Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night: Immortals After Dark, Book 4

This book's a roller coaster of excitement, great character development, and one of the best plots I've read in what I'd classify as a "true" paranormal romance in a long time."Wicked Deeds" opens with a tie-in to the second book in the "Immortals After Dark" series, "No Rest for the Wicked". The Hie, a legendary contest for immortal warriors, is still in full swing, and we glimpse the goings-on of a few competitors met in the previous novel.Witch-hating Bowen, a Lykae (werewolf) male, lost his only predestined mate centuries ago. Denying himself the pleasures of women ever since, he stays faithful to his lost Mariah until mortal, beautiful witch Mariketa crosses his path during the very contest that could win him back Mariah. But when he fails to win the challenge and thus loses his mate a second time, it seems that Fate has given him a chance for happiness again -- his Instinct roars that Mariketa too is his. But this is nearly impossible by all the supernatural Lore's beliefs -- or is it?As they trek across Central America, young Mariketa's powers grow every step of the way -- as does the pair's attraction and bond. But Fate alone cannot keep wolf and witch together, it seems, when the rest of the world -- and even their own personalities seem set to rip through their tenuous hold on one another.This book moves quite a bit slower than the other two by Cole I've read thus far, but it's definitely worth it. The plot's complex and twisted, and by the end of the book, you're wholly satisfied with the plot. There are a few scenes that felt a bit extraneous -- either that or a bit rushed -- but aside from this, it's quite good.The characters, especially Mariketa, are more realistic than I'd have expected. She's unsure of herself and has faults enough to shatter her attractive form and pretty face; she's jealous and possessive, and a bit unforgiving, tempermental at times. But who's perfect? She's more likable to readers this way.More world-building -- awesome world-building. More characters I want to see explored, more history revealed. Give it to me!I certainly liked "Wicked Deeds" as much as "No Rest", though for different reasons. It doesn't quite have the same ever-blasting scorching sex or multitude of locales, but it still kept my attention very well, which is saying something about the writing. All in all, I heartily pass this to anyone with a very glowing recommendation. Beautiful, Cole. You've written an exceptional and touching novel, something I would rarely say.9/10

FINAL DECISION: This series is amazing. Funny and sexy and filled with adventure, this book is the story of enemies who end up falling in love with one another and overcome many obstacles of their own making.THE STORY: Bowen Macrieve is a werewolf who has lost his mate over two hundred years ago and has lived only to try and find a way to bring her back. When he enters the legendary race to win the ability to turn back time, he is determined to win and save his mate. He encounters the mortal witch Mariketa the Awakened and is convinced that his attraction to her is caused by her magic. Mari is unable to control her magic well and doesn't know if she has influenced Bowen's feelings. The two are competitors and then enemies and their attraction complicates all these.OPINION: I loved the tone and scope of this book. Bowen and Mari have some serious issues between them. This is not a sweet and gentle romance. There is serious conflict and they hurt one another -- literally. Their inability to separate themselves from one another makes this story very interesting. I especially liked the idea that Bowen may have destroyed his own happiness with his lack of contemplation.The relationship between Bowen and Mari is sexy and funny and sometimes painful. Mari is barely coming into her immortality and as such is going through personal changes discovering who she is. Bowen is having centuries of belief challenged by the young witch. This book is all about growth and change.WORTH MENTIONING: This book overlaps the events in the previous book NO REST FOR THE WICKED.CONNECTED BOOKS: WICKED DEEDS ON A WINTER'S NIGHT is the fourth book in the Immortals After Dark series. It can be read as a standalone although the books are interconnected and are better read in order.STAR RATING: I give this book 4.25 stars.

Kresley Cole is amazing and this series is one of my favourite. Once you start reading it is hard to stop.

Bueno

Another Kresley Cole book that hits it out the park for me. I've re-read this one so many times and it never disappoints. Bowe may be an ancient and powerful Lykae (a little old school and dogmatic for my taste) but he grows on you as he adapts to his feisty, young (still mortal) witch, Mariketa. I love how their story develops through the Hie to facing Hexa the evil sorceress. Throughout it all, Kresley writes intriguing characters with loads of great banter.

Hot yet a sweet story. Bowen is so adorable except when he's cribbing after his ex and refusing to see his future (Mariketa). K. Cole never disappoints. If you want to buy a book and not worry about whether it'll be good then always trust a Cole.

Bowen MacRieve was nearly destroyed when he lost his one fated mate in a tragic accident, and he has spent years mourning his loss. Now he's presented with the opportunity to win her back by competiting in a scavenger hunt alongside a witch who tempts him like no other before. Mariketa the Awaited is the most powerful witch for generations and after a smouldering encounter with Bowen, she is left trapped. In order to stop a war between the witches and the Lykae, Bowen is forced to rescue Mari and he is left wondering if he truly lost his mate...or if he was mistaken all along.This is the third Immortals after Dark book (after Hunger Like No Other and No Rest for the Wicked) and has a slight overlap with the previous book in that it begins during the Talisman's Hie (a supernatural scavenger hunt). I was really looking forward to this as not only have I liked Bowen since the first book, the last book leads directly into this one. The ending of the previous book means the first couple of chapters here are almost like backstory, but it doesn't detract from the book.Bowen has always been presented as this broken hearted man desperate for the chance to reunite with his lost mate, and watching him fall for Mari was brilliant. He is a bit pushy and screws up frequently which is funny to read. Mari is brilliant and unique as the first mortal heroine to feature in the series so far. I loved the insight to the witches of the IAD world and it's different to anything I have read before. The romance is well written and carefully developed, and there is a big twist to the ending I didn't see coming.I really liked the supporting characters introduced in this book, especially the demons Cade and Rydstrom. Having glanced at the backs of the other books in the series I know that their stories are coming up (in books 5 Dark Desires After Dusk and 6 Kiss of a Demon King respectively) and I can't wait to read them. It was also great to be introduced to multiple species of character at once, rather than just focusing on the hero and heroine's races.The glossary of Lore (supernatural) creatures and terms has moved to the front of the book, and has been expanded again to include the new species and new information on previously included ones.All in all, this was a great read and I'm really looking forward to Dark Needs at Night's Edge.Plot: 10/10Characters: 10/10Ending: 10/10Enjoyment: 10/10Cover: 7/10Overall: 47/50