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Breeds #1
Tempting the Beast
Callan Lyons is a genetic experiment. One of six fighting for freedom and the survival of their Pride. Merinus Tyler is the reporter who will tempt him, draw him, until the fury of the "mating frenzy" locks them into a battle of sexual heat there is no escape from.
Deception, blood, and the evil Genetics Council are hot on their trail. Callan will use his strength to try and save them both...and do all in his power to keep his woman in the process.
Deception, blood, and the evil Genetics Council are hot on their trail. Callan will use his strength to try and save them both...and do all in his power to keep his woman in the process.
284 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2003
898 people are currently reading
16.2k people want to read
About the author
Lora Leigh
214?books10.1k?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.
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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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,315 reviews
March 12, 2012
I made it to 30% before giving up. this book is too gross for me. the frothing, creamy, honey, "cunt" juices were just too much for me since the plot/characters were also boring me into a coma.
Yes I'm gay so that might influence my opinion a little:
The boring guy in this book:
My reaction:
Dumb Females reaction:
dumb mc unable to take an obvious invitation:
This is what a barbed penis looks like:
[image error]
You want that shredding your insides? how is this book at all hot? to anyone?
My reaction reading most of this:
Yes I'm gay so that might influence my opinion a little:
The boring guy in this book:
My reaction:
Dumb Females reaction:
dumb mc unable to take an obvious invitation:
This is what a barbed penis looks like:
[image error]
You want that shredding your insides? how is this book at all hot? to anyone?
My reaction reading most of this:
April 5, 2012
Tempting the Beast is a lesson in
how not to write romance
or a book in general. Editors do an important job and I wish a good one had worked on this, heavily.
Me reading this book:
Heroine pushes hernaive deeply stupid agenda
*wince at poor use of language*
sex
hero whines
*rolls eyes*
sex
*wince again*
heroine whines
sex
more whining
*more eye rolling*
heroine stubbornly (and stupidly) believes she is right
more sex
a rare moment: non-sexual action
spoke too soon, more sex
"I love you" - *wince*
hint of a plot
heroine gleefully gets her stubborn stupid way -grr!
THE END
*head desk*
The word "repetitive" is an understatement. I skipped many a sex scene. They got old real quick. Less is most definitely more. Instead of detailing every sex scene just simply say "And they had sex again" or something to that effect and move the hell on. Jeez. If a drinking game associated with this book doesn't all ready exist there should be one with every time you read "throbbing", "womb", "vagina", etc. Of course, you'd have to be hospitalised for alcohol poisoning long before you were able to turn the last page.
I'm amazed I finished this but somehow I did. The only book I've read that could rival this one in terms of number of sex scenes is and they got tiresome too.
P.S. I feel the need to state that I like some erotica now and then but there was too much sex for the length of the book and not enough plot to keep me happy.
Me reading this book:
Heroine pushes her
*wince at poor use of language*
sex
hero whines
*rolls eyes*
sex
*wince again*
heroine whines
sex
more whining
*more eye rolling*
heroine stubbornly (and stupidly) believes she is right
more sex
a rare moment: non-sexual action
spoke too soon, more sex
"I love you" - *wince*
hint of a plot
heroine gleefully gets her stubborn stupid way -grr!
THE END
*head desk*
The word "repetitive" is an understatement. I skipped many a sex scene. They got old real quick. Less is most definitely more. Instead of detailing every sex scene just simply say "And they had sex again" or something to that effect and move the hell on. Jeez. If a drinking game associated with this book doesn't all ready exist there should be one with every time you read "throbbing", "womb", "vagina", etc. Of course, you'd have to be hospitalised for alcohol poisoning long before you were able to turn the last page.
I'm amazed I finished this but somehow I did. The only book I've read that could rival this one in terms of number of sex scenes is and they got tiresome too.
P.S. I feel the need to state that I like some erotica now and then but there was too much sex for the length of the book and not enough plot to keep me happy.
October 25, 2020
Breeds 1
Feline Breeds 1
Featured Couple: Callan Lyons (Lion) & Merinus Tyler (Human)
The Breeds series in the first years of 2000 has brought some of the most original concepts in Paranormal Romance. The main characters are basically human-like animals or animal-like humans and they are the results of experiments. Outside they look completely human, they don¡¯t shift (these are not shifters¡¯s books!), they are part of the human society until their existence is discovered. Breeds are partly animals in their DNA. They were created and the main reason for their creation is to be soldiers. They have intense hearing and smell, they are strong and they can endure pain and the most inhuman conditions and of course they are soldiers (they have tactical behavior and strong instincts).
But these books besides PNR are mainly EROTICA. A Breed behaves differently when his sexual encounter is his mate. The animal then takes charge and the couple cannot live without each other and they cannot survive if they don¡¯t consummate their sexual relationship in regular time intervals. Especially his mate can have intense pain which does not seize unless she is satisfied by her mate and breed. This is called mating frenzy.
There are three main types of breeds: Feline, Wolf and Coyote. Later in the series the winged type is also introduced. Each of them behaves differently during sex.
Does all these sound weird and have a cheese factor? Maybe they are. But they are original. The only book I can think that has similar creatures to the ones Lora Leigh has created before the first book of breeds was published is ¡°The Island of Doctor Moreau¡± where animals become humanoids. Unfortunately these humanoids were suffering; they were creatures from a nightmare.
Lora Leigh has managed to make the results of these ruthless and heartless experiments something like rock stars. Her creatures are wicked mainstream. They are interesting. They know how to love, how to make love, how to protect those that they love. They are braver and cleverer than the normal humans. It is cool to be a Breed!
In this first book, Callan Lyons is a genetic experiment created by a blend of human and lion DNA ¨C not known to the public. Merinus is a journalist who works with her father and seven brothers. Her family is investigating Callan and the immoral and forbidden experiments and they want to expose the scientists (Genetic Council) who did such a thing.
Callan and Meritus are drawn together and their mating frenzy starts. None of them will be able to resist the other.
Callan and Meritus is the most important couple in this series. He will become the leader of feline breeds and basically he will be the male who will guide the way to the coexistence of humans and breeds.
Feline Breeds 1
Featured Couple: Callan Lyons (Lion) & Merinus Tyler (Human)
The Breeds series in the first years of 2000 has brought some of the most original concepts in Paranormal Romance. The main characters are basically human-like animals or animal-like humans and they are the results of experiments. Outside they look completely human, they don¡¯t shift (these are not shifters¡¯s books!), they are part of the human society until their existence is discovered. Breeds are partly animals in their DNA. They were created and the main reason for their creation is to be soldiers. They have intense hearing and smell, they are strong and they can endure pain and the most inhuman conditions and of course they are soldiers (they have tactical behavior and strong instincts).
But these books besides PNR are mainly EROTICA. A Breed behaves differently when his sexual encounter is his mate. The animal then takes charge and the couple cannot live without each other and they cannot survive if they don¡¯t consummate their sexual relationship in regular time intervals. Especially his mate can have intense pain which does not seize unless she is satisfied by her mate and breed. This is called mating frenzy.
There are three main types of breeds: Feline, Wolf and Coyote. Later in the series the winged type is also introduced. Each of them behaves differently during sex.
Does all these sound weird and have a cheese factor? Maybe they are. But they are original. The only book I can think that has similar creatures to the ones Lora Leigh has created before the first book of breeds was published is ¡°The Island of Doctor Moreau¡± where animals become humanoids. Unfortunately these humanoids were suffering; they were creatures from a nightmare.
Lora Leigh has managed to make the results of these ruthless and heartless experiments something like rock stars. Her creatures are wicked mainstream. They are interesting. They know how to love, how to make love, how to protect those that they love. They are braver and cleverer than the normal humans. It is cool to be a Breed!
In this first book, Callan Lyons is a genetic experiment created by a blend of human and lion DNA ¨C not known to the public. Merinus is a journalist who works with her father and seven brothers. Her family is investigating Callan and the immoral and forbidden experiments and they want to expose the scientists (Genetic Council) who did such a thing.
Callan and Meritus are drawn together and their mating frenzy starts. None of them will be able to resist the other.
Callan and Meritus is the most important couple in this series. He will become the leader of feline breeds and basically he will be the male who will guide the way to the coexistence of humans and breeds.
December 5, 2011
Originally read Mar 2011:
I think I feel a little dirty after reading this! That's not to say I didn't enjoy it...it was just a little...unexpected. Lora Leigh is a naughty NAUGHTY writer who can sometimes really hit the spot with me, but other times she shocks me and leaves me a little speechless.
I can only conclude by saying that I have already bought the next two in the series...make what you will of that!
Update - re-read Dec 2011
After having read this again after a little hankering for a trip down Breeds memory lane, I'm upgrading this from 4 stars to 5. This book is absolutely incredible and I can't believe I didn't automatically give it 5 stars on the first read. As you can tell from the above, I was in shock!! Good shock definitely!
I absolutely love this series, but as with all long series there are bound to be a couple that just don't hit the spot. Fortunately most of these books DO hit the spot and I can't wait to read more.
My Breed husband is definitely Taber followed closely by Callan
Most incredible and moving story Dawns Awakening
I think I feel a little dirty after reading this! That's not to say I didn't enjoy it...it was just a little...unexpected. Lora Leigh is a naughty NAUGHTY writer who can sometimes really hit the spot with me, but other times she shocks me and leaves me a little speechless.
I can only conclude by saying that I have already bought the next two in the series...make what you will of that!
Update - re-read Dec 2011
After having read this again after a little hankering for a trip down Breeds memory lane, I'm upgrading this from 4 stars to 5. This book is absolutely incredible and I can't believe I didn't automatically give it 5 stars on the first read. As you can tell from the above, I was in shock!! Good shock definitely!
I absolutely love this series, but as with all long series there are bound to be a couple that just don't hit the spot. Fortunately most of these books DO hit the spot and I can't wait to read more.
My Breed husband is definitely Taber followed closely by Callan
Most incredible and moving story Dawns Awakening
January 3, 2020
Great story, very unexpected, totally not shifters!
I expected this to be about shifters which are generally either created in one of 3 ways: 1) supernaturally - like werewolves, 2) alien - as in they come from another planet or place, 3) genetic experimentation. In this case the breeds came from genetic experiments. However, they are not actually shifters, they don¡¯t shift from human form into their cat form from what I could tell in this book.
They just have traits of both beast and human. Callan Lyons is both man and Lion, he was born of a surrogate in a Lab and raised to be a killer. He escaped with several other cat breeds, though the ¡°Council¡± thinks all of them but him died in a fire. His surrogate Mother was murdered a year ago after she gathered evidence of his existence and sent it to a friend in the Media.
That friend sent his daughter Merinus to talk Callan into coming forward with the thought that if the world knows about him and his kind, the Council will no longer be a danger to them. Once Callan is in the Limelight there is no way he can be a target anymore. Callan is not convinced though.
The book is good, the chemistry between Callan and Merinus is non-stop hot and steamy sex like you would not believe. They don¡¯t understand what is happening between them but they can¡¯t get enough of each other. I will continue to read more of the series. This book was very involved, had great characters, was very funny in parts and the romance was terrific.
|Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ||||
I expected this to be about shifters which are generally either created in one of 3 ways: 1) supernaturally - like werewolves, 2) alien - as in they come from another planet or place, 3) genetic experimentation. In this case the breeds came from genetic experiments. However, they are not actually shifters, they don¡¯t shift from human form into their cat form from what I could tell in this book.
They just have traits of both beast and human. Callan Lyons is both man and Lion, he was born of a surrogate in a Lab and raised to be a killer. He escaped with several other cat breeds, though the ¡°Council¡± thinks all of them but him died in a fire. His surrogate Mother was murdered a year ago after she gathered evidence of his existence and sent it to a friend in the Media.
That friend sent his daughter Merinus to talk Callan into coming forward with the thought that if the world knows about him and his kind, the Council will no longer be a danger to them. Once Callan is in the Limelight there is no way he can be a target anymore. Callan is not convinced though.
The book is good, the chemistry between Callan and Merinus is non-stop hot and steamy sex like you would not believe. They don¡¯t understand what is happening between them but they can¡¯t get enough of each other. I will continue to read more of the series. This book was very involved, had great characters, was very funny in parts and the romance was terrific.
¡°Callan took a deep breath. ¡°I never expected you.¡± He shook his head with an edge of amusement. ¡°You are a dangerous woman, Merinus Tyler.¡±
¡°Naw, just a determined woman.¡± She grinned against his shoulder. ¡°I know a good thing when I see it jacking off.¡±
|Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ||||
May 11, 2011
This book was better than I'd expected. I really liked the story around the Breeds "creation" - it was a bit out there sometimes but, hey, it's PNR so not everything has to make complete sense, right? LOL
As for the very steamy sex scenes, the barb thing was too weird for me, but I somehow managed to "erase" it from my mind... I think.
Even though I've only read this one book so far, I feel I'm going to become addicted to this series. I just have got to know what's going to happen with all the Breeds and how/when the Council will be defeated for good!
The good thing about discovering a series so late is, I've got a huge backlist to track down and keep me entertained for a long, long time... :)
As for the very steamy sex scenes, the barb thing was too weird for me, but I somehow managed to "erase" it from my mind... I think.
Even though I've only read this one book so far, I feel I'm going to become addicted to this series. I just have got to know what's going to happen with all the Breeds and how/when the Council will be defeated for good!
The good thing about discovering a series so late is, I've got a huge backlist to track down and keep me entertained for a long, long time... :)
November 29, 2017
The beginning of the adventure for Merinus Tyler and Callan Lyons has been re-released with a new shiny book cover.
This is my favourite couple from the Breeds series and Callan is the ultimate "Lion King" of the Breeds.
The book was out of print for some time now, so if you wanted to read it and you couldn't now it's your chance ;)
This is my favourite couple from the Breeds series and Callan is the ultimate "Lion King" of the Breeds.
The book was out of print for some time now, so if you wanted to read it and you couldn't now it's your chance ;)
October 17, 2011
When I put this series on my TBR list I didn't realize that it started out as erotica. Not that I have a problem with erotica; I am a huge perv after all. I just wasn't prepared for the level of hotness. Then I checked the book out from the library (yes they had erotica at my library) and realized that it was an Ellora's Cave book. I knew then that I would probably really like the book cause again, I am a perv and this is smutty paranormal goodness. Holy frakkin hotness, Batman!! This book was scorching hot and amazing hot sex scenes aside, the book was REALLY good. It isn't often that an author combines erotica with a storyline that keeps you intrigued (hello genetic engineering and government conspiracy) so much that all of the sex just fits. This is one of the hottest books I've ever read and now I will go broke buying the rest of the 20+ books in the series since my local library only has books 1-3.
WARNING: If you aren't into smutacular goodness, you need to avoid this book like the plague. There is lots-and-lots of sex, some very dominating scenes and things that most people would consider taboo. Not me cause again, I am a huge perv; It takes a lot to shock me.
WARNING: If you aren't into smutacular goodness, you need to avoid this book like the plague. There is lots-and-lots of sex, some very dominating scenes and things that most people would consider taboo. Not me cause again, I am a huge perv; It takes a lot to shock me.
October 1, 2016
4 ROARING STARS
Can't give it 5 stars because it ended on a cliff of sorts. This story will grow and keep ongoing until the situation is resolved.
In this book we start the series with the story of Callen the lion laced genetic experiment that escaped from the confines of a secret lab. He and a group of half felines breed experiments are trying to find a semblance of a life now within society.
However, in order to live free they must testify to the monstrosities that have happened to them to the presses.
Something Callen does not want to do.
His plan is simple, run and hide.
In comes our heroine Merinus who is a season reporter working with her 7 brothers and her dad, to report this grotesque violation of basic rights and freedoms.
Which resulted in : Callan Lyons, the alleged Breed, created by a group of scientists working in genetic reengineering appeared before the Senate committee this afternoon on genetic research. Accompanying him is his fianc¨¦, Merinus Tyler, daughter of John Tyler of the National Forum. Also accompanying him are a dozen doctors, scientists and DNA specialists brought in weeks before to verify his claim. Mr. Lyons, and four other members of his family, also experiments in these horrific tests, gave their stirring testimony before members of the Senate and the press.
However, their mating dance is way more complicated than this.
It includes betrayals, loyalties, acts of violence, and even death.
This is not a cute love story but rather a mating animal instinct love story. It got dark but it was still hopeful.
As long as there is life there is hope!
Safety:she is a virgin and he is the tested sexual subject of this twisted organization but I do believe he has had some consensual sex but little is known. He was to be a solider and that was part of his training to win against his enemies. No OW/OM drama believe me drama was going on without it. Condoms are not usable.
You must read to the book to understand.
Enjoyable but not a keeper and now I have to hunt down the rest of these books!!!!
Aghhhh Mama gotta know!
Can't give it 5 stars because it ended on a cliff of sorts. This story will grow and keep ongoing until the situation is resolved.
In this book we start the series with the story of Callen the lion laced genetic experiment that escaped from the confines of a secret lab. He and a group of half felines breed experiments are trying to find a semblance of a life now within society.
However, in order to live free they must testify to the monstrosities that have happened to them to the presses.
Something Callen does not want to do.
His plan is simple, run and hide.
In comes our heroine Merinus who is a season reporter working with her 7 brothers and her dad, to report this grotesque violation of basic rights and freedoms.
Which resulted in : Callan Lyons, the alleged Breed, created by a group of scientists working in genetic reengineering appeared before the Senate committee this afternoon on genetic research. Accompanying him is his fianc¨¦, Merinus Tyler, daughter of John Tyler of the National Forum. Also accompanying him are a dozen doctors, scientists and DNA specialists brought in weeks before to verify his claim. Mr. Lyons, and four other members of his family, also experiments in these horrific tests, gave their stirring testimony before members of the Senate and the press.
However, their mating dance is way more complicated than this.
It includes betrayals, loyalties, acts of violence, and even death.
This is not a cute love story but rather a mating animal instinct love story. It got dark but it was still hopeful.
As long as there is life there is hope!
Safety:she is a virgin and he is the tested sexual subject of this twisted organization but I do believe he has had some consensual sex but little is known. He was to be a solider and that was part of his training to win against his enemies. No OW/OM drama believe me drama was going on without it. Condoms are not usable.
You must read to the book to understand.
Enjoyable but not a keeper and now I have to hunt down the rest of these books!!!!
Aghhhh Mama gotta know!
May 21, 2022
Guauuuu. Qu¨¦ libro m¨¢s er¨®tico y sensual, adem¨¢s de tener un argumento sumamente atractivo y original para crear la atracci¨®n que se genera en la pareja protagonista de esta entrega. La novela tiene de todo, intriga, ciencia ficci¨®n, traici¨®n, romance... ufffff. Sin duda seguir¨¦ con los dem¨¢s libros de esta serie.
January 2, 2009
Tempting The Beast starts out with Merinus Tyler arguing with her testosterone loaded male family members that she is capable of tracking down Callan Lyons, a genetically modified male who could become the investigative story of the century. She argues that as a woman she can get Callan to talk to her. Understandably, her brothers and father are not excited by her logic. However, Merinus has been half in lust with Callan since the moment she saw his photo and can't deny this inexplicable pull to talk to him, to see him. The moment she does, that lust ramps up to something neither she or Callan can resist. It becomes a chemical and emotional reaction that terrifies Merinus. It is a complete loss of reason and all they can do is feed the raging mating lust that consumes them.
Callan Lyons has been hiding from the soldiers the Council members have been sending after him since he was twenty. He had been bred in their labs to become a perfect, genetically altered killing machine. One terrible explosion later and Callan and his pack members run for their lives, and their right to live. Luckily they have with them a scientist from the Council who cares for them and helps them understand the ever changing DNA complications in their bodies. When the mating heat strikes Callan and Merinus down hard, it is this evolving science that might save their Pride and bring Callan a sense of family. Unfortunately betrayal within their ranks brings the Council back into their lives and danger to Merinus. Callan's genetic lion DNA comes roaring to life at the thought of harm to his mate. His only hope might be to bring his Pride out of hiding and into the public eye but will that be enough to keep the Council off their backs and Merinus from their labs?
Lora Leigh's first book in the Feline Breeds series was one hot, orgasmic, shuddering, adjective filled romance. While some parts had me rolling my eyeballs, I still liked it. The beginning parts of the book had me practically panting and there were shivers running up and down my spine, as well as other naughty parts. I loved how Callan tried to pass himself off as just a man but when his lion side came roaring out, it was scorching! He finds this need to dominate and possess Merinus and when his barb emerges for the first time, it was seriously weird and damned hot at the same time. You'll have to read it to find out what I mean. And for those who like to know, there was no menage in this story. This was my second Breed book (I've read Megans Mark) and I can't wait to read more.
Callan Lyons has been hiding from the soldiers the Council members have been sending after him since he was twenty. He had been bred in their labs to become a perfect, genetically altered killing machine. One terrible explosion later and Callan and his pack members run for their lives, and their right to live. Luckily they have with them a scientist from the Council who cares for them and helps them understand the ever changing DNA complications in their bodies. When the mating heat strikes Callan and Merinus down hard, it is this evolving science that might save their Pride and bring Callan a sense of family. Unfortunately betrayal within their ranks brings the Council back into their lives and danger to Merinus. Callan's genetic lion DNA comes roaring to life at the thought of harm to his mate. His only hope might be to bring his Pride out of hiding and into the public eye but will that be enough to keep the Council off their backs and Merinus from their labs?
Lora Leigh's first book in the Feline Breeds series was one hot, orgasmic, shuddering, adjective filled romance. While some parts had me rolling my eyeballs, I still liked it. The beginning parts of the book had me practically panting and there were shivers running up and down my spine, as well as other naughty parts. I loved how Callan tried to pass himself off as just a man but when his lion side came roaring out, it was scorching! He finds this need to dominate and possess Merinus and when his barb emerges for the first time, it was seriously weird and damned hot at the same time. You'll have to read it to find out what I mean. And for those who like to know, there was no menage in this story. This was my second Breed book (I've read Megans Mark) and I can't wait to read more.
June 16, 2015
????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? '????? ?????????????' ????????????????????????????????????? New Species ????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????? ?????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? 'please...please' ??????????????????????...?????????????????????????????????? '????????????????????????? !! ??????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????'
???????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????...????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????? ????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????
???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????? ?????...??? !!! ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
??????????????????????????????? 10 ????????? ????????????????? ?????????!! ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????? ?????? Mating Frenzy... ?????
???????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????...????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????? ????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????
???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????? ?????...??? !!! ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
??????????????????????????????? 10 ????????? ????????????????? ?????????!! ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????? ?????? Mating Frenzy... ?????
June 1, 2008
So many people have raved about the Breeds series and Lora Leigh's writing in general that I finally had to try it out. In many ways, I can certainly see why fans enjoy these so much. I thought the premise was very creative and unique, something I've never seen in a romance novel before. I kept thinking as I read it that this is the stuff that great sci-fi movies are made of. It definitely held my attention, but I found myself wishing the author would tell me more about the Breeds and their back-stories. I guess maybe that will be covered more in the sequels. Even though I really liked the ideas that the plot was built upon, I had mixed feelings about some other aspects. This was only my second read of an erotic novel, the first having been fairly tame by comparison, and although I went into it with my eyes wide open as to the content and wasn't shocked by anything I read, I think I was still caught off guard a bit by the raw, edgy intensity in the sex scenes. There didn't seem to be much tenderness or what I would call heart-stopping romance to be found, and when some of these types of emotions started to surface, it seemed all too brief. That said though, I wasn't offended by anything I read and did not find anything out of context for the storyline. It was really just more a matter of personal preference.
I thought that Callan and Merinus were interesting characters, but I can't say that I really related to either one. I think they were both just a little too alpha for my taste. I felt like these two spent way to much time trying to dominate each other and not enough time just trying to work together to find solutions to the dangerous situation they were in. I like my alpha males, but they also have to have a gentler side (like the brothers of the BDB). Callan just seemed to be on testosterone overload almost all the time. Merinus was also too stubborn and dominant for me. In my opinion her character just wasn't fully fleshed out. I felt like I knew and understood Callan pretty well, but I realized after finishing the book that I never knew much anything of a personal nature about Merinus. I also had a hard time buying into their falling in love. One minute they were lusting after each other like two animals in heat (which they basically were) and the next she was declaring her love out of the blue with him following not long after. This just didn't work well for me. In spite of my criticisms though, I honestly think that Lora Leigh is a good writer, although the editing on the book could have used a little more work. The intriguing cast of secondary characters and the open-ended epilogue have peaked my interest suffieciently to make me want to continue the series to see where this riveting story leads.
Note: This book contains extremely explicit language and sexual situations which some readers may find offensive.
I thought that Callan and Merinus were interesting characters, but I can't say that I really related to either one. I think they were both just a little too alpha for my taste. I felt like these two spent way to much time trying to dominate each other and not enough time just trying to work together to find solutions to the dangerous situation they were in. I like my alpha males, but they also have to have a gentler side (like the brothers of the BDB). Callan just seemed to be on testosterone overload almost all the time. Merinus was also too stubborn and dominant for me. In my opinion her character just wasn't fully fleshed out. I felt like I knew and understood Callan pretty well, but I realized after finishing the book that I never knew much anything of a personal nature about Merinus. I also had a hard time buying into their falling in love. One minute they were lusting after each other like two animals in heat (which they basically were) and the next she was declaring her love out of the blue with him following not long after. This just didn't work well for me. In spite of my criticisms though, I honestly think that Lora Leigh is a good writer, although the editing on the book could have used a little more work. The intriguing cast of secondary characters and the open-ended epilogue have peaked my interest suffieciently to make me want to continue the series to see where this riveting story leads.
Note: This book contains extremely explicit language and sexual situations which some readers may find offensive.
September 10, 2010
I really wanted to like this series. But it is not for me. I need something more than sex to like a book. It was like reading the same thing over and over again. The things that were happening felt like added just to have something more than sex in it.
There was not a real conection between the characters. And it is not that I don't like strong and very possesive males. I do. And I love it when the male feels this strong conection with the girl without even having talk to her. But in this book this was too exaggerated. I read this kind of attraction in other books and it was way better developed.
Maybe the next books in the series are better. I'll give this series another try later. I'll read one or two more books, but if it keeps like this that will be it for me with this series.
There was not a real conection between the characters. And it is not that I don't like strong and very possesive males. I do. And I love it when the male feels this strong conection with the girl without even having talk to her. But in this book this was too exaggerated. I read this kind of attraction in other books and it was way better developed.
Maybe the next books in the series are better. I'll give this series another try later. I'll read one or two more books, but if it keeps like this that will be it for me with this series.
April 20, 2017
*** 2.5 ***
Demasiado sexo para mi gusto. Est¨¢ historia solo fue sexo y m¨¢s sexo. No hay una historia de amor. En la de menos los protas ya se aman y como si nada siguen haciendo sexo porque bueno, es que no se pueden aguantar. Lo hacen incluso despu¨¦s de casi morir... por favor. Que cosas lee uno.
El tema es clavadito al de Nuevas especies quiz¨¢s por eso me llamo la atenci¨®n. Pero aqu¨ª la pareja no sufre una evoluci¨®n en su relaci¨®n. Esto es m¨¢s insta love, insta lujuria.
No le doy menos porque el eje central del libro me gust¨® y me dieron ganas de leer los siguientes libros. En especial el de Serra. Pero es que aqu¨ª no hay sentimientos ni emociones aqu¨ª son solo dosis exageradas del factor S (sexo) que me parecieron normalitas eh, tampoco es que fueran super hot.
Demasiado sexo para mi gusto. Est¨¢ historia solo fue sexo y m¨¢s sexo. No hay una historia de amor. En la de menos los protas ya se aman y como si nada siguen haciendo sexo porque bueno, es que no se pueden aguantar. Lo hacen incluso despu¨¦s de casi morir... por favor. Que cosas lee uno.
El tema es clavadito al de Nuevas especies quiz¨¢s por eso me llamo la atenci¨®n. Pero aqu¨ª la pareja no sufre una evoluci¨®n en su relaci¨®n. Esto es m¨¢s insta love, insta lujuria.
No le doy menos porque el eje central del libro me gust¨® y me dieron ganas de leer los siguientes libros. En especial el de Serra. Pero es que aqu¨ª no hay sentimientos ni emociones aqu¨ª son solo dosis exageradas del factor S (sexo) que me parecieron normalitas eh, tampoco es que fueran super hot.
October 20, 2010
C.U.Next.Tuesday
- is quite possibly the most horrible, degradable word to describe the female anatomy in the english language. I refuse to use the word. So you can imagine my jaw drop when I stumble across the word in almost every other paragraph in this book.
So, moving on. This is the first book in the breed series. And after so many great reviews I could hardly contain my excitement when I started reading.
I have to agree that the story has ALOT of potential.
We have Callen. A human cross breed of man and Lion. In the beginning I loved Callen's personality. He came across as witty and just loved all the sexual innuendoes. But as the story progressed he seemed to loose that part of him and became just another brooding male to add to the never ending list.
Merinus - the heroine. Lets get something straight. The girl needs to realize that whole world doesn't revolve around her 7 brothers. Ands her endless references to them became tiresome very early on in the book. She was typical heroine, trying to push away what she wanted so badly. But of course she was the untouched virgin as-well. Needless to say though she was a pretty tough cookie.
There was ALOTTA sex! bought on by this mating frenzy. But damn it was HOT!
I like how Lora Leigh has set up the characters for the next books in the series and as said prior I can see alot of potential and I am looking forward to the future of this series.
- is quite possibly the most horrible, degradable word to describe the female anatomy in the english language. I refuse to use the word. So you can imagine my jaw drop when I stumble across the word in almost every other paragraph in this book.
So, moving on. This is the first book in the breed series. And after so many great reviews I could hardly contain my excitement when I started reading.
I have to agree that the story has ALOT of potential.
We have Callen. A human cross breed of man and Lion. In the beginning I loved Callen's personality. He came across as witty and just loved all the sexual innuendoes. But as the story progressed he seemed to loose that part of him and became just another brooding male to add to the never ending list.
Merinus - the heroine. Lets get something straight. The girl needs to realize that whole world doesn't revolve around her 7 brothers. Ands her endless references to them became tiresome very early on in the book. She was typical heroine, trying to push away what she wanted so badly. But of course she was the untouched virgin as-well. Needless to say though she was a pretty tough cookie.
There was ALOTTA sex! bought on by this mating frenzy. But damn it was HOT!
I like how Lora Leigh has set up the characters for the next books in the series and as said prior I can see alot of potential and I am looking forward to the future of this series.
December 27, 2011
So obviously this is erotica, and I realize erotica is pretty subjective and hard to grade. But to me, this was just bad.
The premise was actually somewhat promising. Callan is one of several genetically manipulated humans--he has lion DNA in his genome--who are all part of some top secret highly unethical experiment. Merinus is a journalist who is eager to expose what was done to Callan and his fellow "Breeds", and requires his cooperation. They meet, sparks fly in a big way, and we find out that they have some sort of intense biological connection. As in, they are in heat and absolutely must have sex, lots of sex, or they suffer painful consequences.
I may have actually been able to ignore the very contrived nature of the plot and all the hokey science fiction, had the characters been likeable. But they are not. Merinus is the worst--she is absolutely too stupid to live. She's understandably upset at being forced into a sexual relationship with Callan. But she uses it as an excuse for the stupidest decisions possible. She gets mad and blames him, though it's not his fault. She lashes out at those trying to help her. She runs away. She gets angry at Callan for killing rapists who would have killed him. She insists that she's tough and un-girly, but her toughest action in her moment of desperation is to call her big brother for help. And Callan isn't much better. He instantly falls into the overly possessive caveman routine so common to this sub-genre of romance. He's arrogant and sexist. While he says he admires Merinus' tough act, he continuously says things along the lines of "her brothers should have trained her better" and other things that demonstrate an utter lack of respect. This is all justified by saying that it's his nature, he can't help it, this is how all men would be were it not for that pesky feminism keeping them in check.
As stated above the plot is contrived entirely to get the main couple to boink a lot. In erotica, that's to be expected. I know a lot of women like the whole fated mate concept--you see it in Christine Feehan, J.R Ward, Kresley Cole, and Eileen Wilks. I don't have a problem with it if it's handled well. By that I mean, if it isn't used as a substitute for real emotional relationship building and depth of feeling that is only gained with time. Well, this book doesn't have much relationship building outside of the sex, so that was a problem for me.
Also, the plot is kind of...gross. There's a doctor and several assistants helping to figure out what's going on with Callan and Merinus. And the research process involves a lot of swabbing and sample taking before and after they have sex. And the doctor comes up with some kind of birth control, but just as soon figures out that it probably won't work long term. This medical/science drama really took me out of the sexy moments and were just plain creepy.
I was told by people who have gone ahead and read this entire series that this isn't the best book to judge by. I may attempt book two at some point to see if it improves, but probably not soon. I'm giving this book 1.5 stars.
The premise was actually somewhat promising. Callan is one of several genetically manipulated humans--he has lion DNA in his genome--who are all part of some top secret highly unethical experiment. Merinus is a journalist who is eager to expose what was done to Callan and his fellow "Breeds", and requires his cooperation. They meet, sparks fly in a big way, and we find out that they have some sort of intense biological connection. As in, they are in heat and absolutely must have sex, lots of sex, or they suffer painful consequences.
I may have actually been able to ignore the very contrived nature of the plot and all the hokey science fiction, had the characters been likeable. But they are not. Merinus is the worst--she is absolutely too stupid to live. She's understandably upset at being forced into a sexual relationship with Callan. But she uses it as an excuse for the stupidest decisions possible. She gets mad and blames him, though it's not his fault. She lashes out at those trying to help her. She runs away. She gets angry at Callan for killing rapists who would have killed him. She insists that she's tough and un-girly, but her toughest action in her moment of desperation is to call her big brother for help. And Callan isn't much better. He instantly falls into the overly possessive caveman routine so common to this sub-genre of romance. He's arrogant and sexist. While he says he admires Merinus' tough act, he continuously says things along the lines of "her brothers should have trained her better" and other things that demonstrate an utter lack of respect. This is all justified by saying that it's his nature, he can't help it, this is how all men would be were it not for that pesky feminism keeping them in check.
As stated above the plot is contrived entirely to get the main couple to boink a lot. In erotica, that's to be expected. I know a lot of women like the whole fated mate concept--you see it in Christine Feehan, J.R Ward, Kresley Cole, and Eileen Wilks. I don't have a problem with it if it's handled well. By that I mean, if it isn't used as a substitute for real emotional relationship building and depth of feeling that is only gained with time. Well, this book doesn't have much relationship building outside of the sex, so that was a problem for me.
Also, the plot is kind of...gross. There's a doctor and several assistants helping to figure out what's going on with Callan and Merinus. And the research process involves a lot of swabbing and sample taking before and after they have sex. And the doctor comes up with some kind of birth control, but just as soon figures out that it probably won't work long term. This medical/science drama really took me out of the sexy moments and were just plain creepy.
I was told by people who have gone ahead and read this entire series that this isn't the best book to judge by. I may attempt book two at some point to see if it improves, but probably not soon. I'm giving this book 1.5 stars.
January 31, 2015
3 stars
But that doesn¡¯t mean I didn¡¯t enjoy it. It¡¯s just that I didn¡¯t expect the hotness. The first four books that I read by this author is really hot, like fiery hot...but this one is like..a volcano just erupted in my ovaries!
If you want to read a very..very..very and I mean a HIGHLY erotic kinda of book then this is for you. I gotta admit,that this book made me blush, and had to put down this a few times cause I just can¡¯t stand the sex scene. It was so intense!
For starters, this book did not caught my attention at the beginning. It¡¯s uninteresting, and it may confused us a bit but not until much later in the book. When we got to the middle of the book it was all about how Callan the lion+human breed a.k.a our ALPHA MALEwants to possess his woman, Merinus Tyler cause he believed that she was his mate. And the reason why they became so horny is because of the hormonal disorder from Callan which results in a condition called ¡°mating frenzy¡±. However, after all the ¡®frenzy¡¯ started to cool off the story become more balance with the emotional connection of the characters as well as the plot development. From here on, it will be the real starter for the series to develop. There will be no exact resolution here and we need to continue to read the series if we want to know more about the Council and the Genetic Experiment.
Now, I¡¯m only interested about two things in this story. It piqued my interest as well as it grossed me out.
1) Callan Lyons has
I'm totally speechless. I don't know what to feel, whether to freaked out or feel impressed, I just...
And the sex was sooo intense, and I¡¯m still wondering how it did not yet destroy Merinus¡¯s va-jay-jay you know. And she didn¡¯t feel hurt at all!
2) Animal and human breed?? Like how weird is that? All the breeds were describe as beautiful and hot. But in reality, I can only envision them to be like this...
And again this is only a fiction though. There¡¯s nothing I can do about this.*shrugs*
Overall, this author always leave me speechless and other time she shocks me with her writing. But I cannot give this a 5 stars, because of the story development. I¡¯d probably will read the other series but I¡¯ve got to consider it.
But that doesn¡¯t mean I didn¡¯t enjoy it. It¡¯s just that I didn¡¯t expect the hotness. The first four books that I read by this author is really hot, like fiery hot...but this one is like..a volcano just erupted in my ovaries!
If you want to read a very..very..very and I mean a HIGHLY erotic kinda of book then this is for you. I gotta admit,that this book made me blush, and had to put down this a few times cause I just can¡¯t stand the sex scene. It was so intense!
For starters, this book did not caught my attention at the beginning. It¡¯s uninteresting, and it may confused us a bit but not until much later in the book. When we got to the middle of the book it was all about how Callan the lion+human breed a.k.a our ALPHA MALEwants to possess his woman, Merinus Tyler cause he believed that she was his mate. And the reason why they became so horny is because of the hormonal disorder from Callan which results in a condition called ¡°mating frenzy¡±. However, after all the ¡®frenzy¡¯ started to cool off the story become more balance with the emotional connection of the characters as well as the plot development. From here on, it will be the real starter for the series to develop. There will be no exact resolution here and we need to continue to read the series if we want to know more about the Council and the Genetic Experiment.
Now, I¡¯m only interested about two things in this story. It piqued my interest as well as it grossed me out.
1) Callan Lyons has
I'm totally speechless. I don't know what to feel, whether to freaked out or feel impressed, I just...
And the sex was sooo intense, and I¡¯m still wondering how it did not yet destroy Merinus¡¯s va-jay-jay you know. And she didn¡¯t feel hurt at all!
2) Animal and human breed?? Like how weird is that? All the breeds were describe as beautiful and hot. But in reality, I can only envision them to be like this...
And again this is only a fiction though. There¡¯s nothing I can do about this.*shrugs*
Overall, this author always leave me speechless and other time she shocks me with her writing. But I cannot give this a 5 stars, because of the story development. I¡¯d probably will read the other series but I¡¯ve got to consider it.
October 23, 2015
Whoa! That was pretty damn hot! There was lots of Rawwwwwr times.. and he had special barb that came out and latched on to her g-spot which made things pretty interesting... there was an actual story line surrounding all of the sex and there was LOTS of sex. But I enjoyed this one! I'll for sure read the next one.. even if the ebooks are priced a little too high imo...
March 7, 2011
Tempting The Beast is H.O.T.
Callon Lyons, the hero, is indeed "uber" Alpha (his genes were spliced with a lion, of course he's alpha,) and I was hooked from the beginning scene.
Merinus, the heroine, is an excellent match for Callon's overbearing ways, and finds ways of asserting her independence with a man who needs to be dominant. But in the end, it's her willingness to compromise that prooves her love for him. Surprisingly, I found the domninant/submissive thing to be the undelying texture to this novel. No, this is not a "bondage" book, but there is a feel of it- not in their sexual practices but on a psychological level- and really, if you're writing a book about a race of beings who have animal-like dna, of course you're going to have to address this issue.
This is an earlier book of Leigh's, so there is some technical issues concerning the craft of writing that shows it's immaturity, but it in no way detracts from the book.
If you are reading her latest Breeds, like Meghan's Mark and Harmony's Way, you really should read this one. Here's where you get the first look at the breeds and a bit more background into the continuing series.
Callon Lyons, the hero, is indeed "uber" Alpha (his genes were spliced with a lion, of course he's alpha,) and I was hooked from the beginning scene.
Merinus, the heroine, is an excellent match for Callon's overbearing ways, and finds ways of asserting her independence with a man who needs to be dominant. But in the end, it's her willingness to compromise that prooves her love for him. Surprisingly, I found the domninant/submissive thing to be the undelying texture to this novel. No, this is not a "bondage" book, but there is a feel of it- not in their sexual practices but on a psychological level- and really, if you're writing a book about a race of beings who have animal-like dna, of course you're going to have to address this issue.
This is an earlier book of Leigh's, so there is some technical issues concerning the craft of writing that shows it's immaturity, but it in no way detracts from the book.
If you are reading her latest Breeds, like Meghan's Mark and Harmony's Way, you really should read this one. Here's where you get the first look at the breeds and a bit more background into the continuing series.
Shelved as 'dnf-too-early-to-mark-it-read'
September 27, 2024Not what I was looking for
I've been drawn back to pnr lately and I've had this on my TBR for so long I decided to give it a try.
Turns out this is more erotica than steamy romance or even erotic romance. Not that that's bad, I was just hoping the story to have more plot (a la New Species Series)
It was also hard to get past the early 2000's toxic femininity (you know, a 'cool' girl that doesn't like make-up or social functions and utterly fails at 'being a woman' but doesn't care because her value is tied to how much like a man she can be?) Luckily, we've moved past that...
Right ??cough pick me cough
As I was saying, this is not terrible (remember, I judge erotica with a lower standard than romance) but not what I was in the mood for.
I've been drawn back to pnr lately and I've had this on my TBR for so long I decided to give it a try.
Turns out this is more erotica than steamy romance or even erotic romance. Not that that's bad, I was just hoping the story to have more plot (a la New Species Series)
It was also hard to get past the early 2000's toxic femininity (you know, a 'cool' girl that doesn't like make-up or social functions and utterly fails at 'being a woman' but doesn't care because her value is tied to how much like a man she can be?) Luckily, we've moved past that...
Right ??
As I was saying, this is not terrible (remember, I judge erotica with a lower standard than romance) but not what I was in the mood for.
November 21, 2013
Having read some of the books in Lora Leigh¡¯s Breeds Series, which I enjoyed, /book/show/1... , /book/show/2... , /book/show/7... , /book/show/7... ,I wanted to start from the beginning¡so in reading order, the 1st being Tempting the Beast, tells the story of Lyon Callan, is a genetic experiment using part human and feline DNA, who, after rescuing others like him in the evil and secretive Genetics Council lab has been taking care of them as their Pride Leader.
Merinus Tyler, a reporter, from a powerful family and only daughter with several uber alpha-male brothers.
Before Callan¡¯s mother was brutally murdered, having begged him to allow her to go public about the experiments, he had been strongly against, so she had sent all the information to her friend, Merinus father.
Although not exactly mad about this story, it was somewhat an okay read. I just could not engage with the characters, even the mc¡¯s. There was so much conflict and antagonism between them and only near the end, did they resolve their so called ¡°issues.¡±
Merinus drove me absolutely ¡°batty¡± with all her ¡°I want you¡±, ¡°I hate you¡±
¡geez girl, make up your mind!!
Not that Lyon was any better, apart from his ¡°animal¡± instincts saying the ¡°Mine¡± thing¡.
I didn¡¯t feel any passion between these two. I so wanted to know what made them ¡°tick¡±, but I never got that.
Okay, so I knew this was a sexy and erotic series and I do like great and well-written sex scenes¡¡.but Wow¡¡.plot¡forget that¡.sex¡yes there was that¡.and lots and lots and lots of it¡¡possibly more sex pages than anything else. Why did
I not find those scenes interesting¡.some might say there are some pretty hot ones¡.but¡and that ¡vagina and c@** words just irritated me to...wherever!!! So much so that after a few of those ¡°hot¡± scenes, I skimmed and skipped most of the remainder in the story.
The character development lacked something for me¡..I felt totally disconnected from any of them¡.I never ¡°felt¡± for them.
The plot¡there were so many things that were left hanging¡.how did Callan and his group be hiding so well and still live in a town?? How did they get there?
Hopefully, I will get those answers in the next books.
Merinus Tyler, a reporter, from a powerful family and only daughter with several uber alpha-male brothers.
Before Callan¡¯s mother was brutally murdered, having begged him to allow her to go public about the experiments, he had been strongly against, so she had sent all the information to her friend, Merinus father.
Although not exactly mad about this story, it was somewhat an okay read. I just could not engage with the characters, even the mc¡¯s. There was so much conflict and antagonism between them and only near the end, did they resolve their so called ¡°issues.¡±
Merinus drove me absolutely ¡°batty¡± with all her ¡°I want you¡±, ¡°I hate you¡±
¡geez girl, make up your mind!!Not that Lyon was any better, apart from his ¡°animal¡± instincts saying the ¡°Mine¡± thing¡.
I didn¡¯t feel any passion between these two. I so wanted to know what made them ¡°tick¡±, but I never got that.
Okay, so I knew this was a sexy and erotic series and I do like great and well-written sex scenes¡¡.but Wow¡¡.plot¡forget that¡.sex¡yes there was that¡.and lots and lots and lots of it¡¡possibly more sex pages than anything else. Why did
I not find those scenes interesting¡.some might say there are some pretty hot ones¡.but¡and that ¡vagina and c@** words just irritated me to...wherever!!! So much so that after a few of those ¡°hot¡± scenes, I skimmed and skipped most of the remainder in the story.
The character development lacked something for me¡..I felt totally disconnected from any of them¡.I never ¡°felt¡± for them.
The plot¡there were so many things that were left hanging¡.how did Callan and his group be hiding so well and still live in a town?? How did they get there?
Hopefully, I will get those answers in the next books.
May 2, 2021
2.5 Stars
Tempting the Beast is what started it all... This was a quick re-read, and it left me feeling kinda "Meh"... I read this originally back in the day, and sort of remember loving it. Hell, I've held onto the physical book for nearly 20 years...which is saying something... BUT... as I revisited it, I was a little surprised that I kept with the series back in the day...cuz it wasn't as awesome as I remembered it being. I don't regret reading it, because many of the earlier books are very good.
The problem with starting this series is that is goes on FOREVER (Cross Breeds was #23, and that's not counting all the .5 books) and they're not cheap. (but usually at libraries) Towards the middle, she gets pretty redundant, and I did give up around #19, so I haven't read anything new in the last decade, but I really wanted to read Cassie's book, so I'm re-visiting a few of these first.
The series has an ongoing back story, sort of similar to N.S. Psy-Changeling, which makes it hard to skip books, but each book is primarily dedicated to the specific couple (you don't have the multiple POV like Psy-Changeling) which does make it easier to skip if you must. IMO, it's similar to Laurann Dohner's New Species series. **I'm tagging them as shifter & SF for tracking, but they don't totally fit. They are evil scientist experiments that don't really shift, but are part animal. **
Tempting the Beast is what started it all... This was a quick re-read, and it left me feeling kinda "Meh"... I read this originally back in the day, and sort of remember loving it. Hell, I've held onto the physical book for nearly 20 years...which is saying something... BUT... as I revisited it, I was a little surprised that I kept with the series back in the day...cuz it wasn't as awesome as I remembered it being. I don't regret reading it, because many of the earlier books are very good.
The problem with starting this series is that is goes on FOREVER (Cross Breeds was #23, and that's not counting all the .5 books) and they're not cheap. (but usually at libraries) Towards the middle, she gets pretty redundant, and I did give up around #19, so I haven't read anything new in the last decade, but I really wanted to read Cassie's book, so I'm re-visiting a few of these first.
The series has an ongoing back story, sort of similar to N.S. Psy-Changeling, which makes it hard to skip books, but each book is primarily dedicated to the specific couple (you don't have the multiple POV like Psy-Changeling) which does make it easier to skip if you must. IMO, it's similar to Laurann Dohner's New Species series. **I'm tagging them as shifter & SF for tracking, but they don't totally fit. They are evil scientist experiments that don't really shift, but are part animal. **
June 5, 2019
3.5 Stars
Not sure where my head is at, I¡¯ve been trying paranormal erotica. I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s my jam yet, but it¡¯s different from my usual slow burn reads.
This one was pretty frustrating with a ridiculous Heroine. She¡¯s pretty young and dumb. But the steam is hot and it¡¯s filled with steam. I would say a good 70% of the book is steamy. It¡¯s not really kinky, but it¡¯s smut.
Callan was experimented on and he isn¡¯t a human, but part beast. Merinus is a reporter, but she could have been anything, her background wasn¡¯t really part of the story. She has a lot of brothers and they are protective.
Callan has a chip on his shoulder because, well he was abused. BUT something happens between Callan and Merinus.
They sort of start getting these urges and the only way to keep it at bay is well after they have sex. It¡¯s kind of silly but you take the book for what it is. I thought the Heroine pushed back way too much in this book. She could die if she doesn¡¯t have sex with him but she doesn¡¯t want to get pregnant so she waits to the VERY LAST second. Seriously?
Anyhow, like I said, overall it¡¯s a smut read with a paranormal theme. It is what it is.
Not sure where my head is at, I¡¯ve been trying paranormal erotica. I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s my jam yet, but it¡¯s different from my usual slow burn reads.
This one was pretty frustrating with a ridiculous Heroine. She¡¯s pretty young and dumb. But the steam is hot and it¡¯s filled with steam. I would say a good 70% of the book is steamy. It¡¯s not really kinky, but it¡¯s smut.
Callan was experimented on and he isn¡¯t a human, but part beast. Merinus is a reporter, but she could have been anything, her background wasn¡¯t really part of the story. She has a lot of brothers and they are protective.
Callan has a chip on his shoulder because, well he was abused. BUT something happens between Callan and Merinus.
They sort of start getting these urges and the only way to keep it at bay is well after they have sex. It¡¯s kind of silly but you take the book for what it is. I thought the Heroine pushed back way too much in this book. She could die if she doesn¡¯t have sex with him but she doesn¡¯t want to get pregnant so she waits to the VERY LAST second. Seriously?
Anyhow, like I said, overall it¡¯s a smut read with a paranormal theme. It is what it is.
February 5, 2022
Over the top characters
"Mating Frenzy"
Saliva that acts as an aphrodisiac
Her uterus "clenches" at some point
That whole "you must submit to me and my inner beast" schizophrenic thing
A barbed ?????????? Ouch
Don't try to make any sense of the plot. She's a reporter trying to uncover an evil genetic program but instead goes into a mating frenzy with one of the subjects.
If you enjoy the erotica tropes listed, then you might like this book, but it wasn't my cup of tea.
"Mating Frenzy"
Saliva that acts as an aphrodisiac
Her uterus "clenches" at some point
That whole "you must submit to me and my inner beast" schizophrenic thing
A barbed ?????????? Ouch
Don't try to make any sense of the plot. She's a reporter trying to uncover an evil genetic program but instead goes into a mating frenzy with one of the subjects.
If you enjoy the erotica tropes listed, then you might like this book, but it wasn't my cup of tea.
October 30, 2020
Reading this was
and
and
March 27, 2022
He¡¯s half lion half human kind of ? A scientific experiment done by horrible people that the heroine wants to expose to protect him and his pack. Turns out she¡¯s his mate, they go into heat and have this crazed mating frenzy where they can¡¯t be separated without going through physical pain. Also he knots her! But there¡¯s this plot line of their safety and stuff that i could¡¯ve done without
May 28, 2013
I think I have found my new guilty pleasure read. This book was totally over the top, borderline porny, campy... and yet, I totally enjoyed it.
Our heroine is Marinus, a journalist who works with her father and seven brothers for some kind of publication that is never explained. (The brothers also apparently have other professions, which I didn't entirely get, either, but lets just go with it...). Anyhoo, the family is investigating Callan Lyons, a genetic experiment created by a blend of human and lion DNA. Before she died, his mother sent them proof of his background, hoping they could help protect him against the powerful scientists and soldiers trying to get him under their thumbs.
Marinus is drawn to Callan before they even meet, and he is all too aware of the beautiful woman stalking him. It starts as a game of cat and mouse between them, but at a certain point they can no longer deny the attraction between them. In fact, they realize it's not just lust drawing them together, but a biological imperative.
That's when the sexual element goes into overdrive. Marinus goes from virgin to porn star in 10 seconds flat. Every few minutes, we're treated to a description of the state of her vagina. It's often weeping, frothing, clenching, creaming... or my personal favorite... making a silent plea for satisfaction. The sex is frequent, varied and descriptive. These two literally can't get enough. Oh. And did I mention that Callan has a penis barb? Scary as it sounds, it apparently makes for super awesome orgasms.
So basically, the story follows the progression of their mating frenzy and struggle for dominance over each other. This, as Marinus tries to get Callan to go public with his hybrid brethren... and some folks are trying to kill them. Not deep, not progressive. But a fun ride regardless, especially if you just embrace the cheese factor.
And apparently, there are like 1000 books in this series, so I can enjoy them for a long time to come. Bring on Sherra's book. That's got to be next, right???
Rating: B
Our heroine is Marinus, a journalist who works with her father and seven brothers for some kind of publication that is never explained. (The brothers also apparently have other professions, which I didn't entirely get, either, but lets just go with it...). Anyhoo, the family is investigating Callan Lyons, a genetic experiment created by a blend of human and lion DNA. Before she died, his mother sent them proof of his background, hoping they could help protect him against the powerful scientists and soldiers trying to get him under their thumbs.
Marinus is drawn to Callan before they even meet, and he is all too aware of the beautiful woman stalking him. It starts as a game of cat and mouse between them, but at a certain point they can no longer deny the attraction between them. In fact, they realize it's not just lust drawing them together, but a biological imperative.
That's when the sexual element goes into overdrive. Marinus goes from virgin to porn star in 10 seconds flat. Every few minutes, we're treated to a description of the state of her vagina. It's often weeping, frothing, clenching, creaming... or my personal favorite... making a silent plea for satisfaction. The sex is frequent, varied and descriptive. These two literally can't get enough. Oh. And did I mention that Callan has a penis barb? Scary as it sounds, it apparently makes for super awesome orgasms.
So basically, the story follows the progression of their mating frenzy and struggle for dominance over each other. This, as Marinus tries to get Callan to go public with his hybrid brethren... and some folks are trying to kill them. Not deep, not progressive. But a fun ride regardless, especially if you just embrace the cheese factor.
And apparently, there are like 1000 books in this series, so I can enjoy them for a long time to come. Bring on Sherra's book. That's got to be next, right???
Rating: B
December 23, 2010
To be perfectly honest, this book is all about the sex. Do not be fooled by people who say they read this for the story, which is the equivalent of men saying they read Playboy for the articles.
Few authors have been recommended to me more than Lora Leigh and based on such things as the cover of this book, I have avoided reading anything by her. I have also tired of romantic/erotic/paranormal cliched series, dropping such authors as Kenyon and even Ward, though I will pick up the latter again some day. Maybe. But man, do I ever feel as though I've hit the smut lottery with Leigh and I mean that in the best way possible. 4 1/2 stars, and I am only detracting 1/2 of a star for a shaky beginning. I did not like either of the main characters towards the start but Leigh managed to completely turn my feelings around by the end of the book, something which rarely happens. If anything, I tend to dislike characters more as a book progresses.
There is a plot in this book, one which I am curious to read more about as the series continues, though this is not so much due to this book as due to another Leigh book I recently read.
Leigh's books are going to appeal to a particular type of reader. Her books seem to be fairly predictable, with the same story progession and timeline overall (based on what I have gathered from reviews, summaries, and skimming). I have no problem with this because the sex is so hot. I try not to gush about such details when commenting/reviewing on erotic reads but seriously, Leigh has a knack for writing scenes that go past the steamy. Her books seem to rely on Alpha males, stubborn females, action, and, of course, lots and lots of sex.
Few authors have been recommended to me more than Lora Leigh and based on such things as the cover of this book, I have avoided reading anything by her. I have also tired of romantic/erotic/paranormal cliched series, dropping such authors as Kenyon and even Ward, though I will pick up the latter again some day. Maybe. But man, do I ever feel as though I've hit the smut lottery with Leigh and I mean that in the best way possible. 4 1/2 stars, and I am only detracting 1/2 of a star for a shaky beginning. I did not like either of the main characters towards the start but Leigh managed to completely turn my feelings around by the end of the book, something which rarely happens. If anything, I tend to dislike characters more as a book progresses.
There is a plot in this book, one which I am curious to read more about as the series continues, though this is not so much due to this book as due to another Leigh book I recently read.
Leigh's books are going to appeal to a particular type of reader. Her books seem to be fairly predictable, with the same story progession and timeline overall (based on what I have gathered from reviews, summaries, and skimming). I have no problem with this because the sex is so hot. I try not to gush about such details when commenting/reviewing on erotic reads but seriously, Leigh has a knack for writing scenes that go past the steamy. Her books seem to rely on Alpha males, stubborn females, action, and, of course, lots and lots of sex.
November 28, 2010
I really wanted to like this, as I normally love books about alpha males claiming their "fated" mates, and this one had a nice sci-fi twist that they are on the run from the cruel Council that created them.
However; there was too much sex and too little substance, I like a good sex scene I don't like one every other page, as after a while it loses its power, I found myself skimming these scenes towards the end as frankly I was bored of them. I know this is erotica but it seemed such a waste of a good idea.
There was also minimal character development, they were more like standard templates of what a feisty heroine and dominant alpha hero should be like without really having any individual characteristics that mark them out from the hoarde of feisty heroines and alpha males that are out there. And although this story had the makings of a good plot that was dropped to leave more room for sex.
What I also didn't like was the sudden way that they decided they loved each other, one moment Callan, the hero of the story, was being a complete ass, even at one point saying he might kill her to make things easier and then they are madly in love! It was rather abrupt and lacked any credibility.
I am probably being a bit unfair, this is after all erotica and not PNR and I should expect the overload of sex and not much else, but I liked the ideas of this story, and can't help but wish it was more of a PNR. However, I didn't dislike this book, it was okay and I will probably read the next one as it is on my book case, but I am not that excited about it.
However; there was too much sex and too little substance, I like a good sex scene I don't like one every other page, as after a while it loses its power, I found myself skimming these scenes towards the end as frankly I was bored of them. I know this is erotica but it seemed such a waste of a good idea.
There was also minimal character development, they were more like standard templates of what a feisty heroine and dominant alpha hero should be like without really having any individual characteristics that mark them out from the hoarde of feisty heroines and alpha males that are out there. And although this story had the makings of a good plot that was dropped to leave more room for sex.
What I also didn't like was the sudden way that they decided they loved each other, one moment Callan, the hero of the story, was being a complete ass, even at one point saying he might kill her to make things easier and then they are madly in love! It was rather abrupt and lacked any credibility.
I am probably being a bit unfair, this is after all erotica and not PNR and I should expect the overload of sex and not much else, but I liked the ideas of this story, and can't help but wish it was more of a PNR. However, I didn't dislike this book, it was okay and I will probably read the next one as it is on my book case, but I am not that excited about it.
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