Limecello’s review of Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (Immortals After Dark, Book 3) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal romance released by Pocket Star Oct 07
Book three of the Immortals After Dark series was very enjoyable. Wicked Deeds actually happens while much of No Rest is taking place, and you have to feel bad for Bowen. I think a lot of what happens to him is downplayed – after all, he’s a tough Lykae – one who would have been king-so what does he need with half his face? Honestly. It’s fine it got blown off. Gah.
Mariketa and Bowen have a major May-December relationship. In fact, one could say it’s January-December. She’s 23. Chronologically. He’s more than twelve centuries old. He also froze into immortality later than most – I think he’s in his late 30s, early 40s? Yet some how, it’s not a big deal in the book, or at all. Really – no squick factor.
We’re introduced to Bowen in book one, and if you don’t feel for him, then you have no soul. Mari, is half fey, half witch, and has a lot riding on her shoulders. While most witches have only one or two powers, Mari has the abilities of a warrior, healer, enchantress, conjurer, and seeress. That is, when she can control them. The problem is, eight year olds can handle spells more easily than she can. Ouch.
They’re both competing in the Talisman’s Hie (yeah, none of these characters get competing with and for your lives against each other isn’t the best lead in for a romantic relationship), and bad things happen. Bowen traps Mari and others in a jail with an ancient evil. (Think LoTR and Balrog – but less cute.) Mari hexes Bowen with mortality. Because of this, neither of them win the competition.
Afterwards, Bowen is sent to rescue Mari. In his defense, he really thought they’d be able to get out. Bowen is torn, because he entered the Hie in order to go back in time and prevent his mate from dying. He’s also guilty, because she died running from him. At the same time, he’s got feelings for Mari – and more importantly, he wants her. A lot. Mari also wants him. Perfect, no?
No. They hate each other. This is endlessly entertaining, and carries on throughout the book. The first time they see each other in two weeks, Mari tries to kill Bowen even though she’s near death herself. He’s old, and old fashioned. Also, very lupine. For her part, Mari is wild and outrageous, acting much like the stereotypical sorority pledge would. (Curious if she should, because she hasn’t turned yet – and mortals have to worry about annoying things like not pickling their livers.)
I really like the interaction between Bowen and Mari, although she gets a bit too angsty for me. There were some over used terms – how the heroine is sad and abandoned, nobody loves her even though she has a lot of friends and a great support team, and she’s always second best cry cry cry. There were also some minor issues with plot development, but not that big a deal. Otherwise, I have few complaints.
Ms. Cole’s books always seem to take an unexpected turn, where you think everything is done – but it’s not! More needs to happen! And you know what? As a reader, you’re glad. This was a good book, and I hope you read and enjoy it!
Grade: B
Read Sandy M’s review here.
Summary:
HER BREATHLESS KISS HAUNTS HIM… Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed -until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.
HIS SLOW, HOT TOUCH IS IRRESISTIBLE… Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It’s rumored that no one can tempt Bown’s hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.
NO NEED IS TOO WICKED FOR HER SEDUCTION… If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul-or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?
Read an excerpt here.
Other books in this series:
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 Read Sandy’s review. |
 Read Limecello’s and Gwen’s reviews. |
Coming next:
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Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark, Book 5) , coming 20 May 08! |
I liked this one, Mari was full of sass and I really liked her character. Bowen’s yummy although I wanted to slap him when the Princess showed up and what followed..
Great review! 🙂
Thanks Wendy! Awwee… poor Bowen, I know what you mean though, Wendy. I didn’t want to smack him, but I felt bad he felt so torn [and was acting like an idiot.] Why do guys always get taken in so easily by the evil ones? Why?
I really liked Mari too! Possibly my favorites are Mari and Lachlain. [You have to be impressed with how Mari acted when Bowen freed her…]
Mari’s probably my second favorite of the girls. She’s exactly what Bowen needed to snap him out of it.
I like Mari’s insane powers… but I still really like Emma. Who am I kidding -Book 1 is still my hands down favorite. Who was your favorite, Liviania?
I think I liked Kaderin the best of all the heroines so far. She kicked ass and was a very modern woman. Wow. The most emotionally detached of them all and she was “the most modern” – crap. What does that say about us…
Hm… I dunno – I think Emma was pretty modern. Obviously Naomi wasn’t… it’s just Kaderin kicked the most ass. Literally.
But Emma and Mari were both vaguely…pledge like.
I really liked Mari as well – Bowen is hawt but still no Lachlain as far as I’m concerned! Also loved the ‘mate’ twist at the end of this one.
Great review!
I’m soooo like Switzerland when it comes to Cole’s IAD heroes and heroines. I love them all! 😀
I know. Lame answer.
(… and I haven’t yet read the two most recent novels. Don’t make me name the titles… they’re too similar and I end up mushing them together: Dark Desires at Night’s Edge or something like that. 😛 )
Neomi! What can I say, I’m a sucker for ballerinas. They’ve got endurance, discipline, charisma, etc.
Christine, I’ve got that same problem. Some day I’m gonna bust out with Wicked Desires at Night’s Hunger or something similarly crack-brained.
LOL you two (Christine and Liviania) – actually, I’m on the same boat. I admit that a few times I’ve confused book 4 & 5 and catching myself right before thinking “why is it coming out again a month after?”
But now, I’ve got it clear [other than the titles – don’t make me say all of them – I can abbreviate them, but that’s it.] and I want it :D.
Ohmigod, Limecello, book 1 is my favorite too! I loooves Lachlain! 😀
And yeah Bowe was an idiot but at least he more than made up for it!
Liviana – LOLOL! That made me chuckle all morning. 😆
Bowe is still my favorite. I didn’t get squicked because…well, Lachlain is older than Bowen and Emma’s only 70. ‘Parently, Lykaes like ’em young. And really, Bowe needed someone to young him up. I also live in Orange County, home of the Trophy Wife.
Of the heroines, I do really love Mari. But Holly’s a good number 2.
Rydstrom could easily overtake my hero list, though. I have such a craving for that guy.
Dee
Hm… Dee, for some reason I thought Bowen was older than Lachlain. Heh – I just noted the age difference – but like I said in the review, I (surprisingly) wasn’t squicked at all.
And… oh trophy wives. Haha I just don’t know.
I suggest no one tell Emma or Mari that they’re trophy wives. ^_~
*snort* now that is an epilogue/short story I’d love to read. LOL!