The Warlord Wants Forever (Immortals After Dark, #1)

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The Warlord Wants Forever (Immortals After Dark #1)

by Kresley Cole (Goodreads Author)

4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 · rating details · 15,147 ratings · 658 reviews

Nikolai Wroth, once a ruthless human warlord in the 1700s and now a general in the rebel vampire army, needs to find his Bride, the one woman who can render him truly alive. As a turned human, he doesn’t enjoy a heartbeat or breaths and is consequently weaker than fully blooded vampires. He wants his Bride for the power she will bring him and can hardly believe it when his...more

ebook, 163 pages

Published 2006 by Simon & Schuster

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Feb 11, 2012 Dina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, series-immortals-after-dark

The Warlord Wants Forever is the short story that introduces the Immortal After Dark series...

From Kresley Cole's website:

Nikolai Wroth, once a ruthless human warlord in the 1700s and now a general in the rebel vampire army, needs to find his Bride, the one woman who can render him truly alive. As a turned human, he doesn’t enjoy a heartbeat or breaths and is consequently weaker than fully blooded vampires. He wants his Bride for the power she will bring him and can hardly believe it when his he...more The Warlord Wants Forever is the short story that introduces the Immortal After Dark series...

From Kresley Cole's website:

Nikolai Wroth, once a ruthless human warlord in the 1700s and now a general in the rebel vampire army, needs to find his Bride, the one woman who can render him truly alive. As a turned human, he doesn’t enjoy a heartbeat or breaths and is consequently weaker than fully blooded vampires. He wants his Bride for the power she will bring him and can hardly believe it when his heart beats for Myst the Coveted, a mad, fey, mythological creature.

Myst is known throughout the world as the most beautiful Valkyrie, part chillingly fierce warrior, part beguiling seductress who can “make you want her even as she’s killing you.” She has devoted her life to protecting an ancient, powerful jewel and to fighting the vampires, and she now sees a way to torment one—for with Wroth’s heartbeat comes consuming sexual desire that can only be slaked by her.

She eludes him for five years, but he has finally chased her to ground and stolen the jewel which commands her, giving him absolute power over her. While he possesses it, he can make her do anything, and he plans to in order for her to experience first hand the agonizing, unending lust she’d purposely subjected him to for half a decade. Yet when Wroth realizes he wants more from her and frees her, will she come back to him?

As the introduction to the IAD series, this story did its job. I wasn't wowed by it but I'm interested enough to give the next book a try. The PNR world created by Ms. Cole is unique - at least, to me - with its mixture of all kinds of PNR beings. I mean, I'm used to series being about one kind of PNR being - vampires, shapeshifters, psychics, or whatever - but it looks like the IAD series has them all "mixing and matching", and this should be fun.

I had to struggle a bit in the 1st half of story, because Wroth and Myst weren't exactly likable. He started out being somewhat cold and unemotional and then turned into an obsessive domineering "master", ugh. As for Myst, she just seemed to be too ditzy and slutty for my taste. Okay, the sexual tension between them was sizzling hot and their love scenes got me "hot and bothered", but I couldn't help feeling uncomfortable when he took her free will away from her. Every time he commanded her to do something against her will, I cringed a little because I'm not into D/s and there was definitely a D/s vibe there. Thankfully, Wroth came to his senses in the end and Myst had more depth in her than she'd led me to believe, and I ended up liking both of them.

The following books in this series are supposed to be better than this one, so I'm off to reading A Hunger Like No Other. We shall see how I like it...
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Feb 21, 2011 Kat Kennedy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: death-by-paranormal-romance, books-that-deserve-painful-death

Do you know a woman who's bitchy, non-compliant and difficult?

According to Cole, the answer to this is that she's just too damn empowered and has too many rights!

unempowered

Surely relinquishing her unappreciated freedoms and rights will make her abundantly happy... and compliant... and slutty...

I hear an objection from the Kresley Cole fans and in the interest of fair media representation, I'll relay it to the rest of you. "But Kat, the novels ends with Wroth and Myst in an equal relationship where Myst ha...more

140 likes · like · see review

Nov 27, 2009 Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of sexy paranormal romance

Shelves: part-of-a-series, favorites, short-story-collection, stalkerific-hero, lovers-reunited, enemies-to-lovers, paranormal-romance, vampire, valkyrie, kickbutt-heroine, hero-to-die-for, favorite-or-autobuy-author, fated-to-be-mated

I read The Warlord Wants Forever out of the Playing Easy to Get anthology. I actually read this one second in the Immortals After Dark series because I read A Hunger Like No Other first. I remember reading A Hunger and being like, "Who are Myst and Nikolai?" When I realized that there was a prequel short story, I was on the hunt to get it. Finally I found it at a Half Price Books in San Antonio. I bought it and read it when I was in Denver for training. I actually read it about 2 and 1/2 times....more I read The Warlord Wants Forever out of the Playing Easy to Get anthology. I actually read this one second in the Immortals After Dark series because I read A Hunger Like No Other first. I remember reading A Hunger and being like, "Who are Myst and Nikolai?" When I realized that there was a prequel short story, I was on the hunt to get it. Finally I found it at a Half Price Books in San Antonio. I bought it and read it when I was in Denver for training. I actually read it about 2 and 1/2 times. I love this story so much. It's short but it's very hot and sweet. So well written, with characters that jump off the page at you. I thought I loved Lochlain, until I met Nikolai. The man is so delicious to me, and like Myst, I can't resist his scars and his warrior essence. It has a captive theme, so that might not work for some. As the saying goes, I would not kick Nikolai out of bed for eating crackers. Yet honestly, Nikolai is not a gentle lover, but Myst doesn't exactly play fair either. In the IAD universe vampires are unable to have sex until they meet their Bride who 'bloods' them. And then, watch out. Well, Myst is Nikolai's bride, despite the fact that as a valkyrie she hates vampires and kills their kind. She actually exploits the fact that she can 'blood' vampires and has killed them by almost seducing them. Well she feels an attraction to Nikolai despite her hatred of vamps. When she 'bloods' him, she leaves him hanging, in desperate need that only she can assuage for five years. Talk about frustration. This story has excellent chemistry, and the skill of Cole's writing shines in this short story. She is so good at combining humor, action, and writing characters that burn for each other.

Apparently this story does not have universal appeal, but I loved it. I really want to thank Kresley Cole for writing these fantastic stories that combine a unique look at Norse mythology, sexy alpha heroes who fall hard in love; stubborn, intelligent heroines who can take care of themselves, blisteringly hot love scenes, and laugh out loud moments, to make for an all-around enjoyable reading experience.
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Jun 09, 2012 Brittany B. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2nd_chance, audiobook, great-series, rom_pnr, rom_guilty-pleasures, rom_red-smexy

Updated Review:
For an IAD 1st short story, this is a 4.5 on my scale... But I could be biased.

Thus, I'm leaving my first review of this book below. It's how I felt at the time, and the male narrator honestly does a grating impression of the Count from Sesame Street for his performance of vampire, Nikolai Wroth.

However, after reading more of the series, and wishing for more audiobooks of the series (as performed by the full series narrator: Robert Petkoff, who is an unbelievable genius) I went...more Updated Review:
For an IAD 1st short story, this is a 4.5 on my scale... But I could be biased.

Thus, I'm leaving my first review of this book below. It's how I felt at the time, and the male narrator honestly does a grating impression of the Count from Sesame Street for his performance of vampire, Nikolai Wroth.

However, after reading more of the series, and wishing for more audiobooks of the series (as performed by the full series narrator: Robert Petkoff, who is an unbelievable genius) I went back and gave this a second chance. It wasn't nearly as bad as I remembered. The story was quite good actually. Myst and Nikolai have a fantastically interesting relationship. The story is short and sweet, and I really understood so much more now that I am more familiar with the Lore and the characters.

I can't decide if this is better read as book one, I preferred it after reading 3 or 4 books of the series. It's definitely not necessary to read before you start the series.

Below is my first review. It still really makes me laugh because I felt so strongly. And I was creeped out by the Vampire Mating scene. Lol. Me??? Freaked by a Kresley Cole Smex scene? Impossible!! (so I'm keeping the proof:)

*****************************************************************

Review1: (3stars)

Ok Kresley Cole fans, hear me out-- don't throw the uneaten popcorn at me yet.
I really liked a Hunger Like No Other, but I felt I was missing some info and thought- "oh I should finally listen to the prequel"-- A Warlord Wants Forever. (I've had the audiobook version downloaded for a long time)
(Small spoiler)
As far as helping me understand the Lore better, the first parts of the book were great. The book opens with the heroine being used as bait for the "enemy". Once she is locked up, it turns out that the the vampire who watches her eventually realizes this is his life mate. Imagine the odds... (despite their time together, he doesn't realize it till it's time to torture her.) So knowing a lot about vampires, Myst (heroine) gets him all physically excited (he can only complete sexual acts with his mate), then she gets busted out of the dungeon by her Valkyrie friends. The vampire is stuck for a long time with blue balls... years and years of blue balls. I'm telling the truth. This is the story.

So the vampire searches and searches for his mate. When they find each other, he gains control of an item that magically controls her. He forces her with commands and the magic item to do all sorts of things that excite them both. They have tons of sex. Naturally family feuds occur and there's peril and drama.

I'm not a prude. I love smexy vampire books and all the fun steamy action in PNR genre. But I just literally got so tired of the games they played once they bonded. (first he used magic to control her, then she secretly wants it, then he's unhappy she might leave him, he wants her full consent- no tricks or magic) oh yea It's probably not a good idea to mate for a lifetime with someone you coerced into bed with magic. I digress. She has to reassure him, tell him how much she wants him. blah blah blah. Blood sucking, memory stealing, blah blah, blah.
All of this is spoken or ruminated about during, before or after sex. I eventually started to lose my patience with all of the characters. It had great beginning and the rest was over dramatic sex.
But, the worst thing about my experience was the male narrator: the Great Count Chocula.

The male narrator adopted a 'Wanna Be' Dracula accent during the hot and heavy scenes. As the scene became more intense, his terrible Count Chocula impersonation became worse and worse. It sounded like he actually put in the fake fanged teeth for effect during the lustful scenes. Eventually I was cringing, laughing and wishing I had not read this prequel.
I know many people loved this one. Many of my friends here. Next time, if I try again, I'll be reading in print

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May 07, 2012 Kristen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Kristen by: Karla

Shelves: novella-short-story, kresley-cole, vampires, fabulous-characters, 5-star, enemies-to-lovers, favorite-couple, groveling-hero, humorous, read-series-in-order, steamy, strong-willed-heroine

5 stars

The Warlord Wants Forever is a fantastic beginning to a fabulous series!

Karla encourage me to go back and read the first book (novella) before starting the 8th book in the Immortals After Dark series, Deep Kiss of Winter. She said that reading this novella would help me fully understand the events that take place in the 8th book.

To be honest, I wasn't overly excited about reading this novella. I figured after seven books I had a fairly good understanding of the amazing but complex world K...more

13 likes · like · see review

Aug 08, 2012 Merve Özcan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampire, valkyrie, romance, mythology, godish, immortal, more-than-one-narrrator

Çok sevdiğim bir seri, gerçekten birçok mitolojik yaratık içeriyor.Her sayfası, her kitabı ayrı bir güzel.
Karakterlerin çelişkileri, aşkları, umutsuzluklarını... Kitabı okurken bende yaşıyorum. Yazarın dili sizi sıkmıyor. Her sayfa göz açıp kapayıncaya kadar geçiyor ve sonunda yüzünüzde bir gülümseme ile bittiği için üzülüyorsunuz.

6 likes · like · see review

Jul 14, 2012 Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult

Adult review for erotic content

"You're the most malicious bitch I've ever known."
"Flatterer," she chirped.

Waitress : Welcome to the Fetish Cafe. Please feel feel to browse our menu and I'll be back to take your order shortly.

Me : No need. I already know what I want. It's been a rough week and I could use some stress relief. Can you send over a man who has the ability to produce instant *cough* uh...you know...the big "O," on command?

Waitress : (raises an eyebrow) You do realize what you're...more

19 likes · like · see review

Feb 03, 2010 Mel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: short-stories-anthologies, pnr

The Warlord Wants Forever is the first in the Immortal After Dark series by Kresley Cole. The story features the eldest of the Wroth brothers, Nikolai, and the most beautiful Valkyrie of them all: Myst the Coveted.

Myst is playing bait in a vampire dungeon when Nikolai, as general of a vampire rebel group, frees her. Nikolai is immediately intrigued by Myst. She however tries to play Nikolai like she does every man. When they find out Myst is Nikolai’s Bride, she does the worst thing imaginable...more

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 21, 2013 Iva rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: too-hot, paranormal, romance, contemporary, adult, vampire

First time read: June 1st, 2011. (Maybe even before)
Re-read: 21st April, 2013. Stil the best!

"Five years of hell! You deserve to be fu*ked until you can't walk!"

Oh God, why does that line always get me excited?? :P Mmmm Nikolai Wroth, the warrior. Wish myself one warrior too *bites lip* And a good one like this too...

Now she felt frustration as she’d never known. "Wroth, don’t be stupid."
In a low, steady tone, he said, "I love you, Myst."
Feeling erupted in her chest to answer his words. Yes,

...more

4 likes · like · see review

Feb 17, 2013 Dee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, author-kresley-cole, vampires, demons, wya-challenge-celebrate-fav-author, nbrc-serious-readers-challenge-2013, 100-in-2013

Originally read in April 2011 and gave it ★★★★★

Having recently re-read Lothaire decided to go ahead and re-read the whole series again. I have used them as part of a group challenge to re-read a much loved series but can only read one book a month.....Not sure I am gonna be able to hold off reading the others but only time will tell :)

★★★★

I originally read this book April 2011 and rated it 5 stars. Obviously I still enjoyed it this time but know that this doesn't equal the quality of some of the...more

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Jan 30, 2012 Maria rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampires, demons-magic-weres

It’s been some time that I wanted to read the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole and I thought that I should start with this novella. And I have to say that this book is a very promising start!

The story is about Wroth, a general in the vampire army and Myst, a Valkyrie. Vampires and Valkyries are mortal enemies so, as you can guess, nothing is easy with this couple. In the story we’ve been introduce to this world when all this of fantasy and mythology exist.

Wroth is clearly an alpha ma...more

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Sep 16, 2012 Hanife rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, alpha-male-character, e-books, er-romance, kick-ass-heroine, made-me-laugh, marriage-mated-bonded, pnr, reading-english, recommendations

Rating;2.5/5

Hikayeyi seriyi daha iyi anlamam için okumam gerektiği üzerine okudum. Çok büyük bir gereksinim miydi bu? Hayır. En azından bence öyleydi. Tamam, kitap kızın teyzesi hakkında ki hikayeyi, kötü adamların gerçekten ne istediğini vs gibi bir çok şeyi daha detaylı öğrenme garantisini veriyor. Ama yazarımız derinlemesine bir kurgu geliştirmiş. İş böyle olunca güzel bir kurgu kısacık hikayeye sıkıştırılınca bence kurguya yazık edilmiş.
Ama hakkını vermeliyim, beni eğlendirten yanları olan...more

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May 07, 2012 Lorre rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I heard a lot of great things about this series so I was really excited to finally start reading it.
I really loved this first, short intro to the series. I hope the rest of the series will be as good but I'm sure I will because Kresley Cole has created a very rich, diverse world with lot's of magical and supernatural beings. I can't wait to find out more about all those creatures of the Lore.

In The Warlord Wants Forever we are introduced to the Valkyrie who are strong female warriors. We also me...more

3 likes · like · see review

Aug 27, 2009 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book, kresley-cole, pnr-angeldemon-fae-magic-witch-misc, pnr-vampires, 2009-reads, hero-alpha‎, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, series-immortals-after-dark, captive-kidnapped-hostage-slave, hero-cold-cruelbrute-dark-dangerous, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, 4-to-5-stars, paranormal-romance

4 ½-5 stars – Paranormal/Vampire Romance

I read this Immortals After Dark story/novella in the Playing Easy to Get anthology. It's the story of vampire warrior Nikolai Wroth's quest to claim his Bride, the beautiful and seductive enemy Valkyrie, Myst.

4 likes · like · see review

Aug 11, 2011 Brenda Audiobooks Only rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2-audible-com-books, paranormal-romance

Narrated by Simone Fomhar and Hagan Verret - narration 4 1/2*s

This is a POV narration, which I rarely care for, but this was definitely one of the better ones. For two first time narrators (at least from what I've been able to find) they both do an outstanding job of catching Kresley Cole's humor and character attitudes. Hagan Verret comes very close to pushing my "hero sounds like an old man" button but it was borderline and ended up working out, the accent probably helped along with the fact t...more

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Jun 07, 2011 Kiki Dufoulon rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

In this first instalment of the AD series we are introduced to the world of the Lore, in particular Nikolai Wroth, an eighteenth century Warlord and Vampire General, and his Bride Myst the Coveted, a Valkyrie seductress. When Myst finds herself imprisoned in the Hordes stronghold the last thing she expects to find is a sexy Vampire General trying to claim her as his Bride. After seducing him Myst flees and leaves Nikolai aching for her touch, literally. When Nikolai's fevered chase lead...more 3.5 Stars

In this first instalment of the AD series we are introduced to the world of the Lore, in particular Nikolai Wroth, an eighteenth century Warlord and Vampire General, and his Bride Myst the Coveted, a Valkyrie seductress. When Myst finds herself imprisoned in the Hordes stronghold the last thing she expects to find is a sexy Vampire General trying to claim her as his Bride. After seducing him Myst flees and leaves Nikolai aching for her touch, literally. When Nikolai's fevered chase leads him back to his Bride, a battle of domination and desire begins.

Nikolai is aching for his Bride, literally. The poor man has had a five year boner and no way of relieving it, and it drives the sexy vampire insane. When he finally makes his way to New Orleans and bumps into Myst its game on!! He has no mercy, and does everything his power to get what he wants. And I do mean anything!! Talk about demanding men! I swear this man is scrumptious... all tall, dark and dangerous. I'm telling you, he can suck on my neck any time he wants... lol.

Myst has been thinking about her gorgeous Commander since the day she was freed from her prison, but being the way of the Valkyrie she ignores her wants and needs in favour of her sister's safety. However, when Nikolai turns up crazed and demanding his five years worth she finds herself melting for the big vamp. I can't blame her... lol. As much as she wants him though she isn't going to give up her freedom or her family for him, so as I said before, it's game on - and believe me when I say, this woman can give as good as she gets. She is fierce and powerful. So watch out Nikolai... lol.

I really enjoyed this book, but I feel there could have been more to it. I love the Wroth brothers and I feel we didn't really get to see the real Nikolai here. The other brothers get their own full length books, packed full of useful Wroth info... dark secrets and hidden demons, but we're still in the dark when it comes to Nikolai. All we really know is that he's a kick ass Vampire and his Bride drives him insane... not that his dark and broody episodes weren't HOT!! We got a little more of Myst in this book, who to be honest I'm not that in to. She just doesn't live up to her sister's reputations, but that's just my opinion. Anyway, apart from that I did enjoy reading this, especially when it came to the pent-up sexual tension and all the emotional turmoil left in its wake... but sure it made for some really steamy love scenes - I'll just say 'shower' and let you find out for yourself. *wink*
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Apr 29, 2013 Sunny rated it 5 of 5 stars

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I loved this short story by Kresley. I am a big fan of her "Immortals after Dark" series. This was the first but I wasn't aware of it until later. I actually loved the couple and I think I liked it being a shorter story. As much as I love IAD Series, I always felt it took so long for the couple to finally get together. Being a shorter story, it seemed about perfect to me. I like Myst unlike some of her other sisters. Nikoli was hot and yummy. Definitely one of the better stories...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Ingela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: series-standalone-stories, a-nf-series-to-keep-on-first-book, romance-paranormal, in-my-kindle, short-novella

A fast read little novel that I liked.

What a sweet little love story. I didn't understand everything about this paranormal world, the various creatures (for me it would have been fine with pictures), the various conflicts between vampires and valkyries and others, but I liked it. Essentially this is a sweet love story with great warmth - like a teddy bear-hug - and such stories always make me melt. The main characters, the great strength and love-thirsty vampire Nikolai and the little temperamen...more

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Jan 02, 2010 Steph rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, series-ongoing, author-웃, recommended-2-me

This short story is a prequel to Immortals After Dark. The story of a vampire warrior, Nikolai Wroth, and his quest to claim his Bride, a seductive Valkyrie, Myst.

The Forbearers are humans turned into vampires. Until they find their "bride" they do not take living blood. Once they find their "bride" they can finally feel love, happiness, the beating of their heart and the flow of their blood.

The Valkyrie were once fierce female warriors (human, demoness, siren, changeling or any creature from th...more

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Jan 15, 2010 Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~* rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-paranormal, author-kresley-cole, reviewed

(3.5 Stars)

I actually read this in the Playing Easy to Get anthology but haven't read the other stories in it yet. I've read up to Kiss of a Demon King in this series (I enjoy the series) and finally managed to read this "prequel". Enjoyed reading about Nikolai and Myst, as I've read bits about them from the other books in the series. And I forgot how steamy Kresley Cole's books are. Whoa, baby! LOL Still lovin' them Valkyrie ladies. ^_^ Though I like Nikolai, I did have issues with him and he's...more

1 like · like · see review

Kristen I am doing the same thing as you did. I read up until Kiss of a Demon King and now am going back to read this book. I wish I would have read this firs...more
May 05, 2012 11:30pm

Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~* Kristen wrote: "I am doing the same thing as you did. I read up until Kiss of a Demon King and now am going back to read this book. I wish I would hav...more
updated May 06, 2012 02:44am

Kristen Yes, some questions about the Valkryie were answered but mostly about the Forebearers. I didn't understand why they seemed to know so little about the...more
May 06, 2012 10:17am

Mar 01, 2012 Marulett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Marulett by: Aly (Lothaire) Daciano

Shelves: promising-starts, vamps, yummy-male-lead, kick-ass-heroines, firsts

This book is really good...

The main characters have strong personalities. I loved that Myst can kick some ass, she is not a push over unlike lots of other female lead characters we´re used to.

The book is that fast paced, and the characters are very forth coming. They know what they want and will do anything to get it. Wroth spent 5 years looking for Myst so there you go...that means having you mind set in a goal!

I will definitively read the rest of the series and strongly recommend it to everyo...more

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Mar 14, 2013 Sara rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is hilarious. I'll admit I don't know if that was the intention, but it is awful hilarious. It's vampire erotica and it has the beginning of what looks like a world building (and Cole does get so much better as the books progress and she finds her comedic cadence) but the premise here is so far out ridiculous it cannot be taken seriously.

In a nutshell, when a vampire reaches it's mature peak it's body goes into a sort of suspended state, without body functions, or let's call it into An...more

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Dec 29, 2012 DavinciKittie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance-urban-fantasy, vampires, immortals-after-dark, kressley-cole

Warlord Wants Forever is the first story in Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series, originally part of the anthology Playing Easy to Get that featured stories from Ms. Cole as well as Sherrilyn Kenyon and Jaid Black (which is a lot of star-power name-dropping for one anthology!). This was my first foray into the IAD universe so I had no idea what to expect. Strange how you can be so familiar with a series and still know nothing about it, right? ;-)

"Alpha male" is a term we throw around a lot...more Warlord Wants Forever is the first story in Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series, originally part of the anthology Playing Easy to Get that featured stories from Ms. Cole as well as Sherrilyn Kenyon and Jaid Black (which is a lot of star-power name-dropping for one anthology!). This was my first foray into the IAD universe so I had no idea what to expect. Strange how you can be so familiar with a series and still know nothing about it, right? ;-)

"Alpha male" is a term we throw around a lot these days, seeing as how so many romance stories revolve around them (especially paranormal romance), but Nikolai Wroth really is "alpha" and he's a whole lot "male". A real warlord, turned to a vampire as he lay dying on the battlefield centuries ago, Wroth doesn't care about any woman who can't make his heart beat and waken his sexual desire (called "blooding"); he comes from a time when women were possessions and men didn't need to ask permission. That really should be offputting, but it's not; he has an honorable heart and wants happiness for his "Bride". Speaking of offputting, the "Bride" thing is a little strange, but I suppose I'll get used to it, even though it feels like a shadow of Stoker's vampire bride concept.

Myst is a Valkyrie and her coven of shrieking, lightning-eating sisters is as unruly and brazen as you'd expect from these mythical creatures. "The Lore" is what they call the collection of creatures like them, that humans believe to be simply stories. Initially, Myst's sarcastic, over-the-top personality annoyed me a little... but I also was drawn to it; she's surely the center of attention in a group of women or men, regardless of her sex appeal. The chemistry between her and Nikolai is stellar, and one of the things she finds most attractive about him is is prowess in battle and the scars he has to prove it. He is definitely Mr. In Charge when it comes to their liasons, even as he works to make sure he takes care of everything she needs.

I like strong women and strong men, couples who really give each other a good fight before accepting their feelings, and Warlord Wants Forever did not disappoint. I only wish it was longer (a little less rushed at the end) and had more details about the IAD world, although I suppose I'll get plenty of that as I continue the series. ;-)

If you haven't yet taken a jaunt through the Immortals After Dark universe, check out Warlord Wants Forever and see what you think about a fiery red-haired Valkyrie vixen and her big battle-scarred vampire commander.(less)

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Nov 06, 2012 Kris rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: novella, paranormal-urban-fantasy

3 STARS

"Nikolai Wroth, a ruthless vampire general, will stop at nothing to find his Bride, the one woman who can 'blood' him, making his heart beat and filling him with strength. Coldly interested only in the power his mate will bring, he can hardly believe when Myst the Coveted, his army's new immortal captive, awakens him body - and soul. Famed throughout the world as the most beautiful Valkyrie, Myst has devoted her life to protecting a magical jewel and to fighting the vampires. Wroth provi...more

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Sep 16, 2012 Maria Soul rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

En esta historia, la autora nos presenta a una pareja que desde el principio tiene sus encontronazos. Desde que se conocen, ambos se sienten atraídos, aunque cada uno tiene sus objetivos, pero no pueden evitar el admirarse.

Worth desde que la ve, se percata de su carisma y belleza. A pesar de que en un principio, cree que no es su Novia (la mujer destinada a devolverle a la vida, entiéndase esto, como volver a sentir el latido de su corazón, y el correr de la sangre por sus venas), no puede evita...more

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Jul 05, 2012 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Paranormal and Vampire Romance Lovers

Shelves: fantasy-romance, paranormal-romance, vampire-romance

Nikolai Wroth, a vampirical warlord of the Horde, a group of vampires known as Forebearers who were once human, has seiged and laid claim to the castle stronghold of Ivo the Cruel, a natural born vampire. While Wroth expected to gain valuable written records of the history and politics of the creatures of Lore, a world in which he was forced to become a part of as he lie dying on a human battlefield, he has gained something else entirely. He finds a beautiful, mesmerizing creature in the dungeo...more Nikolai Wroth, a vampirical warlord of the Horde, a group of vampires known as Forebearers who were once human, has seiged and laid claim to the castle stronghold of Ivo the Cruel, a natural born vampire. While Wroth expected to gain valuable written records of the history and politics of the creatures of Lore, a world in which he was forced to become a part of as he lie dying on a human battlefield, he has gained something else entirely. He finds a beautiful, mesmerizing creature in the dungeon of the castle, and although his body cannot physically respond to her, he is recklessly and perilously drawn to her. Wroth knows she is not human, but he has not a clue to what she might be since his group of rebels knows very little about the creatures of Lore. On the other hand, Myst the Coveted knows only too well what and who he is, a Vampire and a blood foe, for she is a Valkyrie and Wroth's mortal enemy. Myst in her determination to ignore her own lust and attraction for the handsomely scarred warlord uses her wit and skill to trick him and escape, but in the process becomes his blooded bride. She then abandons him to a life of pain and torture without his mate. For once a Forebearer is blooded by his destined bride, his body is at the mercy of his lust for his mate, and it is a state only she can relieve. The chase is set in motion. Can Myst outmaneuver and outrun Wroth and his skill? Will her own growing feelings and attraction catch up and outmaneuver her inborn hatred and rivalry?
The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole is an exciting, erotic ride. The hero is a definite Alpha male, but with a tragic history that makes him all too human. He is one of those characters that demands respect not only for his strength and bravery, but also for his intelligence and ability to wield compassion just as skillfully as he does his sword. This is one of the few romances where as a female reader, I was able to relate more to the hero than the heroine. Although the hero is a vampire, he was once human and has a human history with human traits, where as, the heroine is a totally mythological character being Valkyrie. By the way, it was nice that the author provided a prologue about the origin of the Valkyries, otherwise, I would have been lost in many parts of the story. I could just never quite see the heroine as someone "real" and that detracted from the romance of the story. I, for one, always like my heroine to be human. At least, then I can picture myself in her place asking the same important questions that will determine my fate. The sex was hot, but also had a nuance of fantasy. While I enjoyed this story, it fell totally within the realm of "fairy tales" for me. (less)

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Jan 28, 2012 Felicia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read

Bought for myself

This is the first book in the IAD Series Challenge that starts today. Go over to That's What I'm Talking About to find out more!

What I Loved: I am not usually a fan of short stories and it might have helped this one that I read it out of order since I had already been introduced to many of the characters. That being said I think K.C. did a wonderful job of telling the story of Myst and Nikolai and making sure to include very rich detail about their world. She packed a lot of pun...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Suzanne (Doppleganger) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, vampires

The title should have been a clue - it makes as much sense as the opening of the story.
I was confused during the first third of this book. Modern slang and pop culture references are mixed in with what I thought was a midieval setting. Introduction to the mythology of the Valkyrie feels clumsy at best.
Later it is mentioned that 'modern day' is only 5 years after the opening of the book, placing the setting I thought midieval very close to today. The opening raid on the castle is still a muddling...more

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Jan 15, 2012 Bleunween R. rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

I wasn't expecting to like it. Why?

Well, I read so many good things about Kresley Cole and I began

A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark, #2)

but hated it from page one and so didn't even finish the chapter (that I will write in a review from that book).

I couldn't understand why I didn't like so I gave another shot and this book I found it sweet (in a way) BUT there were a couple of things that I didn't quite understand.

Basicaly it's the story of a big strong guy... errr vampire, that is looking for his Bride and he finds this interest...more

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Dec 22, 2011 Bookie | The BookChick rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-star-read, pnr, vampires

Book Description:
Nikolai Wroth, once a ruthless human warlord in the 1700s and now a general in the rebel vampire army, needs to find his Bride, the one woman who can render him truly alive. As a turned human, he doesn’t enjoy a heartbeat or breaths and is consequently weaker than fully blooded vampires. He wants his Bride for the power she will bring him and can hardly believe it when his heart beats for Myst the Coveted, a mad, fey, mythological creature.

Myst is known throughout the world as...more Book Description:
Nikolai Wroth, once a ruthless human warlord in the 1700s and now a general in the rebel vampire army, needs to find his Bride, the one woman who can render him truly alive. As a turned human, he doesn’t enjoy a heartbeat or breaths and is consequently weaker than fully blooded vampires. He wants his Bride for the power she will bring him and can hardly believe it when his heart beats for Myst the Coveted, a mad, fey, mythological creature.

Myst is known throughout the world as the most beautiful Valkyrie, part chillingly fierce warrior, part beguiling seductress who can “make you want her even as she’s killing you.” She has devoted her life to protecting an ancient, powerful jewel and to fighting the vampires, and she now sees a way to torment one—for with Wroth’s heartbeat comes consuming sexual desire that can only be slaked by her.

She eludes him for five years, but he has finally chased her to ground and stolen the jewel which commands her, giving him absolute power over her. While he possesses it, he can make her do anything, and he plans to in order for her to experience first hand the agonizing, unending lust she’d purposely subjected him to for half a decade. Yet when Wroth realizes he wants more from her and frees her, will she come back to him?

My Thoughts:
This was unique story in that Cole paired a vampire with a valkyrie. Nikolai and Myst were interesting characters but they somehow left me wanting more. Although I enjoyed the story a great deal, I didn't feel the characters had death.

Myst killed vampires, who she and her sisters termed "leeches", and she abhorred the control of men. Rah...rah..rah...I am woman hear me roar. Yet, she very quickly adapted to Nikolai's control of her. Yes, yes, yes, he had her chain and thus could influence her will. However, her inner monologue clearly portrayed her as a more than willing participant in his dominion.

Nikolai was a vampire warlord who chased Myst for years to finally claim her as his Bride. However, upon finding her, his response was a bit anemic and understated.

I just didn't feel as if either of them lived up to the hype behind their respective species.

The secondary characters, especially the valkyrie were a bit overdone. They were creatures that lived for more than a millenia; however, their speech and mannerisms were suprisingly modern with no trace of the age in which they originally lived. That did not seem particularly believable but did not drastically degrade the story.

Even with my slight reservations about the characters, I did feel that this was a solid story and an enjoyable read. (less)

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About Kresley Cole

Kresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series and the young adult Arcana Chronicles. She has also written five award-winning historical romances.

Since her first novel was released in 2003, Kresley has published nineteen books with Simon & Schuster and has seen her releases translated into more than eighteen foreign language...more

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Books by Kresley Cole

No Rest for the Wicked (Immortals After Dark, #3)

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

Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark, #6)

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

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Quotes from The Warlord Wants Forever

“How old are you?”
“Physiologically, I’m twenty-five. Chronologically, I’m…not.” — 61 people liked it

“When she scooped up her clothes, opened his door, then snapped her fingers for a guard down the hall, Wroth watched like a bystander.

“Pssst. Minion. I need these laundered. Very little starch. Don’t just stand there gawking or you’ll anger my good frenemy General Wroth. We’re like this.”

He couldn’t see her but knew she was twining two fingers together.” — 55 people liked it

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The Warlord Wants Forever (Immortals After Dark #1)

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