Liviania’s review of Dreams of a Dark Warrior (Immortals After Dark, Book 11) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal romance published by Pocket 15 Feb 11

Kresley Cole introduced the story of Regin and Aiden at the beginning of her Immortals After Dark series, so I had a number of expectations when I started Dreams of a Dark Warrior. Cole does a good job of meeting those expectations in an unexpected manner by first revealing how little other characters knew about Regin’s ill-fated romance and proceeding from there.

Declan Chase is the hero of the story, not Aidan the Fierce. He’s Aidan’s reincarnation, sure, but he’s also his own person. It took awhile for me to warm up to Declan. He survived his family’s gruesome death by a group of Immortals, which caused him to hate all immortals and work with the Order to capture and study them. Preston Webb, Declan’s boss in the Order, helped to foster that unthinking hatred. Even with believable motivation for his actions, it’s hard to feel sympathetic for a guy who can’t see that torturing a sentient being is wrong. Declan also takes a lot of drugs, since he’s actually a berserker rather than a human. (I didn’t have a problem with the drug use, but I know that sort of thing bothers a lot of people.)

Regin is fun as always. Dreams of a Dark Warrior offers new perspective on how Regin became the person she is, but her character doesn’t make any big changes. She’s a fount of hilarious and deadly bad attitude. She doesn’t lightly forgive Declan’s actions, either. (Luckily, he does not directly torture her as implied in Demon from the Dark. That definitely wouldn’t be forgivable.) For me, Regin carried the romance. She found the things in Declan worth saving. Cole made it work and I’m not surprised that she did.

There are some excellent action scenes in Dreams of a Dark Warrior, mostly involving the immortals’ escape from the Order’s compound. It could seem redundant, since the same events were described in Demon from the Dark, but Cole shifts the focus enough to keep them fresh. She reveals quite a bit more about Lothaire’s motives, and his team-up with the good guys works since he’s still a backstabber and opportunist. He has an interesting chemistry with Regin’s young male cellmate who will hopefully show up again.

The bits that crossover with Pleasure of a Dark Prince are more awkward. Regin, being Lucia’s sister and best friend, is quite eager to help her throughout most of the book. The plot works if you’ve read Lucia’s book. If you haven’t, it is probably awkward to have the heroine be so concerned about a problem that she won’t solve. While Immortals After Dark fans will enjoy Dreams of a Dark Warrior, it’s not as friendly to new readers as most books in the series.

It took me time to warm up to Declan, but I was still satisfied with Regin’s romance. It was slightly disappointing after the high of Demon from the Dark, but Cole has yet to write a truly disappointing book. As is, I’m waiting on tenterhooks to know whose story is coming next. (And will Nïx become an actual goddess?) (Also, will the covers go back to having color? As awesome as the black and white looks, it makes it even harder to differentiate between the books.)

Grade: B

Read more reviews using the Immortals After Dark series tag.

Summary:

HE VOWED HE’D COME FOR HER . . .
Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives.

SHE AWAITS HIS RETURN . . .

When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals—unaware that he belongs to their world.

TO SATE A DESIRE MORE POWERFUL THAN DEATH . . .

Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan’s torments, will Regin rekindle memories of the passion they once shared—even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love?

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

C2’s review of Dreams of a Dark Warrior (Immortals After Dark Series, Book 9) by Kresley Cole|
Paranormal Romance published by Pocket 15 Feb 11

As far as the timeline of Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series goes, her latest release, Dreams of a Dark Warrior (which will from here on be abbreviated), shares some time with her previous book Demon from the Dark. DoaDW starts before and ends after Demon from the Dark, but we get glimpses of the main characters and hints of that plot as things overlap. This is a series that definitely builds on itself, so it should be read in order, says me.

We begin with a curse – Regin the Radiant and Aidan the Fierce were lovers, but fate tore them apart. Aidan is doomed to be reborn, find Regin, fall in love and remember their past together just before he again dies in her arms. Again and again and again.

Regin is a Valkyrie known for her fighting skills and her pranks. She is an immortal daughter of Odin. Aidan was a Berserker – mortal but with special fighting abilities. Just before he died the first time, Aidan vowed to win enough battles in Odin’s name so he would be gifted with immortality so they could be together forever. That didn’t work out so well for him.

When Regin again senses that Aidan may be nearby, she decides to stay away this time – watching him die is too hard and maybe if she stays away, he will get to live a long, happy life. Fate steps in again – this time around Aidan is Declan Chase, a Magister for a group called The Order (and the winner for most creative organizational name goes to….). The Order is dedicated to eliminating all immortals and they aren’t a squeamish bunch, if you know what I mean.

Chase and his henchmen snag Regin after a battle goes wrong and carry her off to a super-secret island where all sorts of immortals are being held. The Order is experimenting on them to find weaknesses and ways to defeat (exterminate) more immortals. Just before the drugs knock her out, Regin realizes that Chase is actually Aidan.

After Regin wakes up in a cell surrounded by other immortal prisoners, she re-thinks her let-Aidan-live-this-time plan. She decides that the best plan of action is for her to make Chase remember their past as quickly as possible, since he always dies right after remembering. So when Chase interrogates her to find out all he can about the Valkyries, she tells him about her life – with him. Even though he doesn’t remember yet, Chase is intrigued and attracted to her. For the first time in his adult life, being physically attracted to a woman doesn’t make him nauseous.

Regin and Chase continue their dance, neither wanting to admit that it is becoming more than a way to get information about an enemy. Chase begins to dream about his previous lives but attributes it to Regin’s storytelling abilities…or maybe an enchantment. He still doesn’t trust her or any immortal. But before he can regain his memory – like within inches of regaining his memory – his boss arrives and has Regin dragged back to her cell.

The plot really starts cranking along at that point – drugs, torture (not for the faint of heart), treachery of all sorts. The arrival of a very powerful immortal brings down the walls of the prison, but a failsafe in the island’s security protocol means the entire island will be destroyed in a few days. Regin and her friends have to ally themselves with some unsavory types to get off the island in time, including Lothaire, the Enemy of Old (a very intriguing character and the bad Immortals Nix equivalent, apparently). Will they escape before the island blows?? You know the drill, faithful reader. Read the book!

This is a very good entry in the IAD series (gruesome torture aside). A bit darker in tone – hello, set in a prison – it expands the IAD world even more. Until now, humans haven’t had much going on in the coming/happening Accession, but The Order is something to be reckoned with and they have connections on the inside of the Lore…that can’t be good. But Dreams of a Dark Warrior is.

Grade: B+

Summary:

HE VOWED HE’D COME FOR HER . . .

Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives.

SHE AWAITS HIS RETURN . . .

When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals—unaware that he belongs to their world.

TO SATE A DESIRE MORE POWERFUL THAN DEATH . . .

Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan’s torments, will Regin rekindle memories of the passion they once shared—even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Liviania’s review of Demon from the Dark (Immortals After Dark, Book 10) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal romance released by Pocket 24 August 10

In a long-running series like Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark, everyone has their favorites.  (Fans of the series – like Lime and me in this instance – will often debate with each other about whose favorites are better.)  Right now, Demon from the Dark is in my top three.  (By the way, my favorites are better so you should take that statement extremely seriously.)

Cole knows how to create a sympathetic alpha hero.  Malkom Slaine is a vemon, possessed of the vicious traits of both vampires and the worst sort of demon.  (I prefer to call them dempires, but Nïx does not appear in this book.)  Oft betrayed, he doesn’t trust easily.  Also, he needed to grow up deadly in order to survive, so he’s become a bit of a beast in order to keep himself safe and to get revenge on those who destroyed his life.  Yet when he meets Carrow Graie and realizes she’s his mate, he resists his instincts and romances her.  This despite language and cultural barriers.  It’s sweet.

Of course, it’s bittersweet because the reader knows Carrow is going to betray Malkom.  (I don’t think she had to, though I understand her decision.)  She’s been captured by a group of mortals bent on destroying the immortals, as has a young witch named Ruby.  Ruby’s mother died during the capture, meaning that Carrow is her new guardian.  If Carrow doesn’t deliver Malkom, they’ll kill Ruby.  Carrow may party hard, but that’s because the pleasure and happiness incited by revelry increase her powers.  She has a core of responsibility and a desire to be a good parents, as good as her parents weren’t.

Thus, Carrow is the more reticent of the pair.   She has to keep her secrets and thus can’t become too intimate with Malkom, as he can access her memories after biting her. She holds her heart back while Malkom offers his freely.  Cole does a good job of showing how Carrow and Malkom are shaped by their pasts and thus why they choose to behave the way they do.

There’s also plenty of material for fans of the series that doesn’t seem like it would be too confusing to newcomers.  Conrad Wroth’s cameo might cause a bit of confusion, but I like Conrad too much to complain.  Mariketa and Bowen show up often, but it makes sense considering Carrow and Mariketa are close friends.  There’s also tantalizing glimpses of Regin and Aiden.  It definitely challenged expectations I had of their relationship based on information in previous novels.

After the last several installments in the Immortals After Dark followed up on previously introduced couples and storylines, it was refreshing to read about a totally new couple.  While I’m excited about many of the couples we’ve already met, Demon from the Dark pushed the series plot forward.  Unlike most long running series, Cole still feels like she has a finish that she’s pushing towards.

Grade: A

Summary:
A dangerous demon she can’t resist…
Malkom Slaine: tormented by his sordid past and racked by vampiric hungers, he’s pushed to the brink by the green-eyed beauty under his guard.

A maddening witch he aches to claim…
Carrow Graie: hiding her own sorrows, she lives only for the next party or prank. Until she meets a tortured warrior worth saving.

Trapped together in a savage prison…
For them to survive, Malkom must unleash both the demon and vampire inside him. When he becomes the nightmare his own people feared, will he lose the woman he craves body and soul?

Read an excerpt here.

Read more reviews using the Immortals After Dark series tag.

Other books in this series:

Liviania’s review of Pleasure of a Dark Prince (Immortals After Dark, Book 8 ) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal romance released by Pocket 16 Feb 10

Kresley Cole earned her place as one of those authors that I buy immediately.  (Well, that I buy the paperback immediately.)  With Pleasure of a Dark Prince, there were some unforeseen complications (also known as blatant lies on the Barnes & Noble site) that led to me telling far too many people I wanted Pleasure of a Dark Prince before I got my hands on the novel. 

Although I forgot the title the first time, prompting the clerk to ask me for a different title.  I came up with Winter’s Wicked Kiss.  Not an actual Cole title.  Given that the next cover is also black and white, it’s going to be even harder to keep the books apart.

While knowing the titles is a daunting task, the Immortals After Dark series has been fairly welcoming to newcomers.  However, Cole is starting to elaborate on couples first mentioned in earlier books.  First, the novella in Deep Kiss of Winter, “Untouchable,” tells about the last Wroth brother and his heroine, Daniela. Now, Pleasure of a Dark Prince explores Lucia and Garreth’s relationship, which was originally mentioned in A Hunger Like No Other.  (Yes, I did have to look that title up.)  I enjoyed seeing Emma and Lachlain’s relationship from the valkyrie point of view – and that a werewolf agreed Emma’s family had a right to interfere.  However, I wonder how a new reader would feel about that subplot, which moves fairly quickly.

Though the books are becoming less welcoming to new readers, the romance is still enjoyable.  I did have more problems with Garreth and Lucia than some of her other couples. Garreth’s determination is attractive, as is his desire to aid Lucia.  But he ignores her ability to take care of herself too often, and he’s dismissive of what she obviously considers an important vow.  On the other hand, Lucia seemed too reluctant to tell him why the vow is important.  Yes, it was a shameful part of her past and might make Garreth angry, but Garreth would understand her vow more if she at least told him, “If we have sex together I’ll be defenseless.”

That doesn’t mean I didn’t love them together.  It was fun to watch Garreth work his way into Lucia’s heart – and to see them figure out how to get off together without penetration.  Also, the opening scene where she keeps shooting him and he keeps flirting?  It’s awesome in a very strange way.

For fans of Regin or Lothaire, they show up a decent amount in Pleasure of a Dark Prince and it looks like they will be in Demon from the Dark, though neither will be the hero or heroine.  (For a few brief, shining moments I thought the next book would be Regin and Aiden’s.  Alas.)  Overall, this isn’t going to replace my favorites in the series.  But Cole definitely left me wanting more of the Immortals After Dark.

Grade: B-

Read more reviews and information by following this series’ tag here.

Summary:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole enraptures again with this seductive tale of a fierce werewolf prince who will stop at nothing to protect the lovely archer he covets from afar.

A DANGEROUS BEAUTY…

Lucia the Huntress: as mysterious as she is exquisite, she harbors secrets that threaten to destroy her — and those she loves.

AN UNCONTROLLABLE NEED…

Garreth MacRieve, Prince of the Lykae: the brutal Highland warrior who burns to finally claim this maddeningly sensual creature as his own.

THAT LEAD TO A PLEASURE SO WICKED….

From the shadows, Garreth has long watched over Lucia. Now, the only way to keep the proud huntress safe from harm is to convince her to accept him as her guardian. To do this, Garreth will ruthlessly exploit Lucia’s greatest weakness — her wanton desire for him.

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

Dawna’s Review of Dark Desires After Dusk by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance published by Pocket 20 May 08

Kresley Cole has done it again with her Immortals After Dark Series.  An absolute page turner, Dark Desires  After Dusk is the fifth installment in this series and a treasure all on its own.

They call him the king maker, but for centuries Cadeon Woede has been unable to help his brother reclaim their kingdom.  He has lived in misery and shame for nine hundred years.

Finally he has found the one woman who can make him whole.  He’s obsessed with her from the moment he set eyes on her, but he’s forbidden to take her as his own because she is human. He has vowed to secretly watch over and protect his female from afar.

Holly Ashwin suffers from a little thing called OCD.  She never suspected she was anything other than human, but when she is thrust into a world of lore and encounters a sexy demon willing to protect her, her normal world is tossed upside down.

When Cadeon finds out Holly is half Valkarie and the vessel he is searching for, he realizes two things: one, he can finally have her and, two, if he wants to get his brother’s crown back and save the people of his kingdom, he will have to give her up to an evil sorcerer who has forged the only sword that can kill Omort and free Rothkalina.  But first he will have to gain her trust.

I am an absolute fan of Kresley Cole, and this is now one of my favorite tales.  What can I say — I’m always a sucker for a tortured hero and tough heroine.  Ms. Cole does a superb job of engaging her reader.  I found myself sympathizing with the characters and holding my breath to find out what happens next.

You will have to read for yourself to find out if Cadeon is truly able to betray Holly’s trust and forsake her.  I recommend you pick this book up, along with the others in her series.  You won’t be disappointed.  Dark Desires After Dusk is definitely another keeper for me.

Grade: A+

Summary:

A ruthless demon mercenary. A lovely young halfling.
In the dark, he’ll find her.
A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can’t resist…

Cade of the rage demons will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.
A tormented warrior she should fear, but can’t deny…

Raised as a human, Holly Ashwin never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon’s wicked touch.
Surrender to dark desires…

Yet just when he earns Holly’s trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs—and claim his heart?

Read an excerpt.

Other Books in this Series:

Gwen’s review of Deep Kiss of Winter by Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter
Paranormal romance duology hardcover released by Pocket 13 Oct 09

Two of my favorite paranormal authors in ONE BOOK?  Dang.  How could I NOT read this?!  This book has one long story set in Cole’s Immortals After Dark world and another set in Showalter’s Alien Huntress world.  A terrific combination and way, way fun to read. 

Untouchable (Immortals After Dark, Book 7) by Kresley Cole (256 pages)

This story/book (long for a story) takes place roughly the same time as several of the other Immortals After Dark entries.  This one tells the story of the “man-whore” brother of the Wroth Brothers – Murdoch – and his downfall to the Queen of the Icere fae, Daniela.

The heroine and her world are so very different from anything I know.  Ice, snow, skin that burns from other’s body heat, etc., that it was difficult for me to relate.  Remember, though, that I moved to central Texas because I hate, abhor, and generally detest cold weather.  She is a good heroine, but I would have liked to see her kick a little more butt (personal preference, not a criticism).

The hero is the rake brother of the Wroth brothers.  Murdoch is used to women falling all over him and to being able to dispose of them like a used tissue.  He doesn’t want to do that with Danii and this completely perplexes him.  His normally smooth moves have all the grace of a pig on roller-skates, so you can imagine how this goes over with Danii.

The romance between these two is intense and believable.  The action is a little less than we’re used to in Cole’s other books, though it’s still fun.  Untouchable introduces a new species into the Lore – the Icere, or the ice fae.  Their world is a little “out there,” but I suppose there’s not a lot in this series that isn’t.

I enjoyed this story, though perhaps not as much as the other IAD entries.  Nevertheless, I highly recommend reading it if you’re following Cole’s saga.  I suppose this story could standalone, but I’m not sure if I’d recommend it.  You’ll get a lot more out of it if you’ve read at least one of the other Wroth brother books.

Grade: B

Summary:

KRESLEY COLE delivers a breathtaking tale of a brutal vampire soldier about to know love for the first time…and a Valkyrie aching to be touched.

Murdoch Wroth will stop at nothing to claim Daniela the Ice Maiden — the delicate Valkyrie who makes his heart beat for the first time in three hundred years. Yet the exquisite Danii is part ice fey, and her freezing skin can’t be touched by anyone but her own kind without inflicting pain beyond measure. Soon desperate for closeness, in an agony of frustration, Murdoch and Danii will do anything to have each other. Together, can they find the key that will finally allow them to slake the overwhelming desire burning between them?

Read an excerpt here.

Tempt Me Eternally (Alien Huntress Series) by Gena Showalter (169 pages)

I have got to read more of this series.  This is the second book I’ve read so far and I really like this world.  From what I can gather, the first one I read, Seduce the Darkness, takes place just after this story.

The hero, Breean, is a Rakan – a gorgeous male who smells like honey and cinnamon when aroused.  His blood is golden and tastes like sugar.  He’s also practically unkillable because of special abilities.  He’s puzzled by the heroine because he feels that he wants her and no other – apparently something unusual for his kind.

The heroine, Aleaha, is of unknown extraction and is a shapeshifter.  Out of desperation, she’s impersonating a member of AIR (Alien Investigation and Removal) named Macy, and is hiding from unknown bad guys her mother warned her about but didn’t specify.

The romance evolves well, but feels a bit convenient.  I enjoyed the story but felt like very little outside of the plot moves forward.  This may be because I haven’t yet read the other books in the series – contrary to my vow in my review of StD and for which I feel eternally remorseful.  I think I’d get a lot more out of the story if I did.

I recommend this story if you’re following the Alien Huntress series.  It stands alone, but I think a reader will get more out of it if they’re reading the series.

Grade: B

Summary:

GENA SHOWALTER puts a daring spin on a tale of huntress and hunted…and concocts a sensual chemistry that is positively explosive.

Aleaha Love can be anyone — literally. With only skin-to-skin contact, she can change her appearance, assume any identity. Her newest identity switch has made her an AIR (alien investigation and removal) agent and sends her on a mission to capture a group of otherworldly warriors. Only she becomes the captured. Breean, a golden-skinned commander known for his iron will who is at once dangerous and soul-shatteringly seductive, threatens her new life. Because for the first time, Aleaha only wants to be herself….

Read an excerpt here.

I enjoyed this duology quite a bit.  I like reading anthologies and the stories in this one are particularly nice because of their length.  If you’re following these series, you do not want to miss it, though you may want to wait for it to come out in paperback.

Overall Grade: B

Connect to more reviews and information for these series by clicking on the tags below.

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Immortals After Dark Series:

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Related YA books in the “Teen Alien Huntress” series:

Sandy M’s review of Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (Immortals After Dark, Book 4) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance released by Pocket 1 Apr 08

This is another series that I’m behind on reading, and I hate being behind on this one because I have loved every single word of it so far. Ms. Cole has a knack for writing the type of heroes that I adore. Alpha. To the core. But with enough sensitivity to savor love when it comes their way. If I had nothing but Kresley Cole books to read, I’d be pretty damn happy all the time.

The only thing I’m unhappy about is I read the first three books so long ago, I don’t remember things as clearly as I’d like when I came across them in this book. But that doesn’t take away much from a book when the writing is this good. It goes without saying that I absolutely loved Conrad. Talk about a tortured hero. His childhood is terrible, at the brink of death turned into a vampire by his oldest brother, he is now the very creature that he’d learned to hate and hunt. Centuries later he’s nearly insane, memories from those he’s killed by drinking from their veins dogging his every waking moment.

His brothers have been searching for him for hundreds of years, wanting nothing more than to help him regain his life and his sanity. Capturing him at last they have him holed up in the abandoned home of a twentieth century Hollywood legend who died there. And now she haunts the place, has for the last eighty years. Eventually Néomi runs off any who live in her home. However, she’s now been alone for quite a while so she is ecstatic when Conrad and his brothers take up residence. She’s also stunned when she realizes Conrad is able to see and hear her.

Of course, Conrad believes his insanity is only getting worse when he sees the lovely apparition while he waits for his mind and body to calm and return to as normal as possible.  His brothers have assured him he can live without the need to kill when he feeds. The more he interacts with his beautiful ghost, he hopes that is true. But he has other troubles in the guise of a couple of demons who would do him harm, so he must take care of them before moving on with his life. It seems Néomi is not his bride, though he wants nothing more than to be with her. He will do what it takes to keep her safe and just maybe she’ll want him to stay.

These two enjoy a fun and loving relationship even before Néomi gets her second chance at life. Once that happens things change, of course; Conrad is blooded, their relationship goes to the next level, and the action takes off.  Not all turns out the way either Conrad or Néomi hope for, but what a great reason to bring in characters we know and love from the previous books. Ms. Cole kept me enthralled for all 384 pages of this book, never letting up once.

No wonder I keep going back for more.

Grade: A+

Read more info and reviews for this series by following its tag.

Summary:
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A vampire warrior consumed by madness, trapped in the lair of an otherworldly temptress only he can see. The beauty wants him gone–the warrior can’t leave. Let the games begin…
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Néomi Laress, a famous ballerina in the early 1900s, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with powers, but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away any trespassers–until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Néomi herself.
.
To prevent him from harming others, Conrad Wroth’s brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. There only Conrad can see the dancer with wild raven hair–who seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature inflames him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own.
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Yet even if Conrad can win Néomi and claim her completely, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

		Not That Innocent,anthology with Cole,Kenyon, Showalter,and Kohler, coming31 Jul 09

Limecello’s review of Kiss of a Demon King (Immortals After Dark, Book 6) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal romance released by Pocket on 20 Jan 09

This is the sixth book in Kresley Cole’s series Immortals After Dark, and I enjoyed it very much. I coveted Rydstrom’s book, and I think his story fit him perfectly. I also neglected all sorts of other things I was supposed to be doing in order to read this book. In fact, I’ve been in a massive reading funk, but still read Kiss of a Demon King – which should give you some indication as to how much I liked it. So you should read it too, if you haven’t already done so.

I have to admit, the beginning of the book, and even about the first third were just “good” not great in my opinion- yet I couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to know what happened next. I also gradually became more and more invested in the story. I’ve always had a soft sport for Rydstrom – I mean, who wouldn’t feel sympathy for a king who has been trying to reclaim his throne for centuries? And while Sabine isn’t exactly lovable at first, she’s something like a cute, but repressed (in terms of affection) kitten with enormous[ly] sharp claws. (She grew on me.)

Sabine, the Queen of Illusions, is on the side of evil. There’s a lot of uncertainty when it comes to Sabine – not just because of her magical powers. Sabine herself is a mix of contradictions and facades, much like the illusions she weaves. It helps to know what motivates her, and controls her, which really makes her more likable.

I have to admit, while I didn’t initially love her personality, I respected her. And it’s always a good thing to have a strong heroine  – especially one that is an equal to the hero. Sabine truly is a character that has been shaped by her circumstances, but rather than getting mopey about it or shrinking into herself, she takes on the world. You have to admire that. And really, Sabine isn’t as bad as everyone thinks. Though I like that she revels in the fear and dislike she inspires.

Rydstrom is also a contradiction, but in a different way. He’s also the quintessential good guy. Rydstrom’s personality is the opposite of what you would expect it to be considering his appearance and physical attributes. However, I really liked that Ms. Cole had Rystrom really let go in Kiss of a Demon King. (And after comporting himself so nicely for the past five centuries, I’d say he was entitled to some bad behavior.)

I loved that Rydstrom was so conflicted. (I’m sadistic that way.) It was amusing how appalled he was by his own behavior, and surprisingly, it didn’t bother me that he continued on in the same manner to reach his goals. Tenacity is something else I admire. (And the way Ms. Cole wrote it, Rydstrom isn’t being a hypocrite- he’s just shocked by his own behavior and out of character responses.)

For Rydstrom and Sabine, it really is a case of opposites attract. While at the core they’re both good, the way they approach life and their priorities differ vastly. It is incredibly entertaining watching them get to know each other, and reading about one trying to understand the other’s motives. And you know, the first half or so of the book is a sexual battle of wills, which is always fun. First we have Sabine taunting Rydstrom, complete with a dungeon and chains. Then Rydstrom takes his turn with a whole new reason for bondage – and his torture/revengs, while twisted, is a bit sweeter, as part of his purpose is to get to know Sabine.

Are you intrigued yet? Because you should be! As I said, I really like the Immortals After Dark series. In fact, I’ve enjoyed the series so much I’ve felt compelled to discuss each and every book. While I can’t stand long series, I have to admit I eagerly anticipate the next IAD story. *Faint* I just went to Ms. Cole’s site to check. We’ve got a long wait – next is A Deep Kiss of Winter, which is only a novella, and it comes out November ’09. It is Murdoch (yay!) and Daniela’s story. And the next full length novel, Pleasure of a Dark Prince will be released January, 2010. So if you haven’t read the six previous books, you’ve got time to catch up.

Grade: A

Read reviews, excerpts, and other information on this series by following its tag.

Summary:
.
His obsession: the enchantress who surrenders her body, but not her heart.
.
After Sabine, the Queen of Illusions, lures and traps Rydstrom Woede in her lair, the ruthless warrior fights to resist her seduction.But his fierce demon nature lusts for her delicate body and won’t be denied. Even as Rydstrom plots to escape, he still intends to claim Sabine as his own—on his terms.
Her downfall: the battle-scarred demon who vows to keep her at all costs.
.
When Rydstrom breaks free, her abducts Sabine, turning the tables. Now she’s the one struggling to resist his delicious torment. With each relentless encounter, Sabine hungers more for her merciless adversary.
They were never supposed to want each other this much…
.
If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice to save her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to keep his sorceress?
.
Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series:

… and Not That Innocent, a new anthology with by Kresley Cole, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter, and Sharie Kohler, coming 21 Jul 09.

Kiss of a Demon King Kissed Number ONE on the New York Times list…
Very much awesomeness! yeah I am sure everyone already knew this but I didn’t

This is the latest in her The Immortals After Dark series. If you haven’t picked it up, you can read Liv’s review here.

Liviania’s review of Kiss of a Demon King (Immortals After Dark, Book 6) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal romance released by Pocket 20 Jan 09

Here at the Pond we lurve The Immortals After Dark series.  No really, Gwen, Devon, Shannon C., Limecello, and I read them.  And Limecello and I are very far apart in the what-we-read spectrum.  For me, Kiss of a Demon King didn’t reach the soaring heights of Dark Needs at Night’s Edge or Dark Desires After Dusk.  That doesn’t mean it wasn’t an utterly fabulous book that I want to reread so bad despite the fact I have a giant pile of books I want to read for the first time.

One thing I admire most about Kresley Cole is the fact she can write a book that stands quite well on its own but still ties in tightly to a series.  Kiss of a Demon King occurs during the same time frame as Dark Desires After Dusk, so it enriches the experience to read both.  It’s a little difficult for me to say since I have read both, but I believe Kiss of a Demon King would be perfectly accessible to someone new to the series.

Like Dark Needs at Night’s Edge, this one has a darker tone.  Sabine, half-sister to Omort the Deathless, captures Rydstrom just as he’s about to gain a weapon that can kill Omort.  Centuries ago Omort took Tornin and deposed Rydstrom from his throne.  Now Sabine wants to bear his child and rightful heir, and denies him pleasure until he marries her.

Cole treads the line of making Sabine likeable but not good.  She’s come back from death a number of times, which twisted her mind.  Still, she makes no excuses: her goal is the survival of her and her sister Lanthe, no matter the cost to anyone else.  (Okay, another of Cole’s gifts is making me eager for future couples.  I can’t wait for Lanthe and her Vrekener’s story.  And there are still couples in earlier books I’m still waiting to hear more about.  Ooh, Regin and her berserker?  I’m so there when it happens.)

Rydstrom is utterly dedicated to his people.  Responsibility weighs heavily on him and Sabine is the first person to come along with whom he can let go of his control.  Of course, while he’s her prisoner he can’t do so.  And of course he doesn’t want to let go of his control.  It’s nice to watch the two of the fall in love without either having to compromise who they are, which is what both fear.

As for the plot . . . how can Cole manage to spend so much time developing the romance and still have so much action going on?  There are battles a plenty, as well as dividing factions, and NΪx’s official declaration of war.  It’s utterly hilarious and makes you miss NΪx, though she shows up in all her glory when she wouldn’t ruin the tone of the book.  As always, Cole’s pop-culture references are dead on.

Pretty much, I loved the book.  I love the hero and heroine’s romance.  I love their relationships with their younger siblings.  I love the war a-brewin’ on the horizon.  I love the continuity, and the fact the enigmatic Lothaire has returned.  (I wouldn’t remember him except I just reread A Hunger Like No Other and wondered why he hadn’t shown up again.  Question answered.)  All I want to know is: when does the next book come out?

Grade: A-

For more about this series, follow its tag.

Summary:
HIS OBSESSION…

Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions: the evil beauty who surrenders her body, but not her heart.

HER DOWNFALL…

Rydstrom Woede: the ruthless warrior who vows to keep her at all costs.

THEY WERE NEVER SUPPOSED TO WANT EACH OTHER THIS MUCH…

With each smoldering encounter, their shared hunger only increases. If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice for her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to save his sorceress?

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series:

… and Not That Innocent, a new anthology with by Kresley Cole, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter, and Sharie Kohler, coming 21 Jul 09.

C2 started it off, but I’ve got a list as well!  (And my choices are way better than hers.)  2008 was a great year for books, but here’s my top 10:

The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows, Book Six) by Kim Harrison
Urban fantasy released by EOS 26 Feb 2008

Kim Harrison keeps this series going storng with an entry that solves a lot of ongoing questions and to open new ones. The paperback is now available with a bonus story just in time to reread for the release of White Witch, Black Curse.

Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (The Immortals After Dark, Book Four) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal romance released by Pocket 1 Apr 08

It was a toss-up between this and Dark Desires After Dusk. With this year’s releases, Cole set the bar high for Kiss of a Demon King. Seriously, any paranormal romance fan needs these two on their shelves.

Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception by Maggie Stiefvater
Young adult fantasy released by Flux 1 Oct 08

This debut has faeries, violence, music, and romance. What more can one ask for?

Dreaming Again edited by Jack Dann
Speculative fiction anthology released by EOS 30 Sept 08

Australia’s literary scene rocks hardcore. Here some of its best authors serve up 35 excellent stories. This anthology contains no misses.

Generation Dead by Daniel Waters
Paranormal young adult released by Hyperion 6 May 08

Zombies, high school, and sociology come together for a humorous novel that will stay with you for awhile after you finish.

Madhouse (Cal Leandros, Book Three) by Rob Thurman
Urban fantasy released by ROC 26 Feb 08

Just read this series. Please.

Delicious by Sherry Thomas
Historical romance released by Bantam 29 July 08

Another author with two brilliant releases to choose between -this and her debut Private Arrangements. Both are terrific, but only this one makes me hungry. Food porn and romance is a winning combination.

Embrace the Night (Cassandra Palmer series, Book Three) by Karen Chance
Urban fantasy released by ROC 1 Apr 08

This series really hit its stride with this book. Chance also debuted anther series with the excellent Midnight’s Daughter.

Undone by Brooke Taylor
Young adult released by Walker Books for Young Readers 22 July 08

Taylor’s debut is emotionally strong, which any romance reader can appreciate.

Paper Towns by John Green
Young adult released by Dutton Juvenile 16 Oct 08

Green understands the nerd lifestyle, strong females, and what makes a good story. I don’t know if the man is capable of writing a book that isn’t made of win.

Honorable Mentions

Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready
Urban fantasy released by Pocket 13 May 08

Smith-Ready makes her urban fantasy debut with a series that takes an inventive approach towards vampires and adds to the genre.

Tarnished Beauty by Cecilia Samartin
Literary fiction released by Atria 18 Mar 08

This is not self-important literary fiction. It’s simply a beautifully written story.

Gwen’s reviews of three completely different books by Eloisa James, Noelle Mack, and Kresley Cole
Historical Romance, Contemporary Erotica, and Contemporary Paranormal Romance

I read books all the time, squeezing a couple of pages in every chance I get – eating lunch, in line at the bank, while I’m on hold – but I don’t always review every book. Below you’ll find three books that I read but, for whatever reason, I didn’t want to do a full-blown review. So read on for three short reviews of three completely different books:

~ Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
~ Nights In Black Leather by Noelle Mack
~ Dark Desires After Dusk by Kresley Cole

Desperate Duchesses (Desperate Duchesses, Book 1) by Eloisa James (very nifty author site)
Historical romance released by Avon 29 May 07

I read this because Lime’s recent review of the third book in this series, Duchess by Night, made it sound so intriguing. And I liked this book. It took me a few chapters to get into it – I wasn’t sure who the hero or heroine were at first. Reading the first half of Desperate Duchesses is a bit like watching one of Robert Altman’s large ensemble cast movies – lots of intertwining story lines, all supporting some secrets, some heartache, some light romance, and myriad different details. By the time you get to the second half, it’s apparent who is pursuing whom, but you aren’t dumped into the relationship at the beginning, and that is actually kind of refreshing.

I enjoyed this book as a departure from the average historical. I really liked the dialog in it – intelligent and quick. I sort of liked the hero and heroine, but liked the ensemble cast more. Recommended for fans of non-traditional historical romances.

Grade: B

Summary:

A marquess’s sheltered only daughter, Lady Roberta St. Giles falls in love with a man she glimpses across a crowded ballroom: a duke, a chess player of consummate skill, a notorious rake who shows no interest in marriage — until he lays eyes on Roberta.

Yet the Earl of Gryffyn knows too well that the price required to gain a coronet is often too high. Damon Reeve, the earl, is determined to protect the exquisite Roberta from chasing after the wrong destiny.

Can Damon entice her into a high-stakes game of his own, even if his heart is likely to be lost in the venture?.

Read an excerpt and an even longer excerpt.

Nights In Black Leather by Noelle Mack (no author site found)
Contemporary erotic romance released by Aphrodisia 1 Jun 08

I had a really time with this book. I kept reading, but just didn’t like or believe in its premise. I skipped around it looking for something compelling to draw me into the romance, or even just the sex, and never did find it. I really didn’t like the hero – he was not appealing to me.

Grade: DNF

Summary:

She Said “Yes.”

London is a playground for international financier Adam Bowlin-it’s where he earned his fortune and his take-charge reputation. The man is big, bold, and wickedly handsome, and women can’t get enough of what he has to give. Adam is a master of pleasure, dominant by nature, with sexual skills beyond compare. And when Lara Stone, the firm’s beautiful and brilliant new associate, walks into his office, he sees a look in her not-so-innocent eyes that he understands completely. Behind closed doors, Adam and Lara come together to explore her darkest and most secret fantasies… one by one. Giving her what she longs for-what she needs-becomes his only desire. For the first time in his life, Adam is madly, truly, deeply in love…

Read an excerpt.

Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark, Book 5) by Kresley Cole
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Pocket 20 May 08

What can I say that hasn’t already been said? This was an excellent book. I loved the hero, loved the heroine. Loved the very interesting elements of the heroine’s OCD and the hero’s complete acceptance of them. Just a terrific book. Read it.

(Is it bad that I keep typing this as “Dark Desires After Duck”?)

Grade: A

Summary:

A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can’t resist… Cadeon Woede will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.

A tormented warrior she should fear, but can’t deny… Raised as a human, Holly never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon’s wicked touch.

Surrender to dark desires… Yet just when he earns Holly’s trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs — and claim his heart?

Read an excerpt.

Devon’s Review of Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark, Book 5) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance released by Pocket 20 May 08

With last month’s release of Dark Needs at Night’s Edge, Kresley Cole went from a pretty good author of paranormals, to a must read-OMG-when’s the next book-gimme now (here’s my review). Luckily, the wait wasn’t too long, and a matter of weeks later I had Dark Desires After Dusk in my hot little hands. And it has only cemented my newfound worship. The two books are very different in tone and character, but equally sexy, romantic and engrossing. You have been forewarned: this is going to be a gushing, fangirly review.

Both the hero and heroine could have been annoying, but Cole made them unusual, surprising, and likeable. Cadeon Woede is rage demon mercenary. Tough, cocky and confident. But he’s not a standard issue overbearing supernatural Alpha type. He just is who he is, I guess. Earthy is an apt adjective. He’s blunt, bawdy and occasionally rude, but very endearing. He recognized Holly as his one true mate a year ago, and has spent a lot of time learning everything about her. Or stalking her, if you want to call it that. He is completely fascinated by Holly, and although he wants to shake her up, and wants in her bed, Cade is also very accepting of her quirks. And she’s got a lot of them.

Holly starts off as the prototypical uptight heroine: sweater set, glasses, pearls, brilliant, math geek. She suffers from OCD, and indulges in a number of rituals to keep her anxiety at bay. But these aren’t just character quirks to be shed as soon as she gets laid. Holly has developed her rituals and routines to keep certain parts of her nature under control. Holly (and the reader) comes to understand that those frightening desires are perfectly normal for someone who is half-Valkyrie/Fury. But her need to control herself and her surroundings seems understandable rather than annoying as she is thrown into the violent, chaotic world of the Lore. Even though Holly comes to accept her sexuality and her warrior side, she doesn’t change drastically. I also appreciated her confidence, surprising in someone who has so many issues.

Did I mention this book was hot? There was some great “opposites attract” chemistry here. I loved each of them, and I loved the two of them together. The scenes where Cade encourages Holly to explore him were smokin’. I shouldn’t admit this, but the night I started reading this book, I was getting sleepy, but I didn’t want to stop. So I skipped around to read some of what I called “the good parts” back in high school. And read some of them multiple times. Okay, I’m a perv, but it was hot! The mate thing is beyond tired, but Kresley Cole always makes it work by showing us how the characters get to know and love each other. It’s not an instant thing.

The conflicts and plot kept my interest. There were a lot of interesting conflicts here: Holly’s struggle with herself, as well as whether she can give up her ordered existence as a human, Cade’s struggle between helping to re-gain his brother’s crown, and claiming his mate. There is not as much interaction with the larger world of the Lore. But their appearances kept the action moving and provided some humor. Cade’s brother Rydstrom makes a couple of appearances (whetting my appetite for his book). I’m curious about Rok, the smoke demon. There was a great scene set in a Lore bar. Nix and the Valkyries showed up just enough for me to enjoy, without getting on my nerves.

In short, Dark Desires After Dusk was pitch perfect. It hit all the right notes for me. I loved the hero and heroine, the romance was sweet and passionate, the action and emotion were compelling. I devoured it, and I had a hard time starting another book, because it would mean leaving Cade and Holly behind. That rarely happens. I’ll keep it on my night table, so that they will be nearby. Now I have to wait. Sob!

Grade: A

Read Livania’s review.

The Summary:

A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can’t resist…

Cadeon Woede will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.

A tormented warrior she should fear, but can’t deny…

Raised as a human, Holly never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon’s wicked touch.

Surrender to dark desires…

Yet just when he earns Holly’s trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs — and claim his heart?

Click on the Immortals After Dark series tag for more excerpts, more reviews, and more everything on this series.

Limecello’s review of Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark, Book 5) by Kresley Cole
Contemporary Paranormal Romance released by Pocket on 20 May 08

I was excited about the newest installment in the Immortals After Dark (IAD) series, and after I’ve read it, I know it was for good reason. Dark Desires gives us our first demon hero, and he’s definitely able to hold his own. This was a fun new story that is a great continuation of the series.

I wasn’t quite sure what to think about Cadeon Woede, but the beginning of this story just broke my heart.  I knew I should expect a lot more than meets the eye with the hero, and my expectations were met. Cade has a lot more depth than you’d expect, considering he’s a rage demon (and how he’s characterized in the previous books). He’s also carried around guilt for nine centuries. Guilt for losing his brother’s crown. Guilt for not being able to protect his foster family. Guilt for not being fitting royalty. Guilt for accidentally killing a human female and ending his brother’s hopes of learning how to reclaim his throne. The poor guy just can’t catch a break. In fact, his female is a human, so he can’t even be with her, because she wouldn’t survive being with him.

I like Holly, but I didn’t feel that she was a particularly developed character. I did think the beginning scene where Holly is going to her class was cute. Generally the jocks don’t show up – but for a hot teacher, I can see it. Holly had a lot of quirks and those were quite specific, but otherwise, I didn’t think she had that much of a personality. Maybe that was due to her OCD – but it felt like she was solely defined by her routines. While I can see that the routines were performed in order to suppress her true self, I find it harder to accept that she so easily breaks away from that. I also felt that her boyfriend was rather unnecessary.

I really liked the descriptions and secondary characters in this book. Definitely am curious about Rydstrom and Sabine. I’m also glad that Cade finally doesn’t feel like the entirely bad brother. The obstacles Cade and Holly faced were very interesting, and I loved how Holly finally and truly embraced her Valkyrie self. However, I felt like some parts were just too convenient. The fact that Cade can’t attempt Holly is a major source of angst. But wait! She’s not human, she’s a Valkyrie! It was supah sekrit and she repressed it for 27 years.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I think Cade may have edged out Bowen in my IAD heroes ranking. I really liked this book. I could have gone for a few more non confrontational scenes between Cade and Holly (their road to developing a relationship was filled with potholes), but I’m already looking forward to the next book. In fact, I can’t wait.

Grade: B

A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can’t resist…  Cade of the rage demons will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.

A tormented warrior she should fear, but can’t deny…  Raised as a human, Holly Ashwin never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon’s wicked touch.
Surrender to dark desires…

Yet just when he earns Holly’s trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs-and claim his heart?

Read an excerpt here.

Click on the Immortals After Dark series tag for more excerpts, more reviews, and more everything on this series.

Liviania‘s review of Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (Immortals After Dark, Book 4) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance released by Pocket 1 Apr 08

I started Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark with this one, and I believe it is my favorite. This romance focuses on the youngest of the Wroth brothers, the insane Conrad, and Néomi, a dead human. Yes, it is a bit of a logistical nightmare. On the other hand, it gives the characters time to talk and develop a strong emotional relationship before they have sex.

In a last-ditch effort to save Conrad’s mind, his brothers imprison him. They believe they have found the means to restore his sanity without using Riora’s gift, which made more sense after I read No Rest for the Wicked. Elancourt just happens to be Néomi’s former estate and her soul anchor. Since only Conrad has killed and become a Fallen vampire, he is the only one that can see and hear the ballerina. However, when a vampire kills, he absorbs the memories of his prey. Conrad is lost in the memories of his numerous kills and believes Néomi to be yet another of his hallucinations.

Néomi realizes Conrad can see her and proves to him that she’s real. After all, she was a famous ballerina in life. She commanded the attention of hundreds of people at a time. Now she has spent several decades only able to observe those who venture onto the estate. Madman or not, Conrad can see and talk to her and that means everything – even if he does keep destroying parts of their house.

Kristoff imprisons Nikolai, Murdoch, and Sebastian (the brothers) for not killing Conrad. This gives Conrad and Néomi time to talk and get to know each other beyond, “I want you because you’re my Bride.” It eventually leads to one of the cutest moments in the series, when Conrad offers to deface the grave of her murderer. No really, it’s cute. And it’s just one of many surprisingly cute moments in their relationship.

In the end though, Cole must find a way for Néomi and Conrad to be able to touch. Enter Mariketa, Bowen, and Nïx. (And now that I have read the other books, I notice Regin’s short cameo.) Nïx is one of the best parts of these books – a nutty seer with a thing for mayhem and nail polish. It’s no wonder the Valkyrie are feared. In the very end, the solution becomes a tad convenient, but overall Cole develops a satisfying method to embody Néomi.

She also continues what she started in Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night and develops Cadeon’s character. She manages to set-up his story and to revisit the previous couples without crowding Conrad and Neomi’s story, which is very enjoyable. She also seems to be developing interest in the identity of Murdoch’s mystery bride.

I went into Dark Needs at Night’s Edge with high expectations and Cole met them all. I particularly liked that I understood the world’s rules and the characters’ relationships without exposure to the previous novels. Of course, I instantly bought those first three novels and devoured them. Now if only I can get my hands on Playing Easy to Get . . .

Grade: A

A RAVEN-HAIRED TEMPTRESS OF THE DARK…

Néomi Laress, a famous ballerina from a past century, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with otherworldly powers but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away trespassers — until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Néomi herself.

A VAMPIRE WARRIOR CONSUMED BY MADNESS…

To prevent him from harming others, Conrad Wroth’s brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. But there, a female only he can see seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature torments him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own.

HOW FAR WILL HE GO TO CLAIM HER?

Yet even if Conrad can win Néomi, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?

Click on the Immortals After Dark series tag for more excerpts, more reviews, and more everything on this series.

Liviania‘s review of No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance released by Pocket Star Books 31 Oct 06

The second Immortals After Dark novel focuses on the second-youngest Wroth brother, Sebastian. His village hires Kaderin the Cold Hearted to kill him, but the two quickly realize she is his Bride. After a brief amorous encounter, Kaderin leaves, unwilling to undergo the humiliation of being involved with a vampire. (She’s seen how her family treats Myst, whose husband is a vampire – and Sebastian’s older brother.) Currently she’s focused on winning the Talisman’s Hie, a contest run by the goddess Riora. After all, she’s won the past five times and must defend her title.

Since Sebastian’s older brothers turned him against his will, he chose to become recluse. Thus, he does not realize how dangerous Kaderin is. (Much like Emma in the previous novel, he knows little about other creatures in the Lore.) He follows and tries to protect her like the knight he was in life. Kaderin is not amused. However, Kaderin only feels this displeasure because her emotions returned after she met Sebastian. Someone answered her prayer not to feel after a vampire killed her two sisters – a vampire whose life she saved. The winner of the Talisman’s Hie will receive a key that will take the user into the past. Kaderin wishes to save her sisters and wishes the vampire would stop interfering.

Sebastian and Kaderin’s strongest competitor is Bowen MacRieve, who first appeared in A Hunger Like No Other. His mate died in the eighteen hundreds and he has been slowly dying ever since. He’s a sympathetic character and Cole shoots herself in the foot by making him a main antagonist. The reader wants Sebastian and Kaderin to succeed, but the reader wants the same for Bowen. Terrible things are done to him throughout the novel. I think I managed to move past him and focus on the romance only because I knew his future due to reading the fourth book first.

This is a large flaw simply because Sebastian and Kaderin’s romance is strong. It sticks out because the rest of the book is solid. Sebastian earnestly pursues her and two fall in love as they learn to trust the other (even as each of them still wants to be the protector). They’re both strong, fierce, and capable. They clash because of Kaderin’s independence and Sebastian’s determination to be her knight-in-shining-armor. They work when he allows her to stand on her own.

Plus, Kaderin deserves HEA after listening to Regin’s choice of music in Antarctica. She spent years without emotions and then immediately has to deal with one of the party valkyrie. I do like how Cole sets future romances in place. I look forward to there being a novel about Regin and her reincarnated but doomed lover.

Perhaps the most action-oriented of the series, No Rest for the Wicked moves at a quick pace with no dull spots. If only the villain were dastardly . . .

Grade: B+

Summary:

A vampire soldier weary of life… Centuries ago, Sebastian Wroth was turned into a vampire-a nightmare in his mind-against his will. Burdened with hatred and alone for ages, he sees little reason to live. Until an exquisite, fey creature comes to kill him, inadvertently saving him instead.

A valkyrie assassin dispatched to destroy him… When Kaderin the Cold Hearted lost her two beloved sisters to a vampire attack long ago, a benevolent force deadened her sorrow-accidentally extinguishing al of her emotions. Yet whenever she encounters Sebastian, her feelings-particularly lust-emerge multiplied. For the first time, she’s unable to complete a kill.

Competitors in a legendary hunt… The course will take them through ancient tombs and catacombs, seeking relics around the world, and the prize for victory is powerful enough for Kaderin to change history and prevent her sisters’ deaths. Sebastian competes as well, and begins winning-her. But when forced to choose between Sebastian and reuniting her family, how can Kaderin live without either?

Read an excerpt here.

Click on the Immortals After Dark series tag for more excerpts, more reviews, and more everything on this series.

Liviania‘s review of A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark, Book 1) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance released by Pocket Star Books 28 Mar 06

Kresley Cole’s popular Immortals After Dark series begins with A Hunger Like No Other. The book opens as Lachlain, King of the Lykae, escapes a torture chamber to pursue the scent of his mate. He’s waited centuries for her to appear. His mate, to his displeasure, turns out to be recent Tulane grad Emmaline Troy, a half-vampire, half-valkyrie. She’s a bit of a coward instead of the warrior she has the potential to be, and Lachlain scares her when he abducts her in Paris.

I expected to love A Hunger Like No Other since it’s a favorite with fans of the series and I greatly enjoyed Dark Need’s At Night’s Edge. However, the hero-almost-rapes-the-heroine-but-she-falls-in-love-anyway storyline just does not work for me. I felt like I was reading a novel from the eighties, rather than 2006. Cole did it well; because of the book’s events, Emma becomes stronger and embraces her heritage. In the end, she kicks butt and takes names. I wish she had more significant cameos in the following books.

Lachlain, though . . . as soon as he redeemed himself to me, he would do something else to piss me off. First it’s the old, “You’re saying no but your body wants me,” line. Then it’s lying to Emma at a point when the truth would clearly work better. (Actually, he lies to Emma almost constantly. That’s a great basis for a relationship.) Then it’s getting Emma drunk so she’ll be easy. He manages to be enough of a man to not take advantage of her, which I liked, but I did not like that he did these things continually.

While the overall premise did not work for me, I enjoyed the interracial relationship aspects of the book. Cole achieved a comfortable blend of the real world and the paranormal. Lachlain has a strong hatred of vampires due to his past with them, but he only knows of the Fallen. He also does not realize Emma is part valkyrie and judges her completely by her vampire heritage. Emma knows almost nothing about the Lore. The two learn about each other’s culture and move past their initial prejudices. Lachlain must also gain the approval of her family. (So must Nikolai Wroth, who became the vampire lover of Emma’s aunt in Cole’s story in the anthology Playing Easy to Get.) To me, the mechanics of their developing a lasting relationship are far more interesting and plausible than the “I’m falling in love with the guy who kidnapped and abused me!” part.

I found myself reading A Hunger Like No Other for the antics of the other valkyrie and for the subplot dealing with Emma’s discovery of her father’s identity. The romance just did not interest me. Cole did the well with her premise, but I still found it too off-putting.

Grade: C

Summary:

A mythic warrior who’ll stop at nothing to possess her… After enduring years of torture from the vampire horde, Lachlain MacRieve, leader of the Lykae Clan, is enraged to find the predestined mate he’s waited millennia for is a vampire. Or partly one. This Emmaline is a small, ethereal half Valkyrie/ half vampire, who somehow begins to soothe the fury burning within him.

A vampire captured by her wildest fantasy… Sheltered Emmaline Troy finally sets out to uncover the truth about her deceased parents-until a powerful Lykae claims her as his mate and forces her back to his ancestral Scottish castle. There, her fear of the Lykae -and their notorious dark desires-ebbs as he begins a slow, wicked seduction to sate her own dark cravings.

An all consuming desire… Yet when an ancient evil from her past resurfaces, will their desire deepen into a love that can bring a proud warrior to his knees and turn a gentle beauty into the fighter she was born to be?

Read an excerpt here.

Click on the Immortals After Dark series tag for more excerpts, more reviews, and more everything on this series.

Liviania‘s review of Dark Desires After Dusk by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance released from Pocket 20 May 08

Kresley Cole began setting the stage for Dark Desires After Dusk during Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night.  Those teasing glimpses of Cade’s character hold nothing to his full story.  Pornophile, hard drinking, fast driving rage demon Cadeon the Kingmaker has it bad for repressed mathematics professor/student Holly Ashwin.  Cole writes it so well they don’t even seem like an odd couple.

For one thing, she hints throughout in scenes that have nothing to do with Holly that Cade respects knowledge, wished he had a better education when young, and has been teaching himself about esoteric subjects during his mercenary career.  Holly is repressed precisely because she has been avoiding her Valkyrie/Fury instincts.  Disastrous attempts at sex convinced her remaining celibate was the best option, which went against her naturally lusty personality.  She quickly realizes that she could sex Cade up without hurting him – and she might not be as adverse to the idea as she pretends.

One obstacle is Holly’s current boyfriend, who despite their relationship of two years respects her wish to wait until marriage without complaint.  While she cheats on him, the two (as Cade points out) had more of a friendship than a relationship.  Cole manages to hit the right balance of Holly feeling guilty about being intimate with Cade before breaking up with Tom; she seems neither callous nor angsty.  Actually, Cole’s characterization of Holly hits all the right notes.  The OCD remains a constant characteristic, rather than coming and going as it fits the story, but it serves a purpose and doesn’t become an annoying trait that’s supposed to be endearing as is all too common in romance heroines.  She also earns her geek cred.  She knows her Star Wars and dreams up one awesome code.  (When she describes the code, Cade thinks she sounds more like a Valkyrie than a geek.  Obviously he needs to experience the wonders of gaming.)

The problem with these two getting together is that Cade needs to betray Holly so that he can get a sword to kill Omort the Deathless and regain his brother’s kingdom.  As we know from previous installments in the Immortals After Dark, Cade knows he messed up bad and feels some major guilt.  Cade and Holly drive cross-country in Rydstrom’s fab one point two million dollar ride, evading various attempts on Holly’s life and exchanging some of the best dialogue I’ve read all year.  Did I mention everybody wants Holly because her womb is magic?  Man, I don’t even hate that plot point.  For one thing, it leads to fabulous chase scenes and the return of Tera from WDOAWN.  The tomb of the incubi groups still has great friend chemistry.

For those wondering what Rydstrom is doing during these hijinks, he gets captured early in the novel by Omort’s sister Sabine..  He doesn’t appear again until a scene toward the end that makes me want the next book now.  (Actually, she’s been handing out hints about so many couples throughout the series that I want the next five or so books now.  I’m not greedy, really.)

If you have any love for paranormal romance whatsoever, do yourself a favor and read Dark Desires After Dusk.

Grade: A

     Summary: 

     A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can’t resist…

     Cadeon Woede will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.

     A tormented warrior she should fear, but can’t deny…

     Raised as a human, Holly never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon’s wicked touch.

     Surrender to dark desires…

     Yet just when he earns Holly’s trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs — and claim his heart?

Click on the Immortals After Dark series tag for more excerpts, more reviews, and more everything on this series.

Liviania‘s guest review of Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (Immortals After Dark, Book 3) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal romance released by Pocket Star 1 Oct 07

Bowen MacRieve, who got the shaft in the second novel is the hero of the third book in the Immortals After Dark series. Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night begins during the events of No Rest for the Wicked. Bowen traps the witch Mariketa, along with two demons and three witches, in the tomb of the incubi. He realizes too late that the six could not get out on their own and Mariketa now has good reason to hate him. Yet he reacts as if she is his mate; impossible, since his mate Mariah died two centuries ago.

Bowen and Mari are a good match. She’s modern, spunky, and does not put up with his tragic woe-is-me attitude. She’s exactly what he needs to reenter the world of the living. Bowen helps Mari with her powers, particularly by giving her a tie to the real world.

Okay, this is a bit silly, but I get knocked out of the story every time Bowen says the word ‘cockstand.’ Seriously, it doesn’t make me think of an erection. It makes me think of bizarre acrobatics or naughty bicycle modifications. The first time it occurs, Bowen is talking to Mariketa, “And I’d describe the sight as life changing. It’s also made me ponder if a male can have a cockstand that’s so hard, it canna be tamed.”

What does that even mean? I’ve not exactly heard of cockstand taming before. At least the second time it occurred I’d seen the word before. I sure hope it isn’t more common than I think. I’m not sure I can ever assimilate cockstand into my vocabulary. It’s just too much fun to ponder possible meanings. (Or to ponder cockstand taming. That’d be an interesting circus.)

Most of the book is Mari and Bowen getting to know each other as they tromp through the jungle. The House of Witches threatened Bowen if he didn’t return Mari to them by a certain date. Of course, Rydstrom, Cade, and the elves hike with them. There are definitely some scenes to get one excited about Dark Desires After Dusk – Cade is awesome. Actually, so are the other four. They were a good sort with which to get trapped in a tomb of incubi. Their camaraderie with Mari shows as much chemistry as her relationship with Bowen.

Bowen and Mariketa both change for the better due to their love. Bowen loses the desperation that drove him in the Talisman’s Hie and faces the fact he never loved Mariah. Mariketa, like Emma, reaches her potential and faces her destiny. Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night delivers solid romance with quite a bit of action, but also some conversation.

But really, cockstand?

Grade: B+

     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 Bowen’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 deed 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.

Click on the Immortals After Dark series tag for more excerpts, more reviews, and more everything on this series.

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:

Read Sandy’s review.

Read Limecello’s and Gwen’s reviews.

Coming next:

Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark, Book 5) , coming 20 May 08!

Limecello’s review of A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark, Book 1) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance released by Pocket Star Books 28 Mar 06

I heard a lot of good things about Kresley Cole, and decided to hunt up her backlist, especially because I had her new book coming to me. I don’t mind reading books in a series out of order (blasphemous!) but I prefer not to if I can help it.

The prologue grips you, even as you realize you’re reading sentence fragments. A lot of repeated sentence fragments. Also, as someone who was taken to see Underworld too many times in too short a period in theatres, I was very conscious of similarities. In fact, a chapter or so in, I quickly flipped to the copyright date to check. Yup – postdating Underworld. Luckily, other than the race conflict, Emmaline and Lachlain in no way reminded me of Beckensdale as “Selene” or Carpenter as “Michael.”

Something unique about Cole’s writing is that her heroines have a tight knit safety net, while the heroes are the loners. I loved how serious the plot was, but the irreverent humor and pop culture woven throughout the book. Of course, there’s also a lot of hot and heavy scenes, after all, Lachlan has been looking for Emma for more than a millennium. He’s a bit, um, eager.

It’s been a long time since I so enjoyed reading about two characters. Their stories were fun and involved, but not saccharine. The secondary characters were zany and stood out, but didn’t distract from the main story. Various themes were developed, but each fed into the other, weaving together an extremely well written story. There was no point where I thought “that doesn’t fit” or “this is just too much.” Emma and Lachlain continued to develop and surprise me.

If you’re looking for a new and fresh paranormal that has substance but isn’t too heavy, this is the perfect book for you. I strongly recommend reading it.

Grade: A-

Summary:

A mythic warrior who’ll stop at nothing to possess her… After enduring years of torture from the vampire horde, Lachlain MacRieve, leader of the Lykae Clan, is enraged to find the predestined mate he’s waited millennia for is a vampire. Or partly one. This Emmaline is a small, ethereal half Valkyrie/ half vampire, who somehow begins to soothe the fury burning within him.

A vampire captured by her wildest fantasy… Sheltered Emmaline Troy finally sets out to uncover the truth about her deceased parents-until a powerful Lykae claims her as his mate and forces her back to his ancestral Scottish castle. There, her fear of the Lykae -and their notorious dark desires-ebbs as he begins a slow, wicked seduction to sate her own dark cravings.

An all consuming desire… Yet when an ancient evil from her past resurfaces, will their desire deepen into a love that can bring a proud warrior to his knees and turn a gentle beauty into the fighter she was born to be?

Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of No Rest for the Wicked (Immortals After Dark, Book 2) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance released by Pocket Star Books 31 Oct 06

This is the second book of the Immortals After Dark series, and I enjoyed it. After reading the first, I was wondering how Ms. Cole would go from vampires being the ultimate enemy, to making one her hero. It works.

Kaderin the Cold Hearted was cursed, or blessed – it all depends on one’s perspective -to feel no emotions after she watched her sisters die. She’s sent to kill a vampire, something she’d do for free, but finds that she can’t end him. Sebastian Wroth is the vampire, and it turns out that Kaderin is his Bride – his fated mate, that will bring Sebastian back to life. His heart starts beating again, and he’s got purpose.

It just so happens that the Talisman’s Hie is just about to begin – an immortal’s “Amazing Race,” with a fabulous prize. Kaderin has also won it for the past millennium, which is still impressive even though it takes place only every 250 years.

Kaderin has more reason than most to hate vampires, and Sebastian has never had much luck wooing the ladies. As a human giant, well over 6 feet tall in the 1600s, and a warlord with three brothers, he had little time for dalliance between fighting the Russians. Now, however, he’s determined to win his Bride. Sebastian in fact, joins the Talisman’s Hie, the first vampire to do so, as a way of courting Kaderin. No, he doesn’t think one shouldn’t directly compete and take away what your girl wants as a way to win her. Of course, all these supernatural creatures are different from humans. He has a really cute pet name for her too – Katja.

This is basically how the book goes – Kaderin hasn’t felt emotions in 2,000 years, and Sebastian has finally found his Bride. To say they’re both emotionally stunted would be an understatement. They work on their feelings while completing the tasks Riora, the goddess of impossibilities, sets them on. Very clever, using one thing to set off the other.

I liked this book, but my favorite character actually wasn’t the hero or the heroine – it was Bowen MacRieve, and I felt so bad for him. There were some uncertainties in the end, but it ended happily.

Grade: B-

Summary:

A vampire soldier weary of life… Centuries ago, Sebastian Wroth was turned into a vampire-a nightmare in his mind-against his will. Burdened with hatred and alone for ages, he sees little reason to live. Until an exquisite, fey creature comes to kill him, inadvertently saving him instead.

A valkyrie assassin dispatched to destroy him… When Kaderin the Cold Hearted lost her two beloved sisters to a vampire attack long ago, a benevolent force deadened her sorrow-accidentally extinguishing al of her emotions. Yet whenever she encounters Sebastian, her feelings-particularly lust-emerge multiplied. For the first time, she’s unable to complete a kill.

Competitors in a legendary hunt… The course will take them through ancient tombs and catacombs, seeking relics around the world, and the prize for victory is powerful enough for Kaderin to change history and prevent her sisters’ deaths. Sebastian competes as well, and begins winning-her. But when forced to choose between Sebastian and reuniting her family, how can Kaderin live without either?

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

Read Sandy‘s review.

Read Limecello’s and Gwen’s review.

Coming next:

Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark, Book 5) , coming 20 May 08!

Devon’s review of Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (Immortals After Dark, Book 4) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance published by Pocket Books 29 Apr 08

I wasn’t going to read this book, to be honest. I had read A Hunger Like No Other and enjoyed it, and No Rest for the Wicked and thought it pretty good. But I had never quite gotten around to Wicked Deeds on a Winters Night. And I’m not a big fan of ghost love stories. No body means no sex, no hugs, no kisses. How’s an author going to make that HEA work? I tend to view them with deep suspicion. But this book was getting good buzz (see Gwen’s review), and it had a crazy hero. I love a tormented hero. Tormented to the point of crazy sounds good. (Let’s not think too deep on what that says about me). So I decided to try it. Good thing for me, because this is my favorite read of the year so far.

Conrad Wroth is a Fallen Vampire. He drinks blood directly from the vein, and so gains the memories of his victims. As he has survived all these years as an assassin/mercenary, he has gained the memories of a lot of unsavory beings. Add to this his own rage and bitterness, and it’s not a pretty picture. Conrad’s at the point where he can’t distinguish between his memories and others’, when his brothers (who he really, really hates) capture him in a last ditch effort to restore some kind of sanity.

They bring him to Elancourt, an abandoned Louisiana estate. For the last eighty plus years it has been the home of Neomi Laress, a ballerina who was murdered in her house in the twenties. The gregarious Neomi has longed for contact, so she can’t help but be intrigued by the strange group that has descended upon the house. She is angered by the rampaging madman damaging her home, but also intrigued. Especially once it seems that maybe he can see her.

Lots of conflict going on here. Conrad is truly damaged, twisted by rage at what he’s become, and also unsure of what’s real. He is also awkwardly charming. As he becomes convinced that Neomi is “real”, he becomes increasingly ashamed of what he has become. And oh, how he tries to be better-healthier, saner, what a woman would want. It’s both heartbreaking and adorable. It was easy to see how Neomi would grow increasing fascinated by him.

I really wasn’t sure if I’d like a ghost heroine, but Neomi totally won me over. Her joie de vivre (heh, considering she’s dead) provides such a contrast to Conrad. She is a woman who was very comfortable in her own skin when she was alive, and she just leaps off the page. I loved the parts where she was checking Conrad out, trying to get him to acknowledge her.

Her non-corporeality is a definite obstacle. But Cole used it to develop the chemistry between them. They spend a lot of time talking and getting to know each other. The fact that they can’t touch just makes it more intense, as their connection grows deeper. Intense! Damn if I wasn’t on eggshells for them to get it on. Absolutely hot.

This book, like Conrad, was very intense. But there are nice flashes of humor from Neomi and the larger world of “The Lore”. The Valkyries, who got on my nerves in other books, were used to great effect, and were around just enough. Ditto Mariketa (I don’t know if I’d have enjoyed a whole book of her). After reading the excerpts of the next book (see here, here and here), I was really looking forward to it. Now I’m positively bursting, so much did I like Cade, his brother and the other demons.

My only quibble was that I found the mechanics of their HEA to be a bit confusing, and at the end, contrived. On the other hand, I wanted them together so bad, I didn’t really care. Dark Needs at Night’s Edge was a completely involving romance, with a compelling hero and heroine, hot tension, plenty of emotion, lots of action and a rich paranormal world filled with vivid characters. A completely satisfying read. I am now an official Kresley Cole fangirl. Thank goodness we only have to wait until June for more.

Grade: A

From the back cover:

A RAVEN-HAIRED TEMPTRESS OF THE DARK…

 

Neomi Laress, a famous ballerina from a past century, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with otherworldly powers but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away trespassers — until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Neomi herself.

A VAMPIRE WARRIOR CONSUMED BY MADNESS…

 

To prevent him from harming others, Conrad Wroth’s brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. But there, a female only he can see seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature torments him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own.

 

HOW FAR WILL HE GO TO CLAIM HER?

 

Yet even if Conrad can win Neomi, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?

Read an excerpt here

 

Limecello’s review of Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (Immortals After Dark, Book 4) by Kresley Cole
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Pocket 29 Apr 08

The fourth book of the Immortals After Dark series did not disappoint. I’m also beginning to think Ms Cole unearths something twisty in me, because my favorite heroes that she writes are the crezzies. Conrad Wroth is teetering on the brink of insanity. Actually, he’s mad as a hatter. He’s killed more that one can count, and he has all of their memories. That’s a lot of memory for one head. Too much.

He’s imprisoned in a haunted house, and unfortunately, only he can see Néomi Laress, the ghost that resides there. She’s excited because he’s the first person who has seen her in 80 years. He doesn’t want to interact with her because he thinks she’s the last and final step into madness.

Néomi is something of a bad girl, as she’s a burlesque dancer turned ballerina who thrived in the 1920s. Prohibition didn’t affect our girl’s partying at all, not just because she lived in New Orleans. She’s a happy person, and a great foil for Conrad, who didn’t have the cheeriest of experiences even before he became a vampire. Still, Néomi has substance and depth. She knows that life isn’t always sunshine and butterflies, and it often takes real effort to be happy. Her past also helps her reach out to Conrad, and for him to open up to her.

I liked Néomi well enough, but I really liked Conrad. He’s a character you definitely empathize with, and feel for. He’s been betrayed on all sides, but underneath what he’s become, he’s still a good man. Conrad is extremely tortured, so all his bad deeds are rather easily forgiven.

This book embodies what I enjoy about series, because characters you met in the previous books make cameo appearances and help the plot along, but they don’t overtake it and outshine the hero and heroine. There’s the perfect blend of catching up with “old friends” but the distinct sense that the story entirely belongs to Néomi and Conrad.

Poor Néomi and Conrad seem to have more obstacles than most, yet it all ends well. Their interaction has the perfect amount of give and take. They’re both strong characters, who slowly bend to meet in the middle. A very enjoyable read.

Grade: B

Read Gwen’s review here.

     Summary:

     A RAVEN-HAIRED TEMPTRESS OF THE DARK… Néomi Laress, a famous ballerina from a pas century, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with otherworldly powers but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away trespassers-until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Néomi herself.

     A VAMPIRE WARRIOR CONSUMED BY MADNESS… To prevent him from harming others, Conrad Wroth’s brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. But there, a female only he can see seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature torments him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own.

     HOW FAR WILL HE GO TO CLAIM HER? Yet even if Conrad can win Néomi, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?

     Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

Read Sandy’s review of Book 3.

Coming next:

Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark, Book 5) , coming 20 May 08!

Gwen’s review of Playing Easy to Get by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Jaid Black, and Kresley Cole
Paranormal romance anthology released by Pocket 7 Feb 06

This is an older (sheesh – 2 years) anthology that I picked up because it had the first Immortals After Dark story in it – Nikolai and Myst. It also has an earlier Sherrilyn Kenyon B.A.D. story and one of those goofy underground viking stories by Jaid Black. Here’s a quick review and a handy dandy little contest at the end…

Turn Up the Heat by Sherrilyn Kenyon
(Contemporary romance)

This is a story about a Mob enforcer from the wrong side of the tracks in a seedy part of Staten Island who wants out of the game. He gets help from a rich, connected childhood friend and ends up, through some interesting happenstance, meeting the love of his life – a wholesome southern girl who looks like a dairy maid. With me so far?

This was an entertaining read. The ending was a bit far-fetched, but any book in Kenyon’s BAD world is a bit that way. Once I let go of my “bullshit detector” and just enjoyed the story, things got a lot better. Pulitzer Prize-winning material it ain’t, but isn’t bird-cage liner either.

Grade: C+

Read an excerpt.

Hunter’s Oath by Jaid Black
(Contemporary/Speculative romance)

Our heroine is a beautiful young woman who lost her parents a few years before and her brother a few days before she’s kidnapped and sold to viking bride merchants. She is then sold to a viking warlord in a weird underground viking society.

I really hate these stories and I don’t know why I keep reading them. They’re a combination of all that is bad about paranormal, erotic romance, and 1980′s style captive bride bodice rippers. Triple blech. The only reason I didn’t give it an F is it’s actually somewhat readable, it’s just dreck by my book. Perhaps there are some fans out there, but I ain’t one of them. Luckily it’s short.

Grade: D

Read an excerpt.

The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole
(Paranormal romance)

This story is the beginning of the Immortals After Dark series. I know! More IAD goodness! Cole is consistently good in this first story of the series. The Valkyries are a hoot! Nikolai is suitably tortured. The romance is believable (for a Valkyrie and a Vampire, that is). And the story is just way fun.

I loved this story and it alone is worth the price of the book (plus it’s LONG). I love how Cole manages to surprise me with the emotional development of her characters. There’s so much free will going on, that it’s very gratifying when the h/h finally come together. Gosh – I hope that makes sense. Don’t miss this story!

Grade: A

     Summary:

     Nikolai Wroth, once a ruthless human warlord in the 1700s and now a general in the rebel vampire army, needs to find his Bride, the one woman who can render him truly alive. As a turned human, he doesn’t enjoy a heartbeat or breaths and is consequently weaker than natural born vampires. He wants his Bride for the power she will bring him and can hardly believe it when his heart beats for Myst the Coveted, a mad, fey, mythological creature.

     Myst is known throughout the world as the most beautiful Valkyrie, part chillingly fierce warrior, part beguiling seductress who can “make you want her even as she’s killing you.” She has devoted her life to protecting an ancient, powerful jewel and to fighting the vampires, and she now sees a way to torment one-for with Wroth’s heartbeat comes consuming sexual desire that can only be slaked by her.

     She eludes him for five years, but he has finally chased her to ground and stolen the jewel which commands her, giving him absolute power over her. While he possesses it, he can make her do anything, and he plans to in order for her to experience first hand the agonizing, unending lust she’d purposely, boastingly, subjected him to for half a decade. Yet when Wroth realizes he wants more from her and frees her, will she come back to him?

     Read an excerpt.

This was a fun anthology, even if one of the stories wasn’t my cuppa tea. I highly recommend it to any fans of these three authors. It’s a “can’t miss” book for the Kresley Cole IAD fans, though.

Overall Grade: B

     Summary:

     New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon and rising stars Jaid Black and Kresley Cole unlock the pleasures and perils of embracing the boldest and most powerful of lovers — 100% alpha males — in three sensually erotic tales. Discover the physical rapture of his muscular arms…. Become a prisoner of passion, swept away by an encounter with his primal side…. And get lost in the all-consuming thrill of white-hot pursuit by a relentless stranger who may be your most dangerous foe, the best lover you’ve ever had — or both.

     Let your fantasies run wild with these unforgettable novellas where bigger is most definitely better — and playing easy-to-get is the only way to go!

CONTEST! Comment here by midnight Wednesday according to the blog timestamp (12:00am US Central, Thursday, technically) with what you love about the Immortals After Dark series or Kresley Cole’s books in general and you could win one of four copies of this book, all SIGNED by Kresley Cole!

Gwen’s review of Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (Immortals After Dark, Book 4) by Kresley Cole
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Pocket 29 Apr 08

This series is just getting better and better with each book. I read the ARC of this book and I understand there may have been changes by the time it got to final printing. I can honestly say, I don’t think it needed any changes – it was excellent as is.

The hero and heroine of this book, Conrad and Néomi, were wholly likable, believable, and sympathetic. I liked and believed in their relationship. I liked and believed in the challenges to their being together. I read romance novels to get into the heads of other people (albeit fictional ones) and see how they deal with life and love. I totally got that from this book. We crawl up inside them for a good long look and it’s wonderful.

I think what I liked best is DNaNE is very much a character study of a very flawed hero. Conrad is quite literally mad for much of first part of the book. He’s only a bit less mad by the end, but he’s dealing with life better because of an amazing woman. I love that.

What came in second in my “what I liked” was I’d be sitting there reading and wondering how the hell were the h/h were going to make it. The hurdles to their love and to a life together just seemed insurmountable. And it’s all resolved in a believable manner. Cole does a tremendous job suspending disbelief.

A third thing i liked was the secondary characters are important to the book’s plot, driving key elements of the story.  They’re not just visits with old friends from books past. That is a nice change to what I frequently see in series romance. In addition, the house where most of the action takes place is as much a character in the book as the characters themselves.

If you’re a fan of this series you canNOT miss this book. For those of you new to the series, this one stands alone just fine. I highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance and paranormal romance. It’s very paranormal, though, so if that’s not your bag, you may not like it. Though it is an excellent character study and you’ll be missing out if you don’t read it.

Grade: A

     From the back cover:

     Bestselling author Kresley Cole continues her seductive Immortals After Dark series with this tale of a vampire shunned even by his own kind and a beautiful phantom, bound together by a passion they cannot resist.

     A RAVEN-HAIRED TEMPTRESS OF THE DARK… Néomi Laress, a famous ballerina from a past century, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with otherworldly powers but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away trespassers — until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Néomi herself.

     A VAMPIRE WARRIOR CONSUMED BY MADNESS… To prevent him from harming others, Conrad Wroth’s brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. But there, a female only he can see seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature torments him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own.

     HOW FAR WILL HE GO TO CLAIM HER? Yet even if Conrad can win Néomi, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?

     Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Read Sandy’s review of Book 3.

Coming next:

Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark, Book 5) , coming 20 May 08!

Shannon C.’s review of A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark, Book 1) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal romance released by Pocket Star 28 Mar 06

There are some authors who, just for existing, earn my slavering fangirly devotion. With the first book in her Immortals After Dark series, Kresley Cole has cemented herself as one of them. I love an author who can make me appreciate tired romance cliches and write a subversive, feminist romance novel as well.

The plot is, when put baldly, pretty clichéd. Lachlain, king of the Lykae (werewolves) has been imprisoned and tortured for years. Finally he escapes and runs around Paris, wreaking havoc and destruction until he encounters Emmaline, a half-vampire, half-Valkyrie who is looking for information about her father. Immediately, Lachlain goes into uber-alpha male mode with the “You are my mate!” business, and forces Emmaline to accompany him back to his ancestral home in Scotland.

The thing about this book is that the cliches, somehow, work really well. I really do believe that Lachlain has been tortured terribly, and his desperation to escape was heart-wrending. He spends much of the first part of the book coming down from the razor’s edge of insanity, largely because he realizes he’s hurting Emmaline.

Emmaline was a great character. In a less skilled author’s hands, she would have been a shrieky doormat. And she is a shy, timid woman, but I understood her reasons for acting the way she did. I probably would not react terribly well either if some scary werewolf guy came up to me and said, “Hey, babe, even though you’re a vampire which means you’re a blood-sucking leech, you’re my mate. Let’s go to Scotland.”

Lachlain… Oh my. I thought he was pitch-perfect and delicious. I have a soft spot for fish out of water stories of any type, and Cole manages to capture Lachlain’s horrified fascination with the modern world believably. He learns fast, but there’s still a lot he doesn’t know. And he is equally fascinated by his mate, making a few missteps but eventually coming to the realization that, despite her vampiric nature, she really is a lovely person whose trust and love he needs.

The romance that arises between Lachlain and Emma was wonderful. I didn’t even really mind that every time they started to get jiggy with it, something would come along to interrupt them. When the consummation scene happens, it’s glorious and passionate.

There are lots of other secondary characters here as well, any or all of whom probably will get books of their own. I found the idea of a cadre of valkyries to be an intriguing twist on the whole cadre of male warriors cliche, and I love the teasing glimpses we get of all of these women, and seeing them in action definitely makes it possible to understand how someone like Emmaline could be overwhelmed, growing up with all of them.

The plotting had me riveted from beginning to end, and this was another book that cost me a night’s sleep as I was reading. The story so far left me feeling satisfied, but there are lots of places Cole can go from here, and what with the fact that there are two more books in the series, with two more coming out in May and June, she definitely has. I cannot wait to see where else this author takes me.

Grade: A

A mythic warrior who’ll stop at nothing to possess her…
After enduring years of torture from the vampire Horde, Lachlain MacRieve, leader of the Lykae Clan, is enraged to find the predestined mate he’s waited millennia for is a vampire. Or partly one. This Emmaline is a small, ethereal half Valkyrie/half vampire, who somehow begins to soothe the fury burning within him.

A vampire captured by her wildest fantasy…
Sheltered Emmaline Troy finally sets out to uncover the truth about her deceased parents–until a powerful Lykae claims her as his mate and forces her back to his ancestral Scottish castle. There, her fear of the Lykae–and their notorious dark desire–ebb as he begins a slow, wicked seduction to sate her own dark cravings.

An all consuming desire…
Yet when an ancient evil from her past resurfaces, will their desire deepen into a love that can bring a proud warrior to his knees and turn a gentle beauty into the fighter she was born to be…?

You can read an excerpt here.

As I mentioned two weeks ago and again last Saturday, our head duck, Sybil, was able to wrangle this exclusive excerpt of Kresley Cole‘s 20 May 08 release, Dark Desires After Dusk, book 5 in her Immortals After Dark series.  It’s the story of Cadeon Woede, a rage demon, and his human fated mate, Holly Ashwin.  I can’t wait!

Read on for Chapter 3 of the excerpt.  It’s the last one!  (sniff – I’m gonna miss it)

First the blurb…

     A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can’t resist… Cadeon Woede of the rage demons will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.

     A tormented warrior she should fear, but can’t deny… Raised as a human, Holly Ashwin never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon’s wicked touch.

     Surrender to dark desires. Yet just when he earns Holly’s trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs-and claim his heart?

****  E – X – C – E – R – P – T  ****

Chapter 3

Holly turned and hunched to button the shirt, peering over her shoulder to keep this Cadeon in sight.

She remembered meeting him before. As if she could ever forget those stunning green eyes. She recalled his accent as well-it sounded like some type of British colonial, and he spoke with an unusual intonation.

Months ago, he’d approached her on campus. Initially he’d been cocky, then grew tongue-tied, stammering, even as he’d boldly studied her figure.

She’d found him weird. And that was before she’d known what had been hidden beneath the hat he’d worn.

Now she could see what had been covered by his shirt as well. His bared chest was rippling with muscles, and he wore a wide gold band just above his bulging bicep.

He was as massive as the others, admittedly one of them. She shuddered, trying to block out the sight of the corpses all around her.

But he looked different as well, his facial features appearing more human. His horns ran back along his head through his tawny hair, instead of jutting forward.

How can I see this well without my glasses? “Why should I t-trust you?”

“Because it’s my job to protect you. More will be coming-I’ll explain everything later.”

When she still hesitated, he said, “These twelve were just the first round intended for you.”

“First round?” she cried.

A creaking door sounded from somewhere on a floor above them. He shot to his feet. “Come with me if you want to get out of here alive.”

“Wh-where are we going?”

“We’re going to run for it. I’ll keep you safe, but you’ll have to trust me.” He held out his big hand to her.

Seeing no other choice, she took it, and he pulled her up. She was surprisingly steady on her feet, all things considered. Never relinquishing her hand, he led her out of the chamber, then down a murky stone corridor.

When the passageway intersected with an alcove, they spied a group of three males, robed like the ones before, speaking that same odd language. Cadeon pulled her back against the wall, then whispered directly at her ear, “Don’t make the smallest sound. You stay here until I return for you. Clear?”

She nodded, and he turned back. As he prepared to attack, the broad muscles in his back grew before her eyes. His horns straightened and blackened.

Her lips parted when he lunged for the others. His speed was mind-boggling, and his roar shook the room, paining her sensitive ears. He snatched the horns of one demon and twisted its head until an audible pop sounded.

As he faced off against the other two, his upper and lower fangs shot longer. He used them like an animal as he bit and clawed.

Had she looked that overcome with rage when she’d killed? Her earlier fearlessness disappeared. When his eyes flooded with black like the other one’s had, she shuddered, backing away.

Had she thought him different? I just want to go home. Forget this ever happened. Why should she trust this stranger? I can find my own way out.

Clear of the fray, she hastened in the direction they’d been traveling, eventually stumbling into an open gallery.

More bizarre symbols were stamped into the wooden chairs and stone floor. Ancient-looking tapestries hung from the ceiling. On a display shelf were skulls that looked human, but they had horns and upper and lower fangs.

Then she saw what appeared to be double doors to the outside. If she could get outside, she could find a car or hide-

Rapid gunshots exploded the plaster just feet to the right of her. She sucked in a breath and dared a glance as she ran to her left. Men aimed machine guns at her with deadly intent.

A second man began shooting from the other direction. Bullets riddled the wall on either side of her, closing in. She darted right, then left once more, blocked each way. The sweep grew closer . . . closer.

A foot away on each side. She froze with terror.

A bellow sounded over the gunfire. Cadeon hurdled the line of bullets to get to her. Scooping her up in his arms, he tucked her against his chest. Just as the shots reached them, he pressed her against the wall until his body covered every inch of hers.

He gritted his teeth when the first bullet hit him, unable to turn to run without risking her. She burst into tears. Two bullets, three, four . . .

He stared down at her, those jet eyes seeming to consume her, and grated, “No more . . . running from me. Yeah?”

“Y-yeah,” she whispered brokenly, crying harder every time his big body jerked from the impact.

Over his shoulder, he roared at them, a furious warning growl, and she whimpered. His voice a harsh rasp, he said to her, “No, no, female. Shh.” He petted at her tears with huge fingers tipped with short black claws.

The shots abruptly stopped. Holly peered over Cadeon’s shoulder. The robed demons were attacking the gunmen.

As the others clashed, Cadeon sprinted toward those double doors with her in his arms. He turned in midstride, hitting the doors with his bullet-riddled back, bursting them from their hinges.

Charging out into the night, he made for an older truck parked off to the side of the manor. After opening the groaning cab door, he tossed her inside on the cracked vinyl seat and followed her in. He pinched the key and turned. Nothing.

“Is the battery dead?” she asked, shaking off some of the shock and fog. “Does this thing still run?” Wrappers and crushed cans littered the floorboards.

“Hey, hey, no disrespecting The Truck. She’s gotten me out of a lot of scrapes.” He finessed the gearshift up and back. “I just need to make sure . . . she knows we’re in neutral.” Holly thought she heard a click. “There.”

The engine roared to life. He cast her a patronizing glance as soon as they were tearing up the shell drive.

She peered back at the manor. From the outside, the residence was stately, the grounds immaculate. She would never have guessed what beings lurked in the bowels of that place.

And now she was with another of their kind. She turned to him, studying this being-this . . . demon.

He had blond stubble on his tanned face, and his hair was thick and straight, reaching past his masculine jaw. Uneven strands looked lightened by a life in the sun.

The gold band he wore on his right arm appeared to be permanent, as if he’d have to cut it to get it past that bulging bicep. And those horns . . .

When they’d straightened earlier, they’d become much larger and darker. Now they were smooth, the color of a shell, lying close to his head. With his hair tousled over them, they probably wouldn’t be easy to discern.

“How am I measuring up?” he asked, his voice deep and rumbling.

She flushed. “I’ve just never seen . . . horns before tonight.”

“Figured you’d be in for a shock.”

“Where are we going now?”

“I’ve got to get you out of town,” he said. “This place is too hot for us to stay.”

She noticed blood on the back of his seat. “How are you still moving with all those bullets?”

“With a lot of fucking pain, Holly.”

She gasped, his foul language grating on her like nails on a chalkboard.

“Oh, come on, halfling! My language’s only going to deteriorate from here.”

“I . . . it’s just habit. Are you going to be okay?”

“I should be able to shed them.” When she frowned, he explained, “My skin should push them out when I heal.”

Holly couldn’t scarcely wrap her mind around that. “What did those men want with me? Who were the ones shooting?”

“The gunmen were leeches. Vampires.”

“Vampires,” she said softly, but her mind was screaming, This is insanity!

“They must know you haven’t turned fully immortal yet. Our kinds never use guns, as evidenced by their shite aim.”

She winced at the vulgarity, but managed not to gasp this time. “Again, why?”

“Because you just became the most popular girl in town.”

“What does that mean?” In the stern tone she usually reserved for her students, she added, “This isn’t the time for cryptic answers, Cadeon.”

“This isn’t the time for questions whatsoever, Holly.”

Headlights met them on the drive. An SUV blocked the gated exit.

“Fuckall,” he snapped, wheeling around, spraying up shells. “More vampires.”

She clamped hold of the dashboard to brace herself. “Where are we going now?”

“Only one other way off this property. Into the swamp.”

“How would you know?”

“Been here before.” At her look, he said, “I’ve met with the demons here on occasion. As a representative of my breed.”

“You . . . you fraternized with those animals? Does your ‘breed’ kidnap women as well?”

“Kidnap women? I can hardly keep the chits off the jock as it is, pet.”

Eyes wide, she said, “Chits? Pet? Are you from the nineteenth century or just trying to be misogynistic?”

“I’m from medieval times, and I never have to try to be misogynistic.” He slammed on the brakes, and cranked the four-wheel-drive gear, peering at her hard. “It just comes to me natural, like a gift.” Stomping on the gas once more, he sent her flying back into the seat as they lurched forward, racing over pristine greens.

“Why did they want to hurt me? I’ve never done anything to deserve this!”

“It’s not what you’ve done-it’s what you are.”

“A math instructor?” she said in a strangled tone.

“You’re a Valkyrie now. And a special one at that. Your mum must’ve been one.”

“Valkyrie! My mom was a pie contest winner! And she was human. She died two years ago.”

“Then your biological mother must have been one.”

She was shocked into silence for a moment. How had this demon known she was adopted? “I didn’t even know her.” Holly had always imagined her as a scared teenager who’d had the incredible good sense to leave her baby on the most wonderful doorstep imaginable. Now this demon was saying that her mother was a Valkyrie? “What exactly is a Valkyrie? And how did you know I was adopted?”

“Questions later. Right now we’ve got to get through the swamp.”

The dark line of brush loomed. “I don’t see a road!”

“There’s a service trail,” he said, then added in a casual tone, “It might be a shade grown over.”

“A shade! Are you certain there’s no other way to get out?”

He nodded. “The property’s surrounded by bayou and swamp.”

“What are the odds that we’ll make it through?”

“I give us one in fifteen.”

Her eyes went wide. “I wouldn’t take those odds!”

“You would if there’s zero chance otherwise.”

“Oh, God,” she muttered, feeling around the seat. “Where’s the seatbelt?”

“Broke a few years back.”

“And you didn’t get it fixed?” she snapped.

“Don’t usually ferry around mortals, then!” he thundered back.

Struggling for calm, she said, “Cadeon, I do not see even a hint of a trail.”

“Demon senses. I can find it.” But he pressed his straightened arm over her chest as they closed in.

“Y-you’re not really going in there?”

“Trust me.”

This being had saved her life, had even taken bullets for her, and yet there was something so markedly untrustworthy about him. . . .

He flashed her a rakish grin with barely noticeable fangs. “Though if you’re the praying type, now might be a choice time.”

As I mentioned last Saturday, our head duck, Sybil, was able to wrangle this exclusive excerpt of Kresley Cole‘s 20 May 08 release, Dark Desires After Dusk, book 5 in her Immortals After Dark series.  It’s the story of Cadeon Woede, a rage demon, and his human fated mate, Holly Ashwin.  I can’t wait!

Read on for Chapter 2 of the excerpt.  Hope I didn’t torture you too much!  But guess what… 

I have CHAPTER THREE!  MUAHAHAHAAAA!  That’s right!  NEXT SATURDAY I’ll post the third chapter of the excerpt!  It’s terrific!  (rubbing hands in glee)

First the blurb…

     A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can’t resist… Cadeon Woede of the rage demons will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.

     A tormented warrior she should fear, but can’t deny… Raised as a human, Holly Ashwin never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon’s wicked touch.

     Surrender to dark desires. Yet just when he earns Holly’s trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs-and claim his heart?

****  E – X – C – E – R – P – T  ****

Chapter 2

 She woke.

Her eyelids were too heavy to open, and she didn’t know if she wanted to see anyway. A quick mental survey of her body revealed terrifying things.

She was lying on what felt like a stone slab, naked except for her jewelry, and with her long hair hanging down over the end, snagging on the rough edges. The stone seeped a deep chill into her body, so cold her teeth were chattering.

They’d taken her glasses from her face, ensuring that everything within ten feet would be a blur.

Deep-voiced chanting sounded all around her, in a bizarre language she’d never heard.

Holly finally cracked open her eyes. No man had ever seen her completely naked before-now a dozen indistinct figures leered down at her.

One pinned her arms, another her legs. With a cry, she struggled against their grip. “Let me go!” This is a dream. A nightmare. “Release me! Oh, God, what are you doing?”

The meds were messing with her brain. Surely she was hallucinating.

When they didn’t answer, only continued their chanting, she pleaded, “Don’t do this,” but she didn’t know exactly what “this” could be.

Though no electric lights were on in this dank chamber, black candles sat all around and moonlight shone through a skylight of some kind. She squinted around her and could see that the men were wearing robes and . . . costume horns?

In their chanting, one word seemed to be repeated: Demonaeus. This must be some kind of sicko, demon-worshipping cult.

Yet they weren’t wearing masks to conceal their identities. She was certain that meant one thing-they didn’t plan to let her out of this place alive.

“My family will be looking for me,” she lied. Her parents were dead. She had no siblings. “I’m not the one you want for this . . . this sacrifice.” Tears pooled, then spilled down her temples. “I’m not special in any way.”

A couple of them gave harsh laughs at that.

“This isn’t happening,” she whispered to herself, trying to stem her panic. “This isn’t happening.”

She gazed up at the glass dome above her. The moon had risen almost directly over an unusual etching in the center of the glass, depicting what looked like the face of a horned demon.

The shadow from the etching would slide directly over the altar, over her, when the moon hit it. It was a gnomon, a shadow maker, like that of a sundial.

The men seemed to await the shadow’s advent, glancing up every so often. Await it for what?

As the moon continued to ascend, their chanting grew louder. She struggled harder, kicking her legs and thrashing her arms.

Lightning flashed across the sky. She vaguely noted that the more she strained to get free, the more frequently the bolts flickered overhead.

The largest of the men slid between her spread legs. When he removed his robe, comprehension hit her. She couldn’t see below his waist but knew he was naked. “No, no, no . . . don’t do this!“

The whites of his eyes were . . . flooded with black? He clamped her thighs, dragging her over rough stone to the edge of the altar.

She shrieked. All hell broke loose.

The men slapped their hands over their ears; the glass above them splintered into ominous forks-then the whole of it shattered, raining heavy shards all around the untouched altar.

A lightning bolt jagged down through the opening to spear her squarely in the chest, tossing the men away.

She screamed from the impact, arching with her fists clenched. The bolt was a physical force continuing on and on.

Unimaginable heat sizzled through her veins. Her two rings melted off her fingers, her earrings from her ears. Her necklace and watch were seared to liquid, dripping from her body.

She was unharmed-because her skin was somehow hotter than the boiling metal.

The pressing weight of the electricity filled her with power, with . . . comfort. When it ended, Holly was changed. She didn’t feel alone in this place.

Punish them, a voice seemed to whisper in her mind. They dared to hurt you. . . .

Her earlier terror was strangled by a fresh rage. Her fingers were suddenly tipped with razor-sharp claws. Her eyesight was keener than it had ever been even in the darkness. Fangs grew in her mouth.

Though she felt no ill effects from the lightning, the demons looked dazed, blinded. They were bleeding from the falling glass.

But they quickly regrouped. She rose, crouching on the altar, waiting as they stalked closer. One had a club-her eyes fixed on it.

A club. To beat her unconscious so they could continue their sick ritual.

Red covered her vision. When one lunged for her, she snatched him by the horns. They were . . . attached to his skull. Not a costume. Which meant real demons?

Which meant hallucination. This couldn’t truly be happening. She laughed as she twisted the demon’s head, assured this was some kind of nightmare.

And in her nightmare, the instinctive drive to kill with her new strength and fury overwhelmed her.

When the others attacked, Holly was unafraid.

She knew how to kill them as if she’d been hunting and slaughtering them for thousands of years. She knew to wrench their heads from their necks, to slash out with claws that would rend through skin and arteries as they would tissue paper.

Punish . . .

When the blood began to spray, lightning scored the sky above her as if in encouragement.

“I understand,” she murmured as she aimed for one’s jugular and severed it. “I see.” Yes, their last sight on earth should be my laughing face.

* * *

“Easy, female,” Cade soothed as he crept closer to where Holly huddled naked in a corner.

She was covered in blood. But had it come from her, or the twelve demons she’d apparently slain?

Her eyes were . . . silver, glowing in the shadows. Which meant Valkyrie. Somehow she was no longer a mere human.

A Valkyrie at Gibson Hall. Holly was indeed the Vessel.

She had her knees drawn up to her chest and was trying to cover her breasts while baring her little claws at him to ward him off. She was trembling with fear and shock, and tears coursed down her blood-splattered face.

It was killing him.

“Easy,” he murmured. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

Her eyes darted from his horns to those on one of the heads lolling on the stone floor.

“Yeah, I’m a demon, too,” he said. “But not at all like them. My name’s Cadeon Woede.”

How far had they gotten with her before she’d turned and attacked? Though the carnage looked to have been done some time ago, Holly still had gashes on her arm from the claws of one of these demons.

She might have been turned to a Valkyrie, but she hadn’t yet been granted the accelerated healing and immortality of one. Which meant that she was still incredibly vulnerable to harm. Like a human.

Humans die so easily.

“Did they injure more than your arm?”

She finally shook her head.

“Hurt you anywhere? Do I need to get you to a hospital?” he asked, even as he knew that wouldn’t work.

Other factions were searching for her. He would be surprised if they hadn’t already scried the lightning he’d seen from a distance. Power still sizzled from her and throughout the chamber. New power was easily traceable.

She whispered, “They d-didn’t hurt me.”

“Good. I want to help you, Holly.”

She frowned at his use of her name, studying his face.

“We’ve met before,” Cade said, but she was in no way calmed-lightning continued to strike in constant streams. Lightning gave Valkyrie strength, but it also mirrored their emotions.

When he began unbuttoning his shirt to cover her, she gave a cry, and bloody claws swiped out at him. Then she stared in horror at her fingertips.

Just hours ago, she’d been living as a normal human-or near normal with some eccentricities. Now she had become something he never could have predicted. A Valkyrie. Or half one. He hadn’t known she’d possessed this latent potential. The shock of the ritual must have triggered the transformation.

If not for this power, she would have been brutalized, her womb offered to the dark god this order of demons worshipped.

When he removed his shirt, she bared her small fangs and hissed, then looked aghast at her reaction.

“There, now, a good hiss never hurt anyone.” He crouched beside her, fighting the urge to clasp her to his chest. “I’m going to put this on you. Easy . . .“

She gazed up at him with eyes wavering between silver and the intense violet he recognized. “Wh-what’s happening to me?”

“You know all those creatures you thought were myths?” When she shakily nodded, he said, “Well, they’re not. And you’re changing from a human to an immortal.”

Which meant it had become possible for Cade to claim her for his own.

And you’ve just become my target-the Vessel. The means to pay for a sword to kill our enemy.

She equaled the crown he’d worked for nine hundred years to reclaim-the unyielding pursuit that had given him a reason to go on living.

Never had it been so close. . . .

All he had to do was use and betray the woman he’d waited just as long to possess.

Our head duck, Sybil, was able to wrangle this exclusive excerpt of Kresley Cole‘s 20 May 08 release, Dark Desires After Dusk, book 5 in her Immortals After Dark series. It’s the story of Cadeon Woede, a rage demon, and his human fated mate, Holly Ashwin. I can’t wait!

Read on for Chapter 1 of the excerpt. I’ll post Chapter 2 next weekend, ’cause I’m like that and torturing you is fun …

First the blurb…

A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can’t resist… Cadeon Woede of the rage demons will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.

A tormented warrior she should fear, but can’t deny… Raised as a human, Holly Ashwin never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon’s wicked touch.

Surrender to dark desires. Yet just when he earns Holly’s trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs—and claim his heart?

**** E – X – C – E – R – P – T ****

“A lot of people fear change. And traveling. And disarray.
Sidewalk crack avoidance is more common than one would suspect.”

-Holly Ashwin, Tulane math instructor, PhD candidate with an emphasis on formal and computational cryptography

“The first rule of being a mercenary? Find out what the client wants, then convince him
that, a) you can get it for him, and, b) you’re the only one who can get it for him. Second
rule? Lie. Often. The truth rarely serves you well in this business.”

-Cadeon Woede, mercenary, second in line to the throne of the rage demons,
a.k.a. Cade the Kingmaker

- 1 -

Tulane Campus
New Orleans

“Stupid. . . safety lock,” Holly Ashwin muttered as she fiddled with the nozzle of the pepper spray in her bag.

With her free hand, she pushed up her glasses, casting another nervous glance over her shoulder. She’d thought she heard footsteps behind her in the night. Was she being followed-or paranoid?

For months, she’d had the sense that someone was watching her. Yet strangely it hadn’t bothered her before. She couldn’t explain it, but there had been an almost soothing quality to the presence she’d felt.

Tonight, all that had changed.

She sensed raw menace, and wished she hadn’t made the walk from the parking lot to Gibson Hall by herself. Usually her boyfriend escorted her to class, but Tim was at a symposium presenting their latest paper-alone, because her condition made it nearly impossible for her to travel.

The manicured lawns on the way to her classroom were unusually empty. No doubt there were widespread parties tonight celebrating the full moon, which hung heavy and yellow in the black sky.

There was enough light that she could see the bushes behind her trembling. In a growing panic, she broke off the nozzle of the spray.

“Crap.”  She hastily abandoned her one weapon, tempted to snag one of the pill bottles in the pocket beside it for a dose of relief. Instead, she increased her pace toward her destination, the math building, brightly lit like a beacon.

Almost there. Her heels clicked along on the sidewalk-though they never landed on a crack, even in her rush.  Apparently, obsessive-compulsive disorder was panic-proof. . . .

She checked her watch. She was on time, of course, but she was late enough that her Remedial Math 101 students would be in the classroom already.

A few yards left. Almost to safety. . . .

Once she’d made it up the six stone steps to the doors, she exhaled in relief. Inside, the hall was ablaze with fluorescent light. Made it.

Her class was in the second room on the right and would be filled with thirty-three very large and very loyal Tulane football players. Anyone thinking to frighten her would soon learn how a tackle dummy felt at season’s end.

Holly’s colleagues believed she’d drawn the short straw to have to teach Digits for Idjits, as some of the instructors called it. But Holly had actually volunteered for jock duty.

If she was to teach math, then why not instruct the ones who had exponentially more to learn?

And in truth, they were on their best behavior ninety-nine percent of the time. Though each Tuesday and Thursday night, some of the players always got there early to scribble sprawling messages for her on the blackboard. A fellow instructor had related to Holly that “the boys”-who were all of five or six years younger than she was-enjoyed watching her erase things in “those skirts.”

Holly wore old-fashioned pencil skirts with hemlines past her knees. Would she never catch a break?

She wondered what she’d be erasing tonight.  Some of the past offerings included “Got it bad, sooo bad, I’m hot for teacher,” “I’ve been a naughty boy, Ms. Ashwin,” and “Professor + Ginger = Holly Ashwin.” They’d crossed the l‘s to make them t‘s.

So far she didn’t think any of them had noticed her need to erase every millimeter of writing on the board, or to arrange the chalk in the tray into perfect trios, even breaking a stick to achieve a multiple of three. . . .

Outside the door to her room, she took a calming breath and smoothed her tight chignon. After ascertaining that the clasp of her strand of pearls was directly over the center of her nape, she tugged each sleeve of her twinset sweater until the ends perfectly hit her wristbones. She checked the backs of her earrings, then opened the door.

Empty. Every chair sat empty.

CLASS IS CANCELED was scrawled across the board. They’d gone too far this time.

Or maybe it wasn’t them? She swallowed, whirling around.

Rough cloth covered her face, reeking of fumes, drowning out her scream.

Just as her eyelids slid shut and her body went limp, she heard the unholy roar of a man in the distance.

* * *

Rogue demons have my female.

As Cadeon Woede’s old Ford truck tore through traffic to yet another demon lair, he grappled to control the rage his breed of demon was known for.

They’ve taken Holly. . . .

Almost one year ago, Cade had crossed paths with Holly Ashwin and had recognized the human as his own fated female.  Unable to claim a mortal, he’d had to content himself by following her, guarding her.

Which was the only reason why he’d been there when a group of demons had traced her, teleporting her to gods knew where.  But they’d hunted on the campus; surely their lair would be near.

Why would they want her? Because she was an innocent? Then they’d picked the wrong virgin-Cade would hang them by their own entrails and watch them dance if they touched so much as a hair on her head.

His phone rang just as he surged past a visibly drunk driver. When drunks drove slowly, it was exactly like they whispered-noticeably.

“What?” he barked in answer. Tonight he was supposed to receive the details of his latest job. It’d be the most important one he’d had since becoming a mercenary centuries ago.

“I’ve just left the meeting,” his brother Rydstrom said. “I have the information we need.”

Riding the bumper in front of him, tempted to give it a tap, Cade asked absently, “So who’s the pay?”

“The client is Groot the Metallurgist.”

Normally that would have had Cade raising his brows. Groot was the half brother of Omort the Deathless, a dark sorcerer-and their sworn enemy. “He intends to help us against Omort?”  Cade’s truck overtook another car, nearly trading paint with it.

“Groot’s crafted a sword that can kill him.”

Then it would be the only one in existence that could. Omort the Deathless didn’t come by his name without reason.  “What’s the job?”

“He wants us to find the Vessel and deliver her to him before the next full moon.”

The Vessel. Every Accession, a female from the Lore would come into sexual maturity. Her first child would be a warrior of either ultimate evil or of ultimate good-depending on which way the father leaned.

A car weaved in front of Cade. “Son of a-”

“What are you doing?” Rydstrom demanded.

“Traffic.”  He didn’t want his brother to know anything was off. Cade had told him that he would stop watching Holly. Though they both suspected she was his female, a future with her was impossible.

Humans were forbidden to demons.  Because they never survived the initial claiming.

But Cade hadn’t been able to stop himself from watching her from afar, studying her, growing more and more fascinated with the young mortal. Becoming more convinced that she was his.

He knew it was ridiculous. He was an ancient immortal, a brutal mercenary, head of a crew of soldiers of fortune.  And yet Cade looked forward to nothing-except seeing her.

Holly went through her life having no idea that she was the highlight of a millennium-old demon’s disappointing existence. . . .

This new job was supposed to be the last chance for him and Rydstrom to reclaim the crown. If Rydstrom found out Cade wasn’t “on,” the two of them would be heading for another of their infamous house-killing brawls. Cade used to enjoy working off his anger. Now the idea wearied him.

“How are we supposed to find the Vessel?” Cade asked.

“I was told it’s a Valkyrie this time around.”

“Handing over a Valkyrie for the use of an evil sorcerer-you’re not worried about our alliance with them?”

“I’m going to take a page from your book and say that what they don’t know won’t hurt them.”

“They will know. Nïx will be able to see this.” Nïx, the half-mad Valkyrie soothsayer, had helped Rydstrom and Cade in the past. In fact, she’d put together this deal, though she’d given them no indication who they’d be working for.

Cade had talked to her less than a week ago about Holly. Nïx had revealed nothing about tonight.

“If Nïx didn’t see that the Vessel would be one of her own before, she might not now. Besides, it can’t be helped,” Rydstrom said. “Nothing is more important than this job. It was Nïx herself who vowed this was our last chance to defeat Omort.”

“Do you have a location on the target?”

“Groot’s oracles have been searching for her. As expected, she’s here in this city.”

The coming Accession was already pushing and pulling all the factions together in mystickal hotspots like New Orleans.

“And we’re not the only ones who want her,” Rydstrom added. “Oracles, witches, and sorcerers are all scrying for her.”

Cade could imagine. “You got a name?”

“No name on her. But we have her last known whereabouts, a place called the Hall of the Son of Gib. I know it sounds like typical soothsayerese, but it’s a lead.”

A chill slithered up Cade’s spine.  No. No way. The Hall of the Son of Gib. Or Gibson Hall-the mathematics building on the Tulane campus.

Holly wasn’t a Valkyrie; yet those demons might have seen her in the predicted location and mistaken her for one. She had the right delicate features and slight build. They could have assumed she was the Vessel. 

Only one local demon faction would have had the resources to determine the Vessel’s location before Cade and Rydstrom-the Order of Demonaeus.

“We go for the Valkyrie tonight,” Rydstrom said. “I’ll be back at the house in two hours. Meet me then.”

Two hours. Even if Cade was tempted to ask his brother for help with the Demonaeus, there wouldn’t be time to wait for him. “Yeah, will do.” Click.

The wide wheels of his truck screeched as Cade cut across three lanes of traffic, careening over the median to speed back in the other direction.

He knew where the Order of Demonaeus was located, had been forced to convene with their kind on more than one occasion.

Cade had even seen their ritual altar. Was the sweet, impossibly innocent Holly stripped atop it even now?

The steering wheel bent under his grip.