No Rest for the Wicked

This was a spectacular story. For me, the basic idea is that a socially awkward, but possessive, male lead is hooked up with a 2 thousand year old emotionally challenged (she has been prevented from 'feeling' for 1000 years, so the new emotions that come with mating are hard for her to juggle), female lead who is a world renowned athlete and celebrity. The guy is a 300 year old recluse (he hates being a Vampire, and gets his blood from the local butcher shop), who is not as familiar with contemporary customs. He resists mini-skirts and spikey boots. He expects his mate to be compliant and maleable. He learns that is not going to work when he tries to superimpose his more rigid ideas of proper wifely behavior on the Valkyrie. The gentlmanly Sebastian's language and demeanor are perfectly suited to the knight and soldier that he was during his human life. Meanwhile the Valkyrie commune where the female lead lives is like a sorority filled with giggling twenty year olds who are into dating, partying, and hanging out. I loved how Kresley Cole wove the two cultures together. But the best part is the Valkryie. Kadenrin (I've forgotten how to spell her name), is one of these kick-butt and take names, types. The mating event comes at the most inconvenient of times - not only does she hate Vampires, but she's about to enter a contest that happens every 250 years, and she's representing the Valkryie species! Sebastian shows up and tries to get her to quit the contest. I don't think so!! She resists him, and resists being his 'Bride' very realistically, and heart wrenchingly. The tension between the two of them is delicious, and the sex is hot!!! Sebastian has to work a little harder than he expected to dominate his Valkyrie and prove himself worthy of being the mate of someone like her. She's vulnerable because of the fact that she finds her 'coldness' is melting in the presence of her mate - very disconcerting for her. I'm not fond of the Vampire sub-genre of romantic fiction, but this story is compelling whether you enjoy fangs or not. Sebastian proves his love, in the end, and becomes a hero. The Valkyrie is rapidly becoming my favorite female lead of all the books I've read in this genre. You go girl! I wanna be just like her when I grow up! Most of all, I'm impressed with Kresley Cole. I'm ready to go out and read much more of her books. The universe of fantastic creatures she's created is engaging, realistic, and 'round': contemporary and old. Well done!

A non-stop action, adventure, paranormal romance novel that will have your heart pumping and your toes curling from the first page to the last. This second installment of The Immortals After Dark Series does not fail to please. The characters are written so well that you may just find yourself falling in love with them, and the story line is so fresh and original you'll be guessing and second-guessing the whole way through. Ms. Cole does a brilliant job crafting this fine tale and takes the time to bring you up to date on some of the favorite characters from A Hunger Like No Other and Playing Easy To Get (although, I am still dying to find out who blooded Murdock--maybe we'll get a sneak peek in the next novel). This is a MUST read for all fans of supernatural erotica and paranormal romance. I cannot wait for the next novel involving Bowen and these wonderful characters in 2007

Kaderin the Cold Hearted as a Valkyrie who is haunted by the loss of her two sisters and the reason behind their deaths. She now makes it a policy not to hesitate and to do what she must when faced with evil. So why when she is sent to kill a vampire does she not follow through? The answer is clear. Fate has plans for these natural enemies and it's going to make her life miserable. Sebastian is a Vampire that makes her feel emotions for the first time since the deaths of her sister. But this vampire is not just any vamp...he claims that Kaderin is his bride and he will stop at nothing to make sure she eventually realizes it. This couldn't come at a worse time since Kaderin has a contest that she participates in every year and this year the grand prize is something she can't walk away from. Her future happiness is at stake...er in the balance. Sebastian Wroth was turned hundreds of years ago by his brother...a brother that he has never forgiven. He awaits death eagerly...or at least he did until Kaderin arrived. How could this pint size bundle of anger and beauty be his bride? It doesn't matter...all that matters is making her admit to the truth that they belong together. She won't come willingly and there are a great many things he doesn't understand about Kaderin...it's a good thing he's patient and determined to not let his future get away from him. Now...if fate will be so kind as to cooperate. I must admit I love Ms. Cole's writing. No matter the genre historical or paranormal she demonstrates her creative side with the stunning stories she manages to tell. Needless to say "No Rest for the Wicked" is no different. For readers that are looking for something new in the Paranormal/Fantasy genre...look no further. Ms. Cole delivers on all counts. This story never lags and our main characters combined with the numerous secondary characters are highly entertaining. Sebastian and Kaderin are a dynamic pairing and the chemistry that burns between them is unbelievable. What is even better...Ms. Cole never lets that tension weaken. In other words this is a romance that will enthrall, entertain and convince readers Ms. Cole is her for the long run. I am one pleased to realize this.

This installment of the Immortals after Dark series is excellent. I love this new world and the use of all the mythological creatures. I am looking forward to the next one. Sebastion Wroth is the brother of Nikolai from A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER. Nikolai forced Sebastion to drink his blood and become a vampire. Sebastion has spent the last several hundred years hating his brother and wishing he were dead. He has no hope until he meets Kaderin the Cold-Hearted, a Valkyrie who is lost in guilt over the death of her two sisters a thousand yrs ago. Kaderin showed mercy to a vampire who repaid her by killing her sisters. She mysteriously received the blessing of no emotions, that has allowed her to live with the guilt. But when she meets Sebastion all her emotions come back. She has entered the Hie, a scavenger hunt, to win the key of Thane. A key to time, if she wins she can go back and save her sisters. The minute Sebastion sees Kaderin he knows she is his Bride. The one woman who can make his heart beat again. Although she quickly leaves him he is determined to find her and once he does he must win her. Decideing to help her win the Hie, he enters the race against her wishes. The tasks are all over the world and all are hard. Each one earns points, the most points wins. Sebastion wants only to help and protect Kaderin. This is a wonderful mixture of fun and romance, with a great ending. There will be another book and I am so ready for it. The teaser at the end sounds marvelous. Don't miss this one, if you like romance and fantasy.

Sebastian Wroth had been turned into a vampire against his will, so when Kaderin the Cold Hearted appears to kill him, he's surprised to care! For the time in hundreds of years he feels alive. Kaderin has been without feeling since the death of her two sisters long ago, but now she's been given a chance to go back in time and save them. In order to do so, she has to win a contest, a contest she has won many times in the past, but now the stakes are so much higher and she has no intention of letting Sebastian get in the way. But, Sebastian is determined to keep up with Kaderin every step of the way and to use every situation he can to seduce her! When I finished this book I sat in a moment of stunned silence...before I went back to read it again! Without question No Rest for The Wicked proves that Kresley Cole's, The Immortals After Dark Series, has what it takes to keep me eagerly panting for more. Intensely sensual, with every fantasy creature imaginable and loaded with action that never stops, No Rest For The Wicked is a paranormal romance lover's dream! I will be impatiently pacing in anticipation of Bowden's story! Melissa Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed