Review: Untouchable - Kresley Cole

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR KRESLEY COLE delivers a breathtaking tale of a brutal vampire soldier about to know love for the first time... and a Valkyrie aching for his touch.

Murdoch Wroth will stop at nothing to claim Daniela - 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. Can they conquer an agony of frustration and slake the overwhelming desire burning between them?

Immortals After Dark Series:
The Warlord Wants Forever (Novella in the Playing Easy to Get anthology)
A Hunger Like No Other
No Rest for the Wicked
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Dark Desires After Dusk
Kiss of a Demon King
Untouchable (Published in the Deep Kiss of Winter Anthology)
Pleasure of a Dark Prince
Demon from the Dark
Dreams of a Dark Warrior
Lothaire
Shadow's Claim (The Dacians book 1)
MacRieve
Dark Skye

For more information visit Kresley Cole's website

Review:
Untouchable is the eighth story in Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series and can be found in the Deep Kiss of Winter anthology (print or ebook) or on it's own as an audiobook. I read it as part of the anthology so I've not listened to the audio version and can't comment on that.

We've already met all of the Wroth brothers in previous books and we've seen hints of Murdoch and Dani's romance in the other brother's stories so I was really looking forward to spending more time with them. Unfortunately Untouchable just missed the mark a little for me and it was probably my least favourite story in the series so far.

Dani was a great character, she's half valkyrie and half ice fey which means she is incredibly sensitive to the heat and even touching another person causes severe burns to her skin. She loves her sisters but she desperately longs to be able to touch and be touched by another person. It was easy to feel sympathy for her and she's such a likeable character that you just want things to turn out well for her.

Murdoch on the other hand was a bit of an arse. He very quickly recognises Dani as his bride but he's absolutely adamant that he doesn't want to pursue things with her, the way he treats her was awful and I just felt so sorry for her that he kept walking away and abandoning her. There were good reasons for some of the problems in their relationship (the whole not being able to touch each other must have been incredibly frustrating!) but I felt like there was too much extra drama around that and it made it hard for me to enjoy their romance as much as I expected to.

This wasn't a bad book, I'm glad Dani has found her HEA and I'm still excited about continuing the series, but it definitely wasn't as good as I was expecting it to be.

Source: Purchased

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Review: Kiss of a Demon King - Kresley Cole

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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 smouldering 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?

Immortals After Dark Series:
The Warlord Wants Forever (Novella in the Playing Easy to Get anthology)
A Hunger Like No Other
No Rest for the Wicked
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Dark Desires After Dusk
Kiss of a Demon King
Untouchable (Published in the Deep Kiss of Winter Anthology)
Pleasure of a Dark Prince
Demon from the Dark
Dreams of a Dark Warrior
Lothaire
Shadow's Claim (The Dacians book 1)
MacRieve
Dark Skye

For more information visit Kresley Cole's website

Review:
The story in Kiss of a Demon King actually runs along the same time line as the previous book Dark Desires After Dusk so I would highly recommend reading at least these two books in order (although you're better off reading the whole series in order to get the full IAD reading experience). If you've already read Dark Desires After Dusk (if you haven't stop reading this review right now!) you will know all about Cade's task to get the only weapon that can destroy Omort the Deathless so that his brother Rydstrom can get back his crown. You'll also know that early on in the story Rydstrom is captured and taken prisoner by the sorceress Sabine - Kiss of a Demon King fills in the gaps and lets us know what happened to him.

I have liked Cade and Rydstrom since they were first introduced into the series, Cade's book was one of my favourites so far so I was really looking forward to Rydstrom's story and it didn't disappoint. I obviously have a bit of a thing for the rage demons because I couldn't tell you which one of them I like the most. I love the fact that Rydstrom always comes across as so calm but that underneath he is on the edge of losing control - particularly whenever Sabine comes into the picture. I'll tell you right now that this couple have some serious chemistry but due to their circumstances and the fact that Sabine has Rydstrom as a prisoner they do a LOT of teasing before either of them will give into their attraction. I felt quite sorry for Rydstrom at the beginning and could easily understand why he took so long to trust Sabine.

When we first met Sabine I didn't think I would like her at all, she comes across as completely ruthless, cold blooded and selfish and not your typical heroine. However, the more you learn about her past the easier I found it to relate to her. She has never had anyone to rely on apart from her sister Lanthe and the pair of them have suffered a great deal in the past. Sabine is determined to do whatever it takes to protect herself and her sister but deep down you start to see that she isn't quite as hard as she makes out. Underneath the surface she is actually quite a softie and I really enjoyed seeing that side of her come out. I actually appreciated the fact that she is such a strong heroine and think she was just what Rydstrom needed, she is someone who is prepared to stand up to him and won't let anyone walk all over her.

I really liked the relationship between Sabine and Lanthe, in fact I hope we get to see more of Lanthe in the future so I'm keeping my fingers crossed she gets her own book. I'm also looking forward to Lothaire's story although I have a few others to catch up on first. I did feel that the final battle scene towards the end was over a bit too quickly, I would have liked a bit more action and the story was very character driven on the whole but this is still a strong instalment to the series and has left me looking forward to the next book.

Source: Library

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Review: Dark Desires After Dusk - Kresley Cole

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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?

Immortals After Dark Series:
The Warlord Wants Forever (Novella in the Playing Easy to Get anthology)
A Hunger Like No Other
No Rest for the Wicked
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Dark Desires After Dusk
Kiss of a Demon King
Untouchable (Published in the Deep Kiss of Winter Anthology)
Pleasure of a Dark Prince
Demon from the Dark
Dreams of a Dark Warrior
Lothaire
Shadow's Claim (The Dacians book 1)
MacRieve
Dark Skye

For more information visit Kresley Cole's website

Review:
900 years ago a foolish mistake by Cadeon lost his brother Rydstrom his throne and the pair have been trying to get it back ever since. Cadeon is full of guilt for his actions and is determined to do whatever it takes to make it up to Rydstrom but their enemy Omort the Deathless won't be easy to kill. In fact they have only one last chance if they are going to defeat him. They must track down the Vessel (a female from the Lore who will give birth to a child of either ultimate good or evil, depending on who the father is) and exchange her for the only weapon that can destroy Omort. Cadeon believes it will be an easy task, until he discovers the Vessel is Holly, the woman he has been watching from afar and who he is convinced is his mate. Now Cadeon has a difficult choice to make - will be betray his brother again, this time loosing the throne forever or will he hand over his mate to an evil sorcerer?

I've been looking forward to reading Cade's story since he was first introduced in one of the earlier books and he didn't disappoint me. There are actually a lot of things about Cade that should make him dislikeable, he is chauvinistic and cocky but it comes across as more of a front that he puts on to the world than his true character. In fact he has a much softer and more caring side that you get to see more and more of as the story progresses. I loved the way he was torn between doing the right thing by his brother and wanting to take care of Holly, he really was between a rock and a hard place and I found it easy to forgive the actions he took. I think he's probably my favourite male in the series so far, he is one HOT demon!

I found Holly a bit too prim and proper for my taste, particularly in the beginning, but it was really good to see how much she changes throughout the story. Her OCD made for hilarious reading and I absolutely loved the banter between her and Cade, she certainly wasn't going to sit back and accept his coarse language or let him force her into anything she didn't want to do. Holly didn't know about her Valkyrie ancestry and has always believed she was a human so it comes as quite a shock to her to discover a world of demons and come into her new abilities. A lot of her problems have been caused by the way she tries to suppress her true nature so the more she starts to accept who she is the better things get for her.

I have to admit that I think Dark Desires After Dusk is my favourite book in the Immortals After Dark series so far. I'm pretty sure you could pick up the series here even if you've not read any of the other books but I'd still suggest reading the books in order. I've just realised that Rydstrom's story is up next so I'm off to order my copy of Kiss of a Demon King!

Source: Library

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Review: Dark Needs at Night's Edge - Kresley Cole

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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 that 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?

Immortals After Dark Series:
The Warlord Wants Forever (Novella in the Playing Easy to Get anthology)
A Hunger Like No Other
No Rest for the Wicked
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Dark Desires After Dusk
Kiss of a Demon King
Untouchable (Published in the Deep Kiss of Winter Anthology)
Pleasure of a Dark Prince
Demon from the Dark
Dreams of a Dark Warrior
Lothaire
Shadow's Claim (The Dacians book 1)
MacRieve
Dark Skye

For more information visit Kresley Cole's website

Review:
Nikolai and Sebastian Wroth have been searching for their brother Conrad for years but the last thing they expected was to find him in the grip of blood lust, very close to losing his sanity. Even though it has never been done before they are determined to bring him back from the brink and help him get control of the madness. Conrad is captured by his brothers and locked in a mansion where he must try to recover from the blood lust.

Neomi was a prima ballerina at the height of her career when she was brutally murdered by an obsessive ex-fiance who didn't want to see her live without him. Ever since her death 80 years ago she has haunted the mansion where she died, unable to leave and not able to interact with anyone around her. When Conrad and his brothers arrive she is distraught as Conrad starts to destroy the only home she has but then she realises that he can see her. He is the first person she has been able to interact with since she died but he believes she is a figment of his crazed mind. The attraction between them grows but how can a ghost and a vampire who is losing his sanity have any kind of a happy ending?

I have to confess that the Immortals After Dark series has been a bit hit and miss for me so far so although I've had this book on my to read pile for quite a while now I've been putting off reading it. I wasn't too keen on the idea of the main character being a ghost & didn't think I'd enjoy the story much. I'll come right out with it - I absolutely loved Dark Needs at Night's Edge, in my opinion it's the best book in the series so far and it's got me excited about continuing with the series again.

The romance between Conrad and Neomi is so sweet, especially as they are unable to touch each other for the majority of the book. Kresley Cole did an amazing job of building the sexual tension and oh boy was it worth the wait for these two to get together! I didn't think I'd be able to relate to an ex-ballerina who is now a ghost but I really liked Neomi and was impressed with her attitude and love of life. Conrad was a fab hero, he has been through so much that you can't help but wish for a happy ending for him. Their romance is completely different from any of the other books in the series but it worked for me and was by far my favourite.

It was also nice to see the main characters from previous books making an appearance, I always enjoy seeing how couples are getting along after they've had their own HEA. If you're a fan of the series already I'm sure you'll enjoy this instalment. If you haven't discovered the series before you could probably read Dark Needs at Night's Edge as a stand alone story but I would recommend reading the books in order so you get a full picture of the world Kresley Cole has created. This is definitely one I would recommend to fans of the paranormal romance genre.

Source: Library

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Review: Playing Easy To Get - Anthology

Playing Easy To Get is an erotic romance anthology that I wanted to read for the story by Kresley Cole which is part of her Immortals After Dark series. I've heard a lot of good things about Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series for so was also looking forward to trying her B.A.D series. I've not read anything by Jaid Black before either so this was a good way to try a couple of new to me authors. Overall I'd say this book is worth reading for the stories by Kresley Cole and Sherrilyn Kenyon but I wasn't that keen on Jaid Black story. I'd recommend this if you're a fan of any of the authors included in the anthology or if you'd like to try out any of these series or authors.

The stories included in the anthology are:
Turn Up the Heat - Sherrilyn Kenyon
Hunter's Oath - Jaid Black
The Warlord Wants Forever - Kresley Cole

For more information about any of these authors click on their names in the above list to go to their websites.

Turn Up the Heat - Sherrilyn Kenyon
The story of an average woman who wins the vacation of a lifetime - a trip to Sex Camp. But what Allison George gets is a race for life with none other than an ex-Mafia hit man who is now being sought by his prior employer. Vince Cappelleti knew the island was a risky proposition, but he'd run out of options. Now the only thing he wants in his sights is Allison, but in order to have a future with her, he must first deal with his past.

B.A.D Series:
BAD Attitude
Phantom In The Night
Whispered Lies
Silent Truth
Turn Up The Heat (novella in the Playing Easy To Get anthology)
Born to be BAD (3 series related short stories)

Review:
This is the first story I've read in Sherrilyn Kenyon's BAD series and I thought it was an enjoyable story. When Vince and Allison meet the attraction is instant and things build very quickly between them but you have to expect that in a romance novella when there isn't much time to build a relationship slowly. I liked both of the main characters and thought they complimented each other well. I will definitely be checking out more books in this series as I'm very curious to find out more about the Bureau of American Defence and the men and women who work for them.

Hunter's Oath - Jaid Black
Grief-stricken Sofia Rowley is in the Arctic Circle, where her brother, a U.S Army officer, was lost in a deadly helicopter crash. She's about to take a shocking journey into a secret underground world where Viking bride-hunters auction off their bounty...and where a strapping warrior vows to make this beautiful Outsider his.

Vikings Underground Series:
Besieged (novella in The Hunted anthology)
Hunter's Right (novella in the Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down anthology)
Hunter's Oath (novella in the Playing Easy To Get anthology)
Deep Dark and Dangerous

Review:
This was my least favorite story in the anthology - I just didn't like the way the heroine Sofia is kidnapped and then sold as a Bride in a a secret underground Viking world she was taken to. The "Brides" are basically given no choice in the matter and might as well be being sold into slavery. Force fed an aphrodisiac before the auction she has no choice but to consummate her new marriage unless she wants to be in unbearable pain. I found the whole thing completely unbelievable and it just wasn't my kind of story. I don't think I'll be reading any more of this series.

This story is also available separately as an ebook

The Warlord Wants Forever - Kresley Cole
Nikolai Wroth, a ruthless vampire warlord, searches for his Bride - the one woman who can render him truly alive. When his fevered chase leads to Myst the Coveted, a Valkyrie seductress who craves only freedom, a battle of domination and desire begins. Will the power of her seductive wiles overcome his strength? Or will she surrender and experience the deliciously agonizing lust that Nikolai has endured waiting for his one and only Bride?

Immortals After Dark Series:
The Warlord Wants Forever (novella in the Playing Easy to Get anthology)
A Hunger Like No Other
No Rest for the Wicked
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Dark Desires After Dusk
Kiss of a Demon King
Untouchable (Published in the Deep Kiss of Winter Anthology)
Pleasure of a Dark Prince
Demon from the Dark
Dreams of a Dark Warrior
Lothaire
Shadow's Claim (The Dacians book 1)
MacRieve
Dark Skye

Review:
This story was the main reason I wanted to read the anthology as I've already read the next 3 books in the Immortals After Dark series and it was my favourite story in the book. I have to confess that I wasn't that keen on Myst at the start of the story but she did grow on me as I got to know her better and I really liked Wroth from the beginning. This is a great introduction to the series if you haven't started reading it yet and it's a series I would definitely recommend to paranormal romance fans.

Source: Library

Other Reviews:
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Anthology - Paperback / Kindle & The Warlord Wants Forever Kindle:

Review: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night - Kresley Cole

UK Cover

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?

Immortals After Dark Series:
The Warlord Wants Forever (Novella in the Playing Easy to Get anthology)
A Hunger Like No Other
No Rest for the Wicked
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Dark Desires After Dusk
Kiss of a Demon King
Untouchable (Published in the Deep Kiss of Winter Anthology)
Pleasure of a Dark Prince
Demon from the Dark
Dreams of a Dark Warrior
Lothaire
Shadow's Claim (The Dacians book 1)
MacRieve
Dark Skye

For more information visit Kresley Cole's website

Review:
Bowen is taking part in the Talisman's Hie (the immortal version of the amazing race) hoping to win a prize that will let him go back in time to save the life of his mate Mariah who died in a tragic accident years ago.  Bowen has grieved and searched for a way to save her ever since but this is the closest he has ever come to making his dream come true and he is determined to win at any cost. Mariketa (Mari) is a witch who is also entered in the contest, hoping to prove her ability to the rest of her race. When Bowen is attracted to Mari, the first time he has felt something for anyone since he lost is mate, he believes she must have cast a spell on him. Disgusted with himself for feeling attracted to her he traps her, along with other participants in the Hie and leaves her. When her family threaten war against the Lykae (werewolves) if she is not safely returned to them he has no choice but to rescue her and bring her home. Can he get her back in time? Will she remove the spell she has cast on him? Will he find a way to bring Mariah back to him or will his attraction to Mari win over the desire to find his lost love?

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night is the third book in the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole and I would recommend reading the series in order. We have already met Bowen in the previous books and this book does actually start before the ending of the previous one allowing us to see the same events from a different perspective. If you've not already read book 2 (No Rest for the Wicked) this story would include spoilers.

I have to say that I put off starting this book because I didn't think I was going to like Bowen much from what I've seen of him in previous stories. I wish I'd read it sooner because I actually found myself really liking him. This is one of my favourite books in the series so far & Bowen is up there with the best of Kresley Cole's heroes. I also really liked Mari, she is a powerful witch but is still young and learning how to use her powers. She comes across as quite vulnerable at times but she is also prepared to fight back when she needs to. I enjoyed watching the relationship developing between them and there were times when I really wasn't sure how they would manage to sort things out.

I have to mention how much I liked the demons Rydstrom and Cade, I'm really hoping that we'll get to read both of their stories later on in the series! Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night was a great instalment to a series that I'm liking more and more with every book. If you've not yet discovered the series then I'd recommend it to all fans of paranormal romance, especially if you like an action packed plot to go along with the romance. Although I felt the series got off to a bit of a shaky start it is improving with every book and I'm looking forward to seeing where Kresley Cole takes us next.

Source: Library

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Review: No Rest for the Wicked - Kresley Cole

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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 all 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?

Immortals After Dark Series:
The Warlord Wants Forever (Novella in the Playing Easy to Get anthology)
A Hunger Like No Other
No Rest for the Wicked
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Dark Desires After Dusk
Kiss of a Demon King
Untouchable (Published in the Deep Kiss of Winter Anthology)
Pleasure of a Dark Prince
Demon from the Dark
Dreams of a Dark Warrior
Lothaire
Shadow's Claim (The Dacians book 1)
MacRieve
Dark Skye

For more information visit Kresley Cole's website

Review:
Kaderin is a cold hearted Valkyrie who has made her life's work killing vampires ever since loosing her sisters a thousand years ago. Unable to cope with the sorrow of their deaths she prayed to be spared and ever since has felt no emotions - either good or bad. Sebastian was turned into a vampire against his will and has spent over 300 years wishing to die.  When Kaderin is sent to kill Sebastian it should be simple but for the first time ever she finds herself unable to kill a vampire. Sebastian almost immediately recognises Kaderin as his Bride (soul mate) and finds in her a reason to live again. Kaderin on the other hand is horrified to find herself attracted to a vampire - one of her sworn enemies and tries to run away from her feelings.

Taking part in the Hie - a quest for immortals that includes all kinds of difficult tasks - Sebastian wants to win to prove his worth to Kaderin. Kaderin is the champion though & doesn't want anyone's help, having won the last 5 competitions on her own, but this time the prize is something that she is desperate to win - a way to save her sisters - and it looks like she is going to need to work with Sebastian if she wants the prize.

Although I liked A Hunger Like No Other I found I enjoyed No Rest For The Wicked even more. I liked Sebastian immediately and found him a much more lovable hero than Lachlain. Kaderin I found harder to like but she did grow on me as I learnt more about her history and as she began to change with the return of her feelings. I thought the developing relationship between Sebastian & Kaderin was very well done and I loved the passion between them both. I liked the fact that even though Sebastian knew she was his Bride he wasn't immediately confessing undying love for Kaderin but felt they would grow to love each other in time.

I enjoyed the action in the sub plot of the Hie, it added an extra element to the story and made it different from any other paranormal romance book I've read before. As with the first book there is still a large cast of characters but I'm finding it much easier to keep track of who everyone is now now I'm more immersed in the world Kresley Cole has created. Overall I felt that No Rest For The Wicked was a great continuation of the series - one I enjoyed even more than the last book & I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes from here. I can't wait to start the next book!

Source: Library

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Review: A Hunger Like No Other - Kresley Cole

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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 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?

Immortals After Dark Series:
The Warlord Wants Forever (Novella in the Playing Easy to Get anthology)
A Hunger Like No Other
No Rest for the Wicked
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Dark Desires After Dusk
Kiss of a Demon King
Untouchable (Published in the Deep Kiss of Winter Anthology)
Pleasure of a Dark Prince
Demon from the Dark
Dreams of a Dark Warrior
Lothaire
Shadow's Claim (The Dacians book 1)
MacRieve
Dark Skye

For more information visit Kresley Cole's website

Review:
Lachlain suffered unbearable torture at the hands of the vampire horde for 150 years before finally escaping when he senses his true mate is near by. After everything he has been through and the pain he suffers trying to escape he is horrified to discover that his mate is a vampire. But he has been waiting for 1000 years to find his true mate and isn't prepared to let her slip away from him even if she is part of a race that he despises. Emmaline isn't just your average vampire, she is actually half Valkyrie and has been raised by her Valkyrie aunts since her mother's death when she was just a baby. She has lived a sheltered life, always feeling different because of her vampire heritage and has set out to find out more about her parents and try to discover who her father is. When she is taken hostage by Lachlain she is terrified of him but agrees to help him get to his home in Scotland because he promises that he will let her go home if she does. Little does she know that she is his mate and he has no plans to ever let her escape from him.

I'd heard a lot of great things about this series and was really looking forward to reading A Hunger Like No Other but at the beginning I really wasn't too sure if I'd be able to finish reading it. I understand that Lachlain has survived horrific torture but when he practically forces himself on Emmaline within minutes of meeting her it made me feel quite uncomfortable & I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to like him as the hero of the story. Emmaline (known as Emma the timid by her family) starts off as a very weak and mild character and again I wasn't sure that she was going to make very good heroine material.

However, I'm very pleased that I persevered with the story - both Lachlain and Emma grow a great deal throughout the story and I enjoyed watching their relationship progress as Lachlain grew to care for Emma and she finally found her backbone. We were teased quite a bit before they finally consummated their relationship but when they finally did it was worth the wait and the action between them was very steamy.

I did find myself getting a bit confused about the world Kresley Cole has created and the number of characters made it difficult to keep up with who was who to start with but I felt that I'd got to grips with it by the end of the book. There is a novella in the anthology Playing Easy To Get that comes before this book in the series so perhaps if I'd read that first I would have found it a little less confusing. I'm definitely planning on reading the anthology along with the rest of the series though. Although there were a few things that irritated me I did find myself really enjoying A Hunger Like No Other by the end and am looking forward to re-visiting this world again in future books. Overall this was a great start to the series and I'm curious to see where it will take me. I've not read anything with Valkyrie's in before and I found them an interesting addition to the genre. I'd definitely recommend paranormal romance fans give this book a try but if like me you aren't too sure at the beginning please keep reading - it is worth it in the end.

Source: Library

Other Reviews:
Chrissie's Corner
Tynga's Reviews
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