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Immortals After Dark #5
Dark Desires After Dusk
RITA Award-winning author Kresley Cole continues her bestselling Immortals After Dark series with this electrifying tale of a ruthless demon mercenary and the lovely young halfling who enchants him.
A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can't resist...Cadeon Woede will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.
A tormented warrior she should fear, but can't deny...
Raised as a human, Holly never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon's wicked touch.
Surrender to dark desires...
Yet just when he earns Holly's trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs -- and claim his heart?
A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can't resist...Cadeon Woede will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.
A tormented warrior she should fear, but can't deny...
Raised as a human, Holly never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon's wicked touch.
Surrender to dark desires...
Yet just when he earns Holly's trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs -- and claim his heart?
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2008
927 people are currently reading
12933 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 1,830 reviews
April 8, 2016
As much as I'm loving this series, I have to admit that I didn't love this book as much as the others. I liked it, but it was one of those middle of the road, "okay" types of reads for me. The heroine, Holly, in particular, didn't speak to me. The fact that I've been reading the books back to back might be a factor also. Since the storylines are very similar, it could just be that it's getting a little redundant. In any case, I just didn't connect with this story like I have the others.
This book centers on Holly, a not quite transitioned immortal, who is the "vessel". She is prophesied to bear a child that will be incredibly powerful and has the potential to turn the tides in the immortal war between good vs. evil. Of course, whether her child will fall on the side of good or evil is largely thought to depend upon the father.
Cue the suspenseful! Poor virginal Holly is being hunted by immortal factions from both sides. This OCD, sheltered, twenty-something university instructor is about to have her tidy life turned upside down.
If you've read the earlier books in the series, you probably remember Cadeon as the cursed demon that is viewed as responsible for the loss of his brother's crown. As a result, he has been forbidden joy in his life, including the claiming of his mate. His entire life revolves around regaining the throne that he lost.
Cadeon has been watching over Holly for quite some time. He recognizes her as his female, but aside from his punishment, the fact that she is human makes her off-limits for any immortal. When she is determined to be the vessel, he knows he must protect her.
After coming to her rescue, Cadeon takes Holly on the run. He wants to keep her, but he has other responsibilities that must take precedent. He has spent nearly a millennium trying to redeem himself in the eyes of others and he cannot give up his cause easily.
Overall, this was a good story. It didn't appeal to me as much as the earlier books, but it was still okay. There was more action/adventure this time around and plenty of tension. So far, this has been my least favorite of the books in this series, but I will definitely be continuing on with it. At the same time, it's still far better than many of the books I've read.
This book centers on Holly, a not quite transitioned immortal, who is the "vessel". She is prophesied to bear a child that will be incredibly powerful and has the potential to turn the tides in the immortal war between good vs. evil. Of course, whether her child will fall on the side of good or evil is largely thought to depend upon the father.
Cue the suspenseful! Poor virginal Holly is being hunted by immortal factions from both sides. This OCD, sheltered, twenty-something university instructor is about to have her tidy life turned upside down.
If you've read the earlier books in the series, you probably remember Cadeon as the cursed demon that is viewed as responsible for the loss of his brother's crown. As a result, he has been forbidden joy in his life, including the claiming of his mate. His entire life revolves around regaining the throne that he lost.
Cadeon has been watching over Holly for quite some time. He recognizes her as his female, but aside from his punishment, the fact that she is human makes her off-limits for any immortal. When she is determined to be the vessel, he knows he must protect her.
After coming to her rescue, Cadeon takes Holly on the run. He wants to keep her, but he has other responsibilities that must take precedent. He has spent nearly a millennium trying to redeem himself in the eyes of others and he cannot give up his cause easily.
Overall, this was a good story. It didn't appeal to me as much as the earlier books, but it was still okay. There was more action/adventure this time around and plenty of tension. So far, this has been my least favorite of the books in this series, but I will definitely be continuing on with it. At the same time, it's still far better than many of the books I've read.
April 18, 2025
Reread! I have too many favourites in this series now.
—————————
Favourite book in the series so far, favourite pairing and yes, I’m now into demons.
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Favourite book in the series so far, favourite pairing and yes, I’m now into demons.
June 3, 2017
Cadeon Woede (Demon) & Holly Ashwin (Human/Valkyrie)
What I have learned from this book about demons:
1. Demons love to corrupt young virgins.
2. Demons always lie to get what they want, i.e. “Never trust a demon, love….”
3. Demons don’t kiss and tell, i.e. “What happens with the demon, stays with the demon.”
4. Demons have “lickable horns”; according to Valkyrie Nïx.
The story of
-the naïve halfling Holly Ashwin who thought that she was a human until she wasn’t a human anymore and
-the cocky demon Cadeon Woede who though that he was a ruthless, heartless demon until he wasn’t ruthless and heartless anymore.
Or the story of the shy virgin and the naughty bastard
What I have learned from this book about demons:
1. Demons love to corrupt young virgins.
2. Demons always lie to get what they want, i.e. “Never trust a demon, love….”
3. Demons don’t kiss and tell, i.e. “What happens with the demon, stays with the demon.”
4. Demons have “lickable horns”; according to Valkyrie Nïx.
The story of
-the naïve halfling Holly Ashwin who thought that she was a human until she wasn’t a human anymore and
-the cocky demon Cadeon Woede who though that he was a ruthless, heartless demon until he wasn’t ruthless and heartless anymore.
Or the story of the shy virgin and the naughty bastard
January 1, 2017
“Gods, I love it when you talk mathy to me.”
Cadeon Woede was very hot in the last book, but frankly, he's kinda bleak for me when it comes to this book. Dark Desires After Dusk promised the butterflies in my stomach when I started reading the very first chapter, Cadeon's appearance stole my breath away and Holly was the heroine that I liked very much, she's so typical and easygoing, especially I loved her mind when the problems plow her.
“One last question.”
“Very well, dearling.”
“Can I trust Cadeon?”
Nïx gave her a sunny smile with
blank golden eyes. “As far as you can throw him.”
By the way, the whole story was quite predictable, it did point out where the ending would be. I appreciated the action scenes, though. Kresley Cole put many of them in this book and that lead the story to the climax with a steady pace. Holly is so human whose heart is tough as steel, she doesn't give up easily with Cadeon being around her and wating something from her.
“I’ve got a fortune in gold. Ah, was that a flicker in your eye? Do you like me better now that you know I’m rich?” He curled his finger under her chin. “Because I’m all right with that.”
Cade is a jerk for me for what he's done. He doesn't deserve to be forgiven, but nah I knew it's the end of this book, therefore, it's time to make his wish happen even though it didn't feel natural for me at all. However, I'm looking forward to his brother's book that must be hot because he does steals the scene whenever he takes part in this book.
https://goo.gl/lReCih
August 18, 2019
He stripped off her top, then his shirt.
“Are you coming on to me to get back at him?”
“Probably.” Down went his zipper.
“I’m okay with that.”
Dark Desires After Dusk is another amazing installment of the Immortals After Dark series: it is full of humor, love, sensuality, and thrilling adventures.
Cadeon is an irresistible character. He is cocky and playful. He is an unscrupulous mercenary, but at the same time he is infinitely devoted and thoughtful. The way he handles Holly’s disease is really great. He is in a very complicated situation, has to make a serious decision, and he is all alone to do it. My heart bled for him, for his sufferings, loss, and guilt.
Holly’s character, her OCD, and her development are absolutely credible (except …). The change between her behavior at the beginning of the story and the way she embraces the newly revealed aspects of her personality at the end is significant. She doesn’t freak out (much), and as she gets deeper and deeper into the world of the Lore, she realizes that she wants to belong to it.
She is not alone with this, by the way, and I’m so glad there is this latent Valkyrie thing, because it means I could be one! I mean, I have all the necessary characteristics: I love jewelry, fashion, and I can scream. It could happen. So I’m definitely going to face the next lightning storm in my garden…
The erotic scenes are hot and creative, but the main value of the novel is the dynamic and nonstop action: it is fully elaborated, purposeful, and thrilling.
My favorite quotes.
September 21, 2008
I absolutely loved this latest by Kresley Cole, the story of the demon Cadeon and the half human, half valkyrie Holly.
Cade is such a BAD boy, and he's everything that Holly isn't. He's sexy, brash, foul-mouthed, a slob, uncouth, lusty, and living with 900 years of guilt over losing his brother's kingdom while trying to save his foster family. I felt a lot of empathy for him, especially when he finally found a chance at happiness but knew he could never claim it.
Holly, the beautiful virgin PhD. candidate with OCD, was so repressed, I didn't think there could ever be a relationship between her and Cade. But to the author's credit, she had Holly resist Cade's charms for most of the book; she had a real love/hate relationship with him. She was attracted to him and she wanted him, yet she hated that she did.
I loved how Cade taught Holly how to protect herself and how to fight, and helped ease her transition into becoming a Valkyrie. I loved all the little thoughtful things he did for her to accomodate her OCD too. Loved the teasing and the sexual bantering between the two--lots of sexual tension in this one. And once again the actual sex scenes were few, but extremely erotic. And when Holly finally let loose, there wasn't a better (sexual) match for Cade!
I found this one a little more gruesome and horror-like, especially at the ending when they had to battle all the disgusting creatures in the little Northwest Territories town, where Holly finally proved herself as a formidable Valkyrie. It was non-stop action!
And although Cade did betray Holly, I wanted her to forgive him (I did), and I absolutely loved how he still made allowances for her OCD when he presented her with her future home. Underneath all his alpha-ness, Cade was really a sweet guy!
Cade is such a BAD boy, and he's everything that Holly isn't. He's sexy, brash, foul-mouthed, a slob, uncouth, lusty, and living with 900 years of guilt over losing his brother's kingdom while trying to save his foster family. I felt a lot of empathy for him, especially when he finally found a chance at happiness but knew he could never claim it.
Holly, the beautiful virgin PhD. candidate with OCD, was so repressed, I didn't think there could ever be a relationship between her and Cade. But to the author's credit, she had Holly resist Cade's charms for most of the book; she had a real love/hate relationship with him. She was attracted to him and she wanted him, yet she hated that she did.
I loved how Cade taught Holly how to protect herself and how to fight, and helped ease her transition into becoming a Valkyrie. I loved all the little thoughtful things he did for her to accomodate her OCD too. Loved the teasing and the sexual bantering between the two--lots of sexual tension in this one. And once again the actual sex scenes were few, but extremely erotic. And when Holly finally let loose, there wasn't a better (sexual) match for Cade!
I found this one a little more gruesome and horror-like, especially at the ending when they had to battle all the disgusting creatures in the little Northwest Territories town, where Holly finally proved herself as a formidable Valkyrie. It was non-stop action!
And although Cade did betray Holly, I wanted her to forgive him (I did), and I absolutely loved how he still made allowances for her OCD when he presented her with her future home. Underneath all his alpha-ness, Cade was really a sweet guy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2017
Mild Spoilers
3.5 Stars This one was not as good for me as the others I have read in this series.
I had a very hard time connecting to Holly or Cade. Holly got on my nerves with her I don't cuss I don't have sexual feelings of any kind I have a boyfriend of two year but I don't even kiss him on the mouth oh and I don't eat or drink anything the isn't prepackaged and I if i touch the rim of my drinks it ruined. I don't see her appeal. Even if I could get past that Cade lied the whole story and His betrayals were hard to get over. I understand that in the story he was between a rock and a hard place but it just don't make for a very romantic story............. I really liked cade in other books but not so much in this one. I didn't hate him but I wouldn't want him for my man. I am a sucker for babies in love stories so I did rate it a little higher because of the baby. Also the ending seemed rushed. I am off to the next one and I hope it is better than this one
3.5 Stars This one was not as good for me as the others I have read in this series.
I had a very hard time connecting to Holly or Cade. Holly got on my nerves with her I don't cuss I don't have sexual feelings of any kind I have a boyfriend of two year but I don't even kiss him on the mouth oh and I don't eat or drink anything the isn't prepackaged and I if i touch the rim of my drinks it ruined. I don't see her appeal. Even if I could get past that Cade lied the whole story and His betrayals were hard to get over. I understand that in the story he was between a rock and a hard place but it just don't make for a very romantic story............. I really liked cade in other books but not so much in this one. I didn't hate him but I wouldn't want him for my man. I am a sucker for babies in love stories so I did rate it a little higher because of the baby. Also the ending seemed rushed. I am off to the next one and I hope it is better than this one
September 24, 2016
I FINALLY figured out WHY I enjoy PNR/fantasy genre as much as I do: because when it comes to this genre, pretty much ANYTHING goes and you never once (or at least I never did) question HOW or WHY. Now, add to this already great fact Kresley Cole's ability to tell a story she weaves so masterfully about a couple that is, once again, very unique and just overall fabulous, sprinkle the sexual tension that only Kresley can do and you got yourself a winner with every single installment [in this series].
I don't have much to say that I haven't already said about this series in my previous reviews other than I am adding Cade and Holly to my ever growing list of Kresley's 'swoon-worthy heroes and kick ass heroines that love them'. And the fact that, once again, I can NOT wait to dive into the next book, which is what I am doing IMMEDIATELY!
If you are a fantasy genre lover and/or a lover of alpha heroes who fall head over heels in love with some of THE best heroines you'll ever read about, this series is NOT to be missed! You HAVE to experience this beautifully crafted world filled with some of the most entertaining, funny, sexy, sword wielding creatures told via Kresley Cole's amazing writing!
Cheers!
I don't have much to say that I haven't already said about this series in my previous reviews other than I am adding Cade and Holly to my ever growing list of Kresley's 'swoon-worthy heroes and kick ass heroines that love them'. And the fact that, once again, I can NOT wait to dive into the next book, which is what I am doing IMMEDIATELY!
If you are a fantasy genre lover and/or a lover of alpha heroes who fall head over heels in love with some of THE best heroines you'll ever read about, this series is NOT to be missed! You HAVE to experience this beautifully crafted world filled with some of the most entertaining, funny, sexy, sword wielding creatures told via Kresley Cole's amazing writing!
Cheers!
May 4, 2012
4 1/2 stars
Dark Desires After Dusk is another fantastic book in the Immortals After Dark series.
I loved almost everything about this book. Cade and Holly, the hero and heroine, were simply magical together, and, frankly, a hoot. Holly–with her over-the-top OCD behavior and her nerdish outlook–and Cade–a true but lovable cad–were the perfect pair and I couldn't seem to get enough of their offbeat and very provocative relationship.
I'm sure you're wondering why I gave this book a somewhat lower rating if I loved it so much. For me, the ending was a little disappointing and anticlimactic. Basically, the relationship resolution felt rushed and a bit underdeveloped. I wanted more... no, I need a more! Did Cade and Holly get their happy ending? You bet! Still, I wanted more considering all they had been through together. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
A special SHOUT-OUT to Krisley Cole's quirky and eccentric soothsayer, Nucking Futs Nïx's. She is my favorite character of the series and I look forward to her involvement in each book. Call me crazy, but I would love to see Nïx get her man, Mike Rowe, the host of the American's TV series Dirty Jobs.
Dark Desires After Dusk is another fantastic book in the Immortals After Dark series.
I loved almost everything about this book. Cade and Holly, the hero and heroine, were simply magical together, and, frankly, a hoot. Holly–with her over-the-top OCD behavior and her nerdish outlook–and Cade–a true but lovable cad–were the perfect pair and I couldn't seem to get enough of their offbeat and very provocative relationship.
I'm sure you're wondering why I gave this book a somewhat lower rating if I loved it so much. For me, the ending was a little disappointing and anticlimactic. Basically, the relationship resolution felt rushed and a bit underdeveloped. I wanted more... no, I need a more! Did Cade and Holly get their happy ending? You bet! Still, I wanted more considering all they had been through together. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
A special SHOUT-OUT to Krisley Cole's quirky and eccentric soothsayer, Nucking Futs Nïx's. She is my favorite character of the series and I look forward to her involvement in each book. Call me crazy, but I would love to see Nïx get her man, Mike Rowe, the host of the American's TV series Dirty Jobs.
September 15, 2024
oh my god what a boring slog of nothing happening except two obnoxious people being annoying and horny
January 10, 2016
Hot Damn, I loved it!! Cade was Yummy as Sin
He gets 4.5 Sexy, Cocky Stars!!!
Cade
Cade has been blessed with impossibly green eyes and thick locks of blonde hair. He's hot, and yummy, and women are falling over themselves to get in his bed. But his life has been far from blessed. Cade has been living with the guilt of losing his brother's crown over nine hundred years ago. That guilt has led him to a dark place where he is willing to do Anything to get his brother's crown back.
Demons are constantly in search of their fated mate, but mates are hard to find. The only way to determine one's mate is to have sex with them. So as you can imagine, demons tend to sleep around…A LOT. And Cade is known as a man whore even amongst demons. But all that changed when he met Holly.
Holly, math geek
Holly is a human, math geek, germ-a-phobe, and math tutor at the local college. She doesn't wear makeup, dresses conservatively in long skirts, wears her hair in a bun, and always wears a pearl necklace and glasses. The sports jocks that she tutors have the total hots for her. No matter how hard she tries to hide her sexiness, she turns heads. Men drool as if she is wearing a micro mini and thigh highs.
Holly has a dark side that she fights hard to keep a tight reign on. She denies herself sex because she is afraid to lose control. Her germ-a phobia and type A personality are out of control. But her life is about to change and All Hell is about to break lose!!
"You…you fraternized with those animals? Does your 'breed' kidnap women as well?"
"Kidnap women? I can hardly keep the chits off the jock as it is, pet."
Cade is sex on a stick, but Holly has no interest in him and it is driving him mad. He has looked for his mate for over nine hundred years only to be denied. How could fate be so cruel. He just wants to throw her over his shoulder caveman style!!!
I absolutely loved watching these two fall in love. Cade was so used to women falling at his feet that he was not prepared for Holly. She is SO quirky and odd that I could't help but love her. I loved watching her transform from an oddball to a total badass. Oh and when Holly finally accepts Cade into her life. These horny lovers couldn't keep their hands off each other.
"Later, I'm gonna do you nice and slow, but right now I just need to bend you over things and see what this sexy little body of yours can do…"
This has to be my favorite book of this series so far. It was action packed from start to finish. Cade was so sexy and I loved his cocky ass personality. Plus he had sexy ass horns that were great for grabbing hold of during sex. It was also wonderful to watch him learn some humility. I especially loved watching him cater to Holly's quirking and bizarre needs. Holly ends up on a journey of growth. She was originally a product of a sheltered environment. She was a caterpillar on the cusp of blossoming into a butterfly.
I highly recommend reading this series in order because all one story leads into the next and there is an overall plot that continues to grow. Characters also reappear throughout the series and it would be confusing as hell to try and read out of order.
Kresley Cole has done and Amazing job at creating this paranormal world, and I am Loving it!!
My Immortals After Dark Reviews:
The Warlord Wants Forever
A Hunger Like No Other
No Rest for the Wicked
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Dark Desires After Dusk
Kiss of a Demon King
Untouchable
Pleasure of a Dark Prince
Demon from the Dark
Dreams of a Dark Warrior
Lothaire
Dark Skye
He gets 4.5 Sexy, Cocky Stars!!!
Cade
Cade has been blessed with impossibly green eyes and thick locks of blonde hair. He's hot, and yummy, and women are falling over themselves to get in his bed. But his life has been far from blessed. Cade has been living with the guilt of losing his brother's crown over nine hundred years ago. That guilt has led him to a dark place where he is willing to do Anything to get his brother's crown back.
Demons are constantly in search of their fated mate, but mates are hard to find. The only way to determine one's mate is to have sex with them. So as you can imagine, demons tend to sleep around…A LOT. And Cade is known as a man whore even amongst demons. But all that changed when he met Holly.
Holly, math geek
Holly is a human, math geek, germ-a-phobe, and math tutor at the local college. She doesn't wear makeup, dresses conservatively in long skirts, wears her hair in a bun, and always wears a pearl necklace and glasses. The sports jocks that she tutors have the total hots for her. No matter how hard she tries to hide her sexiness, she turns heads. Men drool as if she is wearing a micro mini and thigh highs.
Holly has a dark side that she fights hard to keep a tight reign on. She denies herself sex because she is afraid to lose control. Her germ-a phobia and type A personality are out of control. But her life is about to change and All Hell is about to break lose!!
"You…you fraternized with those animals? Does your 'breed' kidnap women as well?"
"Kidnap women? I can hardly keep the chits off the jock as it is, pet."
Cade is sex on a stick, but Holly has no interest in him and it is driving him mad. He has looked for his mate for over nine hundred years only to be denied. How could fate be so cruel. He just wants to throw her over his shoulder caveman style!!!
I absolutely loved watching these two fall in love. Cade was so used to women falling at his feet that he was not prepared for Holly. She is SO quirky and odd that I could't help but love her. I loved watching her transform from an oddball to a total badass. Oh and when Holly finally accepts Cade into her life. These horny lovers couldn't keep their hands off each other.
"Later, I'm gonna do you nice and slow, but right now I just need to bend you over things and see what this sexy little body of yours can do…"
This has to be my favorite book of this series so far. It was action packed from start to finish. Cade was so sexy and I loved his cocky ass personality. Plus he had sexy ass horns that were great for grabbing hold of during sex. It was also wonderful to watch him learn some humility. I especially loved watching him cater to Holly's quirking and bizarre needs. Holly ends up on a journey of growth. She was originally a product of a sheltered environment. She was a caterpillar on the cusp of blossoming into a butterfly.
I highly recommend reading this series in order because all one story leads into the next and there is an overall plot that continues to grow. Characters also reappear throughout the series and it would be confusing as hell to try and read out of order.
Kresley Cole has done and Amazing job at creating this paranormal world, and I am Loving it!!
My Immortals After Dark Reviews:
The Warlord Wants Forever
A Hunger Like No Other
No Rest for the Wicked
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Dark Desires After Dusk
Kiss of a Demon King
Untouchable
Pleasure of a Dark Prince
Demon from the Dark
Dreams of a Dark Warrior
Lothaire
Dark Skye
August 8, 2014
4 IAD Stars
I won't review the book because I am too bored right now. I will just say something because it's been nagging me since I started re-reading this book. Why the hell is Rydstrom thought to be the "good brother".
I can honestly remember that I liked Ry by the end of his book but in this one? He is a total tool. His brother was in part to blame for losing his throne. I get it, Cade didn't want to be the king's replacement and prefers to stay with his foster family that needs him(which by the way I find completely logical after they fostered him out). It proves to be a bad decision because the throne is snatched and his family is slaughtered. In my opinion Cade has already paid for his "mistake" a hundred times over already since he lost almost everyone he loved. Ry has no right to hold the guilt over his head for 9 freakin' centuries. Get over it already.
And let's visit the honorable and noble's Ry's decisions in this book for a while. Rydstrom decides that sacrificing an innocent young woman to a sorcerer to be raped and impregnated with a child that makes the girl from Orphan seem like an angel, is acceptable collateral damage to get his throne back, even though this means the woman will be doomed and his brother will be miserable forever.
Really? I get that a whole kingdom depends on it but the "good" guy wouldn't find this acceptable. He would fight to find another way.
That's all, no more Anti-Rydstrom ranting, I'm off to re-read his book and forgive him!
I won't review the book because I am too bored right now. I will just say something because it's been nagging me since I started re-reading this book. Why the hell is Rydstrom thought to be the "good brother".
I can honestly remember that I liked Ry by the end of his book but in this one? He is a total tool. His brother was in part to blame for losing his throne. I get it, Cade didn't want to be the king's replacement and prefers to stay with his foster family that needs him(which by the way I find completely logical after they fostered him out). It proves to be a bad decision because the throne is snatched and his family is slaughtered. In my opinion Cade has already paid for his "mistake" a hundred times over already since he lost almost everyone he loved. Ry has no right to hold the guilt over his head for 9 freakin' centuries. Get over it already.
And let's visit the honorable and noble's Ry's decisions in this book for a while. Rydstrom decides that sacrificing an innocent young woman to a sorcerer to be raped and impregnated with a child that makes the girl from Orphan seem like an angel, is acceptable collateral damage to get his throne back, even though this means the woman will be doomed and his brother will be miserable forever.
Really? I get that a whole kingdom depends on it but the "good" guy wouldn't find this acceptable. He would fight to find another way.
That's all, no more Anti-Rydstrom ranting, I'm off to re-read his book and forgive him!
April 24, 2015
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.
After three superb installments, this series hit a bit of a snag with book 4, but I wasn’t going to hold that against Kresley Cole or Robert Petkoff, and I’m glad I didn’t because DARK DESIRES AFTER DUSK was glorious! One of the things that I love most about IMMORTALS AFTER DARK is that you meet some of the protagonists beforehand because on top of giving you something to look forward to, it also helps to get readers invested in each character’s eventual outcome.
Holly wasn’t the first heroine whom I’ve encountered that’s been afflicted with OCD, however she was by far the most likable. Ashwin has lead a very PG life as a result of her condition which in turn is the reason why her transformation to Valkyrie was unusually delayed. Intense emotions and warriors are practically synonymous, so when a group of immortals attempt to kidnap her, it frees her combatant side. I think Cade’s attitude in relation to Holly’s disorder went a long way towards endearing her to me because he not only understood her limitations, but respected them, and that sensitized me to her plight instead of making it into a baffling annoyance.
As fetching as some of the female leads have been, let’s face it, I listen to this series for the men (and Petkoff’s narration, but I’ll get to that), and Cadeon Woede was delectable. I liked that he wanted to do right by his brother, and to a lesser degree, his mate. His loyalties were first, and foremost to Rydstrom, although that didn’t stop him from teaching Holly how to fight. Nix’s behind the scenes meddling continues to amuse, and with all of this talk of vessels, the Ascension, and the demons going to war, it’s not unreasonable to assume that I’ll be in the loop on all things IAD when #14 comes out because this series just keeps getting better!
You can tell that Robert Petkoff recorded the first ten novels in close proximity to one another by his ever increasing proficiency with Cole’s characters and writing. He was fully immersed in this universe for quite some time while bringing the audiobook versions of this series up to speed, and that fact comes through in his delivery, accents, and fervor. I enjoyed his rendition of the rage demon aspects of Cade’s personality, and applaud his commitment to the steamier parts of these stories.
DARK DESIRES AFTER DUSK put the MMMmmm in demons. ~4.5 stars
After three superb installments, this series hit a bit of a snag with book 4, but I wasn’t going to hold that against Kresley Cole or Robert Petkoff, and I’m glad I didn’t because DARK DESIRES AFTER DUSK was glorious! One of the things that I love most about IMMORTALS AFTER DARK is that you meet some of the protagonists beforehand because on top of giving you something to look forward to, it also helps to get readers invested in each character’s eventual outcome.
Holly wasn’t the first heroine whom I’ve encountered that’s been afflicted with OCD, however she was by far the most likable. Ashwin has lead a very PG life as a result of her condition which in turn is the reason why her transformation to Valkyrie was unusually delayed. Intense emotions and warriors are practically synonymous, so when a group of immortals attempt to kidnap her, it frees her combatant side. I think Cade’s attitude in relation to Holly’s disorder went a long way towards endearing her to me because he not only understood her limitations, but respected them, and that sensitized me to her plight instead of making it into a baffling annoyance.
As fetching as some of the female leads have been, let’s face it, I listen to this series for the men (and Petkoff’s narration, but I’ll get to that), and Cadeon Woede was delectable. I liked that he wanted to do right by his brother, and to a lesser degree, his mate. His loyalties were first, and foremost to Rydstrom, although that didn’t stop him from teaching Holly how to fight. Nix’s behind the scenes meddling continues to amuse, and with all of this talk of vessels, the Ascension, and the demons going to war, it’s not unreasonable to assume that I’ll be in the loop on all things IAD when #14 comes out because this series just keeps getting better!
You can tell that Robert Petkoff recorded the first ten novels in close proximity to one another by his ever increasing proficiency with Cole’s characters and writing. He was fully immersed in this universe for quite some time while bringing the audiobook versions of this series up to speed, and that fact comes through in his delivery, accents, and fervor. I enjoyed his rendition of the rage demon aspects of Cade’s personality, and applaud his commitment to the steamier parts of these stories.
DARK DESIRES AFTER DUSK put the MMMmmm in demons. ~4.5 stars
November 12, 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a matter of fact, it went by too fast. I had been captivated with Cade since Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night, and I was holding my breath for his book. But the wait was richly rewarded. Holly is a perfect heroine for him. She brings out the protective side in Cade, but also the playful side. And if anyone needs to live a little, it's Holly. I loved the whole plotline and found it wildly romantic. This book was also a good action book with scenes that show that Holly is a powerful woman in her own right. I just adore Cade, even more then I did before. He is sexy beyond belief, and very funny also. I loved his devotion to Holly, and how he challenged her but cared for her at the same time. It was great to see Holly come into the woman she was meant to be. She learns that it is a good thing to trust one's instincts as well as one's intellect. She also learns to acknowledge her sensual nature, and what better teacher than Cade. Cade and Holly had some serious chemistry, but there was also a deep emotional connection. This book just further increased my love of this series. With each book, I more eagerly await more books in the Immortals After Dark series. Kresley Cole's imagination is incredible, teamed with some excellent research. So I end by saying, take this ride wild, but you might want a cold drink and a fan while you read it.
February 28, 2011
Meh. It was okay.
Since I don't have anything else to say, here's some mancandy:
Bwhahahaha! Kidding!
Okay, because I feel bad about tricking you like that, I'll give you...
A vampire viking taking a hot bath.
Forgiven?
Since I don't have anything else to say, here's some mancandy:
Bwhahahaha! Kidding!
Okay, because I feel bad about tricking you like that, I'll give you...
A vampire viking taking a hot bath.
Forgiven?
June 10, 2019
June 2019 Re-read: Cade still enrages me in this book - but at the same time, I'm unsure what he could have done differently. In the end, I'm content and satisfied with their HEA. Also, now I'm shooting to be caught up in time for Book 19....though it does appear that the KC's release speed of this series is going to allow that to happen.
You can't say I'm not persistent. Even if it does take me forever to get anywhere. Sarah and I started this buddy read back in 2014, in anticipation of the release of Book 15 ...in August of that year, I read Book 3. In February of this year, I read Book 4. Now it's only December and I've re-read book 6! Woot! Progress! Maybe we can actually get caught up in time for the release of Book 18...
So, I think by now it's fairly clear that I like these books despite quite a few things that would normally make me rage. I can't even tell you why they don't here. But they don't.
These characters can do horrible things to each other, seriously, beyond the pale kind of things. Betrayal, lies, big misunderstandings...doesn't even touch the tip of the iceberg. I'm not kidding. If you've made it this far and think the things that these beings do to their mates is outrageous....you've not seen anything yet.
I've been trying to figure out for years why these books don't push my buttons like some others with (far less) provocation. I'm not sure I have a good answer yet. But I can say that the absolutely impossible and extenuating circumstances that Kresley Cole puts her characters in helps a more than a little. The circumstances don't excuse the treatment, but I can understand the position that they're in. And even if I couldn't forgive it, I can understand how the other character can. Which makes it easier for me to not hold it against them.
By the end of every single one of these books I'm left happy for the couple. Regardless, or maybe because of, all the pain, trauma, deceit and conflict that's come before.
And I feel like I start every one of these book reviews off talking about the series in general. Maybe because it's such a consistent and long series and I consistently have the same amazement and feelings while reading it. And despite me not waxing poetic about it for paragraph upon paragraph here, you can trust that the world and plotting in this series are as amazing as ever.
I noticed while reading this time that I'd forgotten nearly everything that happened. I think this is as close as I'm ever going to get to reading this series for the first time again. And I adored that. I was just as caught up in the trouble, and the drama, and the growing conflict this time as I know I was last time. I didn't know how they were going to get out of it, how they were going to stay together, and I was rooting for any way except the way that was sure to cause the most pain.
Sometimes there are no good paths.
But Holly and Cade manage despite it all. Let me talk about Holly for a moment. I adore her. She's a geek and a nerd, plain and simple. Additionally, she's got OCD - the real thing (though hers isn't as bad as I know some people have to live with), not the thing the majority of us call when we have to be incredibly well organized. And I love how it's a real part of her life, and not brushed aside as either debilitating or ridiculous. I think it's handled with a fair amount of care. And that does create a bit of a problem for me. Holly doesn't lose all of her ticks and tendencies, but her OCD does pretty much go away after she stops suppressing her Valkyrie side (which is why her OCD manifested in the first place apparently). I like that it's not completely gone, and even at the end she still likes things in multiples of three and has her need for certain things to be the way she's always needed them to be. So maybe it's not a case of it disappearing all together, but that it's not the consuming part of her life it was previously. It definitely "gets better" by any standard. While it's not like I wanted her to suffer forever or anything, I hate the idea that everything has to be "cured." So....I'm not sure I'd have done anything differently, but it's always kind of niggled at me.
Cade. Damn, I have conflicting emotions about Cade. Much like Holly herself in this book. He's a chauvinist. And I hate that about him. But at the same time he's never truly disrespectful to women or females. He has a ton of respect for women of the Lore and their abilities to protect themselves, fight, and kick ass. And he never tries to rule Holly's life. He just says some incredibly stupid stuff. He's also completely considerate, kind, and thoughtful. He knows Holly has troubles with food that's been prepared or unpackaged. So he takes her to dinner and accounts for it. She can't have the lips of the water bottles be touched or she can't drink it. When he learns of this, he just opens another bottle for her, ensuring that there's no transference. There's never any disgust or making fun. There's no judgement whatsoever. He just does what he can to make her life easier and more manageable. And he teaches her to fight. Plus he tries, really, really tries, to do what's right.
The choice on what's right isn't always an easy one though.
And I think that's another thing I love about this series. They make me think critically. This world isn't black and white, it's not good versus bad. It's all shades of grey and variables and a million different choices and decisions that bring about a single course of action. The complexity makes my brain hurt sometimes, and I can't wait to dive into the next one.
Review also available at The Book Eaters
4 June 2015: $1.99 on Kindle
You can't say I'm not persistent. Even if it does take me forever to get anywhere. Sarah and I started this buddy read back in 2014, in anticipation of the release of Book 15 ...in August of that year, I read Book 3. In February of this year, I read Book 4. Now it's only December and I've re-read book 6! Woot! Progress! Maybe we can actually get caught up in time for the release of Book 18...
So, I think by now it's fairly clear that I like these books despite quite a few things that would normally make me rage. I can't even tell you why they don't here. But they don't.
These characters can do horrible things to each other, seriously, beyond the pale kind of things. Betrayal, lies, big misunderstandings...doesn't even touch the tip of the iceberg. I'm not kidding. If you've made it this far and think the things that these beings do to their mates is outrageous....you've not seen anything yet.
I've been trying to figure out for years why these books don't push my buttons like some others with (far less) provocation. I'm not sure I have a good answer yet. But I can say that the absolutely impossible and extenuating circumstances that Kresley Cole puts her characters in helps a more than a little. The circumstances don't excuse the treatment, but I can understand the position that they're in. And even if I couldn't forgive it, I can understand how the other character can. Which makes it easier for me to not hold it against them.
By the end of every single one of these books I'm left happy for the couple. Regardless, or maybe because of, all the pain, trauma, deceit and conflict that's come before.
And I feel like I start every one of these book reviews off talking about the series in general. Maybe because it's such a consistent and long series and I consistently have the same amazement and feelings while reading it. And despite me not waxing poetic about it for paragraph upon paragraph here, you can trust that the world and plotting in this series are as amazing as ever.
I noticed while reading this time that I'd forgotten nearly everything that happened. I think this is as close as I'm ever going to get to reading this series for the first time again. And I adored that. I was just as caught up in the trouble, and the drama, and the growing conflict this time as I know I was last time. I didn't know how they were going to get out of it, how they were going to stay together, and I was rooting for any way except the way that was sure to cause the most pain.
Sometimes there are no good paths.
But Holly and Cade manage despite it all. Let me talk about Holly for a moment. I adore her. She's a geek and a nerd, plain and simple. Additionally, she's got OCD - the real thing (though hers isn't as bad as I know some people have to live with), not the thing the majority of us call when we have to be incredibly well organized. And I love how it's a real part of her life, and not brushed aside as either debilitating or ridiculous. I think it's handled with a fair amount of care. And that does create a bit of a problem for me. Holly doesn't lose all of her ticks and tendencies, but her OCD does pretty much go away after she stops suppressing her Valkyrie side (which is why her OCD manifested in the first place apparently). I like that it's not completely gone, and even at the end she still likes things in multiples of three and has her need for certain things to be the way she's always needed them to be. So maybe it's not a case of it disappearing all together, but that it's not the consuming part of her life it was previously. It definitely "gets better" by any standard. While it's not like I wanted her to suffer forever or anything, I hate the idea that everything has to be "cured." So....I'm not sure I'd have done anything differently, but it's always kind of niggled at me.
Cade. Damn, I have conflicting emotions about Cade. Much like Holly herself in this book. He's a chauvinist. And I hate that about him. But at the same time he's never truly disrespectful to women or females. He has a ton of respect for women of the Lore and their abilities to protect themselves, fight, and kick ass. And he never tries to rule Holly's life. He just says some incredibly stupid stuff. He's also completely considerate, kind, and thoughtful. He knows Holly has troubles with food that's been prepared or unpackaged. So he takes her to dinner and accounts for it. She can't have the lips of the water bottles be touched or she can't drink it. When he learns of this, he just opens another bottle for her, ensuring that there's no transference. There's never any disgust or making fun. There's no judgement whatsoever. He just does what he can to make her life easier and more manageable. And he teaches her to fight. Plus he tries, really, really tries, to do what's right.
The choice on what's right isn't always an easy one though.
And I think that's another thing I love about this series. They make me think critically. This world isn't black and white, it's not good versus bad. It's all shades of grey and variables and a million different choices and decisions that bring about a single course of action. The complexity makes my brain hurt sometimes, and I can't wait to dive into the next one.
Review also available at The Book Eaters
4 June 2015: $1.99 on Kindle
September 5, 2011
I devoured Dark Desires After Dusk too quickly and now I’m regretting it. Cadeon Woede, the darker and impulsive half the Woede Brothers, is a rage demon. And he’s got the cockiness and the swagger that comes along with it!
I have to admit, Cade can be a cocky bastard when he wants to be but there’s also that softer side to him as well. This side comes out more often around Holly Ashwin, the obsessive-compulsive mathematician. Holly is adorable with her intense need for everything to be grouped in threes and cleanliness. Since Psychology is my field of study, I can’t help but feel bad for Holly. This girl has so many compulsions, it’s crazy! Usually, a person with OCD has one compulsive behaviour that takes over their life, but Holly has three!
How did I not know this before? It seems that Cole has found a way to cure OCD. Apparently we Psychology majors are too snobby to realize that the cure is simple: Take a demon with sexy and lickable rock-hard horns as your mate!
Plus, Cade does such an amazing job caring for Holly. He readjusts his actions to make her feel more comfortable. What a gentleman!
We find out that Miss Prim and Proper Holly is more than just a math genius, but she’s also the Vessel that is required to get the sword that Cade needs. The sword is the only of its kind that can kill Omort and once his head is separated from his body, Cade can regain his little kingdom Rothkalina back for his brother. So all Cade has to do is trade Holly to the wicked sorcerer for the sword. But of course things are not as simple as that because Holly is Cade’s female! Surprise, Surprise! So now the question stands: What does Cade want more?
The chemistry between the two is great, even though they couldn’t be more different from one another. Holly is a sweet little virgin who just happens to be half Fury and Valkyrie and Cade is a foul-mouthed bad boy who must control his baser needs. Reading about their bickering is downright entertaining and I can’t help but smile at the sexual tension. Damn, that horn job scene with Desh was hilarious!
In the end, I forgave Cade for his actions because he’s such a sweet guy. I will admit, I thought the end closed a little too quickly but maybe that was because I wanted to read more about them.
And of course, Nix and Regin make an appearance that is almost enough to steal the spotlight from the couple. They are damn freaking hilarious and I love them for it! I really can’t wait to read either of their books!
Favourite Quote:
Regin slapped her knees. “Oh, my gods, look at him running like his life depended on catching us.” She slid open the door. “Is this straight outta Platoon, or what? Willem!” she cried, holding out one hand. “Run, Willem!” Then she choked on her own laughter.
Pg. 345.
I have to admit, Cade can be a cocky bastard when he wants to be but there’s also that softer side to him as well. This side comes out more often around Holly Ashwin, the obsessive-compulsive mathematician. Holly is adorable with her intense need for everything to be grouped in threes and cleanliness. Since Psychology is my field of study, I can’t help but feel bad for Holly. This girl has so many compulsions, it’s crazy! Usually, a person with OCD has one compulsive behaviour that takes over their life, but Holly has three!
How did I not know this before? It seems that Cole has found a way to cure OCD. Apparently we Psychology majors are too snobby to realize that the cure is simple: Take a demon with sexy and lickable rock-hard horns as your mate!
Plus, Cade does such an amazing job caring for Holly. He readjusts his actions to make her feel more comfortable. What a gentleman!
We find out that Miss Prim and Proper Holly is more than just a math genius, but she’s also the Vessel that is required to get the sword that Cade needs. The sword is the only of its kind that can kill Omort and once his head is separated from his body, Cade can regain his little kingdom Rothkalina back for his brother. So all Cade has to do is trade Holly to the wicked sorcerer for the sword. But of course things are not as simple as that because Holly is Cade’s female! Surprise, Surprise! So now the question stands: What does Cade want more?
The chemistry between the two is great, even though they couldn’t be more different from one another. Holly is a sweet little virgin who just happens to be half Fury and Valkyrie and Cade is a foul-mouthed bad boy who must control his baser needs. Reading about their bickering is downright entertaining and I can’t help but smile at the sexual tension. Damn, that horn job scene with Desh was hilarious!
In the end, I forgave Cade for his actions because he’s such a sweet guy. I will admit, I thought the end closed a little too quickly but maybe that was because I wanted to read more about them.
And of course, Nix and Regin make an appearance that is almost enough to steal the spotlight from the couple. They are damn freaking hilarious and I love them for it! I really can’t wait to read either of their books!
Favourite Quote:
Regin slapped her knees. “Oh, my gods, look at him running like his life depended on catching us.” She slid open the door. “Is this straight outta Platoon, or what? Willem!” she cried, holding out one hand. “Run, Willem!” Then she choked on her own laughter.
Pg. 345.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2023
Reread in 2023
Love the Woede brothers!
4.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
Love the Woede brothers!
4.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
December 14, 2025
Road trip + OCD make for fun moments
This author is famous for her angsty stories and this one had a huge betrayal building right from the beginning.
I was practically salivating waiting for the hero's betrayal to cut the heroine to pieces 🤩
But...
・
・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
This author is famous for her angsty stories and this one had a huge betrayal building right from the beginning.
I was practically salivating waiting for the hero's betrayal to cut the heroine to pieces 🤩
But...
・
・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
December 5, 2018
Check out this and my other reviews at My Blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter and Pinterest
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Paranormal Romance
Series : - Sixth in the series.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 5 stars
★Review★
I think Cadeon is so far my favourite hero.
Despite the whole losing his brothers kingdom and tortured past thing he had going on , he came across a bit more fun easygoing at times than the previous heroes in the series. And he is a rogue!! It was practically a historical!! The rake hero with a bad past, a little bit naughty and foul mouthed, falling in love with the innocent virgin he thinks he does not deserve as he is a bad man, when in reality he is just misunderstood!
I did struggle a little with the whole "vessel" thing and the hero lying to the heroine, but then the hero also struggled with it, so I will forgive him.
The heroine I also liked and just how much she grew and learned about herself, realising who she was.
Once again loved the appearances of Reign and Nix here.
Another 5 stars.
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Paranormal Romance
Series : - Sixth in the series.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 5 stars
★Review★
I think Cadeon is so far my favourite hero.
Despite the whole losing his brothers kingdom and tortured past thing he had going on , he came across a bit more fun easygoing at times than the previous heroes in the series. And he is a rogue!! It was practically a historical!! The rake hero with a bad past, a little bit naughty and foul mouthed, falling in love with the innocent virgin he thinks he does not deserve as he is a bad man, when in reality he is just misunderstood!
I did struggle a little with the whole "vessel" thing and the hero lying to the heroine, but then the hero also struggled with it, so I will forgive him.
The heroine I also liked and just how much she grew and learned about herself, realising who she was.
Once again loved the appearances of Reign and Nix here.
Another 5 stars.
February 5, 2020
Serinin çıkan kitaplarını bitirdim bu seriyi seviyorum kendini güzel okutuyor
March 26, 2018
3.5 stars
May 5, 2022
I'm gonna say it now... I'm in love with this series, but I'm
OVER
the enemies-to-lovers trope. So freaking over it! Like can I get a break from this dynamic already?!
After learning a bit about Cade from the previous books, I thought I had him pretty much figured out. And I was wrong. He was so much more than I expected. He was craving a human female and I was really digging the taboo vibe of that. Knowing about his guilt over losing his brother's kingdom and getting the full story behind that, I was able to truly understand his motives. The fact that he had to deny himself what he truly wanted... dude really needed to catch a break.
So when other people, really bad people, are after his potential mate, he makes it the perfect excuse to get involved. And from there, this story was a lot of drama and I came to fall deeply in love with Cade.
Seriously, who doesn't love a broken hero? They are my kryptonite and Cade was in pieces. But through this journey, he was coming back to himself. He was finding himself. And I believe that Holly was a big part of that.
Why didn't I like her more? Because of the whole hate to love you thing. I'm so tired of heroines being in denial, being rude because of that denial, and when they finally own up to their feelings, I'm supposed to let it all go. No, thank you.
And now Cade's brother, the rightful king, seems to be up to something. He was kidnapped and is now free. They've got the weapon necessary to take back the throne. And yet... seems Rydstrom has other plans. Something to do with the 'evil' sorceress, Sabine. I am looking forward to finding out more about all of that.
Always find more on the blog
After learning a bit about Cade from the previous books, I thought I had him pretty much figured out. And I was wrong. He was so much more than I expected. He was craving a human female and I was really digging the taboo vibe of that. Knowing about his guilt over losing his brother's kingdom and getting the full story behind that, I was able to truly understand his motives. The fact that he had to deny himself what he truly wanted... dude really needed to catch a break.
So when other people, really bad people, are after his potential mate, he makes it the perfect excuse to get involved. And from there, this story was a lot of drama and I came to fall deeply in love with Cade.
Seriously, who doesn't love a broken hero? They are my kryptonite and Cade was in pieces. But through this journey, he was coming back to himself. He was finding himself. And I believe that Holly was a big part of that.
Why didn't I like her more? Because of the whole hate to love you thing. I'm so tired of heroines being in denial, being rude because of that denial, and when they finally own up to their feelings, I'm supposed to let it all go. No, thank you.
And now Cade's brother, the rightful king, seems to be up to something. He was kidnapped and is now free. They've got the weapon necessary to take back the throne. And yet... seems Rydstrom has other plans. Something to do with the 'evil' sorceress, Sabine. I am looking forward to finding out more about all of that.
Always find more on the blog
April 13, 2020
Its been over a year since i picked up a book by Kresley Cole,and i could hit myself over that!"Dark Desires After Dusk" is the action-packed,entertaining and tantalizing paranormal romance in the "Immortals After Dark"-series that has left me mindblown with the cinematic experience of it!So thrilling and sexy at the same time,Kresley Cole has another winner in this one!!!
In the earlier books we got to know the demon prince Cadeon Woede who was suffering guilt over losing his brothers kingdom to the enemy.His only chance to take it back is to find the Vessel and take her to the evil sorceress for the exchange of the sword which is the key to take his kingdom back.What he didn`t expect to find out is that the Vessel are actually his fated soulmate,the sassy math tutor Holly Ashwin.
One aspect i truly love about this series is the awesome heroines who really get character developements throughout the books.In this one Holly Ashwin starts out as a control-freak and computer geek,but when she turns into a valkyrie and gets into this journey of life together with the insanely handsome and cocky demon Cadeon her secured life changes drastically.She falls for Cadeon against her will,not knowing he is her fated mate.I love her quirkiness and intelligence,and the way she learns to use her power as a valkyrie.And how she have Cadeon stuck on her lillfinger without knowing,oh this man had it sooooo bad for her and i loved every minute of it!
Cadeon Woede is a mercenary demon-prince who have buried the guilt of losing his older brothers kingdom of Rothcalina for nine hundred years over his shoulders and never thought himself worthy of anything.But he is such a charismatic golden creature fascinated by his Holly and so utterly drawn to her that he could never resist her even if he tried.His protective and possessive behaviour swooned me together with the way he makes love with Holly,GOSH THE STEAMY SCENES BURNED MY EYES!Kresley Cole are amazing when it comes to writing those!!!!I also got to mention that his abrasive humor made me laugh out so many times that i fell off my couch!No wonder Holly fell for this charming demon!!!!!
I have been looking forward to read his older brothers book for a while.King Rydstrom Woede got captured by the evil temptress Sabine,who also are his fated soulmate...and damn their chemistry was alive so hard that my pages burned!!!!I wonder what she did to him during the imprisonment for him to have turned this furious whereas he had once been so in control of his emotions?MY GOD how i am excited for their next book in "Kiss of a Demon King"!!Be still my beating heart because this is so awesome that i just can`t handle it!
In the earlier books we got to know the demon prince Cadeon Woede who was suffering guilt over losing his brothers kingdom to the enemy.His only chance to take it back is to find the Vessel and take her to the evil sorceress for the exchange of the sword which is the key to take his kingdom back.What he didn`t expect to find out is that the Vessel are actually his fated soulmate,the sassy math tutor Holly Ashwin.
One aspect i truly love about this series is the awesome heroines who really get character developements throughout the books.In this one Holly Ashwin starts out as a control-freak and computer geek,but when she turns into a valkyrie and gets into this journey of life together with the insanely handsome and cocky demon Cadeon her secured life changes drastically.She falls for Cadeon against her will,not knowing he is her fated mate.I love her quirkiness and intelligence,and the way she learns to use her power as a valkyrie.And how she have Cadeon stuck on her lillfinger without knowing,oh this man had it sooooo bad for her and i loved every minute of it!
Cadeon Woede is a mercenary demon-prince who have buried the guilt of losing his older brothers kingdom of Rothcalina for nine hundred years over his shoulders and never thought himself worthy of anything.But he is such a charismatic golden creature fascinated by his Holly and so utterly drawn to her that he could never resist her even if he tried.His protective and possessive behaviour swooned me together with the way he makes love with Holly,GOSH THE STEAMY SCENES BURNED MY EYES!Kresley Cole are amazing when it comes to writing those!!!!I also got to mention that his abrasive humor made me laugh out so many times that i fell off my couch!No wonder Holly fell for this charming demon!!!!!
I have been looking forward to read his older brothers book for a while.King Rydstrom Woede got captured by the evil temptress Sabine,who also are his fated soulmate...and damn their chemistry was alive so hard that my pages burned!!!!I wonder what she did to him during the imprisonment for him to have turned this furious whereas he had once been so in control of his emotions?MY GOD how i am excited for their next book in "Kiss of a Demon King"!!Be still my beating heart because this is so awesome that i just can`t handle it!
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January 21, 2022
⤅ Rereading IAD Project
When I was younger, this was actually one of the IAD books I liked the least. I LOVED the dynamic between Holly and Cade - a nerdy good girl and rolling-stone, snarky bad boy will never not be catnip to me - but I had this unshakeable feeling that Holly didn't make Cade grovel enough for what he put her through.
Then came the reread. I don't know if it's because I'm older, or because it's a reread, but this time round I connected with Cade a lot more. I really sympathised with his sense of guilt over losing his brother's throne, and feeling like he had to not be a screw-up for once in his life. He really tried to exhaust every option available to him before betraying Holly, and he never intended to leave her alone for long anyway. So yes - Cade doesn't need to grovel any more. The mental strain he was under was probably enough torture. Had a heroine done to a hero what he did to Holly, I wouldn't have even blinked.
And I think it's a really nice parallel that bad-boy Cade was able to give up his mate temporarily for the greater good, while his 'honourable' brother Rydstrom acknowledges in his own book that he couldn't have given up Sabine.
(Also, the fact Holly cheated on her human boyfriend with absolutely no compunction kind of bugged me. Yes, he later turns out to be a worm, but she didn't know that at the time!)
When I was younger, this was actually one of the IAD books I liked the least. I LOVED the dynamic between Holly and Cade - a nerdy good girl and rolling-stone, snarky bad boy will never not be catnip to me - but I had this unshakeable feeling that Holly didn't make Cade grovel enough for what he put her through.
Then came the reread. I don't know if it's because I'm older, or because it's a reread, but this time round I connected with Cade a lot more. I really sympathised with his sense of guilt over losing his brother's throne, and feeling like he had to not be a screw-up for once in his life. He really tried to exhaust every option available to him before betraying Holly, and he never intended to leave her alone for long anyway. So yes - Cade doesn't need to grovel any more. The mental strain he was under was probably enough torture. Had a heroine done to a hero what he did to Holly, I wouldn't have even blinked.
And I think it's a really nice parallel that bad-boy Cade was able to give up his mate temporarily for the greater good, while his 'honourable' brother Rydstrom acknowledges in his own book that he couldn't have given up Sabine.
(Also, the fact Holly cheated on her human boyfriend with absolutely no compunction kind of bugged me. Yes, he later turns out to be a worm, but she didn't know that at the time!)
September 25, 2020
4 Stars
Ok, Seffra of the past was a biiiitchhhh LOL
I really enjoyed this story a second time around. I felt the same about the Tim sitch, he was an asshole who deserved to suffer but she still cheated at the end of the day.
BUUUUT, I loved Holly so much in this book. She was such a wonderfully written character. Her character growth was a true hero's journey and I loved her. I also really enjoyed Cade's story of self worth and recognizing faults of his own but also the faults of others.
He was also HIGHHH-LARIOUS!!!
******************
2.5 stars
Oh Cade.
I was intrigued by you in books 2 and 3 that I couldn't wait to get my hands on your book.
But, guys and gals, I think the magic from the imaginary goat sacrifice has waned and it might have died.
I dunno, it was just lacking that ompf that the previous ones had. The love story was great but I just couldn't accept Holly cheating on Tim even though he wasn't that great a guy. You have a boyfriend, girl. One who you keep saying is amazing and kind and caring...but obvs he wasn't. I felt like Cole wrote that in so we wouldn't hate Holly.
But no.
You weren't single when you started things up with Cade.
And CADE. I really did love him.
I did like the overall plot of this but it wasn't what I was expecting for this story. And don't get me started on Rydstrom.....so not excited for him and that twat-muffin.
Ok, Seffra of the past was a biiiitchhhh LOL
I really enjoyed this story a second time around. I felt the same about the Tim sitch, he was an asshole who deserved to suffer but she still cheated at the end of the day.
BUUUUT, I loved Holly so much in this book. She was such a wonderfully written character. Her character growth was a true hero's journey and I loved her. I also really enjoyed Cade's story of self worth and recognizing faults of his own but also the faults of others.
He was also HIGHHH-LARIOUS!!!
******************
2.5 stars
Oh Cade.
I was intrigued by you in books 2 and 3 that I couldn't wait to get my hands on your book.
But, guys and gals, I think the magic from the imaginary goat sacrifice has waned and it might have died.
I dunno, it was just lacking that ompf that the previous ones had. The love story was great but I just couldn't accept Holly cheating on Tim even though he wasn't that great a guy. You have a boyfriend, girl. One who you keep saying is amazing and kind and caring...but obvs he wasn't. I felt like Cole wrote that in so we wouldn't hate Holly.
But no.
You weren't single when you started things up with Cade.
And CADE. I really did love him.
I did like the overall plot of this but it wasn't what I was expecting for this story. And don't get me started on Rydstrom.....so not excited for him and that twat-muffin.
July 11, 2011
Ok kids... you might want to cover your ears because I just must SING!!
Oh baby baby -- How was I suppose to know
That I could love a demon
Oh baby baby --- I should have probably known
That his horns would be a turn on
Oh pretty baby
My husband now loves this book
And he doesn't even know it
LOLZ!! o-m-g!! I adored this book!! I seriously didn't think that anything could be hotter than a Highlander werewolf but squee diddily dee!! She then brings on the bad boy English Demon that wears leather. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now now now... it's not like the Black Dagger Broodys that wear the leather chaps and stuff... pant pant pant... NOES... this is more modern. Ok... CADE (aka ... Greta's demon sex slave) is a blonde scruffy nom that wears a beaten up leather jacket and one of those motorcycle caps (OMG! I used to have a boyfriend that wore one of those. LA SQUEE!!) to cover up his horns when he's out at the 7-11.
LADIES!! U want to read this book.
I first met Cade (aka -- His horns belong to GRETA) in Cole's book "No Rest for the Wicked". Now, if we think back to that book (diddily doo diddilly doo --- 10 points to whoever can figure out what movie I'm ripping off hahas) I was dying for a demon book. The vampy in that book was just too damn sensitive but ahhhs... I wanted a demon. I'm soo happy Cole delivered... cuz there were 2 demons in that book and squee!! we got a taste of the bad boy one first.
Ok ok ... so I guess I should talk about the book.
Turn ons --- What? That's stuff you want to know. Right?
Cade is delicious.
He calls his woman PET, LOVE, and POPPET. (FLAILS!!!)
He's rough and tough and go demonic on me any ol' day
He digs cars but not like you know... overly digs
And is cocky in the best possible way
OH!! And he doesn't care if you have a quirk
Quirk, you ask? Yes yes yes... you see... THe chicky poo in this story has OCD and is freaked out when people touch her food and stuff. (Omg! I think this story was written for me hahas! I think only SJA will get this lolz). She also rearranges things (BTW.. her name is HOLLY) into 3s (Greta lines things up in rows. Cade would love me more! That's right HOLLY!! I'll fight you for him!! I sure will!! Put em up!!)
But all in all... this is a delicious story. I adored it!! I can't wait to read more about demons... and leather... and bad boys!! Excellent read, my friends!! 2 horns way way up!!
Oh baby baby -- How was I suppose to know
That I could love a demon
Oh baby baby --- I should have probably known
That his horns would be a turn on
Oh pretty baby
My husband now loves this book
And he doesn't even know it
LOLZ!! o-m-g!! I adored this book!! I seriously didn't think that anything could be hotter than a Highlander werewolf but squee diddily dee!! She then brings on the bad boy English Demon that wears leather. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now now now... it's not like the Black Dagger Broodys that wear the leather chaps and stuff... pant pant pant... NOES... this is more modern. Ok... CADE (aka ... Greta's demon sex slave) is a blonde scruffy nom that wears a beaten up leather jacket and one of those motorcycle caps (OMG! I used to have a boyfriend that wore one of those. LA SQUEE!!) to cover up his horns when he's out at the 7-11.
LADIES!! U want to read this book.
I first met Cade (aka -- His horns belong to GRETA) in Cole's book "No Rest for the Wicked". Now, if we think back to that book (diddily doo diddilly doo --- 10 points to whoever can figure out what movie I'm ripping off hahas) I was dying for a demon book. The vampy in that book was just too damn sensitive but ahhhs... I wanted a demon. I'm soo happy Cole delivered... cuz there were 2 demons in that book and squee!! we got a taste of the bad boy one first.
Ok ok ... so I guess I should talk about the book.
Turn ons --- What? That's stuff you want to know. Right?
Cade is delicious.
He calls his woman PET, LOVE, and POPPET. (FLAILS!!!)
He's rough and tough and go demonic on me any ol' day
He digs cars but not like you know... overly digs
And is cocky in the best possible way
OH!! And he doesn't care if you have a quirk
Quirk, you ask? Yes yes yes... you see... THe chicky poo in this story has OCD and is freaked out when people touch her food and stuff. (Omg! I think this story was written for me hahas! I think only SJA will get this lolz). She also rearranges things (BTW.. her name is HOLLY) into 3s (Greta lines things up in rows. Cade would love me more! That's right HOLLY!! I'll fight you for him!! I sure will!! Put em up!!)
But all in all... this is a delicious story. I adored it!! I can't wait to read more about demons... and leather... and bad boys!! Excellent read, my friends!! 2 horns way way up!!
June 10, 2015
BIG FAT DISAPPOINTMENT !! Cade was very intriguing when he appeared in the previous books .. I was very interested in his story and I thought it would be a hit unfortunately I hated his guts in this book .. I get the whole guilt thing and I get why he felt obliged to do what he did but getting it doesn't make it any better .. I still can't forgive it .. yeah sure he came up with another plan and yeah he planned to get Holly out of there and all but putting her in a situation like that was just disgusting .. and the fact that he even considered doing it for real was even more disgusting Cade was ruined in this book ... I hated it.
March 13, 2015
4.5 stars
I really really liked this and once more, I couldn't put it down. Cadeon was a great hero who had me laughing with his lines for the first half and really feeling his pain for the second. He had a really hard choice to make and I did like the way he handled it. He never strayed from the character we've come to know from the previous books, but managed to charm me and make me care for him.
Holly however, was another matter. She was the first heroine I was totally indiferrent about. I didn't like her but I didn't dislike her either. I felt that Cole stressed her OCD too much and left every other aspect of her personality hidden, so I didn't know who she was in the end.
The adventure and suspense in this one was great and the story never lost its pace even for a single page. A great addition in the series and one I read in record time.
Warning: the ending is more or less a cliffhanger so this should be read with Rydstrom's book already in the TBR:)
I really really liked this and once more, I couldn't put it down. Cadeon was a great hero who had me laughing with his lines for the first half and really feeling his pain for the second. He had a really hard choice to make and I did like the way he handled it. He never strayed from the character we've come to know from the previous books, but managed to charm me and make me care for him.
Holly however, was another matter. She was the first heroine I was totally indiferrent about. I didn't like her but I didn't dislike her either. I felt that Cole stressed her OCD too much and left every other aspect of her personality hidden, so I didn't know who she was in the end.
The adventure and suspense in this one was great and the story never lost its pace even for a single page. A great addition in the series and one I read in record time.
Warning: the ending is more or less a cliffhanger so this should be read with Rydstrom's book already in the TBR:)
January 25, 2012
Story Rating 5 stars
Character Rating 5 stars
Romance Rating 4 stars
Imagination 5 stars
Heat Level 3.5 stars
Action Level 5 stars
Overall Rating 5 stars
Favorite Character, Cadeon
I've never read this many book's in a series back to back where they have not started sounding the same. Well that is definitely not the case with this series. I can also say that I really don't have a favorite book at this point, they have all been fantastic reads.
I have to say once more that the imagination that KC used in this book was phenomenal. The action scenes were awesome and KC came up with some really interesting Demon's, ghosts and evil creatures throughout this book. Where does she come up with this stuff?
I loved the sexual tension between Cade and Holly and the love scenes sizzled.
What's next for me? Of course book 7, LOL. I just have to read how Rydstrom deal's with Sabine the Sorceress of Illusions.
Character Rating 5 stars
Romance Rating 4 stars
Imagination 5 stars
Heat Level 3.5 stars
Action Level 5 stars
Overall Rating 5 stars
Favorite Character, Cadeon
I've never read this many book's in a series back to back where they have not started sounding the same. Well that is definitely not the case with this series. I can also say that I really don't have a favorite book at this point, they have all been fantastic reads.
I have to say once more that the imagination that KC used in this book was phenomenal. The action scenes were awesome and KC came up with some really interesting Demon's, ghosts and evil creatures throughout this book. Where does she come up with this stuff?
I loved the sexual tension between Cade and Holly and the love scenes sizzled.
What's next for me? Of course book 7, LOL. I just have to read how Rydstrom deal's with Sabine the Sorceress of Illusions.
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