Midnight Pursuits
Author: Elle Kennedy
Reviewer: VampBard
Rating: A
What I’m Talking About:
I look forward to Elle Kennedy’s Killer Instincts series. Every time I find out there’s a new title releasing, I get antsy, and anticipate the release of review copies. Then, I count down the books until I get to read the title. Midnight Pursuits was no exception. I was really upset that the real world got in the way; I would have devoured this book in one sitting.
So. Romantic Suspense. Not a genre I read a lot anymore, it seems. Just in a phase, I’m sure. That happens. When I do read them, though, they’re from authors that I trust to have a plot that isn’t going to be predictable for me. Or to have some crazy twist happen that makes me go, ‘Oh, HECK no! That can’t happen!’ Yup. Ms. Kennedy got me. Romance part aside (I’ll talk about that in a minute), I liked the build-up. The way everything managed to be inter-connected. The re-introduction of other characters that have been part of the series. The teamwork involved, and the way each team treats its respective teammates as family. I became much more invested in Julia and Ethan that I had the main couples of previous titles in the series, I think. Julia really is methodical and a complete professional as an assassin. Her motive for her actions in this title were completely understandable (although highly illegal – kids, don’t try this at home – TWITA in no way endorses the actions of the characters in this work of fiction).
There was a lot of energy in Midnight Pursuits, as well. Humor was infused throughout the novel. The plot seemed clean – I didn’t have any outstanding questions at the end (except for Jim and Noelle in the epilogue…*jaw hits floor*), nor did I find any plot holes during my reading.
Julia is seeking vengeance for her brother’s death. Naturally, there’s Russian bad guys – politicians, even – involved. I was amazed by the way all the details came out through the natural course of the story. No info dumps, just beautifully crafted story with details interwoven in a way that lead the reader through the story. I like it when that happens. A. Lot. Julia is driven and used to being the master of her own destiny. As a street kid, in & out of foster homes, she was used to being independent and learned to not rely on anyone but herself and one of her foster brothers.
Ethan is a complete gentleman and a passionate lover. As the youngest member of the group-o-studly-dudes, he’s teased mercilessly by … everyone. He barely bats an eye when he realizes that Julia is in trouble, and he’s the only option she’s got. I adore his confidence, too. The way he knows what he wants and knows that patience is a virtue.
It’s really hard to talk about Midnight Pursuits without giving away spoilers. I can tell you, though, that when you get to the last quarter of the book, you’ll want to be able to read straight through to the end. There’s a bunch of OMG, and NO WAY. A. Bunch. Try to figure out how everything works out so there’s a HEA for Julia and Ethan (yes, they get their HEA…). It’s tricky!!! I can’t wait for the next title in Ms. Kennedy’s Killer Instincts series. Will it be D or will it be Jim & Noelle?!?! Does Ms. Kennedy have an ace up her sleeve? Can’t wait!!!
Rating: A, Loved It
About the Book:
Her job is to stay hidden.
Too bad he can’t take his eyes off her.
Soldier-for-hire Ethan Hayes is the youngest member of an elite mercenary team. While he may be affectionately nicknamed the rookie, the skills Ethan honed as a Marine make him seriously dangerous. But when a sudden distress call puts him in close quarters with a rival, he finds more than his field skills being put to the test.
Juliet Mason stands out as the master thief in a covert group of assassins and spies. Her latest mission is personal—and it’s gone horribly wrong. Juliet may prefer to work alone, but when the rookie comes to her aid in snowy Eastern Europe, she can’t deny they make a good team. But even up against a powerful enemy, their most challenging task yet may be fighting the passion between them…
Release Date: April 1, 2014
Publisher: Signet
Series: Killer Instincts #4
ISBN: 0451465695
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format(s): Paperback (368 pages), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Midnight Pursuits (Killer Instincts #4)
Reviews in the Series:
Midnight Alias by Elle Kennedy (Killer Instincts #2)
Midnight Games by Elle Kennedy (Killer Instincts #3)