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Immortals After Dark #15
Sweet Ruin
An immortal assassin is caught between desire and duty in this sizzling novel from Kresley Cole’s #1 New York Times bestselling Immortals After Dark series.
A foundling raised in a world of humans
Growing up, Josephine didn’t know who or what she was—just that she was an outcast with strange powers. Protecting her baby brother became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo’s transition from would-be superhero…to enchanting villain.
A lethally sensual enforcer on a mission
Archer Rune the Baneblood never fails to eliminate his target. In his the oldest living Valkyrie. Yet before he strikes, a vampiric creature pierces him with aching pleasure, stealing his forbidden blood—and jeopardizing his brethren’s secrets.
A boundless passion that will lead to sweet ruin…
Could this exquisite female be a spy sent by the very Valkyrie he hunts? When Jo betrays the identity of the one man she will die to protect, she and Rune become locked in a treacherous battle of wills that pits ultimate loyalty against unbridled lust.
A foundling raised in a world of humans
Growing up, Josephine didn’t know who or what she was—just that she was an outcast with strange powers. Protecting her baby brother became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo’s transition from would-be superhero…to enchanting villain.
A lethally sensual enforcer on a mission
Archer Rune the Baneblood never fails to eliminate his target. In his the oldest living Valkyrie. Yet before he strikes, a vampiric creature pierces him with aching pleasure, stealing his forbidden blood—and jeopardizing his brethren’s secrets.
A boundless passion that will lead to sweet ruin…
Could this exquisite female be a spy sent by the very Valkyrie he hunts? When Jo betrays the identity of the one man she will die to protect, she and Rune become locked in a treacherous battle of wills that pits ultimate loyalty against unbridled lust.
15 pages, Audiobook
First published December 1, 2015
898 people are currently reading
10578 people want to read
About the author
Kresley Cole
67 books27.4k followersKresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, the erotic Gamemakers series, and five award-winning historical romances.
A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.
Her IAD books have been translated into 23 foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a RWA Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.
Cole lives in Florida with her family. Learn more about Kresley at: www.kresleycole.com & www.thearcanachronicles.com
A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.
Her IAD books have been translated into 23 foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a RWA Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.
Cole lives in Florida with her family. Learn more about Kresley at: www.kresleycole.com & www.thearcanachronicles.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,765 reviews
May 25, 2017
5 Introducing The Møriør Stars
*Some Spoilers Below*
"Because I pay them well in their favorite currency: stiff fuckings with a stout cock. It just so happens I'm rich beyond measure."-Rune
"I like a guy with passion. When you finished back there, I couldn't tell if you'd gotten your nut or muffled a sneeze." -Jo
Let me start by saying that I didn't read the blurb for this book when I requested it from Netgalley, it was Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series enough said. But when I got ready to read it and seen that the MC of this book are two new characters, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't Munro's book, and kinda worried. But I loved this book and I think it tied in well to the series. That being said Lawd have mercy this was a angsty read!
"Possessive? As if I'd want you for my own." I'd kind of wanted you for my own. I want someone for my own! "You're just a blood bag in a big-dicked package. Who didn't last long enough to get me off."-Jo
"Trust me, dove. It's not going anywhere. Rune the Insatiable does not do monogamy."-Rune
Jo has no memory of her life before the age of 8, when she was found wondering the streets with her baby brother Thad(remember the teenage boy that was locked up with Regin the Radiant in the Immortal prison by Declan Chase in Dreams of a Dark Warrior, that was Thad) and put in foster system. Jo took Thad and ran away, and as a little child she raised Thad the best she could on the streets. A few years later ( I don't wanna give to much away) Jo and Thad get separated. Thad gets adopted and Jo is all alone not knowing what she is and trying to figure out her powers. Years later she runs into another immortal, who is screwing some chick out in the open with three others on the ground looking like he already had them. She has so many questions for this guy about who she is and her powers, but first she's gotta wait for him to finish.
"Is this your idea of asking for a relationship? Is that why you were faithful?" "Faithful?" He looked aghast. "Slow down, vampire. I don't want to give you the impression I would be monogamous, because it will never happen. If we spent time together, we'd have to work on your jealousy."-Jo and Rune
My Jo:
"You're bringing up sex again? I'm not looking for a meaningless hookup. Be warned: I'm going all-in with the next guy I sleep with. Relationship, trust, commitment, love. The works."-Jo
Jo was an awesome heroine. She had a rough and lonely life. No one to depend on but herself. She was strong, brave and had a great since of self, even though she didn't know who or what she was. Jo was brash, outspoken, sometimes a little naive due to raising herself, but she was a good person who tried to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. With her snarky comments, and her sassy "hulk smash" attitude I found Jo engaging and endearing.
"One day you'll find a nice female who'll put up with your job' . Listen to my words, Rune: I am not that woman. If you stepped out on me, I'd kick your ass to the curb."-Jo
"Then explain how you can be so sure." "The first time blood touched my tongue, I knew I was a blood-drinker forever. I didn't need to date Blood for a few months and then move in with Blood and meet Blood's family to be sure." "Yes, but that's instinct." "Exactly. Don't you trust yours?"-Rune and Jo
"Changed your mind?" She nodded with understanding. "Problems with little Rune, old man? Do you know the Viagra symbol?"-Jo
My Rune:
"But the past can never be undone, and mine is sordid. I'm tainted in more ways than one." he drank deeply. "I bet you've never been with a whore before."-Rune
Kresley Cole has a talent for writing rough, dark, and damaged heroes. Ones I think I will hate, but end up loving. And Rune was no exception. Rune made me love him, ache for all the things he suffered, and want to choke the shit outta him in equal measure! Rune was strong, and loyal. A 7000 year old man-whore, he has a big heart under everything, feels deeply, but he thinks he is damaged, dirty and unfeeling. Rune is a half dark fae, half demon so his blood, and bodily fluid is poison. A slave since he was a child, at 15 his queen turned him into a sexual assassin, having him sleep and kiss her enemies(his kiss kills)then she turned around and sold him to a whorehouse. Sold into sexual slavery, using sex to get what he wants is all he knows. A master of pleasure, he is known as Rune the Insatiable. He wants more, but doesn't think it's in the cards for him. Rune has sweet moments, where I could see how Jo would fall for him then he had stupid moments where I wanted to bitch slap him.
"I never allowed myself to imagine...." His face fell. "My offspring would be poisonous." "Maybe, maybe not. Worst case scenario for our offspring: having to score a wicked awesome mate like you did." "You would want" -he cleared his throat to gruffly ask-"you'd have young with me?"-Rune and Jo
"You're never going to be alone again, because I will never let you go. Understand me, Josie-this is forever."-Rune
"It was going to happen eventually, Josephine. I told you I broker in information, and I use sex to get it. This is part of my job. I can't retire from it right at the Accession." He curled his finger under her chin. "Better to get this out of the way, so you know what to expect." So you don't get your hopes up. "You would choose your job over your mate?" He dropped his hand. "I am choosing to remain myself. My mate should try to understand why that matters to me!"-Rune and Jo
"Tell me what you are." His demon intensity made her crazed. She dug her claws into his shoulders. "Yours." She wanted to bite him. He thrust upward, growling, "You're going to bear my young." "Yes." "Your blood's black. It's like mine. I'll always be inside you."-Rune and Jo
Jo and Rune had massive sexual tension, and tons of chemistry. Most of the book really builds up their relationship, and boy is their relationship a roller coaster ride of emotions and so full of drama. Rune doesn't think he can do monogamy, and he doesn't believe he has a mate. Jo wants love, commitment, and faithfulness, and she will have nothing less. So starts the battle of wills. Rune trying to seduce Jo into seeing things his way, and Jo refusing to sleep with him until he can promise monogamy. I loved that Jo stood up to Rune, she knew what she wanted in their relationship and she respected herself enough not to settle for less.
"You should've been. I was an ass. I'd continued to view myself as I'd been in the past. It didn't matter how much I'd accomplished or how far I'd climbed, I couldn't see my own worth."-Rune
"Can you forgive me? My actions were idiotic, my words to you hateful. I flinch to recall them. But I will atone if you give me the chance."-Rune
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I feel this book opened up the plot of the series so that Nix could get her HEA and built up the upcoming Accession. I am pretty sure I know who Nix's mate is, but I don't wanna give too much away. I also think it set up a story line for Thad to get his own book. We also get to meet Darach the first Lyka. I hope that Darach and Desh(Charming pirate demon that we see in this book and few others) get their own books. Sweet Ruin was a great addition to the IAD series I can't wait to see what's next!
"Then I vow to you I'll never be with another. I love you, Josie." She sucked in a breath. "I love you too. Even when you're a dickwad."-Rune and Jo
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
*Some Spoilers Below*
"Because I pay them well in their favorite currency: stiff fuckings with a stout cock. It just so happens I'm rich beyond measure."-Rune
"I like a guy with passion. When you finished back there, I couldn't tell if you'd gotten your nut or muffled a sneeze." -Jo
Let me start by saying that I didn't read the blurb for this book when I requested it from Netgalley, it was Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series enough said. But when I got ready to read it and seen that the MC of this book are two new characters, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't Munro's book, and kinda worried. But I loved this book and I think it tied in well to the series. That being said Lawd have mercy this was a angsty read!
"Possessive? As if I'd want you for my own." I'd kind of wanted you for my own. I want someone for my own! "You're just a blood bag in a big-dicked package. Who didn't last long enough to get me off."-Jo
"Trust me, dove. It's not going anywhere. Rune the Insatiable does not do monogamy."-Rune
Jo has no memory of her life before the age of 8, when she was found wondering the streets with her baby brother Thad(remember the teenage boy that was locked up with Regin the Radiant in the Immortal prison by Declan Chase in Dreams of a Dark Warrior, that was Thad) and put in foster system. Jo took Thad and ran away, and as a little child she raised Thad the best she could on the streets. A few years later ( I don't wanna give to much away) Jo and Thad get separated. Thad gets adopted and Jo is all alone not knowing what she is and trying to figure out her powers. Years later she runs into another immortal, who is screwing some chick out in the open with three others on the ground looking like he already had them. She has so many questions for this guy about who she is and her powers, but first she's gotta wait for him to finish.
"Is this your idea of asking for a relationship? Is that why you were faithful?" "Faithful?" He looked aghast. "Slow down, vampire. I don't want to give you the impression I would be monogamous, because it will never happen. If we spent time together, we'd have to work on your jealousy."-Jo and Rune
My Jo:
"You're bringing up sex again? I'm not looking for a meaningless hookup. Be warned: I'm going all-in with the next guy I sleep with. Relationship, trust, commitment, love. The works."-Jo
Jo was an awesome heroine. She had a rough and lonely life. No one to depend on but herself. She was strong, brave and had a great since of self, even though she didn't know who or what she was. Jo was brash, outspoken, sometimes a little naive due to raising herself, but she was a good person who tried to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. With her snarky comments, and her sassy "hulk smash" attitude I found Jo engaging and endearing.
"One day you'll find a nice female who'll put up with your job' . Listen to my words, Rune: I am not that woman. If you stepped out on me, I'd kick your ass to the curb."-Jo
"Then explain how you can be so sure." "The first time blood touched my tongue, I knew I was a blood-drinker forever. I didn't need to date Blood for a few months and then move in with Blood and meet Blood's family to be sure." "Yes, but that's instinct." "Exactly. Don't you trust yours?"-Rune and Jo
"Changed your mind?" She nodded with understanding. "Problems with little Rune, old man? Do you know the Viagra symbol?"-Jo
My Rune:
"But the past can never be undone, and mine is sordid. I'm tainted in more ways than one." he drank deeply. "I bet you've never been with a whore before."-Rune
Kresley Cole has a talent for writing rough, dark, and damaged heroes. Ones I think I will hate, but end up loving. And Rune was no exception. Rune made me love him, ache for all the things he suffered, and want to choke the shit outta him in equal measure! Rune was strong, and loyal. A 7000 year old man-whore, he has a big heart under everything, feels deeply, but he thinks he is damaged, dirty and unfeeling. Rune is a half dark fae, half demon so his blood, and bodily fluid is poison. A slave since he was a child, at 15 his queen turned him into a sexual assassin, having him sleep and kiss her enemies(his kiss kills)then she turned around and sold him to a whorehouse. Sold into sexual slavery, using sex to get what he wants is all he knows. A master of pleasure, he is known as Rune the Insatiable. He wants more, but doesn't think it's in the cards for him. Rune has sweet moments, where I could see how Jo would fall for him then he had stupid moments where I wanted to bitch slap him.
"I never allowed myself to imagine...." His face fell. "My offspring would be poisonous." "Maybe, maybe not. Worst case scenario for our offspring: having to score a wicked awesome mate like you did." "You would want" -he cleared his throat to gruffly ask-"you'd have young with me?"-Rune and Jo
"You're never going to be alone again, because I will never let you go. Understand me, Josie-this is forever."-Rune
"It was going to happen eventually, Josephine. I told you I broker in information, and I use sex to get it. This is part of my job. I can't retire from it right at the Accession." He curled his finger under her chin. "Better to get this out of the way, so you know what to expect." So you don't get your hopes up. "You would choose your job over your mate?" He dropped his hand. "I am choosing to remain myself. My mate should try to understand why that matters to me!"-Rune and Jo
"Tell me what you are." His demon intensity made her crazed. She dug her claws into his shoulders. "Yours." She wanted to bite him. He thrust upward, growling, "You're going to bear my young." "Yes." "Your blood's black. It's like mine. I'll always be inside you."-Rune and Jo
Jo and Rune had massive sexual tension, and tons of chemistry. Most of the book really builds up their relationship, and boy is their relationship a roller coaster ride of emotions and so full of drama. Rune doesn't think he can do monogamy, and he doesn't believe he has a mate. Jo wants love, commitment, and faithfulness, and she will have nothing less. So starts the battle of wills. Rune trying to seduce Jo into seeing things his way, and Jo refusing to sleep with him until he can promise monogamy. I loved that Jo stood up to Rune, she knew what she wanted in their relationship and she respected herself enough not to settle for less.
"You should've been. I was an ass. I'd continued to view myself as I'd been in the past. It didn't matter how much I'd accomplished or how far I'd climbed, I couldn't see my own worth."-Rune
"Can you forgive me? My actions were idiotic, my words to you hateful. I flinch to recall them. But I will atone if you give me the chance."-Rune
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I feel this book opened up the plot of the series so that Nix could get her HEA and built up the upcoming Accession. I am pretty sure I know who Nix's mate is, but I don't wanna give too much away. I also think it set up a story line for Thad to get his own book. We also get to meet Darach the first Lyka. I hope that Darach and Desh(Charming pirate demon that we see in this book and few others) get their own books. Sweet Ruin was a great addition to the IAD series I can't wait to see what's next!
"Then I vow to you I'll never be with another. I love you, Josie." She sucked in a breath. "I love you too. Even when you're a dickwad."-Rune and Jo
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
December 6, 2015
4 For The Hell Of It Stars
It's done. My yearly fix of IAD is already fading and I can't quite tell if I was satisfied with my dose or not. I was waiting for this a long time and maybe my expectations were higher that they should have been. Not that the book was bad or anything, just... I need subcategories to explain! Here they come...
The couple:
It's a PNR book so the romance played a big part in the book. I was semi-satisfied with the romance. Jo was great. Strong, stubborn, protective and sly. I liked her street smarts and her survivor instict. I also liked how, for once, the girl actually accepted that she was in love and keeping the guy fairly easily, without the angst and turmoil, on the other hand though, Rune wasn't worth it. And here comes the problem, I didn't like Rune. He was a first class ASSHOLE! He had all the right elements for a PNR hero, tall, dark, dangerous, protective, alpha, commitmentphobe,... The usual. But I hated how he couldn't see how he hurt Jo, how he dismissed her as hysterical and by the time he got his shit together it was already too late in my book.
The plot:
And it is. It always is with IAD, especially when Nix is involved. I loved seeing the "other side". I enjoyed getting to know the Morrior a little bit and seeing that though they might be the opposition(are they really gonna be??), they are not evil. They have good intentions at the very least. Although I still haven't made up my mind about Orion. Still, the story was interesting. I loved how Rune and Jo chaced after Nix and the new revelations. Still, the book felt like a filler. A way for KC to build the world and lay the groundwork for the books to come. Fillers are needed in a series but waiting 1.5 year for one makes you a bit frustrated. I think KC should consider writing a few novellas in between to cover some ground. Still, the story wasn't boring or anything so...
The secondary characters:
Well, Nix definitely has! She is a basketcase and she still can stategise with the best of them. I love watching while she plays with other people's lives like chess pieces. I'm dying for her POV! Even a small look into her head is going to be awesome. I just hope that when it comes the author will be able to actually deliver. Apart from our beloved prophetess there were plenty of new characters and almost none of the old. Meeting the Morrior was the most interesting aspect of the book by far and I have a theory that . But we'll have to wait and see on that one. I hope we get books on many of the new players, I just want these new guys to match up with a few of the old ones. This series can't go on forever... Can it? Nix with Darach? Now that will be a match for the madhouse! There was also a bit of built up for Thad's book, with Natalie probably. But since Thad is still a kid, we're probably gonna wait on that one for a while.
Summing up:
It wasn't what I got but I don't know whether to be happy or sad about that. What I do know is that I hope KC speeds her writing up a bit and deivers a few of the much promised books. Furie, Kristoff, Cata, Munro, some of the Dacians and now Darach, the Demon Lord guy(that for the life of me I can't remember his name right now), Blace. I can't deal with even more new characters.
It's done. My yearly fix of IAD is already fading and I can't quite tell if I was satisfied with my dose or not. I was waiting for this a long time and maybe my expectations were higher that they should have been. Not that the book was bad or anything, just... I need subcategories to explain! Here they come...
The couple:
It's a PNR book so the romance played a big part in the book. I was semi-satisfied with the romance. Jo was great. Strong, stubborn, protective and sly. I liked her street smarts and her survivor instict. I also liked how, for once, the girl actually accepted that she was in love and keeping the guy fairly easily, without the angst and turmoil, on the other hand though, Rune wasn't worth it. And here comes the problem, I didn't like Rune. He was a first class ASSHOLE! He had all the right elements for a PNR hero, tall, dark, dangerous, protective, alpha, commitmentphobe,... The usual. But I hated how he couldn't see how he hurt Jo, how he dismissed her as hysterical and by the time he got his shit together it was already too late in my book.
The plot:
And it is. It always is with IAD, especially when Nix is involved. I loved seeing the "other side". I enjoyed getting to know the Morrior a little bit and seeing that though they might be the opposition(are they really gonna be??), they are not evil. They have good intentions at the very least. Although I still haven't made up my mind about Orion. Still, the story was interesting. I loved how Rune and Jo chaced after Nix and the new revelations. Still, the book felt like a filler. A way for KC to build the world and lay the groundwork for the books to come. Fillers are needed in a series but waiting 1.5 year for one makes you a bit frustrated. I think KC should consider writing a few novellas in between to cover some ground. Still, the story wasn't boring or anything so...
The secondary characters:
Well, Nix definitely has! She is a basketcase and she still can stategise with the best of them. I love watching while she plays with other people's lives like chess pieces. I'm dying for her POV! Even a small look into her head is going to be awesome. I just hope that when it comes the author will be able to actually deliver. Apart from our beloved prophetess there were plenty of new characters and almost none of the old. Meeting the Morrior was the most interesting aspect of the book by far and I have a theory that . But we'll have to wait and see on that one. I hope we get books on many of the new players, I just want these new guys to match up with a few of the old ones. This series can't go on forever... Can it? Nix with Darach? Now that will be a match for the madhouse! There was also a bit of built up for Thad's book, with Natalie probably. But since Thad is still a kid, we're probably gonna wait on that one for a while.
Summing up:
It wasn't what I got but I don't know whether to be happy or sad about that. What I do know is that I hope KC speeds her writing up a bit and deivers a few of the much promised books. Furie, Kristoff, Cata, Munro, some of the Dacians and now Darach, the Demon Lord guy(that for the life of me I can't remember his name right now), Blace. I can't deal with even more new characters.
December 19, 2015
Despite all my resentment because of this book being about two absolutely new to the series characters...
...I freaking loved it.
Yes, this was basically a filler story. It was a respite in the whole Accession arc - the major players are all getting a bit of rest, it seems, and Nix, despite scheming and tugging strings to bring Rune and Jo together, seemed preoccupied with her mysterious plans.
But, I loved Jo and Rune, together and apart. After the latest IAD books, I missed kickass heroines like Sabine or Regin...Jo was just the thing I was looking for. Tough as nails, powerful and an all around unapologetic bad ass. I adored the hell out of her!
Rune was just as likable...a typical Kresley Cole bad boy, very sexy and very scared of any sort of commitment. I actually loved that part - Rune resisting the idea of a forever mate. All the more sweet when he finally gives in.
As to the rest - we get a whole fresh cast of characters!!! The Møriør are beyond awesome! But damn it, Kresley Cole...is it not enough there are already about ten characters from the series whose stories I'be been craving for ages?? Now there are even more of them, and meanwhile, IAD books are released once a year, at best...
**A copy of the book received from the publisher through NetGalley.**
December 5, 2015
5 Stars
You know what I love about this series? The fact that sixteen books into it, each book continues to be just as good if not even better than the last. Kresley Cole continuously delivers with badass, sassy and snarky heroines, and tortured and oh so sexy heroes. That's not to mention the addicting story line that's guaranteed to keep you reading well into the night. Truth be told I was hoping to see a certain lykae twin finally be getting his book and I was a little thrown when I saw the character names in the synopsis and had not the slightest idea who they were. As a die hard IAD fan, even my puny brain memory manages to hold on to every detail of this series. I was a little afraid that the book may be filler, in order to really stretch out the fans' want of the previously introduced characters. I should have never doubted the genius that is this author, however. And once you read the book, you'll see exactly why. Kresley stays true to her characters' world and everything that's going on around them, and the story of Josephine and Rune is yet another puzzle piece that builds up to a larger picture. But let's move onto the actual book here, shall we?
As an avid lover of the manwhores, I've read my fair share. And I can easily say that Rune the Baneblood is quite possibly the biggest manwhore I've read to date. Rune is a powerful warrior, half dark fey and half demon. His blood is as poisonous as his kiss, which is how he's come to be the deadliest assassin for the Møriør. He'll seduce the secrets out of his enemies, only to kill them in the blink of an eye soon after. He's as skilled with his cock as he is with his bow and arrow. His past has ensured that his heart is as cold as the rest of him and not even a romp in the bed with a nymph so much as spikes his blood pressure...until a mysterious beauty turns his world on it's axis...
At only 25 years old, Josephine knows how to look out for number one. There's only one person she'll ever put first, and that's her beloved younger brother that she was forced to give up in order to give him a better future. If the name Thaddeus rings a bell, it should. Thaddeus is the young boy with he mysterious unknown powers we met earlier in the series. Josephine is an orphan of unknown decent and powers that she doesn't understand. Growing up in the mortal world but with no interaction with the "other" beings that occupy it, she has no idea who she is or where she came from. All she knows is that she kicks ass. She also yearns for love. For another person to share her life with. To say that her first meeting with Rune is interesting would be an understatement, but even a naive girl like her knows a manwhore when she sees one. So why does his scent make her mouth water?
Kresley Cole has a signature formula that she doesn't waver from and I can't get enough of. Her heroines are sassy and snarky as hell. I absolutely love it! Josephine may be young, but what she lacks for in years she more than makes up for in sass. And she definitely gives Rune the Insatiable a run for his money. Rune is as tortured as they come, and as more of his history comes to light, you begin to understand more and more about why he is the way he is. The chemistry between them is absolutely undeniable. If possible, I swear this series just gets hotter with each new book. And Sweet Ruin was practically scorching!
I devoured this book and couldn't put it down for even a second. It was action packed, sexy, and everything I've come to love about this series. I loved Rune even if I wanted to beat him over the head with a blunt object for his utter stupidity at times. I also loved that we got that additional puzzle piece behind the mystery of Thaddeus and what it could mean for the Accession. There was a number of secondary characters introduced that I'm already salivating for a story for. Especially Orion. This series continues to be an addiction for me and I never want it to end. Can't wait to see what's in store next.
ARC courtesy of publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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She was a killer with blood on her hands, but she wanted to give her heart away.
You know what I love about this series? The fact that sixteen books into it, each book continues to be just as good if not even better than the last. Kresley Cole continuously delivers with badass, sassy and snarky heroines, and tortured and oh so sexy heroes. That's not to mention the addicting story line that's guaranteed to keep you reading well into the night. Truth be told I was hoping to see a certain lykae twin finally be getting his book and I was a little thrown when I saw the character names in the synopsis and had not the slightest idea who they were. As a die hard IAD fan, even my puny brain memory manages to hold on to every detail of this series. I was a little afraid that the book may be filler, in order to really stretch out the fans' want of the previously introduced characters. I should have never doubted the genius that is this author, however. And once you read the book, you'll see exactly why. Kresley stays true to her characters' world and everything that's going on around them, and the story of Josephine and Rune is yet another puzzle piece that builds up to a larger picture. But let's move onto the actual book here, shall we?
Rune the Insatiable. He buffed his black claws. "Wringing orgasms and breaking hearts for eons."
As an avid lover of the manwhores, I've read my fair share. And I can easily say that Rune the Baneblood is quite possibly the biggest manwhore I've read to date. Rune is a powerful warrior, half dark fey and half demon. His blood is as poisonous as his kiss, which is how he's come to be the deadliest assassin for the Møriør. He'll seduce the secrets out of his enemies, only to kill them in the blink of an eye soon after. He's as skilled with his cock as he is with his bow and arrow. His past has ensured that his heart is as cold as the rest of him and not even a romp in the bed with a nymph so much as spikes his blood pressure...until a mysterious beauty turns his world on it's axis...
She gave him a light squeeze, then withdrew her hand-
"Some cavemen carry big sticks. Doesn't mean I want to get clubbed with it."
At only 25 years old, Josephine knows how to look out for number one. There's only one person she'll ever put first, and that's her beloved younger brother that she was forced to give up in order to give him a better future. If the name Thaddeus rings a bell, it should. Thaddeus is the young boy with he mysterious unknown powers we met earlier in the series. Josephine is an orphan of unknown decent and powers that she doesn't understand. Growing up in the mortal world but with no interaction with the "other" beings that occupy it, she has no idea who she is or where she came from. All she knows is that she kicks ass. She also yearns for love. For another person to share her life with. To say that her first meeting with Rune is interesting would be an understatement, but even a naive girl like her knows a manwhore when she sees one. So why does his scent make her mouth water?
Kresley Cole has a signature formula that she doesn't waver from and I can't get enough of. Her heroines are sassy and snarky as hell. I absolutely love it! Josephine may be young, but what she lacks for in years she more than makes up for in sass. And she definitely gives Rune the Insatiable a run for his money. Rune is as tortured as they come, and as more of his history comes to light, you begin to understand more and more about why he is the way he is. The chemistry between them is absolutely undeniable. If possible, I swear this series just gets hotter with each new book. And Sweet Ruin was practically scorching!
I devoured this book and couldn't put it down for even a second. It was action packed, sexy, and everything I've come to love about this series. I loved Rune even if I wanted to beat him over the head with a blunt object for his utter stupidity at times. I also loved that we got that additional puzzle piece behind the mystery of Thaddeus and what it could mean for the Accession. There was a number of secondary characters introduced that I'm already salivating for a story for. Especially Orion. This series continues to be an addiction for me and I never want it to end. Can't wait to see what's in store next.
ARC courtesy of publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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March 1, 2017
“We fail; we learn. Unless we fail to learn.”
I'm always astounded whenever I read Kresley Cole's books. Her energy, neatness, ingeniousness and humor make everything in her books almighty wonderful. I never give her book less than 4 stars. But this one, I have mixed feelings about the characters. First of all, Rune is a manwhore because of his pitiful past. Besides the fact that he's hot, he tries to use his abilities to gain the secret that lead to his goal. He and his Møriør fellows contradict the way Nix led on the Accession (Although I think that it's like political issues more than anything else), so his boss sends him on the mission to assassinate Nix.
“The female asked him, “Have you ever been bait? Well, besides jailbait. Rowr.” “I can’t say that I have, ma’am.” Texan accent?”
Then he meets Jo, a halfling, she didn't even know who she was until she and Rune have to be together if they want to get rid of Nix and get her brother back. The chemistry between Rune and Jo is very abundant and I had high hopes when a sex scene came, it would be mind-blowing and heartwrenching as it had hyped. However, I found it later that the sex scene didn't live up to my expectation at all. It's kinda short, quick and I felt the chemistry between the protagonists was lost at somewhere between the pages. Alas, I think its last part didn't bewitch me like her previous books. Errr ... and the ending is real anticlimactic, it also turned me off a little bit too.
I loved Jo. She's a real badass heroine. In the beginning, I liked how she break her heart when she has to leave her male. Eventually, she moves on despite the fact that she doesn't know about a bit of her whole new world.
By the way, Rune's a jerk, I hated his thought at the end of this book about his monogamous relationship. He and Jo bicker every time they have a chance and can't even solve this issue ! I was so fed up I gave this book 3.5 stars.
More at http://goo.gl/l80IvU
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December 1, 2015
I'M PISSED, THERE'S PROBABLY SPOILERS, Y'ALL
Look, my problem wasn't with the random characters. The fact that Rune and Jo come out of nowhere? Fine. The fact that Nix is portrayed as the bad guy? Nothing I can't handle. Here's what pissed me off: their relationship.
This was, I think, one of the most sexually explicit books in the series. I don't mind that - not with characters I actually liked and cared about, like Sabine/Rydstrom or Carrow/Malkom or practically any other pairing. But here, Rune repeatedly thinks about killing Jo, and uses sexual torture on her to get her to reveal her secrets. Not that she has any - she doesn't know the first fucking thing about the Lore. Basically, Rune spends ages not letting her orgasm, which is a technique he uses often with his other victims, and it's never truly explained what makes Jo different to them.
Well, apart from the fact that he can kiss her without killing her. To be honest, it feels like that's the only reason their relationship ever goes anywhere - he can do stuff like go down on her, which he can't do with any other woman. Despite this shortcoming he's managed to become one of the most famous studs in the Lore. I'm not talking about when he was forced to become a sex slave - I'm talking his perfectly willing millennia spent plowing nymph after nymph. He was terrible. Worse than Cade. At least Cade loved Holly, okay? He'd never have dreamed about cheating on her. Rune has sexual thoughts about women as soon as he leaves Jo, and he repeatedly tells her the Morior come first with him; he'll always be their secrets master, which means he'll always be cheating on her. And he does't even see why she has a problem with it.
So, Rune's a major fucking arse who doesn't do nearly enough fucking grovelling. Let's move onto Jo.
Jo is a doormat. She constanstly sees Rune with other women, constantly comes back to him. His past is used as a get-out-of-jail-free card, so she can just feel sorry for him and come rolling back. I actually think Cole deliberately wrote her to be this naive and trusting so that events in the story would happen, like her being convinced that once Rune had sex with her he'd be willing to commit. This is after he tells her a million times that monogamy is NOT FOR HIM. It really isn't - he gets naked with a nymph while Jo's crying her heart out, after he's properly marked her as his mate, and though he magically doesn't do anything with said nymph this really is too little, too late for me. As it should have been with Jo. It wasn't because she's a goddamn moron.
Another thing: she's stupid. Absolutely fucking stupid. She makes vows to the Lore - UNBREAKABLE VOWS TO THE LORE - for the stupidest things, risking her life in the process. The main problem is that she doesn't recognise her own stupidity - she thinks she can take on Nix, for fuck's sake! A Valkyrie who's the millennia-old primordial of her species, whose pet bat has more power in a talon than Jo has in her entire body! When Nix broke Jo's bones, I tell you, I was cheering. The stupid girl just doesn't bloody learn.
The stars are because the Morior (barring Rune) were interesting to meet, I liked seeing Orion, who Cole says will be important to Nix, and because I've loved most of Kresley Cole's other books. It's just this one that was the huge disappointment. And MacRieve. Can't she go back to good old days with badass heroines like Lucia, Regin, Holly and Sabine? And heroes who were actually deserving of the term?
Ok, there were definitely spoilers...
Look, my problem wasn't with the random characters. The fact that Rune and Jo come out of nowhere? Fine. The fact that Nix is portrayed as the bad guy? Nothing I can't handle. Here's what pissed me off: their relationship.
This was, I think, one of the most sexually explicit books in the series. I don't mind that - not with characters I actually liked and cared about, like Sabine/Rydstrom or Carrow/Malkom or practically any other pairing. But here, Rune repeatedly thinks about killing Jo, and uses sexual torture on her to get her to reveal her secrets. Not that she has any - she doesn't know the first fucking thing about the Lore. Basically, Rune spends ages not letting her orgasm, which is a technique he uses often with his other victims, and it's never truly explained what makes Jo different to them.
Well, apart from the fact that he can kiss her without killing her. To be honest, it feels like that's the only reason their relationship ever goes anywhere - he can do stuff like go down on her, which he can't do with any other woman. Despite this shortcoming he's managed to become one of the most famous studs in the Lore. I'm not talking about when he was forced to become a sex slave - I'm talking his perfectly willing millennia spent plowing nymph after nymph. He was terrible. Worse than Cade. At least Cade loved Holly, okay? He'd never have dreamed about cheating on her. Rune has sexual thoughts about women as soon as he leaves Jo, and he repeatedly tells her the Morior come first with him; he'll always be their secrets master, which means he'll always be cheating on her. And he does't even see why she has a problem with it.
So, Rune's a major fucking arse who doesn't do nearly enough fucking grovelling. Let's move onto Jo.
Jo is a doormat. She constanstly sees Rune with other women, constantly comes back to him. His past is used as a get-out-of-jail-free card, so she can just feel sorry for him and come rolling back. I actually think Cole deliberately wrote her to be this naive and trusting so that events in the story would happen, like her being convinced that once Rune had sex with her he'd be willing to commit. This is after he tells her a million times that monogamy is NOT FOR HIM. It really isn't - he gets naked with a nymph while Jo's crying her heart out, after he's properly marked her as his mate, and though he magically doesn't do anything with said nymph this really is too little, too late for me. As it should have been with Jo. It wasn't because she's a goddamn moron.
Another thing: she's stupid. Absolutely fucking stupid. She makes vows to the Lore - UNBREAKABLE VOWS TO THE LORE - for the stupidest things, risking her life in the process. The main problem is that she doesn't recognise her own stupidity - she thinks she can take on Nix, for fuck's sake! A Valkyrie who's the millennia-old primordial of her species, whose pet bat has more power in a talon than Jo has in her entire body! When Nix broke Jo's bones, I tell you, I was cheering. The stupid girl just doesn't bloody learn.
The stars are because the Morior (barring Rune) were interesting to meet, I liked seeing Orion, who Cole says will be important to Nix, and because I've loved most of Kresley Cole's other books. It's just this one that was the huge disappointment. And MacRieve. Can't she go back to good old days with badass heroines like Lucia, Regin, Holly and Sabine? And heroes who were actually deserving of the term?
Ok, there were definitely spoilers...
July 26, 2016
Re-read 25/7/16
5 Meadowberries stars
Minor spoilers ahead
I don't know how Kresley Cole does it but she manages to ensnare me every time. She has this formula and every time I think I know where she's going with it she pulls a hat trick out of nowhere and turns everything upside down again. After 16 books that's a big achievement. You think that you have the overall plot figured out by now but again she proves you wrong.
If you haven't read the previous books I strongly suggest you do. Not only is it worth reading it from the beginning but there are too many details, races, powers,hybrids and past events to keep track if you haven't read the series before.
I was not disappointed at all at getting a brand new couple instead of reading about a pre-existing character meeting his/her mate. It added new characters and events that pushed the Accession to a new level. One you didn't know it had. We get a new group in play, The Møriør. The glossary in the beginning explains them as:
“In the tongue of the Elserealms, Møriør can mean both ‘The Dozen’ and ‘Soul’s Doom.’ ”
• An alliance of otherworldly beings led by Orion the Undoing.
• Have seized control of most planes of existence.
So along with the original Pravus Rule and the Vertas League we get The Møriør. Major players that are extremely powerful and have their own agenda. I wont specify who is in the group(other than Rune) as we get several new characters that I suspect will get their own books and I believe it's better for you to discover them on your own.
Now to the couple. We have Josephine who is Thaddeus big sister. It did take me a bit to remember Thad but I finally did. He's the teen that was captured by the Order. He was rescued by Regin and Natalya and found out he was some sort of hybrid. My poor memory needed a good kick to remember that.
Jo has been through a lot in her relatively short life. Orphaned, left alone to fend for herself and her baby brother she struggles to get by and control her urges to be "bad". Life has already taught her to trust no one and always put Thaddies best interests first. After a heartbreaking separation Jo is left alone, an immortal growing up in the human world, cut off from everything that could help her understand what is happening to her. Jo survives and carves a place for her self. Above all she craves a true connection with another being.
Just as she’d suspected—rules didn’t apply to Jo.
“Don’t know any spells. I survived probably because I’m wicked strong and all.”
Her collision with Rune was for me hilarious and intriguing. I just wanted to read more and more of their interactions.
“You got a woodie; I got a wettie. Doesn’t mean mine was for yours.”
“Some cavemen carry big sticks. Doesn’t mean I want to get clubbed with one.”
Rune is a slut, a manwhore. Incapable of keeping it in his pants.
“I’m called Rune the Insatiable for a reason. I’m never satisfied.”
He seems not only stuck with the label but actually reveling it. He refuses to see or acknowledge that there are other worthwhile characteristics to him. He's convinced that there's only that one side of him which survived and endured.
He’d grown so detached during his early abuse that he’d felt like two separate beings. And one was dead.
(Just pretend the eyes are purple and the lighting is from Nucking-Futs Nïx)
Jo threatens to change all that. She fascinates and challenges him. Needling, pushing and probing Jo forces him to accept their connection. Their relationship becomes a roller coaster courtesy of Nïx.
I loved the whole book. I loved their coming together. The plot regarding the Accession. Everything! I don't have a single complaint to make. Nïx was her usual annoying as heck but lovable self. We got to see a tiny glimpse of all the other Immortals from the previous books. New characters that I definitely want to see more of, especially if they get mates .
This was a great addition to the series and as always with Kresley Cole I'm left with questions, craving more and not wanting to relinquish this world just yet. So, I'm off to do a massive re-read from the beginning.
**ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Me upon receiving an ARC:
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Jan 6 2015
December 31st 2015!!! A whole year to go!
OMG!! When? When? WHEN????
Need this!! Need this now!!
November 11, 2025
Reread!
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This series man. 😭 too fuckin’ good!
I loved this hoe of a man! 🥹 And the supernatural being that was Jo who put him in his place.
Once again, the romance was amazingly developed. The character arcs were amazing! Kresley Cole always included such a rich background for our characters and I’m obsessed! The plot was well-paced, the side characters were amazing and. The. Humour!
I can’t even begin to summarise this series. There’s an overarching plot line and a world that’s so vast! I can’t wait to see how that will implode.
I haven’t even finished this 20-book series but I’m ready to go back to the beginning and start all over.
Yes. It’s that good. 😍
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This series man. 😭 too fuckin’ good!
I loved this hoe of a man! 🥹 And the supernatural being that was Jo who put him in his place.
Once again, the romance was amazingly developed. The character arcs were amazing! Kresley Cole always included such a rich background for our characters and I’m obsessed! The plot was well-paced, the side characters were amazing and. The. Humour!
I can’t even begin to summarise this series. There’s an overarching plot line and a world that’s so vast! I can’t wait to see how that will implode.
I haven’t even finished this 20-book series but I’m ready to go back to the beginning and start all over.
Yes. It’s that good. 😍
January 27, 2016
Update: So I've read it and really liked it. I was pretty nervous about this, since it was about 2 completely new characters. It turned out to be very enjoyable. I'm still a bit disappointed that we didn't get a story about characters we already knew. There are just so many characters that deserve to have their own story and the series proceeds so slowly. Anyway, we did get some new interesting characters and I also liked that there was all this info about the nymphs.
I found Josephine hilarious. A very likable, bad-ass heroine with a huge heart. I loved that she was all ''Goth''. Rune was pretty hot too. Some stuff about him was really annoying (I think you all know to what I'm referring here) but in the end he pulled his head out of his ass so it's all good now. I loved all the scenes with Thad and especially Nix. I can't get enough of her, I'm having a total lady-crush on her. I thought there could have been a little more action, the actual story could have been made a little more interesting. Overall I'm very happy with this book, it's definitely an improvement to Ulliam's and Melanthe's story. The ending was very sweet as well.
Okay, what the hell is this?? So this is about 2 characters we've never met before? Why on earth, WHYYY?? There are plenty of characters who deserve their own book and now we get some randoms instead who want to kill Nix? I seriously thought maybe this could be Munro's book, or Furie's or Cara's or Rök's or I don't know, like I said we have plenty of characters already. I don't like this. I don't like this at all.
See? Sheldon does NOT approve.
I've already been a little disappointed with the latest books. Ulliam (or whatever his name is) was a complete dickhead and then Lanthe and Thronos. Well, okay I loved them as a couple and the romance between them but some stuff was just weird.
And I'm really sorry for saying this, I feel like I'm insulting a goddess. I mean c'mon this is one of my absolute favorite series, but I don't feel excited :/ And I'm really sad that there hasn't come out any Dacians books either. I thought there was supposed to come one IAD book and a Dacian book in a year, what happened ??!!
I found Josephine hilarious. A very likable, bad-ass heroine with a huge heart. I loved that she was all ''Goth''. Rune was pretty hot too. Some stuff about him was really annoying (I think you all know to what I'm referring here) but in the end he pulled his head out of his ass so it's all good now. I loved all the scenes with Thad and especially Nix. I can't get enough of her, I'm having a total lady-crush on her. I thought there could have been a little more action, the actual story could have been made a little more interesting. Overall I'm very happy with this book, it's definitely an improvement to Ulliam's and Melanthe's story. The ending was very sweet as well.
Okay, what the hell is this?? So this is about 2 characters we've never met before? Why on earth, WHYYY?? There are plenty of characters who deserve their own book and now we get some randoms instead who want to kill Nix? I seriously thought maybe this could be Munro's book, or Furie's or Cara's or Rök's or I don't know, like I said we have plenty of characters already. I don't like this. I don't like this at all.
See? Sheldon does NOT approve.
I've already been a little disappointed with the latest books. Ulliam (or whatever his name is) was a complete dickhead and then Lanthe and Thronos. Well, okay I loved them as a couple and the romance between them but some stuff was just weird.
And I'm really sorry for saying this, I feel like I'm insulting a goddess. I mean c'mon this is one of my absolute favorite series, but I don't feel excited :/ And I'm really sad that there hasn't come out any Dacians books either. I thought there was supposed to come one IAD book and a Dacian book in a year, what happened ??!!
July 24, 2017
Rune the baneblood (Dark Fae i.e. Demon and Fae) and Josephine (Phanpire i.e. Phantom and vampire)
At her ear, he grated, "If it makes you feel better, I can honestly say I'll be thinking of you."
He straightened, then started toward Meliai. They strolled off together, leaving Jo behind.
Knife in gut. Knife in gut. Knife in gut.
That's when a realisation hit her like a Valkyrie's fist: "I'm completely in love with that prick."
The Accession is about to start and all the immortals will start fighting each other, Nix is about to get assassinated, Orion and his monsters are about to enter the game...
...and the major problem and the focus of this book is when manwhore (literally) Rune will commit to Josephine.
"I hope you're as good at apologies as you are at seduction."
Not my favourite book in the series, but still it was very enjoyable!
At her ear, he grated, "If it makes you feel better, I can honestly say I'll be thinking of you."
He straightened, then started toward Meliai. They strolled off together, leaving Jo behind.
Knife in gut. Knife in gut. Knife in gut.
That's when a realisation hit her like a Valkyrie's fist: "I'm completely in love with that prick."
The Accession is about to start and all the immortals will start fighting each other, Nix is about to get assassinated, Orion and his monsters are about to enter the game...
...and the major problem and the focus of this book is when manwhore (literally) Rune will commit to Josephine.
"I hope you're as good at apologies as you are at seduction."
Not my favourite book in the series, but still it was very enjoyable!
April 1, 2017
Being a fan of Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series, I was looking forward to reading the latest addition (# 16)….Sweet Ruin.
For me this was not a great one…..I was going to say it was an okay read…but actually I was not crazy about it!!
I didn’t like Rune, the hero – he was a “trollop” of note…..show-off…..a twit…..and all that “dove” thingies...
After a while, I had this song in my head…..which I kept wanting to break into tune……….Cucurucucu paloma blanca…..
And Jo, the heroine!! Hell, I couldn’t connect with her. The only time I liked her was the parts with her brother.
The storyline just jumped all over the place….here and here and everywhere!! Aliens, space travel………….where to next????
There were two things I liked…..the scene at Val Hall……what a laugh! And Nix and her pet bat!! Hell, I love Nix. Wish I could get more of her!!!
Overall, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I have the others books I’ve read in this series.
For me this was not a great one…..I was going to say it was an okay read…but actually I was not crazy about it!!
I didn’t like Rune, the hero – he was a “trollop” of note…..show-off…..a twit…..and all that “dove” thingies...
After a while, I had this song in my head…..which I kept wanting to break into tune……….Cucurucucu paloma blanca…..
And Jo, the heroine!! Hell, I couldn’t connect with her. The only time I liked her was the parts with her brother.
The storyline just jumped all over the place….here and here and everywhere!! Aliens, space travel………….where to next????
There were two things I liked…..the scene at Val Hall……what a laugh! And Nix and her pet bat!! Hell, I love Nix. Wish I could get more of her!!!
Overall, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I have the others books I’ve read in this series.
January 2, 2016
WOW...as always I was totally impressed with K.C. pulling this one out. To be honest, I had no idea who the main characters are...and I don't think they've been mentioned. Or if they have, it was minor and easily forgotten with so many characters this deep into the series. Anyway, the big connector is that Jo is Thad's sister...Thad being the "human" who was captured on the island and was with Lothaire and Declan, just to name a few.
Jo was "found" wandering around when she was young and Thad was a baby and she has no recollection of who she is or where they came from. She ends up living on the street and taking care of her baby brother who she is fiercely loyal to. But she has a thing against bad guys...namely a local drug dealer. Things come to a head and she ends up getting shot several times and thought to be dead but she's not...not really.
This is where the fun starts...and doesn't. Jo has to figure out what's become of her and that's not always in Thad's best interest.
Fast forward fourteen years and we get to meet Rune who just happens to be in our favorite city hunting our favorite Valkyrie, that's right...Nix! We get a lot of information regarding who Rune is and what the group, the Møriør, he belongs to is trying to do and that leads us to Orion, aka the alleged love interest for Nix.
Nix is working her magic, of course, and she's delightful as always and if I must say so, she's gotten even more badass! I can hardly wait to get her book.
Rune is a master archer and also a secrets master...and he usually gets secrets by providing sexual favors. There's a whole sad history there but the problem is that he has associated this behavior as being a huge part of who he is and he's not keen to part with it.
That leads to a whole lotta drama with Jo. Through some interesting abilities she has, she's gotten to "taste" what love could be like so when she realizes Rune is her mate, she wants the whole kit and caboodle and who can blame her.
I loved reading about these two getting to know each other. They are really sweet and HOT! We get a lot of steamy scenes without actual sex since Jo wants monogamy and Rune won't give that to her. Naturally, that leads to some good ol' drama.
One of the funnier parts is that Jo knows nothing about the Lore but tries to pretend she does. It also doesn't help that she can't read but Rune slowly catches on and ends up helping her.
I really enjoyed Jo and Thad later on and how things developed. Also, there are some other interesting members of the Møriør that I wouldn't mind getting stories about.
I loved how things worked out and how they ended. There's a few characters the next story could be about but I would love Thad's and a certain female that we met.
Favorite quote:
♥ “Does my vampire thirst for baneblood? Ah, she thinks me delicious.”
Jo was "found" wandering around when she was young and Thad was a baby and she has no recollection of who she is or where they came from. She ends up living on the street and taking care of her baby brother who she is fiercely loyal to. But she has a thing against bad guys...namely a local drug dealer. Things come to a head and she ends up getting shot several times and thought to be dead but she's not...not really.
This is where the fun starts...and doesn't. Jo has to figure out what's become of her and that's not always in Thad's best interest.
Fast forward fourteen years and we get to meet Rune who just happens to be in our favorite city hunting our favorite Valkyrie, that's right...Nix! We get a lot of information regarding who Rune is and what the group, the Møriør, he belongs to is trying to do and that leads us to Orion, aka the alleged love interest for Nix.
Nix is working her magic, of course, and she's delightful as always and if I must say so, she's gotten even more badass! I can hardly wait to get her book.
Rune is a master archer and also a secrets master...and he usually gets secrets by providing sexual favors. There's a whole sad history there but the problem is that he has associated this behavior as being a huge part of who he is and he's not keen to part with it.
That leads to a whole lotta drama with Jo. Through some interesting abilities she has, she's gotten to "taste" what love could be like so when she realizes Rune is her mate, she wants the whole kit and caboodle and who can blame her.
I loved reading about these two getting to know each other. They are really sweet and HOT! We get a lot of steamy scenes without actual sex since Jo wants monogamy and Rune won't give that to her. Naturally, that leads to some good ol' drama.
One of the funnier parts is that Jo knows nothing about the Lore but tries to pretend she does. It also doesn't help that she can't read but Rune slowly catches on and ends up helping her.
I really enjoyed Jo and Thad later on and how things developed. Also, there are some other interesting members of the Møriør that I wouldn't mind getting stories about.
I loved how things worked out and how they ended. There's a few characters the next story could be about but I would love Thad's and a certain female that we met.
Favorite quote:
♥ “Does my vampire thirst for baneblood? Ah, she thinks me delicious.”
December 12, 2015
2.5-3 stars
Another immortals after dark book and another set of people I've not seen before. Josephine is Thaddeus's (the young strapping vampire/phantom) thought long dead sister. Rune is a millennia old demon whose bodily fluids are poison and works for team evil.
Rune almost ruined this for me. I didn't like him for the longest time and even by the end I still wasn't completely on board. He is pretty much a man whore. But not in a cute I love all women and just haven't found the one to tame my appetites but more in a I use sex as a weapon to get what I want but it's not like I enjoy it. Sure later we find out why and it is understandable and sad and blah blah blah. But I had a hard time with how his actions hurt Josephine later on in the story.
Josephine....her I liked. She is young and spunky and sometimes ridiculous but she doesn't take any crap. When she walk upon Rune she finds him in a bevy of Nymphs. Watching him with them she is not impressed, they might be into it but from the beginning she can tell that it is just another day at the office for Rune, his pulse isn't even racing.
I honestly liked Jo. She was the protector of the down and out and she made sure her turf was clean of thugs that might hurt women of the night. She is really young and sometimes that shines through in some of her naïveté. But it was easy to root for her since all her goals included protecting her brother.
Nix...the foxy minx is up to something and it was clear when she maneuvered Thaddeus into being in the right place at the right time for both Jo and Rune to get separate wrong ideas that would bring them together.
In a weird twist for different reasons they team up to kill Nix. But she is far more cleaver than they are and in chasing her down they end up in romantic locals in situations that seem a lot like dates and let the love games begin.
I'll give Kresley Cole props for having so many things going on in the IAD series. She has different dimensions and time lines and species of characters. I'll admit I like most of it, especially how Nix is maneuvering everyone into place. But at the same time I'm wondering how long this is going to go. There are so many stories going and I'm not sure we will ever get to Fury and Nix's book at this point. Maybe by IAD #30. It isn't that I care so much as I have a great time in this world but a clue would be nice.
In short Rune being a sex addled fiend that only had 1 tool in his arsenal and trying to sleep with other chicks while building a relationship with Jo didn't work for me. I get where KC was trying to go with it but I have a hard time seeing the characters of a love story with other people. But the book was totally worth it for the show down at the Valkyrie compound at the end. Not my favorite of the series but still a decent time.
Another immortals after dark book and another set of people I've not seen before. Josephine is Thaddeus's (the young strapping vampire/phantom) thought long dead sister. Rune is a millennia old demon whose bodily fluids are poison and works for team evil.
Rune almost ruined this for me. I didn't like him for the longest time and even by the end I still wasn't completely on board. He is pretty much a man whore. But not in a cute I love all women and just haven't found the one to tame my appetites but more in a I use sex as a weapon to get what I want but it's not like I enjoy it. Sure later we find out why and it is understandable and sad and blah blah blah. But I had a hard time with how his actions hurt Josephine later on in the story.
Josephine....her I liked. She is young and spunky and sometimes ridiculous but she doesn't take any crap. When she walk upon Rune she finds him in a bevy of Nymphs. Watching him with them she is not impressed, they might be into it but from the beginning she can tell that it is just another day at the office for Rune, his pulse isn't even racing.
“Maybe you’ll be the one to sate me at last.”
If it hadn’t happened in millennia, he didn’t expect it to now, but tarts ate that line up. He dangled the prospect because Lore females liked challenges. This one pressed her hot palms to his chest, digging in her black nails.
“You wanna know a truth?” She held his gaze. Her eyes were mesmerizing, her hazel irises flecked with brilliant blue and amber.
Finally they were getting somewhere! “I do.”
In a breathy whisper, she said, “Maybe I wouldn’t give a good goddamn if you were sated or not.”
I honestly liked Jo. She was the protector of the down and out and she made sure her turf was clean of thugs that might hurt women of the night. She is really young and sometimes that shines through in some of her naïveté. But it was easy to root for her since all her goals included protecting her brother.
Nix...the foxy minx is up to something and it was clear when she maneuvered Thaddeus into being in the right place at the right time for both Jo and Rune to get separate wrong ideas that would bring them together.
“The female asked him, “Have you ever been bait? Well, besides jailbait. Rowr.”
“I can’t say that I have, ma’am.” Texan accent?”
In a weird twist for different reasons they team up to kill Nix. But she is far more cleaver than they are and in chasing her down they end up in romantic locals in situations that seem a lot like dates and let the love games begin.
I'll give Kresley Cole props for having so many things going on in the IAD series. She has different dimensions and time lines and species of characters. I'll admit I like most of it, especially how Nix is maneuvering everyone into place. But at the same time I'm wondering how long this is going to go. There are so many stories going and I'm not sure we will ever get to Fury and Nix's book at this point. Maybe by IAD #30. It isn't that I care so much as I have a great time in this world but a clue would be nice.
In short Rune being a sex addled fiend that only had 1 tool in his arsenal and trying to sleep with other chicks while building a relationship with Jo didn't work for me. I get where KC was trying to go with it but I have a hard time seeing the characters of a love story with other people. But the book was totally worth it for the show down at the Valkyrie compound at the end. Not my favorite of the series but still a decent time.
April 29, 2016
In this sixteenth book in the 'Immortals After Dark' series, we are introduced to a whole new cast of potential "bad guys". This book tells the story of Rune, a daemon whose very blood is poison, and Josephine, the vampire-phantom halfling that is Thad's long lost big sister. Theirs was a case of "opposites attract".
From the start, it was clear that Josephine was not going to be your typical heroine. She was orphaned at a young age and grew up fast. She is foul-mouthed and rough around the edges. However, underneath her crass demeanor is a tender heart that longs for somebody to care about her.
When Josephine first lays eyes on Rune, he is in the midst of pleasuring a group of nymphs. It took a long time for them to get past that first impression. To say the least, Rune's "job" and the techniques he used to extract information put a definite damper on their budding relationship.
Despite all of the obvious signs that were there from their very first meeting forward, this couple spent most of the book in denial. While Josephine was simply oblivious, ignorant of the workings of the lore, Rune didn't want to accept what was staring him in the face. If anything was irritating to me while reading this story, it was Rune's bullheadedness.
I don't want to give away too much, but I will say that Nix plays a significant role in this book. Thad and a host of other characters also have a hand in this story. It is becoming more apparent that these stories are building up to some big event.
Overall, it was a great book. I appreciated the uniqueness of this couple. They didn't seem to be cast of the same mold as many of the earlier characters. It was refreshing to change things up a bit. I'm still loving this series and I can't wait until the next audiobook is released!
From the start, it was clear that Josephine was not going to be your typical heroine. She was orphaned at a young age and grew up fast. She is foul-mouthed and rough around the edges. However, underneath her crass demeanor is a tender heart that longs for somebody to care about her.
When Josephine first lays eyes on Rune, he is in the midst of pleasuring a group of nymphs. It took a long time for them to get past that first impression. To say the least, Rune's "job" and the techniques he used to extract information put a definite damper on their budding relationship.
Despite all of the obvious signs that were there from their very first meeting forward, this couple spent most of the book in denial. While Josephine was simply oblivious, ignorant of the workings of the lore, Rune didn't want to accept what was staring him in the face. If anything was irritating to me while reading this story, it was Rune's bullheadedness.
I don't want to give away too much, but I will say that Nix plays a significant role in this book. Thad and a host of other characters also have a hand in this story. It is becoming more apparent that these stories are building up to some big event.
Overall, it was a great book. I appreciated the uniqueness of this couple. They didn't seem to be cast of the same mold as many of the earlier characters. It was refreshing to change things up a bit. I'm still loving this series and I can't wait until the next audiobook is released!
November 25, 2015
I know a lot of people were disappointed by Kresley Cole's decision to feature two new characters in this book. They want Furie and Kristoff. Or Nix and... somebody. Cole has created such a vast landscape of characters already, we're all greedy to get their stories. But this book does something important. It broadens the scope of the series and --in my opinion-- ramps up the Ascension more than any book that's come before it. It also introduces the guy who I think will be Nix's HEA, but I'll get back to that in a minute.
Since book 1, we've gotten to know the Vertas, the "good guys" in the coming war. What this story does, is kind of turn our preconceptions on their ear, because we're getting an inside look at the Morior. And they're not the villains of the story, at least not this story. In fact, one of them is our hero.
Rune is a Dark Fey, part fey and part demon. His blood is poisonous to anyone who comes in contact with it. He has been maligned and enslaved for much of his long life. Now he owes his loyalty to the leader of the Morior, Orion, the enigmatic and powerful being who freed him. He uses his sultry sexuality to extract valuable information for his allies, and serves as an assassin when needed. Now, he's tasked with the death of Nix the Everknowing.
Our heroine is Josephine. We've never met her, but she is connected to our main cast of characters in that she is the long lost sister of the young vampire, Thaddeus. She raised him from the time he was a baby, even though she was just a young girl herself. She had no memory of their lives before she was eight years old and was found carrying him in the streets. What she knew instinctively was that Thaddie was her life, and everyone else be damned. She learned to be tough and streetwise, but it all came crashing down when she got a little too tough and ended up in the crosshairs of a gang-banger.
Thaddius was raised by an adopted family when it appeared as if Jo was dead. But, obviously, those bullets didn't keep her down. They only revealed her true nature. She is something more. She can become insubstantial and she craves blood, but she has no one to help her understand what that means. So she ends up with a pretty lonely life. Until her path crosses with Rune.
For the first time, she's found a man who is as unusual as she is. She craves his body and blood, but he can't imagine a life with just one woman. How could he when he is convinced he can never have a mate? All that matters is his loyalty and his revenge on the family who enslaved him all of those years. Jo tempts him with her attitude and her mystery. And he spends the book trying to get into her pants, while she tries to convince him they could have something more.
I liked Jo. Kresley Cole does a great job crafting strong women with a sense of self-worth. My only complaint is that sometimes, they feel too much alike. They all have different circumstances and motivation, but most of them think they're awesome, they're always telling the hero that they're awesome; they're strong and sexually empowered... and they have the same voice. It's a good voice. But it's the same one. Her powers and species are cool, though, as is her devotion to her brother.
Rune has some issues, as you would expect after years of forced prostitution. But I enjoyed the tension between him and Jo. I appreciated his loyalty to Orion and the Morior, even as it put Nix on his hitlist. He has one big Really Stupid Moment, but otherwise, I liked him. The romance is sexy and fun and I liked seeing him finally finding the love he never thought he'd have.
I'll admit I was a little confused about Jo's nature even after the details were revealed. Like... did she keep aging after she "died?" She was only 10 years old. Does her survival mean she can never die?
And I didn't forget what I said about a man for Nix. This book is definitely a bridge to the next major arc of the series. I'm ready to learn more about all of the primordials we met here and see their impact on the storyline. Who knows where it will all go next? I know there are some people who may feel like too much is changing --we're branching out too much-- but I would rather that than a rehash of the same stuff, risking the the possibility of such a vibrant series going stale.
Rating: B+/A-
*ARC provided by publisher
Since book 1, we've gotten to know the Vertas, the "good guys" in the coming war. What this story does, is kind of turn our preconceptions on their ear, because we're getting an inside look at the Morior. And they're not the villains of the story, at least not this story. In fact, one of them is our hero.
Rune is a Dark Fey, part fey and part demon. His blood is poisonous to anyone who comes in contact with it. He has been maligned and enslaved for much of his long life. Now he owes his loyalty to the leader of the Morior, Orion, the enigmatic and powerful being who freed him. He uses his sultry sexuality to extract valuable information for his allies, and serves as an assassin when needed. Now, he's tasked with the death of Nix the Everknowing.
Our heroine is Josephine. We've never met her, but she is connected to our main cast of characters in that she is the long lost sister of the young vampire, Thaddeus. She raised him from the time he was a baby, even though she was just a young girl herself. She had no memory of their lives before she was eight years old and was found carrying him in the streets. What she knew instinctively was that Thaddie was her life, and everyone else be damned. She learned to be tough and streetwise, but it all came crashing down when she got a little too tough and ended up in the crosshairs of a gang-banger.
Thaddius was raised by an adopted family when it appeared as if Jo was dead. But, obviously, those bullets didn't keep her down. They only revealed her true nature. She is something more. She can become insubstantial and she craves blood, but she has no one to help her understand what that means. So she ends up with a pretty lonely life. Until her path crosses with Rune.
For the first time, she's found a man who is as unusual as she is. She craves his body and blood, but he can't imagine a life with just one woman. How could he when he is convinced he can never have a mate? All that matters is his loyalty and his revenge on the family who enslaved him all of those years. Jo tempts him with her attitude and her mystery. And he spends the book trying to get into her pants, while she tries to convince him they could have something more.
I liked Jo. Kresley Cole does a great job crafting strong women with a sense of self-worth. My only complaint is that sometimes, they feel too much alike. They all have different circumstances and motivation, but most of them think they're awesome, they're always telling the hero that they're awesome; they're strong and sexually empowered... and they have the same voice. It's a good voice. But it's the same one. Her powers and species are cool, though, as is her devotion to her brother.
Rune has some issues, as you would expect after years of forced prostitution. But I enjoyed the tension between him and Jo. I appreciated his loyalty to Orion and the Morior, even as it put Nix on his hitlist. He has one big Really Stupid Moment, but otherwise, I liked him. The romance is sexy and fun and I liked seeing him finally finding the love he never thought he'd have.
I'll admit I was a little confused about Jo's nature even after the details were revealed. Like... did she keep aging after she "died?" She was only 10 years old. Does her survival mean she can never die?
And I didn't forget what I said about a man for Nix. This book is definitely a bridge to the next major arc of the series. I'm ready to learn more about all of the primordials we met here and see their impact on the storyline. Who knows where it will all go next? I know there are some people who may feel like too much is changing --we're branching out too much-- but I would rather that than a rehash of the same stuff, risking the the possibility of such a vibrant series going stale.
Rating: B+/A-
*ARC provided by publisher
Want to read
July 29, 2017 Editado 02/06/2015
¡Ya hay sinopsis!
¡ES EL LIBRO DE LA HERMANA DE THAD!
¡OH DIOS MIO!
¡ENCIMA SU PAREJA ES DE LOS MALOS!
JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJA
(risa demente)
-------------------------
22/12/2014
¡SOY LA MUJER MÁS FELIZ DEL MUNDO!
TENGO MÁS DROGA COLE EN CAMINO
¡Ya hay sinopsis!
¡ES EL LIBRO DE LA HERMANA DE THAD!
¡OH DIOS MIO!
¡ENCIMA SU PAREJA ES DE LOS MALOS!
JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJA
(risa demente)
-------------------------
22/12/2014
¡SOY LA MUJER MÁS FELIZ DEL MUNDO!
TENGO MÁS DROGA COLE EN CAMINO
Want to read
December 1, 2015
I don't even know which couple I want this to be...I just need this!
December 18, 2015
What an incredibly sweet departure from the IAD series! However, it’s still very much immersed in the world of Immortals; we are thrust into a bit of a side-story that ultimately will be entwined into the fabric that‘s already spun by Kresley Cole.
I found orphan Josephine to be naïve, yet massively endearing. She is, however, incredibly confused about creatures that are popping up in the world she has made for herself. She broke my heart in so many ways and absolutely thrilled me in others. There is a bit of a role reversal in her character. She KNOWS who her mate is. She will get him and make him understand that fate has already decided what he seemingly refuses to see. She does this in brash, bold ways, but with a subtle sweetness that has made her one of my absolute favorites in the series.
And then comes Rune, a master of seduction and powerful archer. As soon as he scents Jo he knows something is different. She is something rare and beautiful to behold. She has just taken his forbidden blood and survived, which moves Rune to act, ponder, and chase this creature like he has never done with another before her.
So many surprises, plot twists, and reveals happen in Sweet Ruin that any reader and fan of the series will be thrilled with this latest installment.
5 Lethally addicted and sultry stars!
~Tanja
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I found orphan Josephine to be naïve, yet massively endearing. She is, however, incredibly confused about creatures that are popping up in the world she has made for herself. She broke my heart in so many ways and absolutely thrilled me in others. There is a bit of a role reversal in her character. She KNOWS who her mate is. She will get him and make him understand that fate has already decided what he seemingly refuses to see. She does this in brash, bold ways, but with a subtle sweetness that has made her one of my absolute favorites in the series.
And then comes Rune, a master of seduction and powerful archer. As soon as he scents Jo he knows something is different. She is something rare and beautiful to behold. She has just taken his forbidden blood and survived, which moves Rune to act, ponder, and chase this creature like he has never done with another before her.
So many surprises, plot twists, and reveals happen in Sweet Ruin that any reader and fan of the series will be thrilled with this latest installment.
5 Lethally addicted and sultry stars!
~Tanja
Follow us on
KT Book Reviews
November 27, 2015
I'm going to say right away that I do realise fans of this series might possibly be a tad disappointed by the authors choice of lead characters here. No it's not Kristoff, Furie or even Nix but then if it was wouldn't that end this amazing series? No we get two new characters and yet there is a strong connection to someone the Valkyries have taken to their collective bosom ! Add in the various members of the Moiror who strongly believe Nix Is someone very dangerous who should be taken out of the picture and there's a whole new story arc occuring and its one that could bring amazing consequences.
Rune is known as the Archer because quite simply he doesn't miss. He also happens to be part Fae and part demon which means his bodily fluids blood,saliva etc are pure poison. Tasked by Orion the leader of the Moiror to travel to New Orleans to kill Nix but first he has to find that elusive Valkyrie. What he hadn't expected was to scent another female who could quite literally bring him to his knees!
Jo is something other. With no memory of her childhood all she has is her baby brother Thaddeus who she yearns to be with. Yet Jo walked away when she literally died and arose as a powerful and vengeful ghost. She's a curious mixture of woman and child but her life gets complicated when the dark Fae Rune attracts her attention. Not only does he smell delicious but he seems to be targeting her baby brother and that's something Jo can't allow.
I loved that the author gave us a much clearer picture of what the Accession could truly bring about. Annihilation of worlds is a huge possibility and to prevent that the Moiror are set to step in. We have previously seen Nix and those who follow her as the good guys but that idea is turned on its head somewhat here. Nix goes a step too far in this readers opinion which didn't sit well but I do admit the outcome benefited characters in this story. No spoilers obviously but Jo has a lot to learn as she is completely ignorant of the Lore and the supernatural world. So not only is Jo a total conundrum but we also get Rune and his shady past. He's a male who believes wholeheartedly in Orion and their task but events take place here that will make him question all he believes in. Yes it's a hot romance but more importantly it's a continuation of what has been a fabulous series. I'm so curious about those who Rune works with and dare I hope that we have just been introduced to the one male who Nix will want to tumble with herself? Oo I think we have because Nix deserves someone powerful and Orion fits that bill! Also with the connection to the Dacians ( remember the tournament in Shadows Claim ? ) I'm hoping the author will start tying up all the loose ends. This book might be a touch devisive amongst fans with its stark cover and new set of characters but for this reader it was a must read.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
Rune is known as the Archer because quite simply he doesn't miss. He also happens to be part Fae and part demon which means his bodily fluids blood,saliva etc are pure poison. Tasked by Orion the leader of the Moiror to travel to New Orleans to kill Nix but first he has to find that elusive Valkyrie. What he hadn't expected was to scent another female who could quite literally bring him to his knees!
Jo is something other. With no memory of her childhood all she has is her baby brother Thaddeus who she yearns to be with. Yet Jo walked away when she literally died and arose as a powerful and vengeful ghost. She's a curious mixture of woman and child but her life gets complicated when the dark Fae Rune attracts her attention. Not only does he smell delicious but he seems to be targeting her baby brother and that's something Jo can't allow.
I loved that the author gave us a much clearer picture of what the Accession could truly bring about. Annihilation of worlds is a huge possibility and to prevent that the Moiror are set to step in. We have previously seen Nix and those who follow her as the good guys but that idea is turned on its head somewhat here. Nix goes a step too far in this readers opinion which didn't sit well but I do admit the outcome benefited characters in this story. No spoilers obviously but Jo has a lot to learn as she is completely ignorant of the Lore and the supernatural world. So not only is Jo a total conundrum but we also get Rune and his shady past. He's a male who believes wholeheartedly in Orion and their task but events take place here that will make him question all he believes in. Yes it's a hot romance but more importantly it's a continuation of what has been a fabulous series. I'm so curious about those who Rune works with and dare I hope that we have just been introduced to the one male who Nix will want to tumble with herself? Oo I think we have because Nix deserves someone powerful and Orion fits that bill! Also with the connection to the Dacians ( remember the tournament in Shadows Claim ? ) I'm hoping the author will start tying up all the loose ends. This book might be a touch devisive amongst fans with its stark cover and new set of characters but for this reader it was a must read.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
December 7, 2015
3.5 stars
"Cole's world is definitely the most complex in the Paranormal Romance genre."
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
"Cole's world is definitely the most complex in the Paranormal Romance genre."
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
September 1, 2025
they’re on the same freak-uency
Bookstagram | Blog
Bookstagram | Blog
June 4, 2017
Park your brain at the door, you won't need it…
3.5 Stars. I really, really wish GR had half-stars, because this is just not quite a 4 Star read for me; good but a little predictable.
This is a mildly spoilerish review, not to the story (cause there isn't much story) so much as to the characters. I used to really love the IAD series. I don't know if this series has been going on so very long that it's changed over the years, my reading tastes have changed, or a little of both; but parts of this book didn't quite do it for me. Josephine is a new Immortal, aimlessly wandering around New Orleans looking for a way to get her little brother Thad back. They had been separated for 14 years, since he was a toddler. The phantom/vampire mixed Jo has spent her time learning and experimenting with her powers. Josephine meets up with Rune, coming upon him sexing four nymphs, and it's lust at first sight. Sex is what Rune does/is. Sex and assassination. Half demon, half dark fae Rune is also quite the tortured soul, due to his harrowing past (think Acheron-lite).
So, Jo and Rune hook up (in more ways than one) to chase after Nix; which is really just an excuse to get to know each other and sexemup all over the world. Jo was after Nix because she has her now 17 year old (also Immortal) brother Thad; Rune because he’s supposed to off Nix for the Møriør. And that folks, is pretty much the story. The rest of the book, like 80-90% of it, is sex. Jo won't give it up to Rune until he pledges his undying faithfulness to her and no more side nooky. She is, unfortunately for her, hooked on his blood. Rune wants to seduce Jo; and for her to not worry so much that his dick must have its freedom to wander aimlessly to any and all other women. They talk about sex, bicker about sex, think about sex, and fight over sex. (In alternating pov’s). They wind up doing everything but the full Monty, however, for most of the book. (There’s a reason). There is also a shit-ton of mild to medium angst and drama. The book is really a NA story thinly disguised as a PNR.
Sweet Ruin is a fun read; light, breezy, sexy, and humorous. The last quarter of the book picked up the pace quite a bit. It does little to further the series arc (a tiny bit at the very end), except to spend a little book time shedding some light on Nix. The story also, unfortunately, has the depth of a puddle of water. That’s okay, though. Sometimes I like to play in puddles…
3.5 Stars. I really, really wish GR had half-stars, because this is just not quite a 4 Star read for me; good but a little predictable.
This is a mildly spoilerish review, not to the story (cause there isn't much story) so much as to the characters. I used to really love the IAD series. I don't know if this series has been going on so very long that it's changed over the years, my reading tastes have changed, or a little of both; but parts of this book didn't quite do it for me. Josephine is a new Immortal, aimlessly wandering around New Orleans looking for a way to get her little brother Thad back. They had been separated for 14 years, since he was a toddler. The phantom/vampire mixed Jo has spent her time learning and experimenting with her powers. Josephine meets up with Rune, coming upon him sexing four nymphs, and it's lust at first sight. Sex is what Rune does/is. Sex and assassination. Half demon, half dark fae Rune is also quite the tortured soul, due to his harrowing past (think Acheron-lite).
So, Jo and Rune hook up (in more ways than one) to chase after Nix; which is really just an excuse to get to know each other and sexemup all over the world. Jo was after Nix because she has her now 17 year old (also Immortal) brother Thad; Rune because he’s supposed to off Nix for the Møriør. And that folks, is pretty much the story. The rest of the book, like 80-90% of it, is sex. Jo won't give it up to Rune until he pledges his undying faithfulness to her and no more side nooky. She is, unfortunately for her, hooked on his blood. Rune wants to seduce Jo; and for her to not worry so much that his dick must have its freedom to wander aimlessly to any and all other women. They talk about sex, bicker about sex, think about sex, and fight over sex. (In alternating pov’s). They wind up doing everything but the full Monty, however, for most of the book. (There’s a reason). There is also a shit-ton of mild to medium angst and drama. The book is really a NA story thinly disguised as a PNR.
Sweet Ruin is a fun read; light, breezy, sexy, and humorous. The last quarter of the book picked up the pace quite a bit. It does little to further the series arc (a tiny bit at the very end), except to spend a little book time shedding some light on Nix. The story also, unfortunately, has the depth of a puddle of water. That’s okay, though. Sometimes I like to play in puddles…
January 15, 2016
Okay now this is more like it. My last foray into the vast expanse of erotica left me very underwhelmed, however this book brought back my hope for the genre. I didn't actually know just how “romantic” this book would be when I picked it up from Netgalley, and I was admittedly a little surprised. However I ended up having a lot of fun reading this.
Did the love scenes occasionally make me giggle or roll my eyes? Yes, but that may be because I am a child on the inside. I did laugh a lot while reading this book, some of the jokes were probably intentional...others, maybe not. But that just added to the fun! This book was silly and interesting and quirky, and when I wasn't blushing red as a tomato, I had a big smile on my face for most of it.
Well except for when I learned of Jo's backstory! Holy crap that was heartbreaking. But I enjoyed reading about it too, because it added depth to the story, and made me more invested in the characters.
I also really enjoyed the paranormal aspect of the story, it was pretty cool, I just would have liked to see more of it. Perhaps because this book is part of a long series, the author didn't feel the need to do “from scratch” worldbuilding.
For the most part this book can be read as a stand alone, but I think for me personally I would have preferred to read this series from the beginning. Too bad I always passed up this series in the past due to the cheesy covers (this was the first one I liked hence why its the first one I've read...yes I'm very shallow)
At the end of the day I can't say enough good things about this book and I am very interested in reading more of this series, don't be like me and judge the books by the covers. This story ended up being so much more than I expected and if you are looking for a (mostly) light, fun read with more than a hint of steaminess than this book is for you! Five stars just because I had so much fun with this.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Check out more of my reviews here
P.S- Sorry for starting so many sentences with conjunctions, I just can't help it when I'm in ramble mode!
December 12, 2015
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.
SWEET RUIN clashed with the other installments in this series; it had a different writing style, and given how far along the IMMORTALS AFTER DARK plot arc is, I thought that it was a little late for Kresley Cole to be rolling out two new characters. Josephine is Thaddeus’ sister, and there was a strong connection to the Valkyries, but other than that this was mostly a transition novel.
I liked Jo. She fit the IAD female lead profile perfectly, and therein was the problem. Other than having a different name, and being a vampire crossed with a not-yet-seen supe type, I found that her voice was extremely similar to many of those that came before her. On the flip side, Rune was a shameless man-whore, and bats for Team Morior which made reading his POV compelling because it muddied the good/evil waters.
This was one of the more sexually supercharged titles thus far which significantly changed the tone of the story, and I personally don’t stray into the erotica side of Paranormal Romance, so I wasn’t thrilled about that. Nix had her usual moment in the sun, although it was significantly larger (YAY!), and set some fascinating wheels in motion. Ooh, and I think Cole dropped a hint about the soothsayer’s HEA.
Audiobook listeners have been blessed with samples of Robert Petkoff’s Texan accent ever since Thad showed up; however this was the first time that we got to enjoy the full extent of it via an MC. The narrator also did a sensational job with Rune, and adroitly adjusted to the author’s format change. If previous installments left you blushing, wait until you hear his latest performance!
I had mixed feelings about SWEET RUIN, but still, I regret nothing! ~3.5 Stars
SWEET RUIN clashed with the other installments in this series; it had a different writing style, and given how far along the IMMORTALS AFTER DARK plot arc is, I thought that it was a little late for Kresley Cole to be rolling out two new characters. Josephine is Thaddeus’ sister, and there was a strong connection to the Valkyries, but other than that this was mostly a transition novel.
I liked Jo. She fit the IAD female lead profile perfectly, and therein was the problem. Other than having a different name, and being a vampire crossed with a not-yet-seen supe type, I found that her voice was extremely similar to many of those that came before her. On the flip side, Rune was a shameless man-whore, and bats for Team Morior which made reading his POV compelling because it muddied the good/evil waters.
This was one of the more sexually supercharged titles thus far which significantly changed the tone of the story, and I personally don’t stray into the erotica side of Paranormal Romance, so I wasn’t thrilled about that. Nix had her usual moment in the sun, although it was significantly larger (YAY!), and set some fascinating wheels in motion. Ooh, and I think Cole dropped a hint about the soothsayer’s HEA.
Audiobook listeners have been blessed with samples of Robert Petkoff’s Texan accent ever since Thad showed up; however this was the first time that we got to enjoy the full extent of it via an MC. The narrator also did a sensational job with Rune, and adroitly adjusted to the author’s format change. If previous installments left you blushing, wait until you hear his latest performance!
I had mixed feelings about SWEET RUIN, but still, I regret nothing! ~3.5 Stars
February 24, 2017
Ok so my review is going to be 2 parts, first I'm going to gush and rave about how good this book was, and then I'll have a spoiler tag at the bottom to talk about some stuff that happened in the book without ruining it for anyone.
So I am pretty sure this is the best book in the IAD series so far, it's definitely already a favourite of mine. And that is pretty much all because of Rune and Josie. Like most of these books, while they are many supporting characters the majority of the story is focused on them, and they're time together. Josie was cool, I'm not sure I've ever described a fictional character that way, but she was just freaking cool. I loved her bluntness, her snarky attitude and her 'Hulk Smash' tendencies. And I found her parentage really interesting, I am really hoping we get more hybrids in the next books. Their powers are always so cool I wonder how Cole imagines it in the first place lol.
Now Rune, I pretty much have a huge crush on him. He was unbelievably off the charts hot. And man, he's an archer and just reading about him fighting *Fans Face* That shit was hot. Now I've seen some people commenting on his man-whore ways and they seem put off by it which I find strange because if you've read the book in its entirety then you would see that he is actually a very complex character. Without giving to much away, Rune was basically from a very young age deaden to sex. It held no emotion for him until he meets Josie. His man whore ways has a lot to do with that trauma and how it shaped his self image. This is not an excuse, I just think he is much more developed then people are giving him credit for.
And of course through out the book is threaded Cole's signature humour and returning and new characters. I am very excited for the next book, the waiting will probably be painful lol.
*Ok so if you open this spoiler you will probably ruin parts of the book for youself. You've been warned*
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review
So I am pretty sure this is the best book in the IAD series so far, it's definitely already a favourite of mine. And that is pretty much all because of Rune and Josie. Like most of these books, while they are many supporting characters the majority of the story is focused on them, and they're time together. Josie was cool, I'm not sure I've ever described a fictional character that way, but she was just freaking cool. I loved her bluntness, her snarky attitude and her 'Hulk Smash' tendencies. And I found her parentage really interesting, I am really hoping we get more hybrids in the next books. Their powers are always so cool I wonder how Cole imagines it in the first place lol.
Now Rune, I pretty much have a huge crush on him. He was unbelievably off the charts hot. And man, he's an archer and just reading about him fighting *Fans Face* That shit was hot. Now I've seen some people commenting on his man-whore ways and they seem put off by it which I find strange because if you've read the book in its entirety then you would see that he is actually a very complex character. Without giving to much away, Rune was basically from a very young age deaden to sex. It held no emotion for him until he meets Josie. His man whore ways has a lot to do with that trauma and how it shaped his self image. This is not an excuse, I just think he is much more developed then people are giving him credit for.
And of course through out the book is threaded Cole's signature humour and returning and new characters. I am very excited for the next book, the waiting will probably be painful lol.
*Ok so if you open this spoiler you will probably ruin parts of the book for youself. You've been warned*
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review
February 1, 2016
4 Hot Hot Hot Stars
Sweet Ruin is the 16th book in the Immortals After Dark Series, each can be read as a standalone. In fact, this is my first book in the series.
I love paranormal books, but what I love even more are paranormal steamy books and Kresley Cole did not disappoint. If you haven’t read any of the books in the series and you are curious if you can pick it up and understand, I will tell you, it’s completely understandable. I love paranormal books because you never know what kind of world you will get. You are exposed to a lot in this one and it’s a meaty book.
The beginning starts with Josephine, Jo. She has a troubled childhood, which ends quickly when she’s shot, only she doesn’t stay dead, well sort of. She wakes up in the morgue and realizes she’s special. I really liked the way the book starts because I felt like I was uncovering the mystery with Jo. Who is she? What can she do? She likes blood?
She wants to be with her little brother, but realizes it’s difficult in the state she is in. So it’s years later and she runs into Rune.
The main and star of the show is Ruin. He’s so alpha, hot and he sells his body for information. I know, hot right? Jo runs into Rune while he is “working” as in working four women! Okay, not all at once, but one at a time. It made me blush too.
Ruin is intrigued by Jo and realizes she can help him capture his enemy. He plans to kidnap her and hold her so he can get information out of her. His torture tactics is … not the most typical… he does it sexually. Like I said it’s hot. The chemistry between Jo and Rune is off the charts and I was gripping the pages to find out what’s going to happen next.
I like how Jo is a strong character, not only she has physical abilities that make her unique, but she’s determine to stay loyal to her brother and her standards. She wants to be in a relationship with a man who will love her for her and will not settle. You go girl!
Ruin teaches Jo more of his world, which helps first time readers like me understand and Jo falls more for him day by day. I had no idea what this story was going to be about, but it completely blew my mind away. If you are a first time reader of the series, pick it up, if you are an avid fan or like to skip around, you will not be disappointed.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON
Sweet Ruin is the 16th book in the Immortals After Dark Series, each can be read as a standalone. In fact, this is my first book in the series.
I love paranormal books, but what I love even more are paranormal steamy books and Kresley Cole did not disappoint. If you haven’t read any of the books in the series and you are curious if you can pick it up and understand, I will tell you, it’s completely understandable. I love paranormal books because you never know what kind of world you will get. You are exposed to a lot in this one and it’s a meaty book.
The beginning starts with Josephine, Jo. She has a troubled childhood, which ends quickly when she’s shot, only she doesn’t stay dead, well sort of. She wakes up in the morgue and realizes she’s special. I really liked the way the book starts because I felt like I was uncovering the mystery with Jo. Who is she? What can she do? She likes blood?
She wants to be with her little brother, but realizes it’s difficult in the state she is in. So it’s years later and she runs into Rune.
The main and star of the show is Ruin. He’s so alpha, hot and he sells his body for information. I know, hot right? Jo runs into Rune while he is “working” as in working four women! Okay, not all at once, but one at a time. It made me blush too.
Ruin is intrigued by Jo and realizes she can help him capture his enemy. He plans to kidnap her and hold her so he can get information out of her. His torture tactics is … not the most typical… he does it sexually. Like I said it’s hot. The chemistry between Jo and Rune is off the charts and I was gripping the pages to find out what’s going to happen next.
I like how Jo is a strong character, not only she has physical abilities that make her unique, but she’s determine to stay loyal to her brother and her standards. She wants to be in a relationship with a man who will love her for her and will not settle. You go girl!
Ruin teaches Jo more of his world, which helps first time readers like me understand and Jo falls more for him day by day. I had no idea what this story was going to be about, but it completely blew my mind away. If you are a first time reader of the series, pick it up, if you are an avid fan or like to skip around, you will not be disappointed.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON
December 28, 2015
2.5 stars.
This book wasn't as unappetizing as Dark Skye but it wasn't enjoyable either. I didn't feel the connection between Josephine and Rune. It just seemed like a physical connection between two really stubborn people. I liked that Josephine was so focused on saving Thad but she was annoying me. Rune the playboy was just as annoying with his stupid nymphs. Even if I scrubbed my mind of the copious amount of sex scenes, I still didn't enjoy the story. I need to revisit Lothaire to remind myself of what I love about this series.
***I am so thankful to Vanessa C for gifting me with this book. I really hope the next book is much better or i will have to put this series away.
This book wasn't as unappetizing as Dark Skye but it wasn't enjoyable either. I didn't feel the connection between Josephine and Rune. It just seemed like a physical connection between two really stubborn people. I liked that Josephine was so focused on saving Thad but she was annoying me. Rune the playboy was just as annoying with his stupid nymphs. Even if I scrubbed my mind of the copious amount of sex scenes, I still didn't enjoy the story. I need to revisit Lothaire to remind myself of what I love about this series.
***I am so thankful to Vanessa C for gifting me with this book. I really hope the next book is much better or i will have to put this series away.
arc-up-next
December 7, 2015ARC kindly provided by Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2019
Spoilers ahead, reread rating dropped from 5* to 2.5*
I think aliens took over my body when I rated this 5 stars because on a reread the romance in this book sucked and I actually own the ebook and the paperbacks of this 😭
Rune was a former slave and prostitute, his attentiveness to females continues to be how he gets his information. He was a HUGE, SUPER DUPER MANWHORE! We see him having sex with nymphs and almost having sex with OW 2 times after having sexual contact with Jo👎. I did not like him! He was weak and foolish and took too damn long to come to his senses
And Jo! Ugh she was turned on by his first sex scene that she witnessed and she again witnesses him as he attempted to have sex with 2 others after getting up close and personal with her yet she couldn't resist him! Grrrrrr. Even with this I actually liked Jo and her awesome powers
I enjoyed the story even though I didn't like the romance
I think aliens took over my body when I rated this 5 stars because on a reread the romance in this book sucked and I actually own the ebook and the paperbacks of this 😭
Rune was a former slave and prostitute, his attentiveness to females continues to be how he gets his information. He was a HUGE, SUPER DUPER MANWHORE! We see him having sex with nymphs and almost having sex with OW 2 times after having sexual contact with Jo👎. I did not like him! He was weak and foolish and took too damn long to come to his senses
And Jo! Ugh she was turned on by his first sex scene that she witnessed and she again witnesses him as he attempted to have sex with 2 others after getting up close and personal with her yet she couldn't resist him! Grrrrrr. Even with this I actually liked Jo and her awesome powers
I enjoyed the story even though I didn't like the romance
August 17, 2016
Whereas I read this one fairly quickly and I enjoyed it, part of me felt this entry was missing… something. Let's work this through.
In Sweet Ruin, we get two new characters in KC’s IAD series. The Hero is a member of The Moirer which has been mentioned a couple times before- but in Sweet Ruin, we get a closer look. The Moirer are, or seem to be, a cadre of first immortals of their races- Gods, even- from another world. They are coming back to Gaia (that’s earth to you and me) for the big bad apocalypse meant to bring balance to the force. (Read: A war which happens every 500 years or so which cull the numbers of immortals.)
Rune the Baneblood had a pretty bad start to life. 7000 years later he’s become fairly numb to it all. Then he gets a whiff of Josephine Doe. (Yes. Jo Doe.) Now that he’s onto her scent, he’s not letting go till he figures her out- or sexes her up.
Jo is something else all together. She is unaware of her true self having been orphaned and on the streets all her life, but we've seen one other like her early on in the series.
For most of her life, she was mostly all about survival- and protecting her kid brother. Then she gets shot and finds she’s immortal. In an instant her life changes and she makes the hard decision of leaving her brother behind, in the safety and care of a someone she’s learned to trust… as much as she can trust anyone anyway.
Years later she’s still on the streets- but using her superpowers for the good, protecting the prostitutes and those that society has left behind. One day after dealing with another piece of crap excuse for a male, she hears sounds of pleasure and she can’t help but follow. Intrigued by the gorgeous man causing the pleasurable sounds eminating from multiple women with him at the time, she lingers for longer than she should- just enough for him to lock onto her.
They are both on a mission unbeknownst to each other. A mission to hunt down bigger prey- prey that just happens to be the same immortal, Nix The Everknowing. They eventually decide to align in order to catch her. It is this journey that forms the alliance that my guess was “the prey’s” design all along. (Is a prey really prey when they want to be chased? Ah Nixie, we be onto you.)
One more alliance for Veritas, (which I believe Rune & Jo eventually will be), Is this war ever going to happen???
And so we’ve come to my “meh” part of the novel. We’ve been hearing about The Accession (the war to pick off the immortals) for many many books now, and I don’t mind holding it off, but, as with this one, it’s starting to feel serialized. Which I suppose every books series actually is… it’s just I hate feeling cheated and when they come out shorter and not as much depth, well then, I think we actually are cheated.
This author is juggling several series, and honestly, can you blame her? She’s good, I’m sure she gets bored and perhaps has many stories inside her that do not fit into one particular mold. I get it, I really do. My problem is... I just like one—okay two—of them. And those are the ones I want the most of. (I want what I want dammit and why cant she cater only to me?? Haha) I know it’s selfish of me. I know it’s unrealistic. But it doesn’t make me any less disappointed. So. yeah.
Rune is an archer and I felt shades of Oliver Queen from the tv show Arrow- Not a bad thing!!- and honestly? I was “all in” the entire time. This book was all about the tease and has some erotic heat to it. (Not as much as her Game Maker series of hers, but definitely seeing they same feel In this one.) Also not a bad thing, imo. Despite the book ending too soon for me, I’m giving it a 4 out of 5.
In Sweet Ruin, we get two new characters in KC’s IAD series. The Hero is a member of The Moirer which has been mentioned a couple times before- but in Sweet Ruin, we get a closer look. The Moirer are, or seem to be, a cadre of first immortals of their races- Gods, even- from another world. They are coming back to Gaia (that’s earth to you and me) for the big bad apocalypse meant to bring balance to the force. (Read: A war which happens every 500 years or so which cull the numbers of immortals.)
Rune the Baneblood had a pretty bad start to life. 7000 years later he’s become fairly numb to it all. Then he gets a whiff of Josephine Doe. (Yes. Jo Doe.) Now that he’s onto her scent, he’s not letting go till he figures her out- or sexes her up.
Jo is something else all together. She is unaware of her true self having been orphaned and on the streets all her life, but we've seen one other like her early on in the series.
For most of her life, she was mostly all about survival- and protecting her kid brother. Then she gets shot and finds she’s immortal. In an instant her life changes and she makes the hard decision of leaving her brother behind, in the safety and care of a someone she’s learned to trust… as much as she can trust anyone anyway.
Years later she’s still on the streets- but using her superpowers for the good, protecting the prostitutes and those that society has left behind. One day after dealing with another piece of crap excuse for a male, she hears sounds of pleasure and she can’t help but follow. Intrigued by the gorgeous man causing the pleasurable sounds eminating from multiple women with him at the time, she lingers for longer than she should- just enough for him to lock onto her.
They are both on a mission unbeknownst to each other. A mission to hunt down bigger prey- prey that just happens to be the same immortal, Nix The Everknowing. They eventually decide to align in order to catch her. It is this journey that forms the alliance that my guess was “the prey’s” design all along. (Is a prey really prey when they want to be chased? Ah Nixie, we be onto you.)
One more alliance for Veritas, (which I believe Rune & Jo eventually will be), Is this war ever going to happen???
And so we’ve come to my “meh” part of the novel. We’ve been hearing about The Accession (the war to pick off the immortals) for many many books now, and I don’t mind holding it off, but, as with this one, it’s starting to feel serialized. Which I suppose every books series actually is… it’s just I hate feeling cheated and when they come out shorter and not as much depth, well then, I think we actually are cheated.
This author is juggling several series, and honestly, can you blame her? She’s good, I’m sure she gets bored and perhaps has many stories inside her that do not fit into one particular mold. I get it, I really do. My problem is... I just like one—okay two—of them. And those are the ones I want the most of. (I want what I want dammit and why cant she cater only to me?? Haha) I know it’s selfish of me. I know it’s unrealistic. But it doesn’t make me any less disappointed. So. yeah.
Rune is an archer and I felt shades of Oliver Queen from the tv show Arrow- Not a bad thing!!- and honestly? I was “all in” the entire time. This book was all about the tease and has some erotic heat to it. (Not as much as her Game Maker series of hers, but definitely seeing they same feel In this one.) Also not a bad thing, imo. Despite the book ending too soon for me, I’m giving it a 4 out of 5.
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