*4.5 stars*

Riveting paranormal suspense…

I LOVE this series! I may have mentioned that each time I read the next instalment in this series that has built its characters and storyline through dozens of storylines and even more characters. And all of them, contributing to a world that I get lost in each and every time…

Breeds have been fighting for their basic ‘human’ rights for years. To be counted as equal, for their right to live happily. To even exist at all. Yes, they are different but not of their choosing. They battle inequality and struggle for justice every day. But what happens when one of their own is even more different than an already unusual Breed? Well, prejudice can be found everywhere….

Cassandra is unique but carries all her traits with grace and acceptance. She is strength and intelligence wrapped in a petite package. Her path has not been easy but she feels loved and protected. Until he threatens everything good in her life… As she works through each obstacle and life-threatening bump in their road, she may find love but lose everything else…

How it all unfolds mixes heat and passion with danger and suspense. Beliefs are challenged even as love tries to bring two very different people together. If they can get on the same page the heat that simmers between them will burn even hotter…

This series has a plot that doesn’t stop being relevant or exciting! The strong characters, riveting storyline, and complex plot has grown more layered and complicated with each story added. I closed the last page and already started craving the next!

CROSS BREED is a steamy, drama-filled paranormal romance the likes that only author Lora Leigh can produce. Her characters might not be immediately liked but will soon grow on you.

If you want an action-filled paranormal romance, that can be sweet or raunchy then get your hands on CROSS BREED and enjoy Cassie and Dog's world.

~ Annetta Sweetko, reviewer for Fresh Fiction

Complete review may be read at: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=66916

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the 23rd book in the series but – and I am maybe going to be shocking people now – I have never read a book in the series before, and if I explain that I started reading in this genre fairly recently and the thought of reading 20 plus books in one series seemed really overwhelming. So when the chance to read this came, it was too good to miss. I certainly will make sure that I go back and start from the beginning one day, but I really enjoyed this as it stands. I was well aware that there were long chains of underlying plots which I could only guess at, but I am well enough versed in the genre to get the main story.

Cassie is clearly a special person and I am sure that any longtime fan would be happy with her story. It is empowering, sexy, and intense. She finally gets to understand what the messages she has been receiving mean, and she has the opportunity to start a relationship with her mate. It is not an easy journey, and yet as it is all revealed to her, she gets to uncover some of the mysteries which have been confusing her for years.

Her mate has been taking care of her from a distance for years, and when he finally claims her, he gets a few surprises himself. As he struggles to defend her, his kind, and be accepted by her family, there are even higher stakes in play. Add in some of the hottest mating scenes you might imagine, and he is definitely a worthy match for Cassie.

Intense, complex, and very, very sexy, this is a very enjoyable read.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Cassie Sinclair. The first breed child that we were introduced to way back when in Dash and Elizabeth's story, and we have watched her grow up in all the books since. We have seen her talk to her 'fairies,' endure attacks from Genetics Council soldiers, and live under constant surveillance to keep her safe.

Now that she's an adult, she's under even more pressure to conform to what the Breed Council expects of her yet, there is something calling to her. She doesn't understand it, nor does she try to anymore. She just knows that her fate is not her own. It hasn't been since she was born, although she's going to do her best to live the life she has been blessed with.

He's a fighter, on the outside looking in. When he saw Cassie Sinclair, he knew she was the one. He can't make a move toward her, it would only increase the danger she's in. As a double agent, his life is not in own. He can't go to her until she's ready, until he's able to protect her from all the danger this world has to offer.

This is their story – and what a story it is.

I adored this book, it’s everything that I wanted for Cassie – her strength and determination never wavered nor did Dog's. We all knew he was special, just never realized how special he truly was.


Erica – ☆☆☆☆
Cross Breed is the 23rd installment of the Breeds series. I need to confess, I read the beginning novels a few times over, up to Megan's Mark, and read the previous release. I can attest to how easy it is to read these novels as a standalone, with little to no confusion and overall with good entertainment value. If you're well-versed in this genre, some things are similar across the board to be able to read between the lines on things missed. However, with missing out on the seeding or foreshadowing, in which the reader would develop an emotional attachment to already shown characters, I believe reading the books in order would have enriched/enhanced the journey.

Straight away, it was clear Cassie was a character where fans were eagerly waiting to hear her story, which makes me want to go back when I get a large chunk of time to dedicate to reading this intoxicating, guilty pleasure of a series.

The angst of the novel is based on who Cassie's mate is, adding a yummy deliciousness factor that kept me turning the pages yet also frustrated me to no end. Cassie's a strong woman, and her personality stayed true from start to finish of the novel, something I appreciated. Her mate (judging by the quick scroll down through the reviews as well as the evasive blurb, I won't say who he is) is unconventional, causing Cassie to be shunned/make an impossible choice.

Clearly, I'm trying to talk around the plot, not wishing to ruin the experience for anyone. If you've read any books by Lora Leigh, Cross Breed is no different in the fact that you will get what you expect – and consistency is a good thing. Fated Mates. Push-pull. A little bit of angst. Lust factor through the roof.

I highly recommend to fans of the series. I'll try to wedge in a reread of the initial books in the series, then work my way up to the newest, simply because I'm curious to see if my take on this novel will change once I experience the seeding/foreshadowing.

When I first read Lora Leigh it was a re-release of Elizabeth's Wolf, which I have since found out, was the third book in this very long, but very intriguing series. So naturally when the chance to read Cassie's book who is a legit adult, I jumped at the chance.
I have to admit, the first half of the book was a little confusing for me, as this is book, like, 32 in the entire series and there was A LOT that was information that was in previous books and like with any series this long, the author didn't really get into those past things, which I understand is waaay too much to do. That being said I did fell lost when Dog entered the picture when Cassie was 15 then is did some jumps and hinted that they had a past. Dog knew Cassie was hit mate when he first meets her and over several years he is always there for her in one way or another, helping her, talking to her. Dog is basically a traitor to his own kind which is why she talks to him in secret, getting his help in exchange for payback. When she calls him to help rescue her sister(another book I totally missed) he ask for the payback of all paybacks. One night. Cassie figures it's the least she could do, after all its not like he's her mate, its just one night. But dog knows Cassie is his, has always been his, and even though he agreed to one night, he knew it would be forever.
There is danger in being the mate of someone like Dog, but Dog isn't who he claims he is and when things get hot and his mate is in danger, he has to do the one thing that goes against everything in his nature.
But Cassie is NOT your typical Cross Breed, along with her 6th sense there is something else lying in wait, and it explodes when her world id threatened.

I loved this book because Cassie? Yeah she's a bad-ass. She takes no crap from Dog and anyone else for that matter and is not afraid to do so. I'm sure had I been a long time fan I would have loved the various cameo's in the book from the past characters. As it stands, this book is not a stand alone and definitely has to be read within the series order, which I have since gone back and started from the beginning.
Better late than never I say. But Lora Leigh's has created this crazy interact world not unlike anything that could happen today and made these people and their lives seem, real. She defiantly gained a reader

Wow! What an exhilarating read! I have been impatiently awaiting Cassie’s book and wondering who her mate was ever since she was introduced as an eight-year-old little girl. This child captured my heart and remains there still and I have to tell you that her story rocked my world just as it rocked the Breeds. Without giving away just who her mate is, I will tell you that he is sexy and arrogant, frustrating and mysterious with lots of secrets and a whole lot of alpha attitude as while I wouldn’t have put them together before, I could feel the magnetic pull of these two together and now I can’t picture Cassie with anyone else. These two character are seriously strong, totally convincing and really steal the show with their romance that is filled with lots of twists, explosive chemistry and volcanic passion and then of course there is the all the emotional turmoil one would expect during a Breed mating but this story goes a bit beyond the normal due just who these characters are. Oh, and of course there tempers flying and frustrations rising and jerks getting knocked on their behinds.

The adrenaline pumping thrills and excitement never stop in this fast paced novel that keeps readers turning the pages with obsessive fever. There was definitely no way I wanted to miss one glorious second of Cassie’s story which has secrets being revealed that blew me away, which of course means that readers will impatiently awaiting the next book to find out what happens next. Although, I don’t know if Cross Breed can be topped, but I have no doubts that this author could make me eat my words, because she brought new characters in and like most readers of this series, I can’t never get enough of the Breed world and all its fascinating characters.

I have been wanting this book since Dawns Awakening, heck Elizabeth’s Wolf when we first met Cassie. His was for me by the best book in this series. It had what I always look for in the breed series. Angst. Hunger. Betrayal. Passion. Just gave me all the feels!

And I am so glad of the hero. Not going to spoil it but I am so freaking happy. I could just scream and jump up and down I was so excited when I figured out who it was!

Was awesome to read and have other characters in this and left it open for me wanting the next mating 😊

Love this series.

Can’t wait for more!

Reviewed by Shay from Mommys a Book Whore

Cassie Sinclair is suffocating. She's lived every day of her young life under tight Breed security. The only time that she's able to breathe is when she feels his presence.

He's a mystery that she desperately wants to solve. Years of cryptic messages and phone calls could never have prepared her to meet him face to face. Because not only is he the most lethal Breed she has ever met, he is also her mate.

“She was Cassandra Sinclair.
She was unique, not just in her genetics but in her birth. Breed sperm had been used to inseminate her mother’s egg without any alterations to the ovum. The same as a hybrid, a Breed born of a Breed-human mating.
But she was even rarer than that. She wasn’t created from a single animal species’ genetics, but two. She was created from both Wolf and Coyote genetics. The good and the bad. The proud, enduring Wolf DNA altered and forever dirtied by the taint of the Coyote DNA.”

Dog is known as the Council Coyote. He’s dangerous, deceptive and deadly. And he’s also the mate to the Breed’s beloved Princess.

He’s waited for years in the shadows to finally claim her as his own. Despite the outrage from the Bureau, he’s never going to let them steal her away. He just needs a little more time before he can reveal who he truly is. If he can only keep her safe until then.

She’s the only one who understands his fight to control the animal that he keeps hidden - because she has one of her own.
So when fate forces him to choose – Will it be the freedom that he’s fought so hard for or the woman who possesses the other half of his soul?

“Dog.” She stopped him, laying her hand on his arm as he looked down at her, his gaze somber. “On that island, when I was eighteen,” she said softly. “That night in the atrium.” She paused, feeling something rush through her heart and causing it to race. “I knew you’d be there, waiting for me. Just as I knew over the years after that I belonged to you. I was frightened…”
He laid a finger against her lips, his expression softening, his lips quirking with a grin that was in no way mocking.
“You fight so many parts of yourself, Cassie,” he said softly. “I’ve always known that, just as I knew you’d need time before dealing with a mating. Stop fighting everything so hard, baby. Don’t you know, I’ll always be here, watching over you. I won’t let you get lost.”

Cross Breed is the story that Lora Leigh's fans have been waiting for and she masterfully delivers it with a sensual onslaught to the senses!

But don’t be fooled. Cassie and Dog’s story is as much a thriller as it a blazing love story. Page after page moves you ever closer to an edge that promises both joy and pain. And it will leave you absolutely breathless for more…

4.25 stars--CROSS BREED is the twenty –third instalment in Lora Leigh’s contemporary, adult BREEDS erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on a government experiment that went horribly wrong. This is coyote/wolf/human hybrid Cassie Sinclair, and coyote hybrid / Council enforcer Dog’s story line. CROSS BREED can be read as a stand alone but for backstory and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as Cassie’s story began in book three Elizabeth’s Wolf wherein we were first introduced to the powers of a then eight year old child whose abilities were far more than anyone could have imagined.

SOME BACKGOUND: Trying to create the ultimate warrior, genetic scientists combined animal DNA with human embryos resulting in a species that has been feared and tortured since their inception. With the increase in natural conception of cross-breed species, not only have the Breeds, but humans have become wary of the powerful results.

Told from several third person perspectives including Dog and Cassie, CROSS BREED focuses on the relationship and mating between coyote/wolf/human hybrid Cassie Sinclair, and coyote hybrid / enforcer Dog-a mating and relationship that began years before. Six years earlier Dog knew, a then eighteen –year old, Cassie Sinclair to be his mate but the young woman wasn’t yet ready to be claimed, a claiming that would be troublesome and life-threatening for everyone involved.

Cassie Sinclair is considered the ‘breed princess’, a protected cross-breed of unknown powers with the knowledge, comprehension and the ability to ‘know and see’ that which she should not, and could not have known. Early in their story, Cassie loses some of her strong personality traits but quickly recovers when their relationship is threatened by an outside source. Dog is considered a traitor to the Breeds, working with the Council to control his own kind, a position that has placed our hero in the direct line of fire. But Dog refuses to step away from the woman he loves until threats of a different nature advance on our story line couple.

The relationship between Cassie and Dog is fated; a mating destined by hormones and animal attraction; a lifetime alliance dependant upon nature and DNA. For years Dog has known Cassie to be his mate but the Breeds view Dog as a threat to their existence contrary to what Cassie and others know to be true. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, aggressive and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters as Cassie and Dog’s mating is called into question. From the first Leo, to the Breed primals or Prime Leaders, Dog and Cassie’s relationship will be tested and threatened in more ways than one.

CROSS BREED is an erotic, sexy, heartbreaking and intimate tale of fate and love. The premise is revealing and dramatic; the characters are strong, capable and spirited; the romance is provocative and energetic. Dog is the perfect mate for our story line heroine- a mate that is willing to do anything to protect the woman he loves.

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Everything I could have asked for in Cassie’s book and then some.

I feel like I've been waiting for Cassie's story forever and I have to say I was not at all disappointed in it. I've guessed for years, my mind changing from time to time who her mate just might be and I'm happy to say I was right - but sorry you are going to have to read the book to find out who it is.

Cassie's always been a special character in this series, we've watched her grow from a scared little girl into a strong, smart, adult. Cassie has faced down many of her fears and she's worked hard to show just how much she fits in with the rest of the breeds - even if she's different from them.

It was no surprise that her mate was going to be equally as impressive a breed as she, but Leigh had a few extra surprises in store for the both of them and I loved every bit of it.

Within the pages of this story, we got lots of backstory on the hero of the story and we got to dive deeper into the secrets of the council and how depraved they were and are willing to go. We got to learn more about Cassie and her abilities and why she has them and we got to see her mate for who he truly is - a man - a breed - who puts his mate as top priority no matter what.

I loved how this story all came together, how it included pieces of the past and built up from there, how each little piece of the puzzle I worked through the past numerous books came into play and how these two proceeded after their mating in a way that hadn't been expected. I loved watching breeds I know and love have their part in Cassie's story, those that knew her best, that loved her from the start finally seeing her get her own future, seeing her for the breed she is and the power she has in her own right.

Teasers for this book have been careful not to tell readers who Cassie's mate is, making this the first (rather unavoidable) spoiler: it's the Coyote Breed known only as Dog. Believed by most to be loyal to the Council, Dog is considered 'rogue', an enemy, and a cold blooded killer. Not who loving parents Dash and Elizabeth Sinclair were hoping for their beloved daughter! But as with all Breed novels, there are circles within circles and deceptions hiding truths. Dog is a double agent, working with Jonas Wyatt to shut down more Council atrocities against Breeds. Cassie doesn't know this at first, but she senses there is more to Dog than others believe, and is willing to give him a chance.

As a romance story, Cross Breed is pretty good. There's an enormous clash and adjusting period as Cassie and Dog work to figure out their relationship, how to overcome his supposed loyalty to the Council, and how to work together as a unit in the face of constant threats and challenges. Both are passionate people experiencing these emotions for the first time and discovering themselves along the way. Cassie in particular has a lot to learn and accept about herself. We discover early on that she has a difficult time accepting she's a Breed at all, let alone a hybrid- and she doesn't accept her Coyote genes at all, calling them evil.

As a mystery, suspense, or plot driven continuation of a long running series, it has its defects. Although not as repetitious as many of Leigh's books, Cross Breed repeats certain things more than enough to be annoying (there are only so many times we need to hear that allowing negative emotional scents to be picked up by others is an insult before you feel insulted to keep being told). A major conflict builds up between Dog, Cassie, and another Coyote named Rhyzan who suddenly wants to push the idea that he might be Cassie's mate. Rhyzan complicates things left and right, petitions a formal hearing for the chance to have Cassie reconsider who her mate is, then as soon as everyone is in court he drops it to try questioning Dog about something else. When that gets blocked we find out Rhyzan is playing a deeper game and willing to use Dog, Cassie, and anyone else to get the information he needs- but then Rhyzan pretty much disappears from the book. There were other, smaller things that had me questioning whether I had missed reading something, had forgotten a throwaway line from an earlier book in the series that was suddenly important, or wondering why a plot line seemed to be just dropped.

Although not Leigh's best book, Cross Breed will appeal to longtime readers of the Breeds novels who have been looking forward to Cassie's book for a long time. Readers new to the series will enjoy the Cassie/Dog story and the chemistry between them, but will probably be lost for the plot lines outside the romance. A quick read, Cross Breed is entertaining on a surface level, but could have been one of Leigh's best books with a little more work.

Cassie has many secrets. She has protected many breeds as best she can. But when a night of stolen pleasure leads to a mating will those she protects turn on her?
Cross Breed by Lora Leigh is Cassie’s long awaited happily ever after. And I must admit Ms. Leigh surprised me with her choice of Cassie’s soul mate. I also enjoyed seeing Cassie come into her own. She has been the protected princess, the Breed who knew the law inside and out but now she has a mate, and boy was it unwelcomed. The timing couldn’t be worse and learning to trust the Breed fated for her takes some doing…on both their parts. I love that Ms. Leigh did not make it easy for Cassie or her mate. The battles they must face were not so simple which added a depth to their relationship. I love the layers Ms. Leigh added not just to Cassie’s growing relationship but also to those who want to destroy the Breeds. I loved seeing Cassie fight for her happily ever after. She hasn’t had it easy even though from the outside looking in it may appear that way. I love that Ms. Leigh gave her a mate that understood Cassie, sometimes better than she knew herself. I loved returning to this world and can’t wait to see where Ms. Leigh will take us next.

The Breeds is twenty three books in and still going strong. I LOVED finally getting Cassie's story. What can I say, Lora Leigh ROCKED it. Riveting the reader with a captivating and original plot, I couldn't help but read into the wee-hours of the morning because I just couldn't put it down. Sexy, seductive and suspense-filled, don't miss Cassie Sinclair's story in Cross Breeds.

I received this ARC copy of Cross Breed from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. Cross Breed is set for publication September 25, 2018.

My Rating: 5 stars
Written by: Lora Leigh
Series: A Novel of the Breeds
Sequence in Series: Book 32
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: September 25, 2018
ISBN-10: 042526548X
ISBN-13: 978-0425265482
Genre: Erotic | Scifi | Fantasy

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Breed-No...
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Warning: This review is coming from a newbie to the Breeds series. It won’t contain any spoilers (per usual), but I haven’t been waiting 10+ years for this novel like many Breeds devotees. I am a little sad to have read this out of order, I think it would have added to the depth of my experience, but no way could I have read 20+ books in a month. I probably would have overdosed on Breed novels.

If you’re looking for a light, sweet romance novel, this book is not for you. Cross Breed is a brutal, highly erotic, paranormal romance. The world is involved, and if you’re new to the series, I suggest skimming the breed terms at the back of the book before/while you’re reading.

From what I learned in the story, Cassie, a strong and independent professional woman, has grown up throughout the previous books. People were dying to find out who her mate is and I hope the romance lived up to the fans expectations. I liked Cassie and her mate a lot. Their fiery relationship was fun to witness and their sexual chemistry leapt off the pages. The mystery and intrigue kept the plot interesting. Lots of secrets were uncovered.

Cross Breed was a rollercoaster adventure with a high octane kick every other scene. The sex scenes in this book were crazy and hot but in no ways gentle. It was definitely more mating than making love. I did think the middle lagged a little bit. There were a lot of character names, and I felt like Leigh was setting the scenes for future books, but everything that happened didn’t necessarily further the current plot.

Overall, I thought this book was great. I am really looking forward to starting the series from the beginning and watching Cassie’s full character arc develop.

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

Readers who follow Lora Leigh’s Breed series have been clamoring for Cassie’s story since she first appeared in Elizabeth’s Wolf back in 2005, and its finally here.

Cross Breed is all about Cassie and her mate-who will remain unknown in this review for fear of spoilers. While I have known for a couple of years who her mate was going to be, I didn’t know several things about him that come to light in this story.

The book is intense, with Cassie fighting her mate fiercely in the beginning, then having him leave her just as she begins to accept the mating. The romance between them is complicated by politics-and by another male who claims he is compatible with Cassie and would make a better mate.

Cassie is more complex than any other Lora Leigh character: we see her vulnerability and watch her come into her own as the story progresses. We find out who the ghosts are who have been watching over her all these years and have a front row seat as she argues Breed Law in court. Her mate is less complex in some ways, all Alpha male and assuming he’s in charge, but he does have a sense of humor and a strong feeling of pride in his mate.

The sex scenes are steamy but the plot was not as convoluted as most, and in fact, is shorter than most, about the length of Elizabeth’s Wolf. I was a little disappointed by this, as I expected more from Cassie’s book, but I wouldn’t have missed reading it for the world. Lora Leigh has finally answered a lot of questions-but left the door open for us to see more of Cassie, her mate, and the other Breeds. Well done!

The book fans have been waiting years for has arrived...and delivered the goods! Packed with emotion and action and secrets, Cross Breed was classic Leigh.

Fans of the series finally get Cassie’s story, and for those who’ve been paying attention, her mate is not a surprise. As with all these stories, though, things do not go smoothly. Cassie must deal not only with her own mixed feelings but those of friends and colleagues, all while it appears someone is gunning either for her or her new mate.

There are a lot of ongoing threads from the series that culminate in this book, and some of them do so in so oblique a manner as to be unsatisfying and incomplete. <spoiler>There is no distinct revelation that Dog was not a Council soldier but a highly-trusted member of Jonas’s team. The hatred and distrust towards him melted away without much explanation, and Cassie’s job and home with the Breed Affairs mysteriously reappeared as well. It should have been a satisfying moment for Dog and for Cassie. There’s also no explanation of Dog’s life from orphaned 10-year-old to ruthless agent nor how everyone was convinced of his Council loyalties. Cassie’s precognitive abilities also presumably just get handed off to her twin without much fanfare or explanation. </spoiler>

That said, the book does reveal some interesting background as well as surprising attributes of both Cassie and her mate that will have repercussions later in the series. Although their relationship starts out on a rocky note and has some difficulties along the way, as with all the Breed matings, they become a cohesive unit by the end, sharing many energetic sexual encounters along the way.

The book is a must-read for fans of the series. With so much anticipation, there may be some disappointments as it’s hard to please everyone. But there’s enough good stuff here to feel that Cassie has been given her due.

Holy moly sexiness Lora Leigh!

Let me start by saying that this is book #23 in the Breed series and is a SEXY novel. Not a tame novel, full on sexy times and such. If you are not a fan of a lot of sexy time and/or romance, this will not be for you.

~Thank you to Berkley Books and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

Cross Breed will release on September 25th, 2018 and if you like paranormal romance, CHECK IT OUT!

This book has been a long time coming and I know I've been waiting for it FOREVER. Cross Breed (FINALLY) follows the story of Cassie Sinclair and her breed mate. We have been wondering who she will be mated too for about 10 books and the suspense has been killer. My jaw dropped on who was chosen as her mate but, NO SPOILERS! You have to wait and read. ahahaha

Let's review~

"I was caged, " she told him coolly. "I'm still caged." - Lora Leigh, Cross Breed

The readers of the Breed Series have literally been waiting for AGES to see some Cassie results. Cassie is introduced fairly early on in the series, and you get to see her grow throughout the books. Her character also has some unique 'skills' that have always held a lot of questions. These talents also come to a head in this book. Pretty much all the Cassie questions you ever had.... they're answered in this book. Today is Cassie day and it's an all access pass! <3 <3

Her mate is perfect. By that I mean, I loved every moment of his character and he's such a little instigator, it's awesome. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll keep it at that. *zips lips*

The plot was FIRE. Sometimes when you wait a few books for a specific character, you get let down. This story was not a let down and was so action packed! I CONSUMED this book in one sitting. One and done. I'm more distraught that I don't have the next book currently, but that's neither here nor there. Cassie's character is true to the series. She is the same and so much more grown. (Which is a good thing because these books are not for anything but adults.... you know what I mean....).

I had my awe moments in the dialogue and also 'YOU GO GIRL" moments in the bada** department. This book is a welcome addition to the series and makes me excited it's still going. I know we're at book 23 but I'd read a few more. Cross Breed almost put new life into the series for me. It seems a few facts may have been altered (in the prologue) for this book, but that's not a bad thing. Sometimes you have to change a few minor items to make the new story compliant.

Overall, if you enjoy paranormal romance in any capacity I would recommend this series to you. I would consider this more on the side of erotica even, so if you don't like THAT much sexy, maybe err on the side of caution and test it out with book one.

Overall Rating: 4 Stars
Plot: 4.5 Stars
Character Development: 4 Stars
Dialogue: 3.5 Stars
Writing: 4 Stars
Happy Reading!!
~Ash

SPOILER ALERT!!!!

If you don’t want to know who Cassie’s mate is then do NOT read my review!

As a long-time fan of the Breed series, I’ve been waiting for Cassie’s book since the first whisper of her mate in Dawn’s Awakening. It’s been hinted at throughout subsequent books, and I’m happy to report Ms. Leigh does not disappoint. If you haven’t figured it out by now, YES, Dog is her mate, and he’s waited six years to claim what is his.

Overall, I enjoyed Cassie and Dog’s story. Their romance was filled with the usual need for male sexual dominance, but Dog recognizes that Cassie is a true alpha and respects her intelligence and intuition. While Dog did mislead her about being mates, I like that they both embrace the mating and fight outside forces together. And there are problems for the pair right from the start. First, there is another Breed challenging the couple, and second, the fact that Dog is a known Council associate causes Cassie to be locked out of her world and shunned by those she considered her friends. This allows the pair the opportunity to confide in and trust one another. I really enjoyed their unity.

I also enjoyed the Breed politics. I found the storyline revolving around the challenge to Cassie and Dog’s mating status interesting, adding some entertaining drama. Additionally, I found that the politics behind Dog’s secret life and motives gives the story added excitement and suspense. Because Dog is not an alpha or affiliated with an alpha, he’s rogue and Breed law doesn’t apply.

With that, I did have a few issues, which is par for the course with Ms. Leigh’s writing. While overall the story flowed smoothly, I felt there were a few hiccups. For example, right in the beginning, Cassie claims not to know the name of the Breed who has been helping her for the past six years – the one she has sex and mates with in the opening chapters. But then, once she returns home, she knows exactly who he is. It just doesn’t flow well. Additionally, I have always been confused on who knows what about Dog – I thought many knew he was really a good guy, but apparently it was always just Jonas.

I also had a pretty significant issue with the storyline involving Jonas’s second in command, Rhyzan. What started out a bit confusing, gained focus and looked to be exciting. But then his character just disappears from the book altogether. There is no mention of why his character isn’t involved in the climatic scenes of the story.

And then… there was the “sacrifices” Dog makes to “protect” Cassie. I did some serious eye-rolling when this part took place near the end. But honestly, I don’t expect much from these books any longer.

In the end, I’m glad I stuck around the series long enough to get Cassie’s book. It was worthy of her. She’s been a bit wilted and faded in recent books, and I’m glad to see her strong and powerful. Cross Breed is straight-forward, and I liked that the pair accepted the mating early on. But as always, I seem to find issues with the writing and I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the Breeds series.

My Rating: B, Liked It

This book is long in coming, where the reader finally gets to focus on one of the most mysterious characters in the series, Cassie. The story was well-done and I was happy with Cassie's Happily-Ever-After. I am also excited to see what characters are the focus of the coming books.

As you can see that I've been a fan of Lora Leigh's Breed series for a while now. It's up to 23 books in the series. Crazy right. I have to admit that I hope it never ends. I just love the people and the stories.

If I don't get my yearly fix of Jonas I don't know what I'd do.

Okay, confession time now...when she wen't into hardcover I skipped reading her last paperback and started up again when I knew her HC was coming out. I wasn't sure I'd get them to review and HC prices can be up there. Because of that I got slightly behind. So I was getting ready to read Wake sleeping Tiger right before this one so that I was caught up and couldn't get into it. I tried over and over to read it and...nothing.

I finally put it down and moved onto other books. So you guys know how I love to read in order but found that wasn't going to happen with this series. Since I needed to get this one done I was a little worried for the outcome. What if I didn't like it too. This is Cassie's story and it would have broke my heart not to like it.

I worried for nothing. From the first page I wanted, no needed to know more. I fell right into the story and couldn't come out until I was done. That's how good it was. I can't tell you how relieved I was. I totally love Cassie and Dog and was so glad that they came together. They are perfect for each other. He loves all the things that make her different.

Both these people deserve each other and the happiness they have coming. The author did a wonderful job of writing Cassie's story, I haven't been this worried since Jonas book. Some characters you worry about more then others. You get so wrapped up in their lives that you see it one way and the author doesn't always echo your feeling. Silly authors. I was lucky Leigh did.

The older I get the slower I read but I have to say that I speed right though this book and finished it in a day. That's how good it is. As wonderful as this one is I would do myself a favor and grab all the books in the series. Start from the beginning and fall in love with the breeds.