Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy discussion

Jayla wrote: "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 fini..."

Ha-ha, hint taken. Drop a note when you're thinking of starting.

@Cozen I think you may have inspired Cole dropping a newsletter! Or that's one heck of a coincidence.

From Cole's Newsletter:

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful fall!

I'm very sorry for the delay in book news and releases and can't tell you how much I appreciate your patience. For Thanksgiving, I’m going to be giving thanks to you guys for being so amazing!

I'm delighted to tell you that we're on track for 2020 to have at least two releases: MUNRO and FROM THE GRAVE, the conclusion to the Arcana Chronicles.

MUNRO will drop in early summer at the latest, and FROM THE GRAVE will follow in the fall.

I will share the MUNRO preorder links as soon as they are available. Until then, check out this cover! (Poor Munro, he never knew what hit him when Kereny came into his life!)

Shera (Book Whispers) wrote: "@Cozen I think you may have inspired Cole dropping a newsletter! Or that's one heck of a coincidence.

From Cole's Newsletter:

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful fall!

I'm very sorry for ..."

Just received it too. "It's on track for 2020" -Cole?, that's not promising. It's a bummer though it'll be another 6 mos. (a little over a year from the original release date- so how can it be on track?) and there currently isn't an exact release date. I don't get good feelings when the release date is just generalized around a season.

But it won't be long between that and the Arcana Chronicles... that's always a good/treat for those of us who also follow her other series.

What to do before then?

Well, I'm going to check out the cover now.

Some self pub authors find a way to do it on schedule and others struggle. I don't mind too much. As long as it never turns into a 13 years and up wait I'm okay.

I wish her good luck. Though I do wish she'd say a reason. Like plotting issues, or some real life stuff.

Kresley’s, “The Game Maker” might have also been good, but I tried it through the audible and just couldn’t get past a few chapters. The narration was horrible.

That being said, also supposedly to be out In IAD (according to the date still listed on GR) is Shadow’s Kiss featuring Mina and some “ ruthless warrior hero?“ I wonder who that will be? Kristoff? Thaddeus Brayden? Someone thought Heath MacRieve, but since he’s suppose to be dead... I think that might be a long shot.

Cozen wrote: "Kresley’s, “The Game Maker” might have also been good, but I tried it through the audible and just couldn’t get past a few chapters. The narration was horrible.

That being said, also supposedly to..."

Than again, I really wouldn’t put Thaddeus Brayden as a “Ruthless Warrior Hero.”

Shera (Book Whispers) wrote: "@Cozen I think you may have inspired Cole dropping a newsletter! Or that's one heck of a coincidence..."

Seriously! That is some suspiciously good timing!

I'm plowing through the Ozeki book, which is great, but hella depressing. I will be more than primed to devour some IAD once I get through it.

Which one of you hated the new covers? I like the one for Monro (but as we've discussed, I'm hardly discerning).

Okay. I'm shelving the Ozeki book at least until I finish AHLNO--it's just too damn depressing to stomp through it when I knew delicious werewolves wait on the other side.

I forgot that whole ripped-off-his-leg thing, yikes! So I'm settled in and will promptly (re)devour this, if anyone else is interested in checking it out with me ::bats eyelashes::

Cozen wrote: "...That being said, also supposedly to be out In IAD (according to the date still listed on GR) is Shadow’s Kiss featuring Mina and some “ ruthless warrior hero?“ I wonder who that will be? Kristoff? Thaddeus Brayden? Someone thought Heath MacRieve, but since he’s suppose to be dead... I think that might be a long shot."

Oooh, oooh, my immediate thought was Brandr. C'mon, anyone else feel sorry for dude when zig/zagging w/ Natalya?

And for me, emphatic NO for Mina & Thad--both zygotes so want them to relax, play around & grow up some.

Jayla wrote: "...I forgot that whole ripped-off-his-leg thing, yikes! So I'm settled in and will promptly (re)devour this, if anyone else is interested in checking it out with me ::bats eyelashes::"

Jayla, I've read/listened to AHLNO so many times by now, practically have book memorised. So go ahead & read--I'll do best to pseudo-BR & chat w/ you but could be intermittent due to Turkey Day/guests.

(view spoiler)[(re: leg scene, still love phrase/paragraph w/ 'pitilessly' in it---think when realises out of time = gotta amputate?) (hide spoiler)]

I like how pissed he is lol

I remembered most of this but not the leg thing (and you'd have to be pitiless, right? Yow!).... "Her scent is fading; there is not time..."

I like how KC set it all up, how all he wants is a trance state "oblivion" when he finds her and then he sees her fangs and is like, nyope! Drama! Angst! Thwarted smuttiness!

And this is why I love this series :)

Karma♥Bites ^.~ wrote: "Cozen wrote: "...That being said, also supposedly to be out In IAD (according to the date still listed on GR) is Shadow’s Kiss featuring Mina and some “ ruthless warrior hero?“ I wonder who that wi..."

What about Mina and Deshazior? Loved him Holly’s drinking partner. Loved it better when Cade realizes he can’t kill the storm demon.

Hmm, IDK? Min still feels underdeveloped so not sure re: fit. Cloistered entire short life in Dacia & just sent to NO for exposure/experience. Kinda want her to stiffen backbone clashing w/ couple Valkyries, KWIM? Like Em & Holly in past.

But LMAO @ horn job!! Damn brilliant. Mere thought still makes me cackle.

@Jayla, took me sveral re-reads to notice (too busy devouring story). IIRC, writing style in Prologue kinda reflected Lachlan's mental state, esp when slipping into beast? Think sentences got shorter/simpler? And grief when finally escape but lost scent... *sigh*

Karma♥Bites ^.~ wrote: "Hmm, IDK? Min still feels underdeveloped so not sure re: fit. Cloistered entire short life in Dacia & just sent to NO for exposure/experience. Kinda want her to stiffen backbone clashing w/ couple ..."

I actually thought at the end of one of the books it had said Mina died. But I’m not one hundred percent sure of it. Can anyone else verify?

@Karma: Yes, prologue is definitely his POV... His crazy, beast-mode POV (abbreviated sentences, etc); good on KC.

Okay, other thoughts now that I've just finished re-reading for the first time in years and years and years (and I'm going to actually review, but I'll spare you all that rambling and try to hit the high points/questions):

1) Do y'all have more sympathy for Emma as you've looked back? When I first read this book, I remember really loathing her weakness in the beginning. Like, to the point where I think I skimmed some of it (ex: I remembered his leg being weak but the fact that he ripped it off wasn't entirely fixed in memory). As I'm older now, and just generally more tolerant of everything/one, I find Emma... A good attempt at a dynamic character. We talked above about the heroines of IAD being the real draw--Werewolf #1 being a great example of prime alpha-beef and not much else--so how does Emma fit in to that? Do you feel like the turn at the end, when she's suddenly amazing with all the skills she never completely mastered before, was well done?

2) I consider the IAD series light, versus some of the grittier UF, especially, that I really get in to (and I love it for that); am I alone in thinking it might have been interesting if Emma was actually bold/gross enough to drink D's blood to find out about her mom? I mean, she'd probably go nuts (not a downside, as far as storyline options go, IMO) but the father-focus in these books makes me roll my eyes sometimes. They're very 'about' patrilineal heritage. Maybe because she considers Annika her mom and that's enough? Maybe I'm weird/bold/gross? Just curious.

3) I remember hating W#1 drinking whiskey so Emma would get drunk drinking his blood back in the day; hate it even more now. I totally dig dark romance but I thought that was effed for this series, and the fact that he doesn't take advantage of it being played as some way to view him as a good dude grosses me out even more. Anybody else?

4) Who is your favorite Valkyrie? Not female character, just the sorority crazies. Mine is Nix (because duh), but I really love Kaderin, mostly when she's an autobot though. And Lucia... I mean, real talk, I love them all, but how about y'all?

#1 Do y'all have more sympathy for Emma as you've looked back? When I first read this book, I remember really loathing her weakness in the beginning. No. Mainly because even though she seemed weak, she still eventually pushed back when she hit her limit of his dominancy. As the story goes on Emma grows stronger mentally as well as physically. It’s a process and I can almost appreciate Cole’s gradual inner growth. How many stories are there where the lead female character starts instantaneously becomes stronger when the parts leading up to indicate the absence of it and even having basic common sense about fighting someone. What’s worse is when the heroine is TSTL all the way around.

#2 They're very 'about' patrilineal heritage. Maybe because she considers Annika her mom and that's enough? Maybe I'm weird/bold/gross?” In a lot of IAD stories there’s a strong sense of bonding with each faction. Take for instance Demon from the Dark. One of the young witch’s mother was killed. Carrow immediately takes claim of the young witch and proclaims that she will now be her mother and provide for her mainly because there’s a sense of remarkable loyalty for the witch who died protecting her daughter. It’s just that kind of mind set with some factions of the lore.

#3 I was fine with it. The intent was there but he didn’t go through with it. Or it could be seen as a failed attempt. I’m fine with darker aspects. To me, when it comes to the paranormal genre, I can overlook this kind of stuff because these are beings that are built on animalistic nature and behaviors. To try and relate is a bit hard for me so I just go with the flow. Others may feel differently.

#4 Who is your favorite Valkyrie? Not female character, just the sorority crazies. Eh? Valkyries can only be a female character. Not unless you mean like the valkyrie and not like the witches. Not sure what you’re asking here. But Lucia would be my favorite. I do love Pleasure of a Dark Prince. It’s one of my top 5 of the IAD series. I like Lucia because she’s disciplined. She has tortured herself for three thousand years in order to stay virginal so that she can eventually kill off her husband. Now that’s some dedicated will power. She kind of reminds me of Rogue (also my all time favorite character from the X-men.) Not to be allowed to know another’s touch would be hell. To finally be able to to someone intimately either would either be a total let down or sensory overload. I guess that just appeals to me most.

Daniela, however, would be my least favorite. She’s too dull for my tastes. She’s really unremarkable and I feel her story was written as a needed filler to complete all the Wroth brothers pairing. It was, however, interesting to see how Cole fit the major obstacle in their way with a solution. I’ll give it that. I like trying to find original pairing. Like how there currently is no Mummy and Vampire hook ups. He’s all blood feeding and she’s all saw dust. And he can never run fast enough or far enough because she’s literally cursed. Hense she’s everywhere he goes. Bwhahahahaha.

***Here’s two of my own*** - Why are there not any female demon characters in any of the IAD books? There’s a female werewolf in A Hunger Like No Other. There’s Mina the female vampire (thought to be all extinct) in Shadow's Claim. But There’s only a small mention of the existence of them only in mentioning that they’re sensitive about their horns in Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (by the way, I never liked that cover. It seems more like a vampire than a werewolf. I prefer this one .)

And 2, - Is Mina the only female vampire in the entire Dacian? Mina existed because she was protected in her territory from the outside. Reason would suggest that there were more born or created there.

@Cozen: 1) Given the choice, you're totally right; I'll take just about anything over TSTL. But I feel like... I don't know, I'm being really hard on her, but Beta Emma is a little on the verge of TSTL for me. But I also acknowledge I'm being a giant b about it.

2) Yeah, and I'm thinking about the Valkyrie themselves and they're very interested in matrilineal lineage... And the witches, yes. But there's so many little touches of it everywhere, it drives me a little crazy when I notice it.

3) Yeah, part of me talks to myself like, dude, this is PNR? Relax? For some reason it's just so damn sneaky, and that's what grossed me out--as opposed, for whatever crazy reason, to him pinning her in a damp field and tearing her shirt off. I was like, alright! Let's do this! (Clearly darkness does not disturb me when I'm prepared for it). A little too 'nice guy.'

4) Just the valkyries. Whom I adore.

5) ...There's the female demon bartender in Dark Desires After Dusk (right? She's a demon, yeah?)... As for major characters, I'm trying to remember some from the Hie or something and coming up short. I'll keep my eyes peeled as I re-read.

6) Same. And this one bothered me because if there's one, there's got to be more, right?

Jayla wrote: "@Cozen: 1) Given the choice, you're totally right; I'll take just about anything over TSTL. But I feel like... I don't know, I'm being really hard on her, but Beta Emma is a little on the verge of ..."

Great catch, I forgot about Imatra from Dark Desires After Dusk. She was a blip in the entirety to the series. Any other demoness I may have forgot?

Imatra! I looked her up--my library gave me 4&5 but for some reason doesn't have a copy of 3 available, so I'll download it this week sometime--but it's a little confusing because in addition to calling her 'demoness' several times she's also referred to as a witch. So maybe that's the trick? Female demons only if they have lineage from somewhere else in the Lore?

Mmm. Cade.

Cozen wrote: "...I actually thought at the end of one of the books it had said Mina died. But I’m not one hundred percent sure of it. Can anyone else verify?"

No. Nein. Niet. Nuh-uh. ... Unless I completely missed a book or novella?

IIRC, last mention of Mina was @ end of IAD #17/Dacians #2, Shadow's Seduction = Mina missing (perhaps kidnapped)? Situation then segues into her book/story = IAD #20/Dacians #3, Shadow's Kiss?

Jayla wrote: "...I like how KC set it all up, how all he wants is a trance state "oblivion" when he finds her and then he sees her fangs and is like, nyope! Drama! Angst! Thwarted smuttiness!..."

I've several parts bookmarked in audio. Particular fav is when Lachlan (after digesting concept of telephone & calling overseas) mans up & calls Annika. In short, confusion, misunderstanding/communication, chaos & general hilarity ensues :D

1) Do y'all have more sympathy for Emma as you've looked back? When I first read this book, I remember really loathing her weakness in the beginning.
Think I had sympathy for Emma from get-go b/c like a teen compared to other Valkyries. Also, knew she'd been hidden away & coddled for most part (good b/c well-intended) but self-esteem suffered (bad). So understood her need to spread wings, as well as get answers re: parents (esp father) & cheered her when she stood up to Lachlan, even tho quaking w/ fear inside.

2) .... the father-focus in these books makes me roll my eyes sometimes. They're very 'about' patrilineal heritage. Maybe because she considers Annika her mom and that's enough?
Hmmm, I had different view. Emma knew about her mum from Annika & others but IIRC, no one knew about her father, not even his identity. So not so much matter of stressing paternal over maternal, but seeking info on unknown over known?

(As for Carrow's immediate adoption of Ruby in IAD #10 Demon from the Dark (one of my all-time favs), weren't they related? Think Ruby's mum was Carrow's cousin? So yes, witches tight-knit group but much more re: Ruby--not just blood ties, but also Carrow's background/unhappy childhood?)

3) I remember hating W#1 drinking whiskey so Emma would get drunk drinking his blood back in the day; hate it even more now.
*nods* Can see your point. Me, chalked it up as 'desperate folks sometimes do stupid things'. D/n really bother me (but then, I've encountered worse trying to be portrayed as OK/normal = *head explodes* & immediate DNF).

4) Who is your favorite Valkyrie? Not female character, just the sorority crazies.
Tough b/c unless already MC in book, most are side mentions or cameos?

Cozen wrote: "... ***Here’s two of my own***

Why are there not any female demon characters in any of the IAD books?..."
Ever since IAD #15 Dark Skye, been thinking that Cole may flesh out demons more fully via new series arc. Cuz a lot debunked & revealed by end. (oh, and still waiting on baby news *strums fingers*)

So there are demonesses in Pandemonium and as y'all noted, there's Imatra (half-demoness/sorcerer) introduced in IAD #6 Dark Desires After Dusk. Also, think more demonesses in different demonarchies--aren't Rydstrom & Cade's sisters still alive? Thought I recall them visiting Rothkalina at some point.

And 2, - Is Mina the only female vampire in the entire Dacian?
D/n think so. IIRC, all Dacian females similarly protected from virus = had babies, unlike outside Dacia. Also, remember mentions of Mirceo & Caspion whoring it up? And of course, Ellie is female vamp now :)

etc: typos

Karma♥Bites ^.~ wrote: "Cozen wrote: "... ***Here’s two of my own***

Why are there not any female demon characters in any of the IAD books?..."
Ever since IAD #15 Dark Skye, been thinking that Cole may fl..."

1) Again, I totally forgot about those two unknown demons making out while Thronos and Lanthe hid in the shadows. Dark Skyes wasn’t one of more favorite stories. I enjoyed it only because it was rich with important details, like where Fury is being held captive. But the pairing was off for me. So I totally forgot that blip as well.

I recalled in Rydstrom mentioning that MacRieve saved his sisters. But little else was mentioned of them.

And also... in didn’t Rydstrom and Sabine wait for a portal to open up with a bunch of other demons and demoness? I think so. But it wasn’t my favorite book either so I’m not certain about it.

And 2)... WHAT BABY NEWS!? Obvious I missed something very important here.

Cozen wrote: "...1) Again, I totally forgot about those two unknown demons making out while Thronos and Lanthe hid in the shadows. Dark Skyes wasn’t one of more favorite stories. I enjoyed it only because it was rich with important details, like where Fury is being held captive. But the pairing was off for me. So I totally forgot that blip as well. ...

*nods* I was kinda same after initial read--RP & audio got me over hump :) So you got what I meant about new series arc? (which kinda already started w/ Sweet Ruin and Wicked Abyss).

Recall telling buddy that I expected epic. Instead, wanted to smack Thronos for most of story/journey. Also drove me batty that he remained so clueless for FIVE HUNDRED YRS! What, sexual deprivation/frustration clogged ears & whittled brain down to nothing? LOL..

...And 2)... WHAT BABY NEWS!? Obvious I missed something very important here."

(view spoiler)[Towards end of Dark Skye, yet another reason to find Thronos...? 🤔 (hide spoiler)]

ETA: spoiler tags... crap, forgot... sorry :(

Lothaire and Emma's book

Tasnima1329 wrote: "Lothaire and Emma's book"

Wouldn’t we all love a magical chest that pulls anything we want to eat out of it? No more cooking or waiting time.

Man... I don't know how I didn't get to that one. He popped up all mysterious like in the background in AHLNO doing mysterious deeds and I was like... How did I sleep on his book? How? KC clearly set him up from the beginning as a complex character and I just...I dunno. Had some kids and didn't sleep for four years I guess lol

All of this rambling is about Lothaire, btw--I keep waiting for him to pop up in my re-reads but so far, nada. I skipped ahead to 4&5 but am waiting to comment on them until I finish #3 (wolfy goodness).

Also full circle: in the beginning of the thread people were mentioning that they like Conrad's story and don't really know why--I did, but again, I think, primarily because of Neomi. I like that she's human, driven, confident, comfortable with herself, compassionate... She isn't the dynamic character in that book, which I feel like in many of them the heroine is the 'grower' so that the couple can work--which I like, because dynamic. But it is also refreshing to see female characters that have agency and identity that isn't altered by love. She just loves the dude, that's it.

That book also drove me crazy, because it is soooo slow moving what with the ghostiness and all (I'm a perv, what can I say), but it's a goodie.

Jayla wrote: "Man... I don't know how I didn't get to that one. He popped up all mysterious like in the background in AHLNO doing mysterious deeds and I was like... How did I sleep on his book? How? KC clearly s..."

Conrade... maybe we like him because he’s a 300+ year old virgin bad boy.

“She isn't the dynamic character in that book, which I feel like in many of them the heroine is the 'grower' so that the couple can work--which I like, because dynamic. But it is also refreshing to see female characters that have agency and identity that isn't altered by love. She just loves the dude, that's it.”

Bowan had to grow and change his hatred of witches to be with Mari. Even Garreth had to grow and change for Lucia. Lothair had to change his perception of Ellie and her human hillbilly up bringing. Uilleam MacRieve had to change and over come his prejudice against Succubi to be with Ellie. Murdoch Had to grow out of his non-commitment behavior to have Daniela. And Thronos had to change his way of thinking to accept Lanthe before she would even consider being bound to him. All these guys had Some kind of inner personal growth to be with the one fate intended for them.

Cozen wrote: "Bowen..."

All true. But most of them have to change their beliefs--not who they fundamentally are (not universally true, either, but just observing trends). How they feel about the heroine, as opposed to the growth in some of the heroines themselves, where they have to overcome personal obstacles of their own--the first big ones to pop up being fresh in my mind, like Kaderin having to get comfortable with being emotional (which is linked to Sebastian, but also an independent struggle with her own identity and how she approached life), Emma's whole deal, Holly's OCD/identity crisis, even Neomi has to reach backward and become more of the confident aggressor she once was. They just seem like conflicts that are more independent of the relationship itself--even if the relationship is the catalyst for figuring it out, but in a lot of cases it's not. The dudes are mostly like, ew, humans, ew vampires, ew succubi.

But the books aren't interesting if the characters aren't interesting, and frankly, the crux of the romances is that the H is so attracted to the h that he can't help himself, so I'm not saying it's a flaw. Not at all. Just an observation.

I actually like the trend, now that I'm thinking about it. It explains how attached I am to all of the heroines in this series--why I can re-read it at all, you know?

Anyway, as ever, I am distrustful of my thoughts on the later books. Who knows how many of them I actually read? So I'll see what I think as I go along.

Edited to add that Sebastian is also not a part of this trend--he definitely needs to make peace with being a vamp, and would have to do so presumably no matter whether or not Kaderin showed up eventually... Just another reason why he's the best Wroth brother ;)

Jayla wrote: "Cozen wrote: "Bowen..."

All true. But most of them have to change their beliefs--not who they fundamentally are (not universally true, either, but just observing trends). How they feel about the h..."

You don’t like “No Rest for the Wicked,” do you?

Here’s a question, who’s your favorite side character, or supporting character? Not one who eventually (current books only) get’s their own book. Like side characters Deshazer or Manny would be an example of a side character.

I remember really liking it! But that's the one my library apparently either doesn't have or I'm on some kind of nightmare waiting list, so I skipped ahead in my re-reads. I'm going to buy it and read it while I'm traveling this weekend. But here's the thing, I'm not a critic, not at all--although I realize this might sound contradictory to some of my posts. I just like to think about books really hard with my remaining two brain cells lol

Favorite side character... Dude. I'm not sure... I think I'll have to come back to that. But Desh and his 'horn job' definitely make the list of possibles.

Jayla wrote: "I remember really liking it! But that's the one my library apparently either doesn't have or I'm on some kind of nightmare waiting list, so I skipped ahead in my re-reads. I'm going to buy it and r..."

I’m just teasing you about it. You’ve mentioned the book and character several times, so I poked. There’s really nothing wrong with it. Glad you enjoyed. Just making sure you move on to the other books in the series so we can discuss them too.

That’s the great thing about IAD, you can read them really in any order because they all have a beginning, middle and end. They all could be considered a standalone. My first book that I read from IAD was Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Edge. I had no idea for over 6 months that it was the forth book of a series. That was the beginning of a journey.

Oh! LOL

I looooove werewolves. Complete dork about them.

I did buy it but I haven't cracked it open yet--I finished the Ozeki book and got most of another NF book read on the ridiculously long plane rides I've been on for the last three days (with two children under five--yes, I am looking for a high five here), so I'll probably start it tomorrow.

I love the IAD for the stand-alone quality, although I am also a real sucker for a good serial (KC kind of blends them, and does it so well). I think the theme of the Asencion (sp) is one of the reasons I love the whole thing, a nice big arc that connects it all and works perfectly.

Cozen wrote: "...I actually thought at the end of one of the books it had said Mina died. But I’m not one hundred percent sure of it. Can anyone else verify?"

ETA to my post #72:

Last night, saw how/where you may have gotten this notion. Fairly early in IAD #16 Sweet Ruin, a nymph mentions seeing female vamps suddenly about NO. Specifically notes Valkyrie halfling (Emma) & Dacian (Mina) “but she’s sick with vampire plague”.

I probably forgot about this b/c erased by later mentions in #17.

Now, back to lurkdom--b/c of this thread, got sucked into IAD re-read from IAD #10 & took willpower to wrest self back into productivity mode ;-)

@Jayla, hope you're enjoying your binge-read!

Thank you Karma!

I've also been pulled away--the holidays, man, they're something else--but I'm planning on bingeing this weekend on werewolf goodness :) If I get all my stuff done, of course...

*sighs* Goodreads keeps failing me on updating me for conversations! At least I decided to drop in just to check.

I've been thinking about starting up A Hunger Like No Other.

I'm so glad you posted--I've been meaning to drop in to revive this zombie thread and check in but life has been bonkers. Several work projects + holidays and then a bunch of books I had on hold at the library arrived all at the same time.

I would love it if you read that though... Just to hear your thoughts on it. I've yet to read my werewolf smexiness, but by the time I get through all these library books you'll probably be well finished with AHLNO.

Well I'm glad I checked in! I can't believe how bad GR has been about letting me know when people are posting to threads of been on!

I feel you one the library books. All of them came in December! So I felt obligated to read them. I've got one library book left and I'm currently reading . So I'll get there!

But that's the fun part of posting here! We can go back and catch up however we need to! LOL! I'll post here when I start up.

Karma♥Bites ^.~ wrote: "Cozen wrote: "...I actually thought at the end of one of the books it had said Mina died. But I’m not one hundred percent sure of it. Can anyone else verify?"

ETA to my post #72:

Last night, saw ..."

Yep, that’s sounds accurately familiar to what I recall about thinking that Mina was dyeing.

But now I’m going to have to go back and read Sweet Ruin (actually listen since I only got it on audible). I think out of all of the IAD, this book is perhaps my least favorite of all. I didn’t like the lead characters, the circular retracing of their steps, Nix’s manipulation, and the real lack of connection to the over arc of the entire IAD world. And the last scene where they all stood up to these superior beings felt pushed and eye roll worthy.

I just felt it didn’t click at all with the series as a whole, like her other books have so beautifully done before it. But I get there needs to be a big baddy and this is an off shoot to a larger picture that will play itself out in the end. I still hated the book and stands as my least favorite of all of them.

That might explain why Sweet Ruin is the only one my library consistently has available (you're not alone in disliking it). All of the others are waitlisted and hard to get.

Relevant update: I finished Our House finally and will wrap up the ole Poldark tomorrow or so and THEN, finally finally, I will start on Werewolf Smex #2.

Irrelevant update: man, that book was way too damn long. I think Louise Candlish is really talented but I just spent like five days with the most selfish, miserable people on earth and it was exhausting.
TL;DR: Our House is... Not great.

Shera (Book Whispers) wrote: "*sighs* Goodreads keeps failing me on updating me for conversations! At least I decided to drop in just to check.

I've been thinking about starting up A Hunger Like No Other."
Good morning Group, I have read Immortals after Dark series, i'm on book #11...the first few ones are great!! i loved every minute of them, each book is a different story but some are not as great. lol but still a good read.

Finished Poldark! (Loved it). On to the wolves! And also looking forward to more observations about AHLNO, etc.

@Maria--Hi Maria! You're way further than I trust my memory to be. I thought I'd read at least up to Lothaire but then found out I was wrong; I either skipped some or just didn't get that far...I don't think. Time will tell. Anyway, welcome :)

So I started #3 (listed, btw for those following at home, as #4 on Amazon--they follow the numbering with the addition of TWWF). I am remembering as I go that this probably my favorite (at the time I read these) of the stories, and was reminded why pretty early on. Bowen and Mari have a much more emotional conversation early on, where she's physically attracted to him (and also just horny anyway because shes' becoming immortal) in the cave, but turns him down because he treated her like crap. It sets up that hurt/comfort dynamic I'm addicted to and even though Bowen is basically a perfect example of the meathead sex-gods I love from this series (and Mari a perfect bad girl) they have a connection that feels more emotional from (almost) everybody else. Maybe because she's mortal? Not sure.

Anyway. Updates for those still following this long-ass journey to come ;)

Jayla wrote: "So I started #3 (listed, btw for those following at home, as #4 on Amazon--they follow the numbering with the addition of TWWF). I am remembering as I go that this probably my favorite (at the time..."

Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night is probably my favorite of the series. It’s probably ideal to note that I like the fact that Kresley Cole isn’t afraid to take her character around the world instead of staying all in one place. You know Cole spent time researching the Amazon and Guatemala for her stories. It’s that depth that’s attractive.

I just read the part where she's describing the jungle below the canopy and it definitely feels like she's been there. I know she travels so I wouldn't be surprised at all if she was reporting first hand.

Alright. Wrapped this bad boy (ha!) up and have several thoughts for anyone interested:

1) I enjoyed this book a lot more than any other during my re-reads (although SW is still my fave fake boyfriend from IAD, real talk) so far, and as I mentioned above, I feel like the emotional journey of this couple is somehow more... Realistic? Viable? And as a bonus, it ends in love, not just instalove-fatedmatedness; this book deals largely with this trope by dismantling it, I thought, pretty damn cleverly. What do y'all think?

2) Mariketa's youth, mortality and grief make her somewhat unique to me in the pantheon of Immortals we usually deal with.* She's an ass-kicker right from the start who's in touch with her emotions and accepts herself as she is, which is a pretty different position from a lot of the heroines in the series. Is that just Mari being awesome? Or is it related to the fact that she's mortal?

3) Haxa: thoughts?

4) We mentioned the locations in this book and the fact that KC travels a lot... Where is your favorite location described in this series? I love all the mentions of Scotland, and this book does the most describing, I think, so far. But I mean looking forward, too. I trust your memories better than mine.

*I know Lothaire ends up with a mortal or something too, but I don't remember many other ~living~ humans. Let's never trust my memory though, cause its trash.

Jayla wrote: "Alright. Wrapped this bad boy (ha!) up and have several thoughts for anyone interested:

I enjoyed this book a lot more than any other during my re-reads (although SW is still my fave fake boyfr..."

Lothaire does end up with a mortal but changes her into an immortal with all of the strengths of a vampire and none of their weaknesses.

Also, Holly is at one point a human. She changes later on in life because she’s the chosen one. But I’m not sure if it counts. Because it could fall into any mortal waiting to be transitioned to immortal like Chloe Todd who also was a human and later turned into a succubus.

@4 Pleasure of a Dark Prince This book goes through the Amazon on a rickety boat with a bunch of unsuspecting humans.