Ecstasy in Darkness (Alien Huntress, #5)

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Ecstasy in Darkness (Alien Huntress #5)

by Gena Showalter (Goodreads Author)

4.32 of 5 stars 4.32 · rating details · 3,018 ratings · 187 reviews

New York Times bestselling sensation Gena Showalter enthralls with a dark, tantalizing world of humans, otherworlders, powers beyond imagining, and a seductive vampire undone by his insatiable hunger for one woman. . . .

Growing up poor on New Chicago’s meanest streets, Ava Sans had two options: be the predator or be the prey. No contest. Now, working for Alien Investigatio

...more

Paperback, 502 pages

Published October 26th 2010 by Pocket Star

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Best Adult Vampire Romance Books

233rd out of 685 books — 2,094 voters

So you love a Bad Boy or Tortured Hero

250th out of 1,094 books — 2,183 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Aug 27, 2011 Catherine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, fantasy-paranormal-sci-fi, aliens, vampire, crime-police-mystery-private-invest, genetic-mutation, magic-mystical-ability, read-2011, romance

4.5 Stars

This book was absolutely hilarious. I giggled so many times while reading that my husband started giving me odd looks. The funniest parts usually revolved around Ava and Noelle and involved them sniping at each other. They were the type of best friends that seemed like blood enemies to the casual observer. Poor McKell made the mistake of trying to insert himself into that situation, not realizing that just because they can criticize each other doesn’t mean that they’ll let anyone else d...more

6 likes · like · see review

Nov 12, 2010 Laura the Highland Hussy rated it 5 of 5 stars

***maybe some spoilers***

I haven't read an Alien Huntress book since, well since the last one. (lol, no really, though it's been since Bride's book came out, so a while now).

I was soo excited to get back into this world!

I read the story in Deep Kiss of Winter as my intro to the AH world, and I really liked it, so I borrowed the first couple from a friend and found out I REALLY liked the series. When I saw this one at the store, I went nuts, seriously jumping up and down and making a complete ass...more

15 likes · like · see review

May 02, 2011 Kaleigha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Gena Showalter is a really good author. Really good. I like her. I like all of her books, and all of the series I have read. But for some reason, she has never made the jump for me to the must-have-right-now-or-I-will-hurt-someone level like Kresley Cole, Nalini Singh, or Christine Feehan. I don't actually know why, but every time I finish one of her books, I am for some reason surprised by how much I enjoyed it. This one was no exception.

Now, I should qualify and say that while I am a fan of th...more Gena Showalter is a really good author. Really good. I like her. I like all of her books, and all of the series I have read. But for some reason, she has never made the jump for me to the must-have-right-now-or-I-will-hurt-someone level like Kresley Cole, Nalini Singh, or Christine Feehan. I don't actually know why, but every time I finish one of her books, I am for some reason surprised by how much I enjoyed it. This one was no exception.

Now, I should qualify and say that while I am a fan of the Lords of the Underworld, I think I prefer her Alien Huntress series. It is...different. In a genre filled with series about a band of brothers fighting a deadly enemy bent on their destruction, the Alien Huntress series stands out. Strong female characters and some very hot aliens make for an interesting read.

I was a bit confused when I realized that this book was about Ava Sans...um, who? And her best friend and partner Noelle Tremaine...no clue. Turns out that there are some new agents on AIR's payroll, and they were quite the team. They are about as opposite in every possible was as you can imagine, but the one thing they share is a fierce loyalty to each other. That is not to say that they don't argue. Incessantly. Over everything. Or insult each other constantly. It is just that no one else can.

The hero this time around, however, we have seen before. McKell, the warrior vampire determined to find and mate with Bride McKell in the previous book is back and better than ever. Fierce, violent and territorial McKell's orderly life has just been turned upside down. An outcast from his underground vampire home, he is now forced to life topside in a world he doesn't quite fit in. All he wants is to be left alone...but what he gets is AIR's two newest recruits hounding him on behalf of their new boss, Mia Snow. And nothing in his very long life has prepared him for Ava.

Ava and McKell make one fiery couple. Passionate and possessive goes both ways, and both of them have to learn to deal with feelings neither has experienced before. I loved McKell...he was so Alpha it was funny, and sometimes so clueless you couldn't help but feel for him. Ava held her own, too, not too overdone, but well able to handle her self. I still love Dallas, and I do so hope that he does not end up with the diseased Schon queen...ick. There is a great supporting cast here, as well, the most obvious being Jaxon Tremaine's cousin and Ava's best friend, Noelle. Her story is coming up next, and I can't wait.

So, from Gena comes another very good book in a great series. But, I still want my Dallas...(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Aug 12, 2011 Amanda P rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, humor, paranormal-urban-fantasy

Click here for other Gene Showalter Reviews

Summary:
Ava has something to prove to herself to her peers to the world… She is not trash she is better than that. Growing up on the streets has made Ava hard and a spitfire. She has learned hit first ask questions later! As a trainee for the AIR with her bestie Noelle, she has something to prove. They are sent on a mission that no other AIR agent has been successful with. To bring in McKell a dangerous vampire that has been shunned by even his own peop...more Click here for other Gene Showalter Reviews

Summary:
Ava has something to prove to herself to her peers to the world… She is not trash she is better than that. Growing up on the streets has made Ava hard and a spitfire. She has learned hit first ask questions later! As a trainee for the AIR with her bestie Noelle, she has something to prove. They are sent on a mission that no other AIR agent has been successful with. To bring in McKell a dangerous vampire that has been shunned by even his own people. McKell is insulted first AIR sent some agents which he sent back missing some fingers and now they send two females, trainee’s at that! Really?! Is that the best they can do two tiny females who are in training… So when they catch him off guard and one of them calls “Dibs” on him he is shocked. Luckily McKell has the ability to control time and freeze people in place so when he is stunned he easily freezes Ava and Noelle until he is out of the stun. When the two come back the next day he knew he should have killed them! But one more look at Ava and any annoyance they cause him is worth it. After Ava stabs McKell he hunts her down to her place because he is not healing, at least that’s what he tells himself is the reason for seeking her out. In the mean time there is a very real threat of the diseased queen who wants to destroy Earth and the AIR could really use McKell and his unique talents. Mia tasks Ava with keeping her eye on McKell since she seems to be the only person McKell will let near him. Together Ava and McKell must battle vampires, the queen and her army and most importantly each other.

Review:
I really enjoyed this story. I could relate to the commitment phob Ava, she is feisty and independent. She relies on no one and is really only close to Noelle, to whom she is fiercely loyal! I can relate most closely to Ava so far of all the females in this series. McKell takes arrogance to a whole new level, watching him try to navigate his new life topside is interesting. When he writes “DIBS” on Ava in her lip gloss I about died laughing! This book is the MUST read! (less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 22, 2012 Lady Valee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

I guess it's time to admit this series has become one of the most entertaining urban fantasy series I had the privilege to read. It didn't start that way though, I will admit the first books weren't as smooth and catching as this last installments have been, but I'm definitely hooked now!

What a funny pair this 2 girlfriends were: Ava and Noelle. I can't remember the last time I had such a great time reading about the most crazy adventures 2 friends can have. I'm getting so attached to this serie...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 StrangeBedfellows rated it 4 of 5 stars

I consider Gena Showalter a must-read all around, but her Alien Huntress series is particularly worth reading. This latest book, "Ecstasy in Darkness", picks up not long after "Seduce the Darkness" leaves off. This time we get the much-anticipated story of Victor McKell, the rough and ruthless vampire -- and former rival -- who gave Devyn such a delightfully difficult time in "Seduce". If you haven't read the previous books in this series, you should definitely do so before reading "Ecstasy." Th...more

like · see review

Nov 22, 2011 Jan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, z-2011, science-fiction-romance, paranormal-romance

Where to start? For the most part, I absolutely loved this one. McKell was quite the awesome hero, because of his superiority complex and complete disregard of everything that wasn't about him (and later the heroine). There's something about that kind of arrogance that can be quite charming, and McKell was oozing with it. I mean, how can't you love a hero who wears a necklace of fingerbones?

But the true star of the book was Ava, and most of all her relationship with Noelle. They were truly aweso...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 29, 2011 Literary Cravings rated it 5 of 5 stars

What Worked

The Romance- Exciting, fast paced and enticing. Watching Ava and McKell fall into passionate lust then passionate love was such a joy.

The Drama – Loved all the obstacles that Ava and MacKell had to face, with their romance as well as with themselves. Making this not an easy romance as well as the kick ass villains.

The Villains- As dangerous and devious as villains need to be. They brought the real mayhem and danger, plus a whole lot of revulsion.

The Aliens- I didn’t know it was possib...more

like · see review

May 24, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: alien-huntress, pararnormal-romance

Gena Showalter’s Ecstasy in Darkness rates high on both the smut and the paranormal charts… which is a win-win for me. It’s book 5 (or 7 if you count the two YA stories) in the Alien Huntress Series. And it features vampire badass McKell, who we met in the last book Seduce the Darkness. He is still pretty bummed out about losing his fated Bride and is now facing life exiled from his people. His heroine, the young Ava, is an agent in training for the Alien Investigation Removal (AIR) agency and i...more Gena Showalter’s Ecstasy in Darkness rates high on both the smut and the paranormal charts… which is a win-win for me. It’s book 5 (or 7 if you count the two YA stories) in the Alien Huntress Series. And it features vampire badass McKell, who we met in the last book Seduce the Darkness. He is still pretty bummed out about losing his fated Bride and is now facing life exiled from his people. His heroine, the young Ava, is an agent in training for the Alien Investigation Removal (AIR) agency and is tasked to bring him in.

Ava has lived a hard life and has never had anyone she could trust besides her good friend Noelle. They’re trying to become AIR agents. The head of the agency, Mia Snow, has decided to let them prove their worth by ordering them to bring in McKell for questioning.

Of course, McKell is opposed to the idea, but the girls use their feminine wiles to distract him enough to almost catch him. He uses his powers to get away and quickly becomes infatuated with Ava. In fact, his body recognizes her as his mate and as a result, he can only drink from her from that moment on. The cat-and-mouse game between them is short-lived and before you know it, Ava and McKell are making out. It takes awhile before they do the deed, but in their defense, they have three big roadblocks:
1. Ava’s serious abandonment issues
2. McKell’s vampire superiority complex
3. The evil alien queen trying to turn everyone into sex-crazed cannibals (a story way too complicated too truly explain here.)

Obviously, they get together eventually, but the tension is fun along the way.

As always, Gene Showalter delivers in the smut department. The sexual tension and follow-through is through the roof. I love that she continues to incorporate familiar characters as she continues her world building throughout the series. She doesn’t waste time expounding on things I’m not interested in. The plot moves fast and there’s no point in the book that you’d want to put it down.

Loved this book. It’s not deep, but it’s fast and fun. 5 stars.

(less)

4 likes · like · see review

May 12, 2011 Jocelin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampires, sci-fi-fantasy

I realized that after I bought this book that it was the 5th one in the series. I checked 1-4 via the synopsis on the backs of the books. They didn't captivate me like this one did. So when I started reading this one there were a lot of people in the book that I had no idea who they were. I have done this before with Gena Showalter's books. I read book #3 in the Atlantis series (Nymph King), Valerian was so worth it. So I figured that I really would not miss anything if I didn't read the others....more

like · see review

Mar 20, 2011 Ally rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, ebook, paranormal-romance

Why I read this book, well, I’ve had the Alien Huntess series sat idly on my laptop for quite a while now and finally decided to start this series. However, true to form I’m reading the newest book first and will then go back and read the rest of the series as this storyline with Ava and McKell is the main one that caught my attention and demanded me to read it. I find this happens quite often, I’m interested in a series and want to read all of them but it’s one of newest or latest books that re...more Why I read this book, well, I’ve had the Alien Huntess series sat idly on my laptop for quite a while now and finally decided to start this series. However, true to form I’m reading the newest book first and will then go back and read the rest of the series as this storyline with Ava and McKell is the main one that caught my attention and demanded me to read it. I find this happens quite often, I’m interested in a series and want to read all of them but it’s one of newest or latest books that really drags me to finally read the series.

McKell is a real kick ass, scary vampire that no-one in AIR has been able to capture, as he keeps sending them back with missing body parts or dead. Ava and her best friend Noelle have been sent out to capture McKell and if they catch him they well become full AIR agents and no longer be trainees.

I really enjoyed reading how Ava and Noelle went about trying to capture McKell and learning how they became friends and ended up working for AIR. Ecstasy in Darkness if full of laughs and romance that really draws the reader in and holds them tight to the story. I was really swept away with the entire storyline I struggled to put the book down until the nearing the end!
I adored Ava and her kick assness, having Noelle but no family and still managing on her own and slowly seeing her fall in love with McKell. Ava was a really amazing, brilliant character that I really fell in love with. I adored the brutel, rough and slightly insane McKell, he was what Ava needed and I really adored them as a couple. There are certain scenes that really cracked me up and made me love this couple more and more as I read the book.
If I was leaving my review there and that’s how the book ended it would have totally gotten 4 stars (it wouldn’t have gotten 5 stars because of Dallas and the whole evil queen thing was starting to get on my nerves) however, I really disliked the ending and the turning back the time part and the deal McKell made with his Father just to save Ava. It really ruined it for me and lowered it so much for me. I was really sad that it happened because otherwise Ecstasy in Darkness is a great, amazing, brilliant, funny read, that I would happily recommend!

I’m ambiguous about the cover of the book, partly because I read it on ebook so the cover was just black and white but also because other than the colours it’s the same old, same old design.

Overall, I enjoyed Ecstasy in Darkness and thought it was a great read, it’s defiantly gotten me more interested in reading the rest of the Alien Huntress series and I’m looking forward to reading them in April.(less)

like · see review

Dec 14, 2010 Melindeeloo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love it when dangerous men become mush for their heroines,and leading men don't come much more dangerous than exhiled vampire warrior Viktor McKell. But even though McKell has the power to stop time and wears the finger bones of past opponents as a necklace, McKell is going to wonder what hit him when AIR agent in training Ava and her Best-Friend-Forever Noelle are given the job of bringing McKell in for questioning.

While McKell is never going to be a white hat kind of guy, the fact that he e...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 06, 2010 Raelena aka Throuthehaze rated it 5 of 5 stars

First I must say that this book has one smokin hot cover. Besides that, as I expected this book was amazing. Gena Showalter knows how to deliver a story packed with conflict and sex appeal. The love scenes were written to perfection with just the right amount of heat without going overboard. Another thing I loved about this book is the humor, especially Ava and Noelle's banter. They have a unique friendship where they can basically verbally bash each other and not get mad...it is pretty hilariou...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 19, 2010 Sharon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

I like my dark urban fantasy, but it is authors like this one, that have me turning to & enjoying the paranormal romantic fantasy genre as well. I'd say Gena Showalter is in the same league as Kresley Cole (Immortals After Dark Series).

This is Book five in the Alien Huntress series, and we follow sassy, violent, loyal, A.I.R trainee agent Ava Sans who is sent on a mission to bring back to headquarters Mckell an arrogant, supremely smug, powerful vampire who can manipulate time, who makes ot...more

like · see review

Nov 05, 2010 Lady Rogue rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Ava and Noelle were complete opposite, the best of friends, and both were training to become AIR (Alien Investigation Removal) agents. They received an assignment, to bring in Victor Mckell, the ex-leader of the vampires, who not only had the reputation of being intelligent, psycotic, and unstable, but that he could stop time.

When Ava and Noelle first confront Mckell, they use girl on girl innuendos and actions to taunt him, cause him to let down his guard, and capture him. I don't think, I have...more

like · see review

Oct 30, 2010 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ecstasy in Darkness by Gena Showalter
Paranormal Romance- Oct. 26th, 2010
4 stars

Ecstasy in Darkness is a sassy new edition to Gena Showalter’s Alien Huntress series. The heroine is smart mouthed and the vamp hero is absolutely gorgeous!

Ava was poor and desperate when she was young. And although tough on the outside she still feels like that little lost girl inside. Working for the Alien Investigation and Removal team with her best bud (Noelle) gives her a feeling of purpose and belonging. Her new...more Ecstasy in Darkness by Gena Showalter
Paranormal Romance- Oct. 26th, 2010
4 stars

Ecstasy in Darkness is a sassy new edition to Gena Showalter’s Alien Huntress series. The heroine is smart mouthed and the vamp hero is absolutely gorgeous!

Ava was poor and desperate when she was young. And although tough on the outside she still feels like that little lost girl inside. Working for the Alien Investigation and Removal team with her best bud (Noelle) gives her a feeling of purpose and belonging. Her newest assignment, to capture the elusive and deliciously sexy vampire McKell.

McKell can’t believe he is attracted to Ava. She is a human and merely food. Not someone to lust after! But she gets under his skin and when she actually captures him he decides to take revenge on her delectable body. But soon they find themselves working together to save the earth from an evil Alien Queen who plans to infect their world. And McKell discovers he may hold the key to saving Ava and the planet. But what is he willing to sacrifice?

Overall, the romance between the hero and heroine worked well. They definitely had a lot of chemistry. They both come from vastly different backgrounds but I loved that their attraction and eventual respect for each other overcame these obstacles. This was an interesting story which is rather complex because it does rely on plots from previous books. So being familiar with the storyline before starting this book is important. I found this book to be a bit more playful and fun than the author’s previous books in the series. The interplay between Ava and her best friend, Noelle are often amusing to read. They are definitely over the top but I eventually found their verbal interplay a little grating. Besides the 2 main characters I really enjoyed the large sections in the story that involve Dallas. (A human man who has been ‘transformed’ and now has super powers.) I really hope his book is next in the series because I found those sections to be the most satisfying to read.

This book has quite a few storylines going on and several characters old and new to root for. However, being familiar with the series is advisable to fully appreciate it. I liked this book, (especially the super sexy hero) but in compared to the author’s prior books I did not find myself as emotionally involved with the main characters.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
(less)

like · see review

Oct 28, 2010 DKAY rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed this book. I have never read anything by Gena Showalter before and I really like the way she writes. I was afraid that after I had gotten into the story a bit that I would be somewhat lost that I hadn't read any of the others in this series yet but there is enough details in the book to get past that and can be read by itself. I think that I personally would have preferred to start at the beginning only because of it being a series and sometimes I feel that I am missing something...more

like · see review

Oct 28, 2010 Mary (BookHounds) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-book-challenge, from-publisher-author

YUM! As Gena's Website says she is "made of awesomeness". I have read almost all of Gena's books and if I haven't read them, they are on my shelf. I first discovered the Alien Huntress series when I picked up Red Handed, I fell in love with all of the characters. I know the series was first written for teens and I thought it was optioned for television show, but never heard any more about it. Fortunately, you can pick up any of the Alien Huntress novels in the series and not be lost with the cha...more

like · see review

Oct 26, 2010 Nancy rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is my first Gena Showalter novel and I have mixed feelings about it. I'm pulled between categorizing it as a highly amped and sexualized Twilight with intimate detail of what McKell and Ava did and fantasized about doing to each other and applauding the dialogue which was incredibly entertaining.

First of all, the book is sexually explicit. There is no sexual innuendo. The sexual tension which leads to sex scenes are spelled out. It was a little much for me. I don't mind a little sex talk in...more

like · see review

Aug 01, 2012 Kimberley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, paranormal-romance, urban-fantasy

So this was my second vacation beach read book and it was a winner. This is the first book that I've read by this author and while I usually prefer to read a series in order, this is book #5 of this series.

This book skates on the edge between PNR and UF. My preference is for UF and the heroine here is sarcastic and kicks butt. The relationship between the heroine and her BFF is fantastic. They are the type of best friends that seem like blood enemies to the casual observer. Fun dialog.

This is al...more

like · see review

Feb 11, 2013 Jenni rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: aliens, all-sorts-of-vampire, book-series, e-books, fantasy, paranormal, romance

Well, this was an great book with the vampire Victor McKell in focus. (That guy who waited for Bride? Yepp, that's him.)

It was action packed and whole lot of sexual tensions between McKell and Ava until they did the deed (which was hot by the way). Lots of insecurities from Ava as well even though she is a badass trainee/agent. She doesn't date, like ever so it took some times when she finally admitted that she has falling in love with McKell. The same goes for McKell, since he waited such a lon...more

like · see review

Dec 29, 2010 Yvonne rated it 4 of 5 stars

I officially have new love for all things Gena Showalter. Ecstasy in Darkness is a must read. The story is full of the same humor and action that I’ve come to love with each Alien Huntress book that I have read.

All the characters are over the top funny. I especially loved the characters of Ava and Noelle. They bicker and call each names but really are the best friends. They love and support each other like sisters and get a tad violent with anyone that crosses them.

I also loved the sexy and dysf...more

like · see review

Oct 29, 2010 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ecstasy in Darkness is the fifth book in the Alien Huntress series by Gena Showalter and a Paranormal Romance from Pocket Star Books.

Book Blurb:
Growing up poor on New Chicago's meanest streets, Ava Sans had two options: be the predator or be the prey.

No contest.

Now, working for Alien Investigation and Removal, she's been ordered to capture the biggest, baddest warrior of all - a vampire too beautiful to be real, with the ability to manipulate time.

Once the leader of the entire vampire army, McKe...more

like · see review

Nov 01, 2010 Danielle rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book in the Alien Huntress series, and I have to say I was so pleased I wasn't lost. It was a wonderful treat for me. A strong, sexy Alpha hero who wants the strong, independent heroine with every bone in his body. While not knowing where things are going with them takes this book on a joyride. To top it all off , the love scenes were so steamy.

Ava Sans and Noelle Tremain are the best of friends who are trying to move up in the ranks of Alien Investigation Removal (AIR). Final...more

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 26, 2012 Sasha rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: alpha-male, beauty, chemistry, expected-more, immortal, new-and-interesting-plot, paranomal, sex, satisfied, something-to-pass-the-time, will-read-the-series-cuz-i-am-nice, soul-sister, own

Ecstasy in Darkness

Book Completed: 11/25/2012
Book Rating: ★★★
Read the series? Probably, I got the next
installment but I'm not sure I'd read them all.

I'm going to sum up my review nice and quick-ish because no one reads these anyways but myself.

This book was a solid read. I really enjoyed the relationship between Noelle and Ava even though it dwindled as the book progresses and the steamy-ish chemistry between McKell and Ava.

McKell wasn't quite what I expected for some reason. He was a bit more...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 04, 2010 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

McKell is the ultimate alpha male. In fact he is so alpha he could have been so totally annoying. Selfish to the core as well as speaks in demands rather than statements. The reason he wasn't annoying? He actually seemed to be a child at times. Unused to the way the surface humans do things. His inability to make Ava and Noelle do what he wants ends up making him more interested than angry. He is not used to women standing on their own and telling HIM what he needs to do. In fact, the two friend...more

like · see review

Nov 16, 2010 Vanessa theJeepDiva rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, science-fiction, romance, won-freebie

I loved the Ava and Noelle. They had the banter and relationship of two frat boys that had been friends since birth. The readers meet McKell in the previous book. He was the vampire who had the prearranged marriage with Bride. That did not work out; due to him trying to keep her alive he has been kicked out of the underground vampire world. AIR is not happy with McKell because he is keeping them from bringing him in so they may test his blood to see if he is the cure for the Schoen disease. Ava...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 12, 2011 Trisha rated it 5 of 5 stars

I first read about McKell in Seduce The Darkness and couldn't wait to read more about him. McKell and Ava Sans have amazing chemistry. I enjoyed watching as they both grow and got to know each other. I won't lie at times some of the things Ava did I was shaking my head at her thinking " will she never learn". Ava is a tough female that as had a very hard life with a drunk for a mother and no father. I loved reading the scences between Noelle Tremain (her best friend) and Ava thats when you saw a...more

like · see review

Nov 07, 2010 Jules rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sent-4-review, reviewed, blog-tour

I am a semi-rabid fan of Gena Showalter who I became acquainted with in my review of "The Darkest Night" from the "Lords of the Underworld" series a few months ago. I've started going through her backlist and am hooked! This lady is an amazing author. She really knows how to grab her readers and keep them entertained.

So, on to the newest gem! Ecstasy in Darkness is the 5th installment in the "Alien Huntress" series. (Just so you know, all of her books that I've read so far can be consumed as sta...more I am a semi-rabid fan of Gena Showalter who I became acquainted with in my review of "The Darkest Night" from the "Lords of the Underworld" series a few months ago. I've started going through her backlist and am hooked! This lady is an amazing author. She really knows how to grab her readers and keep them entertained.

So, on to the newest gem! Ecstasy in Darkness is the 5th installment in the "Alien Huntress" series. (Just so you know, all of her books that I've read so far can be consumed as stand alone books or read in order of the series. She provides plenty of backstory so a reader isn't lost if they're not being read in sequence.)

The heroine in this book is Ava. She's little, she's tough, and she's an agent-in-training for Alien Investigation and Removal. When she and her best friend Noelle are assigned to bring in the vampire McKell, things really start getting tough for Ava. She fights her attraction for this amazingly gorgeous being while trying to fight her way to becoming a full-fledged agent of AIR.

I really liked Ava, for many reasons. Her loyalty to her BFF Noelle was a lot of fun to read. They are quite the pair. Ava is scarred emotionally from a horrible childhood, but she is still hopeful, down deep. She has the marshmallow core, she just can't afford to show it much.

McKell, or Viktor as he insists Ava call him, is a real pain in the rear in the beginning. He's extremely arrogant and rather obnoxious. The fact that he is blindingly beautiful just happens to be a plus. McKell is fighting with his own demons regarding his upbringing and his place in this world. He doesn't really have or want a home until he meets Ava. She changes the brutal killing machine into someone who has something to fight for.

As usual, Ms. Showalter delivers with a fabulous plot, strong but likable heroines, beyond yummy males, steamy sex scenes, and a lot of humor ~ you'll love Hellina, btw!

I highly recommend this to Gena Showalter fans and those who enjoy a great paranormal romance filled with action.
(less)

like · see review

Dec 13, 2010 Wan "The Snake Charmer" rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: aliens, kick-ass-heroine, dangerous-hero, vampires, futuristic, alt-planet, 5-stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I LOVE Miss Gena. This book is Amazing. No doubt, this is another success series for her. I love the book cover, what a body and by the way it’s my favorite shade of blue. -- But my most favorite cover from this series was Devyn (and his tattoo), from “Seduce the Darkness”. Though, this one is a very close second. -- I also adore all of the LOTU covers but yet to decide which one is the winner.

Vampire’s love at first sight/smell, whatever, BORING, right? Wrong. Not this book. The story was fast...more I LOVE Miss Gena. This book is Amazing. No doubt, this is another success series for her. I love the book cover, what a body and by the way it’s my favorite shade of blue. -- But my most favorite cover from this series was Devyn (and his tattoo), from “Seduce the Darkness”. Though, this one is a very close second. -- I also adore all of the LOTU covers but yet to decide which one is the winner.

Vampire’s love at first sight/smell, whatever, BORING, right? Wrong. Not this book. The story was fast pace and kept me reading on. I would have sit and read the whole book in one sitting, unfortunately, it wasn’t possible for me. I didn’t cry over this book but I found myself laughing a lot. I love her characters. Although, all of her hero and heroine sharing the same traits. They are all tortured-past “alpha” kick a** type but I found that they are different. I can feel the characters’ attitudes jumping off the book. Ava Sans, grew-up-in-a-trailer-trash, cuss-like-a-sailor, butterscotch-lover, tough-as-nail AIR agent (in training), was very endearing to me. (She made me want to go out and buy butterscotch candy … and everything butterscotch).Victor McKell, the time-stopping, I’m-the-cutest-invincible-exile-vampire warrior, made me laugh the entire book. His selfishness, possessiveness, arrogant, naïve (yes naïve to the human world) self was adorable. I also love Noelle Tremain, Ava’s super rich, Jaxon’s cousin, die-hard BFF.

Ava and Noelle, the hellcat-duo cracked me up. The beginning scene when them three met was my favorite. When them, two, were arguing over Noelle called “Dibs” on him, etc, and when the girls offered to make out in front of McKell to get him to talk was hilarious. And after they stunned him during their kissing, his retaliation made me laugh so hard …that he wrote “DIBS” (I was figuring it out along with McKell of what the heck was the “Dibs system” myself - learn new thing here) on Ava’s near naked body after he striped her then put her bra and panties back on…how sweet. I hope they will continue to be the trouble-maker-BFF again in the next book.

Although, there were not a lot of sex scenes in this book but you won’t miss anything. The connection between Ava and McKell was, again, amazing. They sizzled off the pages. -- I also love that there were more Bride and Devyn in this book since Mia Snow was promoted to be head of the AIR, she will probably shows up at every book but too bad Kyrin was on his vacay (note to Miss Gena – bring him back please). Since her next book will be about Noelle, I hope to see more of Jaxon and Mishka, right? However, the only complaint I have --- not really digging the way the story goes --- Is my Dallas will end up with the rotten-diseased queen? My poor Dally, I sure hope not. I secretly wished that he would end up with Noelle.

This is the fifth book in this series and this is my second series of Miss Gena. Not to mention that I have been reading them back-to-back, yet I’m still very intrigued by her writing style. Now, I’m waiting for the next books of both AH and LOTU series. I want more. And more can’t come soon enough. … Miss Gena now go get busy…… (please!).
(less)

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Gena Showalter Fans: Ecstasy in Darkness (Alien Hunteress #5)	1	5	Jul 23, 2012 01:12pm
compared to LotU?	6	21	May 05, 2012 10:47am

combine
Other Editions (5)

More editions...

Genres

Romance > Paranormal Romance

166 users

Romance

96 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

95 users

Science Fiction > Aliens

59 users

Paranormal > Vampires

47 users

Fantasy

33 users

Science Fiction

25 users

Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

16 users

Adult

13 users

Fantasy > Supernatural

9 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Gena Showalter

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in paranormal and contemporary romances, as well as young adult novels. Her series include White Rabbit Chronicles, Angels of the Dark, Otherworld Assassins, Lords of the Underworld, Alien Huntress and Intertwined.

Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Seventeen Magazine, and have been transl...more

More about Gena Showalter...

Books by Gena Showalter

The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld, #1)

The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld, #2)

The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld, #3)

The Darkest Whisper (Lords of the Underworld, #4)

The Darkest Passion (Lords of the Underworld, #5)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Ecstasy in Darkness

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from Ecstasy in Darkness

“Ava said her hand accidentally slipped and made contact with her guy's nose. I said Repeatedly? And she said, 'Uh, yeah. I'm really clumsy.” — 2 people liked it

“What do we got on the chopping block? And by the way, I'm smarter than you. My IQ is off the charts, man." If the chart only reached fifty, then yeah. No need to tax his poor brain with numbers, though.” — 2 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Ecstasy in Darkness
avg rating	preview: Ecstasy in Darkness Goodreads rating: 4.32 (3018 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7841522-ecstasy-in-darkness?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1269468627l/7841522.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7841522-ecstasy-in-darkness?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Ecstasy in Darkness by Gena Showalter[/url]

Ecstasy in Darkness (Alien Huntress #5)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website