Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (Immortals After Dark Book 4)

A romance novel with only lust is not exactly romance. In this story, Bowen is too concerned with his dead mate and is unable to reach the passion needed to garner romance. There is a lot blame an "poor me" in this book, and the characters seemed not to fit the plot. It almost feels like Bowen needed to let go of his mate a little earlier in the book for this to work. It would have given time to build the romance. The descriptions of the use of magic were not as clear as they might have been, especially at the end of the book. Did I like Bowen? Yes. Mariketa? Yes. But the book needed another go round before release.

I expected more given the great premise and characters. There were perhaps too many characters and I didn't like the jungle setting. Too much time was spent on the setup with Bowen and Mari separated and when they finally did meet up again, the chemistry took a while to re-emerge. When the story finally picked up, I found myself liking Bowen much more than Mari, in part, because of the confusing state of Mari's magic and her lack of control and knowledge. Despite all of this I did enjoy the book, but Bowen and Mari's story deserved to be more interesting and just "more". I did like the mate twist.

Great escape reading. I love them all and wish there were more. The characters are written in such a way that I visualize them and hear them. What a great fantasy to escape into after a long day of real life.

I just started this series about 4 days ago, have not been able to put them down. I just finished this one and I am starting book 4. I love them all but this one was awesome!. Keeps you guessing. I can not wait to start the next one.

Well I wrote a long, and thoughtful review in Goodreads pop-up review form and the second my cursor jumped off the form, I lost it all.

The gist was that this is a great story; well written characters, and the setting is like an Indiana Jones movie, but without the Nazis. Be prepared for a wild, steamy ride because it's a bumpy one!

The Immortals after Dark series is one of my favorites. I discovered Ms. Cole with the first book in this series and I've read everything else she has written and I've been impressed with her literary skills. She can create a world in which you'll never want to leave. This series does not disappoint.

3.5 Stars

Another fast paced and humorous jaunt into the highly romantic world Kresley Cole has created. Bowen was one of my favorite characters in A Hunger Like no Other where he is the very likable miserable best friend who pines for his lost mate. He was ruthless during the Hie in No Rest for the Wicked but I still liked him since I knew why he wanted to win so badly. No Rest for the Wicked is his book and we learn just how mean he was to a few of his competitors.

After meeting Mariketa, Bowen is confused. Things long dead in him seem to be waking up and he isn’t sure if it is real or the beautiful witch put a curse on him. We get to see a few of the scenes during the Hie from Bowen’s POV including the initial meeting between the Wolf and the Witch.

“There was an aura about him that was staggering to her, making it difficult to think. It wasn't mere male heat and sensuality. It was raw sexuality, animalistic in its intensity—and she was starving for it.”

Bowen must first save Mariketa from the tomb he left her in and then figure out if she has cursed him or if what he is feeling is real. What is clear is that Mariketa is really pissed off and the young witch has found something to hone her magick on without feeling bad.

“We want you gone. Your presence is obviously upsetting for her."
"Oh, aye, the poor, wee lass -- who tossed me like a skipping stone.”

Let’s just say that Bowen has his work cut out for him on that front. Marikete is the long awaited witch that has a destiny to triumph over a goddess, no pressure. She has a lot of power but not a lot of control. She seems to blow most things up.

As always I love Nix! She gets the best lines in the book and it is always so much fun to see how the all-knowing Valkyrie prototype will mess with the characters and nudge them into the correct directions. I’m not sure what Nix’s end game is but seems like she is aligning the cast for the big Assention that coming soon.

“Nïx lay on her side, bending her elbow to casually prop her head in her hand. With a sigh she said, “Bowen, I took you on as my pet project because I like to ogle you. Due to your rowr factor.”

I enjoy all of the books in this series so far. They are more romance than some other series like this but I love all the sexy times and build up. These are just irresistible and I can eat them like candy.

This book was really exciting. The immortals after dark series in general is really enjoyable. If you like vampire and werewolf stories, then you'll love this. It has very imaginative beings, something a little different with a touch of humour.

He lost his mate over 180yrs ago. The depressed Lykae, Bowen MacReive, enters the Talisman's Hie (similar to the amazing race) determined to win the prize. A key which will allow him to go back in time and save his mate from her certain death. Meanwhile, there are other players just as determined. A beautiful witch, Mariketa the Awaited, is desperate to prove herself and her powers to the House of Witches by garnering the prize. Bowen's and Mariketa's attraction is immediate, but to him it is unwelcome (he despises witches). He mustn't lose his focus even if his mind is telling him one thing and his heart and senses are telling him another. Mariketa is sick of being on the B -team (always second choice). No Lykae is going to mess with this witch and then dump her when he gets back his 'real' mate. Oh no! He's got another thing coming. She's not supposed to be the most powerful witch for nothing.

This is the third in the series (OK technically the fourth if you count the anthology) and my favorite so far. If you haven't read the other two then STOP RIGHT NOW! Your doing yourself a serious injustice by not reading them. Although they are stand alone books, your missing out -a lot- if you don't read them first. 'No Rest For The Wicked' (the prequel to Wicked Deeds) is particularly important in that it centers around the same race (Talisman's Hie). Which will give you a better understanding of the race and its characters (and Sebastian is yummy too ;)).

That being said, if you loved the other books then you'll love this one. Your in for a great ride (literally). The characterizations are wonderful and rich. The H/H chemistry is sizzling. A fast paced paranormal that grabs you from the get go. There are many surprises! Cole's really got a knack for keeping her readers on their toes! I must have said OMG! at least a half a dozen times. But my lips are sealed! No spoilers here.

Another great book from a wonderful series.