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Immortals After Dark #2
No Rest for the Wicked
alternate cover edition of ISBN 9781416509882
In this next installment in the Immortals After Dark Series, USA Today Bestselling author Kresley Cole delivers a scorching tale about a forbidding vampire who lives in the shadows and the beautiful assassin who hunts him there.
A vampire soldier weary of life...
Centuries ago, Sebastian Wroth was turned into a vampire—a nightmare in his mind—against his will. Burdened with hatred and alone for ages, he sees little reason to live. Until an exquisite, fey creature comes to kill him, inadvertently saving him instead.
A valkyrie assassin dispatched to destroy him...
When Kaderin the Cold Hearted lost her two beloved sisters to a vampire attack long ago, a benevolent force deadened her sorrow—accidentally extinguishing all of her emotions. Yet whenever she encounters Sebastian, her feelings—particularly lust—emerge multiplied. For the first time, she's unable to complete a kill.
Competitors in a legendary hunt...
The prize of the month-long contest is powerful enough to change history, and Kaderin will do anything to win it for her sisters. Wanting only to win her, forever, Sebastian competes as well, taking every opportunity—as they travel to ancient tombs and through catacombs, seeking relics around the world—to use her new feelings to seduce her. But when forced to choose between the vampire she's falling for and reuniting her family, how can Kaderin live without either?
In this next installment in the Immortals After Dark Series, USA Today Bestselling author Kresley Cole delivers a scorching tale about a forbidding vampire who lives in the shadows and the beautiful assassin who hunts him there.
A vampire soldier weary of life...
Centuries ago, Sebastian Wroth was turned into a vampire—a nightmare in his mind—against his will. Burdened with hatred and alone for ages, he sees little reason to live. Until an exquisite, fey creature comes to kill him, inadvertently saving him instead.
A valkyrie assassin dispatched to destroy him...
When Kaderin the Cold Hearted lost her two beloved sisters to a vampire attack long ago, a benevolent force deadened her sorrow—accidentally extinguishing all of her emotions. Yet whenever she encounters Sebastian, her feelings—particularly lust—emerge multiplied. For the first time, she's unable to complete a kill.
Competitors in a legendary hunt...
The prize of the month-long contest is powerful enough to change history, and Kaderin will do anything to win it for her sisters. Wanting only to win her, forever, Sebastian competes as well, taking every opportunity—as they travel to ancient tombs and through catacombs, seeking relics around the world—to use her new feelings to seduce her. But when forced to choose between the vampire she's falling for and reuniting her family, how can Kaderin live without either?
356 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 31, 2006
About the author
Kresley Cole
64 books26.7k 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 2,237 reviews
February 24, 2011
I have a scientific curiosity about romance readers. I want to probe them like rats in a cage.
Don't worry, I'll be gentle... if you want me to.
What do they like about these novels? What characteristics appeal to them? What is the common denominator in a successful romance novel? Can I boil it down and make a formula.
Quality of foreplay X chemistry / sexual tension over time (grading scale being >50 for way too early, =80 for perfection and around 100 for aggravating over-tension, otherwise known and "Oh, FFS! Just do it already!")
But then you'd have to add in other complex formulas for likability of both the male and female protagonists (completely separate formulas), balancing action and ridiculously contrived plots with heaving bosoms. When I began on my complex mathematical studies, I had no ideas it would be so difficult to boil down!
You mean there's more to it than this?
I enjoyed this novel because it confounded quite a few of my formulas. Also, it may as well be retitled Kat and Mr Kennedy if They Lived in Paranormal Romance World.
Kaderine is cold and emotionless (see where the similarities begin?) until she meets Sebastian who despises his life as a vampire. Unable to kill him, she runs and he chases her.
Now, what COULD have progressed was a tale of an alpha male chasing down his woman until she finally relented, realized how much she wanted his gorgeous body (and all appendages) and finally succumbed to her Stockholm Syndrome.
What progressed was Kaderine spending 95% of this novel kicking ass and not ONCE being whiny or pathetic. What progressed was Sebastian discovering that he could not control, dominate or cage Kaderine because she would never love him that way. What progressed was him realizing he wanted to help her achieve her dream because he cared about her and loved her EXACTLY the way she was without even trying to take her away from her family, her life or her passions.
Finally.
A relationship dynamic that DOESN'T make me feel slightly queasy.
This novel was pretty good. It almost manages to wipe away the bitter memories of A Hunger Like No Other and in my opinion, the characters, action and story are infinitely better.
Cole has JUST convinced me to keep reading. If it hadn't been for her loyal fans then I would have ditched her halfway through the first book. She should pay them money. Lots and lots of money.
Like, enough to buy each of them one of these.
Don't worry, I'll be gentle... if you want me to.
What do they like about these novels? What characteristics appeal to them? What is the common denominator in a successful romance novel? Can I boil it down and make a formula.
Quality of foreplay X chemistry / sexual tension over time (grading scale being >50 for way too early, =80 for perfection and around 100 for aggravating over-tension, otherwise known and "Oh, FFS! Just do it already!")
But then you'd have to add in other complex formulas for likability of both the male and female protagonists (completely separate formulas), balancing action and ridiculously contrived plots with heaving bosoms. When I began on my complex mathematical studies, I had no ideas it would be so difficult to boil down!
You mean there's more to it than this?
I enjoyed this novel because it confounded quite a few of my formulas. Also, it may as well be retitled Kat and Mr Kennedy if They Lived in Paranormal Romance World.
Kaderine is cold and emotionless (see where the similarities begin?) until she meets Sebastian who despises his life as a vampire. Unable to kill him, she runs and he chases her.
Now, what COULD have progressed was a tale of an alpha male chasing down his woman until she finally relented, realized how much she wanted his gorgeous body (and all appendages) and finally succumbed to her Stockholm Syndrome.
What progressed was Kaderine spending 95% of this novel kicking ass and not ONCE being whiny or pathetic. What progressed was Sebastian discovering that he could not control, dominate or cage Kaderine because she would never love him that way. What progressed was him realizing he wanted to help her achieve her dream because he cared about her and loved her EXACTLY the way she was without even trying to take her away from her family, her life or her passions.
Finally.
A relationship dynamic that DOESN'T make me feel slightly queasy.
This novel was pretty good. It almost manages to wipe away the bitter memories of A Hunger Like No Other and in my opinion, the characters, action and story are infinitely better.
Cole has JUST convinced me to keep reading. If it hadn't been for her loyal fans then I would have ditched her halfway through the first book. She should pay them money. Lots and lots of money.
Like, enough to buy each of them one of these.
March 26, 2016
Now that I've picked this series up again, I can't put it down! I'm loving this supernatural world that Kresley Cole created. Slowly but surely, I'm figuring out these mystical beings and beginning to connect the dots between their stories. The audiobook narration continues to be fantastic as well.
Like the second book in the series, 'No Rest For The Wicked' centers on the forbidden romance between a Valkyrie and a vampire. This time around, it is Kaderin the cold-hearted and Sebastian that end up being "mated".
Once again, we're gifted with an extremely sexy alpha-male and a less than enthused "bride". Although there were many similarities to this book's predecessor, 'The Warlord Wants Forever', I found this book to be entertaining and sexy. You just can't get too much of a good thing! Ms. Cole has figured out a formula that works for her series and I'm completely enthralled.
If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it. I'm listening to the fourth book now and I continue to be captivated by this story. The characters are well developed and compelling. The chemistry is off the charts. I have no complaints.
Like the second book in the series, 'No Rest For The Wicked' centers on the forbidden romance between a Valkyrie and a vampire. This time around, it is Kaderin the cold-hearted and Sebastian that end up being "mated".
Once again, we're gifted with an extremely sexy alpha-male and a less than enthused "bride". Although there were many similarities to this book's predecessor, 'The Warlord Wants Forever', I found this book to be entertaining and sexy. You just can't get too much of a good thing! Ms. Cole has figured out a formula that works for her series and I'm completely enthralled.
If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it. I'm listening to the fourth book now and I continue to be captivated by this story. The characters are well developed and compelling. The chemistry is off the charts. I have no complaints.
March 25, 2015
This book has the most realistic insta-love in a PNR that I've ever read!
Seriously, I am surprised how the author did it and it made me bump it up a star. I just couldn't believe it!
I know comparing books isn't the thing, especially in reviews but I just have to explain why this shocked me so :D
I'm currently reading another paranormal series that has to do with vampires, and I just couldn't NOT compare these two, especially because this one has a vampire as male lead too.
Anyway, you know how it is in most PNR books, 2/3 of the time we get the insta-love and the "MINE" thing, and I'm OK with that because it's just the way it goes, though in some it's made more realistic than others.
Like the last book I've read had a vampire and a human falling in love after 4 days of knowing each other and maybe having 3 conversations all-together. And I mean falling in uber LOVE, for forever, where they have so many strong feelings for one another. After like 4 days. And at the end something happens that separates them and the dude wonders "how come she doesn't know me better than that, I thought she loved me"? Dude, YOU ONLY KNEW EACH OTHER FOR 4 F*CKING DAYS!!!!!!!!
Now this book...
Kresley Cole did it right. Boy, did she do it right!
Insta-love writers, take a hint from THIS!!!!!!!!!
There is insta-something in this book, right at the start of it, the two protagonists realise they are "mates" in the first scene of the book :DDDDD
BUT!
Kaderin hates vampires and wants nothing to do with Sebastian, nd the poor dude spends almost the entire book convincing her he is different and that they are meant to be together.
This isn't what was different here, actually this is pretty much how every PNR goes LOL
THIS is what surprised me:
*quote from Sebastian*
This is the most realistic view on the "mine" thing. He recognises she is his, but there isn't any real love yet because they simply don't know each other. And I just love the author for doing this, I really do.
*quote from Kaderin*
I was speechless after this, mainly because it was in the second half of the book and she still thought this, so yeah, I gotta say I just love how it was done!
Kresley Cole, you rock!!!!!
Anyway, about the rest of the book ehehehhehehehheheh
I listened to the audiobook here and the narrator is simply amazing (<3 <3 <3 <3 <3), though Sebastian has a sort of Russian accent, but not quite, something similar as me trying to speak English ahahhahahahah so I sympathize with the guy :D
I like how the story here is really weird and different, there isn't an uber PNR bad guy or some evil thing or a war or i don't know what that makes the suspense, the games in which Kaderin competes are the center of it and they were awesome! one scene in particular was sooooo horrible and scary and written so well though I kinda hate it cause it was so scary ahahhahahahahahah (for those of you who've read this, it's the shark scene :SSSS).
I actually meant to give this 4 stars, but as the book went on, it got better, then much better, then great, then amazing, then freaking awesome, so you see why I had to bump it up :D
So there, a huge rec from me, for those of you who are sick of the classic insta-love in PNR, you won't find it here ;))))
May 25, 2017
Spoilers
So Good..... All I can say about this series so far is WOW!!!!!!!!! I am so loving this series.
Kaderin the Cold Hearted is a Kickass Warrior Valkyrie who hates vampires because she had mercy on a vampire and he turned around and killer her two sisters. Her guilt and pain was so much that a goddess took away all of her emotions leaving her feeling nothing until she meets Sebastian Wroth ...
Sebastian was a Warrior like his other 3 brothers. He was turned into a vampire against his will by his two older brothers. He is Shy,a dedicated scholar, cunning and strong, but Hated what he was turned into and lived alone and depressed until Kaderin shows up and makes his heart beat again
Their love is very slow building and more realistic trust is slow coming for Kaderin and they don't just jump right into bed with each other but when they do HOTT!!!!!!!
Bastian was so sexy and man he had the patience of a saint because Kaderin fought him almost the whole way. When she ran into his arms Oh God
On to the Next book in this series :)
So Good..... All I can say about this series so far is WOW!!!!!!!!! I am so loving this series.
Kaderin the Cold Hearted is a Kickass Warrior Valkyrie who hates vampires because she had mercy on a vampire and he turned around and killer her two sisters. Her guilt and pain was so much that a goddess took away all of her emotions leaving her feeling nothing until she meets Sebastian Wroth ...
Sebastian was a Warrior like his other 3 brothers. He was turned into a vampire against his will by his two older brothers. He is Shy,a dedicated scholar, cunning and strong, but Hated what he was turned into and lived alone and depressed until Kaderin shows up and makes his heart beat again
Their love is very slow building and more realistic trust is slow coming for Kaderin and they don't just jump right into bed with each other but when they do HOTT!!!!!!!
Bastian was so sexy and man he had the patience of a saint because Kaderin fought him almost the whole way. When she ran into his arms Oh God
On to the Next book in this series :)
December 26, 2016
“And now, for the first time in three hundred hellish years, Sebastian desperately wanted to live.”
Sebastian Wroth is my favorite type of hero. He's persistent, gentle, adamant and freaking hot ! I fell in love with this book since the first chapter. Kresley Cole outlined No Rest for the Wicked very well because she didn't left any details out. The beginning of it and the ending were powerful, I felt emotions through the book even when I didn't read it, it was still there.
“They desecrate Riora’s sacred temple! She will be enraged.”
“Oh, gods, look at the marble. We are all beyond doomed.”
“Somebody put a plant in front of it!”
Apart from Sebastian's persistent characteristic, he's the one moving the story forward and putting power in each pace of the story. While I hated Kaderin for being an idiot sometimes, her character still moved me along with Sebastian's without any concerns. Their coupling is so perfect I didn't feel anything out of place.
“I'd wear his corsage to an orgy, any day!”
To be honest, this book was enjoyable and that unexpected twist almost tore me apart. I loved every minute of reading it. It thrilled me until I couldn't sit still for the next round of gutwrenching action scenes. It's worth the re-reading !
https://goo.gl/Wx2hBE
April 26, 2012
Huge 5 stars
I had a blast reading this story! I'm also sure it will come as no surprise to those who've followed my status updates that I freaking LOVED this book!
Right from the start, No Rest for the Wicked had me captivated and giddy. I couldn't stop myself from giggling, laughing, clapping, and squealing with delight while I cheering the characters on in their quest to win the Talisman's Hie, the immortals' version of the TV show the Amazing Race. I also found myself eager for the love story to be resolved, as I felt the hero truly deserved his HEA.
About the hero... boy, did I fall-head-over-heels for Sebastian. He's everything a true hero should be: honorable, courageous, fierce, loyal, tender, aggressive, sexy, thoughtful and protective. He definitely earn a spot among my all-time favorite heroes. As for the heroine, Kaderin the Coldhearted, I wasn't her biggest fan for a good portion of this book. She was every bit as "coldhearted" as her name implies. However, once she gained her emotions back, realized what a good man (vampire) Sebastian was, and proved she was worthy of him, I fell in love with her, too. Sebastian and Kaderin made a great couple and I hope to get more of them in future books.
No Rest for the Wicked was an absolutely delightful read. I ended this book with a huge smile on my face. I honestly can't remember the last time I had so much fun reading a book!
I had a blast reading this story! I'm also sure it will come as no surprise to those who've followed my status updates that I freaking LOVED this book!
Right from the start, No Rest for the Wicked had me captivated and giddy. I couldn't stop myself from giggling, laughing, clapping, and squealing with delight while I cheering the characters on in their quest to win the Talisman's Hie, the immortals' version of the TV show the Amazing Race. I also found myself eager for the love story to be resolved, as I felt the hero truly deserved his HEA.
About the hero... boy, did I fall-head-over-heels for Sebastian. He's everything a true hero should be: honorable, courageous, fierce, loyal, tender, aggressive, sexy, thoughtful and protective. He definitely earn a spot among my all-time favorite heroes. As for the heroine, Kaderin the Coldhearted, I wasn't her biggest fan for a good portion of this book. She was every bit as "coldhearted" as her name implies. However, once she gained her emotions back, realized what a good man (vampire) Sebastian was, and proved she was worthy of him, I fell in love with her, too. Sebastian and Kaderin made a great couple and I hope to get more of them in future books.
No Rest for the Wicked was an absolutely delightful read. I ended this book with a huge smile on my face. I honestly can't remember the last time I had so much fun reading a book!
May 25, 2017
Sebastian Wroth (Vampire) & Kaderin the Cold Hearted (Valkyrie)
Sebastian Wroth never wanted to become a vampire.
That September of 1709, he only wished to die. Everything he loved was lost, died, taken away from him. Sebastian was a man of honor. Better to have a honorable death, than becoming a bloodthirsty Vampiir. His brother Nikolai who suddenly appeared had other plans.
“I will not have this for me,” Sebastian said. “I do not want it.”
“You must, brother,” Nikolai murmured. Were his eerie eyes glinting? “Otherwise you die tonight.”
Nowadays, Sebastian still has not forgiven his brother. He still lives at his castle in Esthonia, all alone, hating himself and wishing to die. He never understood what being a vampire means. He never learned that the Earth is full of other supernatural immortals beings as well. He only wishes that someone kills him.
And then Kaderin, the valkirie appears ready to kill him. And they both realize that Kaderin is his bride.
Naturally, Sebastian has just discovered an important reason for him to live. He has to be with Kaderin, to protect her, to cherish her, to spoil her, to love her forever.
Yes, Kaderin is not happy. She hates vampires. They killed her sisters a few centuries ago. She wants to destroy all of them. She does not feel anything. No time for romance – especially with the enemy.
But they both, although not very experienced, cannot stop the attraction
“You are unused to this.” He traced across the room and stood, arms out, a hand on each side of the doorway. “As am I. We will find our way with this together. But you are my Bride.”
She closed her eyes, struggling for calm. “You’re not my husband. And never will be.”
“This can’t be random, Kaderin.”
Previously secluded Sebastian will try to learn everything he can about this new century, about the technology and the manners; while at the same time he will try to learn everything about the Lore and its creatures.
He never really tried to fit in before, but now he really wants to be worthy for his bride.
Kaderin will try to ignore Sebastian (unsuccessfully) and she will enter the Hie competition -where the majority of the Lore factions are represented - to win the ultimate price in order to gain back her lost happiness all these centuries.
Sebastian will enter as well and he is determined to help Kaderin – even if she does not wish his help.
Sebastian’s brother, Nikolai, is also determined to help Sebastian – even if he does not wish his help.
Nikolai loves his brother and he understands what it means to have a Valkyrie as a bride.
Gradually Sebastian and Kaderin will fall in love and their mating will be explosive.
Super awesome out of this world addition to the series. I am sure all PNR fans cry with joy every time they read this book :)
Sebastian Wroth never wanted to become a vampire.
That September of 1709, he only wished to die. Everything he loved was lost, died, taken away from him. Sebastian was a man of honor. Better to have a honorable death, than becoming a bloodthirsty Vampiir. His brother Nikolai who suddenly appeared had other plans.
“I will not have this for me,” Sebastian said. “I do not want it.”
“You must, brother,” Nikolai murmured. Were his eerie eyes glinting? “Otherwise you die tonight.”
Nowadays, Sebastian still has not forgiven his brother. He still lives at his castle in Esthonia, all alone, hating himself and wishing to die. He never understood what being a vampire means. He never learned that the Earth is full of other supernatural immortals beings as well. He only wishes that someone kills him.
And then Kaderin, the valkirie appears ready to kill him. And they both realize that Kaderin is his bride.
Naturally, Sebastian has just discovered an important reason for him to live. He has to be with Kaderin, to protect her, to cherish her, to spoil her, to love her forever.
Yes, Kaderin is not happy. She hates vampires. They killed her sisters a few centuries ago. She wants to destroy all of them. She does not feel anything. No time for romance – especially with the enemy.
But they both, although not very experienced, cannot stop the attraction
“You are unused to this.” He traced across the room and stood, arms out, a hand on each side of the doorway. “As am I. We will find our way with this together. But you are my Bride.”
She closed her eyes, struggling for calm. “You’re not my husband. And never will be.”
“This can’t be random, Kaderin.”
Previously secluded Sebastian will try to learn everything he can about this new century, about the technology and the manners; while at the same time he will try to learn everything about the Lore and its creatures.
He never really tried to fit in before, but now he really wants to be worthy for his bride.
Kaderin will try to ignore Sebastian (unsuccessfully) and she will enter the Hie competition -where the majority of the Lore factions are represented - to win the ultimate price in order to gain back her lost happiness all these centuries.
Sebastian will enter as well and he is determined to help Kaderin – even if she does not wish his help.
Sebastian’s brother, Nikolai, is also determined to help Sebastian – even if he does not wish his help.
Nikolai loves his brother and he understands what it means to have a Valkyrie as a bride.
Gradually Sebastian and Kaderin will fall in love and their mating will be explosive.
Super awesome out of this world addition to the series. I am sure all PNR fans cry with joy every time they read this book :)
February 25, 2024
3rd Read Completed 2/22/2024 On Audio
My quick thoughts: I love the audio narrator for these books, Robert Petkoff. I get the impression he has a lot of fun with the books, but not in a making fun of them way. I love his accents. Wow, Sebastian's Estonian accent was sexay! Something about Sebastian that just does it for me. Kaderin didn't annoy me as much as she did the first time I read it. I'm older and I understand how life does harden a person. I really appreciate how much she came to adore Sebastian, and who could blame her. This is still one of my all time favorite paranormal romance series and they are helping me with my romance novel book burnout. It's still a five star read. I really want to make time to continue rereading this series.
2nd Read Completed Between 8/11-8/12/13
There is something about this series that feels like sinking into a comfortable, well-loved pair of shoes, or diving into your favorite comfort dish (think Mac N' Cheese). These books absorb me like few others. I was excited to reread it, and hopeful I would feel more connected and like Kaderin more this time around. It actually happened, so yay!
Before, I felt like she was just so mean to Sebastian and it bothered me. This time, I could put her into context of her life, and what she'd suffered. Her sorrow and her guilt at losing her sisters. How she couldn't bring them back, and had to live so many years without them. So she dedicated herself to wiping out those who had taken them from her. I could see why she was so armored against Sebastian. And yet, he found his way into her heart. That was a beautiful thing to experience, and it made me love Sebastian even more. I also realized that I did respect Kaderin. I think it's really easy to judge people for their mistakes and shortcomings (especially when we really don't know them). At church this Sunday, the pastor talked about the fact that people are 'holey' and we see all their holes and not the beauty of them as people. It was such a good message to remember. Sometimes, we are so 'holey' and those holes our own hurts cause us to become emotionally callous. As a result, we see others through jaundiced lens and just see what they do wrong, instead of how they are hurting as we hurt. This time around, I saw Kaderin for her pain, and what that pain made her do and act. The great thing about this story was that Sebastian loved her for who she was, and even when she pushed him away and hurt him, he didn't give up. That made me love him even more.
I also saw Sebastian in a deeper and even more beloved way. I have much love for Sebastian. He's everything I would love in a man: a powerful warrior, equally powerful intellectual, thoughtful, caring, and loving! He's as deep as an ocean, and I find that so sexy. Absolutely sigh-worthy. I loved the scene when Sebastian was turned on by the highly intellectual discussion of time paradox with Kaderin, that she could hold her own. My kind of man. Nerdtastic--my Kryptonite! Like I said, Lachlain has some stiff competition!
The concept of the Talisman's Hie was fun and exciting. I loved the globe-trotting adventure with a supernatural/fantastic twist. I liked the intense competition between Kaderin, Bowen, and Lucindeya. They all did some dirty tricks that made me wince. The Lore is so fantastically interesting, so learning more about it was fun. I felt bad for Bowen, even though I wanted Kaderin to win. I'm excited to see the sparks fly between Bowen and Mariketa. Of course, I love the interactions between Kaderin and her Valkyrie sisters, and Sebastian and his brother. It was great to see Nikolai and Myst (happy and together) so much in this book and to hear from Emma (and more obliquely Lachlain). As always, Cole has me laughing at the Valkyries' antics.
Man, I love those Wroth brothers! *Thud* Times Four!
It's exciting and lovely to see that I love these books just as much (if not more) the second time around.
Check out my Immortals After Dark Pinboard on Pinterest!
**Original Review Below***
Another great book in the Immortals After Dark series. Can I be honest and say that I really disliked Kaderin at first? She is one valkryie with a Valhalla-sized chip on her shoulder (Bad pun, I know). I felt bad for how she had suffered, and normally I love a strong, kickbutt heroine. But she came off massively unsympathetic and heartless initially. I didn't like the way she treated Sebastian, who was the sweetest guy. I'd love a guy like him. But over time, I grew to like Kaderin as I came to understand why her heart was so cold. She had watched her three sisters get slaughtered by vampires, unable to do anything to save them. All she had left for over a millenia was a sworn oath to destroy all vampires. In her mind, they were all of the Horde, which are the vampires who have given over to Bloodlust. She didn't realize that there were good vampires who fought the Horde.
Sebastian is a very loving character, but also a formidable warrior. He is one of the Wroth brothers, and was turned into a vampire by his oldest brothers Nikolai and Murdoch to fight in deposed Vampire King Kristoff's army to regain his kingdom. He was never good with women, being freakishly tall and lanky growing up. He had only been with two or three women in his life (compared to his playboy brother's Nikolai and Murdoch). He hated being a vampire, and was considering ending his miserable afterlife. But first he was going to try to win the Talisman Hie and get the Key, which would allow him to go back into the past and save his sisters who had died of plague back during the wars in their homeland Estonia. And then he sets his eyes on his Bride. Vampires are dead from the neck down, essentially. They cannot lust or feel desire for women until they meet their true Bride and become Blooded. It turns out that Kaderin the Coldhearted is Sebastian's Bride.
He is in love and lust. He cannot think of anything other than wooing and having his bride. He follows her around like a lost puppy. For those readers who like the alpha male bad boys, that may not sound very appealing, but it really is. Sebastian is a delicious hero. His determination to win Kaderin was very appealing to me. Kaderin is pretty annoyed and vows to kill this annoying vampire, who keeps trying to protect her, and is helping her to win the Talisman's Hie. But soon, his attractive intensity, his warrior prowess, and his masculine appeal starts to melt the ice around her heart.
So I started out this book holding Kaderin in dislike. However, seeing the way that Sebastian wins her over, and also how she is so tortured about the loss of her sisters, helped me to open my heart to Kaderin. She's not my favorite IAD heroine, but I do like her now.
No Rest for the Wicked is a great follow up to A Hunger Like No Other. Although Kaderin's cold-hearted demeanor may not be to every reader's tastes, this book is a must read for fans of paranormal, especially vampire romances. It certainly opened my eyes to the appeal of a vampire lover.
My quick thoughts: I love the audio narrator for these books, Robert Petkoff. I get the impression he has a lot of fun with the books, but not in a making fun of them way. I love his accents. Wow, Sebastian's Estonian accent was sexay! Something about Sebastian that just does it for me. Kaderin didn't annoy me as much as she did the first time I read it. I'm older and I understand how life does harden a person. I really appreciate how much she came to adore Sebastian, and who could blame her. This is still one of my all time favorite paranormal romance series and they are helping me with my romance novel book burnout. It's still a five star read. I really want to make time to continue rereading this series.
2nd Read Completed Between 8/11-8/12/13
There is something about this series that feels like sinking into a comfortable, well-loved pair of shoes, or diving into your favorite comfort dish (think Mac N' Cheese). These books absorb me like few others. I was excited to reread it, and hopeful I would feel more connected and like Kaderin more this time around. It actually happened, so yay!
Before, I felt like she was just so mean to Sebastian and it bothered me. This time, I could put her into context of her life, and what she'd suffered. Her sorrow and her guilt at losing her sisters. How she couldn't bring them back, and had to live so many years without them. So she dedicated herself to wiping out those who had taken them from her. I could see why she was so armored against Sebastian. And yet, he found his way into her heart. That was a beautiful thing to experience, and it made me love Sebastian even more. I also realized that I did respect Kaderin. I think it's really easy to judge people for their mistakes and shortcomings (especially when we really don't know them). At church this Sunday, the pastor talked about the fact that people are 'holey' and we see all their holes and not the beauty of them as people. It was such a good message to remember. Sometimes, we are so 'holey' and those holes our own hurts cause us to become emotionally callous. As a result, we see others through jaundiced lens and just see what they do wrong, instead of how they are hurting as we hurt. This time around, I saw Kaderin for her pain, and what that pain made her do and act. The great thing about this story was that Sebastian loved her for who she was, and even when she pushed him away and hurt him, he didn't give up. That made me love him even more.
I also saw Sebastian in a deeper and even more beloved way. I have much love for Sebastian. He's everything I would love in a man: a powerful warrior, equally powerful intellectual, thoughtful, caring, and loving! He's as deep as an ocean, and I find that so sexy. Absolutely sigh-worthy. I loved the scene when Sebastian was turned on by the highly intellectual discussion of time paradox with Kaderin, that she could hold her own. My kind of man. Nerdtastic--my Kryptonite! Like I said, Lachlain has some stiff competition!
The concept of the Talisman's Hie was fun and exciting. I loved the globe-trotting adventure with a supernatural/fantastic twist. I liked the intense competition between Kaderin, Bowen, and Lucindeya. They all did some dirty tricks that made me wince. The Lore is so fantastically interesting, so learning more about it was fun. I felt bad for Bowen, even though I wanted Kaderin to win. I'm excited to see the sparks fly between Bowen and Mariketa. Of course, I love the interactions between Kaderin and her Valkyrie sisters, and Sebastian and his brother. It was great to see Nikolai and Myst (happy and together) so much in this book and to hear from Emma (and more obliquely Lachlain). As always, Cole has me laughing at the Valkyries' antics.
Man, I love those Wroth brothers! *Thud* Times Four!
It's exciting and lovely to see that I love these books just as much (if not more) the second time around.
Check out my Immortals After Dark Pinboard on Pinterest!
**Original Review Below***
Another great book in the Immortals After Dark series. Can I be honest and say that I really disliked Kaderin at first? She is one valkryie with a Valhalla-sized chip on her shoulder (Bad pun, I know). I felt bad for how she had suffered, and normally I love a strong, kickbutt heroine. But she came off massively unsympathetic and heartless initially. I didn't like the way she treated Sebastian, who was the sweetest guy. I'd love a guy like him. But over time, I grew to like Kaderin as I came to understand why her heart was so cold. She had watched her three sisters get slaughtered by vampires, unable to do anything to save them. All she had left for over a millenia was a sworn oath to destroy all vampires. In her mind, they were all of the Horde, which are the vampires who have given over to Bloodlust. She didn't realize that there were good vampires who fought the Horde.
Sebastian is a very loving character, but also a formidable warrior. He is one of the Wroth brothers, and was turned into a vampire by his oldest brothers Nikolai and Murdoch to fight in deposed Vampire King Kristoff's army to regain his kingdom. He was never good with women, being freakishly tall and lanky growing up. He had only been with two or three women in his life (compared to his playboy brother's Nikolai and Murdoch). He hated being a vampire, and was considering ending his miserable afterlife. But first he was going to try to win the Talisman Hie and get the Key, which would allow him to go back into the past and save his sisters who had died of plague back during the wars in their homeland Estonia. And then he sets his eyes on his Bride. Vampires are dead from the neck down, essentially. They cannot lust or feel desire for women until they meet their true Bride and become Blooded. It turns out that Kaderin the Coldhearted is Sebastian's Bride.
He is in love and lust. He cannot think of anything other than wooing and having his bride. He follows her around like a lost puppy. For those readers who like the alpha male bad boys, that may not sound very appealing, but it really is. Sebastian is a delicious hero. His determination to win Kaderin was very appealing to me. Kaderin is pretty annoyed and vows to kill this annoying vampire, who keeps trying to protect her, and is helping her to win the Talisman's Hie. But soon, his attractive intensity, his warrior prowess, and his masculine appeal starts to melt the ice around her heart.
So I started out this book holding Kaderin in dislike. However, seeing the way that Sebastian wins her over, and also how she is so tortured about the loss of her sisters, helped me to open my heart to Kaderin. She's not my favorite IAD heroine, but I do like her now.
No Rest for the Wicked is a great follow up to A Hunger Like No Other. Although Kaderin's cold-hearted demeanor may not be to every reader's tastes, this book is a must read for fans of paranormal, especially vampire romances. It certainly opened my eyes to the appeal of a vampire lover.
August 18, 2024
In this installment of Never A Boring Moment: The Novels, it’s The Amazing Race but with immortals being devastatingly injured every other page (sharks, am I right?). The heroine is incredibly upset that she can feel feelings after a thousand years of apathy, and the hero is constantly, non-stop, 24/7 erect. Her sisters are dead (but not like, permanently) and his brother had the audacity to invest enough gold doubloons to make the entire family Midas-rich. He refused to kill a little dragon and she refuses to admit that she’s a very hungry caterpillar for his huge, throbbing sense of empathy. Are you confused? Welcome to Immortals After Dark.
January 10, 2022
I am absolutely HOOKED onto this series!!
February 3, 2022
Only 2 books in to this long ass series and I think they’re already becoming comfort reads for me.
May 5, 2024
"If you love something, you protect it ruthlessly. No matter what occurs."
This series is getting better and better. The 2nd book in the 'Immortals After Dark' series by Kresley Cole is full of extreme ideas, a fast-paced plot, exquisite characters and brilliant humor.
The events revolve around the Talisman’s Hie, a contest for immortals, where the ultimate price is unimaginably precious, and the setting is more than adventurous. This savage, bloody competition gives another peek into the fabulous world Kresley Cole created. It is an amazing alternative reality, with fascinating characters, and sometimes I just feel I want to be a part of it myself so bad.
Sebastian and Kaderin’s first scene proves how important and overpowering fate is in this world.
Their relationship, reactions and feelings for each other are expressed on a very special level. They are hundreds or thousands of years-old immortals. They can’t behave like humans, their relationship can’t be standard. Their problems and mentality are strongly different than the problems of contemporary romance characters. They are driven by fate, instincts and power. I love these powerful and limitless strong emotions.
Sebastian is irresistible, ingenious, determined. He is always honest and loyal.
“A hint, Sebastian? I you’re courting a woman, you could pause a nanosecond before declaring that you don’t love her. Maybe act as though you’d considered the possibility. Or you could lie. Or you could gloss over it by predicting that you will in the future.”
“I won’t lie to you. And about love? Unions have been built on far less than we have between us. We’d passion. Attraction. Respect.”
At the beginning, he is definitely not in love, but he is so persevering. I love the way as he treats Kaderin, and his unconditional support for her. He is a knight and a scholar in one person. I am amazed by his reasoning and discovery of tracing not only to a location but to a person as well. Oh, and I loved to read their scientific conversation on the plane after that hot night together.
Kaderin is considered to be merciless and cold-hearted. She is the daughter of gods, a true warrior.
She was so exquisite, and yet she carried a killer’s weapon. ... a sword not made for defense, not made for battle. The creature carried steel forged to deliver quick, silent deaths. Fascinating. An angel of death.
Sebastian makes her feel again, but Kaderin is obstinate and full of hate for vampires. She is often cruel and offensive to him, and it takes a while for her to accept him, to accept her own feelings for him. I understand her prejudices toward vampires, but I was so mad when she hurt that magnificent man. But at the end, in the pit of the Fyre Serpénte her trust in Sebastian was so touching, so I think I’m at peace with her after all.
My favorite quotes.
September 13, 2008
What a fool I am! I've had this hot number sitting patiently in my TBR pile for months, just waiting for me to finally pick it up and read it! After reading the first two titles in the "Immortals After Dark" series, I was not in any real hurry to read further in the series. The first book was okay, and admittedly the second book was much better, but this one was just outstanding! I feel like I did when I finally got around to reading J.R. Ward's BDB. Now I can't wait to read more!
I'll admit I fell HARD for the hero in this book, the reluctant vampire named Sebastian Wroth. He was just the sweetest, sexiest guy, with all his vulnerabilities and his lacking in (sexual) self-confidence. And his "Bride", the valkyrie Kaderin the Cold Hearted--it took me a while to warm up to her. At first she was so mean and hurtful to Sebastian, I wondered why he stayed around. But then I grew to like her too, and by the end of the book I wanted her to get all that she dreamed of. I ended up loving these two as a couple!
I loved the whole "Amazing Race-like" plot to the book. It was fast paced, and easier to follow than the previous books, maybe because it wasn't loaded down with a lot of 'lore' terms. And while the valkyries sometimes annoyed me in the previous books, this time I found their antics very amusing. I especially liked the reference to 'Survivor' host Jeff Probst--very funny!
And although there weren't a lot of sex scenes, the few that were written were smokin' hot, and filled with emotion! Believe me, you won't even miss the lack of a lot of sex scenes, because the book is filled with longing, and sexual tension, and before you know it, it's almost over--and you won't want it to end! And if you're like me, you'll have tears in your eyes during the emotional final chapters.
For all you sceptics who don't think you'd like a paranormal romance, give this one a try. I don't read many paranormals, but I loved this one! And for all you J.R. Ward fans--if you like the BDB books, but haven't found anything that could compare, I urge you to give this book a try. It completely captivated me.
I'll admit I fell HARD for the hero in this book, the reluctant vampire named Sebastian Wroth. He was just the sweetest, sexiest guy, with all his vulnerabilities and his lacking in (sexual) self-confidence. And his "Bride", the valkyrie Kaderin the Cold Hearted--it took me a while to warm up to her. At first she was so mean and hurtful to Sebastian, I wondered why he stayed around. But then I grew to like her too, and by the end of the book I wanted her to get all that she dreamed of. I ended up loving these two as a couple!
I loved the whole "Amazing Race-like" plot to the book. It was fast paced, and easier to follow than the previous books, maybe because it wasn't loaded down with a lot of 'lore' terms. And while the valkyries sometimes annoyed me in the previous books, this time I found their antics very amusing. I especially liked the reference to 'Survivor' host Jeff Probst--very funny!
And although there weren't a lot of sex scenes, the few that were written were smokin' hot, and filled with emotion! Believe me, you won't even miss the lack of a lot of sex scenes, because the book is filled with longing, and sexual tension, and before you know it, it's almost over--and you won't want it to end! And if you're like me, you'll have tears in your eyes during the emotional final chapters.
For all you sceptics who don't think you'd like a paranormal romance, give this one a try. I don't read many paranormals, but I loved this one! And for all you J.R. Ward fans--if you like the BDB books, but haven't found anything that could compare, I urge you to give this book a try. It completely captivated me.
November 6, 2012
I guess third time is the charm... At least, with the Immortals After Dark series. I wasn't impressed with The Warlord Wants Forever and A Hunger Like No Other, the first two entries in the series, but now I understand what all the fuss is about. To be honest, I wasn't "feeling the love" in the first half of this book, but things got much better in the second half.
Back in 1709, Sebastian Wroth was turned into a vampire by his brother Nikolai, the hero in The Warlord Wants Forever. That happened against his will, and Sebastian has never forgiven his older brother for it. When Valkyrie Kaderin the Cold Hearted shows up at his castle to kill him, he's more than happy to oblige... until he realizes she's his Bride, the one and only female destined to be his eternal wife. Now he doesn't want to die anymore. Too bad Valkyries hate vampires and Kaderin is the best vampire slayer on the face of the Earth, er, the Lore.
Kaderin isn't called "the Cold Hearted" for nothing. She hasn't felt any emotion in a thousand years, ever since her two sisters died by the hand of a vampire whose life Kaderin had just spared out of pity. Devastated by guilt and grief, she was given the blessing of feeling nothing so she could move on with her life. She's cold, fearless and ruthless, the ultimate vampire killer. But all that changes when she meets Sebastian and she starts feeling and experiencing emotions again. However, she isn't the least interested in consorting with a vampire, and she pushes him away.
Besides, she needs to focus on the Talisman's Hie, which is basically an immortal version of the TV show The Amazing Race. Kaderin is the Hie's reigning champion and has won every single edition of the deadly competition, so winning the Hie is a must. But there's more than pride and ego at stake this time around... This Hie, the winner will be given Thrane's Key, a powerful weapon that enables its possessor to time travel to the past. Here's Kaderin chance to go back in time and save her sisters! Her competitors are fierce, but she's positive she'll be able to defeat them. Sebastian offers to join her in the competition, but she flatly refuses his help. So he decides to enter the Hie himself and win the prize for her - after all, she's his Bride and he'll do anything for her. And while they're "globetrotting" in search of the talismans, he'll make her see they're meant for each other. Or will he?
Awww, I loved, loved, loved Sebastian! How could I not? He was adorable, protective, caring, honorable, and sexy as hell. And I think he was a virgin! I loved how he got all nervous and tentative around Kaderin, before he realized she wasn't fragile like the women he knew in his previous human life. I have to say I didn't fully understand why he didn't end his own life in all the three hundred years he lived as an unwilling vampire before he met Kaderin and found a purpose to live, though. I guess I should believe it was fate and he was just waiting to meet her, but Kaderin's behavior didn't make it easy to go along with that idea because she was so not worthy of him... Not in the beginning, at least.
I wanted to throttle Kaderin for the most part of this book. She was cold as expected, given her nickname, but I had a hard time figuring her out. I just couldn't understand how she remained imune to Sebastian for so long. At one point, she even lied to him and tried to use his feelings for her to get her out of a jammy so she could complete a task in the Hie. Thankfully, she came to her senses later in a wonderful scene that made my heart skip a beat. Was it enough to win me over? Not completely, but it was enough to stop me from wanting to smack her, LOL.
The pace of the story was a bit uneven to me. I struggled to get through the first half, when Sebastian and Kaderin didn't really spend much time together and I couldn't see how they would manage to fall in love if they didn't get to know each other. Following the Hie was fun, but it wasn't enough to hold my interest for itself. Once Sebastian and Kaderin started to interact more often, things improved. The second half of the story had a nice mix of action and romance, and I would have read it in one sitting if it wasn't for the darn power outage that took my country by surprise last night. All in all, the final half of the story saved the book for me and the ending had a nice tease - not exactly a cliffhanger - that made me want to read the next book, Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night. Yay!
Back in 1709, Sebastian Wroth was turned into a vampire by his brother Nikolai, the hero in The Warlord Wants Forever. That happened against his will, and Sebastian has never forgiven his older brother for it. When Valkyrie Kaderin the Cold Hearted shows up at his castle to kill him, he's more than happy to oblige... until he realizes she's his Bride, the one and only female destined to be his eternal wife. Now he doesn't want to die anymore. Too bad Valkyries hate vampires and Kaderin is the best vampire slayer on the face of the Earth, er, the Lore.
Kaderin isn't called "the Cold Hearted" for nothing. She hasn't felt any emotion in a thousand years, ever since her two sisters died by the hand of a vampire whose life Kaderin had just spared out of pity. Devastated by guilt and grief, she was given the blessing of feeling nothing so she could move on with her life. She's cold, fearless and ruthless, the ultimate vampire killer. But all that changes when she meets Sebastian and she starts feeling and experiencing emotions again. However, she isn't the least interested in consorting with a vampire, and she pushes him away.
Besides, she needs to focus on the Talisman's Hie, which is basically an immortal version of the TV show The Amazing Race. Kaderin is the Hie's reigning champion and has won every single edition of the deadly competition, so winning the Hie is a must. But there's more than pride and ego at stake this time around... This Hie, the winner will be given Thrane's Key, a powerful weapon that enables its possessor to time travel to the past. Here's Kaderin chance to go back in time and save her sisters! Her competitors are fierce, but she's positive she'll be able to defeat them. Sebastian offers to join her in the competition, but she flatly refuses his help. So he decides to enter the Hie himself and win the prize for her - after all, she's his Bride and he'll do anything for her. And while they're "globetrotting" in search of the talismans, he'll make her see they're meant for each other. Or will he?
Awww, I loved, loved, loved Sebastian! How could I not? He was adorable, protective, caring, honorable, and sexy as hell. And I think he was a virgin! I loved how he got all nervous and tentative around Kaderin, before he realized she wasn't fragile like the women he knew in his previous human life. I have to say I didn't fully understand why he didn't end his own life in all the three hundred years he lived as an unwilling vampire before he met Kaderin and found a purpose to live, though. I guess I should believe it was fate and he was just waiting to meet her, but Kaderin's behavior didn't make it easy to go along with that idea because she was so not worthy of him... Not in the beginning, at least.
I wanted to throttle Kaderin for the most part of this book. She was cold as expected, given her nickname, but I had a hard time figuring her out. I just couldn't understand how she remained imune to Sebastian for so long. At one point, she even lied to him and tried to use his feelings for her to get her out of a jammy so she could complete a task in the Hie. Thankfully, she came to her senses later in a wonderful scene that made my heart skip a beat. Was it enough to win me over? Not completely, but it was enough to stop me from wanting to smack her, LOL.
The pace of the story was a bit uneven to me. I struggled to get through the first half, when Sebastian and Kaderin didn't really spend much time together and I couldn't see how they would manage to fall in love if they didn't get to know each other. Following the Hie was fun, but it wasn't enough to hold my interest for itself. Once Sebastian and Kaderin started to interact more often, things improved. The second half of the story had a nice mix of action and romance, and I would have read it in one sitting if it wasn't for the darn power outage that took my country by surprise last night. All in all, the final half of the story saved the book for me and the ending had a nice tease - not exactly a cliffhanger - that made me want to read the next book, Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night. Yay!
October 23, 2023
Reread update: bumping up to a solid 4 stars bc who woulda thought this is absolutely necessarily my thing to read lol. I’ve gone back and read the novella and book 1 and I appreciated this book a whole lot more. I do also think I could enjoy it more bc I already understood the world and had read the book before so I didn’t have to focus too much on the scavenger hunt and what the fuck was happening. Obsessed with the saxophone in the closing music. I also love that he was the scholarly brother and pretty inexperienced in bed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5
_______
3.5/5 not necessarily my thing (read for book club) but I really appreciated how gone Sebastian was for her bc it was Very Hot like plz bride me. The beginning was great and I loved it but it slowly lost my interest just with that scavenger hunt thing and limbs being severed but he did have a massively impressive dick so 👀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5
_______
3.5/5 not necessarily my thing (read for book club) but I really appreciated how gone Sebastian was for her bc it was Very Hot like plz bride me. The beginning was great and I loved it but it slowly lost my interest just with that scavenger hunt thing and limbs being severed but he did have a massively impressive dick so 👀
August 20, 2016
HOW??? How does Kresley Cole do it??? This is PURE ENTERTAINMENT! I mean EVERY. SINGLE. BOOK. I can't even ... this series is so good that if you asked me to pick a favorite character, I simply can't. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, brings to the table that special something to make this series as entertaining and as fabulous as it is! I don't think I'll ever comprehend HOW some of these authors' imagination works. I find myself LOST in this magical world filled with these fascinating creatures that Kresley created. HOW DOES ONE COME UP WITH ALL THESE THINGS?!?!?!? The names. The places. The things they battle. Not to mention the Hie!! And, of course, the sexy times ... when these guys get it on, sparks fly! And, in this case, I mean LITERALLY! LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about this series/author! As someone who's never gravitated towards fantasy/paranormal genre, I simply can't get enough of this series. Because, at the end of the day, a love story is a love story, right??
Off I go onto book four ...
Cheers!
Off I go onto book four ...
Cheers!
July 24, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ It was okay
He found himself thinking of her as a wife - one who despised him, wouldn't share his bed, and, worse, wouldn't allow him to protect her.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ paranormal romance
✨ he's a damaged, isolated vampire
✨ she's a damaged, emotionless Valkyrie warrior
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ fated mates
✨ age gap (300 & 2000+)
✨ size difference
✨ virgin MMC
✨ 3.5/5 🌶️ (somnophilia, biting, restraints, orgasm denial)
✨ magical competition and trials
✨ time travel
✨ interesting world building
✨ HEA
✨ dual POV
✨ TW: dub-con, violence, gore
My Thoughts:
I'm bummed I didn't love this as much as A Hunger Like No Other.
What I liked:
Sebastian and Kaderin. They were both well developed with interesting backgrounds, and there was some good character growth throughout the story.
This paranormal world is still fascinating. I was excited to learn more Valkyrie history and get introduced to more characters.
What I didn't like:
The beginning was promising. We have two damaged main characters that are mortal enemies but are also fated mates. While Sebastian (the vampire MMC) is immediately drawn and taken with Kaderin (the valkyrie FMC), she wants absolutely nothing to do with him. The push and pull was great at first, but after the millionth time they gave into their basic desires only for her to push him away became tedious and frustrating. Her resistance happens up until the very end of the story, which was too long. I will say, with her past, it TOTALLY made sense and is explained well. But I just didn't enjoy it.
I found the competition premise boring. You would think a brutal magical competition would be really exciting. However, there were so many trials with too many unnecessary descriptions, that I quickly lost interest. I honestly skimmed most of these chapters because they were unnecessary and boring. I would have preferred more scenes with one on one interactions or intimate moments between Sebastian and Kaderin.
I am going to continue the series but will take a break since this one was a bit of a drag.
-
Immortals After Dark Series + Ratings
0.5. The Warlord Wants Forever - 4.25⭐️
1. A Hunger Like No Other - 3.75⭐️
2. No Rest For The Wicked - 2.5⭐️
3 - 19. TBR
-
Favorite Quotes:
"I'll always give you more, until I die." And now, for the first time in three hundred hellish years, Sebastian desperately wanted to live.
_______
Sebastian was meant to call her his own. The good and the bad. She'd been made for him, and he for her.
_______
Call her Betty Fucking Crocker, because the cake was so going to be worth the bake.
_______
"If you love something, you protect it ruthlessly. No matter what occurs."
_______
"You're mine now, Katja. And I will never let you go.
_______
"If there existed a turn-off-millennia-of-hate switch, I might . . . squint at it."
_______
He found himself thinking of her as a wife - one who despised him, wouldn't share his bed, and, worse, wouldn't allow him to protect her.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ paranormal romance
✨ he's a damaged, isolated vampire
✨ she's a damaged, emotionless Valkyrie warrior
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ fated mates
✨ age gap (300 & 2000+)
✨ size difference
✨ virgin MMC
✨ 3.5/5 🌶️ (somnophilia, biting, restraints, orgasm denial)
✨ magical competition and trials
✨ time travel
✨ interesting world building
✨ HEA
✨ dual POV
✨ TW: dub-con, violence, gore
My Thoughts:
I'm bummed I didn't love this as much as A Hunger Like No Other.
What I liked:
Sebastian and Kaderin. They were both well developed with interesting backgrounds, and there was some good character growth throughout the story.
This paranormal world is still fascinating. I was excited to learn more Valkyrie history and get introduced to more characters.
What I didn't like:
The beginning was promising. We have two damaged main characters that are mortal enemies but are also fated mates. While Sebastian (the vampire MMC) is immediately drawn and taken with Kaderin (the valkyrie FMC), she wants absolutely nothing to do with him. The push and pull was great at first, but after the millionth time they gave into their basic desires only for her to push him away became tedious and frustrating. Her resistance happens up until the very end of the story, which was too long. I will say, with her past, it TOTALLY made sense and is explained well. But I just didn't enjoy it.
I found the competition premise boring. You would think a brutal magical competition would be really exciting. However, there were so many trials with too many unnecessary descriptions, that I quickly lost interest. I honestly skimmed most of these chapters because they were unnecessary and boring. I would have preferred more scenes with one on one interactions or intimate moments between Sebastian and Kaderin.
I am going to continue the series but will take a break since this one was a bit of a drag.
-
Immortals After Dark Series + Ratings
0.5. The Warlord Wants Forever - 4.25⭐️
1. A Hunger Like No Other - 3.75⭐️
2. No Rest For The Wicked - 2.5⭐️
3 - 19. TBR
-
Favorite Quotes:
"I'll always give you more, until I die." And now, for the first time in three hundred hellish years, Sebastian desperately wanted to live.
_______
Sebastian was meant to call her his own. The good and the bad. She'd been made for him, and he for her.
_______
Call her Betty Fucking Crocker, because the cake was so going to be worth the bake.
_______
"If you love something, you protect it ruthlessly. No matter what occurs."
_______
"You're mine now, Katja. And I will never let you go.
_______
"If there existed a turn-off-millennia-of-hate switch, I might . . . squint at it."
_______
October 1, 2023
Reread in 2023, still great!
4.5 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale
.
.
.
Um... Sebastian, I love you. I f*cking love you.
4.5 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale
.
.
.
Um... Sebastian, I love you. I f*cking love you.
November 13, 2015
Fetish Cafe will be back in future installments. In the meantime, you can can get acquainted with the series in Episode 1 and Episode 2
Talk about a fun series! I didn't have any fetish boxes checked this time, but it's okay. I loved the read in spite of it.
I don't even mind that there's about a billion types of immortals in these books like I usually would (kitchen sink writing generally bugs me because it muddies the rules of a world/universe). This might have something to do with each race having their own set of quirks and problems. Kresley Cole handles her world with finesse, so it's all good.
Kaderin had never understood Myst's particular dislike of them. Now Kaderin knew Myst was right - they were a bunch of little hookers.
I don't even remember which race this was, but the rivalry between factions is hilarious. I probably wouldn't like nymphs or sirens either.
Kaderin and Sebastian were an unconventional couple. I'm not fully convinced that Sebastian could ever be a beta male. He was far too take-charge when he needed to be. But Kaderin was definitely the ALPHA female. There were no blushing, shy innocents in sight. And I'm a fan.
There was less romance and more story in this book than there were in the previous two books, but I don't think it hurt the couple at all. Seeing these two characters head-butt each other (literally) all over the world in a race to collect items in an immortal scavenger hunt was a bloody (again, literally) good time.
Thumbs up. On to the next book!
January 10, 2016
4 "Headboard Banging Stars"
Sebastian Wroth, he had me at gray eyes *sighs*
Sebastian was once a fierce warrior. But as he lay dying from wounds, his brother turned him into a Vampire against his will. Sebastian hates himself and his brother for turning him into this monster. He lives as a vampire, yet his heart doesn't beat, he doesn't need to breath, and his useless cock doesn't even get hard. Sebastian never ventures into the outside world. He merely exists, forcing blood, purchased from a butcher, down just to survive.
So when a fierce Valkyrie enters his castle and declares that she is there to kill him, he is happy to end this misery of an existence. Except that in her presence, his heart starts to beat, his lungs began to fill with air, and he has a raging hard on for the first time in over three hundred years. She must be his Bride!!!
Kaderin the Cold Hearted
Kaderin was once a triplet, but lost her two sisters in a great battle against vampires. Her grief was so great that she ceased feeling. She became an emotionless shell that only existed to slay vampires. There is rumor of a vampire haunting a castle and the townsfolk are afraid. So Kaderin takes it upon herself to rid the world of one more leech. Except this vampire is different. His sexy gray eyes are mesmerizing, his muscles are ripped, and his lips are begging to be kissed.
But instead of killing him, she finds herself in a passionate embrace with her tongue down his throat. Kaderin is mortified and flees. Except now the hunter becomes the hunted as this smokin hot vampire is hot on her trail.
"You're mine Katja. And I will never let you go."
The headboard was banging against the wall, and still she demanded more.
With a brutal yell, he gave it to her. He held nothing back, fucking her with all his strength as her cries grew louder.
The Heat coming off these two could steam a pot of vegetables!! I loved watching Kaderin learn to feel again…learn to love again.
Sebastian was a sweet gentleman. But became a man possessed when alone with his woman…
"I'm going to be inside you all night. Drink you all night."
This book was full of action. And I LOVED the interaction with past characters. I can't get enough of this series and I am about to inhale the next book.
It is about Bowen, a werewolf, who is mourning the loss of his mate. I LOVE HIM already after having met him in A Hunger Like No Other. Yes he stole my heart that quick! The series is Amazing!
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
September 2, 2019
Sebastian was meant to call her his own. The good and the bad. She’d been made for him, and he for her.
4.5stars - I loved this book!!
There was a reason that would completely explain why she couldn’t hurt him. But she refused to entertain it—couldn’t. If she did, life as she knew it was over...
Strong heroines are a favorite of mine, and I just loved Kaderin the Cold Hearted. When she lost her beloved sisters’ centuries ago to a vampire attack, a gracious gift from an unknown source took her sorrow away, for which she was very grateful, but she also lost all emotion. Since then it’s been her goal to kill as many vampires as she can, until she meets Sebastian. A vampire whom she is unwilling to kill and who makes her feel for the first time since in millennia. I loved how vicious Kaderin was as a warrior, how good she was at kicking ass and taking names ;-) And her confusion and anger at falling for her enemy was very understandable, and I loved that despite all her hesitation, she just couldn’t ignore how he made her feel.
Sebastian could give her something she wanted badly. He could win this competition, and in doing so, he could garner her affection.
In his mortal life, he’d been a knight but had no lady to offer his sword. Now he did.
I adored Sebastian and how different he was from the usual PNR heroes. He’s unsure of himself around women, a bit shy and a true gentleman. I loved that he believed in using his brain and his muscles when it came to fighting and the fact that he was a bit of a scholar – that was very sexy ;-) Since turned into a vampire against his will, Sebastian has been slowly losing himself, hoping to end the vampire life he despises, until he meets Kaderin, the valkyrie assassin meant to kill him, his Bride. I loved his immediate reaction to her, how fascinated he was and how determined he was to keep her. Of course I loved how possessive and protective he was over Kaderin, and how being with her eventually brought out the more confident and also ruthless side of him.
For more than three hundred years, he’d waited for this.
And she was so fucking worth it.
The romance was fantastic. I’m a big fan of instant attraction and I really liked how they author managed their fated romance. She made his body come to life and he made her feel, but it still took time for them to fall in love which felt more realistic. Sebastian determination to make Kaderin his was so very sexy and I loved that Kaderin couldn’t help but want Sebastian. The sexy times were scorching and I loved how passionate their romance was.
The last time she’d seen her sisters had been when she’d buried them. To have a vision to replace that horror, she would do anything, eliminate anything that got in her way.
The plot was so excellent with the Talisman’s Hie, which is basically the equivalent of The Amazing Race, just very deadly and all the contestants are immortal. Kaderin has been the winner for the last few contests, but this year winning has become even more important – a chance to save her sisters. And with Sebastian determined to win her, entering the Hie so he could be with her, things got pretty heated between them. It was so exciting seeing the contestants travelling all over the world, seeking the relics which would gain them the most points. With Kaderin, Sebastian and Bowen MacRieve fighting by any means necessary to ensure they got the relics first, the plot was action-packed and very gripping. Especially knowing that Kaderin and Bowen had the most to lose if they lost – Kaderin with her chance to save her sisters and Bowen with his chance to save his mate who had died years ago.
I love this series and all the various characters and fascinating world the author created. A definite must read for all PNR fans.
July 25, 2016
There are not words enough to describe how much I disliked the heroine, Kaderin. At about 60% I considered going through the reviews I'd written and in which I had bashed the heroines to insert the following:
She's stupid, but not as stupid as Kaderin.
She's annoying, but not as annoying as Kaderin.
I disliked her, but not as much as Kaderin.
etc...
She redefined The Unlikable Heroine for me. To call her TSTL would still give her wriggle room for positive attributes but she won't get that from me. Not only is she stupid and annoying, Kaderin is infuriating, maddening, trying, tiresome, troublesome, ungrateful, undeserving, antagonistic and, worst of all, sexually manipulative. As Ally so nicely pointed it out in of my status updates for this book, Kaderin makes women look like manipulative idiots. To say her antagonistic antics drove me up the walls would require action from me, at least mentally. No, she stunned me into disbelief. I could plaster this review with those much beloved gifs to underline my feelings for her, but I'll refrain from doing so. She doesn't deserve it.
Taking part in a Lore-based Treasure Hunt kind of thing which she has won for the past thousand years, she accuses two men of making it harder for her this time. Bowen, the hero of the next book, and her Soulmate Sebastian. This is the woman everybody fears - well - because she has won the Treasure Hunt for the past thousand years. Faced with new adversaries, Kaderin isn't doing as well as she used to. Blame the boys, Kaderin, blame the boys! How dare they participate?
Sebastian who is blooded by her appearance in the first chapter of the book, thus marking her as his Bride, tries everything and anything to help her. Kaderin chooses to accept his help whenever it is convenient, meaning, when she has no chance of completing the assignment. So much for "I've been winning this for a millennium and I will never ever, ever, ever need your help. I'm a strong woman! How dare you even suggest I will need help? How patronising of you? How typically male? And I hate you because you're a Vampire, and I'll never be your Bride! What kind of a woman do you think I am?" Well, I hate to break it to you, Kaderin, you're the kind of woman who uses Sebastian's lust to manipulate him into helping you and you're okay with it. It'd be fine if you admitted it and took responsibility for your decisions. Your approach, however, makes you a hypocrite. That's who you are.
Sebastian, on the other side, is the male version of a doormat. One-dimensional and lust driven to an extent that made me laugh. I understand the concept of Soulmates, that they can't help themselves, that it's Fate, Destiny, Kismet, whatever. All the more reason to make sure to create a well balanced couple because it's not as if any of these two could walk away from it, especially considering, since they're immortal, it'll be literally forever.
There's so, so much more I could say here, point out all the weaknesses of Kaderin's character, and not even touch the ridiculous plot holes, but there's no point. I just wish I could give this book minus stars.
She's stupid, but not as stupid as Kaderin.
She's annoying, but not as annoying as Kaderin.
I disliked her, but not as much as Kaderin.
etc...
She redefined The Unlikable Heroine for me. To call her TSTL would still give her wriggle room for positive attributes but she won't get that from me. Not only is she stupid and annoying, Kaderin is infuriating, maddening, trying, tiresome, troublesome, ungrateful, undeserving, antagonistic and, worst of all, sexually manipulative. As Ally so nicely pointed it out in of my status updates for this book, Kaderin makes women look like manipulative idiots. To say her antagonistic antics drove me up the walls would require action from me, at least mentally. No, she stunned me into disbelief. I could plaster this review with those much beloved gifs to underline my feelings for her, but I'll refrain from doing so. She doesn't deserve it.
Taking part in a Lore-based Treasure Hunt kind of thing which she has won for the past thousand years, she accuses two men of making it harder for her this time. Bowen, the hero of the next book, and her Soulmate Sebastian. This is the woman everybody fears - well - because she has won the Treasure Hunt for the past thousand years. Faced with new adversaries, Kaderin isn't doing as well as she used to. Blame the boys, Kaderin, blame the boys! How dare they participate?
Sebastian who is blooded by her appearance in the first chapter of the book, thus marking her as his Bride, tries everything and anything to help her. Kaderin chooses to accept his help whenever it is convenient, meaning, when she has no chance of completing the assignment. So much for "I've been winning this for a millennium and I will never ever, ever, ever need your help. I'm a strong woman! How dare you even suggest I will need help? How patronising of you? How typically male? And I hate you because you're a Vampire, and I'll never be your Bride! What kind of a woman do you think I am?" Well, I hate to break it to you, Kaderin, you're the kind of woman who uses Sebastian's lust to manipulate him into helping you and you're okay with it. It'd be fine if you admitted it and took responsibility for your decisions. Your approach, however, makes you a hypocrite. That's who you are.
Sebastian, on the other side, is the male version of a doormat. One-dimensional and lust driven to an extent that made me laugh. I understand the concept of Soulmates, that they can't help themselves, that it's Fate, Destiny, Kismet, whatever. All the more reason to make sure to create a well balanced couple because it's not as if any of these two could walk away from it, especially considering, since they're immortal, it'll be literally forever.
There's so, so much more I could say here, point out all the weaknesses of Kaderin's character, and not even touch the ridiculous plot holes, but there's no point. I just wish I could give this book minus stars.
November 24, 2021
Is it wrong that I wanted to slap every fictional woman in Sebastian's fictional past who ever made this ficitional male doubt himself?
I'm a sucker for a broken hero and Sebastian more than fit the bill. Once a fierce human warrior, when he was at death's door, he refused his brother's help. He didn't want to become a vampire. He didn't want to live that way. He didn't really have a choice and hundreds of years later, he wasn't really living. No wonder he was so ready for Kaderin to end him.
And yet she couldn't.
Kaderin the Coldhearted found her heart. It was beating outside of her. And no matter how hard she tried to fight it, to deny it, Sebastian was her destiny.
I loved the push and pull of their relationship. He knew that she was his 'Bride'. She knew that she could never be with a vampire. Wanting and needing aside, her family would never accept him. But who cares, right?! The heart wants what the heart wants and when she finally just gave in... so beautiful!
Even the adventure aspect of the Hie gave me some cheap thrills. Is Bowen okay? I felt so sorry for the wolf who was devastated by the loss of his life mate and was so desperate to find a way to be with her again.
I'm still as fascinated as always with all of these characters, especially the ones with stories to come. Regin and Nix crack me up! Once again, the writing was on point, the plot was entertaining, and the characters were amazing. This was my favorite one of the series so far! I loved seeing Wroth and Myst again and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Find the full blog review here
I'm a sucker for a broken hero and Sebastian more than fit the bill. Once a fierce human warrior, when he was at death's door, he refused his brother's help. He didn't want to become a vampire. He didn't want to live that way. He didn't really have a choice and hundreds of years later, he wasn't really living. No wonder he was so ready for Kaderin to end him.
And yet she couldn't.
Kaderin the Coldhearted found her heart. It was beating outside of her. And no matter how hard she tried to fight it, to deny it, Sebastian was her destiny.
I loved the push and pull of their relationship. He knew that she was his 'Bride'. She knew that she could never be with a vampire. Wanting and needing aside, her family would never accept him. But who cares, right?! The heart wants what the heart wants and when she finally just gave in... so beautiful!
Even the adventure aspect of the Hie gave me some cheap thrills. Is Bowen okay? I felt so sorry for the wolf who was devastated by the loss of his life mate and was so desperate to find a way to be with her again.
I'm still as fascinated as always with all of these characters, especially the ones with stories to come. Regin and Nix crack me up! Once again, the writing was on point, the plot was entertaining, and the characters were amazing. This was my favorite one of the series so far! I loved seeing Wroth and Myst again and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Find the full blog review here
April 17, 2011
re-read: April 2011
I have been rendered speechless. No Rest for the Wicked is so amazing, I don’t think any review I write can sum up its greatness. From the get-go, Cole sucks you right in! I couldn’t pace myself at all with this book. And although I tried to stop reading many times, I just couldn’t put the book down for more than twenty minutes.
First off, I just want to gush about how much I enjoyed the hero and heroine of this book. Sebastian Wroth was a human, who was unwilling turned into a vampire by his brothers Nikolai and Murdoch. After the change, he lived a life of solitude alone and bitter until he found a reason to live again.
Kaderin the Cold-Hearted is exactly that. She feels nothing and she considers the lack of emotions to be a blessing. Kaderin lost her two sisters in a battle against vampires. Unfortunately, the only vampire she spared slaughtered her sisters, Rika and Dasha right before her eyes. From that moment on, Kaderin dedicated her life to training and dealing death to the vampires that stole her sisters from her.
But when Kaderin encounters a vampire that doesn’t fight against her killing blow, she spares him. But this time, the vampire doesn’t cause her heart to break yet again. Instead, he causes her to feel.
I have to mention how adorable Sebastian is when his still heart beats for the first time in the presence of Kaderin. He thinks it’s an earthquake and fears the castle will crumble down on them. How adorable!
I thought the relationship that Bastian and Kaderin shared was very believable. Kaderin is not about to fall hopelessly in love with a member of the race that she has killed ruthlessly for years. She is strong and independent and I think Cole makes their love develop at a reasonable pace. Even though Bastian recognizes her as his Bride, he admits that he doesn’t actually love her until they learn more of each other and trust each other.
There is a lot of action in this book, thanks to the genius idea of The Hie, an immortal and dangerous version of The Amazing Race. The winner of the Hie is awarded Thane’s Key which every immortal would willingly die for. Kaderin is no exception, because the key allows two chances to travel back in time to change events. Kaderin will do anything to get her sisters back.
As Kaderin competes, Bastian assists her in any way he can. And in their efforts, Kaderin learns to trust someone else with her feelings and Bastian learns that love is the one thing that is worth living for.
Favourite Quote:
She was injured worse than he’d ever seen. The sand around her was dark. It was blood...everywhere.
“My God, why didn’t you say something?” he roared, furious again.
“Oh, pardon me for bleeding,” she muttered when she saw his eyes glued to her legs. Don’t want to whet your appetite.”
“You can be so coarse sometimes, wife.”
“Not your sodding wife.”
“Yet.”
I have been rendered speechless. No Rest for the Wicked is so amazing, I don’t think any review I write can sum up its greatness. From the get-go, Cole sucks you right in! I couldn’t pace myself at all with this book. And although I tried to stop reading many times, I just couldn’t put the book down for more than twenty minutes.
First off, I just want to gush about how much I enjoyed the hero and heroine of this book. Sebastian Wroth was a human, who was unwilling turned into a vampire by his brothers Nikolai and Murdoch. After the change, he lived a life of solitude alone and bitter until he found a reason to live again.
Kaderin the Cold-Hearted is exactly that. She feels nothing and she considers the lack of emotions to be a blessing. Kaderin lost her two sisters in a battle against vampires. Unfortunately, the only vampire she spared slaughtered her sisters, Rika and Dasha right before her eyes. From that moment on, Kaderin dedicated her life to training and dealing death to the vampires that stole her sisters from her.
But when Kaderin encounters a vampire that doesn’t fight against her killing blow, she spares him. But this time, the vampire doesn’t cause her heart to break yet again. Instead, he causes her to feel.
I have to mention how adorable Sebastian is when his still heart beats for the first time in the presence of Kaderin. He thinks it’s an earthquake and fears the castle will crumble down on them. How adorable!
I thought the relationship that Bastian and Kaderin shared was very believable. Kaderin is not about to fall hopelessly in love with a member of the race that she has killed ruthlessly for years. She is strong and independent and I think Cole makes their love develop at a reasonable pace. Even though Bastian recognizes her as his Bride, he admits that he doesn’t actually love her until they learn more of each other and trust each other.
There is a lot of action in this book, thanks to the genius idea of The Hie, an immortal and dangerous version of The Amazing Race. The winner of the Hie is awarded Thane’s Key which every immortal would willingly die for. Kaderin is no exception, because the key allows two chances to travel back in time to change events. Kaderin will do anything to get her sisters back.
As Kaderin competes, Bastian assists her in any way he can. And in their efforts, Kaderin learns to trust someone else with her feelings and Bastian learns that love is the one thing that is worth living for.
Favourite Quote:
She was injured worse than he’d ever seen. The sand around her was dark. It was blood...everywhere.
“My God, why didn’t you say something?” he roared, furious again.
“Oh, pardon me for bleeding,” she muttered when she saw his eyes glued to her legs. Don’t want to whet your appetite.”
“You can be so coarse sometimes, wife.”
“Not your sodding wife.”
“Yet.”
February 20, 2019
Ahhh Sebastian! *swoons* He is the perfect man. Old-time gentleman, shy, knows what he wants and fights for it, just... perfect! I wish I had my own Sebastian!
OK, so now that I got that out of the way... Kaderin is a valkyrie and she's been "cursed" with not being able to feel for a thousand years, since the death of her sisters, who were killed by a vampire. She is tough (as all valkyrie are), loves and lives for killing vampires and for the Hie (like the Amazing Race). That whole concept was new and interesting. Kaderin always enters (and wins) this race and this year is no different. Well, except for the fact that before it starts she hears of a vampire in a castle and goes there to slay him, but realizes that she can't. She is his Bride, and because of him, after so long, she starts to feel again. She in turn wakes him from years of misery.
Sebastian is Nikolai Wroth's brother. He was turned by Nikolai against his will and has hated being a vampire during his whole existence. He just wishes for final death. And Kaderin is the one supposed to bring it to him, which he is fine with, until he realizes she's His. The one for him. His Bride. And he will do anything to have her, protect her, cherish her, and live eternity with her.
While Kaderin has to compete in the Hie, Sebastian enters as well, with the intention of wining for her. The prize seems to be something she wants above all other things. A key to go back in time twice. He doesn't think it could work, and he doesn't know why she wants to get it, but he is determined to help her or win it for her. They have some competition, and some tough competition in the form of Bowen, the lykae who we met in the previous book, and who wants the key to go back in time and rescue his dead mate.
There a lot of action, intrigue, and some pretty amazing sexual tension and eventually, yes, sex. And even though Sebastian is not a virgin, he's not the most experienced in that department so it's up to Kaderin to teach him, which he learns quickly, and to be his first in many things.
Their relationship develops perfectly. It's not the "I'm in love" at first sight, their love develops from constantly being together, liking each other, their company, their support. Even though there were no major events in the overall world for this series, this was an excellent book and I'll be looking forward to reading the next one soon!
OK, so now that I got that out of the way... Kaderin is a valkyrie and she's been "cursed" with not being able to feel for a thousand years, since the death of her sisters, who were killed by a vampire. She is tough (as all valkyrie are), loves and lives for killing vampires and for the Hie (like the Amazing Race). That whole concept was new and interesting. Kaderin always enters (and wins) this race and this year is no different. Well, except for the fact that before it starts she hears of a vampire in a castle and goes there to slay him, but realizes that she can't. She is his Bride, and because of him, after so long, she starts to feel again. She in turn wakes him from years of misery.
Sebastian is Nikolai Wroth's brother. He was turned by Nikolai against his will and has hated being a vampire during his whole existence. He just wishes for final death. And Kaderin is the one supposed to bring it to him, which he is fine with, until he realizes she's His. The one for him. His Bride. And he will do anything to have her, protect her, cherish her, and live eternity with her.
While Kaderin has to compete in the Hie, Sebastian enters as well, with the intention of wining for her. The prize seems to be something she wants above all other things. A key to go back in time twice. He doesn't think it could work, and he doesn't know why she wants to get it, but he is determined to help her or win it for her. They have some competition, and some tough competition in the form of Bowen, the lykae who we met in the previous book, and who wants the key to go back in time and rescue his dead mate.
There a lot of action, intrigue, and some pretty amazing sexual tension and eventually, yes, sex. And even though Sebastian is not a virgin, he's not the most experienced in that department so it's up to Kaderin to teach him, which he learns quickly, and to be his first in many things.
Their relationship develops perfectly. It's not the "I'm in love" at first sight, their love develops from constantly being together, liking each other, their company, their support. Even though there were no major events in the overall world for this series, this was an excellent book and I'll be looking forward to reading the next one soon!
January 30, 2022
Great narration...
While I liked No Rest for the Wicked, I found the heroine really annoying. It drove me batty that she was so extremely focused on winning the games. Yes, by the end I was all happy that everything worked out, but it was so frustrating 'seeing' the hero's help rebuffed so many times. I know that there will be a lot of readers who would love her single-minded focus and determination, I just hated how badly she treated him. He was just trying to protect her.
Fantastic narration and a fairly good storyline to keep me entertained from start to finish. It's been a wee while since I visited the Immortals After Dark series and I'm pretty sure I will be reading or listening to more in the future.
While I liked No Rest for the Wicked, I found the heroine really annoying. It drove me batty that she was so extremely focused on winning the games. Yes, by the end I was all happy that everything worked out, but it was so frustrating 'seeing' the hero's help rebuffed so many times. I know that there will be a lot of readers who would love her single-minded focus and determination, I just hated how badly she treated him. He was just trying to protect her.
Fantastic narration and a fairly good storyline to keep me entertained from start to finish. It's been a wee while since I visited the Immortals After Dark series and I'm pretty sure I will be reading or listening to more in the future.
September 16, 2016
1.5 stars
“She said that... in the competition, before the next full moon... you��re going to... die.”
Read for my full moon Halloween square.
Was missing the fun addicting candy feel from the first. I don't think the valkyrie humor or personalities gels with mine. I was annoyed with the heroine and bored with the hero. I'm going to take a break from the series but I've got a lot of Halloween bingo squares to fill, so I could be back trying soon.
“She said that... in the competition, before the next full moon... you��re going to... die.”
Read for my full moon Halloween square.
Was missing the fun addicting candy feel from the first. I don't think the valkyrie humor or personalities gels with mine. I was annoyed with the heroine and bored with the hero. I'm going to take a break from the series but I've got a lot of Halloween bingo squares to fill, so I could be back trying soon.
March 29, 2024
3☆ You're toxic I'm slippin' under 🎶
After loving Myst and Nikolai in Book 1, this was a bit of a letdown. I liked the beginning a lot because I enjoy Kresley Cole's humor and flavor of dramedy, as well as how she gets right down to it without making us wait forever for the action to start. But I felt the ‘romance’ was more a battle of wills that went off the rails a little in the second half, making it hard to stay super invested in it or the contest subplot. The early interactions between Kaderin and Sebastian were more interesting to me; their physics debates and bouts of making out were cute and nerdy and erotic. But the angsty back and forth power plays became so dysfunctional that things devolved into a tiring sort of chaos. The resulting dynamic was too toxic and combative and manic to be fun for me. 🤯🧨🫣
*This part is ranty and spoiler-y.* Welcome to the rollercoaster. Poor Sebastian was all over the place in response to Kaderin’s terrible treatment. One minute he was hopelessly besotted, then admitted he didn't love her but would do anything to get her, then felt disgusted by her memories but remained obsessed. Good times. But Kaderin, oh god. Mainly she was a raging bitch to Sebastian, then sometimes she’d be putty in his arms right before freaking out on him again—he wants to marry her and keeps helping her (what an asshole!). Once they finally bang Kaderin’s suddenly in love and bringing him breakfast. LOL good luck you guys.💆🏻♀️
After loving Myst and Nikolai in Book 1, this was a bit of a letdown. I liked the beginning a lot because I enjoy Kresley Cole's humor and flavor of dramedy, as well as how she gets right down to it without making us wait forever for the action to start. But I felt the ‘romance’ was more a battle of wills that went off the rails a little in the second half, making it hard to stay super invested in it or the contest subplot. The early interactions between Kaderin and Sebastian were more interesting to me; their physics debates and bouts of making out were cute and nerdy and erotic. But the angsty back and forth power plays became so dysfunctional that things devolved into a tiring sort of chaos. The resulting dynamic was too toxic and combative and manic to be fun for me. 🤯🧨🫣
*This part is ranty and spoiler-y.* Welcome to the rollercoaster. Poor Sebastian was all over the place in response to Kaderin’s terrible treatment. One minute he was hopelessly besotted, then admitted he didn't love her but would do anything to get her, then felt disgusted by her memories but remained obsessed. Good times. But Kaderin, oh god. Mainly she was a raging bitch to Sebastian, then sometimes she’d be putty in his arms right before freaking out on him again—he wants to marry her and keeps helping her (what an asshole!). Once they finally bang Kaderin’s suddenly in love and bringing him breakfast. LOL good luck you guys.💆🏻♀️
April 13, 2015
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.
I’d originally intended to listen to one IMMORTALS AFTER DARK audiobook a month until I got caught-up on the series. Well, that plan flew the coop the moment Robert Petkoff began cooing in my ear. This installment was a step below its predecessor because other than Bowen, who was a secondary character, it came up short on werewolves, and was more story-centric than sextastic. At any rate, I found Kresley Cole’s version of the Amazing Race (Hie) to be quite ingenious; I thought that the relationship between Sebastian & Kaderin was better developed, and I liked the heroine more than Emmaline.
The Lore’s attention shifted to vampires in NO REST FOR THE WICKED, and although the author didn’t forge a new path where this supe was concerned, I appreciated all of the little details that were conveyed. The one major difference between the Horde and Bastian made the couple’s romance possible, and the Blooded slant ensured that their on-the-spot connection was irrefutable. This novel also added another dimension to Tracing—a vamp’s ability to teleport to a known location—by having the protagonist be the first with the capacity to dial in to a person instead of a place, much to Kaderin’s frustration.
The Hie didn’t just add a level of excitement to the story it also contributed to a challenging courtship. Sebastian used the race to woe his Bride by assisting competitors in exchange for precious information about his Valkyrie, and extorting sexual favours from Kaderin for points. I loved how the heroine proved worthy of her name at every turn by surprising the bloodsucker with her coldness and cunning. I mentioned in my review of book 1 that I dislike virgin immortals, so although this installment had one as well, it made me happy that it was Wroth instead of the stereotypical female.
The narrator consistently outdoes himself with every IAD performance; I missed his Irish brogue, but was delighted that it still made brief appearances via a member of the MacRieve clan. And, I do believe Bowen’s tale is next—goody, goody gumdrops! Robert Petkoff’s female voices were remarkably good, and I couldn’t get over his energy during the romp sessions. I had my iPhone on speaker during one of them, and was thankful that I was home alone otherwise my husband would have thought that I’d started something without him. I’d have paid good money to be in the studio when he recorded that!
NO REST FOR THE WICKED will light a fire in your belly; time to throw another Cole / Petkoff log on!
I’d originally intended to listen to one IMMORTALS AFTER DARK audiobook a month until I got caught-up on the series. Well, that plan flew the coop the moment Robert Petkoff began cooing in my ear. This installment was a step below its predecessor because other than Bowen, who was a secondary character, it came up short on werewolves, and was more story-centric than sextastic. At any rate, I found Kresley Cole’s version of the Amazing Race (Hie) to be quite ingenious; I thought that the relationship between Sebastian & Kaderin was better developed, and I liked the heroine more than Emmaline.
The Lore’s attention shifted to vampires in NO REST FOR THE WICKED, and although the author didn’t forge a new path where this supe was concerned, I appreciated all of the little details that were conveyed. The one major difference between the Horde and Bastian made the couple’s romance possible, and the Blooded slant ensured that their on-the-spot connection was irrefutable. This novel also added another dimension to Tracing—a vamp’s ability to teleport to a known location—by having the protagonist be the first with the capacity to dial in to a person instead of a place, much to Kaderin’s frustration.
The Hie didn’t just add a level of excitement to the story it also contributed to a challenging courtship. Sebastian used the race to woe his Bride by assisting competitors in exchange for precious information about his Valkyrie, and extorting sexual favours from Kaderin for points. I loved how the heroine proved worthy of her name at every turn by surprising the bloodsucker with her coldness and cunning. I mentioned in my review of book 1 that I dislike virgin immortals, so although this installment had one as well, it made me happy that it was Wroth instead of the stereotypical female.
The narrator consistently outdoes himself with every IAD performance; I missed his Irish brogue, but was delighted that it still made brief appearances via a member of the MacRieve clan. And, I do believe Bowen’s tale is next—goody, goody gumdrops! Robert Petkoff’s female voices were remarkably good, and I couldn’t get over his energy during the romp sessions. I had my iPhone on speaker during one of them, and was thankful that I was home alone otherwise my husband would have thought that I’d started something without him. I’d have paid good money to be in the studio when he recorded that!
NO REST FOR THE WICKED will light a fire in your belly; time to throw another Cole / Petkoff log on!
September 1, 2016
I really did hold out for a loooooonnnnnggggg time with this series. I mean, I read the first thingamajig and was not impressed, but someone was pushy AF relentless in her persistence. You'd be amazed at how many conversations can lead back to this series.
AAAA-mazed.
But stubborn Cupcake is stubborn and was all...
I'm not going to lie it was the news that KC was going to try her hand at mm that got me to try again.
And now I'm all...
Again, I liked both of these characters but didn't lurve them. But what I did lurve was the story. Every time I thought, 'oh, I gotcha. I see where this is going.' I TOTALLY DIDN'T! Again and again I was all...
Surprising me is not a regular occurrence at Casa de Cupcake and I tend to get a lil excite when that happens.
Also it was hoooooooooooottttttttt. ERMAGERD!!!! When they did the thing with the thing and the chains and the orgasm denial? Girrrrlllllll.
KC has another fan.
I really would like for the female leads to not be so 'I'm not that kind of girl' when they totally are that kind of girl. Why can't they be all 'I dig you, you dig me, let's boink and kill or maim some bad guys and see where this thing goes?' instead of making the dude chase her? For forever.
Poor Bastian had all that insecurity baggage to begin with and Katja's 'I hate you. Because reasons. But not really' did not help his ego. He's not all that well versed in the girl code and spent a whole lot of time being confuzzled and then fussy. Then again, it did make for some smoking hot hate fucking so... I ain't mad at it.
Anywhat. Good book is good. And that ending...
I'll go with 4.25 stars and am anxiously awaiting having my door's blown off by one of these dudes. There are 15 more of these suckers surely one will have a door blowing off dude, right? Right.
AAAA-mazed.
But stubborn Cupcake is stubborn and was all...
I'm not going to lie it was the news that KC was going to try her hand at mm that got me to try again.
And now I'm all...
Again, I liked both of these characters but didn't lurve them. But what I did lurve was the story. Every time I thought, 'oh, I gotcha. I see where this is going.' I TOTALLY DIDN'T! Again and again I was all...
Surprising me is not a regular occurrence at Casa de Cupcake and I tend to get a lil excite when that happens.
Also it was hoooooooooooottttttttt. ERMAGERD!!!! When they did the thing with the thing and the chains and the orgasm denial? Girrrrlllllll.
KC has another fan.
I really would like for the female leads to not be so 'I'm not that kind of girl' when they totally are that kind of girl. Why can't they be all 'I dig you, you dig me, let's boink and kill or maim some bad guys and see where this thing goes?' instead of making the dude chase her? For forever.
Poor Bastian had all that insecurity baggage to begin with and Katja's 'I hate you. Because reasons. But not really' did not help his ego. He's not all that well versed in the girl code and spent a whole lot of time being confuzzled and then fussy. Then again, it did make for some smoking hot hate fucking so... I ain't mad at it.
Anywhat. Good book is good. And that ending...
I'll go with 4.25 stars and am anxiously awaiting having my door's blown off by one of these dudes. There are 15 more of these suckers surely one will have a door blowing off dude, right? Right.
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