Dark Taste of Rapture (Alien Huntress, #6)

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Dark Taste of Rapture (Alien Huntress #6)

by Gena Showalter (Goodreads Author)

4.36 of 5 stars 4.36 · rating details · 2,507 ratings · 208 reviews

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter captivates with a dark, tantalizing world of humans, otherworlders, and a powerful AIR agent consumed by his desire for a woman he can never have. . . .

With one caress, he can give unforgettable pleasure . . . or unending pain. . . .

Hector Dean is shaved, tattooed, and totally ripped—and he has a deadly secret. He is a walki...more

Paperback, 451 pages

Published August 23rd 2011 by Pocket Star

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Community Reviews

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Aug 27, 2011 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Leah by: Ren

Shelves: need-to-get-2011, author-gena-showalter, 5-stars, by-george-thats-awesome, come-here-baby-so-i-can-lick-you, damn-that-cover-is-smokin, flip-flops, high-five-that-hymen, in-my-harem, king-of-the-harem, love-triangles-can-kiss-my-booty, queen-of-the-harem, quotes-quotes-everywhere, scars-and-tats-and-piercings-oh-my, recommendations, thats-some-funny-shit, series-alien-huntress, lists-as-reviews-are-the-shiznit, big-girls-dont-cry, bad-boy-take-me-away, cops-mercs-military

Love having more of Dallas!

Favorite Quote:
His possibly-straddling-the-edge-of-gay guy-crush was reserved for Devyn, king of the Targons, best friend and egotistical shithead who once collected women like other men collected hats.
(Dallas, page 7)

Merged review:

Gena Showalter is a goddess. Seriously. I don't know how the woman does it. She has at least three series in progress and manages to get out at least four books a year! And I think she's had more than that this year. She's fucking amazing. I...more

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Sep 07, 2011 Heather C rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: to-read, aliens, ebook, futuristic, lots-of-tension, paranormal-romance, post-apocalyptic, read-2011, series, vampire

This was a nice continuation of the Alien Huntress Series.

What I did like:

1. I didn't have any trouble remembering the storylines from previous books. The author did a good job of refreshing my memory.

2. There was a lot of sexual tension

3. It was funny

4. Hector was actually a hottie

5. Hector was crazy possessive

6. Noelle was kick-ass

7. Favorite quote: (view spoiler)...more

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Sep 12, 2011 Francesca the Fierce ~Eyelet Ecstasy~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: series-alien-huntress, aliens, genre-paranormal-romance, books-read-2011

I.LOVE.DALLAS!

That's pretty much all there is to it. He's funny, sexy, confident, and I can't wait for his book!!!

Merged review:

This review was posted at Under The Covers

How do you like your heroes? Tall, muscled, strong, tortured, tattooed, oh-so-sexy, with golden eyes and . . .dimples! Is that close? Well then, meet Hector Dean. I mean, just take a look at the cover. He is edible!! And to make the cover justice, the man you will meet in the book is a fantasy come to life!

This book backtracks i...more

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Aug 28, 2011 Lynsey A rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: showalter-alien-huntress-series, favorite-author, paranormal-romance, part-of-a-series, to-be-purchased, wishlist, want-to-own, library-book, 2011-reads, virgin-hero, hero-tortured-past, heroine-traumatic-past

Man, I did not want this book to end. After the previous book I wasn't sure what to expect in this one. It was kind of relief not dealing with the evil Queen in this one.

I wasn't too sure of Noelle, as a heroine, but as usual, I never should have doubted Gena. She did a great job of making Noelle a heroine to be admired and respected. She was such a great and sassy character. I loved her! The engagement ring that Hector got for her was spot on and her response to it was quite laughable. I reall...more

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Oct 19, 2011 Kris (KindleRomance) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, amazing

Noelle is one of my favorite characaters!! There are a lot of great women heroines in this series. I loved the relationship between her and Ava. I also really liked Hector. Although I wished that they would have spent more of the story in love instead of trying to decide how to handle their attraction, it actually made more sense this way because of their childhoods. I liked that this book wasn't focused on the queen from the other world just to change things up.

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Oct 08, 2011 Vanessa theJeepDiva rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, romance, science-fiction, aliens

This adds some insight into the visions Dallas had concerning Noelle and who she would sleep with. It also explains some of the attitude coming from Dallas. I can understand why this was deleted, Dallas was not the books hero. However, this scene sheds some light on what the visions could possibly mean and the repercussions that readers may see in the next book.

Merged review:

Gena Showalter is in the top five of my most favorite authors. I can’t pick one, so I have a top five. I’ve read the major...more This adds some insight into the visions Dallas had concerning Noelle and who she would sleep with. It also explains some of the attitude coming from Dallas. I can understand why this was deleted, Dallas was not the books hero. However, this scene sheds some light on what the visions could possibly mean and the repercussions that readers may see in the next book.

Merged review:

Gena Showalter is in the top five of my most favorite authors. I can’t pick one, so I have a top five. I’ve read the majority of her books from her various series. I really like her Alien Huntress series. The previous book in the series Ecstasy in Darkness introduced readers to Ava and Noelle. They are certifiably insane and incredibly fun to read. Their sisterly torturous banter had me constantly wondering not only how they had made it into adulthood, but how they made it through Alien Investigation and Removal (AIR) training. The training question is answered here. Dark Taste of Rapture begins about a year before the previous book, with Ava and Noelle’s first day at AIR training. This is where Noelle first meets Hector and Dallas.

Noelle is totally in her character of airhead heiress when she comes off the bus that has hauled her to training. She arouses groaning from both Hector and Dallas immediatly. Dallas because he has very naughty thoughts, Hector because he knows then and there that this woman will be the death of him. All Hector wants is to get what he sees as the failure out of the training program as quickly as possible. The teacher student relationship does not keep hands, mouths and tongues from roaming when Hector and Noelle are alone long enough to acknowledge the mutual attraction.

Hector tries (and fails) repeatedly to stay away from Noelle. His emotions have a very negative affect on his arms and what he sees as their curse. He has no idea where the ability came from all he knows are the horrible consequences. Hector has not only harmed people, he has killed them with just a touch. So even though he wants Noelle and she wants him he tries to keep her away from him.

Once Noelle decides that Hector is it for her, it’s on. She pursues him to the point of stalking. Reading the pursuit of this relationship was extremely entertaining. Hector’s constant flip flopping of I want you, stay away from me, I crave you, we can’t be together, I want you in my life, I can’t be responsible for harming you should have been gotten frustrating. It never got old. To read what would happen after each of his dismissals with Noelle’s chase of him was priceless. To add to the tension they are of course working a case together.

There is a deleted scene. It adds some insight into the visions Dallas had concerning Noelle and who she would sleep with. It also explains some of the attitude coming from Dallas. I can understand why this was deleted, Dallas was not the books hero. However, this scene sheds some light on what the visions could possibly mean and the repercussions that readers may see in the next book.

One of the biggest ongoing conflicts involved in this series has been Trinity, Queen of the Schon’s. In the previous books she has been spreading her virus/disease. She has also had a major villainous role in the previous books. The readers do not get any new information on what is going on with that struggle. She is not mentioned in any way. She had nothing to do with Noelle and Hector or the case they were working on, so I guess she was viewed as irrelevant for this installment in the Alien Huntress series.

A character from the first book is brought back with a minor role in this book. I have a feeling he will get a book before Dallas. I desperately want to read his story. I have loved Dallas from the very beginning and he appears to be that character in the series that will keep getting tortured and passed over for love until the last possible moment. I am curious about where reintro guy’s character will go.(less)

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Dec 02, 2011 ~V~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, paranormal-romance

I think this has become my new favorite Alien Huntress book! I loved it!! Hector was SO yummilicious!!! Bad boy to the core! I really really liked the sexual tension and build up to Hector and Noelle's eventual hook up..made it all the better when they finally got there!...and i have to say..in the last book Ava and Noelle kind of annoyed me...their bantering was a little bit over the top but in this book they were HILARIOUS!! I loved when they were at camp in the beginning...they were so funny...more

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Jul 29, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: alien-huntress, arcs, pararnormal-romance

Gena Showalter is on her A-game with this latest installment in her Alien Huntress series. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this one. I didn't exactly love Noelle in the last book. But here we get to see that there is much more to her than good looks, piles of money, and a perverse sense of humor. And Hector... (sigh)... he is my favorite kind of hero: broken, tortured, powerful and unsure. Not to mention: ripped, loyal and sexy. Yum.

I expected the book to pick where Ecstasy in Darkness left off...more Gena Showalter is on her A-game with this latest installment in her Alien Huntress series. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this one. I didn't exactly love Noelle in the last book. But here we get to see that there is much more to her than good looks, piles of money, and a perverse sense of humor. And Hector... (sigh)... he is my favorite kind of hero: broken, tortured, powerful and unsure. Not to mention: ripped, loyal and sexy. Yum.

I expected the book to pick where Ecstasy in Darkness left off... but it actually started about a year before the events of the last book. Noelle and her best friend Ava were just beginning their training for the Alien Investigation Removal (AIR) agency. Hector is one of the instructors there, as are his best friend Dallas and Noelle's cousin Jaxon. Right away, Hector is taken by Noelle's beauty. But she projects the image of a spoiled debutante. It's a defense mechanism she uses to keep people from seeing the real her. And slowly, Hector begins to see past the facade.

He is unbearably attracted to her, but fights his feelings tooth and nail. He can't be with any woman. When he gets angry or aroused, his hands and arms atomize, turning anything in his path to dust. The one time he tried to be intimate with someone, he killed her. And he isn't taking that chance again. At least, that's what he tells himself.

Noelle has other ideas. She wants Hector and manages to get close to him once or twice. Just enough to excite them both... and send him running for the hills. Fast forward a year, and both Hector and Noelle are AIR agents. He's been trying to avoid her all this time, but they are forced together by a case. And if things aren't complicated enough with Hector's disability, we've got Dallas thrown in the mix. He's had a vision that he and Noelle are supposed to sleep together... and another vision that Hector and Noelle are supposed to be together. If the wrong chain of events is set in motion, it could be disastrous for him. But he has no idea which path is the right one. (This thread of the storyline confused me a little. I remember his visions in the last book, but I still don't get how an "unchangeable" vision can still be wrong.)

Aside from my Dallas-induced head-scratching, I was completely besotted by this book. There was great action, as Hector and Noelle worked their case together. There was great sexual tension. And there was romance. Perhaps one of the things I liked most about the book was the fact that this was no flash in the pan, instant-love. The attraction happened right away, but the feelings developed over time.

(By the way... There was no mention of the ongoing arc involving the evil-Queen-alien turning people into cannibals.) We do have appearances by the great cast of characters we have grown to love, including Mia, Devyn, Ava, and McKell. And we see someone introduced in Awaken Me Darkly, who I didn't expect to see again. Somehow, I think Mr. Surprise will end up with his own book. One can only hope. 5 stars.

*ARC Provided by Simon & Schuster(less)

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Oct 24, 2011 Wminbc rated it 5 of 5 stars

Okay...why was this deleted???? I actually was a tad confused when Dallas let the bombshell drop..."the vision is a cautostrophic vision"...I was like really how could one outcome mean his salvation and the other mean his demise??? This would have been very helpful in the story, plus I loved Dallas' description of the flowers in the decorating...LOL

Merged review:

My Review:
http://www.nocturnereads.com/Dark-Tas...

Oh Noelle...I know how you feel girlie! I didn't get to spend the night with Hector l...more

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Jun 14, 2012 Crissy declaro rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved the character of Hector Dean. My all time favorite kind of hero; dedicated, caring, buff, secret ability, scars from a horrible childhood trauma... i could go on but i wont. He is just a gem that you fall instantly in love with. Now here comes the big BUT... i have started to notice that I am developing a strong dislike for Mrs. Showalter's female lead. If fact the last three books in this series haven't really given me a female lead that i really connect too or like. In this book Noelle...more

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May 11, 2012 Lori rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: outerspace, paranormal-adult

I read this book because I thought it looked interesting on the shelf and who can pass up a book with a beefcake for 5.99. Yes, even though I own a kindle I still buy hardcopies of books. I'm NOT a romance fan. At all. If I read the words throbbing member, torrid dick, pulsating cock, hard rod, stiff beef jerky, etc. I tend to run and hide. However, I could not put this book down. Not because the characters were irresitable (although I was cheering for them) but because it cracked my shit up. OM...more

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Nov 22, 2011 Jan rated it 4 of 5 stars

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

First things first. It is entirely possible that my judgment and appreciation of this book is clouded by my adoration of the gorgeous cover. If I could I would make wallpaper of the cover-art, it's that delicious. I'm not rational about it, but I decided a while ago to just embrace my horniness and go with it. (In the same vein I used the original artwork of this for my computer background. If you embrace something, embrace it well.)

Anyway, I didn't want to jump in the end of a series (or near t...more

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Sep 17, 2011 Emily rated it 5 of 5 stars

Fans of tortured heroes, you just got served. This is another series I'm really, really behind in, but it was totally worth jumping back in with this installment. Hector and Noelle grabbed me and didn't let me go, and even when things looked bleak I was rooting for them the whole time.

Hector takes being from the wrong side of the tracks to a new level. Not only is he overcoming a pretty tragic back story, but he's also trying to come to grips with the fact that his ability (which is a pretty hor...more Fans of tortured heroes, you just got served. This is another series I'm really, really behind in, but it was totally worth jumping back in with this installment. Hector and Noelle grabbed me and didn't let me go, and even when things looked bleak I was rooting for them the whole time.

Hector takes being from the wrong side of the tracks to a new level. Not only is he overcoming a pretty tragic back story, but he's also trying to come to grips with the fact that his ability (which is a pretty horrific one to have) means that any chance of a relationship, physical or otherwise, with anyone is pretty much shot. His feelings for Noelle take awhile to develop, but they are intense, and he's determined not to give into them. Underneath it all, while he says that this is for Noelle's own protection, in reality, it's for his; he would be devastated if anything ever happened to her, especially at his hand.

Noelle is a character that I don't remember from the few Alien Huntress books that I've read, but in this book she puts on a good show of convincing people that she's a Kardashian wannabe- spoiled, rich, and without a care in the world, but in reality she desperately wants to forge an identity based on her own skills, abilities and beliefs, independent of her family connections. Falling for Hector is one of the facets of that identity, and she's willing to do what it takes to make herself happy. She can only hope that she can convince Hector to come along for the ride.

The interplay between the characters was riveting in this book. Hector and Noelle go back and forth and run hot and cold; Noelle knows Hector has the power to hurt her on so many levels and doesn't want to, and that for her is enough to take a chance on a relationship. Hector isn't so sure, and like I said, doesn't truly believe that he's worthy of a relationship with anyone. Noelle helps him realize his own worth, and only when that happens do these two really have a prayer.

There are so many good series in the world that it's hard to keep up with all of them. This one (Alien Huntress) is one that had kind of fallen by the wayside for me, and after reading this latest installment I need to get caught up. Now.

Overall Grade: A(less)

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Aug 25, 2011 Jules rated it 4 of 5 stars

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

View my actual 4.5/5 review at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf

I just started reading Gena Showalter's books last fall. I quickly became addicted to her stories. One of my first reviews in this genre and of one of her tales was Ecstasy in Darkness ~ which I also bestowed a 4.5 JEWEL rating upon. She has become one of my favorite authors. I am making my way through her backlist and enjoying myself immensely.

The latest and greatest in the Alien Huntress series is the story of Noelle and Hector. Fans w...more

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Aug 25, 2011 Lisarenee rated it 5 of 5 stars

"You're clearly upset about something."
He did. He knew. But how did he know? "I'm not upset."
"Bullshit."
How dare he call her on her lie! "This is my best friend's most special day and I have never, ever been happier--"
"--more miserable."
"--than I am right now."
"I can't believe you ever fooled me," he said, all kinds of self-disgust in his tone. "You're a terrible liar."
How. Did. He. Know? Dallas hadn't. Ava suspected, but even she hadn't realized the depths of Noelle's misery.

Have you ev...more

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Aug 25, 2011 April rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

DARK TASTE OF RAPTURE by Gena Showalter is an exciting futuralist paranormanl romance. It is the seventh in "An Alien Huntress"novel. See "Awaken Me Darkly,Enslave Me Sweetly,Savor Me Slowly,Seduce the Darkness,Ecstasy in Darkness, and Deep Kiss of Winter ",but "Dark Taste of Rapture" can be read as a stand alone. This is my first time reading this author but it will not be my last. I enjoyed this story. It has romance, hot sex,sexy men,strong sexy women,mystery, secrets,sex trade,passion,intrig...more

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Aug 22, 2011 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dark Taste of Rapture by Gena Showalter
Paranormal Romance -Aug. 23rd, 2011
4 stars

Dark Taste of Rapture is part of the Alien Huntress series but can easily be read by itself. However, I would suggest at least reading Ecstasy in Darkness first because it features the heroine’s best friend to better appreciate this story.

This futuristic series includes the romance of Noelle, the best friend of Ava from Ecstasy in Darkness. Noelle and Ava have an extreme friendship. Although Ava comes from the mean...more Dark Taste of Rapture by Gena Showalter
Paranormal Romance -Aug. 23rd, 2011
4 stars

Dark Taste of Rapture is part of the Alien Huntress series but can easily be read by itself. However, I would suggest at least reading Ecstasy in Darkness first because it features the heroine’s best friend to better appreciate this story.

This futuristic series includes the romance of Noelle, the best friend of Ava from Ecstasy in Darkness. Noelle and Ava have an extreme friendship. Although Ava comes from the mean streets and Noelle from money, neither had anyone to count on until they found each other. Although they give each other a very hard time, underneath all the sarcasm and ribbing is a deep love. When Ava wants to join the AIR and become an agent to protect the world from deadly aliens, Noelle follows. There Noelle meets the muscled and super hot agent Hector Dean. Though they both have an obvious attraction, Hector pushes Noelle away.

It is a year later when Noelle and Hector meet again. Noelle is confused by Hector’s hot and cold responses to her. She is also traumatized that her BFF Ava is getting married and leaving her! Hector seems the perfect distraction especially when they are assigned to solve a mysterious murder together.

Hector knows he must keep Noelle away from him because he desires her too much. Hector has a deep secret. His arms glow and burn when his emotions are out of control and Noelle is the perfect catalyst. Unfortunately, he cannot control his arms and they could kill her if he touches her in this state. Despite these fears, he cannot help longing for her company or her touch.

Hector really brings meaning to a hero that is dangerous to know! Those who loved Ecstasy in Darkness will be in ecstasy reading this book. This is a worthy conclusion for Noelle. Ava’s marriage makes Noelle lonely and insecure. Working with the intense Hector as they try to solve the case is good for her. The heroine was delightfully wicked as she constantly tempts and torments the hero with her luscious body. However, since the first quarter of the book involves Noelle’s training as an agent, the romance takes a while to heat up. In fact, this novel felt like the slowest building romance I have read from the author and as a result sometimes did not flow smoothly. My only other quibble is that sometimes I found Noelle and Ava to be somewhat abrasive personalities. However, this was an intriguing story because I really wondered how the dangerous Hector would ever be able to resolve his ‘issue’ so he and Noelle could have a relatively ‘safe’ relationship.

This has a slower romance but fans who enjoy Sci Fic and snarky heroines will definitely enjoy this story.

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

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Aug 26, 2011 Melindeeloo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Taking just a little step back in time from the previous book, Dark Taste of Rapture starts with Ava and Noelle's arrival at the AIR academy, and the start of the attraction rejection polka that is the courtship between dark and intense Hector and bubbleheaded on the surface Noelle, as Noelle and Ava make it through the academy, Noelle loses her best bud to marriage to McKell, and Noelle and Hector become partners working on a case that involves the kidnapping of alien woman.

This latest Alien Hu...more

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Aug 25, 2011 Julia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, romance, arcs, urban

In DARK TASTE OF RAPTURE Gena Showalter offers us a trip back through the looking glass, to Ava and Noelle's basic training as AIR agents. If this book is a love story, it is as much a testament to the relationship these two girls have with each other as any sizzling chemistry between Noelle and Hector. Some of the issues raised get resolved, some don't, and I'm on the fence trying to decide if all of these are intentional threads left dangling for the rest of the series, or if some of the story...more In DARK TASTE OF RAPTURE Gena Showalter offers us a trip back through the looking glass, to Ava and Noelle's basic training as AIR agents. If this book is a love story, it is as much a testament to the relationship these two girls have with each other as any sizzling chemistry between Noelle and Hector. Some of the issues raised get resolved, some don't, and I'm on the fence trying to decide if all of these are intentional threads left dangling for the rest of the series, or if some of the story slipped away. Either way, in the end, this book was entertaining and fun, with enough one-liners and mayhem to keep me giggling through to the last page.

Laugh out loud lines aside, DARK TASTE OF RAPTURE has enough psychological angst to fill a swimming pool. Noelle diagnosis (and treats) her own insecurities and codependency, with more or less success, and she manages to be Hector's saving grace on occasion. All in all, despite the heinous abuse Hector suffered as a child, I felt like the two main characters were able to move forward with a minimum of second guessing and miscommunications. Showalter manages this both with the passage of time in this novel (starting with basic training and then jumping past the events of ECSTASY IN DARKNESS to Ava's bachelorette party), and by writing to protagonists that truly want to trust each other. Hector's "skin condition" is a tough hurdle for any relationship, even when out in the open, though it added a little extra zing to every hands free encounter the two orchestrated. Showalter also threw in a roadblock in the form of a vision from Dallas, but this gambit never really gelled as anything substantial (nor was it resolved in any way). I can only hope that this means Dallas will be featured front and center in the next Alien Huntress book.

The tough love camaraderie of Ava and Noelle can be a little bit too much for me at times, as were the heavy handed descriptions of how much no one "gets" the real Noelle, but these blips on the radar were never enough to slow me down. While Hector and Noelle's romance is sweet, I enjoyed the backstory and supporting characters as much as anything. Showalter's Alien Huntress world is well written, sexy, and just the right amount of silly to keep me coming back for more.

Full review at All Things Urban Fantasy.

Sexual Content: Sex scenes, references to oral sex and masturbation, prostitution and human trafficking.(less)

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Aug 28, 2011 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, for-review

I don't know how to feel about this book. I really enjoyed it, but a lot of parts in it bothered me. First off, the beginning was really confusing for me. I haven't read any of Gena Showalter's books, so Earth with "otherworlders" and people with special powers just jumped at me and I was like, "Where did these things come from??" I enjoyed Noelle and Hector's relationship but I didn't like how a whole year went by about 80 pages in. Then, they met up again but it felt as if no time had passed a...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, gena-showalter, alien-huntress, favorites, sci-fi, hey-look-what-i-can-do, futuristic-romance, once-is-never-enough, frau-badass, tortured-abused, kidnapped, girly-girl

Ah Dallas, that poor f---er. Hope he gets his own book soon, that guy needs a happy ending.

Merged review:

Loved it! This and Ecstasy in Darkness are my favorite in the Alien Huntress series! I get such a kick out of Ava and Noelle - they are seriously whacked BFFs. And... Hector - very yummy and smokin' hot (wink wink). I'm hoping we're going to get Dallas' story sometime soon.... that guy really needs a HEA. Can't wait for the next one.

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Feb 14, 2012 Ann rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-list-of-read-books

In general, I love most of Gena Showalter's works. This book was no exception although it is the first book of the Alien Huntress series that I have ever read. Despite this, I followed everything easily and Showalter explained things enough for those first time readers. I loved almost all the characters, especially the main female Noelle and her friend Ava. Their fierce loyalty to one another and the love they showed as friends really made this book for me.

The only thing I didn't appreciate was...more

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Aug 24, 2011 Julia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Dark Taste of Rapture is the sixth installment in Gena Showalter's Alien Huntress series. This was a quick read- and I'm new to the series. This is actually my first Gena Showalter book too. I never felt lost and I don't think that reading the previous novels would have changed my experience with this novel, it does well as a standalone.

Gena dosen't jump right into the romance- the plot is a little slow at first. I have to say that I adore the characters and the story. However, I was disappointe...more

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Mar 20, 2013 Jacqueline rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: alien-human-romance, from-the-library, hero-tormented, heroine-is-feisty-heroine, paranormal-romance, socialite-rich-girl

How did I miss this series? Although I think I may have read Jaxon's book when it first came out and just didn't realize it was part of a series. That was before GRs so I wasn't as aware.

Anyhoo, I really enjoyed this book. I liked the world building although if you think about it too much it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Why do all these other types of aliens want to live on Earth? But I liked the love story enough not to think about that too much. It did't have any dopey futuristic gag tr...more

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Sep 14, 2011 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, review, read-in-2011

Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/09/14/...

When I first saw this cover, I had to wipe the drool off my desk… holy hotness!!! Add to that my love of Gena Showalter and I knew I was in for a treat. I hadn’t read any of the Alien Huntress stories. (wait – I lied – I did read the one she did with Kresley Cole in the Deep Kiss of Winter Duology) After reading this, I am for sure going to go back and read the series in its entirety!

Hector is sexy, broody and the keeper of a...more Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/09/14/...

When I first saw this cover, I had to wipe the drool off my desk… holy hotness!!! Add to that my love of Gena Showalter and I knew I was in for a treat. I hadn’t read any of the Alien Huntress stories. (wait – I lied – I did read the one she did with Kresley Cole in the Deep Kiss of Winter Duology) After reading this, I am for sure going to go back and read the series in its entirety!

Hector is sexy, broody and the keeper of a deep, dark secret. Once his emotions get the best of him, the skin on his arm goes wild and he has the power to kill with just one touch. He’s never met anyone who has tempted him before – until Noelle walks into his training class. Noelle is a free spirit, wild and a little crazy. She wants Hector more than anything, but after he rebuffs her time and again, she knows it time to move on.

A year later they are partners on a case and things heat up on the streets and in the bedroom. They both are having problems fighting their attraction, but don’t know how to handle Hector’s small “problem.” When they are faced with their worst nightmare, will they be able to come out on top – together? Or fall victim to a deadly crime ring?

Showalter is – in my opinion – one of the best at world building; such imaginative and unique worlds. The Alien Huntress is no exception, I love the concept of aliens here on earth, some good some bad, and the elite men and women who police them. Although this book is sixth in the series, I never felt lost or out of touch. In fact, I felt immersed into the world from the first page, and wanted nothing more than to stay in it, even once the book was finished.

Poor Hector was such a tortured character. His past was rough and harsh and nasty in every possible way. Yet despite it all he was able to come out on top and make himself into something. Then, add in the small issue of killing people with just a touch and he finds himself separating from society. The only thing he has going for him is his job and love of it. He was portrayed as such a strong character. Always wanting to do the right thing, take care of others, be the better man, but never knowing how to do so. I feel in love with him right away.

Noelle came across as flighty and even ditsy at first. I wasn’t sure I would be able to enjoy her, but she quickly showed her depth. I loved that she was one hundred percent dedicated to her bestie Ava, but how she came to realize that becoming an agent was the best thing to do for herself as well. I loved all her moments with Ava, the two together are hilarious, and can’t wait to go back and read Ava’s story for even more of the two of them together. But I liked her serious side as well (although those moments are few and far between). Noelle cared so much for Hector, wanted to be his everything, it was super sweet.

Their romance didn’t move as quickly as is typical with Showalter. They danced around each other for the majority of the book, and even once they did get together, they had to learn how to BE together without setting off Hector’s power. But I loved it. The tension was thick and steamy and so angsty. VERY well done!

Although the case moved quickly and kept me engaged, it wasn’t the big focal point of the story for me. Even now, a week or so later as I’m writing this, the case itself doesn’t resonate with me. It just was… To me the humor and romance stood out so much more than anything else, and because of that I found yet another Showalter book for my keeper shelves.

All in all I was so glad I picked up the Alien Huntress Series. I loved the quirky and sarcastic characters, the humor throughout and the smokin’ hot romance. Showalter proved yet again why she is a powerhouse in the paranormal romance genre!

I give Dark Taste of Rapture a B+(less)

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Aug 27, 2011 Shay rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr, supers-mutants-xman, to-read

Random thoughts:

Loved Noelle, So funny wicked and inventive... Can i BFF a fictional person?

Speking of BFF's - Ava and Noelle remind me of KC's Volkeries. especially Regin and co.

Oooohh, and Hector was Hot (Literally)! But, the "I want you, I want you not" angle was over worked IMO.

And one more thing...
Is Dallas next? The vision stuff got me curious...

So...
GO READ!

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Sep 10, 2011 Mary (BookHounds) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, from-publisher-author

The story picks up where the last Alien Huntress left off with Ava and McKell about to marry and Noelle feeling like she just lost her best friend. Noelle wishes that she could find someone like Ava has and *shocker* shows a bit of a softer side. Noelle and Ava have graduated from their training and are now full fledged agents for AIR. Noelle quickly solves a case through her wits and strength and moves on to another one where alien females are being abducted to be sex slaves. She is partnered w...more

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Sep 09, 2011 Parajunkee.com rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

I love me some Alien Huntress books by Gena Showalter and DARK TASTE OF RAPTURE was no disappointment. A smoking hot couple, a great story-line and an unsure HEA - I was riveted by DTR and the interplay between Hector and Noelle. Counting down the days to the next in the series.

Hector Dean is one of the most off limits AIR agents. His arms can literally incinerate someone and it's his biggest secret. Because of this problem he can barely touch another person in fear of killing them. He also can'...more I love me some Alien Huntress books by Gena Showalter and DARK TASTE OF RAPTURE was no disappointment. A smoking hot couple, a great story-line and an unsure HEA - I was riveted by DTR and the interplay between Hector and Noelle. Counting down the days to the next in the series.

Hector Dean is one of the most off limits AIR agents. His arms can literally incinerate someone and it's his biggest secret. Because of this problem he can barely touch another person in fear of killing them. He also can't tell anyone in fear of what will happen to him so he seems off-limits. His stoic and general surly attitude along with his ripped physique and tattooed fabulousness get Noelle's attention right from the get-go. From the first meet Hector thinks Noelle is a spoiled and ridiculously hot air head, Noelle thinks he's an asshole - of course they are instantly attracted to each other.

A chance encounter during training that has Hector thinking Noelle's dumb behavior is just an act and a kiss that has him wanting much more is the evidence he needs to stay far away from her. He succeeds for awhile - until long after training and a case that has them working together. They both realize they can't deny the attraction to each other, but can they overcome all the obstacles that are in the way long enough to even be civil?

Hello smoking hot goodness!! Hector is such crazy good paranormal romance hero that I literally wanted to lick the cover. Have you seen the cover?? Really have you laid eyeball on it? I can't stop looking at it. But, besides the cover Gena Showalter in all her glory can write a mean paranormal romance. The characters are toxic, their romance is a fall - a big fall with lots of tumbles and juts that you hit along the way. She writes romances that you can't see a HEA but desperately want. It's an awesome experience. If you haven't read her, I highly recommend. Also, these books really don't have to be read in order or together so that makes it even better. Sometimes being tied to story after story can be intimidating.

Recommended for fans of Shrrilyn Kenyon's series or Illona Andrews. Paranormal Romance fans a must read. For adults only, violence, language and sexual encounters. Not a recommended transition novel, there are a lot of paranormal themes.(less)

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Aug 22, 2011 Crystal ♥ RBtWBC rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: request-publisher, best-of-2011, genre-paranormal-romance, rating-5-star

You know when you pick up a novel from Gena Showalter that you’re going to get the very best!

Hector Dean is a hard bodied, tattooed and sexy as sin AIR agent with a tortured past and a dangerous secret. When his emotions get hot so do his hands, becoming deadly weapons, turning anything they touch into ash. Afraid to harm those around him, Hector keeps to himself. That is until he meets the beautiful and rich Noelle Tremain, AIR agent in training. For some reason he can’t get her out of his head...more You know when you pick up a novel from Gena Showalter that you’re going to get the very best!

Hector Dean is a hard bodied, tattooed and sexy as sin AIR agent with a tortured past and a dangerous secret. When his emotions get hot so do his hands, becoming deadly weapons, turning anything they touch into ash. Afraid to harm those around him, Hector keeps to himself. That is until he meets the beautiful and rich Noelle Tremain, AIR agent in training. For some reason he can’t get her out of his head, despite the fact that she comes off as a spoiled air head in the beginning. She is pure temptation and it doesn’t help that she tries to seduce him at every turn. Scared of hurting her Hector tries everything to push Noelle away, fighting his uncontrollable desire for her, but Noelle is determined to get what she wants, and what she wants is Hector for herself.
When a wealthy businessman from Noelle’s circles is murdered her and Hector must partner up to find the culprit, the same man who is behind a string of otherworlder kidnappings that Hector has been chasing for over a year now. Can these two make it through the investigation heart & body intact or will this new threat prove even deadlier then Hector’s abilities? And when Dallas has a vision foreseeing his end or his salvation if Hector and Noelle get into bed, can they take that chance?

Dark Taste of Rapture shines by being pure and absolute perfection! This installment is by far, my favorite in the series to date. Dark, heart twisting and sexy, every page will leave you jonesing for more! Hector Dean will have you fantasizing about steamy nights tangled up between the sheets; strong, sexy and all alpha he was an easy character to fall in love with. With his tortured past of violence and death I couldn’t help my heart breaking for his struggles and then when he was trying to protect Noelle from himself *swoon* I just wanted to hug him. Even though he ended up hurting her worse by pushing her away for her own good his intentions were admirable.

Dark Taste of Rapture pre-dates the last book, Ecstasy in Darkness, by a year taking you back to Ava and Noelle’s time in AIR training camp and when Noelle and Hector first meet. Noelle adds fun and humor to the dialogue with her sassy ways but her outwards confidence is a shield for the insecurity she hides thanks to her rotten family. This form of set-up really gave the reader some great insight into Hector and Noelle, adding depth and dimension, even to Ava and Dallas too. The plot quickly moves through that year without skipping important details and brings the reader to the present timeline in the series where Hector and Noelle must work together on a murder and slave trader case. The tension is thick between the two adding to the suspense already in abundance from the mysterious case. Some emotionally intense moments are balanced with uber sexy scenes that are literally burn-the-house-down-wet-your-panties HOT, and a seductive romance that progresses realistically and gradually; coupled with the non-stop action Gena Showalter delivers it all! The world building in this series, as always, is beyond brilliant and seems to build on itself with each new addition adding multiple layers to the already impressive series arc.

An amazing addition to an already magnificent series, Dark Taste of Rapture is a must-read. Now, all I have to say is this….DALLAS! When will we get Dallas’s book Gena? I want sooooooo badly!!!!

Best of 2011 pick!(less)

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Apr 22, 2013 Shannon rated it 5 of 5 stars

LOVE this book and LOVE this series! CANNOT wait for the next one! Ugh, when is it going to come! Okay, I loved seeing Noelle transformation from a whiny rich girl to a badass AIR agent...even if her "whiny" rich girl routine was a facade. Seeing Hector finally come out of his shell was exciting and riveting. He's an awesome male hero and love interest and Noelle gives it right back. The relationship struggles were realistic, if a little overdone on Hector's part...come on Hector, stop being a c...more

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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)

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Quotes from Dark Taste of Rapture

“Dallas popped his jaw. “I do not cackle. I bitch like a he-man.” — 23 people liked it

“The next day she’d examined her red satin sandals
and with a frown said, “I’m thinking about buying two
snakes.”
His are you kidding me “Why?” had caused her to
shrug.
“I’d name them Leftie and Rightie and when they
were big enough, they’d become Mamma’s boots.” — 9 people liked it

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Dark Taste of Rapture (Alien Huntress #6)

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