VEIL OF MIDNIGHT by Lara Adrian

February 20, 2009 by Mad

la_veilofmidnight

BOUND BY BLOOD, ADDICTED TO DANGER, THEY’LL ENTER THE DARKEST–AND MOST EROTIC–PLACE OF ALL . . .

A warrior trained in bullets and blades, Renata cannot be bested by any man–vampire or mortal. But her most powerful weapon is her extraordinary psychic ability–a gift both rare and deadly. Now a stranger threatens her hard-won independence, a golden-haired vampire who lures her into a realm of darkness . . . and pleasure beyond imagining.

A combat-loving adrenaline junkie, Nikolai dispenses his own justice to enemies of the Breed–and his latest quarry is a ruthless assassin. One woman stands in his way: the seductive, cool-as-ice bodyguard, Renata. But Renata’s powers are put to the test when a loved one, a child, is threatened and she’s forced to turn to Niko for help. As the two join forces, as desire fans the flames of a deeper hunger, Renata’s life is under seige by a man who offers the exquisite pleasure of a blood bond–and a passion that could save or doom them both forever. . . .

Hi, everyone!

Thanks for inviting me to come and hang out with you all at the RR@H Novel Thoughts blog. Today I’m talking about my current release, VEIL OF MIDNIGHT, which is the fifth book in my Midnight Breed vampire series from Bantam Dell. For those of you unfamiliar with my series, the vampires in my story world are not the traditional “undead” or “turned” version of the vampire myth, but rather a very old, very secret hybrid race of human and otherworlder (yep, alien!) that has lived among mankind for thousands of years. Think Predator meets Blade, only way sexier. 🙂

I love the idea of a super-strong, deadly powerful society that lurks in the shadows of our own world. Because of my personal love of all things medieval (I used to write medieval romances as Tina St. John), I couldn’t resist centering my story world on a group of noble warriors who are pledged to protect both the vampire nation and humankind alike. This group of modern-day knights with fangs is known as the Order. For a long time, they have been the unsung heroes of their world, doing the thankless work of hunting down Rogue vampires (those who kill their human blood Hosts) and striving to preserve the secrecy of the Breed’s very existence from the human world.

But the world they know has been changing, shifting beneath their feet. A powerful new enemy with far-reaching, hidden alliances has recently been discovered by the Order. Now, the warriors are caught up in a long-simmering, rising war that threatens not only the survival of the Breed itself, but mankind as well.

In VEIL OF MIDNIGHT, while the Order is embroiled in its most crucial mission, one of their members, Nikolai, heads to Montreal with the task of enlisting the cooperation of a dangerous vampire elder. What Niko finds is treachery, corruption . . . and a very unexpected–very tempting–ally named Renata. I had great fun tossing the cocky Niko into the ring with kick-ass Renata, who definitely gives as good as she gets!

For an excerpt from Niko and Renata’s story, please visit my website. Additionally, if you join my website newsletter, you’ll be able to read multi-chapter extended previews of all my books by browsing the newsletter archives.

Thanks again for inviting me to come chat with you today. I’m looking forward to hearing from you! Please post a comment to be entered in a random drawing for an autographed copy of one of my books (winner’s choice!).

Lara Adrian | The Midnight Breed series

VEIL OF MIDNIGHT: Book 5 (available now)

ASHES OF MIDNIGHT: on sale May 26th!

www.LaraAdrian.com

Posted in A - B Authors, Guest Blogger, Recommended Reads | 47 Comments

47 Responses

on February 20, 2009 at 8:55 am | Reply highlandlove

Ohh wow! What a great post and I didn’t realize you were Tina St. John! I love your writing as TSJ then!

I have not read your books yet, but I will soon.

I love the idea of strong heroes!

Great post.

Can you tell me what sources you used for research or how you keep track of your storyline? Do you keep a chart?

hugs,
WendyK
on February 20, 2009 at 8:59 am | Reply Strohs

Thanks for coming out Lara! I love your books, and have had a hot thing for Niko since the start!!!! I’m a proud member of your board and a quite loud follower!!! I share my oppion of your books with anyone I see looking for a new Vampire romance. I always say”if you think Vampires are hot, try a Breed!”

I can’t wait to see what you have coming still and watching as the plots unfold! Thank you for your hard work and for giving us all something to read. Your mark on the world will be known!
on February 20, 2009 at 9:22 am | Reply TRICIA MOODY

JUST WANTED TO SAY I LOVE THESE BOOKS!! I missed you on you last blog so i wanted to get in here early. I read all the books more than once because they are so good !! I also have now started to get friends & family into them. I just sent for my goody request yesterday after joining your mailing list and I can’t wait for the next book to come out. i was wondering if mabey in the future there might be a book for Sterling Chase “Harvard” ? I feel bad for him after all thats happened and hope the warrior finds some love .

Thanks for all the great books I WILL KEEP READING !!

Trish
on February 20, 2009 at 9:22 am | Reply Dollie

I just read this book and loved it! It was the first of yours I read, so I have gone out and gotten two others.

Look forward to reading them, keep up the great work!
on February 20, 2009 at 10:10 am | Reply Armywife718

I justtttt finished Veil of Midnight last night and oh wow AWESOME!! I can’t wait to read Andreas book next and am wondering when will Chase book be =) I love this series!
on February 20, 2009 at 10:12 am | Reply Armywife718

OH WOW Ashes of Midnight comes out on my b-day May 26th YAY!!!! I just seened that! Keep on writing and I will keep on purchasing!! Keeps me entertained while my husband in Iraq and me stuck in Germany away from normal civilization lol!
on February 20, 2009 at 10:18 am | Reply Lea

Hi Lara:

I’m a huge fan. I loved, loved “Veil of Midnight”. I have to say Renata in Veil of Midnight is, I think my favorite of the heroines in your series.

I cannot wait to find out what happens to Andreas in “Ashes of Midnight”.

I really like the way that you have developed with plot with respect to “The Breed”, and wish you continued success.

Please don’t enter me in the contest, I have all your books on my keeper shelf.

Warm Regards
on February 20, 2009 at 10:58 am | Reply Kimmy L

Lara, Also a huge Tina St. John fan here. Will you be writing anymore historical romances in the near future.
Loved the excerpt, can’t wait to read it. I have not read your books under Lara Adrian but now that I know about them I will definately start.
on February 20, 2009 at 11:10 am | Reply Carmen R

I love your Midnight Breed series. I just finished VEIL OF MIDNIGHT and it did not disappoint. Now I’m waiting for ASHES OF MIDNIGHT to come out. I was wondering how many more books will there be in this series. I hope a lot because I think I’ll cry if it ends anytime soon.
on February 20, 2009 at 11:11 am | Reply Crystal B.

Hi Lara. I am reading your Breed series now. I am loving it. 🙂
on February 20, 2009 at 11:23 am | Reply Lori Ann

I am really enjoying the Midnight Breed series, and I am so excited for the upcoming release of Ashes of Midnight. Each book leaves me desperate to know what will happen in the next. One of the things that I really like about this series is that the heroines are tough and resourceful. It is refreshing to read about strong women as well as strong heroes.
on February 20, 2009 at 12:16 pm | Reply Colleen

I will have to look into your books… I like the whole hybrid race angle. Sounds like a wonderful series! 😀
on February 20, 2009 at 1:06 pm | Reply Allison

Hi Lara, thanks for visiting with us! I love the series and the gorgeous covers, congrats!
- on February 20, 2009 at 5:16 pm | Reply Mad
  
  Awww, thanks Jennette! 🙂
on February 20, 2009 at 1:45 pm | Reply Kelly

I love the series, and I can’t wait for the next installment! I have read a lot of vampire stories, and yours is by far the best! You have that Twilight chick beat by a long shot. Someone should make a movie series about your books. I would definitely love to see that! 🙂
on February 20, 2009 at 2:17 pm | Reply Lara

Hello!

Wow, thanks for all the great replies! I’m thrilled to hear that so many of you are enjoying the series, and for those of you interested in checking it out for the first time, I hope you like the books! 🙂

WendyK — I actually do a fair amount of research when it comes to settings, weaponry, technology, and that sort of thing. My books range in locales from Boston to Berlin, Prague to Montreal, and, currently, Alaska! I use the Internet for the bulk of my early research, then, when more nitty gritty detail is required, I pick up travel books, photo books, and that sort of thing. As for my vampires themselves, the joy of world-building in a contemporary paranormal framework versus medieval historical is that I get to make a lot of things up! To keep track of everything, I use a novel-writing software application my husband and I designed several years ago (WriteWay).

(((Strohs))) — Thank you for all the kind words and the pimpage. It’s much appreciated!

Trish and Armywife — Yes, indeed, Sterling Chase (aka Harvard) will be getting a book and a HEA of his own. I already have a heroine in mind for him, but a few things need to happen plot-wise before it’s his turn on stage.

Dollie — Thanks for checking out the series! I hope you enjoy the others, too.

Lea — Thank you! I’m glad you like Renata. One of the things I love about writing contemporary paranormal is the fact that I am free to give all of my characters interesting backgrounds and diversity.

Kimmy — Hi! Thanks for the kind words about my TSJ books. Sadly, there just wasn’t a strong enough market for my medievals and Ballantine, my publisher at the time let me go. Actually, they encouraged me to try contemp para romance, which is what I had long wanted to try. I didn’t end up staying with Ballantine, but serendipitously, I am working with the very editor who bought my first ms, LORD OF VENGEANCE, out of the slush pile eleven years ago now! I’m having so much fun with the Midnight Breed series, and I also have a ton of ideas for other contemporary paranormal books/series, so I can’t see myself returning to historicals while I’m keeping very busy with my new direction. If you happen to pick up one of my Lara books, I hope you enjoy it!

Carmen — I have the current series story arc plotted out to ten books total.

Crystal — Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m glad you’re enjoying the series!

Lori Ann — Thank you! I’m having a blast playing in this story world for the very reasons you stated!

Colleen — Thanks!

Allison — I’m so glad you’re enjoying the series! I love the covers, too. Dell is really spoiling me with the beautiful designs. And my German publisher is also giving me great covers! You can see them on my website’s Translations page.

(((HUGS))) to all!

I’ll be back . . . . 🙂
on February 20, 2009 at 2:22 pm | Reply Lara

(((Kelly))) — LOL, and thanks! A lot of readers ask me about movies based on the series, but unfortunately that’s out of my control. If anything happens on that front, trust me, my scream of elation will be heard around the world! 🙂
on February 20, 2009 at 2:30 pm | Reply Linda Fowler

Hi Lara,

I love the breed series, have all of them, can’t wait for the next one!
on February 20, 2009 at 2:50 pm | Reply cyclops8

Hi Lara,
I’m looking forward to reading your Midnight Breed series. I will try to read them in order.
on February 20, 2009 at 3:26 pm | Reply Mandy ~ SSVD

Hi Lara!!!
Yep! It’s me! Jeez, I feel like a stalker following you all over the internet! ((hehehe)). LOVE Veil of Midnight along with all the Breed books!!
Niko’s inherited power is so intriguing! Completely different from the other talents you’ve introduced so far. It almost gives Niko’s hard-core warrior image a soft side. I love it! I can’t wait to see where you go with the new Gen One, Hunter, and the others he claims have also been bred. They will definitely be a force that will challenge our beloved Breed warriors to the max. And Mira! What a wonderful addition to the “family”! Lucan probably never dreamed the Boston compound would also be a home for children!

Thanks so much!!
Mandy
on February 20, 2009 at 3:32 pm | Reply Lisa W.

I actually picked Veil of Midnight up the other day looked really good. I didn’t realize that it was part of a series how many books are in the series. I will look for them the next time I in the bookstore.
- on February 20, 2009 at 5:06 pm | Reply Mad
  
  Lisa — VEIL OF MIDNIGHT was book #5. The others are, in order:
  
  KISS OF MIDNIGHT
  KISS OF CRIMSON
  MIDNIGHT AWAKENING
  MIDNIGHT RISING
on February 20, 2009 at 5:29 pm | Reply highlandlove

Fatin you are the best!!! But did you tell me she was Tina St. John? Did I miss that connection?

I do have the books, now to read them…

Thank you Lara for answering my questions! If someone wanted to buy a copy of WriteWay can they?

If you had to pick of these books as your favorite of forever which one would it be?

hugs,
WendyK
- on February 20, 2009 at 5:40 pm | Reply Mad
  
  I did tell you….you just never listen to me! ROFL Remember? It was right after we started the book club and we were discussing what books we planned to read and discuss.
on February 20, 2009 at 5:30 pm | Reply Lara

Hi, Linda! — Thanks so much!! 🙂

Hi, Cyclops! — Thanks for the interest. I hope you enjoy the books! I see Mad has posted the titles in order here on the blog (thanks, Mad!) and I also have them listed in order at my website, along with excerpts and plot summaries, FYI.

(((Mandy))) — All stalkers should be so nice! 😉 I’m glad you liked VEIL and are looking forward to the rest. More twists and surprises on the way….

Hi, Lisa! — Thanks for picking up VEIL! I hope you enjoy it. The books are written to stand alone as romances, but there is an over-arching plot line that carries through the entire series, so if you read them out of order some of the events in that story thread will be spoiled.

Thanks again to everyone for stopping in to chat with me today. I’ll check in a bit later, but in case the party is over, I hope you all have a great weekend!

Hugs,

Lara 🙂
on February 20, 2009 at 5:33 pm | Reply ami

OMG thanks for the post. your books are so great.I am looking forward to ashes of midnight.

Do you ever do like a preview of more than four chapters of your new books?
on February 20, 2009 at 5:33 pm | Reply Jill Sorenson

Hi Lara! I just finished Veil of Midnight and loved it. This is my favorite vampire series ever, and Kiss of Midnight one of my favorite books of all time. You’re good, you!

Can’t wait for Ashes.
on February 20, 2009 at 5:49 pm | Reply Estella

I have not read any of your books yet, but am fixing to remedy that.
on February 20, 2009 at 6:00 pm | Reply Fedora

Wow, congrats on the latest, Lara–I’ve been hearing such good things about this series from fellow readers–I’ll definitely have to check it out for myself! Silly question–this latest is book 5–do you have more planned? Open-ended, or do you have an end in mind?
on February 20, 2009 at 6:49 pm | Reply Nicole Price

I just read the first book in this series and love it! I’m ordering the next 2 from Amazon soon. I can’t wait to read more of this series. It’s awesome! Thanks for the giveaway!
on February 20, 2009 at 7:13 pm | Reply Michelle

Hi Lara, I love your books. When i read a book I describe how great the book is to my friends by telling them, “It’s a can’t put down book”!
Well I must say your books are all in that category.
I’m looking forward to ashes of midnight.
I can’t wait.
If I had to pick one of these books as my favorite I would say VEIL OF MIDNIGHT, only cuz i had tears at the end.
Yea i guess i’m a bit of a sap.
Take care
on February 20, 2009 at 7:23 pm | Reply highlandlove

LOL apparently it didn’t click in my brain. But I do have all the previous titles to read, now to pick do I read Maya or Lara or Larissa or Day(got her book so quickly!) or………………

LOL Soo many great books so little time!

hugs to all,
WendyK
on February 20, 2009 at 9:03 pm | Reply ami

you should read lara. you wil love it
on February 20, 2009 at 9:46 pm | Reply Lara

Hi, again! Back for one last post before Mad kicks me off. 😉

WendyK — The website for my husband’s software is http://www.WriteWayPro.com. If you have the interest, you can download a demo copy for free at the website. As for picking a favorite from the series? I really can’t! There are things I love (and . . . don’t love) about each of them. But I am really looking forward to writing #10 because so much is building toward that one.

Hi, Ami! — Longer previews, as in the whole book? 😉 Thanks for all the kind words.

Hi, Jill! — OMG, thanks so much for posting, and for the high praise! I’ve been eyeing your debut with Bantam Dell and I can’t wait to read it. Congrats on your new book! Nice to “meet” a fellow Bantam Dell author! 🙂

Estella — Thanks for the interest, and I hope you enjoy them!

Hi, Fedora! — I have the current series arc plotted out to ten books total.

Nicole — Thanks so much!

(((Michelle))) — You’re sweet! Sorry I made you tear up, but I’m glad you enjoyed the book!

Thanks again, everyone, for welcoming me to the blog today. This was fun! Good luck in the drawing for the autographed book!!

Hugs,

Lara 🙂
on February 20, 2009 at 10:18 pm | Reply Taylor

Hey Lara,
My name’s Taylor and I totally love your books. Me and my friends all love them. We can’t wait to read the next book and we are counting the days. I’m reaching out to all of my friends to read them. We were all hoping that if you ever write anymore about the Midnight Breed Series besides the initial series then maybe you could write more about the couples individually. Please continue writing!!! We totally love you!!!!!
on February 20, 2009 at 10:34 pm | Reply Lori T

Hi Lara~

Great interview! Your books sound great and I can hardly wait to read them. I just need to pull them out of my towering tbr pile and get started. I have heard such great things about them. Plus, I really love the covers!

I would love to be entered.
on February 20, 2009 at 11:05 pm | Reply cin

hi lara,
i wanted to say i was a new reader to your books. i read the first one and i immediately went out and bought all the rest of your breed series. i think rio is my fave. i also like lucan. i cant wait til andreas book. i will buy all your books in the future. you are a very talented author. you make the reader feel apart of the story. please keep up the awesome writing!
cin
on February 21, 2009 at 12:40 am | Reply Teresa W

Sounds like a new series I need to check out!
on February 21, 2009 at 12:53 am | Reply aliquis

Hi Lara,

Thanks for visiting with us! I’ve heard about your series, but I haven’t read it yet. I’m really like how it sounds though, and am adding your books to my TBR list!
on February 21, 2009 at 8:17 am | Reply Rebecca

Hey Lara,
I love your books and I look forward to them every one! I think you are a very talented Author and I absoluetly loved Veil Of Midnight! It kept me on the edge of my seat!! Keep up the great work and you’ll always have a big fan in me!!
on February 21, 2009 at 8:49 am | Reply sara hurt

Hi Lara. I have to agree that these books look amazing I havent read them yet but definetly putting them on my list for the book store.
on February 21, 2009 at 10:03 am | Reply Mel K.

Hi Lara/Tina,
It’s Mel. When I came back to the mainland from Hawaii we were supposed to get together, remember?
I’m sorry to say I’ve never read any of the books in your Midnight Breed vampire series. I’m also sorry to say I’ve never EVER won anything from you. In 8 years! I am on your newsletter though so I’m keeping up. Are you going back to Historical any time soon? Just checkin’. HUGS!!

Mel K. (was L. but I got married)
on February 21, 2009 at 10:24 am | Reply Kris

I have really enjoyed your books and cannot wait to read this one.
on February 21, 2009 at 1:59 pm | Reply Shari C

Hi Lara,

Thank you for the posting. I definitely enjoy the Midnight Breed vampire series and am looking forward to reading ‘Veil of Midnight’. It sounds as thrilling and exciting as the rest of the series.

Congratulations on your wonderful stories!
on February 21, 2009 at 8:41 pm | Reply Karen W.

Congratulations on all your success, Lara! I look forward to the next book in the series.
on February 21, 2009 at 9:20 pm | Reply catie

Hi Lara,

I haven’t yet managed to dive into my copies of the Breed series (partly because I own books one, three, and fours, but am missing KISS OF CRIMSON and I *hate* skipping any volumes when it comes to series); but this is one I’ve been dying to read for quite a while now.

Congratulations on all your success. Keep up the great work! 🙂
on February 21, 2009 at 11:51 pm | Reply Pamk

I seriously need to dig these out of my tbr pile and get started on them.
I believe I’ll do that very think tomorrow.

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