Cross Breed
(Breeds #23)
by Lora Leigh
Publisher: Berkley
Publication date: Sept 25, 2018
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating:
The Breeds are humans altered before conception with the DNA of the predators of Earth. But although they all carry the genetic material of beasts within them, Cassandra Sinclair stands apart. A unique mix of wolf, coyote and human, she is revered by many—but preyed upon by others. She is fiercely protected by her community…but no one manages to stop her when she slips away one day to offer her body in exchange for her sister’s safety.
The man she succumbs to surprises her by unleashing her inner animal in ways she never dreamed possible—and provokes her deep, furious rage. To Cassie’s shock, he is the mate she has long awaited. She may never be able to forgive his deception. Still, as dangerous enemies track her, and as the threat of all-out war between Breeds and the humans who despise them hovers in the air, they must join forces and hold fast to each other.
But the passionate union between them holds a potential that could change the world—and some will do anything to stop it…
*Contains spoilers as to who Cassie’s mate is*
Cross Breed is the story about Cassie and her mate. They are both hybrid Breeds (born from a human and a Breed) and their mating is something that will change their world. Since their hybrid status is extremely rare, it is said that when two hybrids mate, their offspring will be undetected as a Breed. However, Dog has a horrible reputation for being the Council’s (human’s who like to regulate and experiment on Breeds) bitch boy and the other Breeds detest him for even being in the Council’s back pocket. So when the Breed princess ends up mated to the despised coyote, Cassie’s standing in the Breed world is challenged and pretty soon these two characters find themselves fighting for their mating, their lives, and the lives of countless others.
This was a really amazing installment. I will admit that I am kind of new to the scene. I read Elizabeth’s Wolf (third book and the book where Cassie is introduced as a little girl) not that long ago and immediately fell in love with Cassie. So when I saw that her book was coming out later in the year, I was really excited. Now, I know I missed quite a bit between the second and twenty-third book, but I feel like having read Elizabeth’s Wolf, I was able to grasp the world the author created as well as form a bond with Cassie. From reading reviews on Cross Breed, Dog has been hovering around on the edges for a while, teasing the readers and Cassie with his presence. We are given a glimpse to when they first met, which sort of made it feel like I wasn’t completely out of the loop. I will say that I do plan to go back and read the previous books in the series because there is a lot of world and character development in this series that I know I’m missing out on.
One thing I loved about this book was Cassie’s insanely strong character. She’s been shielded her entire life. She’s been treated like this helpless princess by her parents, when in fact she’s pretty brutal herself. She has a lot of restraint and keeps her self in check way more than the others realize. So, when her claws finally come out, everyone takes a step back.
The author threw in some pretty interesting twists that I didn’t see coming and I really liked that one of them stemmed all the way back to Elizabeth’s Wolf. The author did a really great job with Cassie’s story, and even though I am unfamiliar with the series as a whole, I definitely plan to go back and catch up on everything. If you’re looking for a new shifter series to read, that has some pretty steamy scenes, then look no farther than Breeds.
Lovely review. I adored this book quite a bit here. Actually a TON!! I have read the whole series as its been released so I have seen Cassie’s journey and so this book felt perfect. You definitely should catch up on the rest of the series.
I haven’t read Lora Leigh’s books in awhile, but they are good with great characters. Sounds like I need to pick this one up, and glad you enjoyed it so much! Hugs…RO
Oh man. This sounds so good! I don’t know if I’ll ever dive in because it’s 23 books at this point, but I’m giving it serious consideration. I love the the mates that hate trope.
Great review!
I love this series so much! I entered your giveaway. It’s the first time I’ve entered an instagram giveaway.
Lovely review…I adored Cassie’s book. And oh boy….the end there was EPIC!!! I followed her journey through the series though which was fun.