Review: Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole

 

Demon from the Dark (Immortals After Dark # 9)

by Kresley Cole

Paranormal Romance

Find in on Goodreads!

 

Demon from the Dark is one of my favourites of the IAD series! I absolutely love Carrow! She’s spunky, sexy, and downright hilarious! She is definitely one of my favourite heroines from the series.

To be honest, I was worried to find out who she would be paired with because she has such charisma and a zest for life. I needed to make sure she got the HEA she deserves. And after reading Demon from the Dark, I think Malkom definitely fits the bill!

Malkom Slaine is a vemon, a rare vampiric demon (How cool is that!?). His past is dark and horrific and Malkom doesn’t know much about love and affection. At an early age, his whore mother sold him to a vampire as a blood and sex slave. After that hurtful abandonment, Malkom was cast to the streets again after his vampire master tired of him. Fed up and tired of betrayal, he gets revenge by killing his mother and master. Soon he finds momentary happiness in his friendship with Kellan. But then they are both forced to drink vampire blood turning them into abominations. In the end, Malkom is the one to survive. But only because he killed his only friend...

Carrow has her own problems to deal with. Stranded on an unknown island and confined in a small room, she is offered her freedom if she can retrieve Malkom from Oblivion. She agrees only because they reveal a young seven-year old witch named Ruby, unconscious and orphaned, to her. For the child’s safety and their freedom, she takes up the task but once she meets the vemon, she soon finds herself doubting her ability to give him up.

Initially, I thought the language barrier was an issue. Somehow Cole managed to create incredible chemistry between the two even when they couldn’t understand each other. Plus, reading Carrow’s attempts at explaining “Nooo sex” through gestures to Malkom was pretty freaking hilarious!

The relationship between Carrow and Malkom is complicated. From the moment Malkom sets his eyes on Carrow, he knows that she is her mate. But Carrow wants nothing to do with the vemon. Her task involves retrieving him and that’s it! Cole always makes her characters work for their relationship and this one is no exception!

I have to mention how adorable Malkom is whenever Ruby or Carrow show affection towards him. He is not used being in the presence of people so when Ruby puts her hand out for him to hold, Malkom asks her if she’s injured. He’s clueless, but damn adorable too! I also loved the part when he looks over his shoulders because he assumes Carrow is smiling at someone else when they are alone in his shelter. Malkom is so sweet. Love him!

And of course, Ruby is too sweet for words. She brings so much life into their relationship and Carrow shows her growth from a wild child party girl to a responsible mother.

Demon from the dark is a really great story about growth and love. I can’t recommend it enough!

Favourite Quote:
How to say sex? How to mime sex? “Ah, gods, are you really going to make me do this hand gesture?” She made an okay sign with one hand, then threaded the forefinger from her other hand through it.
His eyes widening, he nodded empathetically.
Until she did it again while saying, “Noooo sex. NO.”
He growled.

 

Review: Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole

Kiss of a Demon King (Immortals After Dark #7)
by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance
Find it on Goodreads!

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?

You know that saying that still waters run deep? Well this book is what happens when those still waters are installed into a sexy demon king and then a hand grenade aka Sabine Queen of Illsions is thrown in them! Needless to say the results are explosive!

Rydstrom is hands down the sexiest demon EVER, and I loved his book, I know this is quite a few peoples least favourite, but they must all be crazy. The sexual tension, the sexy Rydstrom, the action, the hot as hell Rydstrom, a smart ass heroine who has become my favourite female in the series and oh did I mention the exteremly lickable Rydstrom?

As I mentioned above, Sabine has become my favourite female in the series, she was funny and slightly evil, although I think survivor is probably a more apt description of her.

This book was really great and another great addition to the Immortals after Dark series which seems to be getting better and better.

I am trying to think of my favourite quote, but there are just so damn many! So here are a few:

"Blah, blah, blah. Demon boy, I can't speak that language. Furthermore, I don't want to pollute my brain by learning it. So it's time for you to learn mine. First lesson-I'm Say-been. I'm oft described as byoo-tee-full and mah-jest'ick."

"You know, do nice shite for her. Buy her things. Really think about what she likes and what makes her happy and make it happen. She'll come around. And if she doesn't, you can cut off your horns for her. Chicks dig that."

In an incredulous tone, he said, "You don't know the meaning of virtue!"
"Of course I do-it means your thong must be white."

Review: Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole

 

Dreams of a Dark Warrior (Immortals After Dark # 11)

by Kresley Cole

Paranormal Romance

Find it on Goodreads!

Dreams of a Dark Warrior is the 11th instalment of the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole and let me tell you, this girl knows how to write! I’ve always said that Cole writes amazing prologues and Dreams opens up with an epic one! It’s 43 pages long and is probably one of my favourite parts of the book!

I will admit I wasn’t feeling Aiden that much. He reminded me of Lachlain from A Hunger Like No Other. He’s arrogant, possessive and gets pissy when things don’t go his way. But there were moments where I found myself almost...liking him. Out of all of his reincarnations, the original Aiden was my favourite, though Gabriel the Spanish pirate sounded promising.

Declan Chase pissed the hell out of me! I wondered how Cole could convince readers to fall for a guy who tortures his heroine in the previous book. I hated his guts and still did when reading the first part of the book! But then something miraculous happened and I started feeling sorry for the guy. That’s pretty epic since I was hellbent on thrashing the guy. In the end, Chase proved himself and I loved that fact that Reege loved Chase, not Aiden.

Regin is my girl! I absolutely love her fun-loving, prankster attitude. But in her book, we got to see a darker side of her where she suffers alongside Chase. The part when she starts crying in Chase’s arms is so sad. She realizes that it is not Chase who was forever cursed, but she was. To lose the love of your life over and over again is a hard pill to swallow. But somehow, Reege persevered.

I loved the new characters! Brandr was a great second-in-command! I hope he gets a book! Mmm berserkers! Also, Natalya was freaking hilarious playing cougar with Thad. This line is cracked me up: “Face it, Nat, this is one tiger who will never be jumping through your flaming hoop"

But my favourite character of this book is...yup, you guessed it! LOTHAIRE! He stole the show for me! I loved how confident and nonchalant he was during the entire thing. The dude is seriously bad ass and I really hope his HEA is NOT with La Dorada! I loved the part where the six of them are trekking through the mountains and the dudes are just bro-ing down and giving Chase advice on how to win Regin’s heart. Lothie’s words: “Live by the sword, love by the sword.” No doubt Lothie’s got a big sword to love with!

And did anyone else catch the fact that Uilleam has a mate now? Of course I already knew that because he is MATED TO ME! I wonder when Cole is going to write a book about us?

In the end, the entire gang showed up! Carrow, Malkom, Lucia and Nix! Love them all to bits! Now if only Kad and Sebastian came by to say hi, it would have been perfect!

Dreams ended so perfectly. So satisfying yet made me wish I had Loth’s book already! Cole, you are my crack! I’m so addicted, I can’t stop!!

Review: Dark Desires After Dusk by Kresley Cole

Dark Desires After Dark

by Kresley Cole

(Immortals After Dark # 6)

Find it on GoodReads!

This is the first demon book in the series. And you might know how I like demon horns  ;) And the infamous horn job! LOL

Cadeon is the sexy, funny and carefree demon we met in Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night. He has known that his mate is Holly for a while now, but she's human, and he can't claim her because she will not survive it. So he's stayed away, but he's constantly watched her.

Holly is a bit of a geek, has some difficulties dealing with real life, and has a huge case of OCD!!!!! It can get a bit frustrating while reading, but it also makes for some very funny moments.  And there's always the fact that Cadeon has to get her out of her buttoned-up shell.

And, oh, did I mention that she's a virgin?!?!? But a very curious one at that??? And our sexy demon is not shy AT ALL to let her explore and satisfy her curiosity. *As my thoughts drift to that patch of blond hair trailing down and disappearing into his jeans*
Except now Holly is not human anymore, she is part Valkyrie, and she is the Vessel, a very important part of the Ascension. And everybody wants her because they want to get her pregnant.  Her child will be a very important part of the battle.

We do get to see Nucking Futs Nix! As always I adore her! She's so funny! And always on target even in her crazy ways. Always has a purpose. Rydstrom was also supposed to be part of this adventure, but "something" happens to him and he .... can't make it! Oh boy... setting up the next book perfectly!

Review: Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole

Pleasure of a Dark Prince (Immortals After Dark # 9)

by Kresley Cole

Paranormal Romance

Find it on Goodreads!

 

Oh Garreth please throw me over your big strong lykae shoulders and take me away... to a cave... preferrably with a not-so-steady-rock we can break together!

I knew when I read Lachlain's book that I would LOVE Garreth, and it's official now. GARRETH IS MY LYKAE! He's just raw power and sensuality, with the perfect mix of emotions. He cares deeply for his mate who has given him nothing but heartache and, in more than one occassion, physical pain. And he still wants her, has crossed the world and faced all kinds of obstacles to get to her and have her! His determination is admirable, his curiosity is endearing, he's charming and hot and understanding, and.... did I already mention how perfect he is??? You just want to pet him!!!!

She'd been born for him. And I was born to find her.

Lucia is amazing as well. After having gone through a very traumatic experience while still being a child, she has lived milleniums after pretty much repressed and alone and in fear. Except for the past year she's actually wanted something... or more accurately, someone. Garreth. She can't get him out of her mind, even though she knows she can't have him.

And then Nix comes in and throws the whole story up in the air and as always by making a mess of things she manages to get these two finally together.

I loved the text messaging between Regin and Lucia. I loved Nix's phone conversations and reference to her missing post-it notes! There was also quite a bit of action in this book, some giant caimans, a ghost ship in the Amazon, and lots of hot.wet.half-naked lykae! The next book has been set up really well. We get glimpses of all the kidnapping going on in the Lore, and I have to say... I can't wait to read about Carrow! Love her already!

Favorite Quotes:

"Understand me, MacRieve, I'm a Valkyrie. I'm not bound by your... animalistic needs." His voice a low rasp, he said, "After one night with me, Lousha, you will be."

"RegRad: gettng tranqued 2nite with the witches. Bet u wish u were here! LOSER!"

"Fine. We can act like we're fuckups idling about. As per our usual. But if we cap a god, I'm telling everyone I know! Two words: Press. Conference."

"Lykae in our backyard. Horde vampires seeking out valkyries all over the world. Happy accession!"

 

Covers to Covet

There have been some new cover releases this past week and I'm dying to share them with you all. Ironically enough, all these authors who I'm about to talk about are some of my favorites! So let's get started!

Lara Adrian, author of the popular Midnight Breeds series has just revealed the cover of Sterling Chase's book, entitled Darker After Midnight. This is the tenth book in her paranormal romance series and this book has a release date of January, 25, 2012.

There is also more great news for lovers of this series because...Lara has recently signed on to write another two books in the series, and there will also be an exclusive, e-book original novella coming out later this year. We know a lot of you will want to know if the novella will be Gideon and Savannah's story. Not this time, but Lara definitely has plans to tell their story in the near future. Isn't this great news!?

What do you think of the cover? I think it looks very sensual! I love it! But when I first saw this, my eyebrows shot up becauuuuuuse....CHECK THIS OUT!!

This is Shayla Black's cover for her upcoming book entitled Belong to Me. This is the fifth book in her Wicked Lovers series! Same picture, right? But it looks like the guy in Lara's cover has a little more hair. Okay, maybe I'm looking too much into this! I'm playing "spot the difference!"

Belong to Me will be released on October 4th, 2011 from Berkley Heat.

Here's the blurb:

She’s undercover and in over her head…

When FBI analyst Tara Jacobs’ fellow agent and best friend goes missing while investigating a sex ring, Tara goes undercover as a submissive in a Dallas BDSM club called Dominion. But no man can top a woman with Tara’s moxie convincingly enough—until an edgy, dangerous Dom takes control of the scene and sets her heart racing with a single, commanding glance. Too bad he’s also the man who stole her innocence years ago—and the one to whom she will never submit.

He’s got everything under control…until he falls for her again.

Navy SEAL Logan Edgington once left the woman he loved to save her life. He knows Tara will never forgive him, but he has no doubt that he possesses the knowledge to master her fears and the strength to guide her through an unfamiliar world of pleasure and pain. He alone can protect her on a dangerous mission that reveals both wicked depravities and terrible secrets. Logan relishes the exquisite torture of holding her again, feeling her uninhibited response. No matter how much Tara insists their fling will end after this mission, he’s determined that she will be his again—and this time, he’ll never let her go.

And now, last but not least! Kresley Cole has just revealed her newest IAD cover! Lothaire is one of my favourite characters in her entire series! What do you think of the cover???

I say this countless times so you're probably bored of it now, BUT I LOVE PAUL MARRON! What do you think of his sultry red-eyed stare? It ...kinda freaks me out! He looks good, but kinda freaky too, which I think matches Lothie! He's even got the pale hair!

The one thing I'm not exactly thrilled about is the book titled. Lothaire? Really? I know I used to complain in the early days about all the alliteration in Cole's titles, but LOTHAIRE just seems a little boring compared to all the other cool titles.

That's it for this edition of Covers to Covet!!

Battle of the Covers: UK vs USA

As many of you know, Kresley Cole is our Author of the Month and with May coming to an end, what better way to end this than with our first edition of the Battle of the Covers!  We've all seen them and sometimes, we can't always get the one we want.  For this edition, we're showcasing Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark book covers. Which cover do you think is better? 

 

USA                                         UK

I will admit, I was hesitant to read this series at first because of the US cover. It's very cheesy! But don't let that fool you! The actual book is amazing! And I've come to adore these corny covers. For this round, I think I'll go with the UK cover. 

 

USA                                         UK

I love the colors in the UK cover, but there's just something soo sexy in the USA one that captures the essence of the characters better. Kaderin looks bad ass with that sheath she's got wrapped around her leg. Very sensual and powerful. Just like this book!

 

USA                                         UK

What about this one? I like that they have Mariketa's signature red hair. But based on these covers alone, I would have gravitated towards the UK cover more!

 

USA                                         UK

Nathan Kamp, need I say more? *grins*

 

USA                                         UK

As you know, I LOVE PAUL MARRON. But this shot of him isn't doing it for me. I know, I know...  Sad to say... But he looks nothing like Cade anyways. So I'm going with the UK cover, even though I don't like the girl that much either. What is that on her nose? Someone get her a tissue to wipe that off!

 

USA                                         UK

USA cover.... just yum! Rawr! *claws the air*

 

USA                                         UK

This one is a bit of a tie for me. I love the lips on the UK cover. But has anyone noticed that for Dreams of a Dark Warrior, Pleasure of a Dark Prince and Deep Kiss of Winter, it's all the same guy on the cover? Does anyone know who he is?


So who wins this edition????  What do you think?

Review: Deep Kiss of Winter by Gena Showalter and Kresley Cole

Deep Kiss of Winter (Anthology)

by Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter

Paranormal Romance

Find it on Goodreads!

Untouchable by Kresley Cole

(Immortals After Dark # 8)

WHAT’S A WROTH BROTHER GOT TO DO TO GET HIS OWN FULL LENGTH BOOK!?!!?

First, Nikolai and now Murdoch? I WISH THEY HAD THEIR OWN FULL LENGTH NOVELS!!! These Wroth brothers deserve better!

Once again, Kresley Cole proves herself with this long novella. I didn’t think Murdoch’s story would be that great, considering his less than desirable reputation as a manwhore. I wasn’t that interested to read his story because I am so smitten with his brother, Sebastian, but Murdoch’s got some moves, no doubt!

I love Murdoch! As a former rake in his human life, he’s confident enough that his moves will work on Daniela, but when Danii doesn’t fall for his charming words and gift offerings, Murdoch realizes he can’t tempt Danii with his previously effective material. I found that the fights and conflicts between the two created for a much more interesting story. And the fact that Murdoch comes for her in the end makes me melt more than any words he can say.

Daniela the Ice Maiden is such a unique character. I found myself instantly adoring her. Part Valkyrie and part Ice Fae, Danii’s definitely got one of the most interesting powers from the Lore. But her Ice Fae half prevents her from forming meaningful relationships with either side. Her Ice fae side wishes to see her dead and she doesn’t necessarily fit in with her Valkyrie sisters. Being alone and untouched for so long, Danii finds it hard to let herself fall in love...especially with a vampire who has a reputation of “hitting it and then quitting it”.

I loved the interactions between Murdoch and Danii. I was surprised to see so much development in the plot and reading about familiar names here and there. I especially loved the part where Murdoch says he bought a gemstone comb for Danii, but when he tries to give it to her, he can’t find it. If you’ve read Dark Needs at Night's Edge, then you know that Neomi Laress, Conrad’s mate stole it from Murdoch when he was unaware. Little things like that make me smile and I can’t help but rave about KC’s plotting.

After reading Untouchable, I think Murdoch and Conrad are tied in second place for my heart. Danii and Murdoch’s story is so well-planned and eloquently written that I can’t believe it’s only a novella. It’s hard to believe that this story spans from the first IAD novella, The Warlord Wants Forever to the latest instalment when it was released. KC is a freaking genius!

Lastly, I need to mention that icicle scene in the wintery woods! That was HOT, right!? After reading all these books with sexy winter sexcapades (Sin Undone snowball scene ;P) I can’t help but find winter a little more enjoyable. I’ll admit, I’ve been yelling at kids having a snowball fight in the streets to SAVE THOSE SNOWBALLS! I can think of a much better use for them, if you know what I mean! ;P

Tempt Me Eternally by Gena Showalter

(Alien Huntress # 4.5)

I do want to bring up one issue that bothered me before getting into the review of this book. I actually read this story AFTER Seduce the Darkness, which is how it was published if I understand that correctly. However in my opinion, it would've been much better to read that book AFTER this story.

Anyway... on to my review...Aleaha is a shapeshifter, she can change into anything or anyone she wants, and she has currently taken the identity of an AIR agent. She thinks no one suspects her, but actually everyone knows she's no the real agent, but like that she's good at her job and doesn't have some of the issues the "original" girl had.

Breean... where to start, he's a rakan, which I'm coming to realize it's a race of aliens I really seem to like! *Rakans are completely gold, from the hair to their toenails and eyelashes* Him and his group of rakan soldiers landed on Earth while the AIR agents were expecting a different invasion, and that's where Breean meets Aleaha, and he's totally captivated. She has to be his.

And let me tell you these two are just HOT! I am enjoying this series more and more and I really can't wait to read the next book! This is a completely different take on aliens, so don't let the subject stop you from reading this series. It's amazing!

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

Dark Needs at Night's Edge (Immortals After Dark # 5)

by Kresley Cole

Paranormal Romance

Find it on Goodreads!

Well, it looks like my high school French class finally paid off in the end! Again, I breezed through this book! Dark Needs at Night’s Edge was such a thrill to read!

To be honest, I was caught off-guard. I don’t usually enjoy ghost stories so I didn’t expect to be so transfixed by Neomi the French prima ballerina. But I was. The prologue is fantastic and once I started, I couldn’t stop!

Murdered by her ex-husband in a bitter rage, Neomi Laress was stabbed to death in her own home after the brightest moment of her career. Thousands of years after the murder-suicide, Neomi’s spirit still lingers within her beloved home, forever alone and trapped.

But when three brothers haul a crazed and murderous madman into her home, Neomi is helpless in her spiritual form.

Conrad Wroth is a Fallen vampire with red eyes. He is also a skilled assassin who has succumbed to Bloodlust. In an effort to save their brother, Nikolai, Sebastian, and Murdoch have chained Conrad in the long abandoned Gothic manor for him to recover. But despite Neomi’s fear of having another murderer in her home, she is intrigued by Conrad.... It seems that as a ghost our little ballerina has developed mischievous hobbies, like stealing from her tenants and spying on people. As a former seductress, Neomi can’t resist Conrad’s body so she takes her fill when she can, ogling Little Con because she knows he can’t see.

But Conrad CAN see her! And although he’d die to touch a single hair on her head, he can’t because she possesses no body. Cole really lays on the sexual tension in Dark Needs and she does a fantastic job with it! The frustration and need that both characters have for one another is conveyed nicely and it’s believable. That’s tough to pull off but Cole manages it with ease.

I also want to mention how bad I felt for these two. The heroine is a ballerina turned ghost and the hero is warlord turned vampire. Both do not like what they have become but they are dealing with the cards that they have been dealt. Even though Con doesn’t try until later on in the book, he does make a pretty miraculous recovery. And even though Neomi is a ghost, she isn’t the sulking and miserable kind that we normally read about. In fact, I’d argue that she has more life in her as a ghost than Conrad did in the beginning. I have to respect her zest for life.

I loved the Gothic Horror feel to this book. The harrowing tone was also perfect for Dark Needs and I think, the next time I pick up one of Kresley Cole’s book, I’ll have more faith in her writing. Because so far, she hasn’t disappointed me at all!


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

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (Immortals After Dark # 4)

by Kresley Cole

Paranormal Romance

Find it on Gooreads!

Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night is the third book in the Immortals After Dark series. It features Bowen McReieve, a heartbroken Lykae who lost his mate over two centuries ago and is still feeling the guilt because he believes he caused her death. The heroine is a fiery, snarky little witch named Mariketa.

When the two of them compete in the Hie, Bowe tries desperately to win so that he can bring back his former paramour, Mariah back to life. In the process, he traps Mari and some other friends in a tomb while he goes for the big prize. But he loses to a vampire and gets stranded for a week. He realizes that with each passing moment, all he thinks about is the little witch and comes to the conclusion that she put an enchantment on him. Turns out that Mari and her friends are still trapped in the tomb with nasty incubi and Bowen must free her in order for her to remove the spell. And that’s when all the fun begins because naturally, Mari is pissed as hell and there is no way she’s taking crap from a werewolf.

Bowen and Mari are wonderful together. Their love/hate relationship is so entertaining and downright hilarious! Their banter is enough to keep me reading for hours. But in addition to the great chemistry, Cole does a great job with her world building and character development. Bowe is a total package with the Scottish accent (though I had a hard time reading it at first, but it’s dead sexy) and dark possessiveness and Mari is a strong modern girl that shines in comparison to the plain and proper, Mariah.

And when they get down to it, things are steeeeamy! BUT when Bowe yells out MARIAH instead of Mariketa’s name during the act, things get sour pretty quick. Imagine the shock and mortification at hearing your lover yell out his ex’s name during sex! I’d smack him if I were Mari! Totally not acceptable.

Anyway, the ending was great and I loved how all the pieces of the plot fit together neatly. Makes me want to grab the new books and start reading ASAP!

Favorite Quote:

"Missed you, witch. Ran headlong. Now hang up the bloody phone."
"Oh, great Hekate, is that his voice?" Carrow cried. "I just had an orgasm! Fudge your name tag if you have to, but get you some of that some-some. Remember, friends let friends live vicariously-"
Click.