by Lara Adrian
Part of Midnight Breed, book 12.5
First published 2014
Lazaro Archer commands the Order's operations in Italy, but two decades of isolation haven't healed the wounds left by his family's murder. The ancient Breed warrior has sworn off love entirely. When a mission fails, he finds himself protecting Melena Walsh, an innocent caught in supernatural crossfire. She knows him instantly. He rescued her years ago when she was just a child. The noble protector from her memories now bears the weight of centuries of loss and rage. Melena needs Lazaro to survive, yet proximity breeds dangerous complications. Their connection deepens daily despite his resistance. He battles emotions he promised himself never to feel again. She fears opening her heart to the man sworn to guard her life. Both carry scars that make love seem impossible, but the pull between them grows stronger as enemies close in from all sides.
Genres: romance, fantasy, thriller, paranormal
Vibes: emotional-atmospheric, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Italy
Period: 20th-century
140 pages · Kindle Edition · Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated
Content warnings: violence