows between two unlikely main characters. I enjoyed the characters’ growing feelings for each other. I think this novella is more of a companion or addendum to the author’s Skin series. As such, it does not feel like a complete story by itself because of the rather abrupt ending. Plus the author throws in glimpses of new characters that left me hanging. I kept thinking, where is the rest of the story?! Still, strong writing. 4 stars
Jory Strong’s novel Angel-Claimed is set in an apocalyptic world where warring races fight and maintain their territory. Saija is a human who works for a powerful vampire family. When her young charge, Corinne, goes missing, Saija is commanded to find her or else. On her hunt she meets a handsome angel who tries to woo her but she is wary of his motives after living in fear all her life. Can she trust him when he says she is his reincarnated love? Or is it a trap?
-This story is a dark fantasy. Very edgy and atmospheric. It reminded me a bit of Joey Hill’s novels except lighter on the BDSM. 4 stars
In Primal Kiss, Kita Claire Engalls is a poor little rich girl. Unfortunately, her father and uncle have been up to their noses in shady business that involves the Breeds (Men and women who were genetically engineered with animal DNA and experimented on.). To protect her from the savage Breeds, her father has hired tight security around Kita at all times but Kita wants a life, even if it means giving up eye-candy like tough guy Creed Raines. But what Kita doesn’t know is that Creed is a Breed who has infiltrated her father’s house to spy on them. Nor does she realize that her attraction is reciprocated. But can these two enemies have a chance at love?
-Because this is a novella, the story and characters are not as developed as the author’s full length books so the relationship between them seemed a bit forced and rushed. But readers who love the series will enjoy this short story. 4 stars
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Paranormal Romance – Feb. 1st 2011
4 stars
This anthology is a mix of action pack to ultra sexy stories. It features a short urban fantasy which is part of Michelle Rowen’s new Nightshade series. It also includes a new Breed story by Lora Leigh and has a story that is part of Eva Gray’s Skin. And finally, the anthology also has a novella by Jory Strong featuring vampires and angels. Each author has their own voice which makes this anthology an uneven if good mix.
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen is a fast paced Urban Fantasy that really got me interested in her Nightshade series. The heroine is named Jill. She is on the run, because she was injected with a secret formula. This formula is deadly because it has changed her blood and made vampires crave it. However, her blood is poisonous to them. The other problem is that the formula is unstable and is slowly killing her. Jill is living on borrowed time unless she can find a cure. Thank goodness she has a cool and ruthless guardian named Delcan to protect her.
-This was an exiting read. The hero fascinated me. He is a scarred man who is half vampire. The story is fast and had me wanting more. Plus the heroine was very likeable. Great start. 4 ½ stars
Skin and Bone by Eva Gray introduces us to a man named Silas who was experimented on and gained super powers. He wants to be left alone and wanders the world trying to hide himself and his powers from everyone. Silas is in Ecuador when a disaster occurs and he happens to find and help an American teacher. They form an unlikely bond. She accepts him for who he is, but will he let her?
-This short story is a little strange because it doesn’t have a real paranormal storyline and lacks action. It is more about the relationship that grows between two unlikely main characters. I enjoyed the characters’ growing feelings for each other. I think this novella is more of a companion or addendum to the author’s Skin series. As such, it does not feel like a complete story by itself because of the rather abrupt ending. Plus the author throws in glimpses of new characters that left me hanging. I kept thinking, where is the rest of the story?! Still, strong writing. 4 stars
Jory Strong’s novel Angel-Claimed is set in an apocalyptic world where warring races fight and maintain their territory. Saija is a human who works for a powerful vampire family. When her young charge, Corinne, goes missing, Saija is commanded to find her or else. On her hunt she meets a handsome angel who tries to woo her but she is wary of his motives after living in fear all her life. Can she trust him when he says she is his reincarnated love? Or is it a trap?
-This story is a dark fantasy. Very edgy and atmospheric. It reminded me a bit of Joey Hill’s novels except lighter on the BDSM. 4 stars
In Primal Kiss, Kita Claire Engalls is a poor little rich girl. Unfortunately, her father and uncle have been up to their noses in shady business that involves the Breeds (Men and women who were genetically engineered with animal DNA and experimented on.). To protect her from the savage Breeds, her father has hired tight security around Kita at all times but Kita wants a life, even if it means giving up eye-candy like tough guy Creed Raines. But what Kita doesn’t know is that Creed is a Breed who has infiltrated her father’s house to spy on them. Nor does she realize that her attraction is reciprocated. But can these two enemies have a chance at love?
-Because this is a novella, the story and characters are not as developed as the author’s full length books so the relationship between them seemed a bit forced and rushed. But readers who love the series will enjoy this short story. 4 stars
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
April 7, 2011
The only novella worth reading was the Lora Leigh story. The first novella, by Michelle Rowan, could not standalone without the previous book, Nightshade. It begins only days after Nightshade leaves off apparently, and since I did not read the previous book, I could not connect to the characters or the story at all.
The Ava Gray novella was a standalone, although part of her Skin series (I think). Although it was easy to follow, it just did not hold my interest at all. I did not end up finishing it because I was bored and did not really care about the characters.
The Jory Strong novella was insanely confusing to me. It takes place in a rather complicated world, and I assume is part of a larger series that explains the world better. I really hope that is the case - otherwise it was just a confusing mess. I spent the whole time reading it more focused on the vampire/djjin/human/scion stuff and what exactly was what and were there angels involved?, instead of focusing on the main couple. I'm sure the book would have been okay had it not been a novella and was allowed to have more space to explain things.
I did like the Lora Leigh novella (4 stars). I was surprised though because it was more connected to the rest of the Breed series than her novella's usually are - normally the Breed novellas do not have any consequences on future full-length books, and also does not have a storyline continuing from her previous full-length book. I feel as though I would have liked it less and been confused had I not read Lion's Heat first.
Primal was an example of exactly what I do not thing anthologies should be. I always feel like readers should be able to pick up an anthology without having read the rest of the books in the various series. The purpose of them should be to entice new readers to the series and get them to start from the beginning. I also have always thought that anthologies/novellas should not have consequences for future books - they should not be something that you need to read in order to understand the next full-length book, but should just be fun additions to series - something to tide readers over until the next full-length but not required. Unfortunately, each of the novella's in this book (except the Ava Gray novella - that was just plain boring), did not follow this.
The Ava Gray novella was a standalone, although part of her Skin series (I think). Although it was easy to follow, it just did not hold my interest at all. I did not end up finishing it because I was bored and did not really care about the characters.
The Jory Strong novella was insanely confusing to me. It takes place in a rather complicated world, and I assume is part of a larger series that explains the world better. I really hope that is the case - otherwise it was just a confusing mess. I spent the whole time reading it more focused on the vampire/djjin/human/scion stuff and what exactly was what and were there angels involved?, instead of focusing on the main couple. I'm sure the book would have been okay had it not been a novella and was allowed to have more space to explain things.
I did like the Lora Leigh novella (4 stars). I was surprised though because it was more connected to the rest of the Breed series than her novella's usually are - normally the Breed novellas do not have any consequences on future full-length books, and also does not have a storyline continuing from her previous full-length book. I feel as though I would have liked it less and been confused had I not read Lion's Heat first.
Primal was an example of exactly what I do not thing anthologies should be. I always feel like readers should be able to pick up an anthology without having read the rest of the books in the various series. The purpose of them should be to entice new readers to the series and get them to start from the beginning. I also have always thought that anthologies/novellas should not have consequences for future books - they should not be something that you need to read in order to understand the next full-length book, but should just be fun additions to series - something to tide readers over until the next full-length but not required. Unfortunately, each of the novella's in this book (except the Ava Gray novella - that was just plain boring), did not follow this.
July 18, 2011
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen
Skin and Bone by Ava Gray
Angel Claimed by Jory Strong
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh
Ok since this is an anthology I will give all my info about each story then give an over all anthology score.
Bleeding Heart:
Sensuality:2 out of 5
Rating: 3 out of 5
I have never read anything by this author. Aparently this took place after this first book in her series. I am not sure if it was a romance, paranormal, or urban fantasy but this story was more an urban fantasy. It focused on the tension between the two and discussed what happened in the first story. I didn't feel that I was shorted by not reading the first part of their story. I could follow it and it actually made me want to go back and check out this book.
Skin and Bone:
Sensuality: 3
Rating: 4
This is set in the series of Skin Game/Skin Tight/Skin Heat and is about the prison guard from Mia and Addison's story. I must say that Silas sounded pretty scary in the book with Mia but in this short story he is presented as more of a gentle giant that regrets about what he did. I must say I was surprised he hid is ability so well while imprisoned. Juneau was a good match for him and while the was a romance I did like the story better than the romance. We are also introduced to Mockingbird which sounds pretty intriguing.
Angel Claimed:
Sensuality: did not finish
rating: 1 did not finish
I have read Jory Strong's stories as ebooks at Ellora's Cave and have liked them. I also have one of her books about the Ghostland that this novella I believe is set in. I just couldn't get past the hokeyness (is that a word) of the way the Angel was portrayed. He was very arrogant and treated the girl from the beginning as a piece of property not as his long awaited reincarnated love. Just ick for me.
Primal Kiss:
Sensuality 5 of 5
Rating: 4 of 5
This is the story I bought the anthology for. It had all of the stuff Lora does great and we learn some new things to keep the overall story arc going. I did feel that this romance was a little rushed but I still liked Creed and Kita. Not my favorite in the series but great. I did have a question about the condom because in a previous book they said no condom would stop the mating heat but Creed uses one with Kita not sure how this played out.
Skin and Bone by Ava Gray
Angel Claimed by Jory Strong
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh
Ok since this is an anthology I will give all my info about each story then give an over all anthology score.
Bleeding Heart:
Sensuality:2 out of 5
Rating: 3 out of 5
I have never read anything by this author. Aparently this took place after this first book in her series. I am not sure if it was a romance, paranormal, or urban fantasy but this story was more an urban fantasy. It focused on the tension between the two and discussed what happened in the first story. I didn't feel that I was shorted by not reading the first part of their story. I could follow it and it actually made me want to go back and check out this book.
Skin and Bone:
Sensuality: 3
Rating: 4
This is set in the series of Skin Game/Skin Tight/Skin Heat and is about the prison guard from Mia and Addison's story. I must say that Silas sounded pretty scary in the book with Mia but in this short story he is presented as more of a gentle giant that regrets about what he did. I must say I was surprised he hid is ability so well while imprisoned. Juneau was a good match for him and while the was a romance I did like the story better than the romance. We are also introduced to Mockingbird which sounds pretty intriguing.
Angel Claimed:
Sensuality: did not finish
rating: 1 did not finish
I have read Jory Strong's stories as ebooks at Ellora's Cave and have liked them. I also have one of her books about the Ghostland that this novella I believe is set in. I just couldn't get past the hokeyness (is that a word) of the way the Angel was portrayed. He was very arrogant and treated the girl from the beginning as a piece of property not as his long awaited reincarnated love. Just ick for me.
Primal Kiss:
Sensuality 5 of 5
Rating: 4 of 5
This is the story I bought the anthology for. It had all of the stuff Lora does great and we learn some new things to keep the overall story arc going. I did feel that this romance was a little rushed but I still liked Creed and Kita. Not my favorite in the series but great. I did have a question about the condom because in a previous book they said no condom would stop the mating heat but Creed uses one with Kita not sure how this played out.
September 4, 2011
This was a book that I would highly recommend. It contains four stories, #1 "Bleeding Heart " by Michelle Rowen, #2 "Skin &Bone " by Ava Gray, #3 "Angel-Claimed" by Jory Strong, and #4""Primal Kiss" by Lora Leigh. I had never read from any of these authors prior to this book, I came out of this book wanting more of most of these novellas. #1"Bleeding Heart" was an excellent story I thoroughly enjoyed, I would rate it a 5 stars. It's #1.5 for the Nightshade series and it made me want to go buy book one of Michelle Rowen's Nightshade. It would be nice to get the beginning story on Declan and Jill as I enjoyed what I read here.#2 "Skin&Bone" was also an excellent story. I don't know if Ava Gray has a series with these characters but I would definitely a buy it. The storyline was strong, the characters were strong,the sex was excellent. I gave this story a five stars. #3"Angel- Claimed" I didn't like this story as well as the other three stories. It did have a good ending for a novella but left me hungering for more. The love in it just seemed one sided,Addai finally did get it that Sajia isn't the same person she was previously and finally made concessions for that and accepted her as she was now. I still think there was a lot of info pressed together about wars, angels and vampires and such, it was confusing and hard to follow, better for a novel, so 4stars on this one.#4"Primal Kiss" was an excellent story!!It's #23 in The Breeds series. The storyline was great and a continuation from the Breeds series. The sex scenes were so steamy and hot! There were twists and turns. I have several Lora Leigh books that I have now drug out. She is a great author! Can't say enough good things about Primal Kiss, wish I could give it more than 5stars!
March 28, 2011
Really enjoyed this book.
#1 Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen 4.5 stars
After reading the Nightshade story immediately purchased the first in this series as I couldn't wait to know what happened. Had a little bit of a Buffy/Bad Angel vibe.
#2 Skin & Bone by Ava Gray 4.5 starts
Enjoye this story also. Good introduction into this world while including an actual story. Male lead with tortured past + special powers; free spirited heroine with her own mind; evil secret organisation bent on doing bad things to good people [Foundation]; underground secret organisation filled with special talent members bent on bringing down Foundation.
#3 Angel Claimed by Jory Strong 3.5 stars
Enjoyed book even though I'm not into post-apocolapse stories - angels/fallen angels/djinn/vamps/humans where vamps/were's no longer secret and different lands/cities are controlled by different species - but the Djinn have a secret plan to change things...
#4 Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh 4 stars
I can not praise the Breeds series more - of the 22 I've read so far all of them I've enjoyed [although there were two that made me cringe a little bit with the cornyness]. Lora Leigh getting a bit unrealistic with the HEA IMHO. Isn't Kita's father supposedly one of the Deadly Dozen - the WTH is Engalls doing with a HEA??? If he was involved with what was described in Bengal's Heart it seems a bit unbeleivable that he's helping Jonas or that the Breeds would be so forgiving??? Still a good book that adds to the series storyline [a little bit].
#1 Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen 4.5 stars
After reading the Nightshade story immediately purchased the first in this series as I couldn't wait to know what happened. Had a little bit of a Buffy/Bad Angel vibe.
#2 Skin & Bone by Ava Gray 4.5 starts
Enjoye this story also. Good introduction into this world while including an actual story. Male lead with tortured past + special powers; free spirited heroine with her own mind; evil secret organisation bent on doing bad things to good people [Foundation]; underground secret organisation filled with special talent members bent on bringing down Foundation.
#3 Angel Claimed by Jory Strong 3.5 stars
Enjoyed book even though I'm not into post-apocolapse stories - angels/fallen angels/djinn/vamps/humans where vamps/were's no longer secret and different lands/cities are controlled by different species - but the Djinn have a secret plan to change things...
#4 Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh 4 stars
I can not praise the Breeds series more - of the 22 I've read so far all of them I've enjoyed [although there were two that made me cringe a little bit with the cornyness]. Lora Leigh getting a bit unrealistic with the HEA IMHO. Isn't Kita's father supposedly one of the Deadly Dozen - the WTH is Engalls doing with a HEA??? If he was involved with what was described in Bengal's Heart it seems a bit unbeleivable that he's helping Jonas or that the Breeds would be so forgiving??? Still a good book that adds to the series storyline [a little bit].
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2011
(Kindle Edition)
I have had this sitting on my Kindle for quite a while, and I am not sure why I haven't read it before now, but I am glad I finally did.
I am only interested in the Lora Leigh Breeds series story 'Primal Kiss', so that's all this review is about. (I didn't read any of the others).
I really don't like it when an author puts part of such a large series into an anthology, forcing the reader to buy content they don't want in addition to the one story they do want. With a few more pages, this could have been a stand alone book - there's no law that says each installment has to be a certain length.
The reason I mention this at all is because this story was about the enforcer Creed (I had been waiting on him!) and also because there are important things that happen in this story involving the evil Phillip Brandenmore. For the many people that decide to skip this book because it's in an anthology, some of the story may be lost.
Anyway, for those who've waited to find that gorgeous Creed finally get mated, this is the story! It's not all that short, either.
I have had this sitting on my Kindle for quite a while, and I am not sure why I haven't read it before now, but I am glad I finally did.
I am only interested in the Lora Leigh Breeds series story 'Primal Kiss', so that's all this review is about. (I didn't read any of the others).
I really don't like it when an author puts part of such a large series into an anthology, forcing the reader to buy content they don't want in addition to the one story they do want. With a few more pages, this could have been a stand alone book - there's no law that says each installment has to be a certain length.
The reason I mention this at all is because this story was about the enforcer Creed (I had been waiting on him!) and also because there are important things that happen in this story involving the evil Phillip Brandenmore. For the many people that decide to skip this book because it's in an anthology, some of the story may be lost.
Anyway, for those who've waited to find that gorgeous Creed finally get mated, this is the story! It's not all that short, either.
September 1, 2014
Anthology. Better than average anthology. I read 3 of the 4 short stories so the story I missed will not affect by rating. 3.67 stars which I will round up to 4.
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowan. This was a really good story. I liked how Declan wanted to feel something for Jill and sometimes little peeks would come through. I'm planning on reading the next book in this series instead of starting at the beginning since I have the gist of the story. ****
Skin and Bones by Ava Gray. Really good short story. Love how two people who feel they are misfits could find each other when surrounded by tragedy. I loved Juneau. Hope she's in the subsequent books. ****
Angel Claimed by Jory Strong. I don't read angel stories.
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh. I haven't read one of her books in awhile and I was hoping for something without a sassy heroine. My hopes were dashed. I think because of this I wasn't very happy with the story. It was good but I just wanted someone who was nice. ***
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowan. This was a really good story. I liked how Declan wanted to feel something for Jill and sometimes little peeks would come through. I'm planning on reading the next book in this series instead of starting at the beginning since I have the gist of the story. ****
Skin and Bones by Ava Gray. Really good short story. Love how two people who feel they are misfits could find each other when surrounded by tragedy. I loved Juneau. Hope she's in the subsequent books. ****
Angel Claimed by Jory Strong. I don't read angel stories.
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh. I haven't read one of her books in awhile and I was hoping for something without a sassy heroine. My hopes were dashed. I think because of this I wasn't very happy with the story. It was good but I just wanted someone who was nice. ***
April 17, 2011
This review is based on the stories from Lora Leigh, Ava Gray, and Jory Strong. I enjoyed them all, they all were based in series that they already write.
Leigh's story was a quick little tale within the Breeds. It was a fast tale of finding a mate and betrayal. I really liked the couple and wish that they would have had a full length book.
Gray's story was with a character I don't remember well, but it didn't matter. I really liked Silas, loved the interaction with Juneau and hope we see more of them.
Strong's story was set in one of my favorite worlds. There were past characters in the story and a lot of fun.
As the name of the book is Primal be warned that this book is filled with lots of steamy sex scenes.
Leigh's story was a quick little tale within the Breeds. It was a fast tale of finding a mate and betrayal. I really liked the couple and wish that they would have had a full length book.
Gray's story was with a character I don't remember well, but it didn't matter. I really liked Silas, loved the interaction with Juneau and hope we see more of them.
Strong's story was set in one of my favorite worlds. There were past characters in the story and a lot of fun.
As the name of the book is Primal be warned that this book is filled with lots of steamy sex scenes.
July 25, 2011
Great collection of short stories by some of my favorite authors. Some, like Lora Leigh and Ava Gray, I wish were full-length stories. This was my first in the Nightshade series by Michelle Rowen. I've loved her Dead End Dating series so now I know I'll love her newer stuff and I should go pick that up ASAP. This was my first story by Jory Strong and without a bit more background to her world, it was a little hard to get in to. But it intrigued me so much that it makes me want to try the first in the series so I can really understand her characters better. One of the great thing about novella collections, reading something by the people you really love and finding something new by people you've never read before. Mission accomplished with this collection!
November 5, 2012
I only read the Primal Kiss (Breeds short story) by Lora Leigh in this book. Primal Kiss is the continuation of the story involving Jonas Wyatt's daughter, Amber Broen. In Lion's Heat, Philip Bradenmore injects the infant with an unknown chemical agent that is changing her DNA chemical makeup. Primal Kiss is also a great love story about Creed( Breed Enforcer) and Kita (Horace Engall's daughter) . This short story is not a stand alone and should be read after reading Lion's Heat in order to understand the challenges the Breeds face in finding a cure for Amber. Though Lion's Heat was a total disappointment to me, LL redeemed herself by bringing some closure to questions that were never answered in Jonas' book.
January 3, 2015
Read for Primal Kiss
Creed and Kita's story was an ok read. I felt that LL needed to close the Phillip Brandenmore arc and tie loose ends but needed to add some romance cause it's a romance series so....viola! Primal Kiss!
It was really smooth sailing with regards to the H/h despite the "betrayal" theme from the blurb. It wasn't that dramatic but I'll give LL this, Engalls and Brandenmore surprised me. It's not all black and white and right or wrong. Ladies and Gentlemen let me introduce the 51st and 52nd shades of gray: Phillip and Horace. The whole "bad guys are good guys that made the wrong choices" shebang.
Enjoyable but not necessarily memorable.
Creed and Kita's story was an ok read. I felt that LL needed to close the Phillip Brandenmore arc and tie loose ends but needed to add some romance cause it's a romance series so....viola! Primal Kiss!
It was really smooth sailing with regards to the H/h despite the "betrayal" theme from the blurb. It wasn't that dramatic but I'll give LL this, Engalls and Brandenmore surprised me. It's not all black and white and right or wrong. Ladies and Gentlemen let me introduce the 51st and 52nd shades of gray: Phillip and Horace. The whole "bad guys are good guys that made the wrong choices" shebang.
Enjoyable but not necessarily memorable.
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