Munro

Immortals After Dark #18

by Kresley Cole

The next stand-alone installment in the electrifying Immortals After Dark series by #1 New York Times best-selling author Kresley Cole. Venture deeper into the Lore, fierce realm of the immortals-if you dare. . . . TORMENTED IN UNIMAGINABLE WAYS Coming off torture at the hands of his warlock captors, Munro MacRieve never expected to find his mate, or to lose her just as abruptly. Driven to desperation, the ruthless warrior uses his enemies' own powers to reunite with her-in the distant past. STOLEN FROM HER TIME When a crazed werewolf crashes her wedding, Kereny "Ren" Codrina does what any cunning huntress would do: she captures him . Yet she finds herself softening toward the wounded beast-until he turns the tables and forces her into an incomprehensible future. CAN A HUMAN AND AN IMMORTAL UNITE IN ORDER TO SURVIVE? As danger mounts, Munro will do anything to make her undying, even sell his soul to an evil sorceress. But first he must convince his fiery mate that she belongs with him. If seduction means her survival, Munro will use every weapon in his arsenal to possess her-forever.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Vampires, Time Travel

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2022

About the author

Kresley 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

Reviews

[Laura Thalassa · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! So f*cking good it's not even funny! I give Munro all the stars! Kresley killed it, as usual! <3 This series is my "Go-To" recommendation for anyone looking for an amazing Paranormal Romance series. No one writes enemies-to-lovers like this woman does, and the sexual tension is always off the charts!

*EDIT: I AM CRYING. I have an ARC, and I’m going to shamelessly flaunt it. I’ll see you all on the other side.***

Kresley Cole is the queen, and I cannot wait for this one! If you're an avid reader of hers, then you know it's been a while since her last release. As an author myself, all I can say is please be kind with what you write about Kresley on these spaces and try give her the benefit of the doubt. There are so many reasons why an author might go dark, and most of them are pretty damn tragic. If I were in her shoes, then I'd want my books and my readers to be a safe place to fall. <3 Sending dear Kresley all the love and positive vibes! I'll be here to read Munro whenever it's ready!

[A]

I deleted my rating since she apparently is going to release it this month and I do think it will be released this time because there are people saying they have completed ARC's. I left what I wrote intact at the bottom because it would be dishonest to delete it though. I'll update with an actual rating whenever I read it.





xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

This is my one of my favorite series and I honestly think it has only gotten better over the years but the author doesn't seem nearly as interested in this series as her Arcana books and I'm starting to hope she forces herself to wrap it up soon because at this rate she's gonna quit writing the series entirely and we'll never get any closure. Wicked Abyss was 2 years ago. Macrieve was 6 years ago. There isn't even a cover or pre-order info available and neither she nor anyone in her camp is popping onto Twitter or Facebook to say "so sorry something's come up so it'll be late but we're on top of it." So I'm guessing it's nowhere near where it should be to meet their self imposed deadline.

[Aisling Zena]

30/01/22

It's out people!! IT'S OUT NOW!!




25/09/21

Newsletter update!!

"Hi folks!

Thank you all so very much for your lovely messages in response to my last newsletter. They mean the world to me, and I am beyond grateful to have such wonderful readers!
When Nïx the Ever Knowing predicted that we'd have a MUNRO update this month, she was right! Our official release date is . . . drumroll . . . January 25, 2022. (It might drop earlier than that, but for now, we're playing it safe with the date :)

Q & A:

When is the next Arcana book coming out?
FROM THE GRAVE is up next in the rotation, and we're hoping for a Spring 2022 release date. Thank you for your patience!
Will Nïx make an appearance in MUNRO?
The Ever-Knowing One features prominently in Munro's book, and we'll get several glimpses into her complex and beautiful mind. She wanted me to pass this on to you guys:
"So, my mortal loves, back I go to my recruitment drive. My Accession army isn’t yet ready—have you ever tried to play Moneyball with immortals?—but it will be soon. It must be. In the meantime, you’ll learn Munro’s future in the next few months. For nine centuries, he’s dreamed of finding his mate. Careful what you wish for, wolf. Kereny's tongue is as sharp as her blade. . . ."
Will any other characters make a cameo?
A ton! All the Lykae you'd expect will be getting page time, plus, Lothaire, Ellie, Balery, Loa, Kristoff, Desh, Ember, Portia, some baby witches, and, of course, Bertil. Also, a huge SURPRISE character is in store for you!

Thank you again, my lovely friends. Until next time, all my warmest hugs to you and yours,
:)Kresley"


25/08/21

KC sent a newsletter with proof of life! Can't figure out how to link it so here it is:

"Hi folks,

I hope you are all doing well! I’m very sorry I haven’t written in so long. It seemed the more time passed between updates, the harder it got to send one.

I was also hoping this newsletter might contain some, well, news, but I consulted with Nïx, and she informed me that I’ll have a MUNRO update in September! For now, I’m sending proof of life and a heart full of warm wishes to you and yours.

You guys are the most amazing readers, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your patience.

All my best,
:)Kresley"

28/02/21

This reddit thread is the only thing new I have found for KC. There's numerous speculation, concern over her health, a severely broken leg a few years ago as well as publishing issues. When Gena Showalter was asked she just replied that she has to respect KC's privacy. I just hope she's healthy at this point. I do wish her team would just post an update though. Even a simple she's alive but "can't come to the phone" one would be appreciated.

https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks...

22/04/20







27/10/18

Munro's book!!!!

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kresley Cole is BACK, y'all!!

When I tell you I screamed when I got the chance to read an early copy of Munro... that would be an understatement. IAD is one of my all-time favorite paranormal romance series. I first discovered KC many years ago back in college through her contemporary mafia romance series, and inhaled everything I could from her after that. And then when we were finally getting closer to the release date for Munro, I decided to do a reread of the whole series to prepare, and what a wild ride this past month has been. I almost forgot just how GOOD this series is. The characters, the world-building, the steam, the humor – it all makes for one fantastic series.

I guess I should actually get to talking about Munro now! It's a paranormal romance between a human monster huntress and an immortal Lykae. Munro is literally what Kereny has trained to kill almost her entire life. You could almost call this enemies to lovers, except the enemies aspect is more on the heroine's side, because Lykaes recognize their fated mate as soon as they meet them. If you've read the end of MacRieve, then you know the beginning of Kereny and Munro's romance. Munro, in his pain and loss over his dead mate, travels back in time to save her... and brings her forward to the future. It's a very rough start for the both of them – he's a monster she's sworn to kill, and she's forced to leave behind everything she's known and loved because of him. At times, I almost didn't know how these two would overcome this giant setback. But this is Kresley Cole, which means I put my absolute trust in her and her ability to write an incredible romance.

I enjoyed reading Munro so much. Kereny is a strong, fiery heroine, and even though I wanted to smack Munro at times, I couldn't help but love the way he would do anything to keep his mate safe. There's plenty of action and steam here, and the push and pull between our main couple is SO good. I also loved that we got a bunch of scenes of my favorite IAD couple, Lothaire and Ellie. The only reason I'm not giving this a full 5 stars though is because the pacing, especially towards the end, felt too rushed for me. SO many things were happening in the last 20% of the book! I wanted to slow things down to process but still, I'm so happy with how things ended. And the surprise reveal at the end... I literally squealed lol.

It's not too long of a wait now before Munro drops on the 25th! If you've been waiting like many KC fans have, you're in for a treat. I can only hope we don't have to wait too long for book 19!

Btw, if you're wondering what books you need before reading Munro, I would highly recommend (re)reading Lothaire, Shadow's Claim, and MacRieve.

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread for 2022 favorites
.
.

*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*

Well.. surprising no one... this was a 6 star book for me. Let me just lay that out there right now.

To say that I have been hyped with wanting and expectation would not be an over estimation. Back in 2020 I was introduced to Immortals After Dark. It brought a wave of nostalgia over me for Paranormal Romances of my teens and I gleefully blazed through all the books available.

I am SO pleased that I was able to read an early copy of this next entry and I am so glad at how it captured my heart. I knew the author would not let me down, even though I was still anxious since it had been so long. I am thrilled that it felt like I never left.

Plunging right back into the Lore and being back with characters that my heart bleeds over... it is a special kind of joy. To read new words and new adventures of an author you enjoy so much is a true treasure. I set aside everything else on my plate and just let the story wash over me.

Munro and Ren, like every great couple in IAD, have some serious obstacles facing them. Including diametrically opposed goals, mortal life spans, and even time itself. But the bond of a fated one will always win out. And most of the fun lies in that journey and how the author pulls it together.

I just loved our heroine. Like any great woman that Cole writes, she is fierce, brave, and fearless. Even though she is a human, she felt like a Valkyrie in a lot of ways. Her band of circus performers who swear to protect the clueless humans they entertain is so cool! I loved all the scenes with them.

And Munro... sweet Munro.. I had recently reread MacRieve to prepare for this new release and I was reminded how much I loved him and how deeply he cared for his brother. Watching him come to terms with his human mate and his own wants and desires was so wonderful. Also, I am just a sucker for the Lykae and their inner wolf. He is always bent on protection and possession and I LIVE for it.

Finally, I just want to say how much this series has captured my heart over the last few years and if you are a fan of it as well, and the whole cast of characters up to this point... you are in for a TREAT! There are a ton of cameos and sneak peaks into the future. And that EPILOUGE... OMG!!! (Internal Screaming!!)

Well, that's all for now. I can't wait to gush with everyone when the book releases. I promise... it was worth the wait.

6/5 stars

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's a full character guide I did for the series! It's fully up to date as of this book.

⤅ I really thought I'd never be able to review this book.

The last instalment in this series came out in 2017. I don't read Game of Thrones, so the only other book I can remember waiting so long for is LJ Smith's Strange Fate (which has gone unpublished for over 20 years, so that's a bit of an extreme example). A five-year wait is definitely the longest I've ever endured for a book, so first of all I have to say how thrilled I am to be back in the world of the Lore once more.

The story of Munro and his mate Kereny has actually been teased ever since 2013, when they appeared in the epilogue of his twin Will's book MacRieve. So instead of continuing on the Morior detour with brand-new characters, as Cole has been doing for the last few books, it was great to be back with people we already knew.

The book opens with the pair trapped in the dungeon of Those Best Forgotten, a warlock sect who have enslaved Lykae; as we knew from the epilogue teaser, Kereny is dying, and Munro has just bitten her in a desperate attempt to save her. It doesn't work - THIS IS NOT A SPOILER, it's in the first three pages of the book. She dies instead. Fortunately, Those Best Forgotten are time-travellers, so Munro goes in back in time, determined to save a previous version of Kereny and bring her forward to his own era. Too bad he shows up at her wedding. Though she agrees to go with him eventually, it's a rocky ride.

I'm going to do something a little different this time, and alternate pros and cons.

✔️ Even at her absolute worst, which this isn't, Kresley Cole can WRITE. She can write quite frankly like nobody's business. Her sentences flow well, they're sharp and descriptive; by now, she knows the Lore so well we sink straight back in like quicksand. I just love the concept of the Lore itself.

❌ Unfortunately, the flipside to that is Kereny is human, so the Lore isn't utilised quite as well as it could have been. She's only the second 'pure mortal' (i.e. not a secret Valkyrie like Holly or cambion like Chloe) in the series, after Elizabeth. To be honest, it's extremely frustrating to have a human heroine - particularly when that human is Kereny. More on that later...

✔️ Munro is a completely unexceptionable hero. In fact, by Lore standards, he's practically woke. While I hate Will because he was a verbally abusive arsehole, and Lachlain because he was a cruel git, Munro subscribes more to the Garreth MacRieve school of Lykae - he's largely just quite sweet. Heavy-handed sometimes, but I don't blame him at all because Kereny was just unbearable sometimes.

❌ This brings me to the book's biggest con: Kereny. I won't lie, I found her extraordinarily stubborn and arrogant, and not in an endearing way at all. So: she's a human, right? Who hunts monsters - that is, immortals. She knows she's weaker, softer, and centuries younger than absolutely EVERYONE in the Lore. But she maintains an absolutely boneheaded, incomprehensible attitude to the concept of being turned immortal for a great portion of the book, in a way that Munro (correctly) characterises as selfish. She actually suggests he turn human to live with her, and gets maudlin about the 'sacrifices she's making for him'! Yes, because living forever with the guy you're in love with (and being actually in a better position to do your hunting) is such a sacrifice, am I right? She displayed the critical thinking skills of a plant. I could understand her reluctance to leave the Circus behind, and desire to find out what had happened to Jacob, but once she'd verified they were all fine she had no excuse. And she transitions into 'actually I'm okay with being turned' a bit too quickly, in light of her previous stubbornness.

✔️ Let's head to our biggest pro now: the side characters, cameos and Easter eggs. Nix and Lothaire? They MADE this book for me. They're the platonic pairing of the ages. More drip-fed information about Kristoff and Furie? Sign me up. We catch up with Lothaire and Elizabeth and La Dorada too - I have a sneaky suspicion La Dorada is getting a book, though I wouldn't swear to it.

❌ In some ways though, the strength of the side characters made Munro and Kereny come off as so much flatter in comparison. Neither are actually genuinely funny people, which is a surprise for this series, where characters basically speak nothing but Snark and One-Liner. Munro is charming, sure - but 'swoonworthy' isn't the same as 'funny', though he still does better than Kereny. She actually comes off a little bit as a weaker version of Lucia, with the whole 'I'm an amazing hunter, watch me aim' thing. The difference is that Lucia could absolutely put her money where her mouth is. Lucia has over a millennium of hunting experience, Kereny has less than 20 years and contemplated KILLING LOTHAIRE! I don't know why, but her misplaced arrogance really got to me, the way Jo's did in Sweet Ruin. There, though, I had the pleasure of watching her eat her words as Nix broke every bone in her body. (One of my favourite scenes). Here, though, Lothaire just let it... slide? I'm going to decide that's because killing her isn't worth the hassle of Elizabeth putting him in the doghouse.

✔️ The plot does kind of make strides, Accession-wise. Well, it makes steps at least. Though the Morior are MIA, Nix is always out and about scheming. I'm reassured-ish that Cole does actually have a mental endgame for this series, though I confess I can't see what it is, or how she'd possible tie up all the loose ends there are.

❌ The plot is however a little choppy, especially in the second half. Villains appear and disappear in a sort of deux ex machina way, with random time jumps used to facilitate this.

⤅ Overall

Look, I love this series. There's no two ways about it. While individual books have irked me, many (if not most, especially the earlier ones) are five-star reads. There is a little bit of a sense of 'lost magic' as the series progresses; I haven't unreservedly adored one of these books since Lothaire came out a decade ago. But ultimately, I'm planning to be here until the very end. With Munro, we're one step closer to that end, and I'm so glad Cole released it.

My Predictions for Future Couples

⤅ Kosmina Daciano (the vampire princess) with Silt Harea (the Sorceri), Brandr the True (berserker) or possibly Salem (the sylph)

⤅ Furie (the Valkyrie queen) with Kristoff (the vampire king)

⤅ Loa (the voodoo priestess) with Heath (the Lykae prince)

⤅ Carafina the Fair (Furie's twin) with Michael (the human she guards)

⤅ Nix with Orion

⤅ Rok with someone... mayyyybe Balery, but I hope now

⤅ Natalya (the dark fey) with Thad (the phanpire), in a bit

⤅ Ronan (the teenaged Lykae) with Belee (the bossy witch) - I know they're together in this book but I want a cute story of them!

⤅ Ruby (the powerful witch child) with one of the Morior, in a LONG time - maybe?

Other characters I'd like to see: Deshazior (the storm demon pirate), Salem (the invisible sylph)
__
This book is now up for pre-order, to release in January 2022 (and I've just edited the book's metadata to reflect that). However, we've had so many delays and setbacks that I'm not holding my breath. I suggest you don't either.

I completely get authors needing to take time out for personal reasons, but the staggering lack of communication is just unfair to readers.
__

Honestly, I'm not that worked up about Munro after MacRieve was such a disappointment, but I'd read Kresley Cole's shopping list so here I am

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's taken a long time to finally read this book. Waiting for it to be published then I had a little one of my own, so when I've finally had the chance to read these last few days I've taken it.

This book was amazing it follows Munro and Kereny, a lykae and a mortal hunter. Munro goes back in time to save his mate, but she does not realise this and sees it as more of a kidnapping. There are many twists and turns and many naughty scenes. I expect the naughty scenes from the immortal after dark series I think the first scene happened way too early especially with the emotions happening at that point. I loved the mentions to the characters I love like nix and lothaire and maybe a little news on Furie (need kristoff and furies book soon 🙏🏻) it's a very fast paced book and I kept thinking about it. A book that can stick in your mind while doing day to day activities is always a plus in my opinion.



Want to read review:


Here we are Munro's book! Ever since the end of Macrieve have been dying for this book I need to know what happened. I love the Lykae they are some of my favourite immortals in the IAD series. Can't wait!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I, like most of Kresley's readers, have been waiting for this book for years and when I tell you the wait was worth it, I mean, THE WAIT WAS WORTH IT! I LOVED Munro, my sweet little Scottish baby angel, and Kereny was such a (good) surprise too. I can't say much because I really don't want to reveal too much but whatever you think is going to happen in this book, you are wrong.

I loved every page, reading this book felt like coming home. I had missed this world and these characters so much and I'm so glad they're back. You'll see so many characters you love in this book, you'll meet new ones, you'll learn secrets, you'll laugh and boy, will you cry. But most of all, be prepared for that ending, because I was not, so just brace yourself for an epic ending and a "HOLY SHIT! I didn't see that coming" moment. Kresley did it again, MUNRO might be one of my favorite IAD book, and that's saying something.

Disclaimer: I had the chance to read an early copy of this book because I work for Kresley.

[Lynsey A · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Reading

WORTH THE WAIT. Loved this book! Loved the ending. Loved these two. And of course, absolutely LOVED SEEING LOTHAIRE again. He will always be my fave Immortal.

I'm sure others will write longer and more detailed reviews of this book so I'll keep it short. I was so happy to finally get to read this book after the 9 year wait. That cliff-hanger in MacRieve almost ended us all, I'm sure we can agree. Well, the immediate aftermath of that scene was heart-breaking.

Once Munro goes back to save Kereny we really get a moving story. Munro had to see Kereny die once already and all he wants is for her to be safe as an immortal. An immortal is the last thing Kereny wants to be since she's sworn to end all immortals. Munro has spent his life looking after Will, making sure he didn't end his life and now he has to worry about Kereny, since she doesn't want to become an immortal. Kereny just wants Munro to let her make her own decisions.

It's a deep and heartfelt story with some sweet moments between the two and certainly some sexy times as well, of course.😉 I don't want to give too much away but the ending was great and absolutely loved the pregnancy and twin trope that I got in this book. The scene where she tells Munro she is pregnant after he is confident they'll have cubs later, was absolutely delightful. And too when she dropped the twins bomb. LOL

Random Thoughts:

💜 Lothaire.

💜 And his Lizvetta.

💜 I can't with him and how he loves her.

💜 The scene after the Wendingo attack between Munro and Kereny.

💜

💜 Just so glad to have finally been able to read this book.

💜


Edited 1/28/22




The agony and torture of waiting until today to start this book after our 9 year wait! But....




Edited 9/24/21

IT'S FINALLY HAPPENING, PEOPLE! (As a part of me still waits for the other shoe to drop. I mean,come on, we've been waiting for the better part of a decade for this book).



January 25th, 2022 Pre-order for ebook is up on Amazon and other re-sellers now.



THE IAD DROUGHT IS ALMOST OVER!!!

Edited 8/26/21

Logged onto my email and saw a KC Update email....that just said she was alive and will have an update for us in September....any guesses to the update? Maybe a September surprise release?



(That was to me because I'm probably just reaching)

Edited 6/18/20

It is now June 2020. No pre-order to be found. So, I'm guessing we won't be getting Munro this month. Maybe not even this year.

It's been 8 years and we've been in lockdown for 3 months. How in the world is this book not done yet?

Seriously??

Edited: 2/2/20

June 2020!!!! We have a cover and a date. Don't let us down, Kresley.

8 Friggin Years. We've waited 8 Friggin Years for this book. It better be good!!!!

Edited: 11/27/19

WE HAVE A COVER! WE HAVE A COVER!

Oh and hey, early summer 2020 at the latest...what's now 8 years waiting for a book release. Nothing.


Edited: 5/17/19

Shocking, I know but the release date for Munro has been pushed back to....oh wait. We don't have any freaking idea.



Tentative release date, May 28th, 2019!!! The seven year Munro drought is almost to an end!!!

[❤️Emma Book Lover ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 “wee harridan” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🖤Follow me on Instagram for more edits🖤



This book took 5 years to reach our kindle, at one point I even lost faith I’ll ever be back in this world ( shame on me😳) but then I saw we have a date and a cover and an ARC team sign up and I was over the moon when i got the email that i ll read Munro early.
You guys, I actually screamed, startling everyone in the house and probably vicinity 🙀👀🗣

Being back in the Lore has felt like coming home ( as some of my fellow arc buddies said). I didn’t do my reread but I had no problem remembering and understanding what s going on, not one moment when I felt confused or lost.

Munro MacRieve is held prisoner and tortured at the hands of warlocks that try to break his control and vassal him for their dirty deeds , but when no amount of pain works, they bring in something that Munro and his beast will not be able to ignore.
He knows from the first sniff that Kereny “Ren” Codrina is his mate , the one that will complete him. But she is a mortal human and he loses her too soon, although not all is lost because there is another chance to reunite with her. He Time travels to her wedding day , crashes the ceremony all alpha and growly male 😅 ( great scene) but Ren is no damsel in distress, she is The Great Kereny, Transylvanian Blade Huntress, her stage persona for her knife-throwing act, but also her reputation among immortals. She along with her crew hunt this immortals in order to protect the oblivious human settlements around the forest.Munro is definitely getting a taste of those skills.
This man is simply delicious. I was swooning so hard. He is gentle and caring but also possessive and dominating and lets not forget hot AF. He only wants the best for his mate and will use everything he has to convince her that her place is at his side.

Kresley really is a master at writing her female mc.Like all the other women in this series, Ren is fierce, resilient, cunning and strong opinionated. She has a soft spot for the werewolf, they even reach an agreement, but Munro kinda fu*ks that up 😅 by taking her 100 year into our times. Now he has to change her mortality and get into her graces too.

This two together were FIRE. Sizzling sexual tension, hilarious banter, swoon moments and close call situations. Perfectly matched pair. I was rooting for them.

“Do I make you nervous, wolf?”
“Bit.”
“How can that be? I’m merely a mortal.”
“Because I want you dearly, and I have a feeling you’re about to use your wiles on me.” Judging by the ache in his cock, she’d already begun.

Lots of cameos that i just devoured , clutch your pearls ladies because REVELATIONS.
Obviously, we get to see Nix.New forces join the Vertas Alliance.

All in all I continue to be blown away by the world-building and development of the overarching series plotline. I’m excited to see how this storyline progresses with the other characters and their possible matching. Amazing addition to this series. I can’t wait for everyone to read it.


I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review. Thank you Kresley and Naomi.

[Ren Puspita · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars

There's some minor complaints that I have, but I can said that the 4 years-give-and-take-waiting is kind of worth it (Wicked Abyss published in 2017. That's long!). I was right back then when I predict Munro will be my favorite Lykae compared to his twin, Will (whom his book, MacRieve is my less favorite from IAD series :p). Kereny is not bad too, although her nickname matched mine. It's a little bit unsettling, also embarrassing when its come to steamy sex scene to read my own name written doing naughty things, lol. I guess, I'm too old when its comes to read a character in books that have same name with me.

After 2 books about Morior, Sweet Ruin and Wicked Abyss, we finally get back to the Loreans. The 4 years (add it some months) waiting after last book is not a joke because I feel almost lost when reading the beginning of Munro. It didn't help with how long time passed after the last I read MacRieve at 2014, so I'm a little bit confused and its make sense because that was...7-8 years ago! I swear this pandemic skewed my view of time! I read Munro on my e-reader while my paperback copy of MacRieve is in my home (I'm on my project site right now), so I can't check what happen to Munro other than he lost his mate (funny that I remember this). Reading my old review kinda fulfill some holes in the memory, but I guess I was overdue to do a re-read. Maybe I'll do it next time (so many books so little time!).

Munro have Cole's trademarks that I found as my crack. I mean, some things must be frustrated new readers, such as bordering alphahole hero that definitely didn't understand a concept about boundaries, lust at the first sight, "almost" stockholm syndrome, "I'm-Tarzan-You-Jane-Hear-Me-Roar personalities (again, from the hero), purple prose, goodness the prose, lol. But, I have been a long time reader of IAD series, and so far despite the high and low (and the waiting), I still enjoy Cole's writing. I don't joke when IAD is my guilty pleasures read, because it is. I kinda give up on LOTU by Gena Showalter because I found I just don't have any interest to read it after Paris's (and too add insult to injury, the infamous Gilly is not William's mate that take internet by the storm), but I still waiting for any new installment of IAD. All that Cole's trademarks is my cracks and despite my grumbling also complaints, I still read it in one sitting.

There's many things happen in Munro. There's time travel (not spoiler, because the blurb said so) with a concept that for me a lil bit sketchy and not like any time travel's concept that I know. Some appearance from old characters, Lothaire's fans esp will be rejoice since he and Ellie play big role in here and Dacia is one of the settings. Nix is sadly just a have minor role, but still cryptic like always. Will and Chloe also have major role, and especially Will finally come to his senses and become a good brother to Munro after all that Munro did for him when he become suicidal in the past. Like, about time. Munro is not a filler book, because despite the problem that Munro and Kereny face, there's some development in the story. Make me wonder, come on, bring the Ascension already! Anyway, usually story in IAD books happen in short time, but this book timeline span for some weeks, giving time for us to follow both Munro and Kereny's relationship and any events that happen around them.

From character development, Munro and Kereny is your IAD h/H standards but still manage to charm me. Munro is of course alpha to the core that doesn't want to listen to reason and continue to take Kereny's choice from hers. But, when I think he is no better than Will in MacRieve that act as a jerk, his action regarding Kereny's immortality change my thought and that's why I said he's the best MacRieve twins. He finally listen, although still act as mother hen to Kereny to the end, but I guess its come from his upbringing that continue to be the mature twin when the other act like a child (yes, it's you Will). Kereny is badass (like always), I think she's not that petite, not like some previous heroines of IAD, because it's make me roll my eyes to see heroine that in 5" ft but her man towering them almost to 7". I've been there in my project site when I'm the shortest person while all the men beside me towering me and make me always craning my neck, lol. Kereny also have determination and I'm on her side over and over because who doesn't get cranky when their option taken from them? Her lusting to Munro is ofc make me roll my eyes, but well if Munro is that handsome, I might fall for his charms. In the end, when she finally fall for Munro, I amend it, because who doesn't when in the end Munro finally come to his senses. Although some warning, Kereny is already married when Munro try to claim her, but Cole try to make it work, that's why I said the time travel concept here is rather sketchy. I won't said what Kereny did is cheating, but your mileage may vary, since anything that I try to describe will considered as spoiler. I do have some suspicion with the way Cole describe Kereny's pregnancy and her birthing process. I forgot, but the last time she wrote about the heroine having baby, it's from Cadeon and Holly's book that...many years ago. If I remember well, she didn't describe it with detail. But Cole did it in Munro. Maybe one of the reason she going radio silence, beside she try to get her IAD series right back from the old publisher, is because she also pregnant and just have a child?? Lol, that's just my guess .

To said I satisfied with how Cole write about Munro and Kereny's is an understatement, but I'm glad that finally I can go back to IAD again. I read Munro in e-book because waiting for the paperback version is a pain in the ass, but I will order the paperback after this so I can complete my collection. Alas, with Cole going indie with IAD, ofc my collection will not matched, but eh, I have LOTHAIRE and DARK SKYE in HC, so, that's that XD. Also, with all that hints about them in Munro, Furie and Kristoff SHOULD BE THE ENDGAME OR I WILL RIOT!! , lel. Come on, Cole, quit dangling us fans with their hints. The epilogue kinda give hints for some new player, but right now I just want to read about Furie and Kristoff. I just hope, I still live long enough to read their book *finger crossed*. Oh, forget to add, please make book about Uthyr the Dragon whom love to watch soap opera, because his character and personality is such a blast!

Early reaction below:

UPDATE ver 2: IT'S FINALLY HAVE A RELEASE DATE!!

But..since my enthusiasm already dimmed a bit (hahaha, lel), I think I will stick with the ebook version. Then decide to collect in paperback version if the story any good. Since seems like Cole decide to go self publish, then the paperback version will be in oddsize and it won't match with the rest of my collection :/


UPDATE: It's been 3 years after I shelved Munro as wishlist and there's no any news about the book. Kresley Cole also going radio silence :(

Maybe this book will never be published. But, but, I still need closure!! I really want at least one book about Uthyr the Dragon. Please give the dragon his HEA and please make him still love watching soap opera!

Okay, maybe Nix's book . Also don't forget about Furie or Kristoff (either as mated pair or with someone else). I just hope Cole will publish book about them too :(

---------
So.....another long long way to go until Furie get her book :/.

After Gena Showalter's fiasco with the "Gilly is not William-HEA anymore", I will not surprised if Furie didn't end up with Kristoff (since both authors are BFF). Kristoff latest appearance is in Lothaire (4-5 years ago?) and hints about Furie if I remember, was mentioned in Dark Skye. According to Cole's latest newsletter seems like Mina's book will be delayed until God know when, and this book is about Munro and Kereny. Well, at least it's not about Morior.

But really... I wonder if Furie's will get her story written, if she is indeed Kristoff's bride, or maybe all of it just a wishful thinking *shrug

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

Do I make you nervous, wolf?”
“Bit.”
“How can that be? I’m merely a mortal.”
“Because I want you dearly, and I have a feeling you’re about to use your wiles on me.”

The Lykae and his harridan are finally here and they were worth every agonizing minute of the wait!

The minute I finished MacRieve I was desperate for his twin's book. That sneak peek at the end? PAINFUL. And considering I finished MacRieve when it released in 2013, suffice it to say I've been just a touch rabid in my wait. *sheepish grin* This is hands down one of my favorite PNR series, so I'll happily wait forever for each finger licking taste of the world. And while Kresley gave us a wait between releases, she's back with a vengeance in this latest installment.

If you've read this series, you know the Hot and Hotter twins. And you also know of the seer who foretold that Munro's mate to be a harridan. And if you're like me, you've been desperate to see just how this prophecy comes to life. But oh the twist! Not only is Munro's mate a mortal from another time (read-century), but she's a monster hunter who hates immortals. *pause for dramatic effect*

We saw their first meeting at the end of MacRieve and let's just say things don't go well.

I cannot describe to you all just how happy I was to find myself in this magical world again. Munro and Kereny's story was EVERYTHING. It was a delicious slow burn full of chemistry and unbearable yearning. When a Lykae finds their mate, that's it. And Munro is prepared to do anything to have Kereny. Even if he has to make her immortal against her wishes. Ren puts my beloved wolf through hell, and at times I wanted to shake her for her stubbornness. Admittedly, she did take me a bit to warm up to. But much like all Kresley heroines, she's fierce, sharp tongued, and full of sass, so it didn't take too long for her to grow on me.

All of my favorites are back, especially my crazy vampire Lothaire, Nix, and a peek into Kristoff. The story is fast paced, full of action, chemistry, and amazing characters new and old. We get a bit of Dorada along with a crazy twist at the end, and all of this makes for one unputdownable read! The queen of PNR is back y'all!

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

Find me on:

[Crystal's Bookish Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you I had high expectations for this book I am not kidding. And when I tell you this book did not disapoint I am also not kidding.

I only discovered Immortals After Dark in 2020 but I was INSTANTLY captivated and near obsessed. I could not get enough of these powerful, devoted males who would and could BURN DOWN THE WORLD to get to and keep their female. Every single book was such an immersive reading experience that I found myself thinking about then days, weeks, months later.

I have favorites in the series, and now I have to add Munro to the top of the list.

Munro my sweet, soft baby. My warrior and tortured soul Lykae. Sigh. He has spent hundreds of years trying to keep his brother alive all while longing for his fated nate but never believing he would find her. But then he does, and he spends over half of the book learning how to give her space and agency while every instinct is telling him to take.

What a difference from the beginning of the series with Lachlain (who I dearly love btw).

Ren, our heroine, a Transylvanian carnie with knife throwing skills travels through time and has to struggle with her own ingrained truths that Immortals are evil, takes a good bit of time to admit her feelings for Munro.

But when she does it's freaking beautiful.

I loved this book. It has everything I want and love in a Kresley book: a devoted and obsessed with the heroine hero, chemistry and sexual tension at level 1,000, EXCEPTIONAL steam, interesting and clever mythology, and a fast paced plot that I can't stop reading.

Munro is amazing. Every Kresley fan will not be disappointed!

*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

[Teela (bookdragontee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

-:- ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE AND LORE -:-

How in the hell am I supposed to talk about how absolutely AMAZING this book is without spoiling it? I don't know, but I'm going to try...

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book. I binge-read it in a single sitting and you guys... YOU. GUYS. This book was absolutely, unequivocally worth the wait. Like, my binge-read was just hours straight of all the endorphins, I still feel giddy while writing this, but I also have no idea what to do with my life now, because - as is usual after finishing a Kresley Cole book - I NEED MORE!

For the longest time, ever since my first binge-read of this series, Garreth was my favorite Lykae, but I think Munro may have just ousted him and stolen that spot. His and Kereny's chemistry... just... goddamn. NOBODY DOES IT LIKE KRESLEY COLE! The queen is back and she's in as fine a form as ever. But it's so much more than the chemistry and sexual tension between these two characters - their connection, THEIR GROWTH, both as individuals and as a couple. It's so perfect, I just can't. I don't now how Kresley does it, but we stan a queen who delivers and Kresley delivers and then some.

Nïx also remains my absolute favorite, and I am still certifiable Lothaire trash, even more so after this book (and sadly that's all I can say for now).

Oh - and this book made me cry... more than once. AND THE REVELATIONS WE GET! All the new plot threads and seeds and nuggets for future books - I believe in Kresley Cole supremacy.

I wish I could say more about this book - dive into some of the plot points and my favorite moments or lines, but *spoilers* - so I'll just end it with this final thought: the Immortals After Dark series is in a league of its own and I am genuinely shocked (and even kind of appalled at this point) that more people haven't read it. I know I'm technically late to the IAD train (I only hopped on it back in the first half of 2021), so I can only imagine how torturous the wait has been between Wicked Abyss and Munro for the veteran fans of the series. But you guys - Munro was worth the wait. This book is everything I hoped it would be and so much more.

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I was so hyped for this book and waiting for it since I finished MacRieve, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t give Munro anything less than a 5-star review.

Munro and Kereny are such a great pair, their wit matches and also their reasons to hold on to their firm believe until the very end intrigued me and kept me reading this book through the night.

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

9/25/21 : She's back with the update. My heart fluttered when I saw her post on Facebook. Publication date: January 25, 2022


WHERE IS KRESLEY COLE? IS SHE GOING TO RELEASE THIS BOOK AT ALL?


This book is expected to be released in summer 2020, but now winter is coming.
Where are you, Munro?



Finally we have the cover!

[Carrie Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kresley Cole is back with a heartbreakingly touching and seductive paranormal romance that pulls no punches and brings readers back to the world they loved and devoured for years. Munro is the heart of this book and Ren is the force that brings the world of KC back to full speed. Welcome back, Kresley. We've missed you.

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The queen of paranormal is back with a vengeance- what a fantastic journey back into the consuming story telling of the incomparable Kresley Cole and the utterly addictive Immortals After Dark World. The series that ignited my love for romance and supernatural storytelling yet again stokes the flames- I could not put this story down. Munro is everything I love about Kresley Cole- it's brilliantly woven, passionate, completely consuming, and thrilling from the first word to the last. Everything I wanted and more- a triumphant return to the IAD world!

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this book through my participation in the author's ARC team

Kresley Cole is my favorite author of all time and I've read the Immortals After Dark series nearly three times over. My anticipation for this book was off the charts and I still can't believe I got to read this before the release. Munro fulfilled my every expectation and it was exhilarating to be back in the bayou with my favorite Loreans. Munro's fated mate, Kereny, who I pronounced Care-nay with a Scottish brogue, was too cool for school. She was a badass lady who wore a thigh sheath for her knife and threw her blade with deadly precision at her local carnival. Her weaponry skills were my favorite aspect to her character and I love how uniquely Cole writes her heroines in this series.



Swoonworthy romance aside, the amount of returning characters was more priceless than Valkyrie gold. There were references to nearly every book and my heart was filled to the brim. From pirate demons offering paranormal transportation to Munro's twin flourishing with his new mate to even my favorite regency pair with a full set of fangs on the throne. The whole gang was here and it was spectacular. It was lovely to see these couples thriving in their happily ever after to offer sage advice to Munro and his mate in their current quandary. I wish I could have given everyone one big group hug, but I'm sure their supernatural strength would have crushed my wee bones.



Munro was definitely worth the wait and I'm beyond pleased that it's finally here. I don't need a reason for the author's absence because the most important thing is that she's back. She's provided almost 20 books of paranormal excellence and I've even introduced this series to a friend who nearly caught up to this new release. I devoured this book like a Lykae in two days and I'm ravenous for the next installment. I'm so blessed to be part of this opportunity and share Immortals After Dark with the world. From the pages that gave me goosebumps and a few giggles, the biggest takeaway I got from this book was all's fair in love and Lore...

[Scholar inArmor · Rating 3 out of 5]

AFTER READING:
SPOILERS AHEAD, BE WARNED!



Immortals After Dark are back!

Munro and Kereny's storyline was not a very interesting one in my opinion. The whole drama was unnecessary and pretty much boring. The whole time jump and Kereny's pregnancy at the end chapters was a whole lot of confusion.

What I loved about this book was the world-building and seeing all the other characters. Loa was present. Kristoff had a few scenes and Furie was mentioned. It is damned time that she is saved, right? It is officially confirmed that she is his mate. This will be interesting... Dorada appeared, and it is obvious that she is looking out for Loreans with "good" hearts to sign her ledger. She is the Queen of Gold and Evil, and "good" is out of her range of control. I especially liked the scene with Nix, Emberine, and Portia. When she told them that if they do not join her, one of them will die for sure, and their reaction was pure gold.

Dacians appeared as a very interesting addition. In this book, we got to see the other side of Nymphs as well, which I really liked.

In the last scene, Heath MacRieve appeared. He is alive and a scarab, Lykea/demon mix. I have a strange feeling that Mina and he will be the next pair.

WHERE ARE THE BOOKS?



BEFORE RELEASE:

Munro MacRieve & Kereny.

It would be a lie to say that I don't want to read their story but what about Kosmina and the Shadow's Kiss?




Immortals After Dark & The Dacians series reading order:

= The Dacians book

The Warlord Wants Forever (Immortals After Dark #1)
A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark #2)
No Rest for the Wicked (Immortals After Dark #3)
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (Immortals After Dark #4)
Dark Needs at Night's Edge (Immortals After Dark #5)
Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark #6)
Kiss of a Demon King (Immortals After Dark #7)
Deep Kiss of Winter (Immortals After Dark #8)
Pleasure of a Dark Prince (Immortals After Dark #9)
Demon from the Dark (Immortals After Dark #10)
Dreams of a Dark Warrior (Immortals After Dark #11)
Lothaire (Immortals After Dark #12)
= Shadow's Claim (The Dacians #1, Immortals After Dark #13)
MacRieve (Immortals After Dark #14)
Dark Skye (Immortals After Dark #15)
Sweet Ruin (Immortals After Dark #16)
Shadow's Seduction (Immortals After Dark #17, The Dacians #2)
Wicked Abyss (Immortals After Dark #18)
Munro (Immortals After Dark #19)

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Munro's book.... Great! I'll definitely read it. But why is Kresley Cole writing so damn slow? It's years between books and I've read dozens of other favorite author's. I tend to forget all about KC until lately just to find out there's still a long wait! Guess she's not as concerned for her IAD fans! 😟

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure how to even attempt a review at this one without even unknowingly letting slip a spoiler or two, if you intend to dive into this as a virgin, avoid reading reviews, yeah?

Munro was a nice foray back to the Lore but not the phenomenal come back I hoped it would be. I enjoyed it here and there but also it took me several days and breaks to get through the story.

Like many fans I went into this hyped the hell out, as such I did enjoy the beginning, with stakes presenting to be higher than ever with Munro finally finding his fated mate, Kereny only to tragically lose her mere seconds after laying hands on her.

We're now accustomed to Bonkers Land the Lore enough to know what may seem isn't what will be so despite Kresley's extravagant efforts to make her characters jump through considerable hoops there wasn't any real heat to the various contrivances impending threats paving Munro and Kereny's way.
I will say even more so in this book, I found many of the plot devices not explored enough or not conducted to their full potential, too easily resolved with a dust of magic or a convenient spell. It felt more like mere checklist ticking than real obstacles to overcome. The stakes I spoke of just above? Gossamer.

I never found myself gripping the literal or even figurative edges of my seat over life or death situations. It's a very anticlimactic feeling to be told characters are holding onto their dear lives only to resolve their issues with a snap of fingers. It made very difficult to entertain any idea something even remotely bad would happen and prevented me to invest myself in the significance of their quest.

Because of this, there was a definite lull in the story for me starting from the moment they departed for the nymphs' inn and much later after the 70% mark at least. Which was deepened by the status quo between Kereny and Munro. This thing between them wasn't quite a slow burn yet it was equally maddening. Even more so maybe, knowing the reason behind's Kereny's refusal to become part of the Lore. There was some heated teasing moments and finally some steam at last between our mates.

I did enjoy reading about Lothaire being Lothaire, the MacRieve's brothers banter, Kresley Cole imaginative ways to mix magic and technology, she peppered the story with humor as always and it made me laugh quite a few times.
Munro was such a good... puppy? Don't get me wrong, he's a dream but ugh, I hated to see him lead by his redacted so much! Yeah, yeah his wolf instinct, whatever.

Kereny's temperament was also a huge turn on—until it wasn't anymore. She was lead by courage, determination and bit much audacity. I like a fierce heroine striving for agency but Care-nay ran more intrepid and gutsy than wise and it pained me to witness such a know-it-all devise schemes after being thrown into a new era all but 2 minutes ago.
Maybe sit down a second and listen to your figurative elders, aye?

The last third of the book had some sweet moments at the detriment to an organic ending. Things felt very rushed. Again, Kereny proved to adapt like no one else before, things we thought daunting were conveniently no skin on anyone's muzzle anymore.
That pretty neat bow was too much Disney not enough Lore.

Overall, I liked MUNRO, I'm eagerly waiting for more Nïx and Kristoff, yes, pawns made new moves and I can't wait to see where Kresley Cole will take me.

If you haven't read any books from this series before but are curious about Munro, I'm not recommending reading this one first, at the very least you'd need to acquaint yourself with his brother's book in "MacRieve" (#13) and maybe Lothaire's book (#11).

More reviews and book talk at :

You can find me here too ☞

[JessElleDow · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kresley Cole is my favorite author. I am 85 percent sure that Kresley Cole did not write this book. It was just...not good. Not good at all. The writing style is soooo different, and weird and...different.

Here are a few things i thought were weird, or just didn't like, or i thought didn't make sense-

-Feeding the beast rage to get out of being vassaled? Seems way too easy. Same with how he SOMEHOW got the one warlock to make a vow to serve him? How did they get to the sacrificial alter without being stopped? Why would the warlock agree? Why couldn't he have use a different spell on Munro? Like to kill him, or maim him, until he got help? Idk. It just felt way too easy.

-Literally what was the point of Jacob? And for that matter all the people in the circus that we were introduced to? We learn pretty much nothing about any of them, we just get a dozen names thrown our way, and none of them matter, like at all.

-When she's running back to her camp and comes across the viper shifters and just...yells at them to reconsider attacking her...and they do? C'mon! They could have killed her so easily, even with her little knife! She's a puny human for fucks sake!!

-How the fuck did she get her knife back from Munro? It happened way too easily.

-The mystical knife that incapacitates an immortal- she stabs Munro in the chest with it, and it takes a few seconds before it takes effect and he passes out. And then later, she stabs a newling Lykae IN THE HEAD with it, it's jutting out of his temple, and this newling....keeps fighting for a bit...but...if it's in his temple, literally in his brain...wouldn't he just collapse and be unconscious until he was beheaded, or until his body pushed the knife out and healed his BRAIN? Like, i was always under the impression that if you shot an immortal in this world in the head, they would immediately go unconscious...because...even an immortal shouldn't be able to function if their literal brain is compromised. Right? Idk.

-Why does felling a statue = killing a god? Sounds kinda dumb. The statue IS the god? WHY? Why is the gods existence so connected to a statue? It's ridiculous.

-The time in the 1920s doesn't feel like we're in a different time at all. And along with that, the descriptions of the setting are not great, it's very hard to get a really good picture in your head. And Kresley is usually so, so, SO good at painting a picture, but not here.

-I just don't believe that a human could know SO MUCH about the lore, especially in the 1920s. Like she knew the name of the warlocks dimension? How on earth would she know that? It doesn't make any sense to me. AND she speaks demonish? Really? A human? Please.

-The is ALOT of expository dialogue, and it's bad. Horribly intricated, not subtle, ALOT of telling and not showing. And none of the characters we've met before, Nix, Lothaire, Loa, the warlocks, Lachlain, Ellie, Lothaire, i could keep going, none of them sound like themselves. They all speak as if you're reading an Immortals After Dark fan fiction. The dialogue in general is just awful, very cringey and cheesy, and most of all NOT FUNNY, which is not normal AT ALL in a Krelsey Cole book in my opinion. Usually i am loling all the way through her books. It is very unsettling seeing all these beloved characters being warped and distorted from what we previous knew them as.

-Why is there a "Pravus Capital"???? Pravus isn't a place, it's an army, and army of many different factions combined. Wouldn't they just meet on one one the biggest factions home planes? This is never explained.

-It feels like a YA book, or even a middle grade book, honestly. Everything is soooo easy and coincidental. There is sooo much time spent explaining other books. The author pretty much gives away every major plot detail of every other book in this series. I feel like a veteran author would know to be sly and teasing and intriguing when summarizing previous books, to tempt new readers to read them. But no they just literally tell you every detail.

-There is no romance in this romance. Our mcs have pretty much no chemistry. We're TOLD there is chemistry, but shown nothing of it. The sex scenes were awful and cringey, which is not on brand at all for Kresley Cole.

IN CONCLUSION- I don't think Kresley Cole wrote this book. Now i know i sound like a complete lunatic! But i think there is a real possibility that Kresley Cole passed away and left another author to finish her two series. I'm not saying i 100% believe this, and i am more than prepared to eat crow, but i just cannot see another reason for the absolutely horrific nose dive in quality that is this book. And another reason i think supports my theory is we have still not gotten an explanation as to why it took 5 years for this book to come out. I really thought we were going to get one in an authors note, or in the dedication, SOMEWHERE. But no, still nothing. I really hope I'm wrong, but i also hope that Kresley Cole did not write this book.

[aarya · Rating 4 out of 5]

2021 Winter Bingo (#SnowInLoveBingo❄️): Wolves

Content Notes: death, torture, gender-essentialist language

“I am not as strong or fast as an immortal. But my power is determination. If I work hard enough, then what I envision becomes reality. I wanted to be excellent, so I became excellent.”

There is... so much to say and I can't talk about it because SPOILERS. I normally don't mind discussing some spoilers in arc reviews, but I feel obligated to keep the secrets since MUNRO is a highly anticipated release and I'm writing this review a week before publication. I might write a spoilery addendum later to properly explain my rating, but I'll hold off for now.

There is species-based-enemies-to-lovers! There is a monster-hunting circus in 1920s Transylvania! There is time travel (thankfully not as nonsensical as Avengers: Endgame. I have questions about the internal logic, but overall the time travel rules made coherent sense and didn't break my brain)! MUNRO is Kresley Cole at her funniest and most bananas world-building. I adored every second of the roller coaster ride.

I confess that human protagonists in PNR worlds aren't my favorite (I like magic and fangs and claws!), but Ren blew me away. Strong, self-assured, and uninterested in accepting Munro's alpha wolf bullshit (which, okay, I secretly love but only when a heroine is scornful of it. I contain multitudes!). I liked Munro, but Ren is a top-tier Immortals After Dark heroine and worthy of the Lorean Hall of Fame. She's constantly forced into situations that would make me faint in horror (clearly I am not equipped to be an IAD heroine!), but Ren faces each new crisis with a cool head and vicious aim. She is (perhaps irrationally so) fearless with the introduction of every new Lorean, even when the odds are not in her favor.

The primary internal conflict, like most of Kresley's books, had me wondering how the hell they were ever going to resolve their problems. Munro wants Ren to become immortal while Ren is staunchly against losing her mortality (why would she voluntarily transform into one of the monsters that killed her family?). This friction seems... thorny. But the beauty of romance is that partners reluctantly find their way to each other and compromise, odds be damned. Toward the end, Munro makes a romantic gesture that caused me to tear up. It was so, so perfect and the point where Ren (and I) realized that Munro loved her. It was that exquisite eureka moment of "this couple really belongs together" — not just because destiny marked Munro and Ren as fated mates, but because Munro unconditionally loves and respects Ren. It gave me All the Feels, and isn't that what the best romance novels are supposed to do?

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Nic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Edit 1/28: maaaaan Kresley really phoned it in with this one. It was a slog. Munro was unlike we had seen him in MacRieve, his personality altered, which was unfortunate because I had fallen in love with him in his brothers book. His harridan was really unlikeable and just irritating— I’ve never felt dislike for a KC female character, but Kereny is really something else in the worst way.
Bad pacing.

This was not worth the wait, and I see now what others have been saying for a while— her work in IAD just isn’t what it used to be. She definitely does not have love or motivation for this series anymore and it shows.

Edit: ITS COMING. ITS COMING.

We were supposed to get this in June, but it’s now September and no preorder, nothing on Kresley Cole’s social media. Is she okay? Is this ever going to happen? If she’s lost any interest in the IAD series, I wish she would just let us know.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Are you the leader of our adversaries? I fear this will be a disappointingly short war.”

Brace yourselves, aunt Nixie is BACK

I have faithfully been waiting for another IAD book and I thought that I would be happy to get just anyone’s story as long as we got at least a book. When Kresley announced that she would be publishing Munro’s story, I was over the moon considering that I had read MacRieve back in 2013 and I have been fascinated by the twins (*cough cough* fantasizing about them), also known as ‘Hot and Hotter’ in the Lore, ever since.

The book picks up the action exactly where it was left off at the end of MacRieve (make sure to read the epilogue). We are transported in the Dungeon of the Disremembered, where Munro is being held and tortured by Jels the Conniver, the archwarlock of the Forgotten. While Munro is trying to come up with a plan to save his packmates and escape from Quondam, he is forced to experience the unimaginable pain of losing his newly found mate. In order to take back what was stolen from him, Munro unleashes his beast and turns the tables on the warlocks who wished to enslave him. He forces them to do his bidding and travels in the past to capture a mate that turns out to be full of surprises.

In fact the whole book is full of surprises. Ren turned out to be a lot different from what I had in mind from a mortal woman living in the distant past. She was bold, and full of spirit, so sassy and a brave woman who was not afraid to face Loreans despite her mortality. Like every couple in the IAD series, Munro and Ren had to overcome huge obstacles to solidify their bond but worry not, fate (aka Kresley) knows what she’s doing.

Reading Munro felt like coming back home. I missed so many of the characters and thankfully we do get a lot of cameos like Nix, Lothaire, Kristoff and of course other creatures we have met before like Loa and Desh. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between all the different fractions. The Accession must definitely be around the corner considering how Nixie is still recruiting allies and trying to unite the fractions against their common enemy, the Morrior. I laughed out loud with Nix’s bedtime story and of course with the sassiness of the young witchlings.

Munro was the perfect ‘welcome back to the Lore’ book (even though I feel like I never left), it was worth the wait, and I am thankful that Kresley re-invited us back to this world where immortals roam and reign havoc.

I have no idea who is next, it could be someone we already know or maybe a Dacian or even a Morrior, but if I were to guess, I would say that the surprise character in the epilogue (you will never see this coming) could be next in line. Whoever it is, I am totally fangirling over Kristoff, so fingers crossed we are closer to getting his story especially since his mate’s identify has been confirmed in this book.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

[Santy · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I'd been anticipating this book would be a GROSS understatement. I've been craving this book ever since the end of MacRieve some 9 years ago and was ecstatic when a firm release date was announced.

Heck, to prepare for this, I did a re-read/re-listen of the entire series of 18 books and was reminded all over again why I adore this series. If it has been just as long for you and you haven't the time to do an entire series re-read, then Shadow's Claim and MacRieve would be the books to read to refresh your memory. You're welcome. Lol.

Munro was one half of a pair of twins so good looking that the Lore called them "Hot and Hotter" and was also the calm to the messed up storm of trauma and volatile emotions that was Uileam Macrieve pre-matehood.

Unfortunately, he fell afoul of some truly evil beings at the end of MacReive and that is where this story began.

Kereny is a new-to-series character who was the bad a$$ leader of the Circus of Hunters who we find out about in this book(also new to the series). Fiery and fearless, she was a pleasure to read about and dare I say, an instant fave for me. I love strongwilled women protagonists and it really doesn't get stronger than Ren. She was ALL about the action and most importantly, would not back down when threatened. Talk about nerves of steel. I adored her.

I'm trying to keep this review as spoiler free as possible but just know that the journey to their mating was not an easy one. It was filled with strife, losses, clashes of wills, intensity and a boat load of stubborness (looking at you Lykae) interspersed with the inevitable emotional & physical pull that these two felt towards each other.

Granted, Munro's stubborness was based on some real life experiences but it could've been handled better and most of the time, I kept wanting to shake him to get some sense into his thick head. Fortunately, he managed to excavate his head from his bum when he needed to make things count.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention all the cameos from some of my favourite characters, notably Lothaire, who was as diabolical and effortlessly funny as always.😂

Aside from solid characterisation, which I always look forward to in an IAD novel, the story telling was also up there, with the pacing matching the tone of the book perfectly.

I could not put this book down once I started, which meant that me beginning this at 10pm was not my brightest idea as I read this all through the night and could barely keep my eyes open the next day but guess what? It was so worth it. I. REGRET. NOTHING.

Bottomline, I had such high expectations for this book and I kid you not, it met them all.

Oh and that ENDING?! If "WTF", "OMG" and "Whew" had a baby, that would be it. Mind Blown. *Slow clap*

**eARC Provided in Exchange for an Honest and Unbiased Review **

[Warda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, this series just speaks to my soul.

“I am not as strong or as fast as an immortal. But my power is determination. If I work hard enough, then what I envision becomes reality. I wanted to be excellent, so I became excellent.”

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

update on this... Wow wow wow wow wow !
Amazing,
However, I'd like to say it was worth the wait but nothing was worth that wait,crikey!

But it was amazing, I was so moved so many times someone talking about their son, the dialogue between the enemey of old and his best friend, honestly there was some real heartfelt nostalgic schmaltz, I loved it, I can only pray, pray pray this is the start of a regular authors schedule, I don't think I can take about 6 years!
Where the eff is this poxy book its been aaaaaaaaaaages?

[Sophia Triad]

Welcome back my precious Immortals!

Munro & Kereny

[A Girl From Queens · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I am very thankful to Kresley Cole and her team for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. As I’m writing this before the release date, I will not be sharing any spoilers.***

Step 1. Buy this book!
Step 2. Read this review.
Step 3. Thank me later!😉

If you are new to Kresley Cole, Munro has been long and eagerly awaited. This is the 19th book (Goodreads says it’s 18 but there are technically 19 books. Trust me!) in a wildly popular paranormal romance series called Immortals After Dark. It’s written to read as a stand-alone and prior knowledge of the series isn’t necessary. Be advised: you will likely want to start from the beginning of the series after reading this book, it’s that good!

If you are an IAD fan, clear your calendar and enable Do Not Disturb on your phone!

We last saw the titular hero in the epilogue of MacRieve and Munro picks up where that book ends. Our hero is imprisoned, being beaten and has met his fated mate.

Long time fans of Kresley Cole will be thrilled by the brilliant storytelling in Munro that is her hallmark. Her books are perfectly paced, her character’s dialogue consistently strikes the right tone of authenticity as they appear in various stages of the series, and the writing is skillful, intelligent and accessible. Kresley demonstrates throughout this book that she values the covenant of trust between herself and her loyal readers. She welcomes the reader with what is familiar and throughout the story weaves more threads of trust.

It’s been a while since we’ve had an IAD book packed with the amount of action that this one has and she employs a substantial amount of dialogue to propel the storyline and character work. Every word is economical, no paragraph is wasted or trivial and it’s 70 chapters plus an epilogue of this excellence!

The most outstanding quality of this book is the expansion of Kresley’s writing since her last release in 2017. One element of this series is the carefully crafted indictment of humans, specifically their cruelty to each other and their environment. It’s so well integrated into the story that one can almost miss it. In this book she takes a broader view of that theme through the perspective of her mortal heroine. Kresley being Kresley shows her own growth and hope by using her characters to model kindness, humor, effective communication and a depth of humanity in an immortal world, things we probably would all like to see in our real world shadowed by current events.

Finally, this book delivers on everything you expect from IAD and more. It’s funny, sexy, and it’s fraught with unknowns. You’ll get glimpses of beloved characters from previous books and you’ll be shocked, mystified and richly rewarded for your wait for this one.

I LOVED this book and highly recommend it! The hard part now is waiting for the next book in the series!