Sweet Ruin (Immortals After Dark)

Even though mains are two new characters I enjoyed this very much. Really seems like she is setting up back stories to introduce mates, the hags mate for instance is pretty obvious and possibilities for existing characters we have been waiting so long for. Preferred this one to some of the most recent in the series

Sometimes, in a series, the longer they go, the more the storyline and writing suffer. Not so with Kresley Cole!! Laurell Hamilton could learn from KC!! This latest installment in the Immortals After Dark hooked me in the first page and I was sad when I finished it. Highly recommend the entire series!!!!

I love this series! Mrs. Cole does a wonderful job drawing me into the story and keeping me fascinated. The plot and the romance are wonderful. I highly recommend this series and all of the books in it.

When I began reading Sweet Ruin, I was wondering if it really was a Kresley Cole novel. It seemed so different; flowed different, and had a few typos. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but I ended up really enjoying it, and I'm excited to see a new cast of characters.

I JUST FINISHED READING THIS AND YES I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. WHAT A MIND BLOWING ROMANCE. WOW IS NOT A STRONG ENOUGH WORD. THIS IS BEYOND A DEFINIETLY MUST READ.

HOW ANYONE COULD GIVE THIS LESS THAN 5 STARS IS WAY BEYOND ME.

BRAVO GODESS KRESLEY

I'm so enchanted by this world Kresley Cole has created, I just can't get enough! She weaves such a rich and intricate tapestry together, one simply cannot just read one book one must read all the books again and again. Can't wait for another in the series!

I always pre-order Kresley Cole books, so it arrived on my Kindle – POOF!! When I read some of the intensely negative reviews before I even got started with the book, I began to regret the pre-order. I finished Sweet Ruin today, I’m delighted that I persisted, but confused about those reviews. How can one read the previous 15 IAD books and suddenly become put-off by the sex in book 16? As to lacking romance, this tale has an almost classic redemption plot, and Rune doesn’t seek other women after he’s been intimate with Jo (or did I miss something?). Although the characters are a little gritty, love turns the plot and saves a lost heart. What could be more romantic than a soulless warrior becoming a tender guardian?

Cole's books have continue to have great world-building and are bonkers fun. Having a whole book dedicated to previously unmentioned characters was a change for the series. But it all works, and seeing how things tie together is a testament to Cole's storytelling.

I absolutely loved this story. We see the Accession from the other side. Preparing to see the stories of the first of the Lore. I like that this series can be stand alone, and all the stories are different. This is not your cookie-cutter world.

Awesome book to read... love the series very much since I first started it with "A Hunger Like No Other" .... and been hooked ever since. If you have a need for paranormal romance I strongly recommend this series to anyone who has an interest.

I am a huge fan of everything this author writes. So much action, adventure, romance, hot heroes, amazing worlds, epic battles. If you haven't read this series before, go back and knock these books out one by one. You totally will not regret it. Not. At. All.

Rune, the H, is a Baneblood and total and complete manwhore or maybe it’s a Lorewhore? Here’s the twist, his blood is beyond toxic. One taste of any bodily fluid and you’re dead. This, as you can imagine, is a real bummer for him as he’s thousands of years old and has never kissed a girl who lived to tell about it. But he carefully screws relentlessly. He’s also an expert archer with multiple arrows that carry all sorts of death and bad news for his enemies.

Jo, the h, is something. We don’t know what until late in the book. She grew up as a scrappy thief on the streets with her little brother Thad. She has vampire like powers, but can day walk. Other powers manifest themselves as the story unfolds. When we first meet Jo, she’s a young cocky kid who has just been killed. Shot in the head by a local thug. Of course she doesn’t die. However, It does trigger more of her abilities. She goes back in her new form to claim her brother, but scares his caretaker, so Jo decides it’s best to leave him there to have a somewhat normal childhood. She’s devastated.

She runs into Rune one night in New Orleans when he’s pleasuring some nymphs. That’s what he does. He’s got great stamina, the nymphs love him, he’s the rockstar of Lore lays. He only does it to get information, it’s what he trades, a bit of romance for info. Some men would love that job.

Jo watches all of this with great interest. Something about him calls to her. She’s intrigued. This begins their curiosity with each other. He smells her and follows her through the streets. Their first encounter is a dance. They both want to know more about each other. Jo knows nothing about who or what she is, and Rune is attracted to Jo. He wants answers. This is the dialogue I love in Cole’s books. It’s flirty, smart and full of so much personality. I smile when I read these scenes.

They meet back in the courtyard later. Stuff happens. Good stuff.

HAWT. Soooo…it begins. Jo can not only drink from Rune, his blood gives her life. And he LOVES it.

Jo has been alone for most of her life. She wants badly to have friends, a husband, to be in love and feel deep desperate love in return. They should be perfect for each other. But, it’s not that easy! Rune has been tasked with killing Nix. To that I say, good luck, buddy. And Nix has Jo’s brother. There’s much misunderstanding between Rune and Jo regarding who Rune is trying to kill and why.

So much great stuff in Sweet Ruin. SO MUCH. Rune is sexy, he’s confused about Jo, he’s part of what we think is an evil group of immortals, but he’s not evil. That’s what I love about this series, too. Who is really evil? I’m always guessing. Which guys are the bad guys? Even the immortals who I know have got to be awful, are still likable and funny. Jo is strong, sassy, and oh so vulnerable. She’s that girl that just wants to be loved and instead of running from Rune, she makes it her mission to get him to love her, to claim her as his mate. She does it while being a complete and total kick butt heroine.

I inhaled Sweet Ruin. I asked everyone not to bug me and I drank coffee, then wine, and finished this one in the wee hours.

I like this author's humor. The two characters spend a lot of time just getting to know each other. Nothing major happens in this one. I still hope that this author will finish this series before I am old and gray. I was glad I read it.

Her books are always so amazing. Steam, adventure, humor, the whole package as far as I'm concerned. It fell just short of five stars for me because of some inconsistencies that bugged me. But otherwise a MUST. Can't wait for MORE!

I love kresley and know that she can write dialogues with plenty of sass, unfortunately didn't get 5 stars cos not enuff angsts. Took too long for h/H to get together when some other conflict could have been created instead.

I always Kresley Cole but I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this one since the H and h were new characters and I'm dying for so many others stories. It was great though and now I'm wondering about all the morior getting books.

This book is why I love Kresley Cole! Loved the heroine and hero combination although it was so different than the previous ones. Felt heartbreaking at times while completely in love also! Please keep writing these complex, amazing characters!

Wow. I love how Kresley is bringing the major battle together. I love how completely she ties everything together and I love Nix!!!!! She's my fave for sure. Rune and Jo are wickedly strong and awesome. This is a must read!

4.5 Stars

KC never fails to provide a fantastic read. This may not have been one of my favorites, but it was still epic and had me staying up waaaaay later than I should have.

There were definitely some HOT scenes between Jo and Rune. Steaminess on a page, anyone?. They were actually a great couple. I really enjoyed Jo's POV - she was hilarious with her frank commentary and go get 'um attitude. As with her motto, "Squeeze until something breaks." Rune was pretty funny, what with his ego and contradictory doubtfulness, I couldn't help but feel something for him.

About 80% through, there were some poignant moments - loved Nix in this one. KC exposed another side to the multifaceted soothsayer, beyond crazy. We also get more of Thad; I'm excited to see what he gets up to next. It will definitely get more and more interesting as the Bringers of Doom v. Vertas v. Pravus become more involved in the Accession.

I can honestly say that KC has become one of my absolute favorite authors. I can't wait to see what she does next (ummmm, **cough, cough** Arcana Chronicles??) and while I do NOT want this series to end I can't wait for the next book!

Wow! Kresley Cole is an awesome writer, totally hit the ball out of the park! So loved the characters and story line. Laughed, cried and I totally love Jo. Of course Nix is still my favorite (and Bertile) I can't wait for the next installment.

Sweet Ruin was such a wonderful surprise. I can definitely see why Rune and Josephine's story had to be told first. This book sets up so many more situations/stories and has you asking so many questions about the series. It gives a different view of the Vertas and it isn't all sunshine and roses! Rune and Jo's story is great as it brings so many new characters and the two main ones are also very interesting. They are definitely strong personalities with major flaws to overcome and along the way their story poses many more questions than it answers. Well done Ms Cole. I'm now very intrigued as to where this whole series is heading.

Got my Immortals After Dark Book fix . Great continuing story. Jo and Rune story was very intense. Both were ill used in life and deserved a happy ending. Can't wait till another chapter in this great saga comes.

Well, of course I will give this book five stars, it was another wonderful story in my favorite series. Not much else to say, since I don't give away spoilers, all I can say I recommend this series to any PnR lover

Kresley Cole is my #2 favorite. Because, she's amazingly talented. Her world building is unbelievable. And her characters are hilarious and totally real. - all while being paranormal!

The beginning of this story was different. Honestly, I was a little lost until all of the sudden I wasn't. So if you find the same for yourself, just keep reading. Trust me.

Rune and Jo are --- Sigh worthy for sure. The cool thing was Kresley broke a little bit from her norm in this book. Both characters, although at times got a little off track, were in it to win it. I loved Josephine and her attitude. She often cracked me up. And Rune was, like some guys I know, just dumb to his own behavior. He wanted what was in front of him, all the while trying to convince himself, he was all good and just gonna have some fun. NOT... lol

A great love story. And yes, like JR Ward and her characters? Kresley Cole makes me want to go hang with her characters. A night partying with Nix would be a night I would never forget.

At first I was a bit put out at the price of the e book. But oh man does kresley make it sooo worth it! I loved loved loved this book! I wish there more to read in her IAD series. I miss these characters between books! More I want MORE kresley!

I am super annoyed that the setting starts off in Houston, Houston County, TX. Houston is in Harris County. Houston county is north of Harris county. Having trouble imagining this fictional location LOL. No problem with vampires and such. Just Houston County having a "hood".

Copying from my Goodreads review....

At first I was upset she wasn't writing about Munro, however starting this I realized she had a point. You can tell there is so much more to reveal about the Morior. Rune was definitely sexy, but I'm still a Lothaire girl. I really liked Jo, she was a no nonsense, take no bulls*** from anyone which is becoming the favorite typical traits in these books. I believe that's why I get into them so much. I also enjoyed the look into Nix's true badassness, isn't a real word but needs to be when referring to Nix. Long ago I questioned a decision the Valkyries made in an earlier book, I think it was Emma and Lachlain's if I remember correctly, and realized what Nix's plans with Rune were before I read the confirmation. I won't post a spoiler but any fan will get my meaning once they get to the confrontation at Val Hall. All in all it was a great book and I can't wait to see what's next for the IAD world.

Kresley Cole's writing keeps getting better. In her first works of the IAD series her books were steamy and hot, the world was fun and interesting, but the relationship building was s***. Same characters, same descriptions, different hair color. Plenty of lust, sex scenes were pretty hot, but no ideas why the girls fell in love with the domineering guys, who treated them badly, lusted after, and wanted to possess them. Didn't ever see any love but the humor, awesome stories, creatures, and sex scenes kept me hooked and dying waiting for each new book. But ever since the prince of shadows, she's been working on that, and you actually get to see the characters not only fall in love and lust, but they actually act like friends and lovers. I blew through this book a few hours after it was released and kindle auto-delivered my pre-order to my kindle app. So sad I have to wait till the next book comes out.

I love it when I read the last sentence of a book and my thoughts are, " when does the next one come ou". This was riveting with very well placed bouts of violence, retribution, and hard core steamy sex. Couldn't have loved it more, unless it would have continued on.

Good set up and as always well- crafted writing. However, resolution is far too simple for the degree of set up and the main characters aren't as well -conceived as many of the others. In particular the hero is unbelievably stupid for someone who is supposed to be this big bad warrior and spy who is thousands of years old. And the heroine is remarkable unlikable even to the end. It is hard to see how they are a good match to each other -- or how she could be a good match for anyone.

First off: NOT A FILLER BOOK

SPOILERS:
Okay, Jo is as you will learn "awesome". And her guy? Rune Darklight: Morior, baneblood, assassin, former sex slave. H.O.T. doesn't even start to describe their interactions. Great heroine. Great hero. Well matched.

Book does have a little more sexy times than usual but our hero is a seven thousand year old sex slave who wields his lower "sword" as a weapon as much as his bow and arrows. Plus he's known as Rune the Insatiable. You don't get a name like that and universal notoriety among the nymphs by being a monk. Short version, manwhore is kind wording for describing his bed hopping habits. Love how Jo makes him work for it by denying him unless he promises monogamy.

Overall, this is the book you weren't expecting with major characters who had only be previously hinted at before. Can't wait to meet the rest of the Moriors!

I LOVE this book! I am writing this at the half-way point of reading it because I KNOW I will give spoilers, and I do not want to "RUIN" it for anyone else. I have been waiting years for a book that will have me laughing out loud and rooting for my fav's, but this one delivers in so many ways I can't possibly write them all down. Good God! I am having a book-reading-gasm! Get the book, read it at your own peril. You'll call in sick to work to finish it in one juicy, delightful, following your bliss filled reading, Literally. Bless You, Kresley. You Delicious, Decadent, Delightful Doctor of Dark Paranormal F-U-N! Merry Festivus!

I was kind of turned off after the first chapter, but was so satisfied when I finished the book. It makes sense that the story started out sort of dark; all of the Immortals after Dark characters have some issues to work through and Jo and Rune are no different. I really liked how sex didn't solve all their problems, as sometimes happens in paranormal romance. The sex scenes were smokin' hot, but I also found the relationship believable and touching. Nix was bad ass as usual, pulling the strings of everyone who foolishly underestimates her. The story line advances the Accession plot and introduces the reader to some more of the Lore. This book just hit all the bases for me.

JO:
Growing up, orphaned Josephine didn’t know who or what she was—just that she was “bad,” an outcast with strange powers. Protecting her baby brother Thaddeus became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo’s transition from angry girl…to would-be superhero…to enchanting villain.

Rune
Whether by bow or in bed, archer Rune the Baneblood never fails to eliminate his target. In his sights: the oldest living Valkyrie. Yet before he can strike, he encounters a vampiric creature whose beauty mesmerizes him. With one bite, she pierces him with aching pleasure, stealing his forbidden blood—and jeopardizing the secrets of his brethren.

This may be #16 but I still LOVE this series. I've read Sweet Ruin twice already. I love that we got to explore new characters and dynamics, along with hearing from some of our old favorites.
I wish my writing skills were on par with Kresley Cole so I could adequately explain the nuances in this book. Since that is not going to happen I will just reiterate that I thought this was a well written book that has provided IAD with a much broader base for further books.

This book was epic, and I am fiending for the next already. I want it to be Nix's, but at the same time I don't because I'm sure that that signals the end of the series. Thad's book would be great! Keep them coming Kresley, it's a series to die for!

I am a huge fan of the IAD series. I have read and re-read them all. I was unsure about how I would enjoy this book since it featured unfamiliar characters. I shouldn't have worried. I loved it. Only Cole can make you fall in love with a "villain". I can't bring myself to be angry that she is showing us new characters like Jo and Rune, because I find myself looking forward to what very obviously means more books in the series! Who can complain about MORE IAD books?? Only gave a 4 star because I do find myself skimming over a lot of the sex scenes. I prefer only a couple good ones and more storyline.

Read this series from the begining its got better and better. Soooooo want to know who Nixs mate is ? Orion maybe ?Read in a review that in this one Nixs partner could possibly be revealed. Did not read it. Okay no idea ,looking forward to next book can not wait.

This is the first book in the series where I felt that Nix was the villain and didn't care for her! Kresley made me fall for these characters. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in a day. I can't wait for the next addition to this series already!

Okay I am a HUGE IAD /Kresley Cole fan but the last two IAD books have just been "meh" in my opinion. They didn't quite have the bang that early works did (here is looking at you Bowen, Rydostorm, &Garreth). I am glad to say Sweet Ruin kicked my former ranking leading book boyfriends down a couple notches. Cole has created two characters in this book who sizzle and draw you in from page one! I loved Jo. She was sassy and up front about what she wanted from Rune from the get go. Watching Rune's confident facade waiver was both parts romantic and exciting. Not to spoil any part of this fantastic story but these two take the lead for me as my favorite IAD couple (Bowen you dropped to 1.5 place). I can't wait to see more of them in future IAD novels.

Now I will be eagerly awaiting part 3 of the Gamemaker Series.

OMG can't get better then this. Rune an Jo's story was amazing. Along for the ride was Nix and we got a look at new players in this amazing story that just keeps getting better. I'm a true fan of Kresley Coles an so will you be if you read her books. Can't wait for the next one started this yesterday morning an just finished today only reason I didn't finish yesterday was I needed sleep.

KresleyCole's books Immortals After Dark Series is GREAT!!! After reading Sweet Ruin book #16, it makes me wish number #17 was out. The books are so good, just remember, once you start you won't want to put it down.

All of her books are amazing! Kresley doesn't disappoint I want to live in her worlds. IAD is a complex and beautiful series, the foreshadowing begins in book one and the stories are perfectly intertwined. How can we wait another year...

I'm standing here dripping wet because it hit me when I was in the shower. Orion is Nix's mate. Mark my words there's something there.

(As far as the current book goes, fan of Kresley Cole will not be disappointed however for me these two characters just didn't trip the right triggers and I didn't get a full emotional connection to either character. But like the entire series, the setting is awesome to keep coming back to, the action, editing, pace and plot were all solid. Worth the buy but not my absolute favorite of the series.)

I'm a big fan of the Immortals After Dark series but as much as I looked forward to this book, it was one of my least favorites. Almost as bad as the one with the Ice Princess (whose name escapes me right now of course).

The premise was great and I really like Rune but Josephine was really annoying. The whole Catholic school girl "let's have sex every possible way except intercourse until you put a ring on it" was so grating and stupid and an obvious plot device. Seriously, Kresley, you're better than that! Not to mention the "conflict" about whether rune should or shouldn't whore himself to save her brother. Again, stupid. I didn't believe in Josephine's love and by the end of the book, similar to Ice princess (Danielle!) I didn't really even feel Josephine was deserving of unconditional HEA type love. She certainly isn't capable of feeling it.

Dumb book. Won't read it again. Waste of 14$. Definitely won't be preodering any more kresley. She's on probation.

Kresley Cole never ceases to amaze. SWEET RUIN is an absolute standout in a series that just keeps getting better and better. It is exciting and sexy and funny. It is thrilling, action-packed, riveting. The lore is fascinating. The world is expansive. The characters are interesting, intriguing, and immensely entertaining, and ones you can’t wait to get to know.

Josephine is a bit of a mystery. Her characteristics and abilities don’t immediately reveal what she is. But her fiery temper, her sharp tongue, her determination, her self-assurance, and her fierce protectiveness, coupled with glimpses at a softer, more vulnerable side, make her instantly likable. And the fact that she can kick some serious butt and stand up to a millennias-old badass like Rune Darklight makes her impossible not to love.

She is young, impulsive, and reckless. Everything Rune isn’t. Yet he is curious about her, attracted to her, and even somewhat rattled by her. With his tortured past, poisonous blood, fearsome reputation, and a skill set that doesn’t allow for monogamy, he in no way sounds like the man for Jo. Even with his incredible stamina and his ability to please.

The two couldn’t be more different. But they challenge each other. They complement each other. Their chemistry is incendiary. And they have a common goal - take out Nïx the Ever-Knowing.

SWEET RUIN delivers page after page of unputdownable awesomeness. From the mystery that is Josephine Doe, to the conundrum that Rune is facing, to the games that Nix plays and the strings she continues to pull, to the building tension with the nearing of the Accession, to Jo and Rune’s angst-filled and highly combustible relationship, to the questions about the Møriør’s goals, to the introduction of new characters and cameos of series favorites, to a wild goose chase, to impressive displays of some awe-inspiring powers, to an abundance of sexual tension, to a number of surprising twists and turns, it is an intense, electrifying, scorcher of a read and an outstanding and integral addition to the Immortals After Dark series.

Every moment will keep you enthralled. Kresley Cole is a master at writing wickedly entertaining, edge-of-your-seat, all-consuming stories with characters who are passionate, kick-ass, delectable, savage, and absolutely extraordinary. And she brought all of that and more to SWEET RUIN, a definitely-must-read-right-now installment.

Immortals after dark series is one of my favorites. This book is another fine example. Sexy, funny and yet a bit dark. Kresley Cole writes about the things that go bump in the night: Phantoms, vampires, werewolves and Russians.

I love IAD series and this is one of the better installments lately. I liked the last couple books, but they were just alright, this one is back to the amazing level of storytelling that I'm used to from Kresley Cole. Loved it and spent every spare moment I had finishing it.

Another fantastic read from Ms Cole. I love this series and eagerly anticipate stories for the other moriors, Thad, and Munro. Not least Nixie the bad a$$ Valkyrie! My only complaint is that these books are too far between. But I guess that's what makes it worth the wait, it's never a half a$$ story. LOVE YOU MS COLE!!??

Marie's Tempting Reads Netgalley ARC Review:

OMG! I have LOOOOOVED the IAD series since the very beginning, and I can honestly say this one seemed more potent and was different and so darn A-M-A-Z-I-N-G than the others! Rune is a sexy archer and is refereed to, in all the realms, as Rune The Insatiable and Rune the Baneblood. He beds females of all kinds to get information he needs when he has a mission. And he is called Baneblood, because his blood is poisonous and can kill terribly as well as his kisses.

Now Jo, she is a true mystery. She is actually Thad's sister, and both siblings are a rare breed in the Realms. Both grew up with humans but Jo was wicked strong and likes to think of herself as protector of prostitutes. She was killed and born "anew" when she was just a kid. She has some remarkable and almost scary abilities and when she comes across Rune, she starts falling for him. He wants to sleep with her to get info and she wants a male of her own. Someone who will always be there for her and anchor her to the world so she doesn't float away.

With a few tricks on both sides, these two gang together and soon their lust, turns into something that all immortals desire...a mate. Unfortunately Rune fights everything tooth and nail, while Jo seduces him to see that she is indeed his.

To say this book had me on the edge of my seat would be putting it lightly. I freaking ate this book up! Every emotion you could imagine, I felt. From sizzling lust, to heart-pounding excitement, and the sweet side of romance. I laughed, I cried, and I rooted for Jo and Rune the whole freaking way! The IAD world is a perfect blend of dark and dangerous, as well as seductive and alluring. This story enthralled me and had me panting, squirming and fanning myself. I am SO addicted to this series!

Sweet Rain gets a HEART-POUNDING FIVE SHOOTING STARS! Wickedly delicious, and downright violent at times, this book will no doubt bring you to your knees. A DEFINITE BOOK YOU GOT TO OWN!

After macrieve and Dark Skye, I was a little weary. Those books had fallen short in my opinion. But sweet ruin was pretty darn good! We get to see a lit of favorite past heroes and heroines and beloved side characters. More questions asked, and a few hints given to past questions. A must read for IAD fans.

It was ok. I liked the dialogue between Jo and rune. But too many unanswered questions. Almost like this is a two part book.

*****SPOILERS*****
So rune wasn't able to kill his half brother like he wanted too.....why not?

We are left with the impression we will find out who is Jo and thads father but don't. I kinda expected a peek in the epilogue.

Nix, Valkyries, lykea, vampires are kinda treated like they haven't really got their hea. Almost like this is a new series and they are there to keep readers for a new series.

Too many little tidbits to move the series along but I thought there were too many hints and not enough answers.

it seems like these books are taking 18 months to come out. With lothaire we were teased about kristoffs hea but haven't even really talked about the vamps since then. Then we were teased with munroes hea but haven't heard from him. That was like 3 years ago!!!!

I feel like we are being led on.

Loved it. I was so happy to be back in the IAD world. Jo and Rune were perfect for each other he just needed a little convincing. It was a great addition to learn more about Thad can't wait for the next one

I see a lot of negative comments. This is an adult series its going to have sex in it! I really liked this book and it had me laughing out loud, was a tear jerker at times. I loved the character Jo. She has spunk. I can't wait for the next book in this series. Buy this book its great!

I love this series and this next installment doesn't disappoint. Great characters and hot chemistry between them. I usually don't take the time to review books unless they are exceptional.....this is definitely that.

I used to put Kresley Cole in the best authors category, and awaited next book in any series she produced with great anticipation.
Unfortunately the last of IAD turned out even worse than Lothair piece which I have rated before.
(Little spoilers)
What I liked about Sweet Ruin? Hmm, I guess, beginning of the novel - it was quite promising. The protagonist didn't have an easy early life (it brings certain level of compassion after which you have to like the character!), got shot in her face (even sadder) and had to leave her little brother behind and embark on the quest to find herself.
But after that it got so mundane it bore me to tears. Introduction of Ruin in the book didn't help much - he was a total manwhore. The plot mediocre at best.
All in all, very average.
For those who read the IAD novel for the first time I definitely recommend to start from early books. Up until book 11 all is good. The further works have lost their steam.

Oh my goodness this book was amazing.what I read from the beginning to the end, I felt like I was part of the storyline and plot were well detailed and The storyline gave me a feeling that it was real. Sometimes reading her books I feel like this world exists. I don't know how Miss Kresley does it but I can see this immortals after dark continues forever. Please hurry! I want more.

I love Kresley Cole. She is one of the few authors in the Paranormal genre that can still keep me wanting more. I read the reviews and was almost convinced to not purchase this book. A mate "cheating!" I couldn't believe it. Hearing of Runes exploits made me hate him before I read the book.
Well read the book please before judging. Ruin and Jo are an amazing story. I love her! What an amazing new character. I loved this book from beginning to end. Cant wait for the next! I dont even know whose side Im on for the Ascension now. Just amazing!

Once again, I'm slain by the greatness of the Lore and KC's mastery of the art of storytelling. My world had once again been upended by the new information and the alternative POVs provided. I want more information! I'm dying for the next book to come out!

There are plenty of other great reviews, let me just add that I really enjoyed this book. Maybe not my favorite in the series, but I did enjoy learning more about the Lore. I can't get enough of the Immortals. Keep 'em coming, Kresley!

Ok this author is starting to freak me out a little. Can a person really be this good at writing?? Look at her peers with other famous series, they are no where near as good and most are falling to pieces for various reasons. But Kresley Cole? No, this woman is out of this world amazing. She is on book 16 and on fire! So many good things to say! Where do I begin...

I recently watched an interview Kresley had, and in it she said every character she is writing at the time is her favorite. And it's like that every time I read one of her books. She can't top my now favorite characters, but then she goes and makes a liar out of me. How I adore this woman.

Jo: Sassy as all get out and seriously has got her crap together. This girl knows her priorities and is sticking to them.

I think the biggest indicator of this author's skill is how she can have so many diverse characters with many similar traits. Most of the women are independent, strong, SASSY, and badass themselves. What a novelty to have heroines that can be more badass than their mates! And the males? Oh man...Kresley you have set the bar to high, now I am looking for my own Lothaire/Rune/Lachlain/Trehan/Thronos... you get it.

Of course now I must wait, the hardest part. Luckily Kresley doesn't leave us hanging to long. This woman is a powerhouse.

I felt more confused after reading this book in the series. The lines of good and bad seem to be muddled. Also important details that I'm used to seeing in the series were left out. I didn't really connect to these characters. It was nice to learn more about the Morior, however. I hope the next book pulls some of the details together that were left out!

I have been a long time fan of Kresley Cole's work. I have to say I was a little disappointed .
Nix's character is usually very witty and as a reader I am always laughing out loud. It was definitely missing in this book .
I picked up some sci-fi in the beginning of the book, which turned me off as I'm not a sci-fi fan. I was also disappointed by the price of the book, too expensive for what I read.
Not her best in my opinion.

I loved the story except the parts with Rune getting physical with OW which not only broke Jo's heart but mine as well. I would have given
a five star rating if he had been faithful to her.

I liked reading about Jo as a child. I could not help but admire her endurance and ability to survive and take care of her baby brother at such as young age. How she came into her powers was interesting and like the whole story, kept my attention. While a few characters from other books occasionally had minor roles and/or were referenced, this book could be read as a standalone. The story moved at a good pace. At no time was I bored. I read it in one sitting. It had a decent HFN ending.

SPOILERS BELOW ABOUT RUNE & OW
Not sure what to say about Rune other than I was in his corner until he got naked with OW the day after making love and mating with Jo. She would not make love with him until he agreed to be faithful although she agreed to fool around with him. During the time period she was fooled around with but was not sleeping with him, he started to get physical with OW but each time he did not finish the act. Wanting Jo was driving Rune crazy and around 75% of the story he mislead her into thinking that he would be faithful to her and she agreed to make love to him. They mated while making love and he released his seed for the first time ever. The smexy scenes in this book were hot with the exception of those between Rune and OW. Those scenes were a turn off.

The day after they made love for the first time, Rune told Jo that he was going to smex OW that day for information. He knew that when he made love to her that he had any intention of stopping smexing OW. Rune knew that they had mated but told her that she would have to accept that he would continue to smex OW because of his job. Then he told her that she had to come along. Jo, thinking that he would back out of it because he loved her and they were mated, agreed to go. She kept waiting for him to call a halt to it but it never did. She was devastated when he didn't. Jo bled tears while he went arm and arm into a backroom with the OW and told her to stay and wait for him in the bar. I strongly disliked him at that point in time. He went as far as getting naked with OW but backed out at the last minute. The fact that he did not complete the deed is the only reason I kept reading. The excuse he gave Jo as to why he started to do it was lame. Rune was just scared. The whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth. When he did that I no longer saw him as a hero. I wanted Jo to be with someone much better that him. Jo deserved to have a hero like some of Kresely Cole's other IAD heroes in this series such as Lachlain from A Hungry Like No Other or Sebastian from No Rest for the Wicked. The majority of the heroes in the IAD series, like Lachian and Sebastian never thought of another woman much less intimately touched one after meeting their mates.

I am a huge fan of Kresley Cole but this book made me want to quit this series. KC is a great story teller with tons of twists, intricate story lines that give hints to the next story, and complex and deep characters. But she flopped on one of the main characters in this story. Rune the main male character does nothing but sleep with women and usually more than one at the same time. It starts out as a background story with Jo and Thaddie. It was adorable and made my heart break. Afterwards it skips to Jo (at 25 years old) in her neighborhood hearing sounds of girl screaming out Rune's name. She finds him doing 5 chicks in a courtyard/building and watches. He smells her and wants her immediately (while still in the other girl I might mention!) and starts to look for her. They end up going on a weird adventure were random and unimportant things happen, that are explained with way too much detail. When something finally happens that seems important it is not expanded on at ALL! Rune is developed in all the wrong ways and Jo justs gets caught in his trap because she is so desperate for someone who wants her. Jo is a bada** heroine who gets cheated by some scumb** manwh***. All because she wants to be cherished like she deserves to be. In the end, this book made me gag, and feel sick to the pit of my stomach. It seemed put together by an author desperate to get her plot rolling, and the main evil introduced. I gave this book three stars in respect to the amazing books that came before it, and to the books I expect to come. But in reality it deserves less than half a star. I plan to continue the series and hope others due to. Just get through this terrible book.

Horrible horrible horrible book!!! I hate male characters who are whores and openly cheat on their females. Reader beware this book does not read like a typical Cole book. If this is the direction she is going I'm done with this author. I had to wait a whole year for this horrible book????!!!!

Her worst book. I'm a HUGE fan of Ms Coles but this book was dreadful. I hated the main characters completely. Jo spent the entire book whining and Rune spent the entire book thinking of other women. This book wasn't romantic at all. It was so much more vulgar than her other books and it didn't have much of a story line at all. To much 'sex', not enough storyline. I can't read this book again like I can with her other books. It had potential. I hope her next one isn't this bad.

Disappointing really... I love the IAD series. It's one of the few romance series I have found that have an intriguing plot, multidimensional characters, mystery, romance and hot sexy times. Too often authors in this genre lean heavily on either sex or the angst and inner turmoil of why two people can't be together when in reality we already know they will and the constant inner monologue of why they can't be with this person is both repetitive and exhausting, not to mention very young adult/teen in its overall lack of maturity in its feeling. I don't know what happened in this book. 400 pages... About 300 is sex related but not really sex it's 300 pages of mutual masterbation. 50 pages of interesting stuff mostly related to other characters abd 59 pages of decent story. It was boring and kissing and making out is only so hot for so long... And even that is like anything else too much of s good thing is just too much. This should have been a 100-120 page novella. What else was wrong with this book? Let's see... Oh! How about torture in the form of I'm gonna turn you on so much and deny you orgasm... Are you serious? He's a spy master and that's been his torture methods for 7 millennia? I'm sorry that's just STUPID! Completely 100% f'ing stupid. Maybe cool for a 18 year old or over sexed teen but really... The Ascension is upon them, war is coming, people will die and not having an orgasm is how you will break women into betraying this they are allied to and those they love... STUPID I feel dumber for even reading it. If there is any good from this book it's introducing the Bringers of Doom (really? Bringers of doom...ugh) who better to be Nix's mate then her enemy and opposing force in the Ascension... Orion the Undoing. Hopefully he will be undoing him some Nix soon and I can forget I ever read this crappy installment if IAD.

As much as it pains me to say this, I didn’t not much care for this book as I have the previous books in the series.

There’s quite a bit here that I didn’t enjoy about this book so, I am going to just tell you what I didn’t enjoy the most. I started liking the heroine but, after few chapters the book seemed totally turn into all about the hero and his background and that left me in the dark totally about Jo therefore, caused me to be disconnect with her character. You will get to know some of her background, but you have to wait until almost the end to find out.

I never felt that passion that really connected the hero and heroine. You can have foreplay and sex in the story but, it doesn’t work for me unless you have that passion between them.

Spoilers below
I didn’t care for the hero Rune. I understand his background and how he was abused and turned into a manwhore, what I didn’t understand was why he didn’t want to change for Jo. He really seemed quite happy with who he was and love being that manwhore. When you first read about him is with a bunch of nymphs having sex with them and Jo is watching him. I’m sorry but, that scene was a total turn off for me. For the largest portion of the book he constantly reminds Jo that he will never be faithful to her and yet it doesn’t really seem to faze her. Whatever! These two are constantly and I mean constantly having foreplay throughout the whole book, it’s either them talk about it or them having foreplay; sex comes very late in the book. I’ve never read anything quite like it before and to tell you the truth I got bored reading it.

Some people will say he is a flat out cheater while others say he did not. I myself call him a cheater because he set out to have sex with the nymph and he was naked with her, all to save Jo’s brother. Jo begged him not to do it but, he felt there was no other way to save her brother, so they split here for a few chapters. I didn’t much care for how easy she took him back after he almost went though with having sex with the nymph.

I'm sorry but, I have never liked a book where the hero thinks he can have sex with anyone he wants but, the heroine cannot. He gets mad and pulls out the "mine" word when she says anything about seeing someone else but yet he can tell her about all of the women he has been with and plans to be with soon, repeatedly and doesn’t expect her to get mad. WHATEVER!

The upside is this book is a standalone, so if you have missed a few books in the series or have never read this series you can totally pick this one up and read it without feeling like you’re missing something. Just be warned of this issues I had about the book above before buying because this book is not cheap even in Ebook it list for over 10.00.

I received a copy from the publisher for an honest review.

I have to start by saying that KC is one of my all time favorite authors. I read the IAD books over and over again because they are SO EXCELLENT. Granted, there are a few books whose characters didn't 'do it' for me, but still had her special brand of writing, presentation, humor and so on. Unfortunately, Sweet Ruin really misses the mark. It wasn't the introduction of new characters and it wasn't the sex (for Pete's sake, the guy was an abused sex slave for AGES and then had his 'skills' put to use by his new boss to garner information for centuries - where exactly would he have developed a moral compass in regards to appropriate sexual relationships? Sheesh.) At any rate, it almost seemed as if KC had a ghost writer for this installment. It lacked her usual humor, flow and likable characters. The beginning held promise, then fell flat and stayed that way. I didn't find myself rooting for anyone, and for a KC book?? That has never happened before. Normally I wish these books wouldn't end, but I couldn't wait for this one to be over. So disappointing.

I adore this series. I have read every IAD book, most multiple times regardless of my satisfaction with the novel and the main protagonists involved. These books offer such diverse characters and themes, there are bound to be stories we both love and ones we... Very much don't. I personally don't enjoy a couple of the Wroth brothers books and the Dacian one off. Different strokes and all that.

This is pretty low on the totem pole. Unlike other people who gave this a low rating, my distaste doesn't stem from the utilization of new characters, or even the personalities of Rune and Jo. Plenty of people hated Runes cheating and Jo's immature behavior, but these were mild annoyances for me at worst. I found the idea of Rune tragic and sexy. Jo is brash, but at least she can fight like a boss, unlike several heroines of the other books. Neither is ideal, but they didn't ruin anything for me.

The book just seemed to go... No where. If need be I could summarize the entire book in a few sentences. What happened? Some traveling, a ball, and val hall destroyed. 400 pages for such little plot....

My strongest emotional connection was to Thad of all people, and it was pity. He's going to be in a tug of war between the Vertas and Morior. Does he choose his long lost sister, or, you know, the whole freaking world? We can debate the intentions of the Morior all night, but at worst they will destroy the world, and at best they'll try to kill every character we've come to love over 16+ books. I'm supposed to care about Rune and Jo's drama when these pricks are coming for the Vertas? I'm supposed to be happy Jo has Thad when that means she'll actively recruit him for evil? Really, the couple was second fiddle to the plot devices put into place to herald the inevitable war. I couldn't care less about Rune and Jo. If I never see either of them again in a future book I wouldn't notice or care.

And that's a problem.

Jo and Rune...or Ruin when Jo wants to tease him. This was a love story and journey of two people who stumbled into finding out that they were meant for each other but the road was a long and rocky one! Rune has one goal and it's to bring down the house of his evil stepmother and everyone associated with it. Jo's goal is to reunite with her brother (Thaddeus) that was separated from her when everybody thought she was dead. When she was killed, it triggered her true powers and she came back to life but more powerful. She's a hybrid of vampire and phantom. Rune is of the Baneblood dark fey. His blood and saliva is poisonous to anyone's touch. When he finds out that Jo is immune to his blood and saliva, he is thrilled that he can be himself with her without the threat of killing his bed partner. Jo gets to feed off the blood of Rune's (her first person that she fed from) and they both start bonding from that. They both are after Nix: Jo to free Thad who she thinks has kidnapped her little brother; and Rune who wants to take down the powerful Valkyrie for the Morior.

The story comes down to this: Will Rune give up his old ways and accept that Jo is his one and only after all his whoring ways? Will Jo finally reunite with her brother Thaddeus? Will Jo ever find out where she came from? Will Jo and Rune ever catch up to Nix and kill her? Will Jo and Rune's love overcome their issues or will it ruin them forever? Is the Morior really as evil as we were led to believe? I think not...I believe there will be love stories for some of the characters in that group..my senses say it will be Darach (the alpha of the Lykaes).

Although I like these stories that are branches of the IAD, it takes so long for the next story to come out that I forget who's who at time. Ms. Cole has too many storylines going on and it gets confusing after a while. I want to know what's going to happen to one storyline and then she introduces another one. I want to know what happens with Nix...with the Fury...with the Dacians...etc. It's a lot swirling in my head. I loved seeing all the old characters mentioned in this story when they all came out during the defense of Val Hall. Even Lothaire made an appearance! But it will never compare to when Nix is in the storyline. She is bat sh*t crazy and I love it! She knows everything. She's the master manipulator...whether she's orchestrating a wild goose chase or a beat-down! This Valkyrie has a PLAN!!! I'm waiting for the next story! Please don't make us wait too long!!

I have read all the IAD books in the series most of them several times but this book was absolutely the worst book in the series. I felt while reading this book that Kresley Cole herself didn't write the book because it is nothing like any of her previous works and perhaps she had a third party write the book and just slap her name on it (just my opinion).
This book lacks any of the real romance and plot that you found in her previous books. Instead of a storyline it's filled with smut that you would find in an erotica book along with the characters constantly discussing sex and their sexual parts repeatedly in such poor taste. Cole needs to bring back the romance, the heat, and the passion that made IAD the great books that they are! Disappointed in where the series is headed currently.

4.5 stars--SWEET RUIN is the sixteenth full length installment in Kresley Cole’s IMMORTALS AFTER DARK paranormal romance series focusing on an assortment of immortal, supernatural beings of the Lore. This is half demon/half dark Fey Rune the Baneblood, and supernatural hybrid Josephine’s storyline. As the impending war between the supernatural powers known as the Accession continues to build, different species and hybrid paranormal beings are flocking to the world-enter Josephine and her ‘superhero’ powers. SWEET RUIN can be read as a stand alone although there is quite a bit of colorful backstory as the Accession approaches.

SOME BACKSTORY: The Accession is a war; the annihilation of species every five hundred years; a mystical checks and balances to cull the ever-growing population of immortals; and the Accession is now.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Josephine and Rune) SWEET RUIN follows Josephine as the powers within begin to slowly reveal. Meeting seven thousand year old Rune Baneblood sparks Josephine’s need for blood, and with each feeding our heroine’s powers increase, and Rune’s memories fill Josephine with heartbreak and sorrow. But Rune has been ‘ordered’ to hunt for the crazy Valkyrie known as Nix, and Josephine’s brother was last scene surrounded in Val Hall by an assortment of supernatural beings and Nix’s Valkyrie sisters. What ensues is a journey between worlds and countries as Nix plays with Rune and Josephine like a game of cat and mouse.

Rune is a primordial; the eldest living of his kind, and has a vast and varied history with a dark and tormented past . Rune’s vow to destroy those responsible has found our hero in the unenviable position as a bit of a man-whore who uses sex to get what he wants, and in this he places himself in a precarious position as it pertains to Josephine and the possibility that she is his mate. There is plenty of physical and provocative foreplay throughout the storyline; culmination of the mating process takes place towards the end of the story.

Several new characters/species/ and hybrids are introduced including Josephine’s brother Thaddeus (Thad), as well as Rune’s ‘Band of Brothers’ known as the Morior - an alliance of otherworldly beings led by Orion the Undoing. With the introduction of these new characters including Darach the Lyka, and Desh the pirate demon, Kresley Cole has opened up the possibility of several more storylines.

SWEET RUIN is a storyline that begins to pull together the various factions in the upcoming war; the potential for complete annihilation; and the possibility of different species banning together to prevent the destruction of their kind. The premise is entertaining and revealing; the characters are colorful, charismatic and in Josephine’s case-naïve, snarky and a breath of fresh air; the romance is a slow build as Rune refuses to acknowledge that Jo is his mate; and the prelude to $ex is a tease towards the inevitable climax.

Kresley Cole merges the past with the present; reveals more details about the upcoming apocalypse; and the potential players in a game that everyone wants to win, and no one wants to lose.

Rune is the most unlikable hero so far. 11,000 years of walking cliché. Looking back at all the IAD books, my faves were No Rest for the Wicked (Kaderin & Sebastian), Dark Needs at Night's Edge (Neomi & Conrad), and Demon from the Dark (Carrow & Malkom). Out of all the books so far, with the addition of Myst & Nikolai's The Warlord Wants Forever and Lanthe & Thronos' Dark Skye, they're the only ones where the hero isn't a walking cliché who sleeps with every skirt he sees. Rune has multiplied this cliché by eleventy thousand.

Every single IAD book where the hero was promiscuous always emphasizes how ~he was just satisfying his urges before, and ~all encounters were meaningless before he found his mate. What part of that exactly makes him a good person and/or worthy of the heroine? EVERY SINGLE ONE. But with Rune it's even worse because we have graphic scenes of him doing it with others. I didn't sign up for this. Rune's disgustingness is off the charts, he made my skin crawl.

And the heroines are always virgins and/or puts emphasis on only having a few inadequate encounters, with the exception of Lanthe, who was slutshamed and ended up having to give it up for a year before she hooked up with Thronos. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. Josephine falls into this same trope, and emphasis on Only Three and they were all lackluster is made. A lot of female characters put up a good facade of being strong and independent in the entire series, but every time their sexual history is brought up, their experience is always downplayed with an aura of shame hovering in the distance.

All the books except Trehan & Bettina's Shadow's Claim and Kaderin & Sebastian's No Rest for the Wicked involve the hero and/or heroine being the other's prisoner as well. Or they end up stuck together under ~circumstances, and they always ~fall in love in desperate situations. I get that it's the Accession and all, but come on, get another plot device!

Also, no one is ever the bad guy. Even the Bad Guys that Nix and all the goddesses were trembling in their boots about in the past books end up a giant woobie in the end and are defeated by virtue of finding their mates. LMAO.

Kresley Cole is a great writer, and she can have you looking forward for the next page to read, but nothing is fresh and new with the plots anymore. Every book is the same. Only, the powers are bigger, badder, and stronger, but it's all the same. Cliche manwhore meets his mate and refuses to believe she is his mate up to the point that he does several really horrible things to her, culminating in something rather unforgivable. Mate escapes from captivity, and Hero is beside himself worrying about how Mate will never ever in a million years forgive him but he's willing to grovel and beg for eternity if he has to, but in actuality is easily forgiven the next time Mate sees him. What even---

Oh my goodness, this one was so good. It was so hard to put it down. I loved the characters; Rune was such a strong male lead with such a dynamic personality and history, and Jo had so much spunk, attitude, and fire on the page. The plot was very strong and carried the reader through it all from beginning to end. The conflict wasn't some malevolent bad guy but rather how Rune's past colored his present and Jo's desire for companionship even in the face of a man who, on more than one occasion, told her he wouldn't be faithful. Her drive to protect her brother and then reunite with him also added a depth to her character that pulled the reader in. I loved how strong her personality was on the page and when the inevitable happened and she left Rune it was so heart wrenching. I really did worry that Rune wasn't going to see the error of his ways before it was way too late to salvage his relationship with his mate. There isn't anything I didn't like about this story. Loved it!

Rune, a legendary fae/demon hybrid archer and ladies man from a legendary team of Lore bogeymen that no one's actually ever heard of is gathering information in an effort to assassinate Nix for no logical reason (or I guess she's "flirting" with the apocalypse by making allies) when Jo the phanphire walks in on him in the middle of his orgy. Instant lust and love ensue but 25 yr old Jo wants monogamy and 7000yr old Rune just doesn't understand this and insists he must f**k every woman in sight.

It took me more than 50% through to start finding this story entertaining (i would've given up if not for the fact that I had to return it). Rune is a "bloodbane," a rare type of poisonous fae hybrid that I might've cared about back when it was first mentioned several books ago (remember that Natasha girl from the Lore prison?). He's part of a supposedly badass crew of 10 people called the "Moroi" that apparently go from world to world taking over or destroying whatever worlds they can't control (or something like that; i found their explanation very rushed and confusing). The fact that they supposedly rule the entire universe and are all super legendary Lore rockstars is a bit hard to swallow considering I don't remember hearing a single peep about them in the earlier books, but whatever; this has unfortunately become the author's MO for this series. Cole tries very hard to paint Rune as rockstar royalty of epic proportions in Lore society (women swoon and literally line up for him to f**k) but the fact that he was constantly covered in other women's vaginal fluids seemed a bit excessive to me (not to mention disgusting). I would be offended but I just couldn't take this guy too seriously.

Jo is pretty much a carbon copy of many of the heroines in the IAD series which is to say she's super sarcastic and confident and "wicked powerful." She wants in on this pointless mission to assassinate Nix in order to save her brother, Thad. The whole mission to assassinate Nix seemed like a lame excuse considering they know she's a soothsayer and can therefore predict every move they make, however, for no good reason this doesn't stop them from going everywhere Nix tells them to (seriously, she tells them exactly where she'll be and they rush there to kill her). Things eventually get a little more interesting but all in all, this story seemed a bit juvenile and too campy at times (this series has always been campy but it felt like it got to the point where it wasn't even funny anymore).

I'd actually give this story 2.5 stars but I rounded up bc I thought this was slightly better than the last book. I used to love the characters, the world-building and the way all the books in this series were connected but it feels like this author ran out of steam a while ago (as far as this series is concerned--i still like her YA series). For me, the problem is she keeps creating all these new characters and plot lines but she never gets around to addressing them--or if she does she does so YEARS later when I no longer remember or care. Characters like Furie, Nix, and Kristoff should've gotten their own books YEARS ago (like back when their stories were interesting and fresh) but she keeps failing to deliver.

What an amazing addition to the IAD series. I had some misgivings about starting this book - one being the introduction of 2 new characters when there are so many characters that deserve page time and two because it has been awhile since I had read Dark Skye and I feared that I would get lost.

Needless to say my concerns were unjustified. Yes two new characters were introduced - but they are amazing. They brought more to the overall story - including the introduction of the Møriør, a powerful group every bit as dangerous as the Pravus and the Vertas.

Sweet Ruin is strong enough to be a standalone because Ms. Cole is such an exceptional writer that the story flows without having to do a lot of explaining about "The Lore" but I strongly suggest reading the other books because it's such a great series.

Nix is mentioned a couple of times about mid-way through but the big tie-in to the series really doesn't happen until the last several chapters. I can't wait to read Shadow's Seduction and Wicked Abyss!

Thank you to NetGalley, Threshold, and Pocket Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Is this book part of a series or standalone? Series
If part of a series:
Name of the Series: Immortal After Dark
What number is it? Book 16
Are the books interconnected /standalone / continuing story? interconnected
Would you recommend reading previous books first? yes - most of the books can be read standalone, but you receive background information and world building in them all

What genre and subgenre would you put the book? Paranormal Romance (PNR)
What POV (Point of view) was the book written? Dual
F/M, M/M, F/F, Menage? M/F
Is there a love triangle? no
Is there a HEA (Happily Ever After)? Yes
Are all story lines resolved by the end of the book? yes

What I thought
How would you describe the plot of this book? there were a few twists and revelations to the IAD world
How would you best describes the mood? vengeful - hopeful
How would you describe the pace? I got into it at a moderate pace. It wasn't as fast as some of the other IAD books I've read.
How would you describe the characters? complex, well developed characters
How HOT is HOT?!? I haven't come across an IAD book that yet that hasn't had me panting, and left me wanting. Cole knows her stuff when it comes to HOT and STEAMY scenes.
Is the book a tearjerker? no

Sum it up – what are your overall thoughts on the book and writing? I did a catch up read with the last 2 books for IAD and had this one to review, but it didn't leave as big of an impression on me as Dark Skye did. But I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two characters in this book. Generally the woman has to be convinced of being the mate in this series, not this time. It was a refreshing take on the heroine being dead set on what the outcome of their relationship and sticking to progression of it. The introduction of new characters and a new fraction will hopefully give us many more books to come. This is one of my all time favorite series, but this wouldn't be in my top favorite of the series. I'll be waiting patiently for the next one to come out.

Not my cup of tea
Did you have any hang-ups about the book? Unlike the other books, I felt the ending to this story to abrupt. I needed a little more closure of the relationship and where it's heading.
I enjoyed the book, but not everyone will. Some instant turn offs other readers may not like. no
Aside from the normal “Adult Content, Over 18 readers suggested” Would you put a disclaimer on the book? no
Are there any triggers that need to be addressed? no

4.5 Stars - Originally posted on 125Pages.com

Sometimes the heavens align and good things really do happen. I love the Immortals After Dark series but was a little disappointed with MacRieve as I just didn’t click with the male lead. Then came Dark Skye and my love started to return. I kept watching and waiting for the announcement of the next book and was really excited when I heard that it was adding a whole new dimension to the series. Kresley Cole is one of my auto buy authors, so as I stalked her website, Facebook and Twitter for more info, the more excited I got. Then I saw Sweet Ruin on Netgalley and just about lost my mind. I requested it and kept waiting, and waiting, and waiting. I still had not been approved by Thanksgiving weekend so I knew a trip to the store on Tuesday was in order. But then!!!! I woke up Monday morning to the best email ever, I had been approved a day before publication! I was distracted all day at work and kept sneaking pages in on my breaks and lunch. Once I got home serious reading time started and interruptions were not to be tolerated. My husband was trying to show me some Storm Trooper thing on his phone and I told him that I had been waiting for this book for months and he was not being conducive to my reading. Pouting he said, “I guess I won’t talk to you then.” To which I replied, “That would be fantastic thanks.” At ten to one a.m. I closed my Kindle, done with Sweet Ruin.

So all that build up to say TOTALLY WORTH IT! The waiting, the wondering, the loss of sleep, all for an amazing cause. Sweet Ruin was just remarkable. Jo was an amazing kick-ass female lead. She was unapologetic about her life and what she required out of any male chasing her. Rune was pure testosterone and swagger. Their interactions were pure delight as they snarked and one-upped on their path to HEA. Beyond them though, was the world Cole created. It is rare to have surprises in the sixteenth book in a series as the world built is pretty structured by that point, but Cole managed to weave in a whole new mythos with Sweet Ruin that just blew apart everything I though was set. And I couldn’t have been happier about it. The potential paths for the series are now so vast and while I have some ideas of who the newcomers may be I’m sure I will be surprised by the reveal. Fast paced and full of the wonderful supporting characters I have come to know and love, Sweet Ruin was a revelation of a read. My only word of warning, this is not really a series you can jump into, you truly need to start at the beginning with The Warlord Wants Forever.

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Alright you guys already know…Kresley is my girl!! OMG this series…it just…words fail me.
I honestly re-read the damn thing from the beginning waiting on the next installment. THAT’S HOW GOOD IT IS! I just can’t get enough

Down to business…

Can the real bad guy please stand up?! haha seriously. Holy s***. If you are following the story, everyone is awaiting The Accession, every 500 years every being in the Lore must fight and destroy one another. Before Sweet Ruin you know who is good and who is bad and who is so bad, they’re good. Ha. You know what’s going on. Well be prepared to have your mind blown! This book was a game changer for me. I have a whole new view on what’s going down. One of my favorite characters seems to be on the shady side. I have hopes, but I’m also thinking all is not known. Uhhhh I want to throw in another sentence but that would be a HUGE spoiler. So I’m not.
Just know…all is not what it seems.

Rune, the insatiable, is an assassin. Hot damn, somebody line me up for that Archer! His task, find Nix, the Ever Knowing, and end her. Yeah good luck with that buddy. But I give you points for effort. Only before he completes his assignment he meets Josephine. Who is she? WHAT is she? All he knows is Jo is the one woman who has EVER said no to be a bed mate. Everyone wants a piece of Rune. Jo not so much interested in the manwhoreness. But definitely interested in the man!

Woo these two definitely bring their A game!
Happy reading people, happy reading.

Immortals After Dark was one of the very first series I stumbled upon when I started getting into reading almost 8 years ago. Yep, unlike most, I am not a lifelong reader. It’s something I got into as an adult. From the very beginning; Kresley Cole managed to steal my imagination, and suck me into the romance, and now, 16 books later, that still hasn’t changed. I will admit; I have liked some books more than others. Also, I’m not a huge fan of the new covers; I prefer the buffed guys looking out over this more artsy take, but that’s just my preference. I am coming to a place that I am no longer into PNR, but I can still sit and devour Immortals After Dark. There are times I have thought of starting from the beginning just to give myself a refresher. However, who has the time, with Sweet Ruin, I made the time.

Kresley Cole has outdone herself once again with a heroin that I absolutely LOVE. Jo is perfect, smart assed, sassy, brave and a spitfire, all rolled into a woman with a huge heart, that wants nothing other than to be loved. Has she met her match in Ruin? He is part of the deadly Morior and I can’t wait to get into all of them. The ascensions brewing are going to be un-freaking-believable! I will also say that Ruin was great; he was a total charmer, and funny, yet when went head on with Jo, he was all twisted up. I loved it. Their scenes together were scorching hot, and the whole time I was rooting for Jo.

With that said, I can’t see myself giving up on this series anytime soon. When I think we are going one way and it’s going to get close to finishing; Kresley Cole throws an entire new mix of characters in, and it leaves me reeling for what will happen in the next book, or who the next book will even be about. I honestly don’t even have a clue; however, I know one I am tremendously looking forward to is Nix! But I have a feeling hers will be the last, so I am good with waiting a long time for that one.

I give Sweet Ruin: Immortals After Dark #16 4 Boundless stars I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next installment....Sara

I found this one highly entertaining. Jo and Thad have wound up on Gaia (Earth) with no memories at all of who they are and where they come from. We see 2 kids trying to find their way in a place where survival is crucial. I found Jo's blunt manor and sarcastic attitude very refreshing where most of the other heroines are full of gloom and doom. She is strong and confident even though she has no idea what she is doing lol.

Rune comes in with darkness and destruction over his head. He reminds me of Acheron because of his sexual issues especially since the backgrounds are similar. I was very taken with Rune and was hoping he could see his way out of the paper bag he was suffocating himself with.

When Rune and Jo come together we see how light and dark coincides with Rune giving up a mate and Jo not giving up at all.

We see other characters from previous book with Nix as the frontrunner but we also see from the other side and how not everything is black and white. This thing is all about perspectives and I see that it will get harder to pick a side.

Overall this book did deviate from the other books however I found it entertaining and I hope this author keeps surprising us as the ascension moves onward.

Okay so this is a transitional book, introducing us to new characters and another faction (Morior) arriving with the Ascension and setting up the storyline for the next books, but the story itself was really good. There's lots of hot third base action and scorching chemistry. I didn't have the problem that some readers had with Rune. I actually really liked him and could understand why he did the things he did. I didn't think he was cruel like some of our other Alphas have been (Bowen, Uilleam, etc). And who doesn't love a guy who loves his dam? Jo at times did come across as really immature, but I also understood why (25 y/o h to our 7 millennia y/o H). Nucking Futs Nix makes a few appearances in all her crazy soothsaying glory. I loved her cameos because in other books we've seen her batshit crazy, tired, sad, happy, cruel to be kind, but this is the first time that I can remember seeing her kicking major ass and that was just awesome. There isn't a lot of action, this is a relationship story, but I was engaged throughout. Can't wait for my next IAD fix.
Just speculation here but: Nix and Orion? Maybe?

Nix has always been one of my favorite characters in this series so I was glad to see a little of her here. She is badass and shows off just how badass she is just a little in this book. But I have to say that Orion is the one who is making me a little uneasy. He speaks in riddles most of the time, he's vague and the fact that he saved Rune from being a sex slave and then gave him a job that made him use sex to get information...yeah, he's kinda creepy to me.

The Morior are supposed to be the bad guys in this series while the Vertas are the good guys but we see things a little different in this book as we get to know some of the characters from both sides so now it's hard to know who the real good guys are. Are the leaders not telling their people the whole truth? I am having a harder and harder time trusting Orion who is the leader of the Morior because he doesn't seem to be truthful, but who knows. It could be that each side really thinks they are doing the right thing. I don't think we'll really know the truth until the author shows us what she has in store for this story line.

Jo is every bit the street girl that she portrays herself to be. Not knowing where she came from or even what she is, has made her life very hard. Her earliest memory is waking up with Thaddie in her arms and knowing that she had to take care of her baby brother. So she tried but being a street kid, stealing from the wrong people can have its consequences and she was killed and had to leave her brother with a lady who was taking care of him. Even though she didn't 'die' she was reborn into something else but what she isn't sure.

Rune is part fey and part demon. He uses sex to get information and the women he's with don't seem to mind as long as he has sex with them. Because of what he is, his blood is poisonous and he has to be careful not to kiss or scratch anyone he doesn't want to die a horrible death. He spent centuries as a sex slave and he is seven thousand years old, so he's been around a while. He was saved by Orion and now woks for the man as an information gatherer and hitman who uses hit bow and deadly arrows to kill those he's been assigned to kill.

Rune is sent to kill Nix, the leader of the Vertas but Jo thinks he is aiming at her brother so she stops him and that's when things get really interesting because these two even though they don't trust each other are drawn to each other. Jo has some secrets she's not willing to reveal about herself until she has to and I loved how shocked everyone is about what she can do and what she actually is. It was a nice twist.

You can read this book as a stand alone but in order to really understand all of the characters, it's best to start from the beginning.

Last night, he’d murmured in her ear,” Refuse me, then, but we both know it’s inevitable. It has been since the first moment I saw you. From the first moment I scented you…” – Sweet Ruin, Kresley Cole

**advance reader copy received via NetGalley**

Kresley Cole is an amazing author with a ton of fantastic series, and her Immortals After Dark series is absolutely fabulous. She writes a wide range of paranormal creatures in an intensely detailed contemporary world, and you will fall in love with the characters. Even the bad characters are hard to dislike, and in many cases I find myself torn between who exactly I am rooting for because she writes such powerful characters within these tales. The characters are profane, gritty, and have delicious depth. I know the cost is quite dear, but I really hope the story reaches fans of the series in the end because I felt it was totally worth it: funny, action-packed, and so interesting.

"You want me to flay you," she told him. "To contribute to my man quilt. Come back Sunday. That's my sewing day." - Sweet Ruin, Kresley Cole

In Sweet Ruin the author introduces the new heavy hitters on the scene in the Morior. Rune Darklight, archer/assassin for the group is after a target when he runs into Jo, who appears immune to his charm. Jo is interested in Rune, but she has her own problems such as finding out what exactly she is…and how to rescue her estranged brother from psychotic Valkyrie. Rune is a known womanizer and Jo is rigidly monogamous, so the claws come out once things start heating up between the two unlikely lovers. Nix the Ever-Knowing is back in the game in this story, too - and as crazy as ever. As the Accession looms on the horizon, the main players are setting up their winning teams, but the Morior leader has decided Nix has to go. It was hard to decide who exactly to root for in this Nix versus Rune/Jo battle, so I found myself rooting for both! Rune is not a man who adapts to change, and Jo was serious about being his only love interest. Is it possible for the couple to reach a compromise, or will he lose his fated mate? Will Nix obliterate all the obstacles to her attaining goddess status? Are there any imaginary hors d’oeuvres left?

Check out my full review here: [...]

4 Hot Hot Hot Stars

Sweet Ruin is the 16th book in the Immortals After Dark Series, each can be read as a standalone. In fact, this is my first book in the series.

I love paranormal books, but what I love even more are paranormal steamy books and Kresley Cole did not disappoint. If you haven’t read any of the books in the series and you are curious if you can pick it up and understand, I will tell you, it’s completely understandable. I love paranormal books because you never know what kind of world you will get. You are exposed to a lot in this one and it’s a meaty book.

The beginning starts with Josephine, Jo. She has a troubled childhood, which ends quickly when she’s shot, only she doesn’t stay dead, well sort of. She wakes up in the morgue and realizes she’s special. I really liked the way the book starts because I felt like I was uncovering the mystery with Jo. Who is she? What can she do? She likes blood?

She wants to be with her little brother, but realizes it’s difficult in the state she is in. So it’s years later and she runs into Rune.

The main and star of the show is Ruin. He’s so alpha, hot and he sells his body for information. I know, hot right? Jo runs into Rune while he is “working” as in working four women! Okay, not all at once, but one at a time. It made me blush too.

Ruin is intrigued by Jo and realizes she can help him capture his enemy. He plans to kidnap her and hold her so he can get information out of her. His torture tactics is … not the most typical… he does it sexually. Like I said it’s hot. The chemistry between Jo and Rune is off the charts and I was gripping the pages to find out what’s going to happen next.

I like how Jo is a strong character, not only she has physical abilities that make her unique, but she’s determine to stay loyal to her brother and her standards. She wants to be in a relationship with a man who will love her for her and will not settle. You go girl!

Ruin teaches Jo more of his world, which helps first time readers like me understand and Jo falls more for him day by day. I had no idea what this story was going to be about, but it completely blew my mind away. If you are a first time reader of the series, pick it up, if you are an avid fan or like to skip around, you will not be disappointed.

An ARC was provided

I give this book a solid 4.5 stars. Kresley Cole does it again and this time, in a major way! The last couple books in the series haven't moved the overall arc forward as much as I would have liked, but this book has so much to offer when it comes to The Accession. Oh, how I love you, KC! Thank you so so much! After MacRieve and Dark Skye, both disappointing IMO (though everything KC writes is better than any other Paranormal books out there so take that in stride), I needed this book.

Jo-loved her, loved her, LOVED her! She was a an awesome heroin. I especially loved that she was tough as nails on the outside, and a big old marshmallow inside. She got herself into some trouble since she didn't know anything about the Lore really, and approached a major player, thinking she could kick her ass. That didn't go so well. But she was always learning throughout the entire book, and was always confident in her abilities. She'd get knocked down, but she'd get up again. She had a big heart full of love, but never had anyone to share it with before now. I was happy for her character that she found family.

Rune-Rune was tougher to love. He always doubted himself and had some serious character flaws. I was glad when he FINALLY came around and stopped acting like an idiot about not changing. There were many times throughout the book that I just wanted to shake him till his brain rattled to hopefully dislodge his stupidity.

Thad-I was so excited to see Thad again and learn more about his upbringing. He's going to be a major player and I absolutely cannot wait for him to grow older and hopefully hook up with Natalya.

Morior-Oh my, how interesting to meet the primordials. They are all interesting characters that I can't wait to hear more about. Well done, bringing these dudes (and lady) into the mix. This means my favorite Paranormal series will go on longer. I am not ready to have KC end this series so introducing new characters is a-ok with me.

Desh-so glad to see him again! He was so much fun in Holly and Cade's book and he was here too. Nice placement of a familiar character.

Nix-Of course she is awesome! She was kind of painted as the bad gal in this book and I absolutely adored it! She's always got tricks up her sleeve and it's amazing to see how they play out. This is not new because she was the bad gal in several of the books until we found out why (Lothaire is a great example). She always has a reason for what she does. I am waiting to find out what game she is playing with Rune and Jo and the Morior. I have a feeling that I know at least a little bit where this is all going, but I will just have to wait and see about that.

On a side note, and this is for the publishing company, not KC, the price for a Kindle book is WAY too high. I got my copy from the library because I am holding out for the paperback price to buy it. I have never paid this much for a Kindle book and never will. I will eventually buy this book for my Kindle, as I have the whole collection and revisit these books over and over, but definitely not until the price is reasonable.

I was given a free ecopy from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
The Immortals After Dark series is my favorite PNR series. I had high expectations before reading this new book, and I was not disappointed at all! It adds a bunch of fascinating characters who add new depth and perspectives to the series. As I expected and desired, it was wonderfully action-packed, had awesome revelations, and had a slowly building romance between the two new main characters. We unearth more secrets of the Lore, which is great. This book was steamy! I think of all the books in the series, Sweet Ruin has the most intense and frequent "bedroom scenes", so prospective readers should be aware of that.
In this series I have found that my ranking of my favorite books is based on the quality of the action/suspense and how much I liked the couple. I have no complaints about the action, but Josephine and Rune rank midway down on my list of favorite couples. FYI, my favorite books in the series are "No Rest for the Wicked", "Pleasures of a Dark Prince", and "Lothaire". I really like Josephine, and her faults (immaturity, occasional self-pity, and destructiveness) don't bother me in this book. Josephine is nicely spunky and outspoken. Rune, however, is another story. He has an interesting backstory and is really hot and intelligent, but some of his faults really bother me. Primarily, I hate his militant, hard-headed stance against monogamy. He keeps this stance for so long, it was really bugging me. One good thing about Rune: he did not think Josephine was inferior to him when he met her (unlike some other male characters in the series).
It is interesting that Nix really comes across as an evil bitch in this book. She did some really mean things to Jo.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves steamy paranormal romance or anyone who likes urban fantasy who wants to try a paranormal romance. It is possible to read this book first in this series, but reading earlier books first would give the reader a better appreciation of the complex world-building and how great a character Nix is. I think that "Sweet Ruin" is as great as "Dark Skye" (the book before this one) and is way better than "MacRieve".
In addition to reading my ebook copy, I listened to the audiobook version borrowed from my local library. I swear that the narrator Robert Petkoff is a vocal and acting genius. He must be the finest narrator in the entire audiobook business, and I have listened to many. His various characters always sound like distinct people voiced by multiple actors! His accents are always superb. His pacing, inflection, and portrayals are always perfect in my opinion, and this audiobook is no exception. He has voiced nearly the whole book series, and I recommend all of them as audiobooks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sexual Content: Plenty of sexual humor and bedroom scenes. Duh. That's how we Cole fans like it.

4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

Sweet Ruin by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance -Dec, 1st, 2015
4 1/2 stars​

Josephine doesn't know where she comes from or what she exactly is. All she knows is that she must protect her brother Thaddeus at all costs. But when she is shot and comes back to life as a vampire she scares her brother and decides to stay away and watch him from afar. But her life is lonely, until she meets the sexy Dark Fae demon, Rune. Rune is used to using sex to manipulate and get his way. So when he finds an irresistible vampire he thinks she will be easy to seduce. But Jo is no ordinary female and she doesn't give in easily to his charms. Frustrated he is determined to discover her secrets especially when he finds out she may know his current target -the Valkyrie, Nix. But Jo doesn't know anything. However, she refuses to let the arrogant Rune know since she fears Thaddeus may be mixed up with Nix. To make things worse Jo discovers that she has a weakness for Rune's blood. A blood that is extremely poisonous....

Kresley Cole's latest IAD novel will not disappoint. In this book we learn of the Morior. Who are they? Are they good or bad? This added mystery adds a dark edge of uncertainty to the series. As one of them Rune is a bit of a enigma. He is a very compelling character. Rune has a past that includes being sorely used by those who should have cared for him. As a rare Rune demon he knows little of his heritage and seeks revenge on the family responsible for murdering his mother. Rune has felt like the underdog and always felt he had to prove himself. And since his blood is poisonous he has never been able to be truly intimate with another being. So when he meets the feisty vampire, Jo. A beautiful woman that can drink his toxic blood he is insatiable for her! And Jo loves Rune's blood so the feeling a mutual.

Jo has also been very much alone but with Rune she finally feels alive. Not a bystander watching others. Jo is a saucy minx that is audacious and hilarious to read. I liked how she could match up with the much older Rune and give him a run for his money. But I really felt for her. She doesn't know what she is and is is afraid of her skills. Since she died her much loved brother doesn't even recognize her. She has no one and no one will miss her. It is not until she meets Rune that she feels a real connection. Someone she can be her true self and not hold back with for fear of hurting them. Rune also has never found someone that his blood isn't toxic to, now he has someone he cares for that he doesn't have to handle with kid gloves for fear they will die. Both are in a way freed. But Rune is his master's spy master. And he uses his skills of seduction to procure information. However, Jo wants a monogamous commitment. Will he give up his old life so he can make a new one with Jo?

This was a read I didn't want to end. A sexy, dark fae and a feisty heroine to tie him up in knots- fun, Fun, FUN!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

**I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review**

4 stars

Let me start out by saying H-O-T…that will certainly be a theme throughout my review. How could it not be when it’s about a 7,000 year old Baneblood who’s never wished to experience love, only lust for most of those 7,000 years old – but then comes along the last thing he ever expected…a woman that can actually stand him, and his blood. For Josephine, aka Jo or Josie, when she woke up at age 11 with a baby boy (whom she assumes is her brother) is in her arms, she can’t remember a thing about who her parents are or where she came from. All Jo knew was survive – which meant pick-pocketing and stealing to get by. But when her and her little brother, Thaddeus, aka Thad or Thaddie, end up in Child Protective Services several times, she always knows that it’s her and Thad together forever – no one can replace the life, however screwed up it is, as long as they are with each other. However, when Jo messes with fire, in the form of a local thug, she finds herself torn from her earthly life and thrown into an immortal life of being completely alone. But she finds a powerful force at work within her when she wakes up as a vampire hybrid of sorts. And after 14 years, Jo has finally met her match in the form of Rune.

Right off the bat, Rune and Jo have an immediate attraction and they are completely enamored with each other. But when Rune gets the wrong idea about Jo’s interaction with a Valkyrie that Rune is trying to kill, his interest in Jo becomes even deeper. So much so, that he feels the need to sequester her to his home in another dimension, so she can’t escape and he can question her further – but what Rune doesn’t realize is that the Valkyrie has ties to her younger brother Thad and she just wants to save him. Through their differences yet extreme attraction to each other, Rune and Jo realize they are working toward a common goal and begin to form an alliance…not only on the war field, but also physically. And what happens can only be described as amazing fireworks all over the pages of their story. Their chemistry is so red hot, it’s hard not to spontaneously combust while reading. But with Rune’s past a man-whore, his decisions lead him to make a huge mistake which could lead to not just his “Ruin”, but Jo’s and Thad’s as well.

I loved Jo and Rune’s story. While there was plenty of heat, the smolder was what made this book impassioned. With so much working against them, at times it seems happily ever after is possible for a 7,000 year old man-whore and a black-blood drinking vamp – of course, Rune would never settle for that, he’s looking for naughtily ever after, which is exactly what Jo is willing to give him! Thoroughly enjoyed their story and all the emotions it brought with it!

Okay now this is more like it. My last foray into the vast expanse of erotica left me very underwhelmed, however this book brought back my hope for the genre. I didn't actually know just how “romantic” this book would be when I picked it up from Netgalley, and I was admittedly a little surprised. However I ended up having a lot of fun reading this.

Did the love scenes occasionally make me giggle or roll my eyes? Yes, but that may be because I am a child on the inside. I did laugh a lot while reading this book, some of the jokes were probably intentional...others, maybe not. But that just added to the fun! This book was silly and interesting and quirky, and when I wasn't blushing red as a tomato, I had a big smile on my face for most of it.

Well except for when I learned of Jo's backstory! Holy crap that was heartbreaking. But I enjoyed reading about it too, because it added depth to the story, and made me more invested in the characters.

I also really enjoyed the paranormal aspect of the story, it was pretty cool, I just would have liked to see more of it. Perhaps because this book is part of a long series, the author didn't feel the need to do “from scratch” worldbuilding.

For the most part this book can be read as a stand alone, but I think for me personally I would have preferred to read this series from the beginning. Too bad I always passed up this series in the past due to the cheesy covers (this was the first one I liked hence why its the first one I've read...yes I'm very shallow)

At the end of the day I can't say enough good things about this book and I am very interested in reading more of this series, don't be like me and judge the books by the covers. This story ended up being so much more than I expected and if you are looking for a (mostly) light, fun read with more than a hint of steaminess than this book is for you! Five stars just because I had so much fun with this.

Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

I am a longtime fan of Kresley Cole and her Immortals After Dark series so am always very excited for each new addition to that series. Sweet Ruin had a very different feel to me as I read than Cole's previous books. I was intrigued immediately at the beginning and while I ultimately enjoyed the story and am rating this as four stars, I never really felt a strong connection to the two main characters like I come to expect from this series. I especially never fell in love with Ruin and found him quite unlikable at times. I appreciate his background had much to do with his decisions and actions throughout the story, but I just never felt much of a connection to him like I usually can with male leads, even dark male leads. Jo, I enjoyed a bit more, but I was never fully invested in their relationship because of my feels about Ruin. I read a lot of darker works and this is definitely a darker, grittier Immortals After Darl book, but it just lacked for me the magic I felt previous books in the series possessed. I did very much enjoy seeing Cole visit the 'villains' and illustrate how very grey the area of good and evil can be and easily it is influenced by perception. I'm looking forward to seeing where Cole takes the series from here. If it continues down this new darker path, I hope we can return at times to some of the humerous moments I enjoyed so much in past books.
A copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love Kresley Cole; she is a truly talented storyteller, and I have always considered her one of my favorite authors. I leave this review only as a warning for others who might share my same sensitivities. I only wish someone had left a warning for me. The male protagonist is, hands down, the most repulsive and disrespectful character I've ever encountered. Almost every single page, without exaggeration, is about him being with multiple women, past, present, and future and usually in graphic detail (present tense usually including the h watching him with them). When he's not with other women (as in plural, at the same time), he's thinking about being with them. And experiencing the story through his pov, honestly made me feel ill, ill enough that someone saw me reading and commented on my I-just-stepped-on-a-cockroach-barefoot facial expression. I absolutely loved the beginning with the h and her brother; it had so much potential. If only she'd left out the H entirely! If you're a Kresley Cole fan, but this type of H trips your gag reflex, skip this one and save yourself the heartache and disappointment. If you're new to Kresley Cole, don't judge all her books by this one! I still love her; I just can't trust her.

I really like Rune and Jo's story I just wish there had been more story and less needless sex. Sorry but I think editors are forcing great author to put more sex in books whether it's needed or not. A quarter of this book could be eliminated in my opinion. Now off my soap box.

Rune is the archers and finder of secrets. He is dispatched by his liege, Orion (leader of the Morior), to take Nix's head. While about his quest he runs into Jo. Jo doesn't have any idea what she is but knows she's amazing.

Jo was found with a baby (her brother, Thad) when a young child and kept breaking them out of family services to live on the streets. When she was 10 she was killed by a gang lord but she didn't die. She became more. When she went to get Thaddie from MrsB (the woman who had kind of taken care of them) she frightened MrsB and Thad so she left. For months she watched over Thad intending to take him but realized he was better off without her. It nearly killed her leaving him.

Back to Rune. He's a darkfae aka baneblood, a 1/2 demon 1/2 fae. His blood is poison. But not to Jo, interesting.

You need to read this and see how it all plays out ;).

I'm looking forward to what comes next. Need to find out what happens with Nix. Is she fated for Orion ;)?

I struggled through this book. I am excited about a reset of the series and those new aspects were the saving grace for me. I am looking forward to new set of characters.

I liked the hero and the heroine but because they were both new to the world and so many new factors were introduced the romance took a major hit. It was a good action paranormal but not a great love story.

This is a must read for fans of the series but unlike the other series reset [book:Lothaire|10790516], it isn't a good place for readers new to the series to join in.

Soooo, I wish the romance had been better but in the end I enjoyed the book after taking a break from it and picking it up again understanding that the romance wasn't going to be the center of the book in the way I prefer.

I was given this book for my honest review. So,there you have it.

I was drawn into this book from the get go. It was gripping, suspenseful and I was immediately on the side of the heroine. I thought “Yes Kresley may have outdone herself again. Would I prefer this over my absolute favorite Demon from the dark”? However as the book went on I found myself reading not for the sake of the story but for the fact that it was an IAD book and I wanted to know a bit more about Nix, the ascension etc.

Mainly the book was droll because the hero was very off putting. I understood and empathized with his situation as a child, it made me sad and I could see where he was coming from. However he was an a** for lack of a better word. Actually a better word… a whore. He seemed to think sex was the ONLY thing he was good at and the only way a 7 foot plus muscular warrior who is extremely versed in Runes could garner information for his clan/team. He was way too stubborn for absolutely no reason when it came to using his “spear”. The whole book had potential but it was oversexed in my opinion. I think Kresley writes amazing intimate scenes and I cherish her for it but sometimes in this book it was an overkill. It felt more like soft core porn than a romance novel at times.

But when it was good it was good. I absolutely loved Josepine as she was a badass yet still had a wish to belong and be loved. It’s human. I wouldn’t deter anyone from buying it but the price is WAY too steep for this erotica. Especially since we didn’t get enough Nix and her craziness nor did we really interact with the other characters. But as I said when it was good it was good but when it was bad…snore.

I pray she gets it together when it comes to Furie because I am on the edge about her and hopefully Kristoff. Please let the next book be Furie and Kristoff please.

backspace was used for the entire book. Here's a warning spoiler scene from chapter 58 to 61 where I was turned off completely, granted everything up to this point I haven't been enjoying much either but you can decide if you can overlook this and still think their HEA was deserved. The fact that these scenes were near the end of the book and continued to remain very fresh in my mind throughout and I couldn't enjoy anything afterwords.
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Rune and Jo thinks Thad is being held hostage by the Valkyries and the only way to get inside pass the Wraiths is an item a nymph name Meliai has. Meliai wants Rune to have sex with her. Basically this is how the conversation goes, "hey honey, I'm going to have sex with this nymph but I'm not cheating on you because it'll be meaningless and I'll be thinking of you the whole time. You'll get pass this because were mates. No threats/vows/ultimatums from you will stop me from doing this because I'm too old to change. Wait outside if you don't want to ghost inside me and see how little this will affect me." Granted he didn't finish the deed but it took him getting naked and in bed with Meliai enough to smell like her for him to get that what he was doing IS wrong? WHAT? I don't count the man-whorish things he did before he met Jo against him but after I see that they are committed to each other I expect FAITHFULNESS and DEVOTION. Their making up was rushed and too easy. All he had to do was wait two weeks say he was wrong, won't do it again, and I love you. Jo forgives him because she recalls from his memories that indeed all the sex he's has was meaningless and left him feeling cold and they have their happily ever after. If you got pass those chapters, buy his sorry excuse for an apology and find the book to be a 5 star worthy book, I'm happy for you and hope you got your money worth.

Another thing I agree with a reviewer about Nix, she was MIA aside from that little remark about the hair curler. It was missing the usual Nix mumbo jumbo and the witty, fun answers/questions talks she gives to everyone who seeks her.

Wow. This was amaaaazing!

This is my first IAD book; stupid, I know. I'm not going to lie, it took me awhile to get into this book. I hated the prologue and didn't really understand where everything was going at first. I blame this on myself, not the book. I didn't know the world, the diverse set of species that inhabited it, or the author's writing (I've only read one other book by her) so it took until about the 30% mark for me to really grasp what was happening.

And boy did I get hooked after that.

Rune was amazingly flawed but hot as hell, even for a whore. Jo was hilarious and awesome. I'm completely jealous of her confidence. Their story was so different that it was refreshing. Part of this is most likely because it's a pnr, and a writer can do a lot of things when the characters are in a different world. The sex was hot as hell and again enhanced because its a paranormal.

While it took me awhile to figure out the IAD world, and I'm unclear on some backstory because of characters stories from previous books, it didn't put a damper on my reading experience. I have completely fallen in love with this series. I can't wait for more books. I wonder who the next couple is... For now, I'll go and start reading from the start!

Why all of the hate? This book was as incredible as the prior books!! I don't mind new characters mixing with the old. An author has the stories in her head a certain way and I haven't found fault with that yet!!

This book was extremely well written. I'm at a crossroads though as I'm not sure I like Nix any more. When she "broke" Jo, I was really upset but so glad that Rune was able to save her. Rune had an extremely difficult life and although it did take him awhile to come around, he did. Not having anyone to ever love him, how else could he react to a mate at first, especially when he didn't think he ever would have one.

I am excited to find out more as this series progresses. I'm just not sure that I will want to stay loyal to Nix.

I love Kresley Cole's novels but this one I can only say that I liked it because it had it's usually humor, raw passion, twist and turns that Ms. Cole is known for but I feel she dragged out the acknowledgement of their mate status entirely too long.

***Spoiler Alert**
The fact that Nix used Jo and Rune to kill two birds with one stone was a good play to have Rune vow he would never try to kill her and at the same time bait the two love birds in a merry chase to fall in love was cute but went on a bit long for my taste.

The story became redundant and began to lose some of the flare that I love in Cole's novels. I stated wanting them to just get on with it and leave Nix and the others alone.

I hope that Cole's next novel gives us a storyline with Nix finding her true love and becomes less crazed.

Jackie

The next installment in Kresley Cole's IAD series keeps you on your toes! We are introduced to Rune, a Dark Fey and Josephine a "bada$$ Superhero"! Rune is the typical Alpha male, who is completely clueless when it comes to the woman who is important to him. Josephine is a kick butt heroine with a hidden sensitive side. This book is longer than previous books, but never feels like it is dragging. The interaction between the main characters is good and sometimes even humorous. It is a good stepping stone to continue the series. We revisit several older characters and are introduced to new ones (please tell me some of the Morior get their own stories!). It is interesting because a different side for the Ascension is introduced in this book. You do not have to read the other books to be able to follow along, but why wouldn't you want to read the series! I am eager to see how the rest of the series plays out and I look forward to the next book!

Rune the Baneblood, archer and master assassin of the Morior has spent thousands of years deepening the chip on his shoulder. Besides being a royal bastard, he’s spent his childhood as a slave and most of his adulthood as a sexual slave where he learned how to use pleasure as a weapon. When he’s called to join the Morior, an organization of primordial beings, he does what he can to prove that he’s worthy of belonging.
His next mission is finding and assassinating, Nix. Why? Because his boss, Orion, ordered it. And how does he attempt to find Nix? By having sex with Nymphs – that seems to be Rune’s answer for most of life’s questions. Yet, because Rune’s saliva, blood, and semen are poison to all beings, he’s rather limited in his seduction repertoire. It sounds like the most boring sex ever, but the Nymphs don’t complain.
And that’s where Jo Doe, our heroine, espies him as he ‘interrogates’ a group of nymphs. Jo knows she’s different and considers herself a superhero, helping other poor and unfortunate women (mostly prostitutes) from male exploitation as Lady Shady. Yet, she walks away from Rune and the nymphs. That was the last smart decision she made in the book.
Most of my problems with “Sweet Ruin” arrived from inconsistent characters doing inconsistent things. This is paranormal romance, where the romance is the focus of the story, but I read no romance in this book, which makes the HEA (happily ever after) ending unbelievable between the two characters. There was some insta-lust from Jo and willingness from Rune when he realizes his bodily fluids aren’t going to kill her, but the plot was unbelievable that these two healthy people (who are attracted to each other) would wait until there was a commitment. Had Jo get a commitment from her previous lovers? What kind of commitment did she get from them? I only ask because it seems hypocritical that she seems to remember very little about her past boyfriends, yet wants a meaningful relationship from Rune.
Inconsistencies with Rune’s character came from his reaction to being a sexual slave for thousands of years. I would think this life would turn a person cold, fractured until the point where they can’t have a ‘normal’ sexual relationship. Ms. Cole did a good job conveying this with MacRieve. Yet, being a slave didn’t seem to faze Rune in this manner. Which made his attraction to Jo one-dimensional.
Also, I was never convinced they knew enough about each other to make their romance believable. The part of the plot where they chase after Nix was supposed to enable our characters into a ‘forced intimacy’ of being together. The scenes of Jo and Rune in China were tender, but it was too little, too late for me (around page 200). One of the problems I’ve heard about ‘fated mates’ is that there’s no room for the characters to get to know each other, struggle and fight for each other’s love. Because why bother when their scent (or whatever pheromone they give off) tells the character this is their mate?
Other inconsistencies were with Jo Doe, homeless girl living on the streets, never learning to read/write, but is literate enough to order and pay for her body piercings. What? What was the plot purpose of the heroine being illiterate? It made no sense to me. Finally, why would Jo fall for a user of women when she’d been fighting against it since the beginning of the book?
Fundamentally, I thought basing the romantic conflict on Jo’s jealousy for Rune and then Rune’s jealousy against Jo/Desh was juvenile and more reflective of a YA than an immortal who was thousands of years old.
I did enjoy reading and learning more about the Morior. I liked reading about Thaddeus’ arrival to Earth and how his older sister protected him.
“Sweet Ruin” was the weakest book in the IAD series yet. While I thought “Dark Skye” was all plot and no character, “Sweet Ruin” was all inconsistent/unlikeable characters and very little plot. This book taught me the importance of strong GMC (Goal, Motivation, and Conflict) for each character and to plot out the romantic development. Because in order for the HEA to be believable, the romance has to be there and it has to develop gradually over the course of the story.

This one took me some time to connect with and fully delve into... Once I understood the nature of both Josephine and Rune, I was able to relate more with their choices, motives, and behaviors... Just as in previous books these two overcome what seem to be insurmountable obstacles and powerful enemies to find their way to their HEA; and of course Nix (and Bertil) is navigating the entire course for these characters with her wicked and crazy methods leading to an unknown but sure to be explosive finale... 4 stars:)

I think this is the best book she has ever written.
Loved how the intimate scenes were written covering off the difficulties of open relationships. I was angry at our hero for not realising the idiocy of his behaviour but in today's dating world, we women run up against the same challenges all the time. It is infuriating. When I thought it would end, the chapters kept coming and coming with more plot twists and great sex! I loved the length - it was a book I couldn't put down and I never wanted it to end. It has the plot reveal amd no useless word fillers. I prefer to buy the audiobooks so I can do other things at the same time - it had me laughing and crying. My love affair is with the fictional characters in books these days since real men fall so short, and so I look forward to my next lover in your next book. May Kresley write him well too. sigh. Loved loved loved!!!!

Another review of a book written by my favorite author – Kresley Cole! (Yes, I am going to keep bringing her up… You might as well go check her out! ? ).

When I first heard who the main characters of this book would be, I was like who? These were brand new characters that hadn’t been mentioned before in the series and I was real irritated. I mean, I had been waiting (and still am) on so many of my favorite characters to get their own books and Kresley Cole decides ‘Oh, I’m just gonna write an entire book about characters that we’ve never heard of before.’ *fumes.

After I read the book, however, I was real excited. I really enjoyed Josephine and Rune’s story for a variety of different reasons. One reason was that it was really unique compared to a lot of the other stories in the series. I mean, they’re all unique and interesting, but this one had a little something extra special, you know? First of all, the species of both characters were new. It wasn’t the regular old Lykae, Valkyrie, or vampire story. ? I won’t spoil it for ya’ll, but ? yeah.

*MINOR SPOILERS IN THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH!

Another plotline that was pretty unique to this story was how Josephine and Rune first met and the way Rune spent the whole book acting like his mating with Josephine wouldn’t change his job. Josephine first met Rune as he was screwing a bunch of nymphs… This doesn’t really sound like the best beginning to a story about matehood, but I think that the book was pretty good because of this. His main tool as a member of the Morior was his ability to glean all kinds of information from the nymphs by screwing them… He tries to convince Josephine (and himself) that he will continue doing so despite their matehood… ? That’s what I think of that!

*SPOILERS OVER

Another reason I really enjoyed this story was because we finally got a lot of information that had been hinted at through the series. We learn more about the Morior/the Bringers of Doom that have been mentioned throughout the series. We get more information and background on Thaddeus (who is one of the characters that I’ve been waiting on his book… I know, I know. He’s only 17, but give the boy a love!). The best part of the book, for me, was that we finally start moving ahead in the overarching plotline that ties all of the books together: the Accession.

~ Jade's Secret Storms

Thoughts: Ok, so I know coming into a series at book number sixteen is usually a bad idea….typically it does not end well. However, this series has been tempting me for awhile but for some reason I always fought the urge to pick any of the previous books up. With this release, I finally relented…and I am so glad I did! I was looking for another new great series to binge read, and I could not have picked better! I was utterly fascinated by this world the author created and found myself eagerly immersed in this book until the bitter end. The characters were captivating, the dimensions and complexity of this supernatural world entrancing….I simply could not get enough. Bound to the book until the very end.
The best thing? I can go back and binge read the last fifteen!

Rate: A+
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com

I had high expectations for this book and that may be the reason why I had my problems with it. It starts very confusing, I just didn't get into it and wondered more than once if this really is a book from my favorite series or maybe plays in another universe. So I stopped reading and left it for a while and when I picked it up again it really did get better but still it's my least favorite of the IAD series. I felt it was cruder and too much scheming going on (I am used to Nix but here she is very confusing, more than she normally is and she is not the only one playing with pawns). I liked Lothaire's cameo here and the epiphany Rune has near the end of the book but all in all it was a enjoyable but not too gripping book. Any other author would have gotten four stars for it but I am spoilt by Kresley Cole so... sorry, only three this time.

INTERVIEW WITH KRESLEY COLE

Tell us about the hero/anti-hero of Sweet Ruin!

Kresley: I think Rune is one of the sexiest characters in the IAD world because he’s had to hone his sex appeal to survive. He’s become a sexual weapon. That male is such a contradiction. He’s arrogant, with this smoldering sensuality, but deep down he considers himself tainted. He’s a killer, but at heart, he’s as vulnerable as Jo is.

With Nix being Rune’s target, do we get to see more of that crazy-amazing Valkyrie?

Kresley: Definitely! Nix plays a major role in Sweet Ruin, sending Rune and Jo on a wild-goose chase across the worlds (which is eye-opening for Jo). We get to see Nïx’s darker side — I love revealing hints about what makes her tick!

I am so excited to see more of her. Why did you choose Josephine and Rune for this next IAD installment?

INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT PETKOFF

(SPOILER ALERT)

What was your favorite character to narrate in Sweet Ruin?

Robert: I’m always more comfortable narrating the men since they’re easier for me, obviously. But in this one I really liked narrating Josephine. She’s got such a tough exterior, and yet she is masking so much vulnerability. It’s a great challenge to try and convey both of those things.

Also, Desh the Demon pirate, is just pure fun to voice.

What did you think about the development with Orion (he can undo planets??).

Robert: I really like Orion. It’s fun to see where Kresley will go with characters of such massive power. What will his vulnerabilities be? What is his ultimate goal? I see him as a perfect mate to Nix once she achieves her goddess-hood. It would be a nice plot twist to have them get together after sending Rune to kill her …

I loved that we had more encounters with the nymphs (they are so funny). Do you have a favorite species of this world?

To read more of their interviews head over to the HEA Blog!

This book was pretty entertaining. However, the only real tension in the book comes from the male lead's infidelity.

--spoilers--

I would really like to see Cole's male leads get punished a bit more for their assholery towards their women. It would have been really satisfying if Rune had walked in on Desh and Jo naked in a bed making out after he went off with the nymph.

So far we've had loads of man whores and just a few promiscuous females in this series. Really the only one was Lanthe and she only had bad experiences with it, so not too satisfying. What'd I'd like to see is a love story with an unabashedly sexually free female, say, a nymph, and some normal guy who's only had a few partners. I want to see her coming fresh from an orgy or a string of partners one night and meet her mate. Ha. Awesome.

I usually love Kresley Cole's books. This one however felt like a book that had to be written to progress the story. I did not like the main characters of Jo and Rune and I found myself skipping some of their parts to get to the parts involving Nix. I couldn't wait to learn more about Thad and unfortunately not a whole lot was revealed except that he has a very unpleasant sister. Also, all the new characters got very confusing and I found it hard to keep them all straight. I will definitely be reading her future books and I hope this one was a fluke.

Like others here, I was nervous about Cole introducing two completely new characters to this amazing series and held off reading it for some time because of that. Boy was I wrong! This book excels in all the ways I have always loved the IAD series and I wished I had picked it up as soon as it had come out. If you're like me and own every one these books not only on kindle but in duplicate in paperback, and have read these books multiple times over the years, don't hesitate on this latest installmeant! Fans of IAD will not be disappointed and I'm eagerly looking forward to the next in the series. Amazing book. Amazing series. Amazing author. Highly recommended.

How does this series just keep getting better?! I am completely invested in finding out what will happen next. Normally, with a series this long I feel like the author is just going on and on without direction or that things could have been wrapped up long before the author decided to stop the series. Immortals After Dark is NOT that kind of series.

Questions are answered, but for every answer we get the mystery becomes bigger. It's insane how much depth Kresley Cole has put into these books. She is a master plotter and I am on the edge of my seat for more.

Five Plus Stars and Five Wet Panties.

ARC Review by Miranda at Mommy's a Book Whore.

Growing up, orphaned Josephine only had her brother Thaddeus in her life. When a tragic event rips them apart Josephine goes from spending every day with her brother to watching him from afar until...in walks Rune the Baneblood.

Rune the Baneblood is on the hunt for one of the oldest and strongest Valkyrie, Nix. He finally has her in his sights and attempts to take her out when Josephine pops in and distracts him from his task.

What started as a flirtation, turns into a miscommunication which ends with a journey that could possibly lead to the one of the best romance of all times. The real question is can two loners, with major trust issues work together and find all of the answers they are looking for or will broken hearts and broken promises get in the way? Read and find out!

I received this book as an ARC for my honest review from Net Galley

Can I say that I honestly loved this book! I finished it in one day not because it was short but because I could not put it down!

When it comes to the main characters I was instantly in love. Both Josephine and Rune were forced at a very young age to experience things they never should have. As adults they grow to have major trust issues and question if they really belong in this world or even with each other.

As usual Kresley Cole did a great job creating not only this story but characters that make you get attached emotionally. I felt the pain, joy and passion that each character displayed and when they cried, I cried and when they hurt, I hurt right along with them. There are not many authors out there that are doing this; so my hat definitely goes off to Kresley.

This book is selling right now on Kindle the store for 14.99, and if you have not read a Kresley Cole book you may think that is expensive. BUT if you have read one of her books in this series, you know that it is well worth that and much more!

Overall great job Kresley Cole...I think you have done it again...you have a hit on your hands!

I wish it didn't have to end. I was addicted from the first page. I love that she doesn't kill a book with over description. She puts just enough and more action and dialogue. That's what keeps me reading. I couldn't stop reading. I love all the IAD, but this one is up in my top three. How she can make you fall in love with a conceited, arrogant immortal like Rune is magic. I loved him from start to finish. And I do believe I have developed a girl crush on Jo. She is so independent and bad ass. Definitely the ying to his yang. If you love the other IAD you will love Sweet Ruin. If you haven't read the others, you will still love this. Fabulous work Kresley.

Sweet Ruin introduced us to another new set of characters in this immense world Cole has created. I personally loved these new characters and what they represent, and I loved how much time we got with Nix in this story. As for the love story, I did like Rune, but I also disliked him a bit as well. I think Jo saved this romance for me, since I thought she was awesome, but it did feel like it was lacking something. Still an excellent, thrilling, fun read and definitely recommend for fans of this series.

For me, Sweet Ruin was a four star read because of the quality of the writing. That being said, as I have not read other books in this series, it probably wasn't as compelling a read for me as for regular readers. It is not a stand alone book. There are way to many little things about the characters and world Ms Cole has created that I just don't know or understand, so though I enjoyed the book, my level of confusion was a bit too high. So, well plotted, well written, complex characters and intriguing premise.
*I received my copy through NetGalley.com in exchange fro an honest review.

Damn I love IAD. I seriously, seriously, love this series and the characters. Each book is like a new discovery into the world of the Lore - what I cannot wrap my head around is how mortals could be so oblivious! Just kidding, I know it's fiction but it sure would be fantastic if if does exist! To top of this seriously addictive books, Cole lucks out in getting the amazingly talented Robert Petkoff to narrate the series, right from the start. Oh. My. God. He adds an extra dimension to the books that pushes it up to the stratosphere. I have all the books in Kindle but have backtracked and purchased the audible versions. Forget TV, I found a new way to relax and unwind. Sweet Ruin is slightly different from the previous books in that the story line occurs after the big capture and jail break of various Loreans by the Order, and the introduction of the Morior; it's leader and the members, signals a pivotal turning point of the story. Potentials new character pairings come to mind. I don't mind if this series continues for a long, long time. Just make sure Robert Petkoff continues to narrate the stories!

In this sixteenth book of the Immortals After Dark series, Kresley Cole tells a story that has some good parts with potential; however, there are some major caveats. I have seen a fair amount of criticism about the hero, Rune, who was an abused child turned assassin then sex slave and, finally, to Archer for the Moirer so his seven thousand years have not been champagne and roses. He spends much time “swiving” Nymphs and assorted other Loreans to gain information. Josephine, who is a mere twenty-five years old, has also lived a rough life from the time of her first memories which began at age eight. She seems to be a vampire with some unusual talents. She and Rune come together against a common enemy who happens to be Nix. And Nix always has some strange things up her Valkyrie sleeve. Nix’s behavior in this book was more mean than fun as she has been previously.

Josephine has always yearned for someone to love for her own especially since she had to give up her brother, Thaddeus, her only family to be raised by someone else. Although a Lorean, she is very much alone and has not been raised in the ways of the Lore. Rune believes himself incapable and undeserving of love only seeing his body as a weapon to be used for his faction. While he and Josephine spend much time together, neither one seems to understand the other or really listen each other’s needs and wants.

A really major problem with this story is that as paranormal romance, the romance end has fallen far short. Most of us do not want to read a story where the hero spends much of his time and thought on other women for mindless sex. While I can feel sympathy for what Rune endured as a child, others in the series have also suffered greatly without turning to mindless promiscuity to survive and then thrive. There are always choices to be made when sacrificing one’s soul. The most interesting parts of the story involve information about the major battle heating up between immortals to see who wins the Accession.

A threat to the Møriør has brought archer Rune the Banehood to the mortal realm to slay the oldest living Valkyrie but before he can eliminate his target, he encounters a vampire creature whose beauty conceals a black heart in this spellbinding paranormal romance. Jo and Rune captured my heart from the very beginning and I found that their remarkable path to happiness was a very exciting journey that kept me on the edge of my seat. Kresley Cole continues to outdo herself with every new chapter in this fascinating and sexy world and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

See my full review at: Paranormal Haven .com

I would like to say that I have read all of this series but sadly I have missed a few. Still this reads very well with the background that I do have. However, this is a series with an overarching theme and I do plan to read them all. With that said, I am not sure that this is the book for new to the series readers should pick up first. Fans of paranormal are sure to be familiar with Kresley Cole one of the reigning queens of paranormal romance. She is in no danger of losing that title with Sweet Ruin.

This installment is fast pace with the action, intrigue, danger and romance that one would expect in her books. There are turns and twists in the story that make it a riveting page turning unpredictable read. Rune and Jo feel like opposites in the beginning but it isn’t long before their similarities become more apparent. Both are strong, mission driven, and stubborn. Their chemistry is hot, hot, hot.

One great read in a series that shows no sign of slowing down. Start at the beginning and prepare to fall in love with the world of the Immortals After Dark.

Copy provided by the publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.

I love his world! Brilliantly crafted and the descriptions are great.

This book didn't have a lot of fighting, and we still have questions about Jo's lineage, namely her father. However, still a good read.
If you like:
Alpha male
Strong female
No cheating
Fantasy
Hot sexy scenes
Kick ass Heroine, and Hero
Break up, to make up
Then this is your book!

I love Jo. She is strong, loyal, witty and yearns for eternal love.

These books do not disappoint! Lothaire is still my fave!

May The Accession never come, because I never want this series to end. This was a GREAT intro to a new story sideline/twist and I loved the characters. Of course, Nucking Futs Nix played a role as - of all things - a mistress puppeteeress. Hmmm...I always suspected she wasn't quite as crazy as she appears. And what's up with her pet bat?

As always, hot steamy scenes, humor, clueless romeos to school, epic battles. Just an all around great story. However, do *not* start the series with this one or you will be lost. Start with #1 - Warlord Wants Forever.

Although this is not my favorite IAD book, it was still sensational. It has all the elements you need for a fantastic read. There are shocks & revelations that make you gasp with surprise or weep with empathy. There is adult romance that makes you pant & your heart pound. Humor that leaves you grinning like an idiot. Secrets told & new secrets still kept hidden. The whole story has become even more complex and developed.
Kresley Cole always delivers a fantastic story. An outstanding book written by a superb writer.
Sweet Ruin (Immortals After Dark Book 16)

I LOVE the IAD and highly recommend it. I have read every book Kresley has written, I think it's official, she is my favorite author and I would never say that lightly, I love to read. Way to go Kresley : )

This book was not a highly anticipated book for me because there wasn't much character play in the other books like some of the other novels of IAD, but I didn't buy it once it came out because I am a huge fan of her writing. Once I read it, I was very pleased. I can never put down her books once I start, have your day opened!!

I am a huge fan of the IAD series and I was disappointed in this one. I thought Munro would be next but that's besides the point. It didn't feel like it was part of the series. Previous characters were dragged in just to make it feel as if it's a continuation but they didn't serve much of a purpose. Nix is a brilliant character and this book ignored her almost completely. I would have appreciated it more if it was a standalone.

I read this book because I really would love to see what the fuss about the ascension is about but it's getting bored, thank God now we have a book about the Dacians, then I'm not sure I will keep on reading about bored immortals....

Ho letto questo libro perché vorrei veramente arrivare a vedere l'Ascensione, ma mi sto annoiando, fortuna che ora arriva un libro sui Dacians, poi non so se continueró a leggere di immortali annoiati....

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A fantastic world filled with unique characters that make this long-standing series a tantalizing and sexy read. I loved Josephine right off the bat because I love a strong female heroine who doesn't take any s*** from anyone. She's strongly attracted to Rune but he has to work hard to earn her affection, which is a totally new concept for him. It's been a long while since I've read a book in this series, so I definitely plan on going back and re-reading them in order.

So. Sweet Ruin. I was a bit behind in the series so jumping in and, whew, new characters for the hero/heroine! That are technically the bad guys! Huh, right? Plus a semi-new plotline. Eeps! But it still works no problem. The quick of it is that Rune is kinda an assassin and he's been sent to kill Nix (normally one of the good guys). He never fails but this time he misses his mark. Because of a woman. One who's seemingly clueless about the Lore, gets under his skin right quick and tempts him something fierce, and that may just be in cahoots with his enemy. Best keep her close, right?

Jo wasn't the easiest of heroines. There were moments I loved her. She's brash and does whatever needed to survive. She's a tough chickie. But then other moments I wanted to push her off a freaking curb for being childishly bratty--ie breaking an entire room of priceless items because she was jealous over a male that wasn't even hers. She was also incredibly ignorant about the Lore which isn't a big deal except HOW she presented herself. Her lack of knowledge or care about it made her reckless and frustrating. So she was a mixed bag for me.

Rune, though. The hero. Total manwhore. But I liked him. He's 7000 some years old and rather stuck in his ways. He could be a bit obtuse but he did what he thought was right even in tough situations. He nearly went too far now and again but managed to save himself from being a total screw up. So I was on board with this guy. *nods*

The romance. Eh. It wasn't a total win for me this time. I didn't FEEL the romance because there really wasn't one. They're fated. They bicker. They tempt one another. But I didn't quite get to feeling they should be together. I can't quite pin point why either. The heat was there-though limited.

The action was interesting. It's intense as they hunt Nix! I actually started to really dislike the "good guys" of the series which was curious. And I absolutely HATED Nix. I kinda wanted her to get blown all up as she taunted the hero and heroine through the dimensions and led them on a merry chase. I was really surprised how much I loathed her. She's usually an odd one but quirky in a fun way. In this one she was really a bitch.

All in all, I enjoyed Sweet Ruin in that it kept my attention and was impossible to put down. It didn't totally do it for me but there were a good number of bits I enjoyed. I loved the hero. I loved the curiosity of the heroine. I loved the title and cover after reading the book as well. They're both surprisingly fitting. So. Enjoyable but not the best of the series.

Sweet Ruin is the 16th book in Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series and is my new favorite of this series! I loved everything about this book.

Josephine is an orphan and has no clue of who she is. She came into her powers with no guidance and has been walking the streets of New Orleans longing to be part of a family and have friends. Rune the Baneblood is a heartless assassin. He is a half demon half dark faye with poisonous blood so he is convinced he will never have a mate. As the main spy for the Møriør, an allegiance of otherworldly beings, he’s gained a reputation with the ladies. He uses sex to gain information and he has no plans of changing his ways. That is until he meets Josephine and his world is turned upside down. Not only does Josephine survive contact with his poisonous blood but she stirs emotions he has never felt before. Rune is on a mission and Josephine needs to help her brother, but will their attraction get in the way of what’s important? You have to read this to find out.

Sweet Ruin did not disappoint me at all and I loved these characters. Josephine had a rough childhood living on the streets so once she gained her powers she protected the innocent. To me she’s a modern day superhero. Josephine is smart, sassy and kicks ass! She also has a great sense of humor she had me laughing out loud. Paired up with my favorite Valkyrie Nix this book had some crazy scenes and I just had a great time reading this book! Rune also had a painful pass and it is clear why he has the dark outlook on life. He does make some bad mistakes in the book that made me angry but he does redeem himself.

In the Immortals After Dark series each book showcases a couple who have discovered they are each other’s mate. Even though the premise for each book is the same I keep coming back for more of the steamy romance, exciting action and swoonworthy love story. Sweet Ruin is a standalone but some characters from previous books do make an appearance. It was so good to see Thad again and finally understand who and what he is. I suggest you read the book in order but if you prefer not to you can easily follow the story. I know fans were upset with the author’s decision to write a book of new characters but I really enjoyed this. The introduction of the Møriør gives an exciting look at the creation of the Lore. The Møriør has some unusual characters who are the primordial, the firstborn or the oldest generation of the species. They appear to be the Justice League of the paranormal and I can’t wait to read more about them. I think Sweet Ruin was a great move by Kresley Cole to insure the Immortals After Dark series lives on. I can’t wait for the next book and plan to read Sweet Ruin again and again!

My GAWD can this series get any better???? Kresley Cole ups the ante of the Accession with the introduction of the Møriør, a group of primordial warriors from different factions of the Lore. Their leader, Orion the Undoing, who just happens to be a God, has been watching our beloved nucking futz Nix's machinations and has ordered her death. He sends his assassin archer Rune to make this happen. Rune is a Baneblood, a product of a Fey and Demon union and his bodily fluids are pure poison. His kind are reviled for their mixed blood heritage and although he is the illegitimate son of the now deceased Fey king he was raised as slave. After the death of his mother and a lifetime of imprisonment, torture and defilement. Rune has sworn to wipe out the entire royal line of the Fey Queen.

Jo is a foundling, her first memory is at the age of 8. She was found wandering around the outskirts of Houston clutching her infant brother Thaddeus while talking gibberish. She does her best to raise him on her own for the next couple of years but a tragic event separates them and alters her life forever. Jo learns that life isn't just black and white, life or death. She becomes something more than human...

I loved Jo's fierce, take no crap attitude. She's grown up alone with powers that she had to figure out about on her own. Her one and only priority in life is to keep her brother Thaddeus safe. Jo is incredibly lonely. She wants nothing more than to have a connection with someone, to have someone who will love her and keep her grounded (she's afraid that she'll just float away one day). When she comes across Rune in the middle of *ahem* getting information (aka: plowing some nymphs) on Nix's whereabouts she is attracted to him and intrigued by his detachment while doing the "deed"

Rune is fascinated by Jo. Not only will she not tell him what she is, she resists his seduction. The horror! No one has ever been able to say no to him before. LOL I loved seeing his aggravation and confusion as she continues to resist him. He just could not comprehend why she didn't fall at his feet like every other woman has and the dialogue between the two had me cracking up!

The buildup of tension between these two is beyond intense as Rune ratchets up his game to have Jo in his bed. I love that Jo gives Rune a run for his money, she is in it for keeps. She knows that she is Rune's mate and until he can fully commit to her she won't give in to him.

There is nothing more that I love than seeing a manwh**e fall and Ruin is the king of all manwh**es, so his fall was especially sweet. He is an alpha through and through, possessive, protective and absolute smexilicious perfection. Although I have to admit that there was a moment or three that I thought Rune was going to do something so incredibly idiotic that I would be forced to track his fictional a** down and give him a good nut punch.

Kresley Cole is the master of creating rich and complex worlds and with the addition of the Møriør she has brought in a whole new group of intriguing characters that have been added to my "Oh my God, I have to read their story NOW or else my head will explode" list. So without giving away any more of the book, I'm just going to say, stop what you are doing, go buy this book and READ IT NOW! It's that freaking amazing!

*I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Francesca and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog

Sweet Ruin doesn’t stand out as one of the best books in the series, or the most memorable couples, but it does well in tying the series and pushing forward the next series of events in the overall storyline. And while doing that, we do get a fun romance with two unabashedly fun and over the top characters.

This is a book of unknowns. We didn’t know Thad had a sister and that’s because he thought she was dead. But Jo has been struggling through life as an immortal without knowing the rules of her new life, while staying away from the only person she had in this world. Her brother. She doesn’t know anything about the Lore and has survived almost on accident and luck. She’s very much the typical Cole heroine, with a big personality and that can sometimes make her come across as “too much”. But you can easily see all of that was her exterior shell to protect herself. She’s very vulnerable and emotional, and I liked that combination in her. She has a tough exterior due to her circumstances and she can even be a bit trashy.

She sees Rune, the hero, as her stepping stone to find out more about her new world, as well as maybe protecting her brother. Rune was awesome. He’s thousands of years old, a warrior and overall “superior” being from another planet. A manwhore by trade. But oh so innocent even in all his years of experience. But he’s been put down because of his origins and his “poisonous blood”. He too covers up his insecurities and vulnerabilities with his big….personality. Finding the one woman that can drink from him and with whom he can actually find full sexual satisfaction is no small feat.

Rune and Jo’s personalities are very much alike, almost too much alike at times, but they blend very well together. The sexual tension between them is palpable from the start (obviously as the first time they meet he’s having sex with a group of nymphs!). Great chemistry and if I can just say….. blood blow jobs and a bit of rough sex!

I enjoyed the change in the storyline from the previous book as we had a virgin hero before and now we get a fun manwhore. I can’t wait to see where the events that unfolded in this story (especially linked to Nix) will lead. She seemed more lucid at times and I have my suspicions on who her mate is and can’t wait to see it all come to a head.

SWEET RUIN is a fun read that doesn’t take itself too seriously but packed full of explosive sexual chemistry. It’s entertaining and over the top as I expect from Ms. Cole even if with a bit less depth that some of her other books. This is a solid paranormal romance that drives an overall series plot forward effortlessly while focusing on developing the relationship of two previously unknown characters. Very well done.

4.5-5 stars

This was a great story and addition to the Immortals After Dark series. I really liked Josephine...Rune I liked but I did get a bit frustrated with him at times. The story was really very good and kept me engaged through the end.

Josephine is a hybrid phantom/vampire. She doesn't remember any of her life before the age of 8, only remembering being lost with only a baby she knew she had to take care of. She took care of the baby, Thad, for years on her own until something happened to her that made her think that Thad was safer without her. Josephine was crushed to be without her baby brother but she kept on and watched over Thad from a distance.

Rune is a bane blood, a hybrid demon/fae that has black blood. His bodily fluids kill just about anyone they make contact with. Rune was born the bastard son of a Fae King and once his father died, the queen decided to make his life miserable. She manipulated him into becoming an assassin for her and since he was handsome and had a way with the ladies, she made him use sex as a tool for his assassinations. It took him a long time to get out from under the claws of people that made his life a living hell and his escape only came with the help of Orion, the leader of the Morior. Now Rune is a member of the Morior and his first loyalty is to them.

Josephine was around 11 when she gave Thad up and started making her own way in life. She had no idea what she was, having come into her powers after a deadly encounter with a local (human) bad guy. She didn't know any other Lorians so she had no one to go to for advice or information. She grew up as a loner but did use her powers to protect her territory, mostly watching over the local hookers and making sure things are ok. As she got older, Josephine realized that there were other people with powers around (freaks as she called them). She tried approaching them a few times but with no success. One day she's checking things out and realizes that she's hearing multiple women calling out the same man's name in passion. She's curious so she goes to check it out and finds Rune screwing around with a handful of nymphs. Josephine ends up a little disgusted by what she sees but it's enough for her to get Rune's attention. He ends up trying to talk to her and is surprised when Josephine dismisses him like he's nothing important. Rune has always had an easy time with the women and Josephine's reactions are so different from most women's, he doesn't really know how to react to her weird reactions. He wants her but he just sees her as another conquest (at least at first). Rune is shocked when he finds that Josephine can drink his blood with no ill effects.

Josephine and Rune end up entangled together due to a misunderstanding. Rune has been sent to kill Nyx (a Valkyrie soothsayer) but Josephine thinks he's bent on killing Thad and interrupts things. Rune then thinks that Josephine is in league with Nyx and decides to pump her for info. This misunderstanding caused some difficulties but is also a reason for Rune to stay close to Josephine (which he's never wanted to do with another woman). They soon find out they're not on opposite sides and start to work together. Their mutual attraction is strong but Josephine is reluctant to go too far with Rune because she longs for a relationship and Rune is a self proclaimed player and has no intention of giving up his way of life (especially since he uses sex for his "job" with the Morior). Rune also believes that Lorians like him aren't given mates so even when the evidence points to them being destined for each other, Rune stays in denial. Their task of finding Nyx isn't easy so they end up spending a couple weeks together while working on this, allowing them to get very close. Unfortunately, Rune's ability to lie to himself is strong and as they're trying to work out how their relationship will proceed, Rune suffers from a bout of relationship dumbassedness and he hurts Josephine badly before realizing how wrong he was. Thankfully, Rune sees his mistake and does what he needs to in order to get Josephine back so they end the story with a very nice HEA together.

I enjoyed this story greatly. I really liked Josephine and even though she wasn't perfect, I thought she was a great heroine. Rune I liked but he had some messed up views of himself and his life that were deeply ingrained causing him to try to cling to his life before Josephine even though he really wanted her and the life they could have together (which made me want to slap him occasionally). I was glad that she wouldn't back down from what she needed from him and that Rune finally realized his mistake and made the needed changes so he and Josephine could be together. Although there were a few things left unfinished, the story itself was great and built up a good foundation for the next book in the series. I'd recommend this story (and series) and am looking forward to more from this series. :D

* note - I listened to the audio version of this story and the narrator did a great job.

This book was worth the wait. Not only did she keep me fully entertained, but she also managed to show us the love story of those on the dark side of things, something you hardly hear about. I love how she broke up the monotony of the series by taking a new path and introduced us to some new characters. The Easter eggs in this book will have me rereading it at least twice. But I really would like to know what happened to some other characters in this series (like MacRieve's brother for one.) Oh I cant wait for the next installment in this series!

I'm a huge fan of Kresley Cole's IAD series, I've been looking forward to this book for months, but this one just fell flat. I'd say it's my 2nd least favorite in the series after Dreams of a Dark Warrior (with Regin & Declan) though I didn't dislike it nearly as much as that one. I like the heroine Jo, and the hero Rune is meh... he was a jerk for most of the story and he's not as exciting as many of the other heroes in Cole's books. I was actually much more excited about the brief appearance by an old friend of Holly's, Desh the pirate demon. He had far more personality and charm in his few pages than Rune did the whole book.

I felt like the world building was lacking, it just didn't have the magic, wit, and charm that other books in the series have. I have no lasting impressions of anywhere they went in the story. The "villain" in this story is Nix, but we all know she's on the side of good so there was zero at stake. There was no enemy, no risk, no adventure. The true adversary was Rune's continuing desire to go sleep with other women after finding his mate. Zzzzzz.

The best parts of this book are those that don't solely involve the two main characters, which is a first in this series.

I don't think I will reread this one as much (if at all) as I've reread the others. It's ok, but it's not great like many of Cole's other books.

There will be no spoilers here, just my humble opinion....But this book ROCKS! Presley, You have Done it once again! Your introduction of your "Bad Guys" well well played....And it leave you to wonder, who they really are? and of course you loose no heat at all! What struck me was your pairing of both main characters..they are just alike! both selfish, and evolving as well and power that can destroy their Foes! a Must read series! As an Author myself, I recommend this Book to all paranormal lovers!

This book is so wonderfully delicious, it has to be devoured in one sitting. So many steamy scenes combine with characters that are believably flawed and a plot that keeps the pages turning all the way through to an incredible ending that makes you long for the next one.

***I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I enjoyed it so much that I checked it out from the library and re-read it so my review would stay up.***

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

So I went into this book a little apprehensive. For months I have been hoping that this was Munro's book or even Furie's but it wasn't. We are actually introduced to two new characters in the IAD universe, Jo and Rune. Jo is Thad's long lost sister and Rune is the manwhore member of the Møriør who just happens to be their archer. At first I wasn't really enjoying the new characters but they grow on you. Rune brings a bunch of new characters into the IAD universe with him. I have to say though they weren't all that bad. I wouldn't mind reading books about all of them except Allixta, I didn't like her all that much.

My favorite part in the whole book was towards the end when Lothaire showed up in Val Hall of all places. You can guess who my favorite character is in the IAD verse is right? I didn't like the fact that Elizabeth was basically glossed over. She wasn't even mentioned by name in the book and she was gone very quickly as well.

This book is one of the best paranormal romance books to come out in 2015. I'm looking forward as always to reading the next installment in the Immortals After Dark universe. Hopefully we won't have to wait so long next time.

Rating: 4½ stars out of 5

Kresley Cole you have once again produced a Winning Read!!!
This was A fantastic-heart warming but suspense-filled story about Jo and Rune. I enjoyed Jo's by any means necessary willingness to protect her little brother and trying to figure out who or what she was. Rune was freakin awesome, what can I say!!
readers you will enjoy this book just as I have!
HAPPY READING!!!

This is easily one of Cole''s best books. I stayed up late reading it like an addict. I haven't read a Romance in years, but Cole really hit this one out of the park. Truly memorable and remarkable. Such wonderful creativity.

I am a big fan of this series. Reading these books at the end of a long stressful day is better than chocolate! Cole has a way of writing these awesome characters that you just fall in love with flaws and all. In Sweet Ruin we meet Jo and Rune who don't disappoint. I also thought it was interesting to see the Ever Knowing Nix (whom I have come to truly enjoy) through their eyes but you totally understand their point of view. In short this book is great! You will not be able to put it down until the last word. Happy reading!

Immortals After Dark is one of my all-time PNR series. Kresley Cole has created such an amazing world filled with incredible characters. Sweet Ruin is definitely one of my favorites in the series.
Jo is completely alone and has no idea who she really is. Only that she has some incredible powers and that she wants to be connected to someone more than anything in the world.
Rune has spent his life whoring in one way or another. After a disastrous youth in slavery he has finally found where he belongs and what he is meant to do. When he meets Jo he isn't sure what to do with her. But he knows she has to be a part of his life.
Watching these two try to figure out who they are and what they can be to each other was a trip!. They are both so vulnerable but have built these impenetrable walls around themselves. They have both been hurt but also yearn to be important to someone. This story was full of highs and lows, humor and sadness, and of course appearances from some of our other favorite Loreans. I now have the worst book hangover ever.

If you've read her other IAD novels you may be a disappointed with this one. The heroine is a bit of a doofus and illiterate to boot. One would think "Josephine" could have shadowed some kindergarteners for long enough to learn her letters, but no. There are a few holes in the plot & Joesphine isn't as lovable as some of Cole's former heroines. The last quarter of the book is deathly dull - as Jo recounts her entire life to her long lost brother. Then the hero recounts his last few weeks to Jo. So we read about what the characters did, then read about the characters talking about what they did. *yawn* The language used in the sex scenes is less delicate than that of prior IAD novels. P***y and d**k are the terms of choice this time & are used repeatedly. Trading out euphemisms for sex organs shouldn't bother me, but it did. It brought a crudeness to the whole story.

My first Kresley Cole book, and potentially not the best point to start a sixteen book series, but I have to say it did not detract from my enjoyment of Sweet Ruin. Paranormal used to be my go to read, but it’s actually been a while since I picked up a PNR novel. Sweet Ruin has successfully reignited my love of the genre with its extensive cast of immortals wrapped around a gorgeous (and feisty) love story.

Rune Darklight is a dark fey, (half fey, half demon) and archer, assassin and information broker for the Morior. His good looks, charm and sexual prowess mean he is renowned amongst immortals. Known as Rune the Insatiable, his sexual appetite is endless, however, his poisonous ‘baneblood’ means his encounters are limited for the safety of his partners and consequently he is never entirely sated. Rune has resigned himself to an immortal life time with no true mate, considering his service to the Morior as an honourable duty.

Josephine Doe is a new arrival on the immortal scene. She lived a short and traumatic existence as a human and transitioned across to her current, vampiric, state with no knowledge of the immortal world surrounding her. A true loner, and self appointed protector of prostitutes, Josephine longs to belong, to be wanted. She is brash and wields her wit and strength like a blunt instrument. I loved Josephine, she made me laugh out loud with her witty comebacks on more than one occasion.

As Josephine explores her abilities she begins to encounter other immortal beings and it is not long before she spies Rune. To say he piques her interest is probably an understatement. Rune is equally intrigued by this young and beautiful being, who is not affected by his poisonous blood, and finds himself pursuing her with a view to recruiting her for the Morior (or so he tries to convince himself).

What unfolds in Sweet Ruin is actually a beautiful love story, complicated by the actions of two people who have never really shared a connection of the sort they uncover with one another. Both are strong willed, independent loners, and yet beneath their gruff exteriors each longs for someone to spend their days with.

As they search for Nix, who has Josephine’s younger brother Thadeus in tow, their sexual chemistry explodes and yet they both fight what they are feeling, desperate to maintain their independence. Rune and Jo have expectations of each other that seem impossible to meet, but without compromise they run the risk of losing a love like they have never encountered before.

It took me a little while to fully immerse myself into Sweet Ruin, primarily because it is based around a complex world that I had not encountered before. Despite it being my first Immortals After Dark novel, I didn’t feel lost in the world, the book established people and places for me really well. While it was a little slow going for me at first I soon found myself lost in Rune and Jo’s story, not able to put the book down. I’ll definitely be reading more Kresley Cole based on my Sweet Ruin experience.

I received a copy of this book from netgalley for an honest review.

I have been following the Immortals After Dark series for a while now, so I was very excited to get this book. With not knowing who the main characters were from the blurb, I expected to be somewhat lost through part of it, at least until some familiar characters started showing up. That wasn't really the case, but to begin with it did seem like it was a stand alone or something outside the normal timeline of IAD. To help with that, I did know that this was planned to be the start of a whole new arc of the series.

The book starts when Josephine, or Jo, was 11 years old, taking care of her 2 1/2 year old brother. She has no memories from before she was 8 and she was found walking around with a newborn baby wrapped in her cloak with her, speaking gibberish. Every time she and her little brother, Thaddeus, were put in foster care, Jo would break them both out and live on the streets.

Rune Darklight also had a terrible childhood, working as a slave even though he was the king's son. Born from the abuse of an underage slave by the king, Rune was put in the fields with his mother. She was taken away when he was quite young, but even at seven thousand years old, he still has memories of her. At 15, his father died and his widow became the ruling monarch of their world. She decided to use Rune as an assassin against her political enemies, since all of his bodily fluids were poisonous. He did that until there was no one left to kill, and she decided to sell him to a brothel, telling him that just one complaint from a customer would end in his death, he was to "pleasure or perish". His stepmother came back into his life centuries later to take him as a prisoner and torture him for even more centuries. That's when The Møriør came into his life, and he joined their ranks. They are also known as The Bringers of Doom. There are 12 total from 12 different worlds, all of them primordials.

Jo knows very little about herself, other than she's 25 and she's wicked strong. She can dematerialize, making items invisible with her. She's a vampire and gets her blood by stealing from a blood bank. And she's very lonely, since leaving Thad with his adoptive parents 14 years before. She hopes this freak she meets out on the streets of New Orleans will have some answers to what she is, and she decides to meet him later that night to learn more. She first encountered him when she spied on him having an orgy with four nymphs, though she didn't know that's what they were at the time. When she and Rune meet later, she ends up biting him and drinking his blood "from the flesh". He expected her to die instantly, since his blood is highly poisonous, but she just keeps on drinking like it's the best thing she's ever tasted. Obviously his poison doesn't hurt her. From there, they start a haphazard partnership based on her desire for his blood and his desire to be bitten. Though quite dicey in spots, their relationship begins from these interactions.

There are tons of mentions of some of our favorite characters, but few make a full appearance, perhaps only Nïx and Lothaire, Enemy of Old. From the PR that was thrown out on Ms Cole's own website, I thought Nïx would have had a bigger role, but she really was only in a few scenes. I'll more than likely read every book published for this series, but I'm really anxious to get to Nïx's book!

I would absolutely recommend this book to any fan of the IAD series. If you're not already a fan, I think the missing pieces might make it too difficult to follow. There are mentions of many things that have happened in the past, and so much about Nïx, that could leave a person confused and wondering why so many people like these books. It's really not a stand alone, at least in my opinion. Start at the beginning, where you meet Nïx in the first or second book, and learn about her and the other creatures of the Lore.

Sweet Ruin by Kresely Cole- An Immortals After Dark Novel- is a 2015 Gallery Books publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher as an XOXpert, the official street team of XOXO After Dark.

The wait is finally over! The hotly anticipated new release in the wildly popular Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole is here!!

All year, I have been trying to catch up with the series, because I knew this book was coming. I was so far behind, though, that I never got caught up before the release of “Sweet Ruin”. However, I was pleased to discover that it is not necessary to have read all the other installments to enjoy this book.

Josephine is orphaned, caring for her younger brother, Thaddeus, while trying to survive on the streets. But, Jo goes through a big change, and ends up leaving her brother behind, but she longs to reunite with him, and continues to watch over him, as she lives her new life as ghostly vampire, not understanding fully what kind of creature she is or what her history is.

Rune the Baneblood meets up with Josephine while on a mission to kill the oldest Valkyrie. Instantly, he knows he has met his match, but doesn’t understand who she is or what she is or where her loyalties lie. As the two tests the waters of their relationship, they forge an unshakeable bond and become a kind of dynamic duo. But, Rune’s painful past could be their undoing, if he can’t relinquish his bad habits.

One thing about Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series that stands out is the author’s incredible imagination and her ability to draw her readers into a rich fantasy world full of amazing creatures and beings. The other thing is how this series always manages to take on new dimensions, go in new directions, and branch out into never ending possibilities. Few series have that capacity, and this speaks to the author’s talent as a writer. Never one to rest too long in one place, Ms. Cole keeps the reader guessing, the material fresh, but, still manages to please long term fans and bring in a whole new audience all at once. I have to admit though, that I did feel a little puzzled by this one, with the introduction of all new characters and new realms. But, once I got started, I found it to be refreshing, and the more I read, the more excited I was about it and I suppose it helped a little that I didn’t have any specific expectations about the book beforehand.

While the story does not have some the darker undertones I’ve become used to with this series, the hero is one of my favorite types. Rune is flawed, filled with self -doubt, and doesn’t hold himself in high regard. Jo, becomes important enough to him that when push comes to shove, he manages to pull his head out and do the right thing, but you will be on the edge of your seat as he goes through some situations that will make you want to cover your eyes or scream at him.

Jo was an interesting character study too, and I had to laugh at her vernacular on occasion. Her story is compelling and is certainly interesting. I ended up really liking her.

Rune and Jo together are fire and ice and their attraction is too hot to handle sometimes, and while past chapters in the series have been quite steamy, this one seemed even more sensual that usual, since Rune and Jo can't seem to keep their hands off one another. With that said, I did miss some to the action and adventure with this one, which seemed less prevalent, this time around.

Overall, this one took me by surprise, a little bit, but I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to more installments centered around this new cast of characters, even if it is very different from the atmosphere I have grown accustomed to. However, I do think this is a wise move for the author to make, and will broaden the scope for the continuation of the series. I can’t wait to see how it will play out in the long run.

4 stars

*Review may contain mild spoilers for some*

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Even though I've only read The Warlord Wants Forever and A Hunger Like No Other in the Immortals After Dark series, it didn't feel like I had to read the other fourteen to enjoy Sweet Ruin. Honestly, Sweet Ruin is probably the best ARC I've ever received. I stopped reading the series after book two, just because I had so many other things to read before the year ended, but this book made me want to devour the fourteen I missed out on.

The story starts out with a little orphan girl named Jo, and her brother Thaddeus who is stowed in a bag on her back with holes cut out for his little baby legs. They have no recollection of what happened to their parents, but after a terrible run in with the last foster parent, Jo has decided to never go into the system again.

They befriend a librarian who feeds them and let's them roam around the library. Jo grows to trust her, and Thaddeus grows to really like her. Something pretty terrible happens to Jo, and she realizes that even though she's only eight, she isn't human. Not only does she wake up in a morgue, but she now likes the taste of blood, and she also has unexplainable ghost powers as well. The librarian takes custody of little Thaddeus. Jo isn't in love with the idea, but she knows it's what's best. Especially while she's trying to figure out what else she is now that she realizes she's half vampire.

Then we flash forward and our little eight year old is now twenty-five, but not much has changed besides her age. She's still unable to trust, she's still harboring secrets, and she still wants to be a superhero. It warmed my heart that she looks after all the prostitutes in New Orleans, and makes sure no man is taking advantage of them, be it customer or pimp. All is fine until she stumbles upon Bourbon Street and sees a mini-orgy with a three nymphs and a very powerful looking man. Jo is attracted to the man, but she's more attracted to his power, and can't help but wonder if maybe he'd know what she really is. Jo, however, does not know that Rune is there for a much different reason that might coincide with what her own plan.

The powerful looking man is named Rune, and he seems so powerful because, well, he is, but also because he's half dark fey and half demon (and that's pretty rare in this world). Oh, he's also a sex god who uses his "power" for extracting information from women. They tell him information, and he promises them orgasms -- multiple orgasms. But this "power" does come at a cost; being this hybrid, his blood and other bodily fluids are poisons. Therefore, he cannot even kiss or give oral pleasure to the women he is with. He doesn't have to worry about semen though, because demons have a "demon seal" that makes them unable to produce semen while they orgasm until they find their mate. Once a demon finds his mate, the seal will be broken and then he will have poisonous semen as well.

Rune can't help but notice Jo and soon realizes she is more than meets the eyes. They start getting closer to one another, and things get heated. Since Jo is at least half vampire she can't resist sinking her teeth into him, but she doesn't die. Quite the opposite really, she loves the taste of his black and poisoned blood, even if he is the only one she's ever drank from. It's also something very new for Rune, because not only can he do a million new things to get that he is not able to do without killing his other partners, but he also realizes that she is very powerful. He also isn't dumb, and realizes that now she might be able to know his secrets from drinking his blood, so he has to keep a watch on her.

The story then gets really good, and I'm not going to lie, the sex was phenomenal. I will say that the constant issue in their relationship is that Jo refuses to sleep with Rune unless they are exclusive. While Rune is in constant denial and thinks that he can swoon her and make her change her mind. They soon see the much bigger picture and realize they have a common enemy, Nix, the Valkyrie archer. And I know I said this in another review of this series, but I freaking love how this book has Valkyries! It's unique and that alone is a good reason for me to read the other fourteen books in this series that I've been missing out on.

Then the story becomes a race for Jo (and now Rune as well) to find her baby brother that she left so many years ago. Honestly, I can't praise the story enough. It was the perfect amount of angst with the perfect amount of actual plots. Then you add on the wonderful world building and these unique hybrid characters, and it's just phenomenal. I really loved it.

Oh, and the side characters are great too! Dalli is like the best nymph bff ever. I hope she gets a book, or a story, or just a really hot faithful man. She deserves it, and I hope Rune tells Jo about her one day. Then Deshazlor, or Desh for short, oh my gosh he was an outstanding character! I mean, demon pirate... could you get anymore badass? Maybe him and Dalli could hook up, then I'd be set for life.

I just hope in the next book(s) I can learn more about Nix and Orion and their different wishes for this world. The ending left me wanting much more knowledge about the two than I received in this book, but maybe that's just from me skipping ahead fourteen freakin' books.

Overall, I can't recommend this enough. I absolutely adored this book, and ate it all up. I will say that I can see how Rune's confliction about being monogamous might upset some readers, but it didn't bother me. I got in bed at about ten last night thinking I would pass out watching Jessica Jones, and I ended up staying up until three in the morning reading this while Netflix sat idle.

Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth

You know those books that grab you by the hand and tug you gently into their world? They wrap you in their story, the characters whispering their words to you in a gentle voice, well this is not one of them. Sweet Ruin drags you into its world, granted there was no resistance from me, I willingly fell into it. The story unraveled before me, revealing itself in all its beauty and heartache. The characters fierce and beautiful with an aching vulnerability so deep inside them you could almost miss it.
Jo is a kicka** heroine you can’t help be in awe of while Rune is one hell of a sexy hero you could easily fall in love with after you knocked some sense into him. These two characters are combustible, amazing and seriously awesome. This book sucks you in and doesn’t spit you out until hours after you’ve read the final words and even then it stays with you. Yes I loved this book, and yes I will definitely read it again and again. Kresley Cole is one of those authors who’s writing literally comes alive, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book in this outstandingly brilliant series.

The Review:

Growing up, orphaned Josephine has never known who or what she was, just that she was “bad” an outcast with strange powers. Protecting her baby brother Thaddeus became her entire life. The day he was taken away from her, changed her, transforming her from an angry girl into a would-be superhero, into an enchanting villain.
Weather by bow or bed, archer Rune the Baneblood never fails to eliminate his target. In his sights is the oldest living Valkyrie, yet before he can strike, he encounters a vampiric creature whose beauty mesmerizes him. With just one bite, she pierces him with aching pleasure, stealing his forbidden blood, and jeopardizing the secrets of his brethren.
Rune knows he mustn’t trust Josephine. For all he knows she could be a spy sent by the Valkyrie he hunts, yet he can’t turn her away. It’s only when Jo betrays the name of the one man she’ll die to protect that she and Ruin become locked in a treacherous battle of wills that pits ultimate loyalties against unbridled lust.

FTC Advisory: Gallery, Threshold Pocket Books through NetGalley provided me with a copy of Sweet Ruin by Kresley Cole. Published through Gallery, Threshold Pocket Books. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

This is the first book in the Immortals After Dark (IAD) series I have read, and I must say I may be in love! This book had everything you could want, a hot and sexy immortal, a feisty and strong heroine, and a story that sucks you in that you forget everything around you.

In Sweet Ruin we meet Rune the Baneblood and Jo. Jo doesn't remember anything before she was eight years old, and has taken it upon herself to take care of her baby brother Thaddie. I loved seeing Jo and how protective she is over this small child and will do anything to keep him safe. Seeing them separated broke my heart for her. You could feel how devastated she was being pulled apart from her brother, but at the same time doing what she thought was right for him.

Jo spends years by herself, "ghosting" and pocket picking, but when she stumbles upon Rune and his nymphs having a good time, she's intrigued by him. She gives him hell and you can instantly feel the chemistry between these two. She always seems to get the upper hand with Rune and he doesn't know how to handle her. Watching their back and forth was definitely hilarious at times, and frustrating at others.

Rune is half demon, half fea and a part of the The Møriør. Rune is the definition of a man-whore, he uses sex and females for whatever he needs from them. He is incapable of being faithful or monogamous. When the one who can withstand his poison ends up wanting more from him, he tries over and over to explain to her that it's not in him to be mated, nor faithful, which really angered me at times. Jo and Rune are perfect for one another, but getting Rune to figure everything out was frustrating at times.

Jo definitely keeps Rune on his toes and manages to anger him at least twice a day. I loved when she started learning more of her powers how she took her aggression out on him and his things. I was definitely laughing in parts of this book with Jo's antics. She tries to show Rune over and over again that she knows what's best and she's right, but he never listens until reality hits him in the face. These two are definitely frustrating together, but so freaking hot at the same time.

This book was definitely angsty and had me drawn into this world and these characters. I loved Rune and Jo and getting to know all of the characters in this series. After reading Sweet Ruin, I know I have to go back and read the rest of the books in this series. There are so many characters I want to know more about, and I am definitely going to be stalking Goodreads and the store for updates on the next book. There is definitely some unfinished business with Nix, Thaddie and the others that I need! If you are looking for a steamy and hot paranormal romance, definitely consider picking up Sweet Ruin today, you will not regret it!

I have received this book as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark’s official street team, in exchange for an honest review.

I bought the audio book to this but I was loaned this book. As usual Nix is a MESS. I think I love this series of books just to see what she is going to do next.

So enjoyed the love story between Jo and Rune. It was well rounded. Full of action and adventure. Fast moving. Just wondering is Orion Jo and Thad's father.

Still waiting for Nix to show up in one of the Lords of the Underworld books.

Josephine has had a rough life. She doesn't remember part of her past, the only person in her life is her baby brother, and then she finds out she's not human. She's forced to leave her brother behind since he stopped recognizing her once she became a ghost. Only there is more to her.

She lives her life through other people, only hoping to find someone permanent to stand by her side. Enter Rune. He's instantly attracted to her, but he doesn't want the commitment. He has a job to do and won't let her get in his way.

Together the two must battle the amazing Nix. Yes, I love her and all of her crazy ways. Jo and Rune go around the world trying to find the elusive Valkyrie to put an end to her. They also soon have to deal with what's happening between them. Can they get their hands on Nix? Are they more than a casual fling between the sheets? What about Jo's brother? All of this will be revealed and more.

Let me start by saying that this is one of my favorite series. I couldn't wait to read it. What I loved: the chemistry between Jo and Rune, having Nix in the story, learning more about another group of immortals. There was plenty of suspense which I loved.

On the flip side, the story started off slow, but did soon find a steady pace. I also wanted more of the other immortals. They seemed to be absent from this book, whereas others you get a lot more of the IAD world. I also wish that Rune and Jo would have had sex earlier on in the book so we got to see more of Rune's possessive side. It's one of the things I love about the IAD males. They are true alphas. While we did see that side of him, it was brief. I really can't wait to read Nix's book and would love another Dacian story. So many characters we have yet to read about. All in all the story was good. I'm looking forward to the next IAD book.

Book received in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.

4.5 out of 5 stars

So awesome! Fantastic story with great characters. I really enjoyed emerging myself in this elaborate, paranormal world. It’s my first from the series and I was captivated by it.

Jo was rather spectacular. She was this kick ass heroine who was snarky and funny and extremely challenging and stubborn. She was also a bit naive and all these elements woven together made her really likable, interesting, and entertaining . I thought Rune was equally fascinating. I found him intriguing and frustrating all at once. He had quite the history! I really enjoyed Rune’s personal story and how much he grew throughout. Loved the pull they had for one another. Jo pushing Rune’s buttons was just so fun. Loved watching their attraction grown and barriers break down. These two were super hot! I mean: HOT HOT HOT! Love the build to them coming connecting even though there were a few parts that were just a bit drawn out for me. Totally worth the wait though because they were combustible together. There were some seriously off the charts erotic and passionate moments happening!

There were lots of characters in play and a lot to remember. This was my first book in the Immortals After Dark series but I never felt lost. It was very detailed and full of depth. A very rich story, great development. Nice drama and tension. Loved the whacked out character that was Nix (a great bad guy even though she was woman). I had questions that got answered and I had a few more once finished (maybe pertaining to the overall story line?). I want to know all the things and will definitely read more stories from this series. There were so many fascinating characters involved, I want to know more about them all.

I was really excited while reading this and found everything fascinating. There were all these little emerging details that had me wanting more. A really fantastic read!

Complimentary copy received for honest review.

I enjoyed this book immensely. Jo and Rune are a great couple. Both of them have dealt with pain and lose. They are drawn into a common goal by Nix. As they try to achieve their goal, they grow closer and learn some things about themselves. I can't wait to read the next book.

I have not read other Kresley Cole books - so consider this review as intended to those who might be considering checking out the Immortals After Dark world or Cole stories.

The story is easy to get into - no previous experience of the other books in the series needed since we have two new protagonists and apparently a new group of supernaturals (Møriør) from which to draw further protagonists. Characters from other books do show up but I found that not knowing them was more of an asset, here, since lead character Josephine also doesn't know them. It made Josephine's story a bit more understandable..

Admittedly, the story is mostly sex. And then more sex. Main character Rune is supposed to be stalking Nix but really spends most of the time thinking about, engaging in, or planning ways to have sex. Sometimes with the main character and often with nymphs. By the 50% mark on my Kindle, nothing had really happened except that - leaving the story a little flat.

The usual hot alpha male and spirited but unsure 'future mate of alpha dude' staples of this genre are here. Jo is surprisingly fairly unlikable - viciously rude and nasty to everyone yet that obnoxiousness is oddly ignored or tolerated with amusement. I had a hard time getting into her character, so was so thoroughly unpleasant. Her desire for a monogamous relationship when she continually eschewed all other entanglements/friends/human contact just didn't ring true. Rune, similarly, was fairly one-track with his thinking. Sex. Cole tries to base their attraction on physical characteristic (smell, taste (of his blood or her .. uh...scent, etc.) but it just didn't follow it. They say opposites attract but this opposite pair just didn't have the underlying passion that is able to burn away philosophical differences.

Because I didn't feel much love for either character and didn't really want that much sex in a book (I'd rather the focus be on plot), I did have a hard time with this book. It is feasible that I might have liked it more had I more experience with the lore of the Immortals After Dark to carry me above my ambivalence about the characters) - but as an introduction to Cole's world, this did give me an idea of what to expect. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

My love for Kresley Cole books is infinite! I've loved her Immortals After Dark series for literally years! I've read and loved them all! Sweet Ruin is no exception! I loved this book! If you've never read any of the IAD books or if you've read them all, you will enjoy this book immensely. So creative and such imagination! Kresley has it all! From the perfectly imperfect guy, to the strong, take no crap, tell it straight "shady lady". Plus this book has shown that immortals are not just in this realm, but in places only Kresley could imagine. I adored the romance between Rune and Josie! Trust me, you will be pulling for these two. To me, IAD incorporates family, and I do so love this messed up perfect family! I cannot wait for the next chapter of IAD! Who will get their story told next? I hope Ms. Cole will continue this series for many, many years to come! I wouldn't want to imagine a world without IAD! So pick up your copy and fall in love!

I could not put this book down! I've read all the books in this series and this one did not disappoint. The only bad thing is having to wait on the next one to come out! At first I was a little disappointed when I read the plot, I thought the next book should have been Munro & Kereny's story (which I still can't wait to read). But I got over that pretty quick after I read the excerpt to Sweet Ruin.

I love how Kresley Cole introduced the Møriør into the series. At first I thought they were going to be evil, but after reading this book it puts a whole new perspective to the Møriør. I can't wait to read more about the Møriør characters in future books. Rune & Jo were awesome together. Jo's sassiness & confidence combined with Rune's past insecurities make this book so interesting. Characters from the previous books in this series make small appearances as well (which I always love). I can't wait for more. I am absolutely hooked!

SWEET RUIN clashed with the other installments in this series; it had a different writing style, and given how far along the IMMORTALS AFTER DARK plot arc is, I thought that it was a little late for Kresley Cole to be rolling out two new characters. Josephine is Thaddeus’ sister, and there was a strong connection to the Valkyries, but other than that this was mostly a transition novel.

I liked Jo. She fit the IAD female lead profile perfectly, and therein was the problem. Other than having a different name, and being a vampire crossed with a not-yet-seen supe type, I found that her voice was extremely similar to many of those that came before her. On the flip side, Rune was a shameless man-whore, and bats for Team Morior which made reading his POV compelling because it muddied the good/evil waters.

This was one of the more sexually supercharged titles thus far which significantly changed the tone of the story, and I personally don’t stray into the erotica side of Paranormal Romance, so I wasn’t thrilled about that. Nix had her usual moment in the sun, although it was significantly larger (YAY!), and set some fascinating wheels in motion. Ooh, and I think Cole dropped a hint about the soothsayer’s HEA.

Audiobook listeners have been blessed with samples of Robert Petkoff’s Texan accent ever since Thad showed up; however this was the first time that we got to enjoy the full extent of it via an MC. The narrator also did a sensational job with Rune, and adroitly adjusted to the author’s format change. If previous installments left you blushing, wait until you hear his latest performance!

I had mixed feelings about SWEET RUIN, but still, I regret nothing! ~3.5 Stars

I have love this series from the beginning. I know a few of us that were laying in wait for this to be released! Now that it has been and read I can say loved it! A wonderful addition to the series.

I struggled back and forth with wanting to shake Josie and smacking Rune. Both have a great amount of arrogance in themselves. I laughed at some parts and wanted to rush to read to see what was going to happen at other parts. Josie had no clue what she was, all she knew is that she was a freak. A freak with amazing powers that she is just coming into. What does she want out of life...never to be alone.

Rune oh my god what a player in the 10th degree, sexy hot very capable with bow and his "staff" which is legendary. He is so set in thinking he's so tainted he will never have "love" in his past he has known nothing but pain and hurt. He knows first hand what its like to be used.

Nix..laughs yeah just wow, ever knowing, ever crazy. Bat **it type crazy. Her and Orion plotting.. good vs evil kinda thang.

full book with an awesome storyline, characters full of life and personality easily to cheer for. Reading wanting to get to the end but not wantin it to end. Magic, destiny, fate. Love and darkness. With some hella hot scenes make you take a minute and fan your face. Sweet Ruin well worth the wait.

Wickedly entertaining story! Nix is at it again with her arranging of potential mates meeting. As usual there is denial, strong attraction, hot sensual scenes, relationship struggles, and preparation for battle. Those that adored Thad will be happy to know that he has a little more role with this story.

What an incredibly sweet departure from the IAD series! However, it’s still very much immersed in the world of Immortals; we are thrust into a bit of a side-story that ultimately will be entwined into the fabric that‘s already spun by Kresley Cole.

I found orphan Josephine to be naïve, yet massively endearing. She is, however, incredibly confused about creatures that are popping up in the world she has made for herself. She broke my heart in so many ways and absolutely thrilled me in others. There is a bit of a role reversal in her character. She KNOWS who her mate is. She will get him and make him understand that fate has already decided what he seemingly refuses to see. She does this in brash, bold ways, but with a subtle sweetness that has made her one of my absolute favorites in the series.

And then comes Rune, a master of seduction and powerful archer. As soon as he scents Jo he knows something is different. She is something rare and beautiful to behold. She has just taken his forbidden blood and survived, which moves Rune to act, ponder, and chase this creature like he has never done with another before her.

So many surprises, plot twists, and reveals happen in Sweet Ruin that any reader and fan of the series will be thrilled with this latest installment.

5 Lethally addicted and sultry stars!

Sometimes authors just go too far. They paint the character so vivid, bad and needy that you shut down there is no coming back from it. That happened here for me. l didn't like either character and figured by the end that they deserved each other. They didn't deserve a HEA, each deserved the other as a punishment.

The hero might be hot and sexy but he's also stupid. Can't figure out in thousands of years that he was self-inflicting the disgusting lifestyle he claimed to hate? The author did such a good job painting this revolting "bad guy" that his very few redeeming traits could not compensate. He came across as a hypocrite that needed a sledgehammer to get a clue.

The heroine might be beautiful and powerful, but I think she is bi-polar. She has enough mood swings to give whiplash and her childish tantrums got on my nerves. She flips back and forth between aggressor and victim ... happy to vicious ... romantic to vindictive. I think the author was going for this zany unpredictable roll-with-the flow kind of woman and what she got was unstable ... she just came out "wrong".

Where does all of this leave the story arch? ... it's not promising. The new crew is unappealing, I didn't care for any of them to get their own story. I think I'll wait till the reviews are in on the next one. I'll be watching for complaints about porn with little attention to storylines and character development. Time and money are too short to spend either on books that leave you annoyed and disappointed.

Okay, so I am a big fan of the Immortals After Dark series. That being said, I didn't love this one. The main characters were not very likable, so I didn't want to race through it. The plot line helps to advance Kresley's series though. While I didn't enjoy this book, I did like where the story took the entire series.

I don't understand all of the negative reviews! I'm so glad I didn't listen to them. One reviewer even said that the H had a magic penis! Of course I took this literally then bought the book anyway even though I thought that sounded awfully stupid. Boy am I glad I did! This girl Jo, is kick ass and I love that we get to see the scary side of Nix! The H is kind of a stupid dick but they all are.......until they aren't ......right?? my least favorite character was McCrieves story but even I realize I just didn't like the succubus aspect of it. It really had nothing to do with the writing style or story line. (Just preference.) I think people should keep that in mind when reviewing. Kresley does a great job of introducing new characters and I LOVED it. The h rocked as usual. I spent half the book wondering what the hell she was! I was laughing outloud through most of this. So worth every cent. I think I may even know what's in store for Nix! Keep em coming Kresley! I agree with another reviewer....do you secretly hang with Loreans? Lol

What can I say but WOW after reading this story! Sure, I expected a different story but Ms. Cole explained we readers needed to wait a bit before that book would show up because numerous storylines needed told first. Yes, this was important...

The "battle of good vs evil" continues but this book doesn't have as much in depth battle like others however it continues setting up scenes & providing background info for future stories. Some new side storylines fill in missing tidbits from earlier books...

This particular book can stand alone if a reader decides not to read any others in the series. I would suggest reading the series to enjoy all the characters but it won't confuse a reader too much missing prior books.

I loved reading about main characters & meeting new ones but more important those pesky small details flowing from book to book... I missed some & had to read the books again!

I wasn't keen on Jo at the beginning. She grew on me a bit but Rune, he was true to form as one of Ms. Cole's best damaged souls. Yes, there were other books when I had tears in my eyes, but as I read about Rune I enjoyed watching his journey as he grew inside learning he already had his path as a hero secured but he needed a little bump in modern times, Jo, freeing him from his mental jail. His story differed because he was male. I admired this storyline...

Nix, ever present, maybe her natural alter ego is Orion?

I received this from NetGalley to provide an honest review.

I love this series and anything that contains Nix is a winner. This is best read as party of the series. Because t I still suggest it to anyone that likes a good read. There is plenty going on in this story with a few twists. You can almost see the characters plotting. I am looking forward to the next installment.

I really enjoyed this book. Not the best one but still a great read. There are new interesting characters and the story line is still interesting. It definitely left me wanting more. Hopefully we wont have to wait too long for the next one.

4.5 Stars. Sweet Ruin is the 16th Book in Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark (IAD) but it introduces a bunch of new characters and both the H and h are new characters. Usually you can't read an IAD book as a stand alone and this one would still be better if you have read the series but you could possibly read it without having read the series. However, I would still recommend starting at the beginning (the series has some fantastic books - this just isn't one of them although I still really enjoyed it.)

I struggled with my rating of this book because there were some things I really loved and then there were some things I didn't like that much.
I didn't mind the introduction of new characters because I thought they advanced the overall plot and really let us know more about the upcoming Ascension. This book introduces us to the Morior who I thought were going to be the "bad guys" in the war but they didn't appear to be in this book and in fact one of them is the hero for this story.

This book centered around Rune is part dark fey and part demon. He is tasked with killing Nix in this book. His blood is poisonous to anyone who has contact with it and he has spent a lot of his long life subjected to slavery and forced into prostitution. To say his moral compass is a bit off is an understatement. I liked Rune except that at times he wasn't a great romantic lead. He had sex with multiple women (in fact the h met him by watching him have sex with a group of nymphs). Throughout the book he frequently thought of sex with multiple women and he wasn't reformed quickly (in fact he planned to have sex with other women even after he was with the h). However, due to his background his outlook on sex was decidedly different and he had a lot of other thoughtful moments.

The heroine for this book is Josephine, another new character although she is related to Thaddeus. She is part vampire and part (well its a mystery so I won't give it away). She has no memory of her life before the age of 8 where she was found on the side of the road clutching a baby (Thaddeus). She grew up on the streets and she was a tough, streetwise girl who didn't care about anyone but Thaddie. I liked Josephine although she had a tendency to whine a bit more than I would have liked and had a couple of immature outbursts during the book. She is separated from Thaddius at the age of 11 and lives a very lonely life until she meets Rune. She doesn't know what she is and has no knowledge of the Lore.

Josephine spends most of the book trying to convince Rune they could have a great relationship and that she could be his mate. Rune spends the book sure that he doesn't have a fated mate and trying to seduce Josephine.

Although there are some very unromantic moments there were also some fun, sexy romantic moments. I liked it when Rune had his aha moment and enjoyed their ending.

So while not one of the best in the series I still really enjoyed it and look forward to the future of the story and I think this book moved that forward and introduced some very interesting new characters.

This book was gifted to me by Net Galley in return for an unbiased review.

Each time a new installment comes out in the Immortals After Dark series, I rush to get it. Things have taken an interesting turn as the Ascension is upon the Lore. Instead of continuing along as before, the series hangs a louie. There are new players on the scene and stuff just got real. I devoured this book and was left well sated. New players on the scene, Rune and Josephine are sizzling and the new series story arc was intense.

This is the sixteenth book in the series. It is not a standalone and the series needs to be read in order.

Josephine, the older sister to Thaddeus the phantom-vampire who was introduced in Dreams of a Dark Warrior, gets her story and there were some interesting reveals into Thad and Jo's heritage. Jo is a hard-bitten cold-hearted snarky female whose only soft spot is Thad. She had to let him go to human parents who could care for him, but plans to reunite with him. Her plans are interrupted by the arrival of a charismatic male who becomes intrigued by her and then can't let her go when she accidentally snags his memories through his blood.

Rune Baneblood, a dark half fey with poisoned blood in his veins is an older being who comes from a world far distant from earth. His past is painful and sordid, but then he was accepted by Orion to the Morior Twelve. Orion has an assignment for the Morior assassin. Go to earth and take out Nix the Soothsayer to keep her from controlling the events of the Ascension and opposing the Morior's plans for earth. Rune uses his skill learned as a sexual slave to go about his tasks. He feels nothing for the females he uses for information until he encounters one who is indifferent to his wiles and sexual appeal. He becomes more intrigued the more he learns about her and then he has to take her captive when she seems a threat to his mission. His duty to the Morior comes first. Always. But for once he is conflicted.

Alright, so as I said, this one didn't continue with any of the usual suspects and plot threads everyone speculated about from previous books. A whole new group of players, the Morior are introduced along with what they bring to the time of the Ascension. They are explained as is their purpose, but only up to a point. I got the impression that things are going to get even more exciting than before.

I was surprised, but not disappointed by the hero and heroine introduced in this story. Jo's background is rough and she's a tough snarky gal as a result, but her past doesn't hold a candle to what Rune went through. And it totally scared him so that he is messed up in matters of relationships, love, and sex. Jo warms to him and accepts a chance of being together while Rune is resisting and busy trying to figure out how to pump her for intel and use her. But Rune got a tiger by the tail. Jo's pretty powerful even if she is nearly ignorant of who and what she is.

And that brings me to Jo and Thad's race. They are hybrids and very powerful ones at that. An answer is revealed about them, but there is a lot more to come and I am excited to see where that goes.

The story focuses mainly on new characters with Thad and Nix being the only two regulars, sadly, that get any significant time though there are some cameo appearances. Nix was on her game and wielding the cray-cray oracle stuff well as she manipulates the players and events. She is growing darker it seems, but I am fascinated to see where it is going.

Things are moving forward, but on a much grander scale than previously. There are some tantalizing older threads along with added new ones that have my sweating for the next release in the series. The fresh reboot might not be to everyone's taste, but I loved it along with the pair who got their story in this one. It is definitely one not to be missed by series fans and it is a series that I strongly recommend if you like paranormal romance.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5 Stars | Hot Steam

In a blissful flurry of excitement and eager anticipation, I flew through Kresley Cole’s latest IAD sensation—on the edge of my seat—laughing, crying, swooning and positively savoring every single spectacular word. Thrillingly perfect, impossibly imaginative, scorching hot and utterly romantic, I absolutely could not tear myself away from Josie and Rune’s addictive and awe-inspiring adventure. With each turn of the page, Cole’s hilarious cheek, sensual genius and unparalleled storytelling charmed, enthralled and endlessly entertained me. My pulse raced with tense trepidation, swelling emotion, burning desire and sheer ecstasy from start to finish.

Josie is a one-of-a-kind heroine and my new favorite of the series. Street-smart, scrappy, sharp and brave, she’s a spitfire who wields unfathomable powers and abilities all the while remaining vulnerable, innocent, sensitive and starry eyed. Endearingly lovable, I cheered her on as she steadily evolved into the emboldened and breathtaking creature she was always destined to become. In no time at all, I was irrevocably attached and affected by her euphoric triumphs and heart-wrenching setbacks. But, I never feared for too long because, when it comes down to it, Josie can be straight-up mayhem unleashed! Those fantastic scenes where she shocks and obliterates her formidable adversaries! So, so satisfying! Get ‘em Jo-Jo! I enjoyed reading them just as much as I adored reading her world being throughly rocked by her insatiable and sexy-as-sin dark fey assassin, Rune.

And Rune. Holy Mother of Book Boyfriends—you broke the blessed mold on that one! Rune is everything I crave in a great hero with the skills, hunger, passion and voracity of a sizzling Lorean consumed with desire! Ah, so delicious! Rune is also frustratingly—and humorously—arrogant and set in his manwhore-on-a-mission ways. Unused to feeling anything at all but blood lust and retribution, tenderness, attachment and–God forbid–monogamy are foreign to his ancient and stubborn mind. He tries so hard to deny his visceral reaction to Josie, but, as their primal connection weakens his resolve and her fate and heart become forever entwined with his own… Love isn’t a big enough word for what I was feeling for him and them together as an unstoppable couple.

Bottom Line: Make a space on your keeper shelf and get ready to rejoice and revel in this must-read masterpiece!

Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

THIS COMES OUT TOMORROW: DECEMBER 1, 2015!

Oh... I am still in IAD coma... I love this series! I was so disappointed by Cole's choice to feature two newbie characters. Then I read this. THIS IS A CONTENDER FOR MY FAVORITE OF THIS SERIES! Actually it's a toss up between this and Shadow's Claim, which was also a book I didn't think was going to be as good as the other books of this series.

Jo, the female lead, has some wickedly amazing powers. We haven't seen a character of her species <--plural! She's a hybrid, and as much as I want to tell, I won't, it would ruin the surprise. She has no knowledge of the Lore and has only recently come to realize that she isnt the only superpowered being in existence. Before she finds out what her origins are, she thinks of herself as a superhero. She uses her abilities to remove undesirable humans from her territory. 

Rune (or Ruin, as Jo likes torment him by calling him that) is an insatiable horn dog who munipulates females by giving them the rife of their life. To him sex is just a tool that he utilizes. He is old as dirt, handsome to a fault, and extremely sure of his abilities both in the bedroom and on the battlefield. He is known as Rune the Baneblood. He is half Fey, half demon. His dark fey blood is black and deadly, as is his kiss. 

The two of these characters have amazing chemistry, mind blowing sex, and annoy the s*** out of each other. It is interesting to watch their relationship develope. 

Phew... this was hot! Definitely a panty soaker. In every book, Cole's ability to write a hot ad hell sex scene and still keep it from turning to plain pornographically gets better and better. This woman could write an obituary and I would wait in line for days to get my hands on a copy of it.

I really hope that these characters are including in future books. I love this book so much that I just preordered a physical copy today from despite the fact that I just read the book.

It felt like my birthday and Christmas all rolled into one when I found out that I had been approved to recieve and ARC of this book through Netgalley. Best nonbirthday/nonchristmas gift ever!

**I received an ARC through Netgalley courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**

Wow, you would think with this being book 15 in a series that it would be stale and boring. IT WASN’T!! One thing I don’t love about authors in traditional publishing is they start popping out formulatic stories for a high price. Kudos to Ms. Cole for keeping it fresh, Sweet Ruin was amazing.

Jo is the older sister of Thad (cowboy Phanpire) whom we have met in the previous books. The story begins with 11 year old Jo caring for baby Thad the best she can. They are homeless and Jo turns to thieving to provide for her and Thad. Jo and Thad are eventually separated; Thad is taken in by a sweet couple and is given a good life. Jo is left wandering alone but she watches Thad grow up from afar.

Our hero in this story is Rune the Baneblood (half demon/half dark fey) who loves to bed Nymphs to get information. Rune is also a Morior archer, his current assignment is to take out Nix. Rune’s blood is highly toxic to everyone except the lovely Jo who can’t get enough of it.

Jo realizing she is Rune’s mate and going for it instead of fighting it was refreshing. After a very lonely existence she is actually thrilled by this and tries to use any trick she can (this resulted in some hot and heavy scenes) to get Rune to give her the one thing she demands, Monogamy! Of course Rune is appalled by this prospect and fights her all the way.

This book was packed with fabulous stuff. Jo’s background was unique but also provided some interesting things for the future of the IaD world. I freaking love Nix she makes me laugh so hard and I think her story is going to be AMAZING. Which side will Rune choose in the end? How will Jo and Rune play into Nix’s plans? Will Nix achieve Goddesshood? I think she will achieve it and I think it is going to be EPIC! I can’t wait for more!!

I will start by saying I'm glad I didn't listen to the negative reviews once I started this book I could not put it down yes it's true the Immortals After Dark books are excellent reads for me the earlier ones are my absolute favorite SWEET RUIN joins those ranks. I was hesitant to buy the book at this time because I'm on a budget but it is so worth it and more! Kresley Cole is by far my favorite author she has a way of telling a story and creating a world its unparalleled. Rune and Jo have great chemistry! The introduction of the new characters has got my mind spinning- I want more.

I was so eager to get this book and ensure that I pre-ordered...What a disappointment!! this IAD book was sooo not worth the wait. for the first time ever, I will not be rereading a KC book. to console myself, I reread all IAD books up to Shadow Claim, just to reassure myself that the series is (was) actually entertaining. Sorry Kresley Cole, I really do not think you wrote this book at ALL! missing is your flair, humour and steamy sex scenes. I really hope KC redeem herself with her next book.

I usually enjoy this series, but this book sucked! If Ms.Cole wanted to try her hand at erotica, she should have left this series out of it!
She made me dislike NiX!!!! Nix always had reasons behind her actions, this time I found her cruel and selfish. Now the main characters...
I could not stand either person! All they thought about was sex! Where was the story! If you are a fan of the series SKIP THIS ONE!

This time I listened audio and at first I thought omg when the same male voice plays a young girl, adult woman, narrator & little boy but it got better and I got more used to it. The story was good and I actually liked both hero & heroine although the latter was one tough female and the former was whoring user of women. Both characters` past explained the present. I also found both characters believable & endearing. Still I am starting to feel like maybe this serie is drawing to an end. Kresley Cole is the only author who has written a serie from which I have read all books without a single disappointment. True talent. Nïx`s world rocks!

I am in awe of Kresley Cole and her character/paranormal world development! I have read all her books and have never been disappointed. I recommend reading this whole series from start to finish. It would help you get to know all the returning characters and the world(s) they live in. Jo and Rune were so great as single characters and together they were perfection. Their chemistry was so smooth and I loved the humor and whit. Jo is a smart mouthed, don't hold back h that Rune can definitely handle.

The Møriør are a brotherhood of killers with very few weaknesses. To their enemies, they were the Bringers of Doom. They have awakened and have arrived on Earth (the Gaia realm). The Accession is near; however, the event has changed. These days the immortal no longer fight one species against another; they have allied into armies. And more, these immortals do not just take down primordials (the alpha of each species). They assassinate gods.

Phenïx “Nïx” the Ever-Knowing is the primordial of the Valkyrie species. She is on the brink of becoming a goddess. The soothsayer seems insane most of the time. Nïx was attempting to transform what should be a drawn-out war of attrition into a great Lorewide battle between immortal alliances. She is the main target of the Møriør.

Josephine “Jo” seems to be a typical street kid. She has no memories, but is positive that the toddler in her care is her brother, Thaddeus “Thaddie”. The only real meal they receive is from Mrs. Brayden. When the leader of a gang kills Jo, Thaddie is adopted by the Braydens. No one is more surprised than Jo when she wakes up as a ghost! But what exactly is she? Jo has never heard of a ghost that can be seen by others, can become solid when she wishes, possess others on a whim, or craves blood. Can vampires fade invisible? No matter. Jo’s only care is for Thaddie. Yet when Jo goes to collect Thaddie, he does not recognize her. Since her presence seems traumatizing to him, Jo leaves Thaddie with the Braydens. For the next sixteen or so years, Jo is alone, but always keeps up with the well being of her brother.

Ruin Darklight the Insatiable is half demon and half fey. He is the eyes and ears of the Møriør. Ruin uses his skill of sexual seduction to infiltrate his enemies’ inner sanctum, assassinate, and to extract information. His blood is a fatal poison to others. He hunts for Nïx along the most decadent streets in the town of New Orleans. He never expects to be attacked by a gorgeous woman, nor for that woman to drink his blood and live. No, not simply live; she seems to crave it! And unlike any woman before her, Ruin’s emotions go wild. He is unable to distance himself and wants no one else to possess her. But how can one hold onto a being that can disappear into thin air?

***** FIVE STARS! Unlike the other titles in the series, this one is written to stand alone. New readers do not need to know anything about the prior events or characters; however, those who have read them will see glimpses of previous characters – especially those connected in some way to the Valkyries at Val Hall. If you recall the wraiths that surround and protect Val Hall, then you are in for a treat. They may not be invulnerable after all. As for Thaddie, dedicated readers to the series have seen him before – briefly. I had totally forgotten him until the story reminded me of where.

All-in-all, I foresee even more awards for Kresley Cole with this, the latest addition in the Immortals after Dark series. Someone needs to explain to me exactly WHY this has not been made into a television series! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Sweet Ruin is the sixteenth book in Kresley Cole's fangtabulously unique Immortals After Dark series and was fan-frakking-tastic! It is by far my favorite Paranormal Romance world and I have been itching for this book for what seems like an eternity. Man, waiting a year between books in this series is pure hell for me and I just finished an audio re-read a month ago. *sigh* FYI Kresley Cole + Robert Petkoff = Best Author/Narrator Pairing in all of PNR!! If you haven't listened to this series yet, you should add it to your Audible wishlist. It's sooooo worth it.

Unlike most of the books in the Immortals After Dark series, Sweet Ruin features both a hero and heroine that we haven't met before. I was expecting this series to shift back to Munro or feature another Lorian that we've already met, but Ms. Cole decided to take things in a different direction and in turn, totally shook things up. As Nucking Futs Nïx would say, rawr!

In the past couple of books, Nïx mentioned the Møriør AKA Bringers of Doom and implied they were coming. Since their mention, I was frothing at the mouth to know more about them. You can't just drop a bombshell like that (especially during an Accession!!) and walk away. Thankfully, Ms. Cole didn't leave that thread hanging long. You see, our hero, Rune the Baneblood, is a Møriør.

Let's talk about our sexy, manwhore of a hero, shall we?! Sweet Christmas that Dark Fae Møriør is hotter than the blazing sun! *swoons* He's 7' tall, has dark plum colored eyes, tattoos, and longish black hair. Did I mention he's built like a Greek God and is a famous Archer/Assassin? There is no part of that that isn't a turn on for me. Unfortunately, our boy Rune's Demon half seems to be in a state of sexual frenzy. All. The. Time. He is not only known as Rune the Baneblood, he is also known as Rune the Insatiable. Plus there's the issue with his tainted blood. Due to that, Rune has lived 7,000 years without the expectation of having a mate. That all changed when a voyeur/pickpocket finds him.

Josephine is an orphan and Thaddeus' Vampire/Phantom halfling sister. We learn early on that Josephine has had a terrible life and even worse, she has no idea what she is. She knows that she's a blood drinker, which screams Vampire, but she doesn't understand her other powers and is completely alone in the world, outside of the Lore. It took a emotionally dysfunctional manwhore to introduce her to life within the Lore. No longer would she have to live on the outside-looking-in. She can finally discover who she truly is and hope that she can have all of the things that she's yearned for.

Let's get back to the manwhore thing for a minute. It isn't often in any romance and/or romance sub-genre that you have a hero that simply can't keep it in his pants. Rune often expressed his hedonistic desires to Jo in hopes that she would understand, but she wasn't having any of that. Jo is funny, snarky, quite witty, and completely threw Rune for a loop. I instantly loved her and hoped that Rune would stop being (as Jo would say) a d*ckbag. I never thought an author could make a man who bangs multiples Nymphs at a time sympathetic, but Kresley Cole totally pulls it off. What can I say? The woman is bloody brilliant because I fell for Rune the Insatiable; hook, line, and sinker.

Sweet Ruin was smokin' hot, action packed, fast paced, featured Nïx (my favorite secondary character ever) as a frakkin' villain, and took the Immortals After Dark series in a direction I didn't see coming. In a word, it was EPIC! I can't wait to see what Ms. Cole has in store for us next!

I gotta say, I was very sad that I didn’t love the last book in the series, DARK SKYE—Lanthe and Throno’s story. Mainly because Lanthe’s character and past—and current—behavior really rubbed me the wrong way. So I was unsure how I’d feel about this new book, especially since the main characters were never heard of or even mentioned in previous books of the series. After finishing SWEET RUIN, I will be begging and pleading Kresley Cole for more!

Jo and Rune’s story was “specter-tactular”! I absolutely LOVED IT! Jo is a strong, snarky female Lorean—creature of the Lore—and I loved her. Her wicked mouth and constant ribbing of Rune had me laughing out loud on several occasions! Jo is kick-ass hybrid that’s also a hopeful romantic and is in desperate need to feel loved and be a part of a family. Her brother Thad—who’s made several appearances in the series—was taken from her year ago and although it was for the best, Jo’s heart aches to be reunited with the one person she loves more than anything. That is, until she meets an irresistible dark fey with a penchant for nymphs and blood so poisonous that it’s lethal to human and immortal beings…well, except Jo.

Rune is sex incarnate. He’s also an archer, assassin and keeper of secrets for The Møriør—an alliance of otherworldly beings, the strongest and oldest of each species. Rune has been tasked by Orion the Undoing—leader of The Møriør—to bring in the head of a certain bat-shit crazy Valkyrie. During the mission, Rune encounters the sweetest smelling female. She’s also short, voluptuous and is pierced in several places, most where he cannot see but soon hopes to discover.

Needless to say, Rune underestimates the powerhouse that is Jo and the pair fall into a dangerous dance of power, sexual heat and provocative proclivities. Jo and Rune soon become temporary allies when faced with a mutual enemy. What happens next is an extraordinary story full of action, adventure and sexual awakening full of an explosively passionate inferno heavily laced in forbidden pleasures.

Holy Wet wipes, Batman! You’ll definitely need a cool down after reading several of Jo and Rune’s scenes together. The couple literally burn up the pages with their dangerously unbridled lusts. Not only is the heat level set to scorching, there’s also an exciting storyline filled with characters old and new.

I’m so excited to witness this new direction Ms. Cole is taking with the series and I think other fans will also agree! I’m in desperate need to know who the next book is about so I hope Ms. Cole doesn’t keep the news to herself for too much longer. It would be a nice Christmas present for the fans *hint hint*

SWEET RUIN is hands down the steamiest book of the series. I absolutely loved it and I know many other readers will as well.

***I was gifted an eBook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***

I'm going to say right away that I do realise fans of this series might possibly be a tad disappointed by the authors choice of lead characters here. No it's not Kristoff, Furie or even Nix but then if it was wouldn't that end this amazing series? No we get two new characters and yet there is a strong connection to someone the Valkyries have taken to their collective bosom ! Add in the various members of the Moiror who strongly believe Nix Is someone very dangerous who should be taken out of the picture and there's a whole new story arc occuring and its one that could bring amazing consequences.
Rune is known as the Archer because quite simply he doesn't miss. He also happens to be part Fae and part demon which means his bodily fluids blood,saliva etc are pure poison. Tasked by Orion the leader of the Moiror to travel to New Orleans to kill Nix but first he has to find that elusive Valkyrie. What he hadn't expected was to scent another female who could quite literally bring him to his knees!
Jo is something other. With no memory of her childhood all she has is her baby brother Thaddeus who she yearns to be with. Yet Jo walked away when she literally died and arose as a powerful and vengeful ghost. She's a curious mixture of woman and child but her life gets complicated when the dark Fae Rune attracts her attention. Not only does he smell delicious but he seems to be targeting her baby brother and that's something Jo can't allow.
I loved that the author gave us a much clearer picture of what the Accession could truly bring about. Annihilation of worlds is a huge possibility and to prevent that the Moiror are set to step in. We have previously seen Nix and those who follow her as the good guys but that idea is turned on its head somewhat here. Nix goes a step too far in this readers opinion which didn't sit well but I do admit the outcome benefited characters in this story. No spoilers obviously but Jo has a lot to learn as she is completely ignorant of the Lore and the supernatural world. So not only is Jo a total conundrum but we also get Rune and his shady past. He's a male who believes wholeheartedly in Orion and their task but events take place here that will make him question all he believes in. Yes it's a hot romance but more importantly it's a continuation of what has been a fabulous series. I'm so curious about those who Rune works with and dare I hope that we have just been introduced to the one male who Nix will want to tumble with herself? Oo I think we have because Nix deserves someone powerful and Orion fits that bill! Also with the connection to the Dacians ( remember the tournament in Shadows Claim ? ) I'm hoping the author will start tying up all the loose ends. This book might be a touch devisive amongst fans with its stark cover and new set of characters but for this reader it was a must read.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review

Josephine finds out in a very strange way that she isn’t human, but because she was orphaned, abandoned, and amnesiac from the age of eight, she’s having to figure out life and herself on her own. With her since she can remember is Thad, her brother she assumes, and every thing she’s ever done has been to protect him. When she’s forced to give Thad up, she’s even more alone than ever. But she’s resilient and protective of her cause. She wants nothing more than to give him the best life possible, even if that means it’s not with her, while also protecting the less fortunate around town. This dark, sort of superhero woman is hardened and cold to everyone around her, but she yearns for affection, for that special kind of love.

Rune Baneblood is a sexual assassin. His blood, his kiss are all poisonous. He deals in sex and secrets, and with hundreds of years to hone that craft, he’s used to women flocking to his side the moment he enters a room. The Archer’s mission is to assassinate the Valkyrie before she starts a war, but his mission becomes muddled when Josephine crosses his path. With the magnetic flare between the two, and the unbelievable fact that she’s immune to his dark blood, Rune can’t decide whether to trust her or take her out. The fact that she won’t open up to him and that she’s something he’s never seen before, are all cause to not trust her.

Two separate strong-willed killers set on the same path create an erotic tale of action and passion. They’re both hidden behind their walls, yet unable to handle the magnetic eroticism between them. While it serves to further the main story, this new pairing did start off a tad bit slow, at times falling back to slow, but the connection between the two were amazing. I fully enjoyed and loved seeing their push and pull, the build-up to them giving in. When the story moved forward and their connection deepened, it was unputdownable. I loved Jo and how truly badass she was, how she took her power and wielded it completely in a hear-me-roar kind of way. Fully enjoyable and a great addition to the series.

**Received an early copy in exchange for an honest review**

If I could give this book 10 stars it still wouldn't be enough to rate how much I loved it. I read and love romance. In fact you can say that I read romance exclusively and this is the best book that I have read this year. I love the Immortals After Dark series. It is filled with unforgettable characters, intense love scenes and stories that are literally out of this world. How one person can come up with so many diverse story lines and hit it right on the mark each and everytime is beyond me.
However, with "Sweet Ruin" I think that Kresley Cole has even out done herself! Rune and Jo are one of the best couples that I have had the pleasure of reading about. Yes, at first I was I little put out because of Jo's brusqueness. But her sense of humor and her devil-may-care attitude is exactly what makes this pairing divine . And what is one to do with a man who is known in the Lore as Rune the Insatiable. A dark fey who has used his body for thousands of years to gather information, it is hard for him to come to terms with the possiblity that he may have miraculously come across his fated mate. As for what she is? Well even though Jo tries to act nonchalant about it, even she has no clue what she is. All she knows is that she is" wicked strong" . On the trail of her younger brother, she is not only discovring the Lore, but also herself and what she is capable of. Of course having an ancient Lorean by her side, who drives her crazy with lust and want makes the journey even more enjoyable.
If there is only one book that you HAVE to read. Only ONE romance book. Then this book is it. You don't even have to be a fan of paranormal romance to enjoy and appreciate this book!
I truely can't wait to read Nix's story. I'm sure that there are many IAD fans out there who agree that that will be a romance of epic proportions!

I would like to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It feels like forever since I read a paranormal story so well-balanced. Sweet Ruin, for me, was a perfect mixture of action, romance, lore, and humor. I honestly admit I haven’t read the last two or three books, but I was still able to follow along perfectly, as the focus was mostly on Jo and Rune.

Jo, a vampire like being, with no clue about what she really is, and what other supernaturals there are, but an attitude you can respect. I mostly liked her confidence, and vulnerability, which is quite the contradiction. She is so sure of her powers, and strength, but when it comes to socializing, things are more strained. It’s not always easy to hide the fact that you have superpowers, and life can become lonely when you’re living on the outside.

Upon meeting Rune, she can’t believe how much her luck has changed. Her first encounter with another being like her isn’t completely what she expected it to be, though she’s definitely digging the guy. Especially since his blood almost seems to call out to him, and he’s pretty much sex on legs.

On the other hand, the last thing Rune needs is an inexperienced girl derailing him from his mission. Except you know, the temptation is too much, creating some very fun, and mostly sexy scenes. The interactions between these two characters, inside, and outside of the bedroom, were off the chain, and definitely the best part of the book.

You should read this if you’re a fan of Kresley Cole, are into the supernatural, enjoy to read witty banter, and sexy times, or enjoy some action also outside of the bedroom. To sum it up, there is no real reason you should not want to read Sweet Ruin. Easily one of my favorites in this series.

*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

As usual, Kresley Cole delivers! This entire series is a must-read. I have my favorites in this series that I felt nothing could top, but this is tied for number one for me. I had major reservations about the heroine, Jo, (when I read the excerpt posted pre-release) who I was worried was going to a bit much for me. But, I should have known better and trusted K.Cole because I LOVED her! She is so tough, but so so vulnerable. I loved her frank honesty. I get so annoyed when characters don't just spit out what they want/need. Jo doesn't care if she comes off too needy or too tough. No apologies for what she wants. So refreshing! She's actually now one of my favorite contemporary heroines of all time.
And this book can be a stand alone book, so if you want to read it but the thought of starting at the beginning of this series is daunting, just commit to this one. You will read it in like a day or two, be obsessed, and read the rest of the series like you're possessed. Easy peasy!

So I am pretty sure this is the best book in the IAD series so far, it's definitely already a favourite of mine. And that is pretty much all because of Rune and Josie. Like most of these books, while they are many supporting characters the majority of the story is focused on them, and they're time together. Josie was cool, I'm not sure I've ever described a fictional character that way, but she was just freaking cool. I loved her bluntness, her snarky attitude and her 'Hulk Smash' tendencies. And I found her parentage really interesting, I am really hoping we get more hybrids in the next books. Their powers are always so cool I wonder how Cole imagines it in the first place lol.

Now Rune, I pretty much have a huge crush on him. He was unbelievably off the charts hot. And man, he's an archer and just reading about him fighting *Fans Face* That s*** was hot. Now I've seen some people commenting on his man-whore ways and they seem put off by it which I find strange because if you've read the book in its entirety then you would see that he is actually a very complex character. Without giving to much away, Rune was basically from a very young age deaden to sex. It held no emotion for him until he meets Josie. His man whore ways has a lot to do with that trauma and how it shaped his self image. This is not an excuse, I just think he is much more developed then people are giving him credit for.

And of course through out the book is threaded Cole's signature humour and returning and new characters. I am very excited for the next book, the waiting will probably be painful lol.

Not my favorite IAD book. I didn't like the female character as much. Not a huge fan of her foul-mouth. I liked the development of her powers though and would have liked to see her use them more. The storyline with the Morier was really interesting. And Nix development was awesome, as always. Not sure if it's worth a reread, it's hard to top Lothaire, my personal favorite.

So, I admit to being EXTREMELY disappointed that this wasn't Nix's book. And, it wasn't even a story about someone we had read about previously.

That said, it was an excellent book. And it considerably expanded the universe of the Immortals After Dark and increased the complexity of the Ascension.

Ever since she woke up, clutching her baby brother to her chest, with amnesia at a young age Josie's life has been difficult. Growing up feeling isolated, different, and alone has made Josie's antisocial tendencies even more pronounced than they had been when she was young, and that adds not only to her isolation but to her ignorance of who and what she is.

When she encounters Rune and is unaccountably drawn to him, and for the first time in her life she may have source of information about her origins.

Rune for his part is also antisocial and damaged. And is just as drawn to her as she is to him. I don't want to say more about Rune, because it's pretty much all spoilers. But he BECOMES a worthy hero.

As this book is a romance genre tale, it is the romance that takes center stage while the events of the rest of the book expand the universe and raise a TON of questions. I can't wait to see how the events set into motion in this book unfold.

The recent books in this series have been uneven and the overarching plot line of the Ascension has been muddied and unfocused. This book seems to be a much needed course correction.

5 stars!

This book was good. I was losing faith in Mrs. Cole. This book felt more like her old writing, although Jo was way more vulnerable acting than seemed correct for her character. It was a nice change. Can't wait for the next one!

I love this series! Each book is better than the last but I love how the previous characters are brought back again and again and that each one is intertwined with the next. I can't wait for the next!

SWEET RUIN is Kresley Cole’s best IAD book to date! With tons of power, passion, and seduction, each page was a treat, every chapter a beautiful journey. Once you start, there is absolutely NO putting it down! This was a spectacular romance that packed a powerful paranormal punch! The chemistry between Josephine and Rune was explosive at best – the sexual tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. It’s hard to believe that after 15 books in this amazing series, that Cole could out-do herself yet again! I can always guarantee a sexy supernatural escape when it comes to this author’s writing.

Intense alpha males and kick *** heroines are what Kresley Cole does best! Rune and Josephine quickly became my favorite characters of the series. I know. I know. There are so many to choose from but let me tell you, Josephine MADE this book what it was. She might be my favorite heroine of Cole’s period. She is hard, tough, with such a smart mouth, but inside she is craving a connection. I connected with her instantly. I was on her side every step of the way. Rune was her match in every way possible. Rune could have any woman, any creature he wanted, but he is stuck on the mystery woman who doesn’t fall for his seduction. She is a rarity, and he wants to know more about her, even though she drives him crazy.

The chemistry, the passion is ridiculous! It’s incredibly intense and gripping and I couldn’t take my eyes of the pages for a second. SWEET RUIN just confirmed my addiction to this series and EVERYTHING Kresley Cole. This is paranormal romance at its finest. Anytime I can delve into Cole’s sensual and magical world, is a **** good day!

*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Great read! This latest installment centers around Josephine (Jo) and Rune the Baneblood. While yes they are both Lorean, they are bit of an odd couple. I wasn't too sure about them at first but it in the end they were pretty perfect for each other . Rune radiates everything sexiness and Jo, she grows on you. I am eager to read Nix and other characters stories, but it was refreshing to be introduced to some new characters. Once again Kresley Cole delivers and Sweet Ruin is a must read.

Not the author's best work but still a decent read. I was leery about reading this book after reading some of the reviews. The themes were harsh for my tastes. A promiscuous hero. A foul mouthed heroine. Definitely not my usual fare. But it worked in some places. After awhile it did become tedious. Ruin was starting to ruin the story with his arrogance and selfishness. And Jo was becoming a doormat. But they eventually turned it around.

Minor spoilers ahead:

The most interesting part for me was the dynamics between Jo and her brother. I constantly wondered about their origins. The scene at Val Hall had me laughing out loud. And Nix was quite the show stopper. Gotta love Nix. I also loved the way the book began. Jo was totally badass as a little girl and had me hooked from Chapter 1, Scene 1

***4.5 Stars***

There is never any doubt that when you make the decision to read any of the books that make up the IAD world that you’ll be in for a wild ride filled with adventure, romance and characters you’ll end up adoring even though you may want to throttle them at times and Sweet Ruin does not disappoint.

Now there were some that were disappointed that Sweet Ruin would focus on brand new characters instead of one of the supporting cast of characters we’ve come to get to know as the series has progressed, but I wasn’t one and adored Jo from the beginning. She has no filter, is sassy and snarky and has no fear, but can back her attitude up much like most of the females that inhabit the world of IAD, and though she has an irreverent streak she protects and cares for those that are unable to. Rune is that large and in charge way too sexy for his own good alpha male who knows exactly how potent he is. He has a lot of scars and it has turned him cold, but he’s not as unfeeling as he’d like to be.

Their courtship was just as fun and sexy as previous couples, but what I actually liked the most was how Jo kept Rune on his toes. She rarely ever reacted in the way he expected her to. Rune is so set in his ways, partially because he is old, that Jo’s brazenness and honesty, at least about what she wants from him, throws him for a loop, as does the explosive sexual chemistry between them. There is a fair amount of angsty drama that happens between them due to Rune’s staunch belief that he will never have a mate and Jo’s belief that she’s his mate, but it does serve to make things quite interesting, especially as they figure out just what she is.

Then we have the Accession. I didn’t think things could get any crazier but it has. With the addition of the Møriør the world of IAD just got another layer of chaos to deal with but in true KC fashion it actually does make sense in the big scheme of things. And of course Nucking Futs Nix gets her own shout out because she, and Bertil, simply deserve it. The game she played in this one was absolutely brilliant.

The writing, as always, was witty and engaging, though I do have to admit that the middle of this one dragged a bit for me, but needing to know what Nix was up to as well as how Jo and Thad would be reunited kept me turning the pages, and their first meeting after all these years was definitely explosive.

The Bottom Line: Sweet Ruin was a fun and sexy ride and I can’t wait to see what’s up next!

~ ARC provided by Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~

Wow I must say this is probably my favorite of the series so far and the best she has written. It was a love hate thing for me with Rune but loved Jo from the beginning. We got to learn about the Morior and its members as well as see a different side of Nix and how some outside the Veritas group feel about her. This series just keeps getting better and better. Cant wait for the next one and to see who its about.

One more amazing book to this amazing series. Can't wait for the next one!! Can't wait to find out why that nymph had to have rune. She definitely has some devious intentions & I'm anxious to find out what they are!! Also intent on Nix's future with ??? I love the characters and imagination in all of kc's books! I am eagerly awaiting the next book from each of her series.

Sweet Ruin is filled with what we love best about this series. Trash talking bad girl Jo. Sexy as heck really bad boy Rune. And snark with Nix. Jo has come up the hard way. Jo comes into her powers very young and unaware but she survives and now she is 25 and has her first encounters with the Lore. Rune is working for the bad guys and has been ordered to kill Nix. He is good but is he good enough? When Rune and Jo meet it is one thing after another with fun surprises along the way. I really like Jo. If you like IAD you will love this book.

Okay, to be honest I was worried when I first picked up this book. The last one I hated beyond belief and had to force myself to finish. I was worried that KC had lost her love/voice of the series after Dark Skye. But she has redeemed herself in this book, in my opinion. This book was riveting, I loved the characters, sympathized with them both. I had a hard time putting it down. The story takes place after the other books. Some flashbacks to the past, but I love how the series feels like it is finally moving forward, not just telling you what others were doing at the time the order had the island or whatever. It felt like some time had passed since the island incident in the series. We have a sense of Nix's powers which is great. We finally see her powerful ass kick some ass. It was awesome! We are introduced to new characters that have a lot of depth where I want to learn more about them. I don't want to give any of the story away, so I will just say this book is awesome, I loved it and hope she continues to write the next books related to this series in such a great manner.

I read several reviews that were not good for this book. So I need to ask, On what planet was this story not great? The characters were strong. The story was fun. It was a fast read and there were no slow parts. I LOVED. LOVED. LOVED, the part where Jo hated the smell of Axe! Cause I do too. This book is going on my keeper shelf! Definitely one I will read again.

4.5 stars

MAJOR book hangover happened after reading this one.

Sweet Ruin is book 16 in the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole. Folks, this book is so full of everything I want and need in a paranormal romance. There’s action and twists, a perfectly written dark tale with kickass characters, lots of sexy times, and loads of KC humor and shenanigans to keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. Oh, the hours of sleep I lost reading this book because I could NOT put it down. I know a lot of work goes into these novels and they are all really good, but seriously, KC has written us an amazing romance. I just love these two. They are perfect for each other in every way.

Rune is a killer demon archer with a haunting past. He’s also a master of sex and persuasion, only his guiles don’t work on Josie. Everything with her is different. One kiss or one drop of his blood and you’re dead. He has to be very careful. However, Josie is immune to his poison so of course he’s taken with her. She is a mystery he must figure out. Josie is new to the fey world. Growing up, she had no idea what she was or that she was different from any other human. One deadly incident throws her into the world of the unknown. I seriously felt so bad for her. She wandered on the streets of New Orleans for several years before she was encountered by others of her kind. Growing up as an orphan she knew to trust no one on the streets. When Rune comes along, yes, she’s skeptical of him to a degree but she also opens up to him like she’s never done with anyone else. Both of their vulnerabilities come out when they are together. While Rune is only in it for the sex (so he keeps telling himself), Jo is waiting for THE one. She’s a romantic. Rune is too but he just doesn’t know t right off. She changes him. They change each other. It’s a beautifully told story with the sweetest of moments and the steamiest too. Yowza! Holy hotness Batman!

Things I’ve pondered since I’ve finished. There are so many contrasts in this book, especially with the characters. Rune is so powerful, yet gentle. He’s commanding, confident, and arrogant, yet uncertain and even humble. Josie is naïve yet skeptical. One minute, she’s fighting, being fearless, kicking major butt, the next she’s timid, unsure, and scared. The story is contradicting as well. These are dark and dangerous times, yet there’s humor around every corner. The bad guys are really the good guys? And the good guys have a bit of an evil streak? Nothing is as it seems. Kresley kept us on our toes with this one and I loved every second of it.

This one left me wanting more. So much more! Jo is Thad’s sister, so having his sweet adorable self in the story was a plus and the way things ended with him? OHHH, do I really want his story. And what about all the Morior (small group of sexy otherworldy beings who fight together and bring doom to anyone who makes them mad)? Books for every single one of them. I needs! I needs! Nix. What can I say about her? Well, besides Girl Crush! She’s still whackadoodle and I still love her. There are so many possibilities left to explore so my hope is that this series never ends. We don’t need the world to end, right?

Sweet Ruin is definitely one of my favorites in the series. I had a blast reading it and now talking about it. It exceeded my expectations but honestly, that is no surprise because Kresley Cole’s writing gets better and better with every book. I say this every time I write a review for one of her books, but Imma say it again, I cannot recommend her series enough. ALL of them.

Review copy provided for an honest review.

Let me start by saying that I didn't read the blurb for this book when I requested it from Netgalley, it was Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series enough said. But when I got ready to read it and seen that the MC of this book are two new characters, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't Munro's book, and kinda worried. But I loved this book and I think it tied in well to the series. That being said Lawd have mercy this was a angsty read!
Jo has no memory of her life before the age of 8, when she was found wondering the streets with her baby brother Thad(remember the teenage boy that was locked up with Regin the Radiant in the Immortal prison by Declan Chase in Dreams of a Dark Warrior, that was Thad) and put in foster system. Jo took Thad and ran away, and as a little child she raised Thad the best she could on the streets. A few years later ( I don't wanna give to much away) Jo and Thad get separated. Thad gets adopted and Jo is all alone not knowing what she is and trying to figure out her powers. Years later she runs into another immortal, who is having sex with some chick out in the open with three others on the ground looking like he already had them. She has so many questions for this guy about who she is and her powers, but first she's gotta wait for him to finish.
Jo was an awesome heroine. She had a rough and lonely life. No one to depend on but herself. She was strong, brave and had a great since of self, even though she didn't know who or what she was. Jo was brash, outspoken, sometimes a little naive due to raising herself, but she was a good person who tried to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. With her snarky comments, and her sassy "hulk smash" attitude I found Jo engaging and endearing. Kresley Cole has a talent for writing rough, dark, and damaged heroes. Ones I think I will hate, but end up loving. And Rune was no exception. Rune made me love him, ache for all the things he suffered, and want to choke him in equal measure! Rune was strong, and loyal. A 7000 year old man-ho, he has a big heart under everything, feels deeply, but he thinks he is damaged, dirty and unfeeling. Rune is a half dark fae, half demon so his blood, and bodily fluid is poison. A slave since he was a child, at 15 his queen turned him into a sexual assassin, having him sleep and kiss her enemies(his kiss kills)then she turned around and sold him to a whorehouse. Sold into sexual slavery, using sex to get what he wants is all he knows. A master of pleasure, he is known as Rune the Insatiable. He wants more, but doesn't think it's in the cards for him. Rune has sweet moments, where I could see how Jo would fall for him then he had stupid moments where I wanted to slap him. Jo and Rune had massive sexual tension, and tons of chemistry. Most of the book really builds up their relationship, and boy is their relationship a roller coaster ride of emotions and so full of drama. Rune doesn't think he can do monogamy, and he doesn't believe he has a mate. Jo wants love, commitment, and faithfulness, and she will have nothing less. So starts the battle of wills. Rune trying to seduce Jo into seeing things his way, and Jo refusing to sleep with him until he can promise monogamy. I loved that Jo stood up to Rune, she knew what she wanted in their relationship and she respected herself enough not to settle for less. I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I feel this book opened up the plot of the series so that Nix could get her HEA and built up the upcoming Accession. I am pretty sure I know who Nix's mate is, but I don't wanna give too much away. I also think it set up a story line for Thad to get his own book. We also get to meet Darach the first Lyka. I hope that Darach and Desh(Charming pirate demon that we see in this book and few others) get their own books. Sweet Ruin was a great addition to the IAD series I can't wait to see what's next!

*ARC Kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for honest review*

Check out my blog for my full review on this book at http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsession.blogspot.com/2015/11/sweet-ruin.html

Sweet Ruin features two new characters, Rune and Josephine, rather than continuing on with existing characters. Although Thad and Nix are in the story, no other continuing characters are really involved, but rather new secondary characters. This helps build the upcoming Ascension, as well as outlines the Morior and their role in the Ascensions of the past and current.

Dark Fey…poisonous to all those who come in contact with his blood, Rune is half fey and half demon. Rune struggles to keep his past in the past, but never truly left if behind. Ever loyal to the leader of Morior (Orion), Rune sets out on his new mission to kill Nix. As an archer and dealer in secrets he is the best for the job. At times I found Rune likeable, but overall I was not sold on his character.

‘Dead and dead’, Josephine is a new breed in which we have only had minimal contact with…she is Thad’s older sister. Age eight, Josephine and Thaddius (infant), wandered the streets. Jo’s character is brash and she can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Which leads to the fated day, she had to let Thad go. Jo tells it like it is and doesn’t really ever become a likeable character and at times comes off as whiny.

Crossing paths and destined to be fated, Rune and Josephine struggle with their growing relationship and ‘saving’ Thad. I started reading the series this summer, so I am pretty familiar with the other stories. I can say, however, I was not as impressed by this story as the others. Overall the story was good, but I feel within the series there are others that far surpass Sweet Ruin. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes now that the Morior are revealed. I received Sweet Ruin via Netgalley for an honest review.