Book Review – Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole

Pleasure of a Dark Prince (Immortals After Dark, Book 7)
This was another very fun read that adds to the series perfectly. The author is extremely consistent in her writing style, the “feel” of the characters, the humor and the incredible passion between the main characters, which I love. I remember when this book first came out, it was getting rave reviews from my fellow Twitterers. While I did enjoy it, it fell *a little* flat for me towards the end. Unfortunately, when that happens, I always wonder if it was my own environment that pulled me out of a book’s intensity (ie: busy schedule, constant interruptions etc…). This may be the case, in this instance, because overall, when I think back, the book was good!

What I think is neat about this series, is that all of these books occur within the same time period as the other books. Basically, each book is a glimpse into the life of a character (or two), and while they are “living” their lives, finding mates etc…the other characters are also having their own adventures, as narrated in other books. At some point, everyone comes together, their lives intertwine, secrets are revealed, questions answered etc…

Ok so as I mentioned in another blog post, the main character “Garreth MacRieve” (a werewolf) discovers that “Lucia the Huntress” (a Valkyrie) is his mate. Don’t ask how they know…it just “happens” – magic, I guess. It’s LOVE, it’s immediate, it’s unmistakable and it’s forever.

“You couldn’t find a more uninterested female”

“You forget I’m a Lykae. I can scent your interest.” Gods, her scent was like a drug to him, her arousal so sweet.

Her face flushed a light pink along her cheekbones. “Maybe I was interested in one of the other males on the field.”

Jealousy seared him inside. Never had he felt its equal. He was upon her before she could rise her bow again, his callused palm wrapping around her delicate nape.

“Take it back, female.” He’d been able to rein in his agression from the game. With more difficulty, he controlled the adrenaline pumping through his veins after finding her at last. But the jealousy was overwhelming.

“Or what?”

“Or I’ll kiss you till you canna remember another.”

Garreth is the brother of the Lykae Clan King (Lachlaine – who met Emma in the very first book). Of course, as Valkyries usually go, they have disdain for other “others” (especially the uncouth Lykae), and this Valkyrie is particularly troubled because of course, this Lykae is HOT. However, due to a vow of chastity she made to a Goddess who healed her after a terrible suicide attempt as a young’n, she must resist. Or else! Or else what? Exactly! (sorry – inside “South Park” joke)…couldn’t resist 😉

So Lucia – the “young’n version” was once sorta mated (on purpose but she was tricked and GREATLY regretted her mating decision) to an angelic faced male who turned out to be the devil himself (or pretty much – “The Broken Bloody One”). Gruesome, putrid, pus-filled, smelly grossness of a beast who tricked her into marrying him, ravaged her with his massive nastiness, and “fed” her meat and wine (more like decaying bodies and blood). UGH! Who wouldn’t vow eternal chastity after that?!

Anyway, she did what she had to, to escape (even if it meant potential death). Her sister Regin found her, brought her to a Goddess to be healed and her future was “cinched” at that point on. She was infused with the goddess’s powers (amazing archery abilities) and if she ever missed her target, she would suffer momentary but excruciating pain. Let’s just say, Lucia NEVER missed. Along with her powers, her new single and  “chaste” self, she is also responsible for keeping her ‘ex” in his prison, by shooting him in the heart with a special arrow each time he rises (every five hundred years).

This time however, she finds out about a “dieumort” – an artifact imbued with special powers that will rid the world of this evil immortal forever (which will mean she is finally free – well…of him at least). That alone, is a quest full of adventure that makes this book exciting. Combine that with Lucia’s deep attraction to a male she can never give herself to (or she will lose her powers), the MANY secrets she has to keep from him, attempting to escape him or keep him down (and her attempts are hilarious and outrageous) along with the danger of facing her ex once again,  we get non-stop action, and emotional connections out the wazoo in this one! Whoa…that was a “run-on” sentence for sure! I’m good at those… 😉 Lemme catch my breath….

*whooooooooo* – OK:

So they meet, both feel an instant attraction, and the chase is on.

One of my favorite  moments:

In the throes of battle (an attack on the Valkyrie), Garreth suddenly arrives and protects her and her sisters, but unfortunately has to change into his more “beastly” self, which scares Lucia (since she doesn’t really know him yet):

MacRieve. A monster of legend.

As he crept over to where she shook on the floor, she gritted her teeth but couldn’t move, crippled by pain.

Crouching over her, he reached for her face with his huge hands. When his claws glinted like onyx, she flinched. What would he do…?

He’s trying…to pat my tears?“Shhh, female.” He scooped her into his arms while she stared up with dread. “Do no’ fear me.” His voice was guttural, his ice-blue eyes burning with possession.

In an instant, she comprehended two things: why immortals feared the Lykae.

And that she was this one’s mate.

“Protect you.”

My favorite Garreth “jealousy” moment – when Lucia is eyeing another male (named Damiano or “sex on a stick”) diving into the water:

MacRieve stepped in from of her, clasping her nape, jealousy ablaze in his expression.

“Eyes on the prize, woman. It’s a werewolf you’ll have, or none at all.”

“Is that right?”

“Unless you like your men dead, because Damiano’s already at the top of my list.” He tugged her to him for a brief scalding kiss. “You’re mine, Lousha. Doona ever forget that.”

Oh oh!! And a funny moment (one of many), when Lucia is obliged to sneak into Garreth’s home, and she calls her sister, Regin:

“So what’s the kennel like?” Regin asked.

Lucia turned toward the building with narrowed eyes. Before or after I get through it?

“Do they have food bowls and chew toys all around?”

LOL!!!! God that was good! Yeah…this book’s awesome!

5 stars!