novelesque_life's review against another edition
3.0
3 STARS
Emmeline - half vampire and half valkyrie - is on her own while she visits Paris and is kidnapped by a stranger who seems eager to have his way with her. Emmeline has been really sheltered by her aunts so she does not know how to get out of this situation. The stranger, a ancient werewolf, finds himself disgusted that his possible mate could be a vampire. In close quaters they find themselves starting to feel attracted to one another. If both Emmeline and Lachlain give into their feelings could this start a war?
Despite the cheesy cover the novel is witty and had me smiling at the quips from the crazy aunts. Emmeline was a character that grew on me as she matured and strengthened in her power. Lachlain reminded me of a paranormal version of Jaime Fraser (from Gabaldon's Outlander) - tortured but strong.
Emmeline - half vampire and half valkyrie - is on her own while she visits Paris and is kidnapped by a stranger who seems eager to have his way with her. Emmeline has been really sheltered by her aunts so she does not know how to get out of this situation. The stranger, a ancient werewolf, finds himself disgusted that his possible mate could be a vampire. In close quaters they find themselves starting to feel attracted to one another. If both Emmeline and Lachlain give into their feelings could this start a war?
Despite the cheesy cover the novel is witty and had me smiling at the quips from the crazy aunts. Emmeline was a character that grew on me as she matured and strengthened in her power. Lachlain reminded me of a paranormal version of Jaime Fraser (from Gabaldon's Outlander) - tortured but strong.
zoe_nocturne's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve been Stockholm Syndrome’d by this series by these characters, and in the best way. Don’t question me, I loved this. Problematic content and all. And when I say problematic, I mean there are issues of consent here. It’s dubious. But nothing that made me feel queasy. It made sense to this world, to these characters specifically. The story made sense. There’s a character arc at play here and it worked out wonderfully. For both parties involved. I loved the world and characters Kresley Cole crafted. And it was surprisingly funny. I’m about to go on a binge and ignore the rest of the world.
The Beauty and the beast plot works so well with the dark tone of the story. This was a wonderful story of growth. Emma had grown up coddled, protected, and ashamed of being part vampire. She was literally afraid of her own shadow, and never spoke up for herself. I am usually not a fan of omega types, but I could relate to Emma for some reason. She was a product of her environment, and it took her leaving that cage, to finally become the fierce warrior she was capable of all along. And I loved it!!
Lachlain may be a badass werewolf, but his sole purpose was making Emma happy. At lease it is after he gets over her whole vampireism…LOL He hated her for the first half of the book, even though he wanted to bone her brains out. By the last half of the book he tries to be a better person and makes amends for what he's done. He has made mistakes and he wants to right it, that's exactly what he should do. But oh, the angst!! Plus, I'm a sucker for a tortured hero. His attempts at seduction had me panting and ready, but Emma was not as easy as I am. Needless to say, I was BEYOND ready for these two to "seal the deal" by the time it happened.
The Beauty and the beast plot works so well with the dark tone of the story. This was a wonderful story of growth. Emma had grown up coddled, protected, and ashamed of being part vampire. She was literally afraid of her own shadow, and never spoke up for herself. I am usually not a fan of omega types, but I could relate to Emma for some reason. She was a product of her environment, and it took her leaving that cage, to finally become the fierce warrior she was capable of all along. And I loved it!!
Lachlain may be a badass werewolf, but his sole purpose was making Emma happy. At lease it is after he gets over her whole vampireism…LOL He hated her for the first half of the book, even though he wanted to bone her brains out. By the last half of the book he tries to be a better person and makes amends for what he's done. He has made mistakes and he wants to right it, that's exactly what he should do. But oh, the angst!! Plus, I'm a sucker for a tortured hero. His attempts at seduction had me panting and ready, but Emma was not as easy as I am. Needless to say, I was BEYOND ready for these two to "seal the deal" by the time it happened.
hiya_ac's review against another edition
3.0
Did not love the territorial, not-so-consensual intimacy, but DID enjoy the banter and their dynamic had fun moments. I’ll probably try at least another in the series to see if we get more Valkyrie action, they seemed cool. 3.5 on the spice scale.
august_weird's review against another edition
This book is on my list of book I wish I could erase from my mind-
bianca_rodriguez's review against another edition
3.0
v campy in the best way? it’s such a screenshot of the time period for paranormal romance and i say this lovingly! as true blood girlie, i enjoyed this but can see why others didn’t // 3.5/5
skeletonka's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This series is so hard to find nowadays. I'm glad I have the physical books of at least the first few. I love this series. This is a perfect example of a smutty book with a great story. Sure, sometimes I cringe at some sentences, but most book have at least a few. I wouldn't change a thing, it's perfect and I love it. Emma and Lachlain are great. All the charaters in this are awesome.
thecannibalgirl's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun story, with a little too much drama, but fun none the less. Emma grew stronger, and made her own choices, and her mate was very hot :D
katekate_reads_'s review against another edition
3.0
Overall, I liked this book. I am really really enjoying the experience of listening to it discussed on the Fated Mates podcast as I process it. On its own, I am not sure I would have continued because I generally prefer contemporary romance to paranormal - however I will continue with the series to keep listening to the podcast!
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
A Hunger Like No Other
4 Stars
Synopsis
Emmaline Troy is a halfling - half Vampire and half Valkyrie. She is also the predestined mate of Lachlain MacRieve, the leader of the Lykae clan who has nothing but hatred in his heart for the Vampire Horde. But Lachlain has waited millennia for his mate and nothing will stop him from claiming her - not even the ancient evil from her past which threatens to destroy them both.
Review
*Note: this is actually book #2 in the Immortals After Dark series and is preceded by The Warlord Wants Forever. While it is not necessary to read the novella in order to grasp the basic premise of the story, there are events that could be better understood by reading it.
Cole's world building is intriguing but needs more background information on the various Lore species, particularly the three that feature prominently in the book - the Vampires, Valkyries and Lykae. The plot is typical of the fated mates trope and the vampire threat could have been better developed. The dialogue is hilarious and the writing mainly flows smoothly but some of the transitions between scenes are sudden and disjointed.
Loved the steamy and intense chemistry between Lachlain and Emma. You can't go wrong with a sexy, hot highlander who is also a werewolf (although it is a little disappointing that he doesn't actually shift into a wolf). While he is borderline psychotic at the beginning of the book, this is understandable considering everything he has gone through and, in fact, his ingrained sense of honor does reassert itself quite quickly. Some readers may be offended by his behavior toward Emma but it should be taken within the context of his characterization and the world Cole has built, i.e. the ongoing war and conflict between the different Lore species.
Emma is a likeable heroine and her transition from shy and timid lass to self-confident and kick-ass vampire slayer is a highlight of the story.
The secondary characters are also well-developed and intriguing, especially Emma's aunt Nix (all of her aunts are hysterically funny) and Lachlain's best friend, Bowen who looks like he will slot into my favorite tortured hero category.
Overall, a promising beginning to a compelling series and I look forward to reading more.
4 Stars
Synopsis
Emmaline Troy is a halfling - half Vampire and half Valkyrie. She is also the predestined mate of Lachlain MacRieve, the leader of the Lykae clan who has nothing but hatred in his heart for the Vampire Horde. But Lachlain has waited millennia for his mate and nothing will stop him from claiming her - not even the ancient evil from her past which threatens to destroy them both.
Review
*Note: this is actually book #2 in the Immortals After Dark series and is preceded by The Warlord Wants Forever. While it is not necessary to read the novella in order to grasp the basic premise of the story, there are events that could be better understood by reading it.
Cole's world building is intriguing but needs more background information on the various Lore species, particularly the three that feature prominently in the book - the Vampires, Valkyries and Lykae. The plot is typical of the fated mates trope and the vampire threat could have been better developed. The dialogue is hilarious and the writing mainly flows smoothly but some of the transitions between scenes are sudden and disjointed.
Loved the steamy and intense chemistry between Lachlain and Emma. You can't go wrong with a sexy, hot highlander who is also a werewolf (although it is a little disappointing that he doesn't actually shift into a wolf). While he is borderline psychotic at the beginning of the book, this is understandable considering everything he has gone through and, in fact, his ingrained sense of honor does reassert itself quite quickly. Some readers may be offended by his behavior toward Emma but it should be taken within the context of his characterization and the world Cole has built, i.e. the ongoing war and conflict between the different Lore species.
Emma is a likeable heroine and her transition from shy and timid lass to self-confident and kick-ass vampire slayer is a highlight of the story.
The secondary characters are also well-developed and intriguing, especially Emma's aunt Nix (all of her aunts are hysterically funny) and Lachlain's best friend, Bowen who looks like he will slot into my favorite tortured hero category.
Overall, a promising beginning to a compelling series and I look forward to reading more.