Author Gossip: Arcana Chronicles News & New Cover!

I didn't see a do not share on Kresley Cole's Newsletter, but I still waited just in case. Here's the latest new on her Arcana series (YIPEE!) and an actual release schedule!

Though I'm not going to believe any of the dates/rough time table is it. You know, release dates change. All the time.

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Straight from Cole's newsletter:

I've always wanted to explore the apocalypse from different characters' points of views and reveal how they entered the game.

In DAY ZERO, we'll meet new Arcana who'll be very influential in the upcoming books, and we'll see how some of the players we already love/hate survived the Flash. I can't wait for you guys to read about Aric, Lark, Gabriel, Spite, Richter, and more!

TV Series: Fingers crossed we'll have some great news soon! 

I'll leave you guys with a sneak peek at the DAY ZERO draft cover. Love!

As promised the release shedule:

MY TENATIVE RELEASE SCHEDULE - (GASP!!)

THE PLAYER - The Game Maker Series, April 12

DAY ZERO - An Arcana Chronicles Novella, Summer

BLOOD RED KISS - Anthology with Gena Showalter and Larissa Ione, Sept 20

ARCANA CHRONICLES BOOK 4 - Fall 2016 (Title TBA)

SHADOW'S SEDUCTION - A Dacians/Immortals After Dark Novella, Feb 2017 

IAD #17 - March 2017 (Title TBA)

OK, so that's a new cover. For a new Arcana book. Goodreads has it marked as 3.5 in the series. Than book 4. Well there's no page count. I have a feeling this will not be a short. Nope. In fact, I feel like this is a Kate Daniel's Gunmetal Magic or The Lunar Chronicles' Fairest.

That leads my to wonder if she will go back to the main story? That's what I'm afraid of. I am excited about the prospect of getting to know other Arcana cards. HOWEVER. I do not want to have the main story left behind and all these other stories with open stories.

I love the Immortals After Dark series, but she teases. There are so many open stories and . . . that's one of the reasons I love the Arcana books. It brought all the best of Cole's writing and then made her have to stick with the leads and flesh out a story for a long while.

Also, if it is a full book that's cruel to leave us on that cliffhanger. Really cruel. Though if she sticks to the tentative schedule it won't be so bad.

Review: Sweet Ruin

Sweet Ruin (Immortals After Dark, book 14) by Kresley Cole

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Sweet Ruin (14)

An immortal assassin is caught between desire and duty...  A foundling raised in a world of humans
Growing up, orphaned Josephine didn’t know who or what she was—just that she was “bad,” an outcast with strange powers. Her baby brother Thaddeus was as perfect as she was flawed; protecting him became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo’s transition from angry girl... to would-be superhero... to enchanting, ruthless villain.

A lethally sensual enforcer on a mission
A threat to the Møriør has brought archer Rune the Baneblood to the mortal realm to slay the oldest living Valkyrie. Whether by bow or in bed, he never fails to eliminate his target. Yet before he can strike, he encounters a vampiric creature whose beauty conceals a black heart. With one bite, she pierces him with aching pleasure, taking his forbidden blood - and jeopardizing the secrets of his brethren.
A boundless passion that will lead to sweet ruin...   Could this exquisite female be a spy sent by the very Valkyrie he hunts? Rune knows he must not trust Josephine, yet he’s unable to turn her away. Despite his millennia of sexual conquests, he can’t ignore the unfamiliar longing she arouses deep within him. When Jo betrays the identity of the one man she will die to protect, she and Rune become locked in a treacherous battle of wills that pits ultimate loyalty against unbridled lust.

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Review:

I've kind of been an jerk lately about the Immortals After Dark books. Lately a few have been missing the mark with me, but overall still solid. My issue has been with how each installment's romance has 5 steps that they follow. I'm not going to get into them, because I'm not going to be a meanie. Nope. Because in between those “5 Steps” I was still having fun. The romance was still building, and for each read it normally does. The world is building. Character growth is happening. I feel the feels! Well it's still a great read!

After that epiphany and finally realizing that I didn't want to be a mean bookworm I decided to enjoy Sweet Ruin. (And any future books of this series.)

Because this is a game changer! It is frustrating jumping around the Ascension, the Lore being imprisoned on an island, and all those open cliffhangers. (MacRieve anyone!) Then boom totally new turn. All the new elements introduced here—sighs—are too good. I'm eating it up. Sweet Ruin was just what the series needed to rejuvenate the series. Despite all those open plots. The introduction to the Morior and Orion the Undoing is a breath of fresh air for plot possibilities. Not to mention that it's awesome seeing beloved characters through the eyes of Jo and Rune.

Jo is brilliant. She may be clueless about certain things, but she knows her self. She knows what she deserves and she doesn't take no. She gets what she wants; or she's smart enough to know when it's time to walk. No self hating. Well at least for things she knows aren't in her hands. Her love for her brother Thaddeus is beautiful. Both when they're young, and when they are reunited! Getting to know more about Thaddeus was such a treat.  It's just nice to see a decent female lead again, I haven't been fond of the last few.

Rune is an interesting male lead. And when I found out he was quite the whore, I thought it was a cheap gimmick. In the last book the female got around and now it was time for a role reversal. That was not the case. Rune is one of the most fascinating male leads since Lothaire (at least for me). He felt more thought out and not quite as “me caveman” as is Cole's specialty. It was refreshing to see the male POV on sexual abuse. It felt real and I loved his revelations in the end. It's a great message on self love and worth.

Jo and Rune are amazing together. Sure Cole has a formula, but the magic of her books has always been her characters. Romance tends to follow a pattern and I love these characters—and world—too much to miss out. Not to mention that Cole's writing is solid! The snark, accents, flavor of each character, and the crazy-amazing-ness of the IAD is on point! Cole knows how to write a good book, if she uses her formula to do so why not? It works, it's good. And I shan't be judgy any longer.

I've been vague because I want readers to go in being absolutely surprised—and very delighted—by what Cole is bringing to the table. Nix is pretty epic here and I wonder if we just met her fated male? But I think that's too on the nose. The whole cast of the Morior that was introduced are characters I would very much like to get to know and see get HEAs. Not to mention that I want to see Nix take them away from Orion. How are Nix and Orion going to duke it out?!!!! No, really, it is going to get epic. Plus, I'm dying to know who is going to be next. Especially since there was a FURY in one of the showdowns. What the flying books!? Way to tease us Cole. I'm in for wherever this series is going to go. Because the characters are awesome; the world is super-duper-fun awesome; there's decent plots and world building shit going on here!

Sexual Content: Plenty of sexual humor and bedroom scenes. Duh. That's how we Cole fans like it.
 
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
A Hunger Like No Other (1) No Rest for the Wicked (2) Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (4) Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (5) Dark Desires After Dusk (6) Kiss of a Demon King (7) Pleasure of a Dark Prince (8) Demon from the Dark (9) Dreams of a Dark Warrior(10) Lothaire (11) MacRieve (12) Dark Skye (13) Sweet Ruin (14)	A Hunger Like No Other (1) No Rest for the Wicked (2) Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (4) Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (5) Dark Desires After Dusk (6) Kiss of a Demon King (7) Pleasure of a Dark Prince (8) Demon from the Dark (9) Dreams of a Dark Warrior(10) Lothaire (11) MacRieve (12) Dark Skye (13) Sweet Ruin (14)	A Hunger Like No Other (1) No Rest for the Wicked (2) Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (4) Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (5) Dark Desires After Dusk (6) Kiss of a Demon King (7) Pleasure of a Dark Prince (8) Demon from the Dark (9) Dreams of a Dark Warrior(10) Lothaire (11) MacRieve (12) Dark Skye (13) Sweet Ruin (14)

The Arcana Chronicles News!

This dropped last week, but I took Thursday and Friday off so I’m posting this now! It’s from Kresley Cole’s official Newsletter.

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It’s been pretty hush, hush lately on Kresley Cole news. And it’s all been the bare minimum or nothing. Especially on The Arcana Chronicles. The fact that there was no news on book 4 for or how many more would be in the series made me nervous. The last young adult series I liked this much got cancelled . . .

However, the Arcana Chronicles have been doing really well, sells speaking. So I kept trying to comfort myself that no publisher would cancel a lucrative series. Right?

Well Cole has dropped the news! The Arcana Chronicles “TV & Motion Picture rights have been optioned by a major studio!!”

So I’m guessing all the delays, on all of Cole’s work, have been due to negotiating that. However, I’d never post for that. Unless there’s an actual official trailer nothing is real. No it’s because finally there’s some reassurances about the Arcana Chronicles BOOKs!

The 4th one doesn’t have a name yet but it will be released in the spring. (Though she didn’t say 2015 . . .  or any year. But assume 2015.) So far it’s official “. . . that there will be a minimum of five installments in the Chronicles.”

Personally I do not think that is enough books to finish the tangled games that are the Arcana Chronicles. Or if it is the Cole’s plan I feel like it’s going to end up feeling rushed. The fact that Cole is sticking with the lead female throughout the series has made her have to reach outside of her normal formula and come up with other elements. I’ll be sad to see it end, especially since all of  Cole’s other books/series are suffering from her “Standard Cole Formula”.

So what do you guys think? Interested in seeing the Arcana books into a TV show or movie? Do you think 5 books are enough or that there will (should) be more?

Review: Dead of Winter

Dead of Winter (The Arcana Chronicles, book 2) by Kresley Cole

Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Hardcover | Kindle
Goodreads: Dead of Winter

Can Evie convince her rival loves to work together? Their survival depends on it in this third book of #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole’s Arcana Chronicles, a nonstop action tale of rescue, redemption, and a revenge most wicked.

Heartbreaking decisions
Evie was almost seduced by the life of comfort that Death offered her—until Jack was threatened by two of the most horrific Arcana, the Lovers. She will do anything to save him, even escape Death’s uncanny prison, full of beautiful objects, material comforts…and stolen glances from a former love.

Uncertain victory
Despite leaving a part of her heart behind with Death, Evie sets out into a perilous post-apocalyptic wasteland to meet up with her allies and launch an attack on the Lovers. Such formidable enemies require a battle plan, and the only way to kill them may mean Evie, Jack, and Death allying. Evie doesn’t know what will prove more impossible: surviving slavers, plague, Bagmen and other Arcana—or convincing Jack and Death to work together.

Two heroes returned
There’s a thin line between love and hate, and Evie just doesn’t know where she stands with either Jack or Death. Will this unlikely trio be able to defeat The Lovers without killing one another first...?

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Review:

Dead of Winter is probably The Arcana Chronicles' strongest and weakest book yet. In my review of Endless Knight I confessed that, “Part of me always new that if there was an author who could make a freaking EPIC love triangle it would be Cole.” Oh, and that still holds true with Dead of Winter! Oh, the tension! All that love triangle tension piled on top of the scheming viciousness of the Arcana games was intense. What could have been creepier than Evie facing The Hierophant a monster who can brainwash anyone into doing his evil cannibalistic cult ways? That's The Lovers. AKA Duke and Duchess Most Perverse.

The Lovers are creepy as hell, and a bit more proof of how evil Evie was as The Empress in past lives. Bringing questions to light of whether the Cards are really evil at heart, but simply influenced and shaped by the chroniclers/family members who raise them for the games. It's an interesting dynamic and I like that Cole went there. It bothers me that Evie still feels like she needs to atone for those sins, even after she says she's done doing so. However, that's part of what makes Evie a great character. Which makes the conflict she has trying to do the right with accepting her powers and knowing when viscous, or cruel actions, are needed.

This book is dark and deals with horrific torture. This series may be Young Adult, but as I've stated before it's only YA in the name of the characters' ages. It's all dark and gruesome fantasy. It always over the top gruesome à la Cole Immortals After Dark style. If you've been reading the series up to this point it's no shocker, but be warned things have definitely taken a step up from the last book. The Twins are sick, and horrible things happen to beloved characters . . .

The overall strategy of Evie and company dealing with The Twins and her ever growing need to end the game is excellent. Talk about high stakes. At this point Cole has made me love the vast cast and I am on the edge of my seat with fear of who might get killed off. There's no word on having couple books or switch offs, so even if some couples get HAE they could still die. Which only adds to the suspense.

Strangely enough what took away some of the suspense was the love triangle suspense. Don't get me wrong I was breathing heavy, fanning myself, and totally freaking out. However, something happened. Cole failed to redeem Aric (AKA Death) and Jack. Aric and Jack have betrayed her in different ways, and they keep betraying her. Aric may have been somewhat justified in his poor treatment of Evie (*snorts* you know how I really feel about that), but then when they're both in love he tries to force her to have sex. Boom! Jack lied to Evie. Lied about his part in her mothers death, which is quickly swept under the rug and solved. Yet to me the biggest betrayal was that Jack targeted Evie because she was a certain someone's' girlfriend. Decided he wanted her from there, and maybe it turned to love. But he kept, and has, so many secrets from her. But he's stolen and weaseled every secret Evie has out of her.

Both boys keep doing things. Aric has all these plans and schemes. Making plans and trying to get things to happen so that Evie's future goes his way. Jack still lies and doesn't include her in on things. And . . . it goes on and on my friends. Sure there are some sweet moments and some redeeming actions happen. However, this is one of those times where Cole has created hot asshole male leads, but hasn't successfully redeemed them yet. Earlier IAD it seemed like she never failed, lately not so much. There's more books to grow this “redemption”. Evie finally told both boys that she didn't have to chose them, she had other options. Which prompted the boys to both have their own version of laughing at her. While I'm glad that Evie said this, and I think she should maybe go with that option. Something snapped when I felt more offended that both Evie and I knew it was a joke.

Yes, I know I'm crazy. But I'm no longer immune to Cole's asshole men, they can't just treat woman like shit and not suffer. Yeah, that's what is missing. The men need to suffer and fear for their HEA. Suffer! Heck I miss the women in Cole’s book bringing that suffering so things are “even”. Evie may no longer feel like she owes Aric to be his wife, and that it might not be Stockholm Syndrome. My big issue is that I like Evie, she's kind and can be mean and kickass when needed. However, I feel she’s confusing being nice with actually being a doormat. Maybe dying at any moment is a good reason to let things go, but it's not a good reason to be a said doormat.

That said a lot goes down in this book. The Arcana game is going to be EPIC! Heck it's already brilliant. With that ending and the setup for The Emperor pure perfection. All of the hints dropped in DoW and then that cliffhanger! Oh, that cliffhanger. Part of my mind is still shocked. It's true nothing is clear about Arcana cliffhanger's until about 50 (or more) pages into the next book. So my mind is stuck between frantic panic attack and sadness, and staying calm until next year! Oh, the torture. Fans get more answers and I truly love how the mythology is building up this world. Despite my romance frustrations I will never stop. It’s part of the fun. When reading these books make sure you have the time or else the pressure will drive you crazy!

Sexual Content: No full on sex scenes, but I firmly can state this is adult content. Oh, and twincest.

 
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Poison Princess (1) Endless Knight (2) Dead of Winter (3)	Poison Princess (1) Endless Knight (2) Dead of Winter (3)	Poison Princess (1) Endless Knight (2) Dead of Winter (3)

Review: Endless Knight

Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles, book 2) by Kresley Cole

Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Endless Knight (2)

In this seductive follow-up to Poison Princess, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole takes us deeper into the dark world of the Arcana Chronicles.

Shocking secrets
Evie has fully come into her powers as the Tarot Empress, and Jack was there to see it all. She now knows that the teens who've been reincarnated as the Tarot are in the throes of an epic battle. It's kill or be killed, and the future of mankind hangs in the balance.

Unexpected allies
With threats lurking around every corner, Evie is forced to trust her newfound alliance. Together they must fight not only other Arcana, but also Bagmen zombies, post-apocalyptic storms, and cannibals.

Gut-wrenching treachery
When Evie meets Death, things get even more complicated. Though falling for Jack, she's drawn to the dangerous Endless Knight as well. Somehow the Empress and Death share a history, one that Evie can't remember--but Death can't forget...

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Review:

***If you have not read the first book, there might be spoilers. Oh, and if in general you're not good at predicting books.****

Holy. Freaking. Book Gods! Ahhhhhhhhh! Wow. Wow-wow. Wow! Excuse me while I take a shower, then poor my wine and light a smoke. Bookness, that was sooooooo good. Part of me always new that if there was an author who could make a freaking EPIC love triangle it would be Cole. Gosh, my body is still going crazy. Not to mention my mind. I . . . just . . . oh. *fans-self* Just bless you Cole. Bless you.

Now, I'll stop babbling. Well, hopefully.

Jack squeezed my hand and gazed down at me. “A, moi, Evangeline.”
I promised him: “Always.” ― Jack & Evie

The power of Cole is amazing in The Arcana Chronicles. Just dumbfounds me. It might be a Young Adult, but the only thing that classifies it as Young Adult is the fact that the characters and Arcana players are in that age category. Everything else is all adult baby! The grit and horror of the world of the Arcana, the gore, deaths, dialogue, and mindsets. Oh, and the sex. Prrrrrrrr. What's better is that while I might be getting a bit tired of the “Cole Formula” with her Immortals After Dark series, everything in Arcana is great. Especially now that answers are trickling in. Hmmmm, what a world!

“The first priest I find, I'm goan to marry you. I'm all in, peekon.” ― Jackson

Cole has brought everything I love about her IAD series here, and made it—FREAKING AWESOME! The whole lies and misunderstandings between the lovers is so frustratingly perfect. Oh. My! Everything I wanted to happen between Jackson—the book world's most hottest Cajun—and Evie did. But of course everything gets thrown out of whack! Rooting for Jackson and waiting for Cole to make her move and introduce Death was sheer torture. Oh, and just like I knew she would Cole has made me fall at the feet of the amazing Death. While things about him fall into classic alpha man—a la Cole style. It amazes me how much I love both Jackson and Death. At this point I'm still firmly on team Jackson. Though between the two I'd tell Evie to walk and woman out, she's amazing. Empress don't need to simper!

“I desired you before, but I never loved you until this life.” ― Death

Because the problem is that the huge betrayal that Death is punishing Evie for. Kind of seemed really stupid. The fact is the past Empresses have been raised to be ruthless and only look out for number one. Each time she dies she's reborn again without the memories of her past lives and into the arms of waiting people wanting to make her ruthless and viscous. Why should she be accountable for those sins? Why should Evie even being thinking about her love in terms of “penance” for Death? That's messed up, even for a Cole book.

“Force?” Unmoved, he led me towards his bedroom. “I'm not forcing you to do anything. Just as you can't force me to save your lover's life. We each make sacrifices to get what we want.” ― Death

The betrayals from all sides of the love triangle of Death, Jackson, and Evie are there. Cole is queen of making dramatic and damaging drama between fated characters. What I love is that despite everything Evie holds on. What's better is that I can see all sides and as Evie states, “I was learning that nothing was black and white.” These are my favorite types of worlds and love stories. You know it people, I'm a gray area girl. It's so magical to feel this way about a love triangle. See people, this is what I've been blabbering about nonstop: the ultimate power of a good love triangle!

“My relationship with Jackson had felt fated. Whatever I had with Aric felt . . . endless.” ― Evie

So I've been going on and on about the romance. To be honest it's a huge factor here. What needs to be mentioned are the other characters and getting to know them. The black and white, to those fabulous gray areas. The bad guys are chilling in true Cole fashion, and the good guys aren't always white knights. The game of the Arcana is epic and I have a feeling that Mathew—AKA this series' Nyx—is playing to officially end the game. Oh, and I am so excited to see this play out. Amazing world with scary ass deaths lurking behind every turn. The battles and action, strategy and seduction! Mathew's repeated words of “taking out the bad cards”. This is just the start of the Arcana battle, with a “secret” Arcana and the possibility of more minor players. Loving both love interests and not feeling 100% about who will end up with Evie? Absolute perfection. Oh, and that cliffhanger! Ah! Thank goodness I waited for book three two come out before diving into the beautiful terror of Endless Knight.

(Oh, wow. I'm still shaking from my book high! Bless you Cole. Bless you.)

Sexual Content: Sex. Hmm-mm. Plenty of flirting, temptation, and dark themes. It reads like one of her IAD books. At this point you’ll know if you like Cole or not.

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Poison Princess (1) Endless Knight (2) Dead of Winter (3) Untitled (4)	Poison Princess (1) Endless Knight (2) Dead of Winter (3) Untitled (4)	Poison Princess (1) Endless Knight (2) Dead of Winter (3) Untitled (4)

Review: Dark Skye

Dark Skye (Immortals After Dark, book 13) by Kresley Cole

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Dark Skye

In this highly anticipated fifteenth novel in the Immortals After Dark series, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole spins a sultry tale of a mighty warrior scarred inside and out and the beguiling sorceress with the power to heal him—or vanquish him forever.

Eternal Obsession
As a boy, Thronos, prince of Skye Hall, loved Lanthe, a mischievous Sorceri girl who made him question everything about his Vrekener clan. But when the two got caught in the middle of their families’ war, tragedy struck, leaving Thronos and Lanthe bitter enemies. Though centuries have passed, nothing can cool his seething need for the beautiful enchantress who scarred his body—and left an even deeper impression on his soul.

Endless Yearning
Lanthe, a once-formidable sorceress struggling to reclaim her gifts, searches for love and acceptance with all the wrong immortal suitors. But she’s never forgotten Thronos, the magnificent silver-eyed boy who protected her until she was ripped from the shelter of his arms. One harrowing night changed everything between them. Now he’s a notorious warlord with a blood vendetta against Lanthe, hunting her relentlessly.

Can the heat of desire burn brighter than vengeance?
With their families locked in conflict and battles raging all around them, will Thronos and Lanthe succumb to the brutal chaos that threatens everything they cherish? Or will the fragile bond they formed so long ago spark a passion strong enough to withstand even the darkest doubts?

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Review:

To be quiet honest the “Kresley Cole Formula” of IAD series, has been losing it's shine for me. In fact, formulamatic Paranormal Romance does in general. However, each new book had been building and introducing a world that I'm totally in love with. Dreams of a Dark Warrior tuckered me out, especially after how awesome Carrow's story was. Lothaire saved some of it, but then suddenly when I was reading the spinoff—Shadow's Claim—it just hit me how tiring the “formula” is becoming. Especially after the utter exhausting disappointment of MacRieve. Which did very little world building, and took the hate to love part of standard IAD to a point where I couldn't justify the woman ending up with MacRieve. Plus, after binge reading the entire Psy-Changeling books just last year my standards have rocketed up for Paranormal Romance.

That being said I've been waiting for Lanthe and Thronos' love story since book 7 impatiently. Considering the last time I got this excited for a love story—Lucia and Garreth MacRieve—in the IAD it hadn't quite lived up to everything I had hoped for. So I went into Dark Skye simply expecting to enjoy it. It started out slow for me, but then suddenly I was sucked in. Holy Valkyries Nix! Did they actually start to, grudgingly, trust one another. To start moving on, in the beginning of a book before page 100? Yes. They have a ton to get over with, as Lanthe states their love is epic. However, the reason for its epicness is that it is wrought with misunderstandings of the most darkest IAD style. What sets Lanthe and Thronos' story apart is that it starts out with the beauty of innocence and readers already no the basics going in.

Of course the “Kresley Cole Formula” is here, but this formula is spiced up enough that the love story stands out. Even better is that Dark Skye is a bit more tender story compared to others in the genre. Even better is that finally I can wash the bad taste of Will MacRieve out of my mind. Thronos' is so sweet and charming, it's nice to have another fierce male in the IAD universe who owns his innocence, and comes out more dominate and sexy on the other side. He's reasonable and it didn't pain me to watch how badly he treated his mate. Lanthe and Thronos have history, and they have a lot of personal beliefs/misunderstanding/issues to overcome. But this book is about friendship and partnerships being the foundation of not just relationships, but epic great love!

Lanthe worried me a bit going in, I just didn't think we could be friends. However, I immediately liked her and loved that while she might be one of the more “gentler” females in the series she's still completely fierce. Even better is she's not a virgin, nor does she have just a few men who were just bad experiences and mistakes. No, Lanthe has had conquests. She knows what she likes and desires. And. She knows the difference between sex and making love, that sex does not equal love. That perhaps she was trying to feel a void. Lanthe has enough self awareness not to feel the horror of “slut shame”.  Thank bookness. As my friends know, I can't diss a woman who owns her sexuality. Even better is a woman sharing some of that sexuality with her monkish type mate.

Thronos is basically zealous religious type, yet sweetly innocent. He knows the basics of things, but is the virgin in the series. A virgin of more then not only having sex. The Vrekener are basically like a cult, one who abhors merriment and joy. They live in a white washed world and they're exceedingly cocky in thinking they are angels and are above everyone. They've become tyrants and villains in the mind of a lot of the IAD races, even though they're supposed to be the good guys. Seeing Thronos' eyes open up to the truth of his people and what some were doing with the excuse of their belief system is very fascinating. Especially since readers already know what they've done to Lanthe and Sabine, as well as Princess Bettina—if you've read Shadow's Claim. They're villains. Cole loves showing both sides of the coin, and it's what I love about the series. Even if Thronos' uptight views on sex, and slut shaming Lanthe got my indignation up.

Now on to the world building. Lothiare really teased reader with hints of Nix's ultimate goals. Again MacRieve dropped the ball on this. So I was excited to not just get hints of Nix greasing the wheels of fate, but taking it by the reins and riding it out! Ah, it's awesome. The scenes where Nix is petitioning to become a Goddess and interacting with other powerful beings and revealing the end goal here. Ah, perfection. Because not everything is given away and there's still plenty of mystery going on for later entries.

After a slow start Dark Skye, starts to bring it. The world building I've been restlessly waiting to actually pan out is finally starting up again—let's be honest not much has been actually happening even with the spinoff. The romance brought enough freshness to the Kresley Cole Formula that I didn't feel that ping of announce as much. (No really. Cole let's mix it up just a bit more please. I know every PNR has a basic frame work they all follow, and in general love stories in general. They can be made unique.) While the real world building didn't happen until way later into the book, it fit in perfectly with getting to know the two love birds. This could have been a full on perfect entry to the series for me, except that despite its tidy ending it didn't feel tidy. I felt like there should have been more. It would surprise me greatly if the next book didn't have more to do with the Vrekener . Cough-Jasen-cough. It was too open ended, and while Cole has jumped around a lot in the series they usually go for runs and match up. So while I am definitely getting exasperated with the formula, I'm still enjoying myself. Here's to hoping the next book keeps building up the world, as well as the romantic/sexual heat.

Sexual Content: Steamy sex scenes, some voyeurism, and plenty of sexual humor.

 
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
A Hunger Like No Other (1) No Rest for the Wicked (2) Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (4) Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (5) Dark Desires After Dusk (6) Kiss of a Demon King (7) Pleasure of a Dark Prince (8) Demon from the Dark (9) Dreams of a Dark Warrior(10) Lothaire (11) MacRieve (12) Dark Skye (13)	A Hunger Like No Other (1) No Rest for the Wicked (2) Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (4) Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (5) Dark Desires After Dusk (6) Kiss of a Demon King (7) Pleasure of a Dark Prince (8) Demon from the Dark (9) Dreams of a Dark Warrior(10) Lothaire (11) MacRieve (12) Dark Skye (13)	A Hunger Like No Other (1) No Rest for the Wicked (2) Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (4) Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (5) Dark Desires After Dusk (6) Kiss of a Demon King (7) Pleasure of a Dark Prince (8) Demon from the Dark (9) Dreams of a Dark Warrior(10) Lothaire (11) MacRieve (12) Dark Skye (13)

Review: Poison Princess

Poison Princess (The Arcana Chronicles, book 1) by Kresley Cole

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Poison Princess

She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen-year-old Evangeline "Evie" Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they're still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can't do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can't totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it's not always clear who is on which side.

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Review:

The few adult authors that I love who venture into YA have really been hit or miss for me, mostly misses. However, within the first few pages I knew Cole was delivering! What I had no idea, after all I had been faithfully ignoring the book blurbs, reviews, and anything else that might spoil this read. Going in all I knew it was dystopian.

Peeling back the layers each page was so intense. First the book starts off in the future where the apocalypse (AKA Flash) has happened and Evie has wandered into a trap, where she might find herself tied up in a basement as a lab rat. Then the book jumps to the past 6 days BF (Before Flash) and Evie is just getting back home after spending some time in the loony bin. She just wants to be normal and avoid getting sent back to that medicated hell. What she finds is that her hallucinations are coming back, but maybe some of it isn't as crazy as she thought. Then boy from the wrong side of the bayou shows up at school and things get heated.

What I loved about this book the most wasn't the thrill of the past mixing with the future and present, but that Cole finally gets to show off a bit more of her stuff. Don't get me wrong I love her Immortal After Dark books. It's one of the highlight releases of each year for me! Sure she's mixed some of her favorite tropes into the book. Romance where the two keep getting hung up in what they think the other is thinking, check. Miscommunications, checked. Misunderstandings, check. However, this is a series where Evie remains the lead. That means the romance doesn't just get resolved right away.

Jackson, or Jack, is some yummy Cajun man candy. Something that I've always been drawn to. The fact that he's a bad boy with a motorcycle just added to the temptation! He's a hot head, and at times I was actually disgusted with him, but i think Cole has tempered me to that kind of male attitude. There's a love triangle here. Instead of being Evie and two other guys, it's Jack and two girls. Evie and one of her . . . apocalyptic rivals. Though I think Evie will be getting some options soon.

The desert apocalypse is . . . well never explained. This huge thing has happened before and what I think is reincarnations throughout time facing off for some type of end of the world battles. But why is it like this now? And what does it all mean!? Know idea. Evie is trying to find her crazy Aunt who actually knows, and that’s part of the adventure. The dystopian landscape is awesome and the beauty of Cole’s writing leaps out and memorizes readers. The cast of characters as they’re introduced amps up the universe and makes things feel more real. And of course more drama!

Cole brings parts of why I love her books to this new young adult dystopian. The fire of the romances that Cole always leaves her readers on fire with. Sure I’d like it if she changed up the formula, but hey I—and readers—always bite. The world is amazing and the mystery of what is truly going on makes my head spin with glee! A bunch of kids pitted against each other to determine the strange arcane power play that is going on as the world is left in ruin and humanity does what it does best. Turns everyone against each other. Unlike many adult authors who have tried to make the jump before Cole, she isn’t afraid to bring the controversy. Women haven’t made it through the Flash and now are treasures. Cannibalism, the fight for food and water, serial killers now able to live out their evil. Ah. Chaos. Mwah-ha-ha.

Sexual Content: Making out, talks of losing virginity, talk of sex, and sexual humor. This is a mature young adult.

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Poison Princess (1) Endless Knight (2) Dead of Winter (3)	Poison Princess (1) Endless Knight (2) Dead of Winter (3)	Poison Princess (1) Endless Knight (2) Dead of Winter (3)

Review:MacRieve

MacRieve (Immortals After Dark, book 12) by Kresley Cole

Genre: Urban Fantasy 
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: MacRieve

In this pulse-pounding Immortals After Dark tale, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole delves into the darkest mysteries and deepest passions of Clan MacRieve. . .

A Beast In Torment

Uilleam MacRieve believed he’d laid to rest the ghosts of his boyhood. But when a brutal torture revives those ancient agonies and destroys his Lykae instinct, the proud Scot craves the oblivion of death. Until he finds her—a young human so full of spirit and courage that she pulls him back from the brink.

A Beauty In Chains

Seized for the auction block, Chloe Todd is forced to enter a terrifying new world of monsters and lore as a bound slave. When offered up to creatures of the dark, she fears she won’t last the night. Until she’s claimed by him—a tormented immortal with heartbreaking eyes, whose touch sets her blood on fire.

A Full Moon On The Rise

With enemies circling, MacRieve spirits Chloe away to the isolated Highland keep of his youth. But once he takes her to his bed, his sensual mate becomes something more than human, evoking his savage past and testing his sanity. On the cusp of the full moon, can he conquer his worst nightmare to save Chloe . . . from himself?

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Review:

Fans of Immortals After Dark have been looking forward to some MacRieve twin time for a while. Or at least I have. They're both amazing and after a glint of Uilleam, or Will, trying to escape from some Succubus. To be honest it was time for some Lykae loving.

The instant I met Will and his tragic past unveiled I was in love. He's the perfect kind of angst that me likes! When he met his fated woman on a chopping block he immediately swoops in to save her. Chloe is an impressive woman, and I loved her. She's worked hard for everything she's wanted and it's finally paid off when she gets a chance to play soccer at the Olympics and represent the USA! That is until she finds out she's turning into an immortal. When events lead her to being up on the auction block and into Will's arms. Will can forgive her being the daughter of his enemy, but when the mystery of Chloe’s immortal side is “revealed” . . . well things go south for me.

Of course, we all knew what it would be. It’s classic Cole plot drama, if the reveal shocked you . . . shame. More classic Cole plotting this reveal then makes the circumstances make them feel like the other betrayed them, then they actually do. They fight, torture each other, and then overcome it all and fall in love. Yeah. Except this time Will is an unmitigated-toxic-horrendous jerk!! Will takes an amazing woman and pulls her apart. He nukes her, the wreck left behind is awful. Then this amazing woman Cole has created takes it all. No really. She justifies Will's every move. At one point she does get to the point where she's had enough. But she comes back for more.

Chloe is too strong of a woman to just sit back and take that crap! To justify what Will is and has done to her. Sure Will realizes that he's prejudice and what he 's done to Chloe is wrong. It happens in every Immortals After Dark book. It's the formula that we the readers come begging back for. This time it goes to far and I personally can not handle it. There is no way someone like Chloe would take that crap and make excuses! No. It's like she was transformed into a new character. There's being kind and smart, knowing that there is something dark driving the man you thought you could love. Then there's just plain cruel abuse that no one should put up with.

Despite that Cole still pulls off a hot, steamy, read. It's hot. How-why-who-knows? It was weird loathing the romantic story—which is the whole point of this read—but still fanning yourself from the flames. The supporting cast was amazing. Especially getting back into the Lykae world.

In the end, this is the first time I actually found myself disliking a book in the Immortals After Dark series. Yes, the couples tend to be really rude, abusive, and horrible too each other until they can accept one anther. Usually bordering the line and always allowing redeeming qualities to shine through. Not so much here. Will did not deserve Chloe, and I loath that Chloe was introduced as a strong and smart female to only be altered into a doormat. Thankfully the other characters and the world around the characters were enough to help make things tolerable. Looks like maybe the other MacRieve twin is up later—thought who knows when—and here's hoping things get better. From the setup, and that huge cliffhanger of wonderful cruelness, things are looking up for this series.

Sexual Content: Steamy-steamy ladies. Though some of the sex is degrading.

  
2/5- Average/disappointing, library check-out.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
A Hunger Like No Other (1)  No Rest for the Wicked (2) Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (4) Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (5) Dark Desires After Dusk (6) Kiss of a Demon King (7) Pleasure of a Dark Prince (8) Demon from the Dark (9) Dreams of a Dark Warrior(10) Lothaire (11) MacRieve (12) Dark Skye (13)	A Hunger Like No Other (1) No Rest for the Wicked (2) Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (4) Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (5) Dark Desires After Dusk (6) Kiss of a Demon King (7) Pleasure of a Dark Prince (8) Demon from the Dark (9) Dreams of a Dark Warrior(10) Lothaire (11) MacRieve (12) Dark Skye (13)	A Hunger Like No Other (1) No Rest for the Wicked (2) Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (4) Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (5) Dark Desires After Dusk (6) Kiss of a Demon King (7) Pleasure of a Dark Prince (8) Demon from the Dark (9) Dreams of a Dark Warrior(10) Lothaire (11) MacRieve (12) Dark Skye (13)