Time to Shake it Up

***This review may contain some spoilers. Read at your own risk***
I finished Cross Breed last night after much anticipation, hoping for an improvement over the lack luster narrative of Wake a Sleeping Tiger. I must say I was sorely disappointed. Ms. Leigh is capable of so much more. After all there is a reason I keep reading these books. If I am honest with myself at this point I am more interested in the plot and in the relationships than the erotic aspects of the book. I think the reason for that is that the main story around which all of these relationships evolve has been missing for some time. It seems to pop up here and there or inserted in as an afterthought. At times it takes such a convoluted road that after it is all said and done I cannot say where the breeds or the genetics council are at this point in time. I found myself skipping over the erotic scenes for the first time. But I think the reason for that is that I could not engage with this book. In fairness to other readers Cassie has never been one of my favorite characters. I don't dislike the character, but to me she was more of a plot device to make things happen. Like wise, Dog never peaked my interest other than the reason for being included in a scene. So I was interested to see how Leigh was going bring these two together.

Unfortunately the relationship didn't have the impact I expected. It lacked something. The strong emotions and conflicts found Harmony's Way, Soul Deep, others in the series were just not there. There were also some serious short falls that challenged what we know about these characters. Such as Jonas and Cassie not being aware that Dog was Cassie's mate. Jonas the omniscient matchmaker? Cassie felt an attraction over the years but never knew it was Dog? Not even a teeny bit? A breed she has known for years? Not once did she consider the possibility that this could end up in a mating although she had unlimited access to breed information.

We have been told book after book that mating heat was evolving and changing but there is no proof of such here. As soon as Cassie is mated to Dog, her IQ begins to drop and she becomes the sexualized version of a Stepford Wife. It was truly annoying to see a supposedly intelligent professional woman loose all objectivity. Things for me hit rock bottom when she apologizes to Rey Delgado for representing his mate during a request for separation. Therefore confirming my belief that mating heat made certain that Cassie could not longer represent Breed law. Objectivity and all that. Dog..well what can I say? Our canine hero, also in the throes of quickly devolving brain matter decides to leave Cassie in the middle of mating heat to deal with his evil pawpaw. Now we all know what happens when you leave a mate during this very delicate time. But hey, he signs a quick claim deed. No! Sorry. He signs a disavowal form to ensure that Cassie is not held responsible for his actions. Really folks? But in a twist, Cassie sprouts a backbone (sorry folks there is no neuronal regrowth here) and along with Gideon and a spectral mom in law decides to rescue Dog mostly from himself. Some reviewers have complained about a lack of an apology and some sort of grand love scene. Me..all I saw was my pup's face looking at me in sheer adoration after having filleted a very expensive pair of shoes. I patted his little head, kissed him, and told him he was a bad boy. I am such a sucker for love sick mongrels.

So here we are, thirty two books into the series and progress against the genetic council is slow and painful. Cross Breed just gives us some tidbits and very little on other Breed characters. For this reason it felt more like a novella than a novel. But I keep hoping that Leigh will take a chance and dare to shake up the breed world in her next installment. I am not ready to give up yet.

So what did I like about this book? The epilogue. I must confess that I adore Gideon/Graeme and his madness although he can be terribly misogynistic. He is an interesting character for whom we forgive multiple transgressions without further thought. I have always thought that Gideon/Graeme possessed the intelligence needed to resolve mating heat but has chosen not to for reasons of his own. Hence he lies to Khileen and feeds her to the wolf. I must confess that certain matters revealed in the epilogue made me squirm and not in a good way. I must agree with Khileen that there are some lines one does not wish to cross. What I hope to finally see is a heroine that kicks mating heat to the curb, brings her mate to his knees, and teaches Gideon a lesson in choice. I hope Khileen is that heroine. Go girl.

3 people found this helpful

book hog

holly cow Loved LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK. I had many ideas correct HOWEVER there is much surprises involved. I honestly thought this book would be a huge disappointment. I assumed alot & was correct. Having as many books as this series does along with the mistakes in the series. Cross Breed was refreshing I fully believe the author got a new shot of love for her breeds. I assume having written so many it is tiresome trying to top each book. Sadly I feel you can see when the ideas go stale. Not to mention a new series comes out. As a pro breed reader for me waiting for this book caused much dread. Cassie is just a huge part of the breed community. In the real world she was someone I was waiting to grow up & have her book. The expectation I had was higher in every book she was in. I say well worth the wait. Something I rarely get to say. For me such a involved character who needs to grow up in a series & takes a long time to do so turns out to be a dud. Not the case. Does it need that much sex?? Naw but it wasn't forced in the story. So the sex really didn't bother me. In fact I skipped NONE OF THIS BOOK!!! And will listened to again. I cant wait for the next one. I want it now. Since I adore Graham. He is much loved character although his book didn't tingle my interest.

6 people found this helpful

Captivating read

intriguing, couldn't put it down. lora leigh has gotten better. eagerly awaiting the next one.

2 people found this helpful

Such a long wait for “meah-“

Such a long wait and I am frankly disappointed. Brianna Bronte is as good as ever. The story however was a let down as Cassie meeting her mate was flat and seemed to lack a connection with character development. I think I will be jumping off the series now, or at least until Loki finds his mate...

2 people found this helpful

What an intriguing story

No spoilers. So worth the wait, having Cassie grow up as such a unique breed with her sort of psychic abilities, you knew her adult life would be really different, but wasn’t expecting this. Knew her mate would need to be special and as different too, he didn’t disappoint. Loved this very hot and different breed story, hope the next one isn’t as long in coming. This is my 2nd go round with the series, was so happy they all came out in audio that I purchased the entire series to listen to this time. Great narration by Brianna Bronte.

1 person found this helpful

Awesome series

I read this series years ago but never read Cassie’s story. I loved it!! I definitely recommend the series.

1 person found this helpful

Okay, but annoying

First, I listened to the audio and the narrator does an okay job.

I was super excited to finally, finally get Cassie's story, but it was disappointing. The writing doesn't flow, and that's been the case lately with Lora Leigh's books. I almost stopped with the book because of how overly dramatic Cassie is. It's ridiculous; she acts like a baby. She's very naïve, and doesn't listen to sense. She lets her emotions get the best of her. I didn't like how the book started. Cassie basically prostituted herself to Dog; who is her mate, but she didn't know that when she said she'd give her virginity to him. At this point, Cassie barely knows Dog. Of course, things don't go the way she expected. Cassie is half coyote, and she just handles it all so badly. She doesn't know herself, and tries to be the perfect little Breed. Also, I don't remember the Breed being such horrible people! They were so hateful and racist against the coyotes. You would think they'd be more accepting, since they know what it's like to be discriminated against. The story besides the romance wasn't up to par with previous books and didn't drive the story on. It was boring at times. I do like Dog, and I liked the passion Cassie and Him have. The book does have some entertaining parts, and I did want to see what would happen, so I went with the 3 stars.

1 person found this helpful

A good read

another good read enjoyed it.you will want to read all of them.plenty to keep you interested.

not my cup of tea

i got through til chapter 7 and gave up. the main story seems more like a back story and the adult scenes are more like the main story. there was way too much talk of bodily fluids and cheesy bedroom talk for me. it's a shame because what's supposed to be the main story had me interested but it was just too imbalanced for me to continue

The Breed

God! I love these books! Lots keeps me so engage with this series I can't put down the book! So now I have to read something else till the next book! Whew!