The Book We’ve All Been Waiting For: Lion’s Heat by Lora Leigh
13 Apr, 2010 in Lora Leigh, Paranormal Romance 49 Comments
Genre Paranormal Romance
Series: Breeds #7 or (#21 counting Ellora’s Cave)
Publisher Berkely
368 pages
Rachel had never seen cold or hard in Jonas. She had never seen the manipulator. He was calculating, no doubt; he had to be to survive. He had to be, to maneuver the people he loved into the lives he kbew would benefit them.
He was a lover, a leader. He was a man who used the training he was given – to kill, to destroy, to sabotage- to build and to nuture instead.
He just had a rather unique way of doing it in as ass backward sort of way.
——————————————————————————–
Jonas:
Nothing mattered but this.
Holding her.
Loving her.
Being Loved.
Jonas Wyatt, the bogeyman of the Breeds, was loved.
Gives a wolf whistle and pumps fist in the air: She’s baaaaaaaaaaaaack! Oh Em Gee everyone, Ms. Leigh hit it out of the park with this long awaited story, Lion’s Heat. This is what we’ve been missing, passion about the characters she is writing about, perilous intrigue, and a love story that isn’t fraught with screaming matches. Jonas’s story did not disappoint and is probably one of my favorites in her Breed series. The two protagonists were not constantly fighting to the point of banality, Jonas’s character actually fit into what we have learned about him through her other books and their fight against the genetics counsel was a welcome side story. Instead of the usual breed formula of girl meets breed, girl sleeps with breed, mating hormone ensues, girl throws fit, and lots of fighting. The End. Not the case in Lion’s Heat (thank the romance gods).
Bad boy Jonas Wyatt’s personal assistant, Rachel, recently had a child-an innocent new life that has been put in grave danger because of Jonas’s perilous games and calculations played in breed politics-world in which he lives. Now, Rachel is making only one demand of Jonas: that he finally take responsibility and deliver on the protection that only he can give.
Jonas has always been a man shrouded in mystery and manipulation. He is constantly playing with the lives of others in a very Machiavellian way. We don’t always know if his motives are altruistic, but he does end up pairing troubled breeds with their better halves and in ways that help the livelihood of his people. So, of course when I heard his story was finally coming out I had to do my happy smut cheer. Fist’s hand on hip and raises other in the air ‘ I see London I see France I can’t wait to meet Jonas without his underpants’. Ends cheer with a flirty flip of her skirt to show off her tiger striped underoos (dimple free o’course).
With so many of Lora Leigh’s Breed books their mates are often weak-willed, winny and fight what I view is a pretty good thing. (Please, like any red blooded gal wouldn’t love a barbed woo-hoo). Rachel, on the other hand was a dynamic character that had more depth and dimension that I haven’t seen from the author since Elizabeth’s Wolf and Tempting the Beast. Rachel is sophisticated, calm, with an ice-like exterior that shows she is an excellent match for Jonas’s trickster ways. I also liked the fact that she had a baby. For some this might have proved too out of the ordinary but for me it showed that Rachel lived her life without being controlled by the possibility of being Jonas’s mate. It made their relationship seem more believable and supported Jonas’s wish that his mate be free to choose a life with him not due to a hormonal decision but one made out of love. Unlike the other previous breed males Jonas waited to kiss Rachel – willing to risk the pain of the mating hormone, than risk loosing her to anger. When she finally does kiss Jonas, it just felt right.
Little Teasers
- We find out what breed designation Jonas is
- The mating hormone/heat affects Rachel & Jonas’s differently
- The First Leo is a sh*t head but we glimpse more of his true character and relationship with Jonas
If you are a died hard Lora Leigh fan I expect you to have already read this and leave me your comments of oos and ahs. For those of you who haven’t read Leigh’s Breed series, I would recommend reading Tempting the Beast , Elizabeth’s Wolf , Tanner’s Scheme , Dawn’s Awakening , and Coyote’s Mate . I’m glad to see that although this story shared some similarities to Elizabeth’s Wolf it still had enough differences to be interesting and is a major improvement from the last few installments of her series. Lion’s Heat is where we finally see Jonas in love, be loved in return, and become a father – this book was like a breath of fresh air and not one to be missed.
Rating
I’m giving this a 4 because this is one of Leigh’s better breed books, if I’m comparing towards other PNR books more of a 3
P.S. My nickname for Lora Leigh is the ‘The Barb’ Queen
Other Reviews
Twimom- That’s What I’m Talking About 3.5/5
Purchase Amazon Here | Read Bengal’s Heart Review Here
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Look at you so sassy in your review. I love it!
I have not read this series. I guess I was intimidated by the 20 some books before this one. Also, I hate when an author builds up the big bad leader guy and then he’s completely different in his book. From what I’m hearing in reviews, though, Ms. Leigh did a great job of keeping Jonas true to character.
@Queen B This is kind of an odd series, the first 6 or so books were first published under Ellora’s Cave then switched to Berkley. Amazon considers this the #7th book so it must only be counting the Berkley books. Srsly this is where I first learned about the ‘barb’ and I have Ms. Leigh to thank for that.
You’ve got me with the comment that it is in the league of Elizabeth’s Wolf KC *sighs in content* That is one of my all time favorite Breed stories and while I’m only half way in this series I’m slumping a bit due to the “sameness” of romance, claiming, Breed thing going on. That is why I take my Breeds in managable portions
I’m so glad you’re enthusiastic about this one, that way I have a few great Breed books to look forward too
I’ve never read Lora Leigh
*runs away*
Wait, before I run away I’m taking Jonas with me!
I love that little excerpt. I haven’t read any of the Breeds series, either, so I appreciate the pointer toward the best books to start with. Though this one sounds mighty good! Oh, no, Mandi took Jonas away.
I read the first one after I saw how “excited” you were when this one came out. Only 19 more to go. lmao.
This one sounds uber hawt though and I may have to do some skipping around.
Great review!!!
Oh wow…… Very nice review hon. You are such a tease with that excerpt, lol!!!
I have heard many of awesome things about this series. The numbers just overwhelm me…
I hope you have a great day!
I’ve only read the first book in this series. I don’t know how I feel about the barb. It’s like a secondary character.
I think if I do continue with this series I might skip to the Berkley books.
@Leontine what Breed book are you on? (whispers) if you read Coyote’s Mate and then this one you’ll be okay. I won’t tell ANYONE. Lion’s Heat is one of her better breed books *crosses hear*
@Mandi ::looks appalled:: Lora Leigh is a guilty pleasure, she was one of my first erotic romance authors so she holds a special place in my book heart.
STOP STEALING MY BOYFRIEND!
@Carolyn :snort: typical, Mandi comes on my blog and steals my boyfriend.
@Tori ::whispers:: skip around, trust me you don’t need to read all of ‘em. This is the book, the ONE YOU PASSED UP FOR REVIEW!
@Cecile technically one could start with this series after it moved to Berkely so this would be #7 not #20 something, not that I would advocate skipping books in a series ::puts on innocent face::
I loved the scenes with Jonas and Rachel’s baby. They seemed so authentic and touching. Totally out of the norm of her previous books. Plus the sexy-time was HAWT! I’m on board with KC, who doesn’t like a little animal in their man. I should have a t-shirt made-”Barbed and Dangerous…”.
@K-Khan Michale’s is not that far away, your mission is to buy one black t-shirt bedazzle the hell out of it with “Barbed and Dangerous” on the back.
I. Triple. Dog. Dare. You.
@Fiction Vixen somebody could loan you her earlier breed books, just give me your social security number & I’ll need your thump print too, then I’ll send you some books. M’kay?
All right, all right, if there’s gonna be t-shirts then I have to be in the club. *runs out to buy books*
I’ve never read any of Leigh’s breed books – though I have to say the barbed man stick has got me intrigued
Love the smutty girl cheer btw!
@Queen B or we can make sweat pants with ‘barbed and dangerous’ across the booty
@Heather ::does the splits:: Yay!
Hmm…..I don’t know if that would have the same affect. How bout “Barb docking station”? ::looks totally innocent::
The chronology is driving me nuts, nuts I tell ya…I’ve read up till *peeks at LL website again* bk 6 in order. Then I apparently skipped a few and read bk 10-11-12 *rolls eyes*
So I’ve got on my shelves still to read:
7) Megan’s Mark – Braden and Megan – Lion Breed
8 ) Harmony’s Way – Harmony and Lance – Lion Breed
9) Tanner’s Scheme – Tanner and Scheme – Bengal Breed
13) In a Wolf’s Embrace (in Beyond the Dark anthology)
14) Dawn’s Awakening – Dawn and Seth – Cougar Breed
15) A Jaguar’s Kiss (in Shifter anthology) – Saban and Natalie – Black Jaguar Breed
16) Mercury’s War – Mercury and Ria – Lion Breed
17) Christmas Heat (The Magical Christmas Cat anthology) – Noble and Haley – Jaguar Breed
18) Coyotes Mate.
19) Christmas Kiss, Hawke and Jessica’s story (HOT FOR THE HOLIDAYS anthology)
20) Bengals Heart
21) Lions Heat
Hot damn KC, for a minute I thought there was no ending to that list…I wants your sis to make me a t-shirt: I survived the Breed series or Breedologist in the house -> I have intimate knowledge of Breed chronology
@ KC @ Queen B: If we’re talking sweat pant’s then it might have to be something like “once you’ve been barbed you never go back”.
@Queen B I can always count on your to think ahead.
@Leontine I would suggest reading:
9) Tanner’s Scheme – Tanner and Scheme – Bengal Breed
14) Dawn’s Awakening – Dawn and Seth – Cougar Breed
18) Coyotes Mate
Lion’s Heat
I read Mercury’s War but if I can’t remember it then I would say the characters/storyline pretty similar. We will make special t-shirt.
@ Leontine I’m so impressed, I read them out of order. This research def deserves a t-shirt. I’m thinking something along the lines ‘I survived the breed series and all I got was this lousy t-shirt’.
@K-Khan these days my booty is probably wide enough to fit ““once you’ve been barbed you never go back”
Totally agree that this was one of the best of the Breeds books. And Jonas & baby scenes – so cute! Already anxious for next Breeds book…
@Eva do we know what the next breed book is about? I’m thinking Ely…
Leigh does not have a newsletter sign up (sighs)
Never read one of Lora Leigh’s Breed series, but I did read a few of the Bound Hearts series. I was not too impressed with her writing, to be honest. I also have the Nauti series on my ereader, another contemporary series. Maybe I should try her paranormal books.
@Janna hmm I think I know what you mean. I think you are more of a contemporary writing style with a paranormal premise for PNR. Sometimes her dialogue can come off kind of one dimensional & character development kind of meh, but her premise of the Breed series is really good.
“I think you are more of a contemporary writing style with a paranormal premise for PNR.”
I’m not sure what you’re saying here, hon!
“Sometimes her dialogue can come off kind of one dimensional & character development kind of meh”
With this I agree, that’s exactly what I thought of the Bound Hearts books!
@Janna I don’t think I’ve read her Bound Heart series I prefer her Breed series, more action. I tried the Nauti series didn’t particularly care for it. Fiction Vixen and Kindle Vixen love the Nauti series or the one with the brothers…series name escapes me.
Isn’t the one with the brothers the Nauti series? Good to know FV and KV loved that since I bought all five books at once a while back! lol.
@Janna I think so, not 100% sure. I believe the Nauti series is menages *wiggles eyebrows*
Holy smokes you bought all 5?!
*grin* I hope the menages won’t disappoint *snicker*
Yeah, all 5! I’m bad. Spank me?
Yay!! So glad this was a good read for you KC!! I’m a bit behind on my Breed books at the moment but I have uber plans of getting caught up especially after your stellar review. Ack, I’m so happy! *skips on back to LMSR with a fist pump on every other stride*
Hugs, VFG
awesome review!!!!
Im waiting for my copy of this book hehe cant wait to read it =))))
xx
woo! So glad you liked it
Jonas was smokin hot!
The Nauti series is good, but not menage tho it flirted with it in a few of them. The Men of August is menage but its also kind of creepy LOL.
KC aren’t one of the wolves or bengals the same class as Jonas? I think he’s a bengal, he has a twin and they use to share women? I’m drawing a blank, but I remember he was ‘different’,
Still waiting on my t-shirt you promised me on Twitter woman!
You really should read Elizabeths Wolf if that’s the only EC book you read. Absolutely one of her best. I love this series. And don’t miss the one story inthe anthology with Matthias. Can’t remember the title of that one. Great review KC.
@Janna I hope you like brotherly menages.
::spank::
@VFG :pumps fist:: Woot woot.
@Larissa can’t wait for your review so we can squee about it together.
@KV crap I knew I mixed up the series. @Janna I mixed it up, it’s the men of August series with the menage.
KV what rating would you give this one out of the Breed series…I’m felt this was probably her best one. You?
@Elaine R will you accept a tweet photo for your t-shirt?
I’m scratching my head… I can’t remember what Cabal was but he was different breed classification too. In Lion’s Heat Leigh mentioned that no one was the same class as Jonas, he was the only breed of his kind.
@StephanieJulian Elizabeth’s Wolf is one of my favorite Lora Leigh books! I’m a little ashamed to admit but I’ve read all of her breed books. I found her originally on Ellora’s Cave then switched to Berkly.
I missed the anthology is that the one with the Christmas Cat? And Nalini Singh has a short one in there as well?
GREAT review KC! Your review is right on with how I felt about the book! It didn’t have quite the same sizzle from the sex as the some of the others, but the break from the BREED mold was so refreshing! (and thanks for linking my review! *smooches*
@leontine You have the books exactly as I read them! The thing about the Breed books is that she wrote some, then got a new publisher and wrote more “out of order.” I HAVE NOT read (per LL’s site here: http://loraleigh.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=61 )
1-5 or 10-13. I do want to go back now, but the books can be very expensive.
KC, it’s in the Beyond the Dark anthology and it’s called In A Wolf’s Embrace. Wonderful story.
And you have to read Elizabeth’s Wolf so you can get Cassie’s backstory. Lora Leigh recently did a blog about Cassie. Every interesting. Can you tell I’m a huge Lora Leigh fan? lol
@twimom I actually didn’t mind the less intense sexy scenes, more romantic. My fall time fav book.
@Stephanie I have read Elizabeth’s Wolf ::waves it around:: hand to god I re-read at least once a year. I’m very impatient for Cassie’s story, I want it now! Srsly Leigh has a Cassie blog, must check this out.
You…Lora Leigh fan? Couldn’t have guessed ::winks::
P.S. I’m already online stalking the Breed forums searching for the next Breed book.
I found it refreshing to have more story and character development sans the sex. I loved the connection Jonas had with the baby and how he kept trying to distance himself by never calling her by name, yet claiming her as his. I also loved that he acknowledge the crap he put his breeds through when they were going through the mating frenzy.
@Elaine I like that Leigh didn’t make this a I like you but I hate you story.
P.S. Is Amber the next Cassie…?
I want to know why Amber smells different.
@Elaine and just what did the drug do to her…Gah this waiting is agony!
Who is the next book about again?
@Elaine I think it is Styx…who I don’t remember. I believe he was briefly mention in Lion’s Heat. He was in the kitchen…apparently he is Scottish (yummy)
Yeah I don’t remember Styx at all.
I haven’t read these books yet either. I’ve heard mixed reviews with her books. Thanks for the recommended list. Those sound like the ones to start with!
I have not read this series – I have read her other stuff though and love them.. Just never been interested in this series..
I am glad she has regain whatever had gone flat for you in her books.. It’s nice when an author goes back to the original concept and make you as a reader fall in love with their work all over again..
E.h>
@Melissa Leigh breed series can seem repetitive once you’ve read 20 books or so. Yet I keep reading the next one…and the next one.
@EH I dare say Leigh got her writing mojo back, so yaaaaay!