This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Published by Tantor Audio
Released on June 12, 2018
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
The Delight
As a long-time fan of the Midnight Breed series, I was thrilled to discover there was going to be a spin-off series about some of the most enigmatic, lethal Breed Vampires- the Hunters. Strong, skilled Gen One Warriors who were bred and trained by a mad-man with only one purpose- to kill. I was always curious what happened to all those young guys who were finally free, but with such dark shadows on their pasts. Now, we’re getting each of their stories with the Hunter Legacy series.
Review
Born of Darkness introduces the Hunter, Asher. He’s found his way out into the Mojave Desert near Vegas. A kind old human man took him in and gave him a chance. Asher likes the solitude that Ned’s land and caring for animals gives to him since Asher’s memories from the past do not leave him and his psychic gift is more a curse. By one simple touch, he is forced to relieve a person’s worst life experiences.
Into Asher’s lonely tranquil life storms Naomi Fallon. He saves her life when she gets caught cheating a powerful casino owner and then feels he must continue to protect her once he gets her memories and recognizes that she’s a Breed Female using her gift to steal for revenge against the guy who killed her mother. Naomi is a spitfire, somewhat cocky about danger, and stubborn about going it her own way since she’s been alone through growing up in foster care. She rushes headlong into some tough spots and finds it’s not a bad thing to have a big, bad Breed male at her side.
So, this new spin-off series is off to a good start. I can see where both long-time Midnight Breed fans and newcomers can pick up this book and enjoy it. It is a standalone as promised with just enough connection to the previous series and open to what is to come without anyone getting lost.
From the start, I was into Asher’s brooding, cranky, and yet generous personality. He wanted to be left alone, but he steps up anyway and then he quickly comes to see that he wants Naomi and he sticks with it even though she leads him on a merry time in her need for revenge that set some bad stuff in motion and her trouble with opening up to someone.
Naomi’s the one I was iffy about at times. She pulled a few stupids that left me shaking my head and wondering how she’d lived so long. I don’t have a lot of patience for that sort of thing.
But, there was a good connection and I could tell how this pair did need each other and worked well . And, holy smokes did this pair have some sizzle. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other once they gave into the immediate attraction. Their suspense and action scenes out on the desert and back in Vegas were sensational, too. I loved seeing lethal Asher get to show his ruthless side all to help Naomi- who was pretty tough, herself, and take down a baddy who needed dealing with.
I’m definitely hoping for Cain, a secondary character and a fellow Hunter to get his story next. He caught my attention.
As to the narration work, I thought Roger Wayne was fantastic for this book. He did great with Asher, deep, slightly rough rumbling voice I easily associated with the quiet, deadly calm male, and all the characters including Naomi both her adult voice and child-like past history voice. He had good timing for the action, the passion, and for the thoughtful moments. I hope he continues as the series narrator.
So, all in all, this series is off to a solid start. I think I might love the Hunter stories more than the main series if they continue along this line. Paranormal Romance fans who like their fangers, passionate lovers, strong characters and lots of action should definitely pick this one up.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Challenges
Romance Roundabout #227 PNR
New Release #113
Audio #45
COYER Summer #25
Recommendations
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I haven’t read a Laura Adrian book in SO long! I guess a new series would be a good time to jump back in.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
LOL, yes, this is a good place to zip back into the world without feeling the pressure of too many books to catch up. It was a good action and passion one. 🙂
I’m glad the spin-off is working! It can be so hard to like the spin-off as much as the original.
It is definitely a gamble, Carole. I admit to a twinge of wariness each time a try a spin-off for a series I like, but this was a hit. 🙂
Glad it still worked out for you! Boy, I haven’t seen this series is a long time, lols. Great review Sophia!
Oh, I know. It’s an oldie, but a goodie, Sharonda!
Im going to add it to my wishlist then 🙂
Oh yes, the wishlist. I have a towering one of those. 🙂
I have this up next for audio review, so I am glad to see your rating.
Oh cool! I’ll look forward to your thoughts on it.
Oh, I’ve never heard of this author. I’m always on the lookout for a new paranormal series, and the fact that there’s an audio version is a huge plus! Wonderful review, Sophia Rose. I’m going to check this one out! 🙂
Oh hey, glad to introduce you, Rachel. 🙂
I had no idea that this was a new spin off series! I have enjoyed several books for the original series but have some catching up to do. I will keep in mind that this is a new starting point. Glad you enjoyed the narrator!
Yeah, its great! I like the original series, but in the last few books I’ve felt a little flat like I was waiting for something to happen. Loved this fresh new start.
Good review. I’ve got this book to read. It looks good and I like that even if you haven’t read the other series you can still pick this up or at least that is what everyone is saying. I read a few of the Midnight Breed books several years before I started blogging, but haven’t really picked any up recently. I’m hoping too enjoy!
Yes, that is lovely how versatile this one is for those who have read them all or those new to the series.
Good job with the review! I read all the originals or rather listened to them on audio. My library had them all. I enjoyed them so much I bought some. I haven’t gone on with the legacy but plan to do it at some point. Anne – Books of My Heart.
Oh, you are in for a treat, Anne. 🙂 I think you’ll enjoy the narrator, too.
I do want to read this one. I checked and the Amazon button didn’t work. Once it’s fixed, I will buy it through this site. Fantastic review Sophia. I’m a long time fan of this series as well.
That’s a pain, but hopefully they’ll get the bugs worked out quickly, Lorna. I think you’ll have a good time with this one.
It’s worked out now. Thanks Sophia!
I just bought the Kindle version. Hopefully it will work for you soon.
Weird. I tried twice earlier and the link was just dead. Now it works fine and I bought it. Thanks!
Great that the author seems to have made this spin-off as good as the original series. Sometimes the ideas dilute through more and more books so fingers crossed that doesn’t happen here!
Yes, exactly, Stephanie! The last two books in the original series left me flat b/c I feel like the series plot was stalling out and stuck in one spot, but this one with no real series arc and just the current conflict worked much better for me.
Lara Adrian has a whole shelf on the bookcase because I love her stories, but I haven’t read any of her work in quite a while. Naomi sounds perfect, and glad you enjoyed this one. Hugs and Happy Saturday! RO
Super fan! I confess to having a line of pretty Adrian books on the shelf. 🙂
Naomi is feisty and gutsy, for sure.
Have a great rest of your Saturday and Sunday, Radiant Ro!
Oh that is my favorite hero type. Grumbly but awesome under it. lol I need to get back to her books. I read one then got distracted then off pnr for so long. This tempts me, though 🙂
I know. It was so fun watching him crumble bit by bit into helping her. He really was a true blue hero under all that struggling broody nature. 🙂
Great review you have here darling. I do love the way this author writes a romance and yeah her books really “sizzle”.
Thanks, Renee! I had a good time with this one. So much to love about it- definitely the sizzle. 😉
Lara Adrian is an amazing writer. Such hot reads! =)
Totally agree, Mary! 🙂