Kiss of a Demon King

By Kresley Cole

From New York Timesbestselling author Kresley Cole comes this spellbinding story of a demon king trapped by an enchantress for her wanton purposes -- and the scorching aftermath that follows when he turns the tables and claims her as his captive.

HIS OBSESSION... Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions: the evil beauty who surrenders her body, but not her heart.

HER DOWNFALL... Rydstrom Woede: the ruthless warrior who vows to keep her at all costs.

THEY WERE NEVER SUPPOSED TO WANT EACH OTHER THIS MUCH... With each smoldering encounter, their shared hunger only increases. If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice for her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to save his sorceress?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
• Release date: Nov 10, 2011
• ISBN: 9781849834384

Kresley Cole

Kresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Immortals After Dark paranormal series and the young adult Arcana Chronicles. Her books have been translated into over twenty foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists in the US and abroad. Before becoming a writer, Cole was a world-ranked athlete, coach, and graduate student. She has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings. She lives in Florida with her family and “far too many animals,” and spends any free time traveling. You can learn more about her and her work at KresleyCole.com or Facebook.com/KresleyCole.

Reviews for Kiss of a Demon King

[rabidreads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.The arch nemesis match-up was a cool idea, and I liked that Kresley Cole jumped straight away into Rydstrom’s story after Cadeon’s because Woede’s about-face towards the end of book 6 left me dying to know the cause. This installment was probably one of the hottest thus far, but that actually worked against KISS OF A DEMON KING; the couple felt as though they were an island unto themselves instead of part of the Lore, and the quest for the crown was downgraded to a minor concern. This novel was second to last for me in the IMMORTALS AFTER DARK series.I don’t do well with plots that revolve around one setting, and granted this tale had more than that; however the bulk of the events unfolded either in Sabine’s dungeon, or Rydstrom’s demon camp, and it grew stale after a while. And, not just because of the limited scope, but also due to the monotony of the action. Sex is inherently redundant as is torture—cut, thrust, repeat—so after a couple of chapters of this, déjà vu set in. It also isolated the characters from the rest of the IAD universe, and as a result this audio felt disconnected from the whole.Villains can be as captivating as protagonists, so Sabine’s evilness wasn’t the trait that turned me off from her plight. I liked that she stayed true to her course, and that finding love didn’t change her basic nature. Rothkalina never denied that she was a liar, a thief, and a master manipulator, but when the gloves came off there was nothing extra beneath the surface. Her sole redeeming quality was her devotion to her sister, Lanthe, otherwise there was absolutely no depth to her personage. She was just an empty shell of discontent.I’ve been admiring Rydstrom from afar for several installments now, and was looking forward to seeing the Demon King in all of his raging glory. Imagine my disappointment when he spent the majority of this audiobook chained to a bed! He was all bark, and no bite; the only place that his furor came through was in Robert Petkoff’s narration which hasn’t wavered in its awesomeness since IAD #1. This was the second so-so volume that was much improved by his performance, and I’m grateful for his steadfastness at times like this when Cole’s writing slips.KISS OF A DEMON KING will please BDSM listeners, but frustrate substance seekers. ~3.5 stars

[rozziereads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic...
One, The points that had me laughing, had me so shocked that I would bust out laughing sooooo hard.
Two, I loved how wicked Sabine was to him, and how strong his resistance to her was. Rydstrom was just as wicked later too.

Sabine is quite a character. She's funny, she's bitchy, she keeps jars of organs from her enemy on her nightstand... I liked her. I liked how she would seduce Rydstrom. It was very wicked, and very mean. But he got his payback.

I think it's funny, how it was all about the sword that killed Omort, but really I think it was because her sister said that he can't use sorcery, and then his head was cut off. So he can't use sorcery to regenerate. Just saying.

Good read.

[mitabird · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was much better than I was expecting. I enjoyed the interactions between Sabine & Rydstrom and I thought they were perfect for each other. Sabine did frustrate me at times with her stubbornness, but it was kind of understandable in light of her past. Even though I knew this was going to have an HEA, I was in near tears toward the end because of Rydstrom's selflessness. He's a great male and Sabine is lucky to have him ;)

[msralways · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This series just keeps getting better and better with every book I read! Rdystrom and Sabine were awesome as a couple, as individual characters and as a story. Character development here was intense, and though there were times where I really wanted to dislike Sabine, I just couldn't. Rydstrom on the other hand had some moments where I very much didn't care for him or some of the string of ludicrous things he said. Can't wait for more!

[zeek319_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Rydstrom Woede has been desperate to get his throne back from the evil Sorcerer Omort- who cannot be killed- ever since he lost it centuries ago. Nothing else matters to him. On the way to recover a weapon repudiated to do the impossible, he gets waylaid by a beautiful woman who is not all she appears to be.Sabine the Queen of Illusions is only carrying out her ogre of a brother's wishes because it just happens to fit in with HER plans. But when she captures the once and future demon king, Rydstorm Woede, she gets way more than she bargained for. Determined to use him to seize the throne for her own ambitions- or rather that of her future son's- she holds him captive in the dungeon below the very castle he once ruled from.Much to both their consternation- passion erupts and both are helpless against it.Never-the-less, when Rydstrom finally gets free- he's ready to exact his revenge. Taking her along on a perilous journey out of his usurped kingdom so he can regroup- neither could forsee the danger ahead- especially the danger of losing their heart's true desire.The most erotic in the series so far- I couldn't get enough of their story! Rydstrom is uber sexy and his control- and loss of it- is exciting stuff. Sabine is not as evil as she's been portrayed, and I found her to be a winning heroine- strong, intelligent, and a big ol' softie ... despite her grumbling facade otherwise!

[aneris-3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Finally, a female protagonist I liked! After the previous book and its annoying (I'm being nice here) heroine, I went into this story with low expectations.
What I wanted is to see Rydstrom Woede fall and go crazy a bit. He was not my favourite person in the previous book because I quite liked his brother. I felt sorry for Cadeon. I was not disappointed. You get that and more and I loved him for it.

I already know how Sabine trapped Rydstrom and here you see what happened in that dungeon in Tornin. She kept him just long enough for me to start thinking I'd like a change of scenery now, thanks. It's not a spoiler since it's in the blurb and if you've read the previous book, you know they end up in his house in New Orleans at one point. However, the journey there is pretty entertaining. What happens after that is even better.
Both Sabine and Rydstrom have a turn of being in charge. I can't remember the last time I've read about a paranormal couple matched this well.

What surprised me the most is how much I loved Sabine. She is truly a great character. She doesn't change a lot in the course of the story. Even when she is vulnerable, she is strong. I seem to be in the minority of readers who like their female characters feminine (blasphemy today as far as I can see).
Sabine's relationship with Lanthe, her sister, is one of the highlights of the story and her character.
It is so rare I read a paranormal story and actually see why someone would love that particular female protagonist. She even proves it with her unexpected reaction to something Rydstrom did earlier.

I skimmed over most of the sex scenes or rather read them but haven’t paid too much attention. They weren't that interesting, but the rest of it was good.

With most of these books you get a beginning of another story, maybe even two.
Lanthe and Sabine spent hundreds of years running away from angel-like beings and Lanthe's story will be about them. I expect a lot of heartbreak there.
Next, one of the books in the series is called 'Lothaire'. I think this is the first time the vampire makes an appearance in this world.

Overall, Kiss of a Demon King is not perfect, but Sabine deserves a star of her own so there's that.

[bethanymoore · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

King Rydstrom, you sexy, sexy demon!! Another great story... and this time, the heroine is a mouthy bitch! I love a mouthy bitch!! With power... and gold...

[rosetyper9 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have to say, I was a bit disappointed in this book. The whole Rydstrom FINALLY getting throne and kingdom back, I totally thought it would be a lot more climactic than it actually was. I do have to say, I love Sabine's character, she is pretty kick ass. I still love Nix above all else, and she makes a great reference to Gena Showalter's "Lord of the Underworld" series. I would die if they did a book together with them, that would be amazing. I also liked that Cade and his brother made up, that definitely made me happy, especially after everything Cade went through to help get his brother's kingdom back. Not the best in the series, but still not too bad...but not the last in the series either.

[aliterarylion · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Rydstrom and Sabine. Plot moves slow

[krisrich85 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's nice that the next book was about Cadeon's brother.. it really made for a nice continuance. It was a very intriguing story.

[lacello · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I really hated Sabine, really, really hated her. At the halfway point I was ready to stop reading and only continued on so I could continue on in the series without being confused. Sabine was spoiled, she was selfish, she acted like a child constantly. However, the ending of the book actually redeemed the book, and gave it an extra star, because until the end of the book, I definitely didn't like it, but the ending redeemed it. Definitely my LEAST favorite book in the series so far.

[mlsimmons-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was not one of my favorite IAD books. I do like seeing more Nix (I love her and would love to see her book in the future. What kind of man would it take to tame Nix). I was not a big fan of Rydstrom. He is always such a good boy. What kind of rage demon is always so good? I liked Sabine much more. I really liked how much she was devoted to her sister. I am not opposed to lying to protect your family (even if she took this farther than what was really required).

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Honestly it almost lost me when he kept trying to make her something other than what she is, granted they needed to compromise and that's important in a relationship but compromise needs work from both sides, not just a one-sided affair. He seemed to only see compromises that she has to make and not him. I also have a huge problem with fated love where neither party seem to have much in common, love is more work than that, marriage even more.The turn-on sex scenes were pretty good and did get me a little hot and bothered but overall it was meh, I didn't care all that much about the characters, I was curious to see what happened but not really cuaght up in it and I felt somewhat cheated by the alpha male chest-beating.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kiss of the Demon King
4.5 Stars

Synopsis
Sabine, the Queen of Illusions, lures Rydstrom Woede, deposed King of the Rage Demons to her lair in order to seduce him and produce an heir. Not only does Rydstrom plan to escape but is also determined to claim Sabine as his own. Can these too unlikely lovers overcome the obstacles in their past and defeat the sinister foe standing in the way of their predestined future?

Review
Rydstrom's scene at the end of Dark Desires After Dusk had me salivating to read this one and I wasn't disappointed.

Rydstrom is seriously smokin' and I wouldn't mind keeping him in my dungeon (if I had one). Nevertheless, he is not only a pretty face but honest and honorable, fierce and lusty.

Sabine grew on me like a fungus. Even though she classifies herself as evil, I saw her as a powerful woman willing to do anything to survive. Yes, she is immoral, ruthless, manipulative and untrustworthy but she has her reasons and she is never intentionally cruel or vicious (unless keeping a man sexually frustrated is considered cruel and unusual punishment - he didn't seem to mind too much...).

Sabine and Rydstrom are a perfect, if ironic, match and their clash of wills and battle for dominance is very entertaining (theirs is definitely the most erotic romance so far). Moreover, their journey toward mutual acceptance and a deep emotional connection makes this an excellent addition to the series.

The writing is wonderful as usual and the story within a story prologue establishes the darker tone and atmosphere that characterizes the book as well as providing insight into Sabine's nature. The secondary characters are very compelling, especially Lanthe and Thronos (there's another book in there) and Lothaire - there are no words to describe how much he intrigues me.

Couple of nitpicks - the dungeon scenes are too drawn out and although Omort's demise is satisfying, it is too rushed and a little anti-climactic given all the build up of the war in previous books.

Overall, two thumbs up!

[ladyisis_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is Rydstorm's happily ever after, well sort of anyway. I am not sure anyone should be saddled with Sabine, Queen of Illusions. This story does have a few more funny scenes than the past stories have had. It is hard to not have them when Sabine is such an irreverent smartass. Rydstorm's well-ordered life is turned upside down from the minute that Sabine traps him in Tornin. He is confused and angry and frustrated in even turns by this woman. He can’t believe at first that she is really his mate. He fights it for all that he is worth. As his imprisonment continues Sabine brings out his needs and desires the ones that he has kept hidden away afraid to acknowledge them in any way. Rydstorm is a very honorable, loyal and determined demon. His life has been driven by duty and the need to regain his kingdom. He has sacrificed a great deal to get his dream. When he realizes that he loves Sabine it is like a kick from a mule. The biggest problem between them as far as Rydstorm is concerned is that Sabine can’t seem to tell the truth. She is always trying to trick him or just out and out lying to him. There are parts of this book that are uncomfortable and cringe worthy. So read with caution.Sabine, a Sorceri, has been used and abused by all that she has trusted through her long life. She has been killed more than she can count and it has hardened her to the point that she is cold and greedy. Her only true loyalty is to her sister, Melanthe. These two have been pursued by the Vrekeners all their long lives. They make a deal with their half-brother Omort so they can be free of the pursuit of the Vrekeners. Sabine, of course, has a plan to get rid of Omort and secure a safe place for her sister and herself. Sabine is always plotting and planning it is one of her pleasures in life. She meets her match in Rydstorm though. He loves a challenge and Sabine is that and more. While Sabine seems cold and unfeeling she really isn't. There is a scene in the book that shows how hard it for her to show her feelings. It is a poignant scene with a child demon that is an orphan. It gave me hope that she would be a good mother. Sabine does redeem herself by the end of the story and goes on to make Rydstorm's life very interesting.This is a fun story in many ways, there are only a few disturbing scenes. Most of those have to do with Omort and the castle that he has been living in for nine hundred years. Omort is a disgusting, vile and evil male that deserves much worse that what he gets. I was glad to see an end to reign of terror and perversity. Nix once again makes an appearance. She can be such and hoot and a bitch all at the same time. I envy the male that finally makes her swoon. There is also a glimpse of Regin and Holly. It was great to see Cadeon and Rydstorm finally make up and realize that family is more important that a kingdom. We also get some foreshadowing about the male that wants Melanthe. I have to wonder if he will ever win her over, of course he is going to have to catch her first.

[ktleyed · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wicked and delicious fun when nearly seven foot tall demon king Rydstrom meets his mate in Sabine, a sensuous, yet vexing sorceress that torments in more ways than one. Then the tables are turned and he gets his way with her instead. Very sexy and entertaining read with the usual road trip scenario common in this series. This is great for paranormal lovers of the lore and other mystical fantasy creatures.

[deserie4comfort · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Kiss of a Demon King is the sixth full-length novel in the Immortals After Dark series. This book opens with the continuation of events from Kiss of a Demon King, namely the kidnapping of the demon king Rydstrom by his archenemy the sorceress Sabine. Rydstrom has been waiting for his mate for 1500 years, but during that time he has never forgotten his duty to free his kingdom from the rule of Sabine's evil brother Omort or his responsibility to free his kingdom's enslaved subjects. The realization that Sabine is his mate happens in the early pages of this story - at about the same time that she kidnaps him, locks him in a dungeon and chains him to the bed, determined to make him mate with her so that she can get pregnant with his heir. Kiss of a Demon definitely had more of a believable time line for the characters falling in love. I also loved the sense of humor that Sabine had and had bouts of laughing out loud while reading. This is once again another book that I would recommend for readers who are into the paranormal romance genre.

[niinac_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Rydstrom is a dethroned King of the Fire Demons, he and his brother who cost him the kingdom have been trying to find a way to defeat Omort the Deathless for 700 years. With the Sword that can finally kill Omort in the brothers sight they set off to fetch it, but before they can even embark, a woman appears in front of Rydstrom on a deserted road and seduces him to follow her.Sabine, hasn't had an easy life, and growing up in her stepbrothers corrupt and disgusting invaded castle has left her, a Sorceress, wicked, evil and selfish. Her destiny is to receive the child of The Demon King to open The Well of Souls in the middle of the castle to help either evil or good to win in the coming Accession ( a Lore doomsday of sorts ). As she lures Rydstrom into his old castle, now corrupt by evil and death, through a portal, she drugs him as he refuses to buy into her Illusion and sleep with her, and shackles him into a bed in his old dungeons.As Rydstrom discovers where he is, and who she is, he's enraged, promising to destroy her and Omort for this - and she sets out to seduce him, tease him until he proclaims her his mate and Queen and then she'll sleep with him to get his heir. Rydstrom learns that prefers sex a little differently than he thought, instead of being kind and gentle like he has been with other women he’s tried, Sabine brings out his dominant features. As Rydstrom realizes she's his mate, confusion sets in, who on earth would give him an evil mate, related to his archenemy, he doesn't want her - but he sure as hell won't let her go. She's his, no matter the shackles, the evil tendencies, her cruelty and the fact that she's making him insane.Now, wow, haven't read a plot like this, ever. A Queen of Illusions kidnaps a demon, bounds him into her bed, seduces him to the brink of insanity and then refuses to sleep with him until her makes her his Queen so that their child can be the legal heir of the Castle.This is one seriously hot read! Even two weeks later I get butterflies in my tummy recalling some of the shackled scenes. ;) So if you are at all squeamish about sex this book isn't for you. But if you like a little play on dominance, and one angry horny demon then, there you go.I personally would have liked this story a bit sweeter, and the beginning was bit hard to swallow at times, as I like my heroines brave, strong and good, so rooting for Sabine was very hard at first. And it isn't until towards the end of the book when her compassion is shown that she really grows on you and it's all good and she becomes a truly great character, a quasi-evil but kind "queen" who destined to bring the women fire demons out of the meek and ignorant middle-ages.Rydstrom I have loved since Wicked Deeds On A Winter's Night ( #3 ) he's honorable, a king, gracious but can hack down incubi like there’s no tomorrow, he's determent to get his crown back and even though Sabine is quite wicked he still sees some good in her even though she masks her tell-tale expressions with Illusions in the beginning.Now I cannot help but to mention few things! I bet Cole used some Finnish in this book! Like the castle is Called Tornin ( Torni = Tower in Finnish ) and Rydstrom is practically a Finnish last name ( Rydström )! Go Finnish language. ;D If I ever have the chance to talk to her that's def gonna be in my guestions. ;)If you like the Immortals After Dark series then do not midd this! And if you haven't read IAF series but you want to read this one then definitely read Dark Desires After Dusk first ( trust it's no chore ;) ) as these two books are like one book all wrapped up together.

[saturnnalia · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved the demon king, Rydstrom. His leading lady, Sabin, not so much. I would have liked the story better if Sabin had not been so annoying. She was supposed to be evil, I get that, but something about her turned me off. Loyalty to and love for her sister her one good redeeming quality. Rydsrtome really made the book, a wonderful character who deserved better then Sabin. The plot really reminded me of Johanna Lindsey's Prisoner of My Desire. Male kidnapped for the purpose of impregnating the heroine and the heir used for nefarious reasons. Then revenge and reversal of roles, hero kidnaps heroine and pays her back in kind. Even though I knew where the story was going, I still enjoyed their adventure. The pacing was good, wonderful mix of adventure and the characters together.Rydstrom fought his unreasonable attraction to Sabin and I enjoyed his struggle between responsibility and what his heart wanted. Sabin didn't have the same struggle and that made her more one dimensional and simple, for me.

[lquilter_2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not bad. I liked that the female protagonist was not particularly nice, and that she and the male lead were trying to get the better of one another the whole way through, in a way that felt fairly genuine.

[vampiregirl76 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another great addition to the series. For me every book gets better and better. When Rydstrom appeared in Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night I didn't give him much thought. Then in Dark Desires After Dusk I thought he was the biggest ass for the way he treated his brother Cadeon. But in this new book you learn a lot about him. A better understanding of him and what he's been through. Sabine is great too, she is the perfect mate for Rydstrom. Strong and independent, take no bullshit kinda girl. She really was born to be a Queen.I wonder who the next book will be about. I'm really looking forward to when Nix gets her own book. I'd like also to see one about Reign and of course the any Wroth Brothers. Either way I'm looking forward to the next install whatever it brings.

[fairypenguin_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In this sixth installment of Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series, dethroned king of the rage demons Rydstrom falls in love with the evil sorceress Sabine, Queen of Illusions. If you are a fan of the series, you will not be disappointed. The plot was rich and interesting, if slow in a few places. The characters are well developed and engaging. I particularly enjoyed Sabine--she is such a departure from the typical virtuous heroine we see in the romance genre. Furthermore, the world continues to grow and develop at a satisfactory pace. Highly recommended!

[flemmily · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Darker than most of the previous books in the series. Again a little slow starting, but I was completely suck in by the end.

[catherine331 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Let me start off by saying that Kiss of a Demon King is closely tied to another book in the series, Dark Desires After Dusk. To read this book you don't need to have followed the whole series, but I strongly recommend reading the book that I just mentioned. It is the story of Cade, Rydstrom's brother, and has a few scenes that are a duplicate of those in this story. Also, they basically follow the same time line and involve most of the same people.Sabine, Queen of Illusions, is half-sister to Omort the Deathless. She's in a pretty messy situation. She and her sister, Lanthe, have been stuck with Omort because of the poison he has that they need to live. Omort is not her favorite person, and he's creeping her out with his incestuous lusting. She's determined to get her sister and her out from under Omort's thumb. She believes she has the perfect opportunity in Rydstrom. Omort knows of a prophecy that tells of Sabine being Rydstrom's mate. The child they produce together will unlock the secrets of the Well of Souls. He plans to have Sabine capture him and get herself pregnant. Sabine, being the ruthless individual she is, is totally ok with this plan. She knows that this is her perfect chance to take control. If she has a child she can unlock the Well of Souls for her own use. Better a queen of Rothkalina rather than a king anyway, right?For Rydstrom's part he's determined to kill Omort and regain his crown. He believes he's finally answered the question of how to kill someone who is deathless. He starts his brother, Cade, on the search for the Vessel and plans to meet up with him. Unfortunately he gets caught in one of Sabine's illusions and becomes trapped in his own castle's dungeon. He's none to pleased about that and is incredulous over Sabine's plan. Unfortunately for her, even if she got pregnant the child wouldn't be recognized unless they were married first. While Sabine is plotting them getting married and getting pregnant, Rydstrom is plotting on how to get free and enact his own revenge against her.I know that many people found Sabine unlikable, but I didn't. I was impressed with her `look out for number one' attitude. She's died again and again throughout her life. I'd think she was a fool if she wasn't always plotting about how to turn a situation to her advantage. I loved that she was able to move beyond the fact that her group, the Sorceri, weren't very strong compared to the rest of the Lore. I really liked the fact that she stayed basically the same character throughout the book. As she and Rydstrom got closer they had to adapt and be willing to bend with each other, but never did either of them break some supposed `bad' trait in each other. Very refreshing.Rydstrom was less of a favorite character for me. However, I think it's because I sympathized with Cade more in the last book and thought his brother was a butthead. I guess I never really got over that. I liked that I got to see his point of view on the reasons that Cade got sent away. The reminiscing over little Cade made me have an `awwwww' moment for Rydstrom. I actually liked that Rydstrom was such a stick in the mud in the beginning. I think he and Sabine really complimented each other. I love that Cole did not make Rydstrom a martyr. I loved the insight into how he sometimes felt the burden of his people and all their expectations. I thought that was very realistic.I guess my major dislike about the book was the ending. All that buildup through various books and the fight for Rothkalina is over? Hmmmm... Very unsatisfying. I thought I'd get more than a page of the fight. I had to re-read to make sure I hadn't skipped something. Very anticlimactic. Also, all this time was devoted to Rydstrom's kinky fantasies and there seemed to be no follow through. There was one spanking scene but that was it. I wondered why the kinkiness was brought up so often if nothing was going to be done with it.One thing I really loved: A reason for being a virgin that makes sense. Finally! Also, someone who admits to being a virgin in only the technical sense. I thought that was more realistic than most virgins (or near virgins) who hated anything to do with sex because of one bad experience.I'm also so glad that the titles have stopped being so similar. I was getting really confused!

[angellocke · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While I loved the rest of the books in this series this one was not my favorite. I do believe there was more sex in this book than battles. I thought Rydstroms battle for his throne should have been more than just a couple of paragraphs long. I did get to love Nix even more in this book and can hardly wait for her to find her mate!

[emilyjo2001 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I normally love reading this series. I usually find the books humorous and romantic. However, this particular one in the series had a VERY unlikable heroine, little to no humor, and most of the book the characters spend it walking through landscape. I am also not fond of torture scenes of any kind.

[laur0209 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was my least favorite in the series. I found the plot lacking and I really didn't like either main character. I will continue reading the series as they are released because I did enjoy it until this book, unfortunately Sabine and Rydstrom's story did nothing for me.

[jenson_aka_dl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Determined to get his kingdom back Rydstrom has dedicated himself to finding a way to overthrow the evil sorcerer Omort. But, when he discovers the means the sorcerer's sister, Sabine the Queen of Illusions, is sent to waylay him. What's more, Sabine is his fated female and now Rydstrom must fight against both the evil at work in his homeland and his desire for the evil enchantress.This is probably one of the most steamy trade paperbacks I've yet read (not counting anything by Emma Holly). There is some serious bondage play and, since the plot relies a lot on the characters' attraction to each other, there are significantly more love scenes in this one than the others I've read by this author. However, the push/pull relationship between the two disparate main characters made for great tension and this, along with very good dialog, character building and a tried and true but interesting plot (yes, there is a plot in there as well) I felt that this volume is one of her better ones. This book goes along very quickly and doesn't get tiresome so I was able to read it much faster than I expected. One part I really enjoyed was Sabine's relationship with the young demon, Puck. It did make me smile! The only downside that I found was that I'm not a huge lover of violence and Ms. Cole's characters all seem to adore it. The love of killing for fun and sport is never an attribute I find appealing in any heroine or hero (in this case mainly the heroine).Overall I did find the book appealing and fun to read and plan to continue on with the series as they come.

[knielsen83 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another great romance with lots of action, near death experiences, and tons of SEXINESS! Kresley Cole hasn't written a book yet that I have not liked.

[melindalibrary · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Kresley Cole is the absolute best at creating two characters who fall in love but are at understandable cross-purposes and therefore keep missing opportunities to be with one another in a fulfilling way. I love this series and the worlds that Cole keeps layering into the overall plot. This story is about Sabine and Rydstrom, whom were referenced in the previous book in this series, Dark Desires After Dark. So this story runs (mostly) concurrently with that previous book. The only drawback I have is I kept wondering when the things that happened in Dark Desires were going to effect Sabine and Rydstrom. But overall, a fun and enjoyable read. As always, Cole's books have wonderful sarcastic wit and hot sex scenes.