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

Other editions

Enlarge cover

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

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

by Kresley Cole (Goodreads Author)

4.21 of 5 stars 4.21 · rating details · 30,782 ratings · 1,785 reviews

Acclaimed author Kresley Cole introduces a sizzling new series with this tale of a fierce werewolf and a bewitching vampire—unlikely soul mates whose passion will test the boundaries of life and death.

A mythic warrior who'll stop at nothing to possess her...

After enduring years of torture from the vampire horde, Lachlain MacRieve, leader of the Lykae Clan, is enraged to fi...more

Mass Market Paperback, 356 pages

Published April 1st 2006 by Pocket Star (first published 2006)

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

Best Paranormal & Fantasy Romances

10th out of 2,672 books — 5,846 voters

Best ADULT Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance

9th out of 1,814 books — 3,434 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Oct 02, 2013 Blacky *Romance Addict* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-stars-for-enjoyment, 3-stars-for-quality, epic, highlanders, read-paranormal, review

*review of audiobook*

Well I have really mixed feelings about this book.

His fantastic Scottish accent caused this:

The way the narrator did the woman's voice made me:

The sex made me think:

But overall I really did enjoy it. It was a different experience, that's for sure XD

The universe in the series

It has them all. Vampires, werewolves, demons, valkyries, shape-shifters, wraiths, witches and probably every paranormal creature ever mentioned somewhere.
I kind alike it :)
It's more focused on vampires,...more

flag 87 likes · like · see review

Aug 12, 2013 Danielle The Book Huntress (Angels Weep For Goodreads) rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of paranormal romance, especially werewolves

Recommended to Danielle The Book Huntress (Angels Weep For Goodreads) by: 2013 IAD group series reread

Shelves: captive-kidnapped, owned-copy, part-of-a-series, scarred-hero, revenge, royalty, scottish, stalkerific-hero, paranormal-romance, favorites, hero-to-die-for, heroine-i-adore, favorite-or-autobuy-author, vampire, valkyrie, werewolf, norse-mythology, fated-to-be-mated, enemies-to-lovers, young-innocent-heroine, desert-island-books, desert-island-keepers, 2013-200s-club-challenge, 2013-iad-series-reread, yearly-reading-challenge-2013, dangerous-hero-challenge-2013, scary-sexy-cool-dangerous-hero, mental-illness, imprisoned-ex-convict

2nd Reread Completed 8/1-8/9/13

Looking back at how much I loved this book when I first read it, and how much I loved it on reread, I can say most definitely that this book is an all-time keeper. For me, this story is magic. I didn't have a lot of time to read it, but I actually didn't want to put it down when I couldn't read it. Finally, when I was able to dedicate some time to reading, I more or less read it straight through, except for when I was busy with my review books and Vacation Bible Sc...more 2nd Reread Completed 8/1-8/9/13

Looking back at how much I loved this book when I first read it, and how much I loved it on reread, I can say most definitely that this book is an all-time keeper. For me, this story is magic. I didn't have a lot of time to read it, but I actually didn't want to put it down when I couldn't read it. Finally, when I was able to dedicate some time to reading, I more or less read it straight through, except for when I was busy with my review books and Vacation Bible School. At the end of the night, I was excited to get into bed and curl up and revisit Lachlain and Emma's love story, reading late into the night.

Lachlain

Lachlain remains one of my fall time favorite paranormal heroes (and probably of all time). Although I refuse to pick a favorite Immortals After Dark hero, Lachlain makes some steep competition for the following heroes. He starts out a bully, but I can understand why. He literally was insane after being tortured for 150 years. However, it is a testament to his force of will that he didn't do worse to Emmaline, not to mention the power of their bond. Even though he wasn't super nice initially, his charisma was undeniable. As time passes and he realizes who Emma is and how she means to him, above and beyond being his fated mate, he shows just how adoring and capable of caring for his mate he can be. By the time Emma starts to love him, you can understand why. Cole makes you want a Lykae mate of your very own.

Emmaline

Sometimes the heroine doesn't click with me in a romance. But this is not one of those times. I loved Emma. I appreciated her journey of self-identity and coming into her own. She had that awkward feel of a woman on the cusp of maturity in her early twenties. Away from home for the first time, exploring who she is, and finding love. Considering the force of nature that Lachlain is, I think Emma held her own against him, and eventually, she had him eating out of her hand.

I think Kresley Cole writes the best steamy romance out there. Blazingly hot, but not crossing the line into raunchy and distasteful (overshare) language that turns 'sexy' into 'gross' for this reader. Even on the reread, I was excited to see what happened next, and fanning myself with the incredible tension and fire between Emma and Lachlain. I wasn't a huge fan of vampire romance prior to reading this (this being one of the first I read at the time), but the scenes in which Lachlain feeds Emma show how powerful that is between a mated pair, and it's sexy, and not gross like I always thought it would be. I'm not saying I want to take blood or give my blood like in the book, but it's written well and beliveable in the context of the story. It's a very intimate thing, and you could see how it furthers the connection between them.

On top of the fantastic romance, the world-building is complex and fascinating, and I love the camaraderie between the Valkyries and the other characters. You can see the Lore factions aligning before your eyes on the one way march to the Ascension. And though the developing romance is fascinating, it's also great to get glimpses into the past of the long-lived creatures of the Lore.

There's a reason why Kresley Cole is in my top five authors of all time. She knows how to bring it. In the paranormal and historical romance genres, she kicks butt and takes names. You want to keep coming back for more of this wonderful world she has created. I'm glad I was able to revisit this fantastic book and I am jazzed to continue my 2013 reread of the Immortals After Dark series.

Check out my Immortals After Dark Pinboard on Pinterest.

****Original Review Below*********
I bought this book because I had read "If You Dare," by this author and absolutely loved it. Well, lets just say, it made a steadfast fan of me. The Immortals After Dark is one of my all time favorite paranormal series, and part of the reason I'm so crazy about paranormals. Lachlain is kind of crazy, and who can blame him after being imprisioned horribly underground in a fiery pit, being drowned every day and consumed by fire for 150 years. One day he senses his mate, and he does something really painful and desperate to get free, to get to her. I was hooked.

Lachlain is what I call a Sexy, Scottish, Werewolf. What a great combination. His one shortcoming is that he is kind of snobby towards Emmaline at first. He's dismayed that this true mate (Lykae only get one) is a Vampire. Although she's really a halfling, half-vampire, half-valkyrie. Emmaline is as timid as you can get. She's been protected and coddled by her valkyrie aunts her whole young life. She's about 70 years old, which is very young for a vampire and a valkyrie. Despite her penchant for very sexy, expensive lingerie, she's an innocent virgin.

Imagine this crazed, beastly man tearing across a Paris courtyard, and dragging you off with him, and wanting to do things with you of a sexual nature? Very scary thought. This is how this book begins. Cole grabbed me as a reader and didn't let go. I wanted to find out how Lachlain would deal with the fact that his mate was not exactly what he wanted. Would he force her? Would she grow to love him and trust him? They go on a journey to get back to Lachlain's ancestral holdings in Scotland. He is the king of the Lycae and must go back to take his place as ruler of his people. Even though he isn't really happy with the mate that was chosen for him by fate, he's taking her with him. Lochlain has to get used to modern life. He finds he has expensive tastes, and charges up poor Emmaline's platinum card. He really makes the poor girl miserable. But she does manage to fall in love with him. She's not so sure about this Queen of the Lykae deal and having such a dominant mate, though. So it takes some serious wooing, Lykae-style, on Lachlain's part. And Lachlain discovers that having a vampire bride is a great thing, because being bitten by her is ecstasy. Plus, Emmaline is a sweet, loving woman who eases her way into his heart.

This was a fabulous book. I was already werewolf-inclined after reading the MaryJanice Davidson story "Love's Prisoner", Bitten by Kelley Armstrong, and Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon, so it really got my attention. This is a spicy read with very hot love scenes, that don't overshadow the growing love between Lachlain and Emmaline. I enjoyed the whole dynamic of reluctant mates, and the crazy, alpha werewolf hero really appealed to me. I loved how Lachlain's feelings towards his bride changed so that he came to adore her and appreciate her. She became his life. I also loved how timid Emmaline comes into her own. She was drifting because she knew neither of her parents. She was afraid and disliked her vampire nature, and had to come to terms with who she is. She becomes quite the warrior queen. Ah, this is a classic for me. It comes highly recommended.

Just a warning to readers. The first book in this series is the story in Playing Easy to Get, "The Warlord Wants Forever." I read this one first and I was scratching my head trying to figure out who Nikolai and Myst were. You can read this first, but you might be a little lost when they bring up Nikolai and Myst as a forgone conclusion.
(less)

flag 56 likes · like · see review

Oct 24, 2012 Stacia (keyboard abuser) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, paranormal-romance, vampires, shifters-or-weres

...meanwhile, inside of the Fetish Cafe...

Waitress : Miss? Are you ready to order?

Me : (clearing throat) Um, I think so? Can you tell me first if there are any off-the-menu specials tonight?

Waitress : Nothing extra tonight. Our supplier didn't deliver today, so we're running low on supplies. If you're looking for a fantasy involving props, chances are, it's not going to happen.

Me : It's fine. That's not really my thing. (pause) Uh...I think I'll take the kidnapping special. With an order of domi...more

flag 54 likes · like · see review

Feb 22, 2011 Kat Kennedy rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-romance-romance, kat-s-book-reviews

flag 34 likes · like · see review

Oct 19, 2011 chucklesthescot rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, worst-ever-books, abandoned, uf-pnr

I DESPISE this kind of rape-glorifying bullshit! We have the innocent half vampire girl chased all over town by psycho madman who makes several starts to raping the terrified girl and has her crying and begging, then lo and behold just as he is about to 'do' her she suddenly feels desire for him and off we head to lovey dovey land despite him treating her like shit. This shit sickens me to the bloody stomach and I hate to see this kind of forced sex used as entertainment and wrapped up with pink...more

flag 33 likes · like · see review

Feb 12, 2012 Dina rated it 3 of 5 stars

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

This is the first full-length story in the Immortals After Dark series, following the novella The Warlord Wants Forever that introduced the Lore, the mythical strata created by Kresley Cole "where those sentient creatures that are not human live". You don’t have to read that short story to understand A Hunger Like No Other, but I did and I think it helps to get a better grasp of the overall scenario as some events in the two stories take place at the same time.

Lachlain MacRieve is the Lykae King...more This is the first full-length story in the Immortals After Dark series, following the novella The Warlord Wants Forever that introduced the Lore, the mythical strata created by Kresley Cole "where those sentient creatures that are not human live". You don’t have to read that short story to understand A Hunger Like No Other, but I did and I think it helps to get a better grasp of the overall scenario as some events in the two stories take place at the same time.

Lachlain MacRieve is the Lykae King, a 1,200-year-old werewolf who’s been searching for his mate for a long, long time. For the past 150 years, he’s been imprisoned in the catacombs beneath Paris, where he’s been tortured by the Vampire Horde and subjected to die from the fires of hell only to be resurrected by his immortality - over and over again. The only thing that keeps him alive and somewhat sane is the thought of finding his mate, so when he unexpectedly scents her nearby one night, he finds the strength to break free from the bonds that keep him captive. When he finally escapes the catacombs and finds his way to the surface, then into a darkened alley, his mate is gone. He’s not defeated, though, because once a Lykae scents his mate, she’s his forever – and he will find her again… However, Lachlain has the shock of his life when he catches up with her one week later and discovers she’s, gasp!, a vampire. No, this cannot be! Lykaes and vampires are mortal enemies, so why would fate give him a vampire as a mate?

Emmaline “Emma” Troy is actually half vampire and half Valkyrie. Her mother Helen (of Troy?) was a Valkyrie who died when Emma was still a baby. As for her father, all Emma knows is that he is/was a vampire. Determined to finally find out his identity, Emma’s left the Valkyrie coven in New Orleans for the first time in her 70 years – wow, she’s almost a newborn compared to Lachlain! – and flies to Paris, where her parents are believed to have met and lived together for a while. Imagine her surprise when, one night, she’s kidnapped by a strange non-human male who seems to be a bit "deranged", to say the least.

Lachlain is torn between lust and disgust. His "beast" wants to claim Emma as his mate, but he’s having a hard time reconciling the fact that she’s a vampire. He ends up "convincing" her to travel with him to his home in Scotland, with the promise that he’ll let her go when they get there. He’s lying through his teeth, of course, as he has no intention of letting her go – ever! He’s only buying time, before she accepts her position as his mate. But there are people after her – not only her Valkyrie foster mother and aunts, but some bad vampires too – and Lachlain has to fight all of them to keep Emma safe. Not an easy task, when he has to woo her and convince her she belongs with him at the same time.

When I read the Prologue, I thought Lachlain would end up being one of my favorite heroes. I was sure he would be a dark, brooding and intense hero – come on, he severed one of his leg to free it from its bonds to get to his mate! – but that was not to be. He had a brief bout of "insanity" in the beginning, which was completely expected considering his 150-year imprisonment, but he recovered from it quite easily and I found it too unbelievable. Strangely enough, I wasn’t put off by his lying to Emma. I’m usually not a fan of deceitful heroes, but I was OK with Lachlain’s lying because it was consistent with his initial "madness". He kept lying later, when he was "sane" again, but that was another story...

As for Emma, she got on my nerves. She started out as a wuss – by her own words – and ended up as a strong and independent vampire/Valkyrie – kudos to her! – but the journey in between was uneven. I guess she was supposed to be funny and witty, but I found myself wanting to shake some sense into her a couple of times. Some of her conversations with her crazy Valkyrie aunts were hilarious, but I got tired of their antics after a while. There’s a time to joke around, and there’s a time to get down to business. JMHO.

I could have "ignored" Lachlan’s and Emma’s shortcomings if the plot had been engaging enough but, alas, that wasn’t the case. Some jarring inconsistencies kept pestering me while I was reading this book, and I just couldn’t get over them. A) Lachlain’s escape from the catacombs wasn’t as difficult as it should have been. I mean, not a single guard intercepted his way! B) Why did Lachlain waited 150 years to escape? Don’t tell me that he only felt compelled to do it when he scented Emma, because I can’t believe he didn’t find ending his torture as soon as possible compelling enough. C) Why didn’t the Vampire Horde go after Lachlain when he escaped? He couldn’t be that "insignificant", could he? D) Why did Demestriu, the Vampire King, … Okay, I’ll stop ranting now because I’m about to enter into spoiler territory.

All things considered, this was a fun read but, as it happened with The Warlord Wants Forever, I wasn’t wowed by the story. I’m feeling kind of weird here, because many readers love this series and I just don’t get it. I do love the idea of having all kinds of non-human beings living together – mostly at war but some in peace – in the same universe, the Lore, but that’s all. Ms. Cole’s writing was humorous and easy to read, the love scenes were hot and the story was fast paced and entertaining despite its inconsistencies, but I’m still unsure about this series. Does it get better? Should I give the next book a try? Decisions, decisions…
(less)

flag 26 likes · like · see review

Apr 22, 2012 Kristen (Peddler of Smut) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Kristen (Peddler of Smut) by: Karla

Shelves: paranormal-romance, vampires, kresley-cole, action-packed, humorous, steamy, werewolves, lots-of-bickering, 3-star

3 1/2 to 4 stars

Overall I reallyenjoyed reading A Hunger Like No Other, the first full-length book in the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole.

I'm truly in awe of Ms. Cole's ability to create a complex and intriguing paranormal world full of Vampires, Lykaes (werewolves), Valkyries, Demons, Witches, Feys, Ghouls, and the list goes on and on. Although this paranormal world is complex, Ms. Cole has the ability to easily explain her intricate world to the reader, making this book an enjoyabl...more

flag 21 likes · like · see review

Mar 17, 2009 LMM rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Hardcore Romance Junkies, Paranormal Romace

Recommended to LMM by: Book club

Shelves: overrated, paranormal-pnr

Wow I thought this was pretty bad. I know I am in the minority but I found the plot was really thin. I also felt all the characters were incredibly "thick"(except Bove) esp. Emma & her family. IMO, There are far better paranormal "romance" books. I just didn't connect w/the characters at all nor the author's justifications for their actions.

Basically the book followed the Romance formula authors are forced to follow by their publishers to a T:

Sexually experienced to the hilt, hung like a hor...more

flag 20 likes · like · see review

Feb 23, 2011 Zeek rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites-all-time, favorites-pnr, pnr, alpha-hero, uber-alpha-male, favorite-hero, favorite-author, pnr-kitchen-sink, shifters

First full length novel in Cole's paranormal romance series Immortals After Dark, (second overall), A Hunger Like No Other is a gold mine of uber-alpha, destined-for-each other, sexy reading.

When Lachlain scents his mate while hidden below the streets of Paris, he does the impossible- he breaks the chains that have kept him imprisoned for 150 years and goes after her. Sure he tears off a limb to do so, but he's a werewolf- so regeneration, though painful, is possible.

Emmaline has lived as an acc...more

flag 20 likes · like · see review

Dec 02, 2012 Kelly Maybedog Hawkins marked it as never · review of another edition Recommends it for: No one

Shelves: what-modern-fantasy, what-danger-danger-wilma-robinson, why-due-to-author

Apparently this series is all about the women being bullied into submission by the "hero" of the story. The first one is apparently a little "rapey" in that the sex scene starts off forced and then the woman eventually submits. But in this book the hero actually rapes someone and a popular reviewer/friend says the heroine doesn't have any ill effects or even a problem with it really. The rapey-ness is a common enough theme with were-whatevers and I have a problem enough with that, but out and ou...more

flag 19 likes · like · see review

Oct 09, 2011 Lisa Kay rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-favorites, genre-romance-paranormal, genre-romance-vampire, auto-buy-author, re-read-for-comfort, character-shy-but-determined-h, genre-romance-rita-award, character-über-alpha-hero, buddy-read-tbr-w-sans, authors-k, authors-c, series-i, character-shapeshifters-werewolves

I have to confess that Emmaline Troy is one of my favorite heroines in a paranormal romance. Sometimes-only sometimes -I get especially tired of books where the heroine is the feisty, aggressive person right from the get-go. Did they pop from the womb, full Rambo-ette, ready to take on the world? (My friend swears her daughter did.) How did they get that way? It is sometimes more interesting to see a meek personality like Emma develop. Yes, she has been sheltered and she's a wuss, but she grows...more

flag 19 likes · like · see review

Feb 19, 2008 Shannon (Giraffe Days) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, vampires, 2008, shape-shifters, romance

Maybe it was because I wasn't expecting much, but it's more likely because the previous couple of books in this genre that I read - Be Still My Vampire Heart and Guilty Pleasures - were unremarkable and boring, in that order, that I enjoyed this so much. See, low expectations :)

Lachlain is king of the Lykae and after spending 150 years of imprisonment and torture beneath the streets of Paris breaks free when he smells the scent of the woman he's been waiting all his life for. Almost completely m...more Maybe it was because I wasn't expecting much, but it's more likely because the previous couple of books in this genre that I read - Be Still My Vampire Heart and Guilty Pleasures - were unremarkable and boring, in that order, that I enjoyed this so much. See, low expectations :)

Lachlain is king of the Lykae and after spending 150 years of imprisonment and torture beneath the streets of Paris breaks free when he smells the scent of the woman he's been waiting all his life for. Almost completely mad, he is horrified to find she's a vampire - a parasite, in his book.

Emmaline is actually half-vampire, half Valkyrie, and has had a very sheltered life. In Paris to discover who her vampire father was, she is overwhelmed and frightened by the monster-man who won't let her out of his sight. And on top of that, she's being hunted by vampires and vampire demons.

This is not a new paranormal romance plotline, but I love what Cole did with it. The beginning reminded me a bit of Jacques in Dark Desire, but Lachlain is so much more appealing and sympathetic. I mean, I felt for him. The car trip reminded me a bit of The Bourne Identity, but is quite fun.

I loved the growing relationship between the two, and how they changed, grew, matured and adapted. Lachlain is dominating and possessive, but makes far more of an effort than any Carpathian in Feehan's books to meet Emma halfway and be less overbearing. He's not smothering, which I like, but is rather very considerate by the end. I thought Emma was going to drive me nuts but she didn't, and I didn't see the ending coming at all - I hate it when a book is so obvious I can predict without wanting or trying to.

It's well written, a similar style and tone to Kathy Love, and the pacing is spot-on. Cole separated perspectives clearly, which I appreciate: it gives you a breather from one character's thoughts and get to see what else is going on without getting confused (something I hate about Feehan's books). A Hunger Like No Other has great passion and a wonderful mix of fantastic creatures and races and history. Will definitely read more of Cole's books!(less)

flag 18 likes · like · see review

Aug 10, 2008 Auntee rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: paranormal fans

Recommended to Auntee by: Everyone it seems, especially Eastofoz and Kathrynn

Shelves: paranormal-romance

After I gave up trying to understand all the confusing terminology, i.e.--Horde, Lore, Valkyries, Lykae, Furiae, Forbearers,etc.-- and concentrated on the love story between the hero Lachlain and heroine Emmaline, I was able to enjoy this rather hot and often humorous story. It was not a particularly fast paced read for me, and I suspect that may in part be because of the distracting Scottish accent the hero's dialogue is written in. Half the time I said to myself 'what did he just say?'. I also...more

flag 15 likes · like · see review

Aug 22, 2008 Cris rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, romance

Basically I despised Lachlain MacRieve. He is an alpha character with no redeeming qualities. He treats Emma like crap for the first half of the novel. He takes her hostage, blackmails her into staying with him by threatening her family’s safety with his clan, lies to her about why he’s kidnapping her, comes within inches of raping her and that’s all within the first 100 pages or so. The author implies at some point that his treatment of her is justified because Lachlain hates vampires, but I ne...more

flag 14 likes · like · see review

Oct 30, 2010 Vered rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr, ab-to-c

A nice story, nice writing, nice sex.
Two problems: 1. This I'll kidnap you and hold you prisoner until you love me thing is a bit hummm unsettling.

2. It seems like too many of the PNR/UF heroines tend to be, well, annoying. Either the kick ass annoying or the wimpy annoying. They seem to need a rescue, mainly from themselves, all too often -A damsel in self-distress. The heroes are so much, well, everything (mature, in touch with their feelings, accepting...), while the heroines are running arou...more

flag 14 likes · like · see review

Feb 12, 2011 Quinn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: aar-top-100-2010, paranormal-romance, library-book

3.5 stars

I’m not really sure what to think of A Hunger Like No Other. I did end up enjoying it, but as I ponder how to review and rate it, it seems I can only summon criticism rather than praise.

Firstly, the plot was very reminiscent of that in The Warlord Wants Forever. The theme seems to be that the [insert paranormal species here] hero discovers that his predestined mate is a [insert different paranormal species here], a traditional and fundamental enemy of his kind.

The hero is horrified and...more

flag 12 likes · like · see review

Nov 22, 2011 Lisa Kay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-romance-paranormal, genre-romance-contemporary, m-ipod-touch, m-audio-loupe-ysi, reviewed-by-me, all-time-favorites, series-i, character-shapeshifters-werewolves

★★★★★ Wow! I wasn’t expecting a man to be narrating this story, but Robert Petkoff does an excellent job as storyteller. The prologue does start off from Lachlain’s POV, trapped in a vampire dungeon below the Paris streets, so he sets the scene – and Lachlain’s reasons for his conflicting emotions toward his mate – nicely. Though he does both voices for Lachlain and Bowen with Scottish accents, each voice was clearly distinguishable from the other.

I have to confess that Emmaline Troy is one of...more

flag 11 likes · like · see review

Jul 07, 2011 Emily May rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr, paranormal-uf, 2011, you-annoy-me, wtf-sexism

2.5 Stars simply for the inexplicable need the novel induced in me to keep on reading despite the many reasons not to. I actually find it quite surprising that I didn't abandon the book after the first few chapters featured numerous attempted rape scenes, a control freak of a man (or male, at least) whose violent tendencies are not only portrayed as acceptable, but highly desirable. But, though I was immediately horrified, the book also somehow managed to hold my attention and the writing style,...more
2.5 Stars simply for the inexplicable need the novel induced in me to keep on reading despite the many reasons not to. I actually find it quite surprising that I didn't abandon the book after the first few chapters featured numerous attempted rape scenes, a control freak of a man (or male, at least) whose violent tendencies are not only portrayed as acceptable, but highly desirable. But, though I was immediately horrified, the book also somehow managed to hold my attention and the writing style, a strange interest in the plot, and a morbid fascination in this destructive relationship forced me to read on.

I'm not at all in favour of this kind of unhealthy relationship where the guy relentlessly pursues a woman, scares her into submission, and attempts to rape her so many times that she eventually decides he's kinda hot. I do not find this an appealing romance story. If it was a cautionary tale of abusive relationships... well, then sure! But Kresley Cole seems to celebrate the controlling personality of Lachlain and I find it rather disturbing to see how highly rated this book is. Apparently, he's so "gorgeous" and "sexy" and "protective" and these traits all make up for the fact that he repeatedly sexually assaults Emma, refuses to let her return to her family, demands that she sleep in the same bed as him (to her obvious discomfort as her kind are known for preferring to sleep on the floor), and even picks out the clothes she wears. He picks out the clothes she wears. This is not a romance, it's the story of one person completely taking over the life of another, refusing to let them make any decisions for themselves and calling it love.

Can someone actually let me know why so many rate this book highly? It's not much of an urban fantasy because there's just a random array of creatures that hate each other and no great mythological story going on... and it certainly doesn't work as a romance. Or do I not understand the idea of romance and love? Yeah, I'm 19, perhaps it's me who doesn't get it... but I thought it was about caring, compassion and mutual respect. I honestly want to understand why I read this book and saw abuse when thousands have read this and seen love and sexiness.

And yes, there were some attempts to redeem Lachlain... he began to understand that he had treated Emma badly and felt very guilty that he had nearly strangled her to death... aww, poor Lachlain... *rolls eyes* Whatever happened later, I never supported their violent relationship; plus, even though Lachlain experienced some minor guilt for the attempted rapes/choking, it didn't affect him enough to let Emma make any decisions for herself... nope, she must stay with him and she must sleep with him, but this time she must like it too! Good god. It was painful to read.

Why not 1 star? There were good bits amongst the annoying. I quite liked the scenes where they just talked in the car and he began to learn about the 21st century after being locked up for a couple hundred years; his reaction to the plastic card that has unlimited possibilities was funny, so was his repetitive opening and closing of the sun roof. But there was more of what I don't want to read than what I do want to. I can't and won't wrap my head around the idea of a guy finding his one true mate and treating her in such a cruel, violent and often openly humiliating way. There were times when he obviously enjoyed her discomfort and it infuriated me. For me, love isn't about being selfish and controlling; and for that reason, I won't be reading any more of this series.

(less)

flag 10 likes · like · see review

Jan 12, 2012 Annie (Under the Covers Book Blog) rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Kresley Cole fans and paranormal romance fans

Shelves: author-kresley-cole, books-i-own, drinks-on-me, my-hottie-harem, books-i-go-rabid-over, pnr, keep-a-spare-pair-of-knickers, werewolves, the-hymen-club, ebooks, favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Posted on Under the Covers

After reading A Hunger like No Other, I’m just not satisfied enough. I NEED to read more of Cole’s work! Cole’s writing style is flawless and it progresses effortlessly. I love how she incorporates the Scottish accents in her werewolves. It just adds so much depth to her characters. Plus, it’s damn sexy!

Lachlain is the king of all Lykae and he has been tortured for decades by vampires, his clan’s greatest enemy. But when he scents his mate nearby, Lachlain does whateve...more Posted on Under the Covers

After reading A Hunger like No Other, I’m just not satisfied enough. I NEED to read more of Cole’s work! Cole’s writing style is flawless and it progresses effortlessly. I love how she incorporates the Scottish accents in her werewolves. It just adds so much depth to her characters. Plus, it’s damn sexy!

Lachlain is the king of all Lykae and he has been tortured for decades by vampires, his clan’s greatest enemy. But when he scents his mate nearby, Lachlain does whatever is necessary to reach her, even if it means escaping without being whole.

But when he finds her, he is shocked and furious to find out that she is a member of his enemy’s horde, a vampire. But even though Lachlain despises what she is, he cannot forget that fate has brought them together and that she is his. He has searched and waited far too long to simple lose her now.

Emmaline is a timid little creature that has been sheltered her entire life. So when a very large and handsome man tells her to strip for him and join him in the shower, Emma does as she is told because she is so frightened. At first, I thought that Emma had no control over the events that happen in the story. Lachlain is big and demanding and will not stop until he gets what he wants. It seemed that Emma’s choices didn’t matter.

But then I realized reading through Emma’s POV that she is irrationally insecure. She seems to draw distorted conclusions from her past, like her punishment for almost running into direct sunlight. The fact that she doesn’t know who her real father is doesn’t help either. And to further top things out, she is also part Valkyrie. So in a world of supernaturals, she feels like a monster herself.

But Lachlain doesn’t give up on her. Their relationship is very strained and although this wasn’t my favourite book of the series, it was still enjoyable.

I was thrilled when Emma the Timid finally grew a backbone. She gained her courage gradually, but it was still very much evident and I think she was smart in slowly learning to trust Lachlain. She didn’t just jump straight into his arms, but instead learned his ways and learned to love him back.

(less)

flag 10 likes · like · see review

Aug 11, 2012 Jenn rated it 2 of 5 stars

The good:

At about the midway point, the book started picking up and turned into a pretty quick read.
The smut scenes were steamy and practically lit the pages on fire!
It gave TONS of lead-in's for additional books...to a fault.

The bad:

He practically rapes her, he threatens her life, he molests her, he forces her to perform sexual acts on him against her will, kidnaps her, steals her credit card and decks himself out like James Bond, trashes every hotel room rented under HER name, then holds her h...more

flag 10 likes · like · see review

Feb 02, 2014 Exina rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Vampires, Valkyrie, and Lykae, oh my. Or as Regin calls it—the ‘fucking monster mash.’ Hilarity ensued."

For my first read I found myself in deep water: I was confused by this world full of so many different creatures, their characterization and history. The story is fast-paced, and the erotic scenes are not to my taste. But the second half of the book is really fascinating! Kresley Cole’s wicked humor made me devoted to the series.

I really love this unique and complex world that Cole create...more

flag 10 likes · like · see review

Apr 23, 2013 Greta is Erikasbuddy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, buddy-read-with-darkfallen, read-multiple-times

I'm pretty confident by now that everyone knows that I have a thing for highlanders and werewolves.

In 2008 right after I read the Twilight series I hungered for something a tad bit more adult.

After a hunt on Amazon.com I found a book about a Scottish Lykae and a vampire/Valkyrie halfling.

I had no idea the obsession this book would unravel.

I got on the hold list for it at my library and waited a good month to get it. Apparently I wasn't the only one interested in this story. After I received a re...more

flag 10 likes · like · see review

Jun 25, 2010 Buggy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: shelf-09, paranormal-rom, vampalicious, weretastic

Ms Cole has created a unique paranormal world here and although it took me a bit to get into all her legends and lore I thoroughly enjoyed this sexy, witty and thrilling romance.

Emmaline our heroine is half Vampire, half Valkyrie. She has been raised by her aunts in New Orleans but as the story begins she's in Paris searching for information about the father she never knew. Lachlain is a Lycan or werewolf who has been imprisoned and tortured by the evil Demestriu for the last 150 years. When he...more Ms Cole has created a unique paranormal world here and although it took me a bit to get into all her legends and lore I thoroughly enjoyed this sexy, witty and thrilling romance.

Emmaline our heroine is half Vampire, half Valkyrie. She has been raised by her aunts in New Orleans but as the story begins she's in Paris searching for information about the father she never knew. Lachlain is a Lycan or werewolf who has been imprisoned and tortured by the evil Demestriu for the last 150 years. When he scents Emma somewhere on the streets above him he knows immediately that she is his mate and nothing will stop him from reaching her even if it means loosing a limb in order to escape.

The initial meeting of our couple is quite erotic. Lachlain, almost crazy from his years of torture kidnaps Emma and then is somewhat shocked to discover that the mate he's waited so long for is in fact a Vampire and therefore his Clans natural enemy. Remarkably it is Emma alone who is able to soothe the tortured beast within him. Lachlain then forces Emma to travel to Scotland with him. The world has changed a lot in 150 years and of course he can't drive, never mind all the other technology. These scenes are hilarious as Lach attempts to catch up with the times by reading magazines and watching TV. Yet as the two get to know each other and the passion starts to build they were also very sensual. Emma is shy but clever and slightly goofy. Lachlain as her hopeful mate is patient, loving and grumpy with a great Scottish accent. Emmaline's character evolves throughout the story as she drinks blood from `the source' regains her strength and discovers some new powers. Lachlain is continually at his wits end. Trying to please her but making a mess of things as he regularly lies about releasing her and is a little too alpha male.

The ending was exciting, full of twists and very funny. With a complete cast of great secondary characters, you just never knew who was going to turn up next; lycans, witches, valkyries, shape shifters, demons, fey and wraiths... oh my. A glossary of lore has been included which helped me with Kresly Cole's incredible paranormal world and I look foreword to the next instalment in this unique series. Cheers!(less)

flag 10 likes · like · see review

Jul 27, 2012 İlkim rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, paranormal-romance, fantasy, fav-author

Bence bir seri için güzel bir başlangıçtı. O kadar akıcı yazılmış ki dün öylesine elime aldığım kitap bugün bitmiş bir şekilde yanımda duruyor. Yazarın yarattığı karakterler çok hoşuma gitti. Lykae kralı ve de ürkek, minik Emma'nın eşleşmeleri ve böylece ikisinin yavaş yavaş birbirlerine bağlanması kitabın temasıydı diyebiliriz. Lykae kralı olan Lachlain (evet kendisi İskoç) 150 yıldır vampir sürüsünün onu hapsettiği cehennem gibi bir yerde ölüp ölüp diriliyordu. Ne zaman ki yukarıdan Emma'nın k...more

flag 9 likes · like · see review

Jun 30, 2010 DarienMoya rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-reads, wolves-shifters, vampires, fave-books-of-2010, favorites

HUNGRY FOR MORE!!!

A Hunger Like No Other is a winner, a book so well written it brought me out of my reading funk. I wanted to read it so badly I had to force myself to put it down, when opposites attract in this case species there sure will be fireworks. Whooza this book was good and here’s why.

Lachlain is a Lykae aka werewolf and he is the king of the Lykae species, imprisoned by vampires for over 150 years he is in a bit of a bad mood. While suffering death every night only to come alive agai...more HUNGRY FOR MORE!!!

A Hunger Like No Other is a winner, a book so well written it brought me out of my reading funk. I wanted to read it so badly I had to force myself to put it down, when opposites attract in this case species there sure will be fireworks. Whooza this book was good and here’s why.

Lachlain is a Lykae aka werewolf and he is the king of the Lykae species, imprisoned by vampires for over 150 years he is in a bit of a bad mood. While suffering death every night only to come alive again each morning, he’s starting to lose his will until he catches a scent, the scent of his mate a woman that he has been waiting his whole life for and he knows he has to escape and find her for she is his salvation. What he doesn’t expect to discover is that his mate is a vampire and he hates vampires.

Emmaline is on a mission in Paris, she is looking for her father and the task is proving difficult, plus she is hungry and has run out of blood and she’s never fed directly from a human before. What she fears most is becoming the evil that is half her blood. She might be the only female vampire around and being mixed with Valkyrie (a group of warrior woman who can control electricity and are immortal, plus they love to shop.) She is a bit special. Suddenly she is confronted by a man that looks half craze and is taken on a ride that will change her life forever. Did I mention this half crazed man is beautiful, that makes things a wee bit better?

Emma can’t believe her luck, has she really just been kidnapped and by a wolf, and plus he seems to hate her existence. Lachlain is having a hard time believing that this woman is his mate a vampire. Call it irony, the species he hates the most so happens to be the one he is destined to be with. He can’t help his desire for her, she soothes the beast within him when he so angry at the world. Everything around him has changed since he has been imprisoned and this creature calms him. Emma wants to get away but she feels there is something more to this kidnapping, and her desire for him is growing. While avoiding sexual harassment and drinking straight from a person, Lachlain will give her many firsts and she will come to love them.

This book was awesome and sexy, Lach is the ultimate alpha-male, just enough brood and violence in him to get your mojo going and when it comes to Emma he becomes a sap with some serious wolfish ways. Emma started out a girly girl but then she becomes one tough chick and I enjoyed it. She avoids being a pushover, and she gives as good as she gets. This unlikely pair is a match made in heaven, they have a lot or prejudices to overcome and will find a love like no other. I love how the supernatural isn’t all peaches and cream, while vampires are beautiful they are evil and hated among all the lore and I liked it. Action and some very dangerous women this book brings girl power to a whole new level, and I can’t wait to dive in the other, because I have feeling they will rock just as much as this one. For all you guys who love a steamy read this one is a 4 on the PL scale. Oh the dialogue had me panting like a dog, pun intended.

(less)

flag 9 likes · like · see review

Mar 05, 2009 Felicia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: vaginal-urban-fantasy, urban-paranormal

Errrr not good. Wimpy main lady made me want to slap her around.

flag 9 likes · like · see review

Nov 09, 2009 Kiki rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: women who want to meet their perfect man when he gives them Stockholm Syndrome

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I hate this book more than I've hated any other book in a long time.

At first I really liked the idea of a vampire character who is so gentle she refuses to fight or kill or drink from a live being. But then it turns out that not only is her Valkyrie family embarrassed she's a pacifist, they mercilessly make fun of her for it. But wait, they also tell her that she's not allowed to bite a human, because she might kill them. So, it's OK to kill in epic battle, but not for food? Apparently, Emmeline...more

flag 8 likes · like · see review

Oct 30, 2010 Jacqueline rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone! (Much thanks go to Leah and Suzanne - Girls you ROCK!)

Recommended to Jacqueline by: Leah

Shelves: series-immortals-after-dark

For people that love to read and review their recent novels, I think for these individuals there are usually two classifications for their books. There are the novels that a reader can easily break down, analyze, expound upon and explain very clearly what they found amazing, irritating, or mediocre.

And then there are those rare books that a reader discovers over which they gush and slobber for reasons that are practically impossible to relate. Often times, these books are literally impossible t...more For people that love to read and review their recent novels, I think for these individuals there are usually two classifications for their books. There are the novels that a reader can easily break down, analyze, expound upon and explain very clearly what they found amazing, irritating, or mediocre.

And then there are those rare books that a reader discovers over which they gush and slobber for reasons that are practically impossible to relate. Often times, these books are literally impossible to review. You can't sit and explain why character A and character B were stupendous or enjoyable, nor can you discuss the plot and pacing in any analytical tone. Why? Simple. Because in these types of books, there are no characters, no plot, no pacing. There's just a story, one that grabbed you by the shirt collar from the first word to the last and absolutely refused to let go. A story in which cold concepts such as character dynamic, writing style, and mythology quickly fade away to be replaced with "Oh, my GOD! He did NOT just do that!" or "Hells, yeah, chick, stand up and FIGHT!" Put simply, we're sucked into the story.

Outside of Sherrilyn Kenyon and JR Ward, my two favorite authors respectively, such never happens to me. As I read a book, while I might be "inside" that story for small moments, there are scenes, dialogue exchanges and moments that my concentration breaks as a result of the story's occurrences where my mind wanders and reflects on what I'm reading. Such was never the case with A Hunger Like No Other!

This book became more than just characters and plot. I truly connected with the heroine Emma, feeling as though she were real. I became fascinated by Lachlain. I adored Emma's Valkyrie aunts. I sympathized with Demestriu. I salivated over the romance and chemistry between Emma and Lachlain. I literally was in the story from prologue to epilogue, and to even make an attempt at a proper review is futile, but I will do my best.

Characters? Simple. They were more than characters. They were relateable and real. Emma was SUCH a fascination for me. At times, I wanted to kick her in the head for being so stubborn at resisting Lachlain, at being such a wimp. Then there were times I thought she was annoying or being babyish. Still, there were times I absolutely adored her, found her completely hilarious and ballsy. Quite frankly, she's one of the best heroines I've read in a long time. Why? Oh, that's an easy enough question - because she was everything I love to find in a leading lady. She undergoes an amazing transformation in the story, morphing from weak, simpering baby to strong heroic warrior.

And, best of all, she doesn't cave to being subservient to Lachlain's dominance. We lovers of romance adore our dominating, possessive and edgy-and-prickly heroes...but never, ever do we want to see a heroine who's a submissive idgit. (Can anyone say "Twilight"?) It's an ironic twist, we know, but just because we love our Alpha dominating he-men doesn't mean we want a submissive weak noddle as the female lead.

And Lachlain...oh, DAMN, Lachlain! Jealous, possessive, dominating, controlling, Alpha to the extreme...And yet amazingly thoughtful, overwhelmingly caring. He's complicated. He's dynamic. He's fascinating, emotional, stubborn AND sexy! He's compassionate. He has faults - he feels regret and guilt over his wrongs. Put simply, he's edible and absolutely amazing!

The old adage is definitely true. A novel might have the worst plot in the history of the written word, atrocious pacing and writing style - but if it's character are utterly kick-ass, all the rest fades away. So, of course, one would naturally assume that my character-gushing for A Hunger Like No Other must mean that all the other important elements to a novel (pacing, plot development, sub-characters, dialogue, description) must be mediocre at best and pathetic at worst.

Nope. Not at all.

Cole has an amazing writing style that is truly her own. Her creativity is just as interesting, though somewhat seemingly complicated when it comes to her mythology. She is a suburb writer and I have absolutely zero complaints to lodge against her! Needless to say, I've already wish-listed the next book in the series, No Rest For The Wicked. (Damn PBS not having it posted already!!!)

I'm addicted. I'm hooked - And I'm damned impatient to get the next installment to the Immortals After Dark series!

(Leah? Suzanne? Chicks I LOVE ya! Much thanks!!! Know that I adored this book enough that it SO isn't going to be posted back on PBS!)(less)

flag 8 likes · like · see review

Jun 25, 2010 Mahyar rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, werewolves-shapeshifters-etc, vampires, paranormal-romance

Lachlain was a dominant, controlling hero whereas Emma was yet another shy and timid heroine (Umm...at the beginning at least.) And as I said before, I’m a huge fan of dominant heroes. So, if other Immortals after Dark’s leading men are anything like him or Wroth, I'll gladly read every book from this series.

Why did I give it 4 stars? While first chapters were hot, interesting and quite exciting, most scenes after page 150+ were somehow…slow-moving. Only when−SPOILERS−she and that vampire traced...more

flag 8 likes · like · see review

Apr 06, 2013 Yodamom rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: trying-this-again

Virginal mate, denigration and imagined rape scenarios..no thanks
The main character is an insecure, whiny, spoiled, cruel, shrew. The Alpha male, is very Alpha & grunts his speech half the time. The plot is lame & the the formula is dog tired.
On my second read- I'll move it to 3 stars, it was 2. Still not an enjoyable read for my taste. I just don't like the MC's but I was intrigued by the side characters. So, I'll read the next book

flag 8 likes · 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
Embarressed by your book cover?	13	191	Nov 20, 2013 10:37AM
Immortals After Dark: A Hunger Like No Other (Book #2)	38	67	Sep 02, 2013 04:49PM
Writing Style	3	49	Jul 18, 2013 11:49AM
Immortals After Dark: A Hunger Like No Other (Book #2)	106	237	Jun 03, 2013 06:03PM
New Group - Immortals After Dark	119	485	May 05, 2013 10:14PM
Knjigom u glavu: A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole	23	27	Apr 21, 2013 08:25AM
Immortals after Dark By Kresley Cole	8	85	Oct 25, 2012 05:37PM

Readers Also Enjoyed

Videos About This Book

Add a comment

Genres

Romance > Paranormal Romance

1,100 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

906 users

Romance

703 users

Fantasy

269 users

Paranormal > Vampires

257 users

Shapeshifters > Werewolves

175 users

Adult

137 users

Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

125 users

Paranormal > Shapeshifters

110 users

Fantasy > Supernatural

81 users

See top shelves...

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 twenty-two books with Simon & Schuster and has seen her releases translated into more than eighteen foreign langua...more

More about Kresley Cole...

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)

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

More…

Share This Book

+ Share on your website

Trivia About A Hunger Like No ...

4 trivia questions
1 quiz

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from A Hunger Like No Other

“When he watched her sleeping, he often thought, My heart lies vulnerable outside my chest.” — 198 likes

“Never run from one such as me, female. You will no’ get away - and we like it.” — 118 likes

More quotes…

title link	preview: A Hunger Like No Other
avg rating	preview: A Hunger Like No Other Goodreads rating: 4.21 (30782 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14384.A_Hunger_Like_No_Other?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1357616154l/14384.jpg[/img][/url] [url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14384.A_Hunger_Like_No_Other?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole[/url]