Kiss of Crimson[hardcover 2007] (breed, 2)

This books was amazing! It captivated me from start to finish!

This is the first book I read by Ms. Adrian and I found it to be very refreshing. It is the second book in the series. I will admit to reading a lot of paranormal-witch-werewolf-vampire books so I am familiar with the genre. I have also read J.R. Ward's books so I am also accustomed to a group of honorable and heroic male vampire warriors who are out to get evil-out-of-control vampires. In this context, they also have lifemates, human women who are destined to become their immortal brides and who are also gifted with a unique talent. Tess is a vet and a Breedmate who accidentally gives her blood to Dante, a vamp, while he is injured. There is a very dangerous drug out on the streets called Crimson which creates effects similar to meth or ecstasy in a normal human, but chemically induces Bloodlust and can make a Breed vampire turn Rogue (i.e. insane killer vamp). Turns out Tess' human former-chemist-now-animal-rescuer has unwittingly created this drug which he believes to be rather harmless. The Breed are tracking both Tess' boyfriend and his patron, trying to put an end to this drug which is not only destroying young Breed males, but is also giving the Breed some unwanted publicity.

When Dante stumbled into the Veterinary clinic bleeding and barely conscious, he had no idea that he would be changing the course of his life. It wasn't until after Dante took life saving blood from Tess Culver that he realized that she was a prized Breedmate. Unknowingly, Dante broke a vow to himself never to mate in his lifetime. Having watched his parents die and having visions of his own death, Dante has no desire to inflict the pain of loss on himself or a mate. All it took was one rash act to change the course of his future. Dr. Tess Culver has always been different. Hiding it so deep inside that she rarely thinks about it, Tess is happy helping animals and the owners who love them. When Dante appears in her life, Tess finds herself at a loss to explain the sudden and intense attraction. All she knows is that Dante makes her feel like no one else ever has. Dante would love to do nothing more than claim Tess as his own, but there is a war on the streets of Boston. When the drug Crimson starts circulating between civilian vampires, it turns them into Rogues almost immediately. Against his wishes, Dante is paired up with a civilian named Sterling Chase. Together, Dante and Chase must work together to stop the manufacturing of the deadly drug. When it appears as though Tess is involved with the dealer of Crimson, Dante doesn't know what to think. All he does know is that he will protect his mate at all costs. Lara Adrian is a thrilling new voice in the vampire romance genre. I highly recommend this series and can't wait until the next book is released.

Dante, a Breed vampire, is on the prowl looking for Rogues who have succumbed to blood lust and are dangerous to humans. Earlier in the year, he and his fellow Breeds brought down the lair of a master vampire. Now, however, the war has changed; carelessly using a new street drug, young vampires are swiftly turning into Rogues. It is on one such night that Dante comes face to face with a frothing vampire and has no choice but to eradicate the fledgling immediately. Too late, he realizes that he has been set up. One explosion later he finds himself crawling towards the veterinary clinic of Tess Culver. Tess Culver has her own secrets she must keep hidden. While working late yet again, Tess rushes to the aid of a bloody stranger. As a human, she has no idea that this striking man is actually a Breed warrior. Furiously working on his physical damages, Tess feels an all-encompassing arousal like nothing she has ever experienced before. When she awakens to police swarming her clinic, Tess is dismayed that she fell asleep at her desk. Worse, she can't remember even walking into her office. Dante is shocked to realize that he has unwittingly taken the first to step to bind Tess to him. While she bears the birthmark of a Breedmate, Dante is afraid to grasp what is right in his reach - Tess and a lifetime of happiness. Tess, in turn, is just as scared. The closer they become, the harder it is for them to deny their feelings. When a hidden evil threatens Tess, Dante will stop at nothing to keep her safe, even if it means making her his for all time. Let me just state how very excited I am about this new series! Lara Adrian has created a unique Breed warrior conclave. In KISS OF CRIMSON, I was treated to Dante's story and, having met him in KISS OF MIDNIGHT, I couldn't help but be intrigued by his raw and intense presence, not to mention his body and looks. His description alone is enough to make a nun sweat! Dante's ability to foresee events in his life shaped the man he became. His reluctant feelings for Tess, while at first not desired, quickly became the primary focus of this alpha fighter. His capitulation was magnificent to watch. On the flip side, Tess is just as hesitant to trust and with good reason. Their passion for each other is blazing hot. Combine that with the sexual tension and searing passion, and there were times I thought I was melting. Lucky for me, I have an automatic ice machine that helped me survive! KISS OF CRIMSON is a strong follow-up to the first book of this series, KISS OF MIDNIGHT. I am thrilled to say that I'm completely hooked and clamoring for the third installment. In the meantime I'll content myself with rereads. But please write fast, Ms. Adrian! Your skillful characterization and thrilling storyline has me drumming my fingers waiting for the next book. I can't wait to recommend KISS OF CRIMSON to my friends and fellow book lovers. Please note that KISS OF CRIMSON releases in June 200

If you enjoyed the first book in this series "Kiss of Midnight", then you will love this book as well. The concept behind the story is similiar to the first book (not highly original), but it delivers with it's characters and their chemistry. Dante and Tess make a great match - but I would have loved more development of their relationship...particularly at the end, which did feel a bit rushed. Lots of great action and romance. Summary: After a brutal attack that leaves him close to death, Dante, a Breed warrior, must bite Tess, a vetrinarian, in order to stay alive. Only afterwards, does he realize that she is a Breedmate and he has performed half of a bonding ritual that will tie them together for eternity. As Dante and Tess struggle to come to terms with the electric connection that pulls and ties them together, the Breed Warriors must battle a new threat - a drug, called Crimson, that turns vampires rouge. Fans of JD Ward will enjoy this series. This book can be read on its own, but reading book 1 first will make this all the more enjoyable. Book 3, which is being written, features Tegan (and this book includes a sneak peak at a few pages). Can't wait!

This is the second book in a new series by Lara Adrian and it is incredible. Breed Warrior, Dante is everything a woman could dream of. His character is dangerous and sensual at the same time. Tess is a great match for Dante. She is independent and has her own special gift that you will eventually find out about in the middle of the book, and it was unpredictable. There are many different character in this series and the interaction between them is great. A lot of action with some hot and steamy scenes. I can not wait for the third book to come out....