Shadow and Alyn's Two-fer review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews 
 SHADOW'S REVIEW 4.5 STARS 
 Bengal's quest wraps up one segment of Lora Leigh's Breed series and explains a lot about the mysterious breed Gideon. 
 The story is full of angst, and covers betrayal, misdirection, and intricate planning. It is almost confusing as the reader tries to sort out who is really a good guy and who isn't. 
 The story revolves around Cat, who grew up with Gideon and his brother, Judd, as her only family. Born with a dangerous disease, the only way to save her was to replace some of her DNA with Breed DNA; a project undertaken by Gideon When Gideon escapes and leaves her behind, Cat is devastated-but not enough to hate him completely. Now that Cat is grown up, can she forgive Gideon for his betrayal? 
 I liked Cat-she is brave, strong, and willing to fight the whole world for what she believes in. She is a totally sympathetic character. The came cannot be said of Gideon, who claims Cat, but won't admit he loves her. I found him cold, manipulative, and insensitive. Yes, he made sacrifices for Cat, but he couldn't be bothered to tell her the truth, either about himself, or her. 
 As with many of Lora's stories, a bit of judicious editing would be welcome. There are places where the word "can is used when the word should be "can't". A slightly less complex story would have improved the book as well. Having said that, this is still an enjoyable book that keeps the reader involved and captivated... and gives the author's followers some hints about what may be in store in the future. 
 ALYN'S REVIEW 5 STARS 
 (view spoiler)[******Possible SPOILERS****** 
 I truly believe that everyone has the ability to let their animalistic side take over once in a while. atruegemawardWhile some may disagree, we all must admit that the ability to go primal lies within us all. In some cases, those primal instincts can be sexy as hell! Perhaps that is why I enjoy shifter books so much, especially The Breeds. Lora Leigh has a way with bringing out the sexy side of the beast within. In this case Gideon: a Bengal breed masquerading as a Lion to protect the woman he claims as his. 
 If you have not read this series, stop right now and read them. While some of them can be read as standalone novels, this one cannot. It picks up after Stygian's Honor and without reading that story, there will be confusion. 
 This story follows Cat and Gideon who were both held in the labs as youths. 
 Cat was given to Gideon as a newborn and he was tasked with looking after her. Gideon worked with the researchers to create a serum that would help Cat to overcome a deadly defect. His efforts were a success but they also resulted in Cat's transformation as a Bengal Breed. Not just any Bengal Breed, but one that was connected to Gideon on a level so primal that losing her would cause him to lose himself. 
 The story begins with Cat's escape from the labs and she searched for Gideon. When she and his twin finally reach him, he is injured and Cat makes a decision that changes Gideon forever. Forced to push her away or act on his deadliest instincts, Gideon leaves Cat feeling unwanted and confused and she is forced to go into hiding under the disguise of a young Breed named Claire. 
 Years later the Cat is out of the bag "so to speak" and the truth is about to come out regarding Cat, her friend Honor (who is also in disguise) and a stubborn Lion breed named Graeme. Cat and Honor hold the secrets to what happened in the labs and their blood is worth millions to the Brandenmore scientists that have been hunting for them. Then there is Graeme, to say he is cunning is putting it mildly, there is something about him that just does not seem quite right. Yet, Cat cannot seem to stay away from the stubborn breed and their attraction only seems to increase the more she realizes the truth. Rumors about Gideon have surfaced and the Breed Council is searching for him. Should Cat get her hopes up that he will return for her, or could it be that he never left. 
 It has been a while since I read this series but I fell in love all over again. While some of the books seem a bit repetitive (male alpha in denial about a female who sets off his mating heat) I have seen a change in the last few books involving more intricate plot twists and story lines. Regardless of the repetitive nature of some of the earlier books in the series, I still love the characters and how well developed they are. Lora Leigh knows her Alpha males well and she knows how to find the perfect females to compliment them. In this instance, we have Graeme, Gideon, and Cat. Gideon was locked away as a test subject in the labs as a youth. Brought up to both understand and enhance genetics, he became smarter than anticipated and developed such a nature that he was the deadliest Breed in existence. When Cat was given to him to protect, something changed. She calmed him but also ignited a fire inside Gideon that created the most protective instinct one could imagine. Cat was his! His to protect, his to love, his to teach, and he did. He protected her in ways she can never learn. 
 Graeme was not all that he seemed to be. Metaphorically speaking he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. One of the most cunning, there was nothing that escaped his notice and everyone owed him favors. He had more information about every Breed in the compound including Jonas Wyatt, the director himself. Jonas knew there was more than meets the eye but he was determined to stand back and let the truth reveal itself in time. There was one thing that was clear and did not go unnoticed, Graeme could not stay away from Cat. Yes, he had been warned by others that she was most likely Gideon's mate, but he didn't care what others said. She ignited a spark within him, and sooner or later that spark would turn to flame. 
 Cat was stubborn to say the least. She was a well-trained fighter and new how to take care of herself. After all, she had been abandoned more than once. First her parents when she was just hours old, then Gideon, her protector had left her alone and confused. She missed him more than anyone but hated him just as much too. He stole her heart, her trust, and maybe even a piece of her soul. Because of the serum that flowed within her blood, she was a target for the labs. Suspected of being the mate of one of the most feared Breeds in existence, she was forced to go into hiding. Protected by the spirit of a young Breed named Claire, Cat lived among a family that never accepted her and at times some of them even hated her. Now, older and aware of what truly happened, Cat is ready to fight for her life, and her heart. 
 There are so many intricacies with this story that keep you on your toes. Throughout the entire series we have seen characters develop and grow and a number of new types of Breeds that are discovered. It has made the series one of my favorites because the varying Breeds freshen up the storylines and add more depth to their world. Would I change anything? Hmm, if I could have my way, I want a little more Gideon. There is just something about him that melts my heart. Don't get me wrong, he is not a tame pussy cat, he is all Alpha and shows it in the fiercest way, but what drives him to be that way is something worth swooning for! (hide spoiler)] 
 Review copy provided for an honest review.