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Immortals After Dark #0.5 included
Blood Red Kiss
Good things always come in threes—and this paranormal romance anthology featuring steamy stories from New York Times bestselling authors Kresley Cole, Larissa Ione, and Gena Showalter is no exception!Get ready for a collection chock full of vamps, demons, aliens, and plenty of sizzle!In Kresley Cole’s celebrated story “The Warlord Wants Forever,” the first in her scorching Immortals After Dark series, vampire warlord Nikolai Wroth will stop at nothing to claim his Bride, the one woman who can make his heart beat again. But can beautiful Myst the Coveted accept an enemy vampire as her own?Tehya has spent the last twelve years as an accidental wolf, but is truly a vampire at heart. When she gets injured, Lobo sneaks her inside MoonBound’s headquarters and nurses her back to health…with potentially deadly consequences. Desire collides with danger in “Forsaken by Night,” a MoonBound Clan novella from Larissa Ione!In Gena Showalter’s Otherworld Assassins novella, Dark Swan, Lilica Swan isn’t quite human or otherworlder; she is the best—and worst—of both. She is willing to do whatever proves necessary to save her sister from the seductive and deadly Alien Investigation and Removal agent, Dallas Gutierrez, even bond her life to his…effectively wedding him. But without consummation, the bond will fade. Can Dallas resist his insatiable desire for the powerful beauty? Or will she lead to his ultimate downfall?
544 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2016
222 people are currently reading
3138 people want to read
About the author
Kresley Cole
67 books27.4k followersKresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, the erotic Gamemakers series, and five award-winning historical romances.
A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.
Her IAD books have been translated into 23 foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a RWA Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.
Cole lives in Florida with her family. Learn more about Kresley at: www.kresleycole.com & www.thearcanachronicles.com
A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.
Her IAD books have been translated into 23 foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a RWA Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.
Cole lives in Florida with her family. Learn more about Kresley at: www.kresleycole.com & www.thearcanachronicles.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
October 22, 2017
Immortals After Dark, #1 by Kresley Cole
“I’ll begin with the most basic. What are you?”
“Pussy Cat Doll?”
And this is how I was introduced to Valkyries. The female immortal bloodthirsty warriors. And this is how vampire Nikolai Wroth has met his Bride, i.e. Valkyrie Myst who was really a vampire hater. But Wroth convinced her that vampires are not that bad.
I love the concept of destined mates in my PNR books. I love it when the couple cannot avoid the inevitable and they are struggling with their feelings and their raising passion until they fall in love with each other.
“I will be good to you, Myst. I will protect you. You are mine.”
This story is definitely a winner for me. Since then I have read more stories about these magnificent monsters.
MoonBound Clan Vampires, #2.5 by Larissa Ione
This story describes creatures which are a great combination of vampires and skinwalkers i.e. vampire shifters who can not only become animals, but also they can become anything living that has similar size to them.
Lobo is a skinwalker. He was banished from the MoonBound Clan many years ago when he was accused that he tried to seduce a female vampire after he impersonated her husband. He was lucky that he was not executed:
“Skinwalkers and people who can speak to animals are considered evil by some.”
Since then, Lobo was a loner. They never let him explain, but they let him alive. Desperate Lobo did not have the will to live, until he discovered a lonely female wolf who became his friend straight away. They lived together 12 years and they had a quiet life together- besides the times that he was trying to feed by female vampires and his wolf was throwing a jealous tantrum.
She was unique, this wolf, an individual the likes of which he’d never encountered in his nearly hundred and twenty years of life.
As you have already guessed, the wolf was not a wolf. And one day, she almost dies and Lobo needs to seek help from MoonBound Clan.
Soon his little wolf will become the woman of his dreams, while he needs to face the MoonBound Clan’s leader and finally explain.
Such a great short story! Awesome series.
Otherworld Assassin, #2.5 by Gena Showalter
To be read...
“I’ll begin with the most basic. What are you?”
“Pussy Cat Doll?”
And this is how I was introduced to Valkyries. The female immortal bloodthirsty warriors. And this is how vampire Nikolai Wroth has met his Bride, i.e. Valkyrie Myst who was really a vampire hater. But Wroth convinced her that vampires are not that bad.
I love the concept of destined mates in my PNR books. I love it when the couple cannot avoid the inevitable and they are struggling with their feelings and their raising passion until they fall in love with each other.
“I will be good to you, Myst. I will protect you. You are mine.”
This story is definitely a winner for me. Since then I have read more stories about these magnificent monsters.
MoonBound Clan Vampires, #2.5 by Larissa Ione
This story describes creatures which are a great combination of vampires and skinwalkers i.e. vampire shifters who can not only become animals, but also they can become anything living that has similar size to them.
Lobo is a skinwalker. He was banished from the MoonBound Clan many years ago when he was accused that he tried to seduce a female vampire after he impersonated her husband. He was lucky that he was not executed:
“Skinwalkers and people who can speak to animals are considered evil by some.”
Since then, Lobo was a loner. They never let him explain, but they let him alive. Desperate Lobo did not have the will to live, until he discovered a lonely female wolf who became his friend straight away. They lived together 12 years and they had a quiet life together- besides the times that he was trying to feed by female vampires and his wolf was throwing a jealous tantrum.
She was unique, this wolf, an individual the likes of which he’d never encountered in his nearly hundred and twenty years of life.
As you have already guessed, the wolf was not a wolf. And one day, she almost dies and Lobo needs to seek help from MoonBound Clan.
Soon his little wolf will become the woman of his dreams, while he needs to face the MoonBound Clan’s leader and finally explain.
Such a great short story! Awesome series.
Otherworld Assassin, #2.5 by Gena Showalter
To be read...
October 12, 2016
Blood Red Kiss by Kresley Cole. Larissa Ione, and Gena Showalter is a 2016 Pocket books publication.
This anthology series features three short stories from three wildly successful paranormal/urban fantasy series, by three incredibly well-loved and popular authors.
The story I am going to review here is – ‘The Warlord Wants Forever’ by Kresley Cole.
This story first appeared in an anthology entitled “Playing Easy to Get” and is the first story is the amazing “Immortals After Dark” series.
To be perfectly honest, I don’t know if I have read this story, which was released back in 2006, originally. I have read the entire IAD series, but don't think I ever got around to reading this one.
I have heard some people say this edition has been updated, but I can’t swear to that.
The story centers around Myst and Wroth, a Valkyrie and a vampire. When Wroth finds Myst the couple experiences an instant tension between them, but Wroth is on a mission and Myst, despite his initial first impression, gives him a fight of a lifetime. They war it out for five years, one upping each other until they can't fight the passion between them any longer.
“No one possess me, except in their fantasies. I’ll kill you as easily as kiss you” – Myst
The banter is what makes this story so good, and of course it is steamy, steamy, steamy! It’s no wonder this story had everyone panting and begging for more of the series and why it has remained so popular.
If you have read any of the other books in the series, you know how wicked Cole’s sense of humor is and how wild her imagination is. So, even if you missed this one somewhere along the way, you will be glad you decided to read it.
If you have already read it, again, I am told this version is slightly different from the original, so you may want to give it a second look.
The other two stories included in this anthology are:
“Forsaken by Night” by Larissa Ione- from the MoonBound Clan Vampires
“Dark Swan” by Gena Showalter- from Otherworld Assassin
I can’t speak for the other two books included, because I am totally unfamiliar with those series. But, I’m sure fans of the authors and their respective series, will want to include this book in their collection and for those looking for a paranormal read for Halloween, this collection might be just what you are looking for.
4 stars
This anthology series features three short stories from three wildly successful paranormal/urban fantasy series, by three incredibly well-loved and popular authors.
The story I am going to review here is – ‘The Warlord Wants Forever’ by Kresley Cole.
This story first appeared in an anthology entitled “Playing Easy to Get” and is the first story is the amazing “Immortals After Dark” series.
To be perfectly honest, I don’t know if I have read this story, which was released back in 2006, originally. I have read the entire IAD series, but don't think I ever got around to reading this one.
I have heard some people say this edition has been updated, but I can’t swear to that.
The story centers around Myst and Wroth, a Valkyrie and a vampire. When Wroth finds Myst the couple experiences an instant tension between them, but Wroth is on a mission and Myst, despite his initial first impression, gives him a fight of a lifetime. They war it out for five years, one upping each other until they can't fight the passion between them any longer.
“No one possess me, except in their fantasies. I’ll kill you as easily as kiss you” – Myst
The banter is what makes this story so good, and of course it is steamy, steamy, steamy! It’s no wonder this story had everyone panting and begging for more of the series and why it has remained so popular.
If you have read any of the other books in the series, you know how wicked Cole’s sense of humor is and how wild her imagination is. So, even if you missed this one somewhere along the way, you will be glad you decided to read it.
If you have already read it, again, I am told this version is slightly different from the original, so you may want to give it a second look.
The other two stories included in this anthology are:
“Forsaken by Night” by Larissa Ione- from the MoonBound Clan Vampires
“Dark Swan” by Gena Showalter- from Otherworld Assassin
I can’t speak for the other two books included, because I am totally unfamiliar with those series. But, I’m sure fans of the authors and their respective series, will want to include this book in their collection and for those looking for a paranormal read for Halloween, this collection might be just what you are looking for.
4 stars
August 22, 2016
Disclaimer: this is a review for Dark Swan by Gena Showalter, I have not read the other two yet.
As always, Gena strikes again. I devoured this book, I seem to always say the same stuff when I review Gena's books but I am not lying, I am not pretending to love her work, I just do. I truly do. Gena is a treasure, she's precious.
Back to the actual book. Dark Swan is not a full novel but it's not a novella either, I think it's about 216 pages long, more or less. I usually have a hard time liking shorter books, it's hard for me to connect with the characters, love story etc but it wasn't the case with Dark Swan, from the very first word to the very last one, I was hooked.
We've all been waiting for Dallas's book, it's been years and Gena finally wrote his story for us. I've always been a big fan of his in the Alien Huntress series and so I was thrilled to be able to read and learn more about him. Trust me ladies, he does not disappoint! Dallas is as broody and sassy as ever in Dark Swan. Of course, it's a shorter book so at the end you may want more time with him but, don't fret, I have a feeling Gena isn't done with this world and these characters...
I strongly encourage you to read the Alien Huntress series before reading Dark Swan, for several reasons:
- it's an amazing, funny and kick-ass series
- Gena wrote it
- you'll get to read more about Dallas and his past
- and, obviously, you'll understand the book much better
Anyway, Dark Swan basically starts right where Dark Taste of Rapture ended. The AIR is still trying to find the Schon queen, the bitch is still infecting people and Dallas is still Dallas. Our heroine, however, is new to us. Lilica is not an alien, she's not human either, she was created by scientists along with her two sisters. Lilica meets Dallas through Devyn when the latter captures and tortures her for information about the Schon queen. I really can't say much more except that I hadn't read more than 20 pages before Gena dropped a small bomb on me and I was shocked. Well done, G, well done.
I honestly loved that book, I think Gena did a marvelous job with it. I mean, it's not easy writing about a character from 5 years ago, remembering all the little details about him but also about the universe, the secondary characters, the plot etc. I found myself right back into it, it was like Gena never stopped writing about them in the first place.
If you loved Dallas before you're going to love him even more now! He made me laugh right from the start with his oversized ego and his relationship with Devyn is so precious. I think their bromance is my favorite from all of Gena's bromances. I really liked Lilica as well, she too is very funny and quite sassy (Gena is the queen of sassy heroines), determined, strong and with a drop of innocence. And, if I'm not mistaken, I think Lilica is Gena's first black heroine. Which was a very nice change and something I really appreciated!
The sexual tension is off the charts in this book! Loved the playful relationship Dallas had with Lilica, he doesn't hold back at all with her and it's so amazing to read. I laughed in more than one occasion while reading this and it was mostly because of what Dallas said to her without restraint. Or vice versa.
Of course and to my delight, a lot of characters from the Alien Huntress series make an appearance in Dark Swan. Especially Devyn and Bride, both are important to the story. Devyn is one of my all time favorite characters, I love him so much and I was so happy to have more of his cocky self in this book. He is just so precious and hilarious.
All in all, I'm sure Dark Swan wasn't an easy book to write but Gena did it brilliantly, the plot was very well written and it gave a satisfying conclusion to the series...even if I'm sure we're not quite done with them yet.
As always, Gena strikes again. I devoured this book, I seem to always say the same stuff when I review Gena's books but I am not lying, I am not pretending to love her work, I just do. I truly do. Gena is a treasure, she's precious.
Back to the actual book. Dark Swan is not a full novel but it's not a novella either, I think it's about 216 pages long, more or less. I usually have a hard time liking shorter books, it's hard for me to connect with the characters, love story etc but it wasn't the case with Dark Swan, from the very first word to the very last one, I was hooked.
We've all been waiting for Dallas's book, it's been years and Gena finally wrote his story for us. I've always been a big fan of his in the Alien Huntress series and so I was thrilled to be able to read and learn more about him. Trust me ladies, he does not disappoint! Dallas is as broody and sassy as ever in Dark Swan. Of course, it's a shorter book so at the end you may want more time with him but, don't fret, I have a feeling Gena isn't done with this world and these characters...
I strongly encourage you to read the Alien Huntress series before reading Dark Swan, for several reasons:
- it's an amazing, funny and kick-ass series
- Gena wrote it
- you'll get to read more about Dallas and his past
- and, obviously, you'll understand the book much better
Anyway, Dark Swan basically starts right where Dark Taste of Rapture ended. The AIR is still trying to find the Schon queen, the bitch is still infecting people and Dallas is still Dallas. Our heroine, however, is new to us. Lilica is not an alien, she's not human either, she was created by scientists along with her two sisters. Lilica meets Dallas through Devyn when the latter captures and tortures her for information about the Schon queen. I really can't say much more except that I hadn't read more than 20 pages before Gena dropped a small bomb on me and I was shocked. Well done, G, well done.
I honestly loved that book, I think Gena did a marvelous job with it. I mean, it's not easy writing about a character from 5 years ago, remembering all the little details about him but also about the universe, the secondary characters, the plot etc. I found myself right back into it, it was like Gena never stopped writing about them in the first place.
If you loved Dallas before you're going to love him even more now! He made me laugh right from the start with his oversized ego and his relationship with Devyn is so precious. I think their bromance is my favorite from all of Gena's bromances. I really liked Lilica as well, she too is very funny and quite sassy (Gena is the queen of sassy heroines), determined, strong and with a drop of innocence. And, if I'm not mistaken, I think Lilica is Gena's first black heroine. Which was a very nice change and something I really appreciated!
The sexual tension is off the charts in this book! Loved the playful relationship Dallas had with Lilica, he doesn't hold back at all with her and it's so amazing to read. I laughed in more than one occasion while reading this and it was mostly because of what Dallas said to her without restraint. Or vice versa.
Of course and to my delight, a lot of characters from the Alien Huntress series make an appearance in Dark Swan. Especially Devyn and Bride, both are important to the story. Devyn is one of my all time favorite characters, I love him so much and I was so happy to have more of his cocky self in this book. He is just so precious and hilarious.
All in all, I'm sure Dark Swan wasn't an easy book to write but Gena did it brilliantly, the plot was very well written and it gave a satisfying conclusion to the series...even if I'm sure we're not quite done with them yet.
November 6, 2025
Three outstanding bestselling authors, 3 amazingly steamy paranormal, romantic fantasies all packed into one perfectly sized anthology.
Can tell you how excited I was about getting a copy of Blood Red Kiss. It was like Christmas and my birthday all wrapped up in a book. Well, if you think of it as a really hot and steamy birthday/Christmas party because every single story brings the heat.
If you haven’t checked out these authors, this is a perfect opportunity. If you are already a fan, then this with whet your appetite while you wait for their next book to be released.
I received this ARC copy of Blood Red Kiss from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication Sept. 20, 2016.
My rating: 4 stars
Can tell you how excited I was about getting a copy of Blood Red Kiss. It was like Christmas and my birthday all wrapped up in a book. Well, if you think of it as a really hot and steamy birthday/Christmas party because every single story brings the heat.
If you haven’t checked out these authors, this is a perfect opportunity. If you are already a fan, then this with whet your appetite while you wait for their next book to be released.
I received this ARC copy of Blood Red Kiss from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication Sept. 20, 2016.
My rating: 4 stars
Want to read
March 22, 2016OMG OMG OMG OMG!!
Dallas's book! AH! FINALLY!!!!!!
Dallas's book! AH! FINALLY!!!!!!
February 24, 2017
The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole
*5 Stars*
Being the huge IAD fan I am, I'd previously read Myst and Nikolai's story and loved it. I did enjoy this reread and the updated version. But I really liked the bonus content at the end with the peak into the authors convo's with each other and the process for making HLNO'S cover.
Forsaken by Night by Larissa Ione
*4 Stars*
I've only read the first book in the MoonBound series but I didn't find I was lost at all reading this one out of order which was great. I enjoyed the unique way Lobo and Tehya came to be together and I'll definitely have to get to reading the rest of the books in this series. A new take on vampires which is hard to find.
Dark Swan by Gena Showalter
*5 Stars*
If you're a big fan of the Alien Huntress/Otherworld Assassin's like me you might have had a love hate relationship with this story like I did. On the one hand I love Dallas and I loved Lilica and I even loved their story, wrapping up the Schon Queen story line. Bringing back new characters and catching up with familiar ones. This story had all the humour the previous books had along with Showalter's signature take no shit heroine that this series is known for. In short there was a lot to love about this story. My issue first is that I really feel like Dallas should have gotten his own full book instead of novella and second it kind of felt like she only wrote this because fans kept bugging her too. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm just being a picky bitch but either way I did enjoy Dallas and Lilica's story and will look forward to seeing them in future books if the series continues.
ARC Provided by NetGalley for an honest review
*5 Stars*
Being the huge IAD fan I am, I'd previously read Myst and Nikolai's story and loved it. I did enjoy this reread and the updated version. But I really liked the bonus content at the end with the peak into the authors convo's with each other and the process for making HLNO'S cover.
Forsaken by Night by Larissa Ione
*4 Stars*
I've only read the first book in the MoonBound series but I didn't find I was lost at all reading this one out of order which was great. I enjoyed the unique way Lobo and Tehya came to be together and I'll definitely have to get to reading the rest of the books in this series. A new take on vampires which is hard to find.
Dark Swan by Gena Showalter
*5 Stars*
If you're a big fan of the Alien Huntress/Otherworld Assassin's like me you might have had a love hate relationship with this story like I did. On the one hand I love Dallas and I loved Lilica and I even loved their story, wrapping up the Schon Queen story line. Bringing back new characters and catching up with familiar ones. This story had all the humour the previous books had along with Showalter's signature take no shit heroine that this series is known for. In short there was a lot to love about this story. My issue first is that I really feel like Dallas should have gotten his own full book instead of novella and second it kind of felt like she only wrote this because fans kept bugging her too. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm just being a picky bitch but either way I did enjoy Dallas and Lilica's story and will look forward to seeing them in future books if the series continues.
ARC Provided by NetGalley for an honest review
October 25, 2016
I am only reviewing Gena Showalter's novella Dark Swan.
We are first introduced to Dallas in the Alien Huntress series (one of my favorite PNR series). So I was very excited when I read that the novella in this book would be featuring him. Lilica Swan, the main female character, was very intriguing and I liked her right away. Both Dallas and Lily were very likable and unique characters and they were the main reason why I loved the story that much. There are two other characters who I hope will get a book in the future because they were awesome!
I loved how they met and how their relationship developed. Dallas was still the outgoing player I remembered. The only thing I would've wanted was that their story was a full-length novel. But Gena did a phenomenal job with this story regardless the length. I really hope there will be more books set in this world because it is very unique and the characters are AMAZING!
September 21, 2016
I'm going to be honest here. These are three of my all time favorite paranormal authors, and in general as well. So when I saw this anthology was coming out featuring all three of them, I was beyond excited. I got even more excited when I saw that Gena Showalter was finally... FINALLY giving us Dallas' story. If you have read the Alien Huntress series and subsequently the Otherworld Assassin spin off series you'll know that we've been waiting for his HEA for quite some time. When I say years I'm not even joking. Excited and a little scared I went into this book with very high expectations and I'm pleased to say that it's satisfied everything on my list. These three paranormal queens rocked it! So let's jump in with each story.
THE WARLORD WANTS FOREVER by Kresley Cole
Immortals After Dark # 1
What is this you say? This is not a new story! Well, my initial feeling as well. Both Larissa and Gena gave us new stories in this anthology and the IAD offering is an UPDATED version of where the series started. I will say this. I have terrible memory and I read this story originally many moons ago. I couldn't tell you if and what the original/edited content is on this story, so to be fair I'll leave it at that. If you have better memory than me, please enlighten me in the comments! ;)
But I'll admit that I was disappointed that this wasn't new. I'm all for bonus content but I don't usually like to re-read stories that have been "updated" and I feel like this book could've been overall stronger had this been different in this case.
FORSAKEN BY NIGHT by Larissa Ione
MoonBound Clan Vampires # 2.5
The MoonBound Clan Vampires series is one that started off a bit shaky for me. I really enjoy the idea of this series because even though we are dealing with vampires, this reads a lot to me like a shifter book. It's in the involvement between the members of each Clan, the rules, the plots. And I love that about it! While the first book was kind of ok for me, the second book was really enjoyable and this novella followed along that second installment. It features a member of the Clan that was kicked out a long time ago because of his ability as a skinwalker and the fact that he can impersonate people and in particular other vampires. The law dictated he should either be killed for that offense or kicked out. And he's been an outsider ever since, but never straying too far from Clan territory. I found Lobo endearing and the story and connection with his mate was adorable and just got to me. This wasn't a very long story but it packed all it needed to in it and I hope that if it's your first taste of Larissa Ione that you'll go pick up the rest of her books. Yes all of them!
DARK SWAN by Gena Showalter
Otherworld Assassin # 2.5
Yes! The heavens opened up and answered my prayers. Dallas, in my hands, my greedy greedy hands. Full disclaimer here that I think the males of this series are so sexy and so alpha and so delicious that you won't be able to not fall for them! But back to Dallas. Whenever there's a story I anticipate this much it's a very exciting moment to start reading it but also it's nerve wrecking. The expectations that I've built up are through the roof, and quite frankly I have to wonder if the author can deliver. My nerves were even bigger because this is a novella. A NOVELLA! I thought for sure Dallas needed a full length book in order to be the HEA I wanted for him. He's just so special. So I was scared to read it but also couldn't wait. Let's just say that... I should've just trust Ms. Showalter. DARK SWAN is definitely not what I expected but it's the story worth of Dallas and it does him justice. I was quite happy with the heroine (another big fear of mine) and I found I connected with her from the beginning. And I really loved how who she is brings a chapter in the overall plot to a close. Dallas is his usual cocky self and thank God for that. The man is hot, he knows it and he also knows how to use it. I admit there was a lot of quote highlighting with this one, in part because of Dallas, but in part because this book features a bit of Devyn. Now if you read my review of SEDUCE THE DARKNESS you'll know I am head over hills for this cocky otherworlder and it was delightful to see him in this story as he is Dallas' BFF. Their dynamic is awesome and brought many smiles to my face.
While DARK SWAN gave me everything I was waiting for so long, it's also reignited my love for this series and I hope we get to see a lot more from it soon!
Favorite Quotes:
"I can think of three things you need right now off the top of my head," he said.
"Well. Let's hear them."
"A spanking, a hug, and a good hard fuck."
Lady Wicked wants her man.
"Every word and every action is a seed. One day something will grow from it. Whether good or bad. Just depends on the kind of seed I planted."
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca
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November 24, 2017
I brought Blood Red Kiss to read The Warlord Wants Forever, the first book in Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series. It’s a series to have interested me for quite some time, and I wanted to start with the novella before diving into the full-length novels. Whilst The Warlord Wants Forever was an interesting read, it wasn’t the amazing read I had been hoping for.
Much more enjoyable was Larissa Ione’s Forsaken by Night. Despite being two-point-five in the MoonBound Clan series, it works perfectly fine as a standalone story. As a fan of Larissa Ione’s Demonica series, I was excited to read some of her other work – and I was not disappointed. The MoonBound Clan series is now on my to-read list.
The least enjoyable story, for me, was Gena Showalter’s Dark Swan. Gena Showalter is an author who has interested me for quite some time, but I’ve never picked up one of her books. I feel as though diving into two-point-five of the Otherworld Assassin series was not the best of moves. Although the story made sense without the context of the other series, I feel as though I was missing out too much information to really enjoy it. Although that contributed to some of my lack of enjoyment, I also found myself struggling to enjoy it for other reasons. Due to this, I’m no longer so eager to dive into another Gena Showalter book.
Individual ratings:
The Warlord Wants Forever: Three stars.
Forsaken by Night: Four stars.
Dark Swan: Two stars.
Much more enjoyable was Larissa Ione’s Forsaken by Night. Despite being two-point-five in the MoonBound Clan series, it works perfectly fine as a standalone story. As a fan of Larissa Ione’s Demonica series, I was excited to read some of her other work – and I was not disappointed. The MoonBound Clan series is now on my to-read list.
The least enjoyable story, for me, was Gena Showalter’s Dark Swan. Gena Showalter is an author who has interested me for quite some time, but I’ve never picked up one of her books. I feel as though diving into two-point-five of the Otherworld Assassin series was not the best of moves. Although the story made sense without the context of the other series, I feel as though I was missing out too much information to really enjoy it. Although that contributed to some of my lack of enjoyment, I also found myself struggling to enjoy it for other reasons. Due to this, I’m no longer so eager to dive into another Gena Showalter book.
Individual ratings:
The Warlord Wants Forever: Three stars.
Forsaken by Night: Four stars.
Dark Swan: Two stars.
October 28, 2016
Because good things always come in threes....
The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole - This is the first novel in Cole's wickedly popular Immortals After Dark Series. It has been revamped, and Cole said it flows smoother. Yep, I would concur. The tale flows beautifully, and I devoured it in a single sitting. Her world-building and creatures are wonderfully developed. In the front of the book, we are provided a list of terminology and explanation for the different types of supernatural creatures in the Immortals world. This story involves vampire Nikolai Wroth and an impish Valkyrie named Myst. I loved it from the torturous situation Myst left him in, to the heated love scenes and tender moments. When I closed The Warlord Wants Forever, I might have cursed Simon and Schuster for sending this to me, and Cole for writing such an addictive story that left me wanting to read the entire series. There are notes at the end from Cole where she answers fan questions, and it is here I discovered that Robert Petkoff narrates the series. This knowledge left me giddy. I know dear reader I have lived under a rock. My blogger friends have all told me to start this series. And yes, I grab the audiobook for A Hunger Like No Other book two in this 18+ book series. *Santa send me audio credits*
Forsaken by Night by Larissa Ione - Vampires that are skinwalkers or have special abilities made for an interesting read in this romantic tale. Forsaken by Night introduced me to the world and creatures in Ione's Moonbound Clan. We meet Lobo, a vampire with shifting abilities whose clan was wiped out, and lived among his captors until he was banned for shifting into the form of another vampire. He lives alone, not far from Moonbound. His solve company a beautiful female wolf. She is different, and he is not sure how but she hasn't aged. When she is injured, he risks his life to save her. The events that unfold had me slipping into the world as I became caught up the romance that followed. I am anxious to try more from this series. The way in which this was written allows for anyone to read it, even if they have never visited the MoonBound Clan series. For me, this was different from the Eternal Riders series. Lighter, but still filled with a complex, vivid world.
Dark Swan by Gena Showalter - This novella is from the Otherworld Assassins, a spinoff of the Alien Huntress novels. These stories take place in the same world. This was intense and heated. In this world, Aliens, the Supernatural, and others exist. The story focuses on Lilica Swan who is neither human nor is she an otherworlder. We are giving her background story and those of her sisters Jade and Trinity. Dallas Gutierrez is an agent for the AIR, Alien Investigation, and Removal Unit. He captures dangerous aliens and supernatural beings keeping the world safe for all sides. He has dreamed of Lilica and she of him. Both are trying to capture a dangerous Schon who also happens to be Trinity. Things get a little hinky when they unknowing bond. Dark Swan was deliciously heated, and I loved the banter, snark-filled romance, but it also delivered a suspenseful storyline that kept me riveted.
Copy provided by Publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole - This is the first novel in Cole's wickedly popular Immortals After Dark Series. It has been revamped, and Cole said it flows smoother. Yep, I would concur. The tale flows beautifully, and I devoured it in a single sitting. Her world-building and creatures are wonderfully developed. In the front of the book, we are provided a list of terminology and explanation for the different types of supernatural creatures in the Immortals world. This story involves vampire Nikolai Wroth and an impish Valkyrie named Myst. I loved it from the torturous situation Myst left him in, to the heated love scenes and tender moments. When I closed The Warlord Wants Forever, I might have cursed Simon and Schuster for sending this to me, and Cole for writing such an addictive story that left me wanting to read the entire series. There are notes at the end from Cole where she answers fan questions, and it is here I discovered that Robert Petkoff narrates the series. This knowledge left me giddy. I know dear reader I have lived under a rock. My blogger friends have all told me to start this series. And yes, I grab the audiobook for A Hunger Like No Other book two in this 18+ book series. *Santa send me audio credits*
Forsaken by Night by Larissa Ione - Vampires that are skinwalkers or have special abilities made for an interesting read in this romantic tale. Forsaken by Night introduced me to the world and creatures in Ione's Moonbound Clan. We meet Lobo, a vampire with shifting abilities whose clan was wiped out, and lived among his captors until he was banned for shifting into the form of another vampire. He lives alone, not far from Moonbound. His solve company a beautiful female wolf. She is different, and he is not sure how but she hasn't aged. When she is injured, he risks his life to save her. The events that unfold had me slipping into the world as I became caught up the romance that followed. I am anxious to try more from this series. The way in which this was written allows for anyone to read it, even if they have never visited the MoonBound Clan series. For me, this was different from the Eternal Riders series. Lighter, but still filled with a complex, vivid world.
Dark Swan by Gena Showalter - This novella is from the Otherworld Assassins, a spinoff of the Alien Huntress novels. These stories take place in the same world. This was intense and heated. In this world, Aliens, the Supernatural, and others exist. The story focuses on Lilica Swan who is neither human nor is she an otherworlder. We are giving her background story and those of her sisters Jade and Trinity. Dallas Gutierrez is an agent for the AIR, Alien Investigation, and Removal Unit. He captures dangerous aliens and supernatural beings keeping the world safe for all sides. He has dreamed of Lilica and she of him. Both are trying to capture a dangerous Schon who also happens to be Trinity. Things get a little hinky when they unknowing bond. Dark Swan was deliciously heated, and I loved the banter, snark-filled romance, but it also delivered a suspenseful storyline that kept me riveted.
Copy provided by Publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
own-unread
April 4, 2016Well, my three favorite authors decide to have a book together and how much awesome can handle that? Feature a new version of The Warlord Wants Forever (a novella that start my love for Immortal After Dark), novella from MoonBound Clan and Alien Huntress which feature the long awaited Dallas's story.
Now, I hope this one not self-published and will come in paperback version!
(but if its self-pub, it's okay, tho :) )
Now, I hope this one not self-published and will come in paperback version!
(but if its self-pub, it's okay, tho :) )
Want to read
March 16, 2016I want this book
I need this book!
Please give me this book...please.....
My favourite authors in one book? i am simultaneously going to combust...oh my gosh!
until September...? please give me an ARC...I BEG!!!
I need this book!
Please give me this book...please.....
My favourite authors in one book? i am simultaneously going to combust...oh my gosh!
until September...? please give me an ARC...I BEG!!!
September 25, 2016
This was overall a miss for me; best left for huge fans of the authors involved or anthologies. Glad I got this from the library rather than spending money on it.
The Warlord Wants Forever – Kresley Cole
2 Stars. Huge disappointment. This was a reworking of the (very good) first story of the IAD series, and all that was really changed was the addition of a lot of sex. The charm of the original story was lost in the plethora of sex. I recommend reading the original version, the storyline was much better and not so over-shadowed by the sex. After the story there was some narcissistic stuff tossed in by Cole. Strictly for the superfans.
Forsaken by Night – Larissa Ione
3.5 Stars. This was the story I picked up the anthology to read. I'm liking Ione’s “MoonBound Clan” series, and this was a nice little addition to the world. The story of the exiled skinwalker vampire Lobo and his longtime ‘wolf’ companion Tehya was an enjoyable story. The trip to the MoonBound headquarters and the bit with Hunter was a nice bonus. Less sex and more actual story than the Cole offering. Can be read standalone to get a taste of the series.
Dark Swan – Gena Showalter
This was a DNF for me. I've never read any of the series it's from, or “Alien Huntress”, a previous series this is based on. Nothing made sense to me, and I couldn't get a handle on the world. The characters were always trying to be funny and hip; and spoke in cutesy/smartass idioms that got old pretty quickly. This is best left for the fans of the series. I did not find that it worked standalone, and I'm usually pretty swift on the uptake. (Oh my, now I'm speaking in idioms).
October 11, 2016
I love Cole's Immortals After Dark series. I am a bit put off that this is not a new story for the series. It is the first one, “The Warlord Wants Forever.” It did have a rewrite though, but the story is as I remember, but a bit better written. One less star for not being brand spanking new.
Ione is an author I have just recently read. Though I did find out that I did read a few books from her a while ago. This is a good addition to her MoonBound Clan Vampires. This helped to push me towards continuing with her books. So far I have a meh feeling most of what I have read, but I really liked this one. She write vampire differently than what I have experienced from others.
I am really liking that Showalter's contribution to this has brought a new series, rather spinoff, to my attention. Otherworld Assassins is very close to the top of my to read pile. I love this author.
This is a good anthology for anyone wanting to find new paranormal romance authors to read. Though I find it hard to imagine that fans of the genre have not yet tried them out, they are big names.
Ione is an author I have just recently read. Though I did find out that I did read a few books from her a while ago. This is a good addition to her MoonBound Clan Vampires. This helped to push me towards continuing with her books. So far I have a meh feeling most of what I have read, but I really liked this one. She write vampire differently than what I have experienced from others.
I am really liking that Showalter's contribution to this has brought a new series, rather spinoff, to my attention. Otherworld Assassins is very close to the top of my to read pile. I love this author.
This is a good anthology for anyone wanting to find new paranormal romance authors to read. Though I find it hard to imagine that fans of the genre have not yet tried them out, they are big names.
Want to read
May 19, 2016Why bundle an anthology of new novellas with old novellas? The novella, The Warlord Wants Forever, is old. It is numbered wrong in the Immortals After Dark line up as "BOOK #1" but it is a novella first published in 2006 in Playing Easy to Get with 3 other novellas making 352 pages! It is a novella NOT book 1, it only has 100+ pages of development, 3 hrs 58 minutes on Audible, no matter how many pages are claimed in ebook form, unabridged Audible 4 hours. So... again, why republish this novella and take up space that another novella could have? Frustrating because I only want MoonBound Clan Vampires, as Otherworld I didn't like, at all (YA so doesn't fit these!), and I've already read Warlord.
October 31, 2016
Loved Dallas's story!
Read
November 14, 2021Read: The Warlord Wants Forever - K. Cole
3🌟
I think if I read this book first I would have liked it more, but instead I had higher hopes for Nikolai and Mysts story.
Read in the the Fated Mates reading order.
3🌟
I think if I read this book first I would have liked it more, but instead I had higher hopes for Nikolai and Mysts story.
Read in the the Fated Mates reading order.
November 29, 2017
Kresley Cole: Romance + plot on point
Larissa Ione: Romance is steamy
Gena Showalter: Intriguing plot
Larissa Ione: Romance is steamy
Gena Showalter: Intriguing plot
February 27, 2019
This review is for The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole
The story first appeared in an anthology "Playing Easy to Get". This is the first installment of Immortal After Dark. Though, this story has been rewritten. There aren't too much changes. But I have to say I like this version better than the original.
This story centers around Nikolai Wroth—the ruthless warlord vampire—and Myst—the bloodthristy Valkyrie. Their first meeting is far from romantic. But Myst somehow found this warlord *cough*sexy*cough*. And who knows, that she's his Bride—his mate for life. And the epic journey I ever read is Nik trying to win Myst and prove that he's not cruel. Will he success?
I love the predestined-mate concept in this book. Everything seems so certain but there is no guarantee. And what I always love from Kresley Cole is her too-good sense of humor and wild imagination which are projected into her aesthetic words (what do I say actually?). Her writing always has 'soul'. If you read enough of her book, you'll know her writing style just by reading a few sentence of her work. That's why I love her and nominated her as my fav-all-time author. Her works are amazing. And I'm not saying it because I'm her fan. I AM her fan. But I wasn't, when I read this book.
Cole has big success in combining the real place and imaginary setting. And as the reader, I always feel that I was there. I even believe some places really exist even when she said they aren't. Considering I read it a year ago and still remember every scenes, this book must be that good. Okay, at least for me. Then there always are sexy alpha males, which, ofc my fav part of her books (every book which contains dominan males will be my fav). And don't worry of her choise of words. Even me, who actually can't speak English properly can enjoy this—her—book(s).
So, you're a PNR fan? You certainly have to read this book!
The story first appeared in an anthology "Playing Easy to Get". This is the first installment of Immortal After Dark. Though, this story has been rewritten. There aren't too much changes. But I have to say I like this version better than the original.
This story centers around Nikolai Wroth—the ruthless warlord vampire—and Myst—the bloodthristy Valkyrie. Their first meeting is far from romantic. But Myst somehow found this warlord *cough*sexy*cough*. And who knows, that she's his Bride—his mate for life. And the epic journey I ever read is Nik trying to win Myst and prove that he's not cruel. Will he success?
I love the predestined-mate concept in this book. Everything seems so certain but there is no guarantee. And what I always love from Kresley Cole is her too-good sense of humor and wild imagination which are projected into her aesthetic words (what do I say actually?). Her writing always has 'soul'. If you read enough of her book, you'll know her writing style just by reading a few sentence of her work. That's why I love her and nominated her as my fav-all-time author. Her works are amazing. And I'm not saying it because I'm her fan. I AM her fan. But I wasn't, when I read this book.
Cole has big success in combining the real place and imaginary setting. And as the reader, I always feel that I was there. I even believe some places really exist even when she said they aren't. Considering I read it a year ago and still remember every scenes, this book must be that good. Okay, at least for me. Then there always are sexy alpha males, which, ofc my fav part of her books (every book which contains dominan males will be my fav). And don't worry of her choise of words. Even me, who actually can't speak English properly can enjoy this—her—book(s).
So, you're a PNR fan? You certainly have to read this book!
October 2, 2016
“The Warlord Wants Forever” by Kresley Cole 5* as always
“Forsaken by Night” by Larissa Ione 4*
“Forsaken by Night” by Larissa Ione 4*
September 26, 2016
This is going to be one of the easiest reviews I've ever written. Why, you ask? Because three of my all time favorite paranormal romance (PNR) authors have just released their collaborative anthology called Blood Red Kiss. I've been reading these three wonderful ladies for 7 years. That is actually as long as I've been reading books for fun. I knew that two of the authors were besties, but toss in another and apparently these girls had too much fun collaborating on this book.
The Warlord Wants Forever (Immortals After Dark #1) by Kresley Cole - 5/5 stars
Okay, so I already read this story waaaay back in December 2010. This is the novella that starts the entire Immortals After Dark (IAD) series. I know a lot of readers didn't read this short story first, but rather started the series reading A Hunger Like No Other. This novella isn't crucial to the series but it's written as a primer for the entire series. The rules of the world are spelled out for you. It is a fantastic way to sample Ms. Cole's IAD series.
But I've got to tell you, even if you don't like this short story, I HIGHLY recommend the rest of the IAD series. Check out Goodreads for yourself and you'll see all the great reviews. Well, at least my friends have put up great reviews. Oh, you know who to trust! :)
Forsaken By Night (Moonbound Clan Vampires #2.5) by Larissa Ione - 3.5/5 stars
I have been waiting FOREVER for a new Moonbound Clan story (okay, only a year).Good news: I got it in the form of a novella and I wasn't even expecting it... Surprise! Bad news... it had been so long since the last book that I'd forgotten a lot about the world.
This is one of Ms. Ione's tougher worlds for me to keep straight. Whereas Demonica and Lords of Deliverance were both in the same "world", I was able to keep track of the characters and "canon" better. For some reason, for Moonbound Clan, with it's clan hierarchy and native american history on top of the whole enslaving of vampires thing and high tech research, I just can't keep track of who can have babies, who can't, etc....
It may sound like I don't like this series but crazily enough, I LOVE this series! I just wish it would come out faster. Ms. Ione is an awesome writer and her PNR stories are scorching.
If you don't think you're up for starting this series, I do highly recommend the Demonica series. Especially book #2, Desire Unchained, my personal (heartbreaking) favorite.
Dark Swan (Otherworld Assassins #2.5) by Gena Showalter - 3.5/5 stars
So I read the description on this story. I thought, "Hey! It's Dallas' story, finally!!" As in Dallas from the Alien Huntress series. But wait a minute here.... it's being tossed into the Otherworld Assassins series. What the heck, man??!! These are all characters from the Huntress series. Oh, whatever. I'll get over it.
Once I got over my confusion, let it go, and started reading, I remembered all my love for sci-fi!! Man, I need to find me more sci-fi on my shelves right now. And Ms. Showalter does good sci-fi because in her world, anything goes. You want to make a person from 15 different aliens, you go right ahead. Just watch out for the consequences. ;)
I really love Dallas but somehow, he seemed a bit more over the top with his ego this time around. Maybe it's been too long for me since I last read an Alien Huntress. Lilica was a great fit for him. I just wasn't such a huge fan of the alien insta-love-mojo they had going on. I think the story could have been just as good without it. But, as always, I'm not an author. Me suck at writing.
Unlike past mass market anthologies I've bought or received, this one has "bonus" material in between stories. Conversations between the authors and a book cover's evolution are shared with readers. I thought this was a wonderful idea!!! I hope this becomes a new, popular trend (hint, hint Publishers).
Review appears on
June 4, 2018
As a long-time fan of Kresley Cole, I was thrilled to read this updated version of The Warlord Wants Forever for my first time. As expected, it was amazing. What I didn't expect, and was nonetheless super pleased about, was being completely mesmerized by the other two stories in the book. I had never read Larissa Ione or Gena Showalter before but let me tell you, I am now a fan and must find more!
Memorable characters, complicated worlds full of intrigue and danger, and lusty situations fill these pages. I laughed, I teared up, I had to fan myself. Amazing stories by amazing authors!
Memorable characters, complicated worlds full of intrigue and danger, and lusty situations fill these pages. I laughed, I teared up, I had to fan myself. Amazing stories by amazing authors!
September 12, 2016
The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole
Myst and Nikolai’s book is the first look into a whole new world of supernatural beings. The Immortals After Dark series is one of my top 5 series and you will be glad to know that it’s not over yet!
Myst the Coveted is a Valkyrie as fierce as all of her sisters! When vampire General Nikolai Wroth takes over one of the castles of his King’s enemies and discovers the beautiful creature in the dungeon, he doesn’t know what to do with her. His first instinct screams to keep her but then Myst seems to have information that Kristoff, his King, needs and Nikolai owes him his life. It’s not long before Nikolai realizes that Myst is not the helpless creature her though her to be and it’s not long after she slips through his fingers.
What did I think of the story? Duh, I freaking love the IAD series and Myst and Nikolai’s story is just a small taste of how incredible the whole series is. Their story can also be found as a standalone book.
Forsaken by Night by Larissa Ione
This story is part of the MoonBound Clan Vampires series, which I have not read, but it can totally be read as a standalone.
Forsaken by night tells the story of Lobo, a vampire who can change forms and Tehya, a vampire who is stuck in her werewolf form. When Lobo found the injured wolf years ago, it gave him all the motivation he needed to get his act together and live for the loyal wolf. Now, Tehya is fatally injured once again and Lobo will risk everything to get her the help she needs. Lobo not only breaks the rules but the very laws that he once obeyed to heal this wolf. Little does he expect to meet the woman trapped as the wolf and the attraction that he cannot deny. But Lobo has broken the laws and it’s now time to pay the consequences.
I really liked Lobo and Tehya’s story. They were two amazing but tortured characters who completed each other. Lobo thought that the wolf saved him when he needed something to live but it’s not until he meets the real Tehya that he realizes what he has been missing. We also get to see some other characters in the series as well as some new developments.
Dark Swan by Gena Showalter
*Squee* This is the story that I have been waiting for YEARS!
I’m a HUGE fan of the Alien Huntress series and its spin off, Otherworld Assassin series, and for awhile now I thought that Gena was done with the series but she’s NOT!
Agent Dallas Gutierrez has had a rough start in life and it hasn’t gotten any better. Sure, he has the most loyal and caring friends in the world but his near death experience cost him his human nature. Now, a human and an Arcadian hybrid, Dallas will do anything to stop the biggest threat on earth, Trinity Swan.
Lilica Swan will do anything to save her sister even if it means staying close to the enemy. When Jade, her other sister, informs her that the only way to find Trinity s through Dallas, Lilica knows she will have to stick with him to protect her sister. But what happens when Lilica and Dallas fall in love yet their missions remain the same?
I FREAKING LOVED IT! Dallas and Lilica were amazing characters! We got to catch up with other characters in the series such as Mia, who is still a badass, and Devyn & Bride, who I LOVE as a couple! We also got to see what’s going on with John No Last Name, a character we met in the Otherworld Assassin series and someone who has had it even rougher than Dallas. Despite his horrific past, John is an excellent agent and is put in charge of Jade’s protection. The pair has some serious issues to get through and I’m hoping we get to see their HEA.
*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.com...
Myst and Nikolai’s book is the first look into a whole new world of supernatural beings. The Immortals After Dark series is one of my top 5 series and you will be glad to know that it’s not over yet!
Myst the Coveted is a Valkyrie as fierce as all of her sisters! When vampire General Nikolai Wroth takes over one of the castles of his King’s enemies and discovers the beautiful creature in the dungeon, he doesn’t know what to do with her. His first instinct screams to keep her but then Myst seems to have information that Kristoff, his King, needs and Nikolai owes him his life. It’s not long before Nikolai realizes that Myst is not the helpless creature her though her to be and it’s not long after she slips through his fingers.
What did I think of the story? Duh, I freaking love the IAD series and Myst and Nikolai’s story is just a small taste of how incredible the whole series is. Their story can also be found as a standalone book.
Forsaken by Night by Larissa Ione
This story is part of the MoonBound Clan Vampires series, which I have not read, but it can totally be read as a standalone.
Forsaken by night tells the story of Lobo, a vampire who can change forms and Tehya, a vampire who is stuck in her werewolf form. When Lobo found the injured wolf years ago, it gave him all the motivation he needed to get his act together and live for the loyal wolf. Now, Tehya is fatally injured once again and Lobo will risk everything to get her the help she needs. Lobo not only breaks the rules but the very laws that he once obeyed to heal this wolf. Little does he expect to meet the woman trapped as the wolf and the attraction that he cannot deny. But Lobo has broken the laws and it’s now time to pay the consequences.
I really liked Lobo and Tehya’s story. They were two amazing but tortured characters who completed each other. Lobo thought that the wolf saved him when he needed something to live but it’s not until he meets the real Tehya that he realizes what he has been missing. We also get to see some other characters in the series as well as some new developments.
Dark Swan by Gena Showalter
*Squee* This is the story that I have been waiting for YEARS!
I’m a HUGE fan of the Alien Huntress series and its spin off, Otherworld Assassin series, and for awhile now I thought that Gena was done with the series but she’s NOT!
Agent Dallas Gutierrez has had a rough start in life and it hasn’t gotten any better. Sure, he has the most loyal and caring friends in the world but his near death experience cost him his human nature. Now, a human and an Arcadian hybrid, Dallas will do anything to stop the biggest threat on earth, Trinity Swan.
Lilica Swan will do anything to save her sister even if it means staying close to the enemy. When Jade, her other sister, informs her that the only way to find Trinity s through Dallas, Lilica knows she will have to stick with him to protect her sister. But what happens when Lilica and Dallas fall in love yet their missions remain the same?
I FREAKING LOVED IT! Dallas and Lilica were amazing characters! We got to catch up with other characters in the series such as Mia, who is still a badass, and Devyn & Bride, who I LOVE as a couple! We also got to see what’s going on with John No Last Name, a character we met in the Otherworld Assassin series and someone who has had it even rougher than Dallas. Despite his horrific past, John is an excellent agent and is put in charge of Jade’s protection. The pair has some serious issues to get through and I’m hoping we get to see their HEA.
*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.com...
September 19, 2016
First let me tell you how amazing it is to have three of my favorite authors collaborate to create an amazing anthology! These women are incredible and together they cannot be beat! Three sizzling reads in one awesome anthology! Life is good! You do not need to have read their series in order to enjoy these stories!
I looked forward to this one so much and then saw that Kresley Cole was only contributing her previously released The Warlord Wants Forever. However, what I didn’t know until reading this was that it is the ten year anniversary edition packed with tons of behind the scenes, the making of and extra content! So do not fear this is not the same old same old! It is new and improved and worth the read!
It has been a long time since I read the first story in the Immortals After Dark series and it was so fun going back to the beginning and getting to read about the magnificent Roth brothers! So here is my new review:
Kresley Cole Immortals After Dark series The Warlord Wants Forever
What if the warlord you forced in to five long years of constant near death and pain suddenly appears back in your life? What if he knew every terrible thing you had ever done but not why you did it or what really happened and he stewed on it for those five years? Nikolai Wroth is her dream and her nightmare.
What if your Valkyrie bride, the one who blooded you, left you unfinished and tortured for five years had an appalling past that you just cannot get over? You cannot forgive her and yet you will not live without her. Knowing Myst the Coveted has a lifetime of secrets keeps Wroth from truly setting her free and from letting her into his heart completely.
Larissa Ione MoonBound Clan novella Forsaken by Night
I love the incredible new world Larissa created in her MoonBound Clan series! Her story starts off fast and furious but smoothly adds all you need to know about the changes in the world and the new laws in place as well as the laws of the vampire clans.
Lobo will do anything to save his best friend, a wolf he has named Tehya. When she is mortally wounded he breaks the laws and takes her to the only place he feels she will get the help she needs. Something happens to her there and suddenly Lobo & Tehya’s relationship changes from companionship to something forbidden. She has been transformed. Lobo’s world is flipped on end when he realizes that the woman of his dreams has been right by his side for the last twelve years. The law forbids them from being together because even in their world they are different and feared. That doesn’t stop either of them from putting their lives in danger and risking it all for each other.
Gena Showalter Otherworld Assassins Dark Swan
Created in a lab and raised by experiment after experiment three sisters are forced to take different paths in life. Unfortunately one sister has been killing off otherworlder’s and humans alike with her disease. Enter AIR Agent Dallas, bent on killing said sister, a plan Lilica will do anything to stop. When these two meet however an explosion of lust, desire and an overwhelming need to protect consume them both.
Lilica cannot let herself believe that anyone could care for her besides her sisters and she cannot allow Dallas in her life. She has to save her family and kill Dallas at all cost!
Dallas has to stop Lilica’s sister from destroying the world and Lilica is a distraction he cannot deal with on so many levels. His plan to keep her to help himself back fires in every way imaginable and he may lose more than the battle, he may lose his heart!
I looked forward to this one so much and then saw that Kresley Cole was only contributing her previously released The Warlord Wants Forever. However, what I didn’t know until reading this was that it is the ten year anniversary edition packed with tons of behind the scenes, the making of and extra content! So do not fear this is not the same old same old! It is new and improved and worth the read!
It has been a long time since I read the first story in the Immortals After Dark series and it was so fun going back to the beginning and getting to read about the magnificent Roth brothers! So here is my new review:
Kresley Cole Immortals After Dark series The Warlord Wants Forever
What if the warlord you forced in to five long years of constant near death and pain suddenly appears back in your life? What if he knew every terrible thing you had ever done but not why you did it or what really happened and he stewed on it for those five years? Nikolai Wroth is her dream and her nightmare.
What if your Valkyrie bride, the one who blooded you, left you unfinished and tortured for five years had an appalling past that you just cannot get over? You cannot forgive her and yet you will not live without her. Knowing Myst the Coveted has a lifetime of secrets keeps Wroth from truly setting her free and from letting her into his heart completely.
Larissa Ione MoonBound Clan novella Forsaken by Night
I love the incredible new world Larissa created in her MoonBound Clan series! Her story starts off fast and furious but smoothly adds all you need to know about the changes in the world and the new laws in place as well as the laws of the vampire clans.
Lobo will do anything to save his best friend, a wolf he has named Tehya. When she is mortally wounded he breaks the laws and takes her to the only place he feels she will get the help she needs. Something happens to her there and suddenly Lobo & Tehya’s relationship changes from companionship to something forbidden. She has been transformed. Lobo’s world is flipped on end when he realizes that the woman of his dreams has been right by his side for the last twelve years. The law forbids them from being together because even in their world they are different and feared. That doesn’t stop either of them from putting their lives in danger and risking it all for each other.
Gena Showalter Otherworld Assassins Dark Swan
Created in a lab and raised by experiment after experiment three sisters are forced to take different paths in life. Unfortunately one sister has been killing off otherworlder’s and humans alike with her disease. Enter AIR Agent Dallas, bent on killing said sister, a plan Lilica will do anything to stop. When these two meet however an explosion of lust, desire and an overwhelming need to protect consume them both.
Lilica cannot let herself believe that anyone could care for her besides her sisters and she cannot allow Dallas in her life. She has to save her family and kill Dallas at all cost!
Dallas has to stop Lilica’s sister from destroying the world and Lilica is a distraction he cannot deal with on so many levels. His plan to keep her to help himself back fires in every way imaginable and he may lose more than the battle, he may lose his heart!
February 3, 2017
The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole 3.5 Stars
This book is not new and I've read it although it was a long time ago so I went ahead and re-read this book. This wasn't anywhere near my favorite book in the IAD series but it's still an enjoyable novella. Myst and Nikolai's book drop you into the world of the Immortals and give you a taste of what is to come. The characters are complex as is this world and there is plenty of action. There is also quite a bit of angst for such a short story.
Forsaken by Night by Larissa Ione 4 Stars
This story is part of the MoonBound Clan Vampires series, a series I have never read before and although it took me a bit to understand some of the "rules of this world" it can be read as a stand alone. This book centers around Lobo, a vampire who is also a skinwalker. He can change his form to just about anything/anyone and Tehya, a vampire who is stuck in her werewolf form. As I mentioned it took me a bit to figure out that some vampires were also shifters and some were skinwalkers, and some couldn't do either of these things.
I really liked Lobo and as a reader I could feel his attachment to Tehya even before he found out she wasn't just a wolf. I was drawn into the drama of Lobo trying to save Tehya when she was fatally injured and risking everything to do it and his willingness to pay for breaking vampire law. Both Tehya and Lobo had a tortured past but gave each other something to hold on to. The secondary characters were interesting and I liked them enough to want to go back and read about their stories.
Dark Swan by Gena Showalter 5 Star
I loved the Alien Huntress series and was sad that there hasn't been another book in this series. Dallas was always one of my favorite characters so I'm thrilled that he finally got his book! Although this book could be read as a stand alone there is a lot of history that takes place in the previous books in the Alien Huntress series that this book builds off of. Although this is book 2.5 in Otherworld Assassin the main character Dallas is from Alien Huntress. I've only read the 1st book in Otherworld Assassin and it was just okay for me. I also wondered if I would remember enough of Alien Huntress to enjoy this book since it has been such a long time but it all came back to me as I immersed myself into this book and I remembered how much I loved Alien Huntress.
I've always loved Dallas and Lilica was a great match for him. Although their romance happened very quickly it worked for me. We also got to catch up with Mia, and Devyn & Bride. In fact one of my favorite things about this story was the friendship between Dallas and Devyn. When the book ended I was sad that it was over and hope it isn't the last one in this series! I enjoyed this book so much I'm going to go back and give Otherworld Assassin another try and read book #2 and assume the first book in that series was just a one-off book that wasn't for me. If you haven't read Alien Huntress start from the beginning - you won't be disappointed in this fun, action -packed, sexy alien world!
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This book is not new and I've read it although it was a long time ago so I went ahead and re-read this book. This wasn't anywhere near my favorite book in the IAD series but it's still an enjoyable novella. Myst and Nikolai's book drop you into the world of the Immortals and give you a taste of what is to come. The characters are complex as is this world and there is plenty of action. There is also quite a bit of angst for such a short story.
Forsaken by Night by Larissa Ione 4 Stars
This story is part of the MoonBound Clan Vampires series, a series I have never read before and although it took me a bit to understand some of the "rules of this world" it can be read as a stand alone. This book centers around Lobo, a vampire who is also a skinwalker. He can change his form to just about anything/anyone and Tehya, a vampire who is stuck in her werewolf form. As I mentioned it took me a bit to figure out that some vampires were also shifters and some were skinwalkers, and some couldn't do either of these things.
I really liked Lobo and as a reader I could feel his attachment to Tehya even before he found out she wasn't just a wolf. I was drawn into the drama of Lobo trying to save Tehya when she was fatally injured and risking everything to do it and his willingness to pay for breaking vampire law. Both Tehya and Lobo had a tortured past but gave each other something to hold on to. The secondary characters were interesting and I liked them enough to want to go back and read about their stories.
Dark Swan by Gena Showalter 5 Star
I loved the Alien Huntress series and was sad that there hasn't been another book in this series. Dallas was always one of my favorite characters so I'm thrilled that he finally got his book! Although this book could be read as a stand alone there is a lot of history that takes place in the previous books in the Alien Huntress series that this book builds off of. Although this is book 2.5 in Otherworld Assassin the main character Dallas is from Alien Huntress. I've only read the 1st book in Otherworld Assassin and it was just okay for me. I also wondered if I would remember enough of Alien Huntress to enjoy this book since it has been such a long time but it all came back to me as I immersed myself into this book and I remembered how much I loved Alien Huntress.
I've always loved Dallas and Lilica was a great match for him. Although their romance happened very quickly it worked for me. We also got to catch up with Mia, and Devyn & Bride. In fact one of my favorite things about this story was the friendship between Dallas and Devyn. When the book ended I was sad that it was over and hope it isn't the last one in this series! I enjoyed this book so much I'm going to go back and give Otherworld Assassin another try and read book #2 and assume the first book in that series was just a one-off book that wasn't for me. If you haven't read Alien Huntress start from the beginning - you won't be disappointed in this fun, action -packed, sexy alien world!
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 2, 2016
Review posted on Got Fiction?
This anthology is fantastic! Three of my favorite authors in one!
The Warlord Wants Forever-In this re-vamped (heh) version of The Warlord Wants Forever, I was able to notice parts seemed different. But I've also read this story like 5 times. Most people didn't notice, but what I felt was that it was smoother. Whatever KC changed (and she said it was like 12,000 changes), it worked well. The story itself wasn't changed, but certain parts are more clear, and it was subtle and well-done. If you haven't read the IAD series, this is a great chance to start! Sexy vampire warlord meets badass Valkyrie maiden? This story kicks off one of the most awesome series out there!
Forsaken By Night-Larissa Ione's story doesn't stand alone very well, just FYI. Lobo is a lone vampire who's been outcast from his clan. He's spent the past 12 years in a cabin with his pet wolf, Tehya. Tehya isn't just a wolf, though, she's a vampire who got stuck in wolf form. It takes an accident to force her body to turn back to its human form, and to say Lobo is shocked is an understatement. But this attraction they feel is overshadowed by the fact that Lobo is still an outcast, and he tricked his way into the MoonBound Clan to save her. This makes him their number one most wanted.
How can they get to know each other now that she is human, if they can't go five minutes without someone hunting them down?
This series is intense, and the vampires are servants to humans. But change is on the winds, and I don't think they'll stay that way for much longer. With Native American undertones, the lore of the typical vampire is changed. It's a cool spin on an old legend.
Dark Swan: This Gena Showalter story takes us back to her Alien Huntress/Otherworld Assassins series which is one of my favorites. And finally! Dallas' story! It's a long novella, and it's vintage Showalter. By that I mean, it fits in perfectly with the Alien Huntress series, even though it's listed as part of the spin-off the Otherworld Assassins. Lilica Swan is one of three triplets who were created rather than born. Their entire lives are spent under observation and experimentation. It isn't pleasant. Yet she grows up to be a good and decent person, even though she believes she's evil.
Dallas, oh Dallas, have I been waiting for his story. And I loved it! He was worth the wait, and I hope this series is not over. I really love every book in both series Ms. Showalter has going on.
I think this can be read as a stand-alone. You'd be missing out on a bit of backstory, but you wouldn't be confused. This was my favorite story in the book.
***Review copy provided by Pocket Books
This anthology is fantastic! Three of my favorite authors in one!
The Warlord Wants Forever-In this re-vamped (heh) version of The Warlord Wants Forever, I was able to notice parts seemed different. But I've also read this story like 5 times. Most people didn't notice, but what I felt was that it was smoother. Whatever KC changed (and she said it was like 12,000 changes), it worked well. The story itself wasn't changed, but certain parts are more clear, and it was subtle and well-done. If you haven't read the IAD series, this is a great chance to start! Sexy vampire warlord meets badass Valkyrie maiden? This story kicks off one of the most awesome series out there!
Forsaken By Night-Larissa Ione's story doesn't stand alone very well, just FYI. Lobo is a lone vampire who's been outcast from his clan. He's spent the past 12 years in a cabin with his pet wolf, Tehya. Tehya isn't just a wolf, though, she's a vampire who got stuck in wolf form. It takes an accident to force her body to turn back to its human form, and to say Lobo is shocked is an understatement. But this attraction they feel is overshadowed by the fact that Lobo is still an outcast, and he tricked his way into the MoonBound Clan to save her. This makes him their number one most wanted.
How can they get to know each other now that she is human, if they can't go five minutes without someone hunting them down?
This series is intense, and the vampires are servants to humans. But change is on the winds, and I don't think they'll stay that way for much longer. With Native American undertones, the lore of the typical vampire is changed. It's a cool spin on an old legend.
Dark Swan: This Gena Showalter story takes us back to her Alien Huntress/Otherworld Assassins series which is one of my favorites. And finally! Dallas' story! It's a long novella, and it's vintage Showalter. By that I mean, it fits in perfectly with the Alien Huntress series, even though it's listed as part of the spin-off the Otherworld Assassins. Lilica Swan is one of three triplets who were created rather than born. Their entire lives are spent under observation and experimentation. It isn't pleasant. Yet she grows up to be a good and decent person, even though she believes she's evil.
Dallas, oh Dallas, have I been waiting for his story. And I loved it! He was worth the wait, and I hope this series is not over. I really love every book in both series Ms. Showalter has going on.
I think this can be read as a stand-alone. You'd be missing out on a bit of backstory, but you wouldn't be confused. This was my favorite story in the book.
***Review copy provided by Pocket Books
September 28, 2016
4.5 Stars!
I’m going to be honest here. These are three of my all time favorite paranormal authors, and in general as well. So when I saw this anthology was coming out featuring all three of them, I was beyond excited. I got even more excited when I saw that Gena Showalter was finally… FINALLY giving us Dallas’ story. If you have read the Alien Huntress series and subsequently the Otherworld Assassin spin off series you’ll know that we’ve been waiting for his HEA for quite some time. When I say years I’m not even joking. Excited and a little scared I went into this book with very high expectations and I’m pleased to say that it’s satisfied everything on my list. These three paranormal queens rocked it! So let’s jump in with each story.
THE WARLORD WANTS FOREVER by Kresley Cole
Immortals After Dark # 1
What is this you say? This is not a new story! Well, my initial feeling as well. Both Larissa and Gena gave us new stories in this anthology and the IAD offering is an UPDATED version of where the series started. I will say this. I have terrible memory and I read this story originally many moons ago. I couldn’t tell you if and what the original/edited content is on this story, so to be fair I’ll leave it at that. If you have better memory than me, please enlighten me in the comments!
I’m going to be honest here. These are three of my all time favorite paranormal authors, and in general as well. So when I saw this anthology was coming out featuring all three of them, I was beyond excited. I got even more excited when I saw that Gena Showalter was finally… FINALLY giving us Dallas’ story. If you have read the Alien Huntress series and subsequently the Otherworld Assassin spin off series you’ll know that we’ve been waiting for his HEA for quite some time. When I say years I’m not even joking. Excited and a little scared I went into this book with very high expectations and I’m pleased to say that it’s satisfied everything on my list. These three paranormal queens rocked it! So let’s jump in with each story.
THE WARLORD WANTS FOREVER by Kresley Cole
Immortals After Dark # 1
What is this you say? This is not a new story! Well, my initial feeling as well. Both Larissa and Gena gave us new stories in this anthology and the IAD offering is an UPDATED version of where the series started. I will say this. I have terrible memory and I read this story originally many moons ago. I couldn’t tell you if and what the original/edited content is on this story, so to be fair I’ll leave it at that. If you have better memory than me, please enlighten me in the comments!
January 18, 2022
Parts of Kresley and Gena are goood, but Larissa 😞
June 27, 2017
The Warlord Wants Forever
The only story in the IAD I've read so far was A Hunger Like No Other and it blew me away.This one not so much.I loved that we got to see more of these characters,but the story and development between Wroth and Myst didn't excite me that much.When he snapped her chain and gave her commands she was unable to disobey...well I'm not ashamed to admit that I cringed.Anthing with dubious consent is asking for low rating.And the fact he manipulated her body with it was wince-inducing.I was also bothered by the fact that there barely was any resolution about her chain and what he made her do.I got major Stockholm-sydrome from Myst's thoughts.And since this is a revised edition I sudder to think what the first one was like.How didn't Wroth evolve his views?If they had not been in the supernatural world and not in the human,were the hell was he?He can't have been fighting for 3 centuries and forgotten there was progress happening?
Ladies,if a man calls you his,makes you do things against your will and locks you in his home...that is called abuse not love.I firmly believe Myst should have killed Wroth just as she did with the other three vampires she blooded.I'm judging you Kresley Cole.
I only put 2 stars to this story for everything else.And the badassery.
Forsaken by Night
This is the only story I have ever read by Larissa Ione and I have to say it was quite a pleasant surprise.In this world humans know that vampires exist and have been experimenting and enslaving them for profit,thus forcing vampires into hiding.
Tehya is a turned vampire who who got stuck as a wolf for twelve years because she couldn't figure out how to turn back.She has been living with Lobo,another shifter,who suspects there is more than meets the eye in regards to Tehya but doesn't know what.
While Tehya has no links to her former life,Lobo was part of a clan that banished him for his shapeshifting gifts.When Tehya gets injured,Lobo uses those gifts to bring her to the clan and get her medical attention,after which she resumes her human form and chaos ensues.
The development and attraction between the characters felt genuine and I was really invested in their story and wellfare.The side characters and their personalities were well-written and tempted me to go read their stories.Even though this was a 2.5 novella,it explained the world-building without getting tedious and dragging the plot.
I'll give this 4 stars,because one star got lost when there was the wolf sex scene at the end.Yeah.You read that correctly.
Dark Swan
I've always enjoyed Gena Showalter's LotU series,and thought to explore a bit further and see what else she has written.This novella belongs to series,where there has been an alien-human war in the past,and the survivors of both worlds are trying to live in an earth that is still recuperating from the destruction.It sounds a bit sci-fi but the world-building doesn't distract from the romance.
Our heroine,Lilica Swan,was a test subject that was created with the DNA of multiple species with the purpose of profit and power.Only,she was the extra,because her sister Trinity was the one they wanted,and Lilica and her sister Jade,came out as well.Now,she has managed to beat her captors and is searching to rescue her sister from a deadly virus that has infected a great number of people.
Dallas,is an agent for the organization that monitors Otherworlders and puts them down if he has too.An accident has left him with alien powers and he begins to have visions.Trinity is on his hit list,seeing as she is the one responsible for the infection that has plagued dozens.When he meets Lilica he is instantly attracted to her,even though she is not his type.
When they accidentally bond,both get to see where the other is coming and have to decide between business or pleasure.The was a lot of emotional growth ebtween the two even though they weren't together for that long.
My only complaint was that since Lilica was a virgin and had never been with the man before,there was NO way she was that skilled and able to enjoy rough sex so quickly.If you ignore that,you'll be fine.
4 stars!!!
The only story in the IAD I've read so far was A Hunger Like No Other and it blew me away.This one not so much.I loved that we got to see more of these characters,but the story and development between Wroth and Myst didn't excite me that much.When he snapped her chain and gave her commands she was unable to disobey...well I'm not ashamed to admit that I cringed.Anthing with dubious consent is asking for low rating.And the fact he manipulated her body with it was wince-inducing.I was also bothered by the fact that there barely was any resolution about her chain and what he made her do.I got major Stockholm-sydrome from Myst's thoughts.And since this is a revised edition I sudder to think what the first one was like.How didn't Wroth evolve his views?If they had not been in the supernatural world and not in the human,were the hell was he?He can't have been fighting for 3 centuries and forgotten there was progress happening?
Ladies,if a man calls you his,makes you do things against your will and locks you in his home...that is called abuse not love.I firmly believe Myst should have killed Wroth just as she did with the other three vampires she blooded.I'm judging you Kresley Cole.
I only put 2 stars to this story for everything else.And the badassery.
Forsaken by Night
This is the only story I have ever read by Larissa Ione and I have to say it was quite a pleasant surprise.In this world humans know that vampires exist and have been experimenting and enslaving them for profit,thus forcing vampires into hiding.
Tehya is a turned vampire who who got stuck as a wolf for twelve years because she couldn't figure out how to turn back.She has been living with Lobo,another shifter,who suspects there is more than meets the eye in regards to Tehya but doesn't know what.
While Tehya has no links to her former life,Lobo was part of a clan that banished him for his shapeshifting gifts.When Tehya gets injured,Lobo uses those gifts to bring her to the clan and get her medical attention,after which she resumes her human form and chaos ensues.
The development and attraction between the characters felt genuine and I was really invested in their story and wellfare.The side characters and their personalities were well-written and tempted me to go read their stories.Even though this was a 2.5 novella,it explained the world-building without getting tedious and dragging the plot.
I'll give this 4 stars,because one star got lost when there was the wolf sex scene at the end.Yeah.You read that correctly.
Dark Swan
I've always enjoyed Gena Showalter's LotU series,and thought to explore a bit further and see what else she has written.This novella belongs to series,where there has been an alien-human war in the past,and the survivors of both worlds are trying to live in an earth that is still recuperating from the destruction.It sounds a bit sci-fi but the world-building doesn't distract from the romance.
Our heroine,Lilica Swan,was a test subject that was created with the DNA of multiple species with the purpose of profit and power.Only,she was the extra,because her sister Trinity was the one they wanted,and Lilica and her sister Jade,came out as well.Now,she has managed to beat her captors and is searching to rescue her sister from a deadly virus that has infected a great number of people.
Dallas,is an agent for the organization that monitors Otherworlders and puts them down if he has too.An accident has left him with alien powers and he begins to have visions.Trinity is on his hit list,seeing as she is the one responsible for the infection that has plagued dozens.When he meets Lilica he is instantly attracted to her,even though she is not his type.
When they accidentally bond,both get to see where the other is coming and have to decide between business or pleasure.The was a lot of emotional growth ebtween the two even though they weren't together for that long.
My only complaint was that since Lilica was a virgin and had never been with the man before,there was NO way she was that skilled and able to enjoy rough sex so quickly.If you ignore that,you'll be fine.
4 stars!!!
September 21, 2016
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2016/09...
“The Warlord Wants Forever” (Immortals After Dark, Book 1) by Kresley Cole
Myst the Coveted is the most beautiful of all the Valkyries, the one her enemies have underestimated for centuries. Five years ago vampire warlord Nikolai Wroth made the mistake of doing the same and she left him in agony. Now he’s on the hunt to capture Myst and claim her. For she’s his Bride, and he won’t let the vicious woman who tempts him like no other get away from him again.
I fell in love with “The Warlord Wants Forever” a decade ago, and it remains a favorite of mine to this day! Myst and Wroth’s story is passionate, energetic, and captivating from start to finish. Not only is it the perfect introduction to Kresley Cole’s sizzling Immortals After Dark series, it’s an edgy, exciting paranormal romance all on its own. Myst and Wroth battle in bed and out and their chemistry is simply out of this world. Myst is sassy, fierce, and sometimes vulnerable, and it’s an appealing combination. Wroth is a hardened warrior who is her equal in every way, and he has his work cut out for him if he hopes to become the man – vampire – Myst deserves. Their romance is tumultuous and engaging and no matter how many times I read it, I fall in love all over again. Myst and Wroth are a dynamic pair and the world of the Loreans Ms. Cole has created is vibrant and wholly addictive.
Please note: This is a revised edition of “The Warlord Wants Forever,” but none of the changes to the story were substantive.
“Forsaken by Night” (MoonBound Clan Vampires, Book 2.5) by Larissa Ione
Vampire Lobo was exiled from the MoonBound Clan years ago for breaking the rules using his skinwalker abilities. He’s been a loner ever since, his only comfort being his wolf, Tehya, who he found twelve years ago. His not-quite-solitary existence is turned upside down when Tehya is injured. Lobo is willing to break every rule to save her, but what will he do when she transforms and the wolf he adores becomes a gorgeous, tempting vampire?
I can always count on Larissa Ione to deliver a unique story and “Forsaken by Night” definitely fits the bill. I absolutely adored this fantastic romance that has an unusual beginning. Watching Lobo and Tehya’s love go from platonic to romantic warmed my heart. Both of them have suffered and have been shaped by circumstance, but with each other they find love and acceptance. Their love story is one of risk and sacrifice, and when you add in the sizzling heat between the two vampires, a dash of humor, and the utterly fascinating world of Ms. Ione’s MoonBound Clan Vampires, and it’s easy to see why I found “Forsaken by Night” so appealing.
Readers new to the MoonBound Clan Vampires series can jump in with “Forsaken by Night” and not get lost. That being said, “Forsaken by Night” does contain spoilers for the first two books, Bound by Night and Chained by Night.
“Dark Swan” (Otherworld Assassin, Book 2.5) by Gena Showalter
Lilica was created and raised in a lab, and all that she has in life, all that she cares about, are her sisters. When she learns that Dallas Gutierrez, an Alien Investigation and Removal agent, is a threat to one of them, Lilica decides that she’ll stop him any way she can. Then something goes wrong – or incredibly right – and Lilica’s life is bonded to the tempting man who should be her enemy…
“Dark Swan” features two complex characters falling in love against their better judgment. Gena Showalter delivers an interesting pair in Lilica and Dallas. He’s an AIR agent who isn’t entirely human, and she’s a mix of numerous species with incredible abilities. Both of them have heartbreaking pasts and neither of them are quite what others believe them to be, so watching them come into their own was fantastic. Their bond is the catalyst for their change, but it also speeds up the process of them falling in love when all the odds are against them. It’s clear Dallas and Lilica are attracted to each other from the start, but throw in their sudden bonding and the sexual tension ratchets up a thousand percent. Add in some high stakes and tons of action with Lilica trying to save her sister and Dallas trying to save the world, and you have one exciting story.
“Dark Swan” is a novella from Ms. Showalter’s Otherworld Assassin series, but from my understanding Dallas is a supporting character who first appeared in her Alien Huntress series. Having not read either series, I can say you won’t feel lost jumping into “Dark Swan,” but at the same time it’s not as easy to become invested in the story when you aren’t really familiar with the world. There are also a couple of relationships outside the main romance that I felt I was missing out on the emotional impact because I wasn’t familiar with the characters. That being said, I did like the detail and was intrigued by what I saw in this story, so I’ll definitely go back to the beginning and start with Awaken Me Darkly, the first Alien Huntress book.
Blood Red Kiss features three passionate romances with wonderfully unique characters. Kresley Cole, Larissa Ione, and Gena Showalter are all powerhouse authors and their talents are on clear display in this anthology. Whether you’re a fan of Mses. Cole, Ione, and Showalter or are simply looking to read some dark, seductive paranormal and otherworldly romances, Blood Red Kiss is sure to please.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“The Warlord Wants Forever” (Immortals After Dark, Book 1) by Kresley Cole
Myst the Coveted is the most beautiful of all the Valkyries, the one her enemies have underestimated for centuries. Five years ago vampire warlord Nikolai Wroth made the mistake of doing the same and she left him in agony. Now he’s on the hunt to capture Myst and claim her. For she’s his Bride, and he won’t let the vicious woman who tempts him like no other get away from him again.
I fell in love with “The Warlord Wants Forever” a decade ago, and it remains a favorite of mine to this day! Myst and Wroth’s story is passionate, energetic, and captivating from start to finish. Not only is it the perfect introduction to Kresley Cole’s sizzling Immortals After Dark series, it’s an edgy, exciting paranormal romance all on its own. Myst and Wroth battle in bed and out and their chemistry is simply out of this world. Myst is sassy, fierce, and sometimes vulnerable, and it’s an appealing combination. Wroth is a hardened warrior who is her equal in every way, and he has his work cut out for him if he hopes to become the man – vampire – Myst deserves. Their romance is tumultuous and engaging and no matter how many times I read it, I fall in love all over again. Myst and Wroth are a dynamic pair and the world of the Loreans Ms. Cole has created is vibrant and wholly addictive.
Please note: This is a revised edition of “The Warlord Wants Forever,” but none of the changes to the story were substantive.
“Forsaken by Night” (MoonBound Clan Vampires, Book 2.5) by Larissa Ione
Vampire Lobo was exiled from the MoonBound Clan years ago for breaking the rules using his skinwalker abilities. He’s been a loner ever since, his only comfort being his wolf, Tehya, who he found twelve years ago. His not-quite-solitary existence is turned upside down when Tehya is injured. Lobo is willing to break every rule to save her, but what will he do when she transforms and the wolf he adores becomes a gorgeous, tempting vampire?
I can always count on Larissa Ione to deliver a unique story and “Forsaken by Night” definitely fits the bill. I absolutely adored this fantastic romance that has an unusual beginning. Watching Lobo and Tehya’s love go from platonic to romantic warmed my heart. Both of them have suffered and have been shaped by circumstance, but with each other they find love and acceptance. Their love story is one of risk and sacrifice, and when you add in the sizzling heat between the two vampires, a dash of humor, and the utterly fascinating world of Ms. Ione’s MoonBound Clan Vampires, and it’s easy to see why I found “Forsaken by Night” so appealing.
Readers new to the MoonBound Clan Vampires series can jump in with “Forsaken by Night” and not get lost. That being said, “Forsaken by Night” does contain spoilers for the first two books, Bound by Night and Chained by Night.
“Dark Swan” (Otherworld Assassin, Book 2.5) by Gena Showalter
Lilica was created and raised in a lab, and all that she has in life, all that she cares about, are her sisters. When she learns that Dallas Gutierrez, an Alien Investigation and Removal agent, is a threat to one of them, Lilica decides that she’ll stop him any way she can. Then something goes wrong – or incredibly right – and Lilica’s life is bonded to the tempting man who should be her enemy…
“Dark Swan” features two complex characters falling in love against their better judgment. Gena Showalter delivers an interesting pair in Lilica and Dallas. He’s an AIR agent who isn’t entirely human, and she’s a mix of numerous species with incredible abilities. Both of them have heartbreaking pasts and neither of them are quite what others believe them to be, so watching them come into their own was fantastic. Their bond is the catalyst for their change, but it also speeds up the process of them falling in love when all the odds are against them. It’s clear Dallas and Lilica are attracted to each other from the start, but throw in their sudden bonding and the sexual tension ratchets up a thousand percent. Add in some high stakes and tons of action with Lilica trying to save her sister and Dallas trying to save the world, and you have one exciting story.
“Dark Swan” is a novella from Ms. Showalter’s Otherworld Assassin series, but from my understanding Dallas is a supporting character who first appeared in her Alien Huntress series. Having not read either series, I can say you won’t feel lost jumping into “Dark Swan,” but at the same time it’s not as easy to become invested in the story when you aren’t really familiar with the world. There are also a couple of relationships outside the main romance that I felt I was missing out on the emotional impact because I wasn’t familiar with the characters. That being said, I did like the detail and was intrigued by what I saw in this story, so I’ll definitely go back to the beginning and start with Awaken Me Darkly, the first Alien Huntress book.
Blood Red Kiss features three passionate romances with wonderfully unique characters. Kresley Cole, Larissa Ione, and Gena Showalter are all powerhouse authors and their talents are on clear display in this anthology. Whether you’re a fan of Mses. Cole, Ione, and Showalter or are simply looking to read some dark, seductive paranormal and otherworldly romances, Blood Red Kiss is sure to please.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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