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Harmony Lancaster is a Lion Breed, and an assassin who works alone, outside of the laws of Humans and Breeds alike. She needs no one, but when the Breed Council grants her one chance to redeem herself and save her life, she finds herself thrust into constant close proximity with a man she is unable to resist. A man who sees through to her very soul, proving just as dangerous to her as the secrets that she harbors. Sheriff Lance Jacobs knows the moment he lays eyes on Harmony that she is his destiny, his soul mate. The land speaks to him in whispers, telling him so, and the devastating effect she has on his body and his heart only reinforce what the land tells him. Lance has long ignored his heritage, but he must learn to harness his powers if he is to protect Harmony from those that would see her destroyed. Harmony’s Way is the eleventh in Lora Leigh’s Breeds series, although only the second released by Berkley Sensation. In my honest opinion, this story is by far the best of them all. The plot is thick with suspense, intrigue, and keeps you on the edge of your seat! While I’ve considered each of the previous Breeds stories outstanding, Leigh’s growth as a writer is never more apparent as it is in Harmony’s Way. With the move of this series to Berkley Sensation, fans benefit greatly with the higher word count and more complex plots. Berkley seems to encourage the steamy scenes we’ve come to expect (and love!) in a Breeds novel, and this second publication by Berkley Sensation sees a return of supporting characters we already know and love from the older Breeds books. There are plenty of twists and surprises in Harmony’s Way, and I do not mind admitting that I let out a little shout of excitement the moment I learned exactly who Harmony is, and what her connection is to a long recurring Breeds character! I won’t spoil the surprise here, but you will be glad to know that this particular bit of knowledge is divulged very early in the story. We also see a return of the leading characters from Megan’s Mark, Megan and Braden Arness, as the two assist their cousin Lance and Harmony, giving us a glimpse of their ‘Happily Ever After’. Personally, this is one of my favorite things in a series book – the opportunity to revisit the characters from previous books, and Lora Leigh never fails to disappoint her readers in this way. We originally met the hero, Sheriff Lance Jacobs, in Megan’s Mark, and while I enjoyed him in that book, I was totally unprepared for him in Harmony’s Way! He exceeded all of my expectations for him as a traditional alpha male, but he is tempered beautifully with an innate sensitivity, which allows him to tame the feral Harmony more efficiently than the standard alpha male could. His kindness catches her off guard, and then his primal nature totally undoes her. Harmony is a tragic heroine – a woman who has lived her life alone, with no friends or family to rely on, and she has convinced herself she needs no one. But when she meets Lance, all bets are off as he challenges everything she thought she knew about herself. Harmony’s Way also sees the return of Jonas in a big way, operating in his role as the head of the Bureau of Breed Affairs, and we are afforded the opportunity to watch his machinations up close. I have to say, as satisfying as the ending to Lance and Harmony’s romance is, this book left me panting for Jonas story more than ever! And that is another of Lora Leigh’s key talents: No matter how perfect the happy ending for the lead characters in a book, she deftly tweaks interest in sequels by peppering the story with fascinating supporting characters, giving just enough detail to whet the appetite for their individual stories. It is for that reason that you will almost always find at least one Lora Leigh book in my pre-orders at Amazon.com!
Reviewed by Jennifer
Copyright © 2006 CK2S Kwips and Kritiques. All rights reserved. |
Breeds Series: Harmony's Way
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