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Midnight Breed #10

Darker After Midnight

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The climactic novel in Lara Adrian's New York Times bestselling Midnight Breed series—and her hardcover debut—Darker After Midnight invites readers to enter a thrillingly sensual world where danger meets desire.

In the dark of night, a blood war escalates within the hidden world of the Breed. After existing in secret for many long centuries, maintaining a fragile peace with the humans who walk beside them unaware, a single act of retaliation has put the entire vampire nation at risk of discovery. It falls to the Order—a cadre of Breed warriors pledged to protect their own and humankind alike—to stop Dragos, the power-mad vampire at the center of the conflict, before his push for domination can explode into catastrophe.

At the center of the Order's quest is Sterling Chase, once a morally rigid enforcer of Breed law, now a warrior fallen from grace, whose biggest battle is the one he wages against his own savage nature. With addiction beckoning him toward eternal darkness, Chase's path to redemption has never seemed more out of reach—until he finds himself drawn to a beautiful young woman who may be something much more than she seems . . .

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 24, 2012

443 people are currently reading
9576 people want to read

About the author

Lara Adrian

114 books11k followers
LARA ADRIAN is a New York Times and #1 internationally best-selling author with nearly 4 million books in print and digital worldwide and translations licensed to more than 20 countries. Her books have been named among Amazon’s Top Ten Romances of the Year, and have also been nominated by readers multiple times as finalists for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance of the Year. Reviewers have called Lara’s books “addictively readable” (Chicago Tribune), “extraordinary” (Fresh Fiction), “strikingly original” (Booklist), and “one of the best vampire series on the market” (Romantic Times).

Writing as TINA ST. JOHN, her historical romances have won numerous awards including the National Readers Choice; Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice; Booksellers Best; and many others. She was twice named a Finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards, for Best Historical Romance (White Lion’s Lady) and Best Paranormal Romance (Heart of the Hunter). More recently, the German translation of Heart of the Hunter debuted on Der Spiegel bestseller list.

With an ancestry stretching back to the Mayflower and the court of King Henry VIII, the author lives with her husband in New England, where she is working on her next novel. Visit Lara’s website and sign up for new release announcements at http://bit.ly/LaraAdrianNews

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,127 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession.
1,223 reviews3,675 followers
September 6, 2018
4.5 Dragos strikes Stars



*****Spoilers*****

This book was such a crazy ride. I have loved Chase since he came on the scene looking for his nephew in book 2. I was looking forward to Chase getting his HEA. Though it was a super bumpy road Chase found love, and the humans found out about the Breed. There was so many twist and epic moments in this book that I was on edge the whole read waiting to see what happen next. In the last book things were looking really bad for Chase. He was arrested by the human cops in daylight. Dealing with blood lust and hoping not to go rogue. Chase somehow managed to hang on to his honor by a thread. Despite all his struggles he was instrumental in bringing down Dragos.



Tavia was amazing. She was a protective, kickass Gen-One, daywalking Breed female. Lied to her whole life and giving meds to suppress her Breed side, she had no clue who are what she was until Chase crashed into her life and turned everything upside down. I felt Tavia handled everything with dignity. Then Dragos unleashed 100s of Rogues on the human world, coming out of the Breed closet in a huge and deadly way. Tavia was as brave as the Order warriors. She went out and killed rogues helping to save the humans. Than she helped take down Dragos, which almost costed her, her life. Both being Breed, Tavia and Chase had some raw animalistic passion. I loved that Chase really opened up to Tavia. Tavia in turn was there for him and supportive of his fight with blood lust. They made a great couple.



Dragos was fucking shit up in this book. His crazy hit a boiling point. He sent out all the Rogues detained by the Breed agencies to kill 1000s of humans letting them know they are not the only race on the earth. Then he turned the VP minion and planned on doing the same to the President until, Tavia, Chase and the Order took him out. I loved how honorable and brave the Order's warriors were. Shaken by being outed to the humans they still went out and cleaned up the Rogue mess, protected humans, and breed alike, and killed Dragos' bitch ass. Then Lucan had to step up and become the leader and representative of the Breed in the human world. Forging peace between the Breed and the humans after Dragos' carnage. I loved the epilogue and I can't wait to see the direction the series will take.
Profile Image for Julie.
535 reviews140 followers
January 26, 2012
Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Before I begin this review, I have one important thing to say about this book. Darker After Midnight is the tenth installment in Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series and HOLY SH*T THIS BOOK IS…OMG JUST…WOW!

Essentially, this book is about Chase and Tavia and how they find their HEA. But really, it’s so much more. So much happens it’s insane! I have to admit that when I first met Chase in book three, I didn’t feel much for him. Yes, I felt bad for him and his situation. But as a character, he was just there. Then he joined the Order and he started getting interesting. Then he started getting on my nerves. Never to the point where I wanted to smack him around, but I may have wanted to shake him a little to see what was going on in that head of his. Then the end of book nine happened and I thought he was the bravest and stupidest vampire on the planet. I found what he did to be such an honorable thing to do. It’s too bad he was walking into certain death. But as I’m getting ready to wave goodbye to Chase forever, I remembered that book ten was to be Chase’s book and he most certainly wasn’t headed for certain death because otherwise that would make book ten the shortest book ever. So I changed it in my head: We were not witnessing Chase’s demise at the end of book nine – we were witnessing his greatness. He is still dealing with his issues in Darker After Midnight but his humanity, if you will, is a strong focus too. I liked him quite a bit in this book and had no feelings of wanting to hurt him. *g*

Tavia is a very good match for Chase. I really liked her character but what I liked most was what Lara ended up doing to/with her. Holy whoa I did not see that coming!!! I mean…yeah. I can’t wait to see what loyal readers of this series think of Tavia at the end of the book. I found it all very fitting to what has been going on in these past few books.

We see quite a bit of the other members of the Order but we mostly see Lucan and Gabrielle. I found it was great how we see the aftermath of his struggle with Bloodlust and his struggle with becoming the true leader he was always meant to me. If I weren’t sitting in the middle of my daughter’s dance school when I read the end of this book, I would have stood up and cheered for Lucan in the epilogue.

I was a little disappointed after reading the last book that Jenna and her ‘condition’ weren’t mentioned more but I did not feel that way this time around. Jenna is very much in the picture and much is explained. We also discover a theory about where Breedmates originated! Yeah…I know! Now you know what I mean when I say tons happens in this book!

I have a huge crush on Gideon. I just wanted to throw that out there.

Now let’s talk about the man we all want to punch in the face…and kick in other more painful regions… Dragos. I am about done with him. He wants vampires to take over the world and humans to be a snack. Yeah…he’s one of those guys. In each book, the Order knocks him down a little bit at a time. Starting this book, I was about ready for Dragos to be really hurt this time. I wanted his operation to be completely disbanded and he himself to die a slow and painful death. Or a fast and painful death. Or even a fast and painless death. I’m easy. I just wanted it to happen. Of course, I won’t tell you what happened with Dragos – you’ll just have to read the book to find out. But I am satisfied with where Dragos is headed at the end of this book.

One more little tidbit about Dragos in Darker After Midnight… The ‘big’ part of his plan is revealed and holy jumpin’ I was not expecting him to go there. And when he went there, it was sad and shocking and another moment in the book that had me lose all words other than ‘whoa’.

Oh, and before I forget, no this is not a stand-alone book. You would still enjoy it if you just jumped in and read this one but you wouldn’t have the same reaction as I did to the book because you would be missing the character build-up and the whole ‘Dragos is a super bastard’ aspect of the story also builds over a few books.

Lara’s Midnight Breed series is a solid series. I have never rated a book under 4 stars. The writing is good, the characters are very well developed and the premise (even though it’s vampires in hiding) is unique. I’m always impressed when I finish a Midnight Breed, but I have to say Darker After Midnight blew me away. I could not sit still during the last few chapters. I held my breath and rooted for the heroes and thought “THIS is how a long-running paranormal romance series should make you feel”. Lara got it just right with this tenth installment. I LOVE where the story ended up and I love where it seems to be headed. Fans of this series will have to agree with me that Darker After Midnight is the best book yet.
Profile Image for Sophia Triad.
2,241 reviews3,738 followers
December 15, 2019
Reread: A sob ripped out of him, and in the moment before he dissolved into an unintelligible howl of anguish and terror, one word echoed like a scream in Tavia’s heart.
"Vampires."


I finished watching another great series by Netflix yesterday, the V Wars and what I was watching reminded me so much one of my favourite books about vampires which is also my favourite book from the Midnight Breed series!
So I had to reread it shamelessly 😏
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FIRST REVIEW

Breed warrior Sterling Chase (Harvard)
Special ability: wrapping himself in shadows and hiding in them
Age: Over 1oo years old

Breed mate Octavia Fairchild (Tavia)
Special ability: Photographic memory
Occupation: Assistant for senator Clarence
Mark place: Lower Back

Settings: Boston, Maine, Washington

Well, well, WOOOOW! Just WOW! After 9 long length books and 2 short length books, this climactic series reaches the end of its first part (the following books cover stories that will happen 20 years after) and it is the end of the world as we know it. The time frame of the book is Christmas time -a few days before and a few days after. There are so many things going on, that whatever I write it will be a spoiler.

Anyway, besides the huge events that are taking place, this is finally Harvard's book. My favourite breed warrior. I was really looking forward for his book. Harvard was a tortured, self destructive hero since the first book in which we met him (Kiss of Crimson). He was the second best in his family behind his brother's long shadow, he always have had an unsatisfied lust for his sister in law Elise and he was filled with guilt and shame the most part of his life. In this book he is still fighting his demons but this time someone actually cares for him.

Harvard finally falls in love, forgets the dull and boring to tears Elise, gets the best girl and he has his HEA. Tavia and Harvard held each other together during the cataclysmic events of the book while they also help all the rest.

GREAT COUPLE, GREAT CHEMISTRY, GREAT LOVE SCENES.
Profile Image for Shawna.
3,772 reviews4,727 followers
February 3, 2012
5 stars – Paranormal/Vampire Romance

Wow! I loved it! I’ve been a big fan of this series from the beginning, and with its tenth installment, Lara Adrian definitely delivered the goods. Chase and Tavia are an awesome H/h pairing, and with some shocking surprises, an epic showdown, a satisfying ending, and a moving epilogue, it’s one of the best books of the series. There’s an 11th book mentioned (TBD) on the author’s website, so I’m hoping that means we haven’t seen the last of the Breed. 5 stars!
Profile Image for Lora.
186 reviews1,018 followers
maybe
December 8, 2010
Yay! Harvard's book! Finally!
Profile Image for Stacia (the 2010 club).
1,045 reviews4,099 followers
August 31, 2016
Used titanium knife : sixty-three dollars.
Value : priceless.

Wait, what? When did Lara Adrian become somewhat amusing? Did I blink and miss it?

Bonus : two books in a row that were GOOD. As in, "I think I might actually be a fan of this series now" GOOD.

Again, did I blink and miss something here? Wasn't I lukewarm about the earlier books?

It's as if an author actually learned how to fix their mistakes. Most of my complaints about the earlier books are slowly fading as the story world expands to include more than just the couples themselves. I'm sad that it took this long to get here, but at least it happened, right?

Chase's actual story could've been better developed, but it was alright. I'm not very fond of what Tavia turned out to be, but mainly this is because of how Jenna's story came along soon before hers. If Jenna hadn't happened, I might have been okay with the Tavia twist (or maybe not - I do think it makes the breedmates seem less special), but this is where the author probably should have chosen which "alternate" being should have existed, especially since the breedmates technically also count as something not just human. Too many species makes an already unbelievable scenario turn into something comical. As readers, we buy into a fantasy element up to a certain point. We allow ourselves to put aside reality for a moment if the author tells us that aliens crash landed on our planet. Okay, fine. So this ONE thing happened...it's weird, but we're going with it. But when the author starts adding in A, B, C, D, etc. extra fantasy elements, the original idea becomes cloudy. I almost laughed out loud when it was revealed that breedmates

Anyway, sorry for that ramble. Outside of the additional lore insertion, I'm pleased with the direction of the series, with only a few complaints about the rushed nature of the end of book 10 and how it leads into book 11. I'll expand on this more in my review for book 11. The bridge from books 10 into 11 was a tough transition. I'm not a fan of the "20 Years Later" gap. The story went from the shit hitting the fan into a fast forward. So we have all of this buildup, only to have it all change in an instant with no real reactions to the change? What about explanations of how people were split apart? I get that so much of the "immediately after" could have been tedious to report, but even a short novella would have sufficed. Lord knows there are a couple of needless novellas in the series that could have been scrapped in favor of this. There was just SO much story in there which could have been told, and I'm sad that I missed it. The ending was just way too rushed.

To the Readers : BOOM. The world has changed. Deal with it. Move on. Or don't. Either way, the Midnight Breed won't be the same anymore.

Me : *grumble* Fine. But only because I feel like the writer is FINALLY deciding to add in more world and character details/interactions/background like I'd been hoping for (woo hoo for more story outside of the romance!), and I like the upcoming characters, so I'm excited to see what happens to them.

Profile Image for Rachel Annie.
136 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2018
4 stars for the romance, 5+ stars for the main storyline

This was so good! I loved the raised stakes and intensity of the nonstop action in the third act. Ms. Adrian didn't pull any punches with book 10, lol.

The circumstances that brought Chase and Tavia together made for some excellent push and pull in the beginning, and it really worked for me. But when they got together fairly early on their chemistry lost some of its spark. However, even though the romance aspect wasn't as strong as it was in other Midnight Breed books, the overarching plot and resolution to this part of the story more than made up for it. And all the new bits that were introduced concerning the Breed itself and its history are quite intriguing.

It was also great to catch up with all the previous warriors and their mates. I'd like to continue with the series as I really enjoy this author's take on warrior vamps, not to mention her writing style, but this is such a wonderful way to wrap things up!

We'll see. :)
Profile Image for Debbie .
187 reviews
January 29, 2012
I was never a huge fan of Chase. But I have to say that this book has completely changed my mind about him. I think this was probably my favorite book of the entire series. I'm not giving any spoilers but the ending was just mind blowing. I couldn't read it fast enough. So much was happening. I'm so sad this part of the journey is at an end. But I am anxious to see how the spin off series will go. Hopefully we will get some glimpses of the entire "family" so we can at least see how they are doing.
Profile Image for Stacie.
2,502 reviews272 followers
October 4, 2018
5 "Darker after midnight for sure!" Stars!!

I loved it! A stunning conclusion and also an intriguing new beginning. Action packed with a very nice romance. I cannot wait to get to the next book! Happy reading!
Profile Image for Jess.
1,072 reviews157 followers
January 23, 2012
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog Rating: 4.5/5

Sterling Chase’s story has been building up for many books now and to say his journey has been bumpy and full of angst would be the understatement of the year. He’s seen his brother die, he’s loved his brother’s wife and watched her mate to another member of the Order. He’s killed his nephew when he was overtaken by bloodlust brought on by overdosing on drugs and all of this has slowly eaten away at Chase until he too is on the verge of losing it all to bloodlust. When we last left off, Chase gave himself up to help save his brothers and their mates in the Order, even though he’s been cast out of the Order and is dealing with everything on his own. He’s taken into custody, but doesn’t stay there long and crosses paths with Tavia – a female who is anything but the human she believes herself to be.

There won't be any spoilers about who Tavia is, so the review will be as detailed as possible without giving anything away. Dragos, and his evil ways, hits close to home for Tavia and everything that she thought she was and the people she loved most in her life were nothing but lies. With Chase’s help, she’s able to finally learn the truth about who the Breeds are and starts to uncover the details about who she is.

While Chase’s story may have been a long time coming, Dragos’ rise in power and the final fight between him, his army and the Breeds has been building from the start. Dragos pulls no punches and unleashes mass destruction and killers throughout the world, which causes death and destruction at a pace that the Order just can’t keep up with. I was counting down until the moment when Dragos got what was coming to him, but it comes at a great cost to Tavia and Chase and changes the world the Breeds and humans live in forever.

Tavia is such a strong female, and she needs to be to be able to match up well with Chase. He still has so much self-hatred in him and he’s constantly fighting against the bloodlust thats right there in front of him. Tavia becomes his lifeline, the person that he can hold on to and someone who helps him through the worst of times. I love a hero who’s been through so much pain and heartache and watch him slowly come out of it and start living again, and Tavia gives him all the reasons in the world to start to turn his life around. Before we get to the sweet and tender moments between them, there is crazy hot attraction that’s not denied and they become linked in ways that Tavia doesn’t really understand at first. Chase sure does, but since he refuses to feed from her, afraid that he won’t be able to stop, their blood bond is one sided for much of the book. Tavia is able to feel what Chase is going through as he fights his hunger and it’s that tie between them that starts to ground him and help him move forward.

All the past characters, heroes, heroines and children, get page time as everyone gears up for the fight with Dragos. There are developments with the history of the Breedmates and there are still stories to be told with the younger set, Mira, Kellan and now Nathan. Lucan steps fully into his role as leader, leading not only his men, but taking the Breeds in a new direction at the end of the story.

The final fight takes place over quite a few chapters at the end and after all is said and done, my one little issue is that Chase and Tavia’s story ended a bit abruptly. We get a great epilogue at the end that takes us 1 year into the future, but it almost felt like a chapter was missing between where the story ends now and the epilogue starts. I needed just a little bit more closure for Chase and Tavia.

DARKER AFTER MIDNIGHT ends on a positive note, but there are still so many loose ends that will take us easily into the next portion of this series and really, a new world, with the direction that things go at the end of this story. I’m hoping that our old friends will still show up and we can stay caught up with their lives while being introduced to new characters that are out there in the Breed world that we need to get to know.
Profile Image for  ~V~.
1,065 reviews
January 26, 2012
Wow..i LOVED this one!!! I was really looking forward to reading it especially with how things ended in the last book but i have to admit i was a little bit nervous because Chase was never a character i overly cared for..he was an arrogant, cocky know-it-all...who in my honest opinion was not very likeable at all! Well Lara Adrian did a great job of redeeming him in this book..i now LOVE Sterling Chase!!! Yay!!

The romance between Chase and Tavia started out a little bit oddly but ended up being great and i loved the new twist she threw into their storyline! There were was so much action and suspense and SO MANY surprises, i had a hard time putting this book down, which i was SO thankful for considering i felt that the last book was lacking a little bit in this department! I also loved how it ended ..however, one thing that i found quite shocking was that from the first book in this series to this current book, only a couple of years, at most, have passed...but in this book, in what could be considered the epilogue, even though it wasn't titled as such...she jumps ahead an entire year!! There are so many different directions Lara Adrian can now take this series with the way she wrapped things up, which by the way is CRAZY!!...but I'm so excited to see where she goes with it all!

Speaking of future books...I think this is the first time i've finished a Midnight Breed novel not having a clue which character will be featured in the next book. There was no hint in this storyline...no sneak peak of the next book at the end...NOTHING! All the breed males of the Order are also mated now so i'm very curious to see whose story we'll be getting...maybe Lazaro Archer?...Mathias Rowen? Corrine's son, Nathan, is still a little young yet...and I really think Lara Adrian is hinting at something between Mira and Kellan Archer...but they're also both still so young..especially Mira so i have a feeling we'll be waiting on their story for some time. Maybe we'll get a novella for Gideon and Savannah!? He is a character that i've loved since the beginning and being as how those two were already together when this series started i feel a little bit cheated that we've never gotten their love story.

This is one of my favorite pnr series and this latest book is proof positive of why that is!! I can't wait to see what is in store for us next! :)
Profile Image for AJ.
3,204 reviews1,066 followers
January 15, 2013
This whole series, and in particular this final instalment, can be summed up in three words - OH HELL YEAH!!!

Darker After Midnight picked up the action straight away, and with characters and storyline already well established, it was straight into the action. And after 9 books (and one novella), this climactic book had the feel of one, huge long finale. It was excitement from start to finish, with action, secrets uncovered and shocking discoveries happening all the way through (history of the Breedmates... OMG!), and then the big final showdown was FREAKING EPIC!!! It was everything I wanted it to be, and more, as Dragos unleashed his big, evil plan (prompting much shock and swearing from me), and The Order all band together to take him down. My heart was pounding the whole time.

"Night was coming, and the terror it was bringing had already arrived"

“Lock and load, everyone,” Lucan said, casting a grave look at the rest of them. “It’s gonna be a long, bloody night.”

Sensational stuff!!!

And of course, intertwined with these massive events, we finally get the story of Chase ‘Harvard’ Sterling. Oh Chase, how I love you! We have watched Harvard spiralling out of control over the last few books, and with his devastating and brave actions at the end of the last book, his time had finally come! My heart broke for him as he struggled with all that he was going through, yet still tried to be honourable, and carry out his work for the Order. And even more so as he came to know and trust Tavia, tried to be worthy of her, and then finally opened up to her and revealed the secrets of his past, which explain exactly why he was what he was.

And Tavia was a brilliant heroine! Bringing a sensational twist to the Breedmate group, she is strong and capable, and a brilliant match for Chase. The faith and trust she has in him, even with all he is going through, was really special. I loved the story between these two, from their explosively hot beginning, to their growing love for each other and the support and strength they offered each other. They had some intense chemistry, and the sexy times were HOT!!! I knew Chase had it in him, and he didn’t let me down!!! (“You wanted it. Now take it.”- HOT DAMN!). And then along he comes with the romance to make me ridiculously swoony.

“I love you. You are mine. In my heart, I knew that from the beginning. You are my beloved, Tavia, my only one.”

There is lots of time spent with each of the characters that we have come to know and love throughout the series. And even the late additions to the series like the Archers, Nathan and Rowan Mathias bring something special to the group. Jenna gets an added look in, with the mysteries surrounding her story getting deeper, and I loved seeing Gideon get to be all kickass in his own way. But it is Lucan who gets a special focus, and we get several scenes from his POV as we watch him try to deal with the immense responsibility of protecting what he considers his family in the face of what he knows is coming, and balancing that with leading his warriors in the battle ahead. His struggle is beautifully portrayed, and I really felt for him and all that he was facing.

It’s always more intense when you journey with a group of characters over time. You know them, love them, and feel incredibly protective of them, so going into this book already feeling all of those things, just made everything feel so much more extreme

There is an epilogue set a year after the end of the book which gives us a glimpse into some of the family and character developments, and finishes off the original series beautifully. But it also sets up the ‘new’ Midnight Breed books which pick up the story 20 years into the future with the next generation of Breed – some of who we have already met. And I can’t wait for more!

This will definitely go down as one of my favourite PNR series EVER! And I’m looking forward to the new books with the drastic new direction the series took in the final pages.

I cannot gush enough! Freaking sensational, 5 stars all the way!
Profile Image for Francesca the Fierce (Under the Covers Book Blog).
1,886 reviews503 followers
September 10, 2015
This review was posted at Under The Covers

It feels like I've been waiting to read Chase's story since forever, and well, I have. I fell in love with his character in Tegan's book and have seen him go from a highly respected member breed society to an Order warrior, to well... it hurts to think where he's gone lately.

But I think this was always the frame of mind he was supposed to be in, not the too far gone, but the bit reckless and out of control. He was always a rebel at heart and just needed that side of himself to come out.

This book picks up where Deeper Than Midnight left off. Chase is the prime suspect the human police have on a murder attempt on a politician as well as some terrorist attacks around town. The Order has been forced to relocate and Chase, he has one mission in his mind before he "finishes" himself. He wants to destroy Dragos.

Caught in the crossfire here is Tavia Fairchild. First of all, let me just say she might be one of my favorite heroines of this series. And you're in for a surprise with her character! A Big One! She is truly the perfect match for Chase and through his attraction to her she's able to bring him down from the ledge just enough for him to see a future.

As a couple, they were great together. The romance and the heat were excellent. But that's not all this book has to offer. Dragos is still present and causing havoc. There were even times in this book when I thought "How can everything be going his way?". But in the end, the story was full of action, it grabs you from the first page and doesn't stop until the end. What a ride!!!

And I can't leave aside the little ones. I love Mira and Nathan and Kellan and I'd love to see their characters developed more. Maybe even get books? Also there are new developments with most of the couples, which was very nice to see.

If you are a fan of this series, you have to read this book NOW! If you haven't started it yet, what are you waiting for? A bit dark, and not always roses, this series and characters are captivating!! Great job Ms. Adrian!! I can't wait for more!

* ARC provided by publisher
January 27, 2012
And so we come to the end of this part of the Midnight Breeds with Chase's book. At the end of Deeper Than Midnight, Chase surrendered to the police so they wouldn't find the Breed's hideout which Lucan and the rest of the Breeds decided to blow up anyway and head up north to Maine. Chase is in all kinds of trouble and things really hit the fan with the eyewitness comes to police headquarters.

So, the big question for me was did Chase redeem himself? And unfortunately, that's a big fat NO. I felt like the story started going there with everything that happened at police headquarters but then it sort of dropped off. Not that I think all the things he did was so horrible but I guess I was looking for ... more. I really liked what became of Tavia. I guess I should've seen that coming but I was surprised and I really liked that story line. A little disappointing that we didn't get more information about the others.

I did really enjoy Chase and Tavia. I thought they fit well together and I guess my only complaint is that after the big battle, I wanted some more time with them. The epilogue was nice but since it was a year later, it was hard to fit everything in. Okay, I guess I have more than one complaint. My other is that they got cheated a bit in this book ... by everybody else! Since this book is wrapping up things in this time period, ALL the other couples get page time. I'm not complaining about that though! I really enjoyed getting the updates on everyone with some things getting wrapped up and some things not.

So that leads us to Mira, Kellan, Nathan, Xander and the others. I definitely will be reading it and think it will bring a freshness to the series and I look forward to seeing where everyone is and who the bad guy(s?) is going to be!

Favorite lines:

Used titanium hunting knife: sixty-three dollars.
Value: priceless.


and ...

"Santa Claus has already been here and everything. Want to see what he brought for you?"

"Is it a big present?"

"Very big."

"With a big red bow on it?"
Profile Image for sgt.amok.
10 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2012
I feel like we're going to see more of Ms. Fairchild ...
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,672 reviews1,109 followers
April 5, 2023


This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Introduction
Darker After Midnight is the 10th installment in the "Midnight Breed" series. I really was so excited to get back to this series. This was part of a romanceopoly pick and I am so happy that I was able to get to this one. I had forgotten how much I loved the world of the Midnight Breeds. I really enjoyed how this one was built and oh boy it kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. If you are a fan of vampires, then I can't recommend these books enough especially if you prefer higher amounts of steam. The author definitely writes these aspects so well here. I do recommend reading the series in order if you can.

Summary
Darker After Midnight brings together Sterling Chase and Tavia Fairchild. Sterling Chase is one of warriors for the Order, which is a cadre of Breed warriors that are determined to stop the plans of Dragos. But when he sacrifices himself to help his brothers when their location is found by the authorities, he then meets Tavia who is much more than she seems, but she also has ties to Dragos that she is unaware of. When Tavia finds herself kidnapped by Chase, who is determined to protect her but when truths are revealed about Tavia's true identity, their world will shift and the evil machinations of Dragos will be escalated and only by them working together can they work on bringing him down...

My Outlook
Darker After Midnight, is such a fantastic book! I absolutely had so much fun with this one. It definitely contained the best spooky paranormal vibes that I was looking for. It was also fun to get back to the series and all my favorite characters again and you can bet I will be returning to this series soon as I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the writing style of this author. It was so intriguing to see how the author built up the story. I just loved it so much. I also was so intrigued by the way the author built up the plot of the book. This book really escalated the evil plans of Dragos and I can tell you it gets INTENSE in this book! Whew boy! I absolutely loved how well the author wrote these elements and how much it raises the tension and climax in the story but the way that the story actually wraps up was just right! And I am intrigued to see what happens with the heroines in the next upcoming books. The author built this story just right to make me want to read more right away!

Overall View
Darker After Midnight
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building: 4
Cover:4
Hero: 4
Heroine: 4
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels: 4
Ending:4
Overall View: 4



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Profile Image for Ronda  Tutt.
863 reviews55 followers
January 18, 2013
Mind Blowing!

Wow, The author's writing captures you immediately with the thrill of Chase's sacrifice of turning himself into the police to save the Order from the set up evil caused by Dragos and with Chase finally getting his over due HEA. Chase and Tavia definitely heat up the pages with their chemistry.

I loved the introduction of the new female Tavia - totally awesome that there is the first Female BREED, not a BREEDMATE but a BREED. Her character was kick ass and I look forward to reading future books with her in them fighting along side with the Male BREEDS.

This story was fantastic and the new discoveries and insight to the Breed who landed on earth centuries ago made the story interesting but leaving many questions unanswered of why they hunted down the Atlantians and how the Breedmates are intertwined with them. Also who the Breedmates father truely was is in question because many of the Breedmates were all orphans or had adoptive parents. I am truly looking forward to the future books to learn of their heritage and how they came about being on earth.

This story's climax regarding the evil wicked Breed Dragos had me on the edge of my seat - boy what a exciting and thrilling climax with his death, I was right there with Chase in his madness of destroying Dragos.

I loved all the interaction between the characters and was glad to be reminded the love between all the mates especially with the new baby Xander. I loved the ending new surprises of life to come with the other warriors and their mates and how it showed that the Breed will continue on with its existence regardless of the unknown future and how it gave them the symbol of hope for their future.

However, now I am even more curious in how the author will add to this series now that the BREED and their Order are exposed to the human world. With everything that happened in the end it kind of reminded me of my favorite show on HBO "True Blood" and how the vampires and shifters were accepted into society. With the legend of the Atlantians I am very excited how this immortal and powerful alien matches up to the Breed and how it will all unfold and we find out why they were being hunted by the Breed in the first place.

I am truly addicted to this series and just have to say that Lara Adrian is one fantastic writer and story teller.

Fantastic Read!

Profile Image for Carrie.
1,999 reviews87 followers
February 3, 2012
While I enjoyed the story and was glad to see some things wrapped up (namely the villain), Darker After Midnight wasn't a total success for me.

Tavia had the potential to be a very interesting character, and I thought Adrian's little surprise about her was great. Unfortunately, Tavia starts out as this sort of pathetic, needy individual and then, wham!, she's superwoman with all kinds of mad skills. It was so unbelievable that it had my head spinning. No character development, just zero to sixty in 5 seconds flat.

Chase was a great character in previous books, but I got a little weary constantly reading about his "gnawing hunger" this time around. Especially since the author has us believing he's on the ragged edge, but he seems to be able to control himself quite adequately at time. It felt inconsistent.
Some of the best parts of the book were about the relationship between Tavia and Chase, but I wanted to see the development taken a little more slowly and with more detail.

The parts including the Breedmates and warriors ended up being mostly sappy. Anyone reading this book ought to know how much the warriors and their mate mean to each other, we really didn't need the author to remind us of that over and over again. It became trite.

I liked the suspense plot line and the action scenes. I'm guessing her three book extension will be set into the future a bit and deal with the three younger characters introduced in the past few books. I'm also guessing that Tavia's uniqueness, and the origins of the Breedmates will also be explored, since both story lines were left open.
Profile Image for Melindeeloo.
3,262 reviews158 followers
February 20, 2015
Sterling Chase has been waiting for a long time for his happily ever after, but even though I was really excited about his story it took me a long time to get through the first 100 or so pages – I kept setting the book aside and reading bits of other things. I think the reason that I had a hard time with the start of the book was that author Adrian didn't really do anything to reconnected us with Chase before that 100 page mark, so whatever connection there was to Chase, and any sympathy for his devolution, was mostly whatever you brought with you from the beginning of the series.

Like many other of readers, I did like the middle of the book - the story finally get rolling once Chase bonds with Tavia and his almost forgotten nobility starts to reassert itself - he just needed someone to take care of, seems like that was his role in the past.

My nits: I wasn't thrilled with the Breedmates 'origins' but it wasn't as cheesy as it could of been. After the huge fallout of Dragos plan, death and destruction on so large a scale wraps up too quickly and neatly at the end. I didn't mind skipping over Tavia's recovery while I was reading the book. But after the fact? Yeah, there should have been more.

On the plus side: Tavia with her secret nature was a pretty cool heroine and having the most all of the characters come back for a reunion was nice.

So now with the overarching arc complete, I wonder what's next for the Breeds – there are certainly some dangling ends, Jenna's transition, Mira and the Breedmate origins, so with two books left it will be interesting to see where Adrian takes us next.
Profile Image for Heather C.
1,480 reviews222 followers
January 30, 2012
I loved it! It was a perfect way to wrap up an amazing series...or shall I say story-arc?? I've been waiting for years for Chase to finally get his HEA and it was perfect. Tavia was so perfect for him, and even more kick-ass than any of the other Breedmates And the sex was really hot! I just wish there would have been a little more romance between them at the end.  The ending seemed rushed and everything was tied up nicely in a bright red bow. 
 
This one was really dark IMO.  I guess it was pretty much like all the others in the series, but I think I only laughed like once or twice.  I was really into the plot so I wasn't bothered by all the darkness.  I'm glad to finally get more insight int what is really going on with Jenna...and I'm glad Dragos finially got his in the end. 
 
I loved that all the other couples played a role in this storyline.  Espicially loved seeing a lot of Lucan and Gabrielle.  I can't wait for the spin-off series. 

4.5 Stars


Profile Image for DemonKitty003.
126 reviews
February 11, 2012
~After reading~

So...I must say, there were some parts in this book that really got me. I will admit I was drawn into the book once the beginning was over. The other surprising part is that I was actually interested in Tavia. I am never interested in a female character before!!! It is completely out of the question, but someone Lara made me want to follow Tavia (even though I still wish it wasn't a recycled character, would have been more delicious and exciting). Then there is the notecing crush/"I love him/her" ordeal. I will also say I did enjoy how and when Chase and Tavia found out their feelings for each other.

Then there are some parts I above all, I have to say it, HATE!!! The beginning was so freaking slow!!! Then there is the freaking talk about babies!!! BABIES!!!! Seriously??? A war is about to break out and romance is trying to form here!! Where did this whole "Let's have a baby," come into the story line??? If you ask me it was pathetic to even mention that crap. If I wanted to read about a sappy weak sause love story where men are knocking up women, and getting them pregnant when they want a son, you would see me reading these series or others I have read!!

Here is a lists of goods I will admit:
1. The real live of Tavia showing it's true colors
2. The length of time Chase and Tavia finally found their feelings
3. The battle that began

Now here are the bad things:
1. Sappy talk about having fucking babies!!!!!!!
2. The slow beginning and length of time Chase and Tavia took
3. The way Dragos went down (come on, shouldn't there been a huge fight or something to make you go "ooooo" and "aaaa" with a blaze of glory the Breed give us?)
4. The ending!!! For the love of all that is holy, I was expecting something that would make me smile and "Whoop Whoop" for joy, but no...it was like this at the ending, "really...are you fucking kidding me!?!?!"

As I can see again the bad out numbers the good. I am glad I checking it out of the library, or I would never be able to get this book off my hands when trying to sell it back. *Sigh* well now that I am finally done reading this, I am glad and EXTREMELY happy this series is over.
....But if there is another book I am going to scream. This book ended with everyone happy (even lame stupid Gabrielle with her son. Again with sappy baby talk and coming into the story when not needed), there is no good reason why this series has to continue.

~Before reading~
Wow going hard back now. Sad. But anyways, I've read a few reviews on a guess of the next mate. Please, oh dear lord please not another female that has already been mentioned in the previous book. Such as Ms. Fairchild as some are saying. I want to read about someone new. Someone fresh from the box that will bring wild excitment and breath taking plots. I want to feel on the edge of my seat here people!!! Romance and War need to dance in the book together as one!!

If Ms. Fairchild is the next female in the serious to be Chase's mate...I'm really, REALLY, done here on this serious. If this isn't the last book of the series, this will be my last book I read of the Midnight Breed sadly if it comes to that. All good things must come to an end I guess.
~ ~ ~
Well, I just got my answer and did some research. Tavia Fairchild just happen to be the one. Well this is just fantastic. I have three choices.
1. I can buy the book on my kindle, and not be able to sell it back which I wasted some money.
2. I can buy the book in hardback and waste more money, and try to sell it back. (which I doubt it -_-)
Or 3. I can wait a very long time and rent it from the library where I can easily save money and be (excuse my language thank you) Fucking Pissed at how another recycled female character is brought out again!!!!

Hmmmm, I am going to go with number 3. Again best way to make the series is not to bring in the previous female! Only the males are continued (unless its a female series, but that's a different story). However, if you are going to bring in an already mention female character, then wait!! Give it some time like a few books with other new females, and then bring in the already known female. I am hurting and crying deep down. I feel so betrayed how this series went :(. I'm going to continue my crying alone now.
Profile Image for Carla-Everything Romance.
115 reviews197 followers
January 11, 2012
Carla's Review

Midnight Breed is one of the first paranormal romance books I read and I instantly fell in love with the creative and original world Lara Adrian created. The characters stick with you, well after the story has ended and you are always left clamoring for the next book. Every book in this series was great but I have to say that Darker After Midnight is the EPIC book of the series and was truly phenomenal. I really can't give much details without giving away spoilers, so I will do my best to give you a summary.

When Deeper Than Midnight ended, Sterling Chase risked his life by running out of the compound and surrendering himself to the human police and that is where we find him when Darker After Midnight begins. He wanted to give Lucan, the rest of the Order and their mates a chance to flee the compound before the police found them. Chase is now locked up and the bloodlust is riding him hard but he will do what needs to be done in order to save the Order and their mates, the only ones he considers his family and friends. When Tavia Fairchild arrives at the police station for a line up, all hell breaks loose. When Chase meets up again with Tavia, he learns that she is much more than anyone could have expected, to him and to the Breed, and he will stop at nothing to protect her.

Tavia Fairchild is the assistant to a United States senator who also happens to be Dragos' newest minion. Tavia knows nothing about vampires or things that go bump in the night so when she sees Chase for what he really is, and in the throes of bloodlust no less, she thinks he is a monster that's on a killing spree. Tavia's life has been turned upside down. Everything she's ever known is not what it seemed and now Dragos is after her. Utterly alone and weary of who to trust, Tavia decides to go after Dragos to put a stop to his madness.

We also get to see quite a bit of Lucan in this book as well. Lucan is faced with some of the toughest decisions he's ever had to make for the safety of the Order and their mates. After the fiasco that happened at the end of Deeper Than Midnight, Lucan must decide whether or not to flee the compound. And if they flee, where will they go? The biggest test he faces is when Dragos puts his last horrendous plan into motion and puts the entire world into chaos. Now it's up to Lucan to clean up the mess and to try and save the Breed species.

With that said, SO much happens in this book and I don't want to give anything away, so I will not say anything more. This book can be read as a standalone, but I definitely recommend reading the series in order because you will not want to miss any of the events that led up to Darker After Midnight. You will fall in love with the world Lara created and all of the characters in it. This book is a MUST read for all Midnight Breed fans, as the story line from the previous books comes to a conclusion and opens up a new world for the Breed. Truly an EPIC read!!

I give DARKER AFTER MIDNIGHT 5 stars (but..if I could give it more I would)
Profile Image for Nancy.
533 reviews12 followers
February 2, 2012
I hate to give this one two stars, but that's what it is. It wasn't nearly as good as the other books in the series.

Chase has not been one of my favorite characters, he's very whiny and just needs a good dose of suck it up. I don't think he should have had his own book.

Tavia could have been more interesting, if we'd have had more backstory, but she fell kind of flat. Kind of like a reboot of Jenna's story. Although Jenna gets a bit more interesting in this book.

Tegan/Gabrielle are having issues (felt like a rip off of Wrath/Beth in LAv)which would have made a fine subplot, but it was mentioned twice, then glossed over to a happy ending.

All that being said, it almost felt (trying not to spoil) that Ms. Adrian was trying to end the Dragos storyline and didn't quite know how to do it, and they way it all came together was odd. The whole Atlantean angle (if that's what they really are) feels too Dark Hunter to me, and I'm now waiting for Apollymi and Acheron to make and appearance.

I'm not sure I'm happy with how the story line is going, but we'll see what she can pull out of her hat for the next book. This felt more like a "bridge" book than anything else. Just kinda *meh*
Profile Image for Ronda.
890 reviews177 followers
January 28, 2012
For such a long time, Dante and Tess were my firm favourites of the Breed.... I never liked Sterling Chase when he came into our lives but having read his book, Chase and Tavia take the top shelf as my favourites (sorry Dante, you are still a close 2nd!)

I had no idea Chase's story would reach me the way it did, of course I knew Lara Adrian would deliver as she always does, but Chase touched me...

Tavia!!! WOW... doubley so!!! I can't tell you anything about this unique lady without spoiling a major part of the story, so I won't!!!

Dragos? Well read the book, I will say he still lives up to his top form!!!

The ending? I'm left wondering about a few things here... The past is a big mystery and makes me wonder if this will come into play in the next installment? Jenna is still a mystery too and I'm sure this is all for a reason.

For those of us who love Lara's books, you will not be disappointed... for those of you, like me, who didn't like Chase, be prepared...

Fabulous!!!
Profile Image for Alex is The Romance Fox.
1,461 reviews1,231 followers
December 28, 2013
I have been waiting for Stirling Chase's story for a long time and finally, it's here.

What a great 'FINALE" to the Midnight Breed Series.....so much happens in this story that just blows your mind.

Fast-paced, a riveting and dark world filled with characters that stay with you for a long time.

Firstly, I loved Chase and Tavia Fairchild. A dark, tortured hero and a heroine that I never expected....don't want to spoil what it was.....you find out!!! Their chemistry, both sexual and emotional was beyond amazing!!!!!

A final show-down between the Breed warriors and their mates and the evil Dragos.

Chaos reigns in planet Earth with some really unexpected surprises.

This is such a fabulous series and if you love vampires with a "difference", then read every book.



Profile Image for Debra Johnson.
11k reviews176 followers
July 6, 2025
Awesome! I have been waiting for Chase's story and it did not disappoint. He is more than half crazed when he meets Tavia. And wow! What a surprise Tavia is!!
This book is pivotal in the Midnight Breed series. Every word is essential to the story. It flows flawlessly. Everything is non-stop action. The war is ON. Dragos pulls his big guns and blood flows.
Filled to the brim with adult action/suspense and romance.
I can not describe how much I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this one.
Lara Adrian shows her Undeniable Genius in her writing of this one.
Profile Image for Annie .
2,503 reviews941 followers
February 7, 2012
With the way Lara Adrian ended the last book, Deeper than Midnight, I was dying to get my hands on this one. This is Sterling Chase’s book, the former Agency member, the one who was straight arrow before his life made a turn for the worse.

Chase has endured a lot. He has lost many things in his life – the loss of his brother, Quinton, the loss of the woman he loved, Elise to another Breed member, the loss of his nephew, Camden and now, the imminent loss of his sanity, which will also mean the loss of his place amongst the warriors of the Order.

When Chase gives himself up to the uniforms in the last book, my head was reeling. I will admit, there were times in the past where Chase made the wrong decisions that impacted the Order greatly. He was becoming a liability more than an asset to them, but giving himself up so that the Order could gain some more time was his final act to show the others, and maybe himself, that he wasn’t completely lost to Bloodlust.

I was eager to know more about Tavia Fairchild. However, her secrets about her past caught me by surprise. Though she isn’t my favourite Breedmate (that honor goes to Renata and Tess), I found that I admired her courage and strength throughout the book. I say this often about Adrian’s heroines. She always writes strong women who actively take part in the conflict of the stories and I love that, who wouldn’t?

Chase and Tavia’s attraction for one another is instant, though they try to fight it. What tired me was the fact that Chase still held himself back, believing himself to be unworthy for her love. He didn’t want to be the staining mark on her life that she’d remember long after he was gone. And he would be, that’s just who Chase is. He believed himself to be unreliable and dangerous and creating a blood bond between them would be a big mistake.

Once I got over that initial frustration, I was able to get into the book more. Adrian answers some questions readers have been asking for awhile, such as how did the Breedmates come to be. And finally, the war with Dragos comes to an end.

I’ve always thought that Adrian wrote great actions scenes, but the war between the Order and Dragos didn’t really live up to her usual standards. It was good, but not the explosive war I thought it would be.

I’m hoping this isn’t the last of the Midnight Breed books. As long as she keeps writing them, I’ll continue to read them.
Profile Image for Diana.
465 reviews33 followers
March 6, 2012
Audiobook Narrated by Hillary Huber

I’ve listened to seven of the books in the Midnight Breed series so I was interested in catching up with Darker After Midnight, the tenth book that was billed as the wrapup. I recommend the first four in the series which have intricate plots and real romance. As to this latest book, it’s no spoiler to reveal that the Order’s super evil archenemy Dragos is finally vanquished, albeit fairly easily, after nine books of buildup. Apparently the publisher had second thoughts and there now will be at least three more which explains the heavy presence of the younger generation in this book. In fact it seems that every character who ever set foot in one of the Midnight Breed books has a featured role, leaving the main couple Tavia and Chase competing for air time with a boatload of previous couples sappy with baby fever.

Normally I would issue a warning not to start a series with book #10 but I think you could with this one. Author Adrian painstakingly explains the series mythology and you get to meet the whole Breed gang. The commercial tone is hard to miss.

There is one obvious and significant difference between Adrian’s Midnight Breed series and its inspiration, the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward. Ward’s vampires get it that they’re high camp with a wink wink, nudge nudge. Adrian’s supernaturals take themselves very, very seriously making them too deadly and humorless for me. A surprise Extremely Important Event for the Breed Nation occurs in the epilogue. I laughed out loud, in a room by myself, in the dark, and I’m pretty sure I wasn’t supposed to find it funny.

Narrator Hillary Huber has done a fine job with all of this series. She’s handled a number of accents with aplomb. So many characters from the previous books appeared here that I had some difficulty knowing who was speaking at times but Huber kept a handle on it. My only complaint is with the child Mira sounding too babyish, but she’ll probably be grown and ready for her very own fated mate in the next entry to the series.

See my audiobook reviews at Blue Moon
http://saschakeet.wordpress.com/
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