Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy discussion

I just realized I somehow never read Lothaire, and picked up a copy from the library. It's making me revisit the entire series, and I think I might go back to the beginning and just start over.

Just curious: what's your favorite book in the Immortals After Dark series?

I'm going to withhold my opinion until I finish it--now I've got to go back and make sure there aren't any more I missed ;)

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night than Pleasure of a Dark Prince, Dark Desires After Dusk (who knew that Caden’s story would be the better of the two brothers. And boy Holly Ashwin was a hoot... and well written out), and Dark Needs at Night's Edge though I don’t know why I do. It’s a bit slower pace. Must be the fact that Conrad is a 300+ virgin.

These are the ones I listen to on audible the most. But I do listen to the others so that I can mix it up a bit. I’m just curios why Shadow's Seduction isn’t on audible. Maybe Robert Petkoff had issues with narrating it.

Cozen wrote: "Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night than Pleasure of a Dark Prince, [bookco..."

Almost grabbed Shadow's Seduction at the library yesterday--if I had to guess, I think it might be a different publisher? It looked completely different from every other book, packaging wise. But I'd have to check to be sure; if that's true, though, it would explain the gap in audio.

Jayla wrote: "Cozen wrote: "Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night than [book:Pleasure of a Dark Prince|633..."

GR has it listed as “Published February 28th 2017 by Valkyrie Press.” So you are probably right about that. I notice a handful of the books were published by other publishers besides Mass Media. Wonder why? It’s a popular series so wouldn’t they want to keep a sure best seller published at their house? Seems a lot more going on in the publishing world that we are privy to.

Cozen wrote: "Jayla wrote: "Cozen wrote: "Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night than [book:Pleasure of a D..."

I think she has good agents! They probably bounced between publishers (which, let's be fair, are probably all subsets of the big guys) because they gave her better deals. Hopefully they'll start to include more audio editions, though, because I find so many more people are into audio books--I can't, they make me a sleep-walker, can't even do the dishes while I'm listening to a book ;) But it's probably just a matter of time.

Jayla wrote: "Cozen wrote: "Jayla wrote: "Cozen wrote: "Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night than [book:P..."

Yea? But Robert Petkoff is one of the best narrators I’ve heard. Not only can switch multiple accents with brute accuracy, he can do women, and each and every one of their attitudes, and so how keep them all straight. https://www.audible.com/pd/Dark-Desir... For a small sample. I guess it doesn’t hurt that the guy’s other job/career is in acting in theater. His talent shines.

In fact it was only the last year or two that Simon and Schuster asked him to narrate “A Warlord Wants Forever” since it was the only book in the entire series that wasn’t done by him. The first one was done by a duet, a woman and a man. It wasn’t as good as with Petkoff. But enough of me raving about this guy. There are other narrators that are good too. Maybe you just haven’t found the right one yet.

Cozen wrote: "Jayla wrote: "Cozen wrote: "Jayla wrote: "Cozen wrote: "Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night than [bookcover:Pleasure of a Dark Prince|6..."

Though I have to add that I do tend to speed audibles up to 1.25 in speed so that the narration doesn’t seem slower. Not so much with Petkoff but a couple of excellent narrators who just need that extra umph to be perfect like Ema Galvin who does Kresley Cole’s Arcana Chronicles.

Cozen wrote: "Jayla wrote: "Cozen wrote: "Jayla wrote: "Cozen wrote: "Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night than [bookcover:Pleasure of a Dark Prince|6..."

They don't bore me! I didn't explain that well--they literally put me in a trance, I just get lost listening and don't pay attention to what I'm doing at all. It's not a problem if I'm holding a book, because I just sit my butt down and read, but I tried making dinner and stuff with audiobooks and I just lose the thread (simple minds, I guess)... I gave up when I drifted across the line while driving and listening to The Bean Trees (and I wasn't even super in to it! It's just that audio brain candy).

I like audio books a lot. I'm so glad they exist--I've known a couple people who reached the age when they couldn't read a book any more, and audiobooks gave them so much joy. And bonus that there are so many talented people recording them :) Just adds to the experience. But I'm still a bad fit, if I want to do anything else at all (and if I don't, I will always prefer to hold a book in my hands if I can).

*Bumped only to add that Nikolai and Myst have my least favorite story, and I read that book fairly recently (comparatively, anyway) and was reminded why.

I'm partial to big old nerd Sebastian, of all the Wroth brothers. Especially since Nikolai is just such a d-bag.

Sweet Ruin is my least favorite. That story just dragged on and there was little in it to keep my attention. I’m positive I missed something. Even the sex wasn’t enough to spark interest in it.

You know, what I wouldn’t mind reading is a little novella or side story of what happened to Isabella (I probably spelled that wrong). Like her leaving the captain and coming to New Orleans to find a way to remove that curse from her, the one that changes her into a man. Nothing really big but just a resolve to that because every time I read it I wonder what would happen if she does seek out Garret or Lucia for a possible fix to her curse. It would be interesting.

Than again, maybe she’ll end up stumbling into the last part of the battle and by sheer dumb luck be the linch pin that wins the good guys the victory.

My least favorite was . In my eyes the male lead never redeemed himself and I was ticked the FL didn't beat the living poop out of him and dump him. Which I knew wouldn't happen because you know . . .

I pretty much enjoyed each additional book that as added. Everytime I thought my favorite one was here, boom another one. I do really have a soft spot for with Sebastian Wroth. God I love that vamp. Oddly enough when I read it I really enjoyed . I need to reread and I wonder if this one will stand out to me like it did the first time around.

I think Sebastian is the best mix of masculine energy and another trait--in his case, he's semi-virginal and genuinely sweet and super smart, a heady combo, but especially in the cranked up landscape of mindless uber-alphas with no other defining characteristic. I mean, they all have their stories and their woes, but I feel like he was the most three dimensional. He could hold a sword with the best of them, but if you sat down for coffee he wouldn't be boring as hell to talk to (and yes, that is also a euphemism, go nuts ;)

I liked Garret a lot in Pleasure of a Dark Prince. I believe I liked that book mainly for all those secondary characters. They all had distinguishable personalities and played important roles.

Now Dark Desires After Dusk Holly was a great character. I especially loved the bar scene where she was getting drunk with Desh.

But I think overall, Robert Petkoff did a phenomenal job on narration for the series, it really brought out the characters all together. Ikve read these books multiple times and it’s great to have someone else be the page turner.

Jayla wrote: "I think Sebastian is the best mix of masculine energy and another trait--in his case, he's semi-virginal and genuinely sweet and super smart, a heady combo, but especially in the cranked up landsca..."

Well said!

What I tend to like most about these books are the heroines, actually, once I think about it. But I'm looking forward to re-reading them after having read soooo much more PNR and being about a decade older.

Sebastian's vulnerability definitely appeals :) Vulnerable Vamps, my new favorite series lol

@Jayla You're 100% right. I do read the IAD books for the ladies!

I'm trying so hard to remember McRieve's story and because I just (re)finished Myst and N-Bag's book and Sebastian and Kaderin all I can remember is his activity during the Hie. Big bad sad werewolf... I'm blanking.

Yeah this series was clearly due for a re-read. The werewolves in Patricia Brigg's series were always my favorites anyway (again, always willing to adjust with each new, additional, addictive series I read).

McRieve had an amazing female lead that plays soccer.

I just downloaded it again. But I think I'm going to continue the chronology--maybe that's part of why I'm blanking? I read them in order before but maybe with the gaps between books... I dunno. Maybe I am also just getting old. But that sounds like something I would've remembered.

Scots and soccer. C'mon! That's romance :)

Jayla wrote: "I just downloaded it again. But I think I'm going to continue the chronology--maybe that's part of why I'm blanking? I read them in order before but maybe with the gaps between books... I dunno. Ma..."

Bowan MacRieve was the one in the Hie ( Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night). He’s coupled with Mariketa the awaited... the witch, after he entombs her in the Hei with a pod of Incubi.

The book MacRieve ( MacRieve) is about Uilleam MacRieve (cousin of Bowan?) who as a child was pretty much raped by an evil succubus. When he finds his mate, a great soccer player, he is disgusted to find out she too is a succubus. It doesn’t go well between them.

Though I Do love the scene when the young wolf asks MacRieve to explain why having a succubus is bad. It was funny.

Munro was suppose to be released this past May but Cole postponed it at the last minute... something that’s becoming a regular habit for her lately. She was also suppose to have already released the final book in the Arcana Chronicles, but said she wouldn’t do that until after Munro was published. No date has been rescheduled, though it’s been a while since I last checked.

*Note all info was sent via her newsletter as it occurred. No new newsletter has been sent at this time.*

Dude... I don't think I read this one either! WTH... I was thinking of Bowen from Kaderin's story, definitely. I realized I never read Lothaire, but...

On the one hand: I am glad I'm not slowly drifting into insanity, because I am 9999.999999% positive I never picked this up.

On the other: I was 9999.999999% positive I'd finished the series. I must have checked them out and had to return or something, figuring I'd check them out again when I had time... They're both later in the series, when I had my kids. So... I'm still kind of drifting off into insanity, I guess, but at least I have some IAD surprises to look forward to?

If I start posting about apple pie algorithms or something else crazy, please just be nice to me :)

It’s also interesting to note that Gene Showalter also has been absent online, here at GR, and her website. I sent an email to her website asking to check on the wellbeing of Kresley Cole. I’m not sure if it’s futile but it’s worth a shot. Next I guess would be to contact her publisher to find out anything...

Sorry, I guess I started this off wrong. So let me start again.

There is a growing concern that something has happened to Cole. Others online have also noticed the abrupt disconnect and no activity of any from her here, website, her FB page, or online anywhere. Her last communications was noted in May with a newsletter but before that, it was Dec. 2018. Hopefully we all just have active imaginations and Cole is studiously behind her desk, behind a stack of read and unread books, and blocked in by a stand with several coffee machines going, while her fingers are cramped from all her typing. We can hope.

So, I thought I’d let everyone know the effort to find out the status of our missing writer.

Cozen wrote: "Munro was suppose to be released this past May but Cole postponed it at the last minute... something that’s becoming a regular habit for her lately. She was also suppose to have already released th..."

I've been patiently waiting for updates through her newsletters. Sadly they get few and farther between. I'm not worried as many authors have gone quiet for a while. Real life coming in or they've needed a break.

A lot of authors have done well with their self publishing route. Devon Monk, Jennifer Estep, and Yasmine Galenorn. Sadly most miss their release dates and stuff. Though I feel like Cole might be having a hard time figuring out where IAD is gonna go next. Or maybe she's not quite flourishing under all the freedom a traditional publisher. Though my vote is on the first that she's just trying to figure out how to keep IAD going to get to the end she planned.

Shera (Book Whispers) wrote: "Cozen wrote: "Munro was suppose to be released this past May but Cole postponed it at the last minute... something that’s becoming a regular habit for her lately. She was also suppose to have alrea..."

In recent years she has slowed down on her releases, so they is some indication she might be burnt out. The next to last contact she maid (where she indicated her book release date and the expected cover of Munro, she also announced a new book series she was working on. Maybe that’s what has got her so occupied that she’s not thought about anything else.

Still it would be nice to know she’s still alive and doing well.

I don't follow any of this. The last bit of author info I paid attention to was the sad news about Sherrilyn Kenyon and that whole drama, mostly because you couldn't go anywhere without hearing about it online.

I imagine KC has really earned a break--I mean, if I can't apparently even keep her releases straight to read them, she's got to be exhausted. And if I remember rightly (which, we just just discussed my memory, but anyway) GS has even more books? They might be flexing on a new pen-name somewhere or trying to just live, considering how much work they've put out.

I imagine we'll get some kind of update soon, hopefully one that doesn't sound like SK's.

Jayla wrote: "I don't follow any of this. The last bit of author info I paid attention to was the sad news about Sherrilyn Kenyon and that whole drama, mostly because you couldn't go anywhere without hearing abo..."

KC took about a year and a half off when she broke her leg. That was in between her last book (which she also delayed) and the short m/m IAD story. Another break now?

My point is, this has been odd since she announced she was releasing her book in a month but two days before the release she announced the push back. No one has heard a peep from the writer (that was back in May) and are genuinely concerned something might have happened to her... ig sick or worse.

As for Gene Showalter, those two writers are known as to be close friends. If something did happen to KC she would be a person with some knowledge.

Cozen wrote: "Jayla wrote: "I don't follow any of this. The last bit of author info I paid attention to was the sad news about Sherrilyn Kenyon and that whole drama, mostly because you couldn't go anywhere witho..."

P.s. even if her book had some last minute rework, why would she not release the book cover of Munro as she stated she would? Maybe that’s why their is concern for her.

No idea. No theories, none--I wasn't aware of any of this to begin with.

Given everything you've said, though, and the logical possibilities, could she just be focusing on a new pen-name? Authors do that, sometimes. My favorite UF/PNR has basically abandoned the genre (well, the adult versions) for YA and crime/thrillers (Kelley Armstrong).

I don't know why she wouldn't share that info, unless her publishers were suppressing it (not unheard of) or she was worried about fan backlash.

Update. I did get word KC is still here with us. That’s all they would relay. But that’s good enough. Apocalyptic end of the world doomsday averted... and I know have a small thrill that I communicated with GS (more likely her assistant who is said to be the one who receives her e-mails. But this is my fantasy so...) so I can check that one off my bucket list.

“Phew,” swipes sweat from brow with the back of my hand.

It’s all good.

As for Jayla, I suggest getting the audibles for the IAD series. Robert Petkoff is one of the extraordinarily gifted and talented narrators ever to exist and he does all the narration for IAD (except for the unmentionable first book that was originally done by duo narrators that I won’t ever mention) I think it’s because his other job is as an actor in theatre. But he can pull off multiple characters with different noticeable accents all in a the same scene. https://www.audible.com/pd/Dark-Desir... Just play the sample.

If you would like, I do believe I still have a gift to give at audible.com that is free to anyone, and I’m pretty sure any audible. Would you like to be seduced by a man of many talents?

Lol I applaud your efforts! And I'm glad she's okay.

Cozen you are the best salesman for audiobooks I've ever met. I don't know if you remember talking about this with me in another thread but I'm a bad fit for them--not because I don't enjoy them. I do. But I can't really get anything done while I'm listening to them. I honestly considered downloading audible just on the strength of your recommendation and incredibly generous offer, but I'm going to wait until after the holiday insanity subsides and then I promise--promise!--I will check out one of the audiobooks with him as a narrator from the library in January. And I'll do something stationary, like folding laundry, so I don't go floating across the road while I'm driving (which was the very last time I ever attempted an audiobook).

That tagline of yours is so good they should be paying you, lady! Who in their right mind would say no lol

I just downloaded Book 1: The Warlord Wants Forever in the Immortals series. I'm finishing up a so-so book and will start it next. Looking forward to some fresh blood, so to speak!

I am really, really looking forward to the snark I expect that book to induce :-) Just given your comments in other threads, I think I'm going to laugh out loud--but I could be wrong! You might find something about it charming but I think the rest of the commenters in here (self included) are... Not charmed by Nikolai. To be polite.

::makes popcorn::

Jayla wrote: "I am really, really looking forward to the snark I expect that book to induce".

I think that would be a very safe bet! But at this point, I'll be thrilled to read anything half-way decent. I keep downloading free books from Amazon Prime, and I don't think I've made it through the first 3 chapters of any of them! We shall see.

Cozen wrote: "...Robert Petkoff is one of the extraordinarily gifted and talented narrators ever to exist and he does all the narration for IAD (except for the unmentionable first book that was originally done by duo narrators that I won’t ever mention)..."

*creeps out of lurk mode*

Actually, Petkoff re-did TWWF few yrs ago. PDQ 1-click :D

And thx for fyi/status re: Kresley Cole. I too have been concerned.

*creeps back into lurk mode*

Jayla wrote: "Lol I applaud your efforts! And I'm glad she's okay.

Cozen you are the best salesman for audiobooks I've ever met. I don't know if you remember talking about this with me in another thread but I'm..."

You know for a moment I thought that I might have spoken to you about that. But it was in another thread so I proffered the audible offer. One day... one day I’ll be able to finally gift an audible a way. I’m more curious as to how it works. I’m virginal in that area.

I personally am very relieved that I am not the only person that thinks this hard about books. Apparently I only have two cells to rub together to do said thinking, but the worry and wondering and 1 clickness--I do share these things (more so with Kelley Armstrong, but still).

I bet KC feels really loved, somewhere out there in the universe.

I'm picking up AHLNO from the library tomorrow, and I am very curious to see what current me thinks about it (and also whether I have read it at all, since apparently me wondering about the IAD series really means playing a game of 'what the he!! was I doing when I thought I read all these books?).

Karma♥Bites ^.~ wrote: "Cozen wrote: "...Robert Petkoff is one of the extraordinarily gifted and talented narrators ever to exist and he does all the narration for IAD (except for the unmentionable first book that was ori..."

Lurking is very well acceptable. It’s when we lurk that juicy tidbits get offered. Lurk away.😳🥴 *white shadow* - from the movie Turbo

Cozen wrote: "Jayla wrote: "Lol I applaud your efforts! And I'm glad she's okay.

Cozen you are the best salesman for audiobooks I've ever met. I don't know if you remember talking about this with me in another ..."

I may end up taking you up on it! But for now I'm like... How would I fit that in, exactly... See, the other trick with liking romance novels is listening to them in a house/car that I constantly share with two children under five years old. I can just see my oldest arriving at pre-school and explaining the sexual proclivities of Valkyries to his teacher. Ugh.

Karma♥Bites ^.~ wrote: "Cozen wrote: "...Robert Petkoff is one of the extraordinarily gifted and talented narrators ever to exist and he does all the narration for IAD (except for the unmentionable first book that was ori..."

One thing before you go... What’s TWWF? I’m terrible with acronyms. It’s probably why I haven’t used my cell phone in over 5 months and never ever texted anyone before in my life. I must be getting old.

Cozen wrote: "Karma♥Bites ^.~ wrote: "Cozen wrote: "...Robert Petkoff is one of the extraordinarily gifted and talented narrators ever to exist and he does all the narration for IAD (except for the unmentionable..."

Never mind. Duh. The ‘T’ threw me off. It’s the book I was just talking about. It was a momentary brain fart. Excuse me. *rolling my eyes at my dumbness*

Jayla wrote: "Cozen wrote: "Jayla wrote: "Lol I applaud your efforts! And I'm glad she's okay.

Cozen you are the best salesman for audiobooks I've ever met. I don't know if you remember talking about this with ..."

True... true. I usually listen to them at night after the girls go to bed and I’m playing random games on my computer. Or when a new release book comes out that I’ve been waiting for, than I tune the whole family out for the entire day. It doesn’t happen often so I’m not ignoring them all the time. Only with KC, Ilona Andrews, mostly Suzanne Wright, and Rising Red series by Pierce Brown (now that narrator too is very good at his job Tim Gerald Reynolds).

I just haven’t found a book I’m interested in reading in a while and then if I do find one, it’s a crap shoot as to whether the narrator is any good. I found out that authors have no control over who narrates their books.

So I’ve been re-listening to what I already have over and over. Thank god I have all of the IAD (except that last short one I mentioned before).

Cozen wrote: "...Never mind. Duh. The ‘T’ threw me off. It’s the book I was just talking about. It was a momentary brain fart. Excuse me. *rolling my eyes at my dumbness*"

*giggles from shadows*

Speaking of eyerolls... exact reaction whenever I open mouth re: IAD series--w/ few exceptions, have re-read multi times, both ebook & audio. I very, very rarely fangirl re: anything but IAD + Petkoff = legit regress into shrieking teeny-bopper :D

Keep up great chat, ladies!

@Cozen Ah, thanks for the update. That's comforting. Also, I totally get you! I get all tingly and happy when an author, especially one I love, contacts me! I tweeted some picks of Jennifer Estep's books with my cats at her and I was so happy she responded!!! (Random but Jennifer Estep's self pub books look so amazing!! She's done a great job!)

Cozen. You really do sell audio books. The last ones I listened to were Harry Potter and I would do it while chilling in bed. I'm afraid if I'm doing other things I'll either not hear the book, or zone to far into the book! Though HP is the only ones I've listened to and liked.

I found two IAD books at Thrift Stores! In great condition and ! I quit buying the paperback copies . The books were starting to get released in trades and the prices went up. Plus, I usually got a killer deal on them through Sony.

Everything is telling me to reread IAD: "Do it now Shera. Reread them!"

One of us! One of us! One of us!

I'm just saying... Somebody else is re-reading TWWF and I just finished it sooooo......

Ha-ha! We're starting something.

Shera (Book Whispers) wrote: "@Cozen Ah, thanks for the update. That's comforting. Also, I totally get you! I get all tingly and happy when an author, especially one I love, contacts me! I tweeted some picks of Jennifer Estep's..."

Speaking of Kresley Cole, she has another series on audible, “The Arcana Chronicles.” Ema Galvin also does a fantastic job of narration for that series.. The only issue is that you have to get past the first 13 chapters of contemporary cheerleader drama story before the story evolves into an apocalyptic, dystopia, romance, paranormal, and the shit hit the fan story. Some get bored before the real story starts. Like all of Cole’s books she takes you on a journey so you just have to hold on for the entire ride.

Though I put my audible on a 1.25x speed. IMO it makes the story flow smoother. There’s no half second pause between different character dialogs. Maybe that’s the real secret of staying on track with. *shrugs*

Anyway, I too have the Harry Potter series. I also listen to audibles to get through mundane or repetitive tasks. It helps move the time a long.

Never read the Arcana Chronicles. Maybe I do too much re-reading--I also re-read the HP series once every three years or so, along with a bunch of other books. Probably doesn't help with shuffling that TBR pile along.

Speaking of: I got my copy of AHLNO from the library today, so the debate about the actual quality of the books themselves can now re-commence!

But I'm starting it tomorrow, because I want to finish this depressing-ass Ruth Ozeki book first. Gives everyone time (ahem) to find their own copies...

Jayla wrote: "Never read the Arcana Chronicles. Maybe I do too much re-reading--I also re-read the HP series once every three years or so, along with a bunch of other books. Probably doesn't help with shuffling ..."

*gasps* No!!! You haven't!!! Oh, I love the series!!! It's so good. I think Cole is one of the few authors who pulled off YA and did not cave to stupid YA plots.

@Cozen What I said above. The speed up makes since. I'm rewatching Naruto and I have to speed it up! So it makes since for audio books. The slow pace is one of the reasons I don't like them.