Midnight Pursuits (A Killer Instincts Novel)

When assassin Juliet Mason’s brother is murdered on the orders of a corrupt eastern European politician, she seeks vengeance. Former Marine Ethan Hayes joins her and acts as a voice of reason and conscience.

I read the novel Midnight Games by this author and thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought I would enjoy this novel as much, but sadly it wasn’t so. I never connected with the characters. I didn’t like the secondary characters, either. Everyone was just a little too dark, unfeeling, and amoral. I did like Ethan, who had a good moral compass and sense of honour, but everyone else… Secondly, the setting was just a little bit off. It's supposed to be Belarus, but just didn't quite feel like it.

I will say that this author has talent and can write exciting suspense. While this book wasn’t for me due to the characters, I will try others.

Elle Kennedy brings readers the fourth book in her Killer Instincts series, Midnight Pursuits. This is an action packed story with moments of levity and some serious romance. The intense chemistry between the hero and heroine is undeniable. Kennedy knows when to ramp up the romance and when to let action take the center stage. Readers who are fans of the series will love the lead in to the next book and new readers to the series will fall in love with the great secondary cast, as well as the main couple. A great addition to the series.

What I liked:

I haven't been reading romantic suspense for very long, but the more I read it, the more I like it. Elle Kennedy certainly knows her way around the genre and makes each scene in her books action packed and full of sizzle, not just in the bedroom. This is one of those books that makes your heart rate speed up, it's just that intense. From the situations their jobs create to the passionate response they have to each other, Ehtan and Juliet provide a great deal of emotion for the reader. Midnight Pursuits is a real nail biter in more ways than one and Kennedy does a wonderful job with it.

The main couple in this one provides a classic example of the law of opposites attracting, but they also have some things in common that the reader may not see at first glance. Ethan is the rookie on a team of mercenaries that can really kick some butt, but he isn't low man on the totem pole. He is a very capable and extreme. He is a former Marine and can hang with the best of them. His passion for the job is fierce and he loves the same way. Juliet could be characterized as the ice queen. She's an assassin and she loves her job. She doesn't let people get close and she isn't looking for romance. These two make quite a pair. The passion between them borders on a ferocity of sorts. It's almost animalistic. I think the thing that is so similar about them is that deep seeded need for adrenaline in every thing the do. I loved them sepately but together they were a force to be reckoned with.

I have not read the previous books in this series, but after reading this one, it's a given that I will go back and pick up the others. One of the things that made this book such an enjoyable read, were the great secondary characters, many of which have their own stories told in previous books and several with stories yet to tell. This book can easily be read as a stand alone, but I think reading them together probably provides the reader with a much more emotional connection to the group. I liked the underlying tension that existed between the leaders of both groups and it appears that their story is up next. I think each character had a place in this book and I definitely want to know more about each one and these amazing two groups with such strong men and women.

What I didn't like:

The main couple is drawn to each so strongly even from their first meeting that reader can easily see that they will end up together, there is no doubt of that, but things heated up a lot faster than I expected. I wanted a little more angst and build up to those all important three little words.

Bottom Line:

If you are looking for a read that will almost literally knock your socks off, this is it. Midnight Pursuits is that book that will keep you up at night and make you think about it when you are supposed to be working. It's that book that has just as intense love scenes as it does action scenes. What else can I say, you really gotta read this book.

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3 1/2
REVIEW:
The best way to explain Ethan & Juliet is like a tornado meeting a hurricane. While each can be very destructive independently together they will be unstoppable. But somewhere along the way the storms calm and all that is left is each other.
This was a fast pace book. There was no waiting for the action to start. I will say that I think my one of my favorite parts is Ethan’s rules on dating (hehe) Juliet never expected that :D.
If you are a fan of Elle’s Killer Instinct series you will love Ethan & Juliet’s story. Oh and Jack gives us a bit of a surprise at the end of this book (sneaky guy :) ). Looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Good

Awesome book, love the series! Exceptional author!

I haven't read the first three books and I didn't feel lost. There is a lot of action, suspense, humor and very steamy romance. The story moved along very fast with a steady flow of details and getting to know the main characters, with no overwhelming "information dumps". I loved learning about Juliet's private self that not many people ever get to see and she didn't suddenly become weak and helpless when she met a man able to "take care of her". I find that very annoying in books. Ethan is very endearing and really understands Juliet and never gives up on her. This story has a happy ending for the main couple, but certainly mentions enough events or secondary characters that make you want to read the first three books and any that come after this one. If you are bothered by violence, death or sex; you will want to skip this book and series. If you love action and steamy romance, you will want to try this series.

Blockbuster-level action abounds in Midnight Pursuits! Elle Kennedy has once again expertly blended seriously steamy passion with edgy romantic suspense in her fourth Killer Instincts novel and I loved it.

Ethan is the Captain America of Jim Morgan’s mercenaries. He’s honorable, a gentleman, and essentially looks and acts like the boy next door. He’s also dangerous as hell and twice as sexy. I loved Ethan from the start – how could I not? Juliet, on the other hand, took some time to get to know. She’s physically and emotionally wounded when we first see her in Midnight Pursuits, and it takes some time to get past the abrasive front she puts up. Juliet doesn’t magically become the ultra-warm and nurturing type, but rather Ms. Kennedy shows the true Juliet, one who is undeniably deadly and guards her heart, but who is also fiercely loyal and cares deeply for those she’s given said loyalty to. Though Juliet tries to deny her attraction to Ethan, and tries to play down his abilities based on the fact that he’s twenty-five, she can only leave the blinders on for so long. And when they come off…watch out – Ethan and Juliet as a couple are hot enough to burn. Whether they’re taking down corrupt, murderous politicians or circling the sexual tension that simmers between them, Juliet and Ethan are great together.

Midnight Pursuits is the fourth Killer Instincts book, but you don’t have to have read Midnight Rescue, Midnight Alias, or Midnight Games to follow along. However, if you’re a fan of the series you’ll be pleased to know that some of your favorite mercenaries and assassins play strong supporting roles. I loved revisiting past heroes and heroines (even if it’s only a brief mention), and man, oh man I’m more intrigued than ever by (hopefully future heroes) Sully and Liam. What’s more, Ethan and Juliet’s bosses, badass Jim Morgan and “queen of assassins” Noelle, are complete scene stealers, particularly when they’re together. If you’re like me and have been dying to learn about Jim and Noelle’s history, then be warned that Midnight Pursuits is only going to up your craving for information.

Midnight Pursuits is a gripping story that’s fast-paced, dark, red-hot, and wholly entertaining. I finished Ethan and Juliet’s book a well-satisfied reader, but I’m on tenterhooks waiting for the next Killer Instincts novel. I’d expect nothing less from Elle Kennedy, who’s proved herself over and over again as a master of romantic suspense.

Kimberly
Review courtesy of Wit and Sin