Customer Reviews

Dark Needs at Night's Edge (Immortals After Dark, Book 4)

5 star:		(82)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

A slow descent into madness. That is the life of Conrad Wroth, a vampire warrior. For each kill he makes, the memories of his foes become his own. With each additional kill, the voices in his head become more pronounced until he can't differentiate between his thoughts and thoughts of his defeated enemies. Knowing that insanity is his final reward, he is determined to kill those who made him into the monster he is - his brothers.

Hoping to save their brother from the madness that is overwhelming him, Nikolai, Sebastian and Murdoch capture the defiant Conrad and imprison him in an old, vacant mansion. They don't see the apparition that Conrad sees - the ghostly vision of a stunningly beautiful woman, sure to drive him to further madness as desire begins to consume him.

Néomi Laress has been in a non-corporeal form since her tragic death eighty years ago. Not seen or heard by others, she is astounded that the madman now occupying her home can see her. Though his form is fine, his uncontrollable rages make Néomi cautious. Her presence seems to slightly calm the beast, while his presence brings some brightness to her isolated world. The two begin a mutual journey that could very well be their salvation, or their final destruction.

First, let me say that I have been thoroughly captivated by Cole's well developed world of the Lore. Upon hearing the concept of this book, admittedly I was concerned. How could the author deliver a satisfying romantic pairing between an insane vampire and a ghostly apparition? My uncertainty was quickly put to rest. From the very first page, Kresley Cole hypnotically pulled me into another romantic adventure of her Immortals After Dark Series with DARK NEEDS AT NIGHT'S EDGE.

I never should have doubted the ability of this prolific writer. With a talent for paranormal that has no equal, Ms. Cole creates a hero of dark driven needs and a bold heroine of strength and courage. Conrad Wroth is power personified, but with an irrepressible rage that he struggles to contain after his first meeting with Néomi. His attraction to the lovely ghost competes with his need for revenge. With a strength born of her long imprisonment as a ghost, Neomi is daringly attracted to unattainable life as well as the powerful vampire. The unlikely pairing of these two contrary personas is both compelling and breathtaking.

Prepare yourself for a wickedly exhilarating ride through the world of the Lore with Kresley Cole's latest offering. I can't recommend Conrad and Neomi's book enough. Fabulous, Ms. Cole! Simply fabulous!

Dangerous 'turned' vampire, Conrad Wroth, is imprisoned by his brothers in an abandoned mansion. Controlled by his bloodlust and plagued by the horrific memories of his victims, the mercenary slowly edges closer to insanity. There, on the eerie estate, a beautiful confined phantom, Neomi, haunts the grounds. A spirit that no one can see, touch or hear. An insignificant being. That is, until she discovers that there is one person who can *see* her. A force deep within Conrad calls to this woman. But he can't seem to resist the extreme pull of his darker side. And a desperate Neomi longs to be *bodily* again, willing to do anything. Their needs and desires will them to be together. If only that were possible.

Another great installment in The Immortals After Dark series. Unlike its predecessor, Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (The Immortals After Dark, Book 3), this book can be read as a stand alone. Although I recommend reading the series in order because the other books are just so darn good!

Also unlike in all the other books, the hero starts out as a completely vile villain. But Cole (author) manages to make him a sympathetic character without somehow losing his dark edge. And Neomi is another eyebrow raising character for a heroine -no body. Huh? -what are the love scenes like? You won't get it from me! ;). So both characters are similar due to there own uniqueness from any I've ever read. Two people (if you will) looking for something they may likely never be able to have because of physical (Neomi) and mental (Conrad) roadblocks. How sad is that!

And as usual, along with those great characterizations, steamy love scenes and intriguing plot, there are plenty of interesting surprises and tons of teasers for future books (especially the next one, Dark Desires After Dusk (The Immortals After Dark, Book 5)). Previous couples also make appearances, markedly Mariketa & Bowen (who else is in love with this werewolf?).

So this book is another keeper for me. Hmmmm....demons are next. Wonder whats up with those horns -*wiggling eyebrows* ;). LOL!

Do not be turned off at the thought of a ghost as a romantic lead! Having been burned in the past by other authors on this score, I was initially skeptical. But Cole does an excellent job of leaving both the reader (and characters!) not just satisfied but very happy with the ending. 'Dark Needs At Night's Edge' offers a fresh twist to her IAD series and is an excellent addition.

This author, unlike most, gets better with every book! How does she do it? It's all here - good plot, good sex, good characters, great one-liners - just excellent all around.

I won't sum up the plot, since others have, but I will say that this is my second-favorite of the series. (I love the first one the best.) The book grabbed from the beginning and just didn't let go. I loved the characters, really felt for their situations, and their HEA was so sweet and deserved. I also loved the glimpses of other characters I've come to know and love.

This author is a total auto-buy for me. Her series grows richer with every installment, yet doesn't stray too far from the central theme, which is romance. I want a HEA, and Cole delivers.

I can't wait for the next one in May, and maybe someday one about Nix!

IMMORTALS AFTER DARK SERIES:

Playing Easy To Get (Anthology that includes an IAD novella to kick- off the series)

A Hunger Like No Other

No Rest For The Wicked

Wicked Deeds On A Winter's Night

Dark Needs At Night's Edge

Dark Desires After Dusk


The girl can write! Kresley Cole delivered another winner. This story brings back the main couple from "Wicked Deeds", as well as The Wroth brothers (Nikolai from "Playing Easy", Sebastian from "No Rest", and Murdoch whose story we are eagerly awaiting), to play major roles.


The fourth Wroth brother is named Conrad. Of the four vampire brothers, only Conrad became a "fallen" vampire... one who takes blood straight from the vain. By taking "living blood", Conrad also receives the memories of his victims. With 300 years of collected memories tormenting his mind, Conrad is at the peek of madness. His brothers have one chance to imprison Conrad and try to help him get well. Otherwise, Kristoff, the king of vampires, will have Conrad hunted down and slain. Nikolai has purchased an old abandoned home in New Orleans. It is the perfect place to hide Conrad with the bespelled chains that will hold him prisoner during his recovery.

Néomi has lived in her dream home, Elancourt, for eighty years. As a young and successful ballet dancer, she bought and restored the home with a loving touch. She never could have imagined it would become the scene of her murder. When her enraged ex- fiance plunged a knife through her heart, Néomi couldn't bare to die. Fighting her passing with every last breath, Néomi's spirit stayed in her home. For the next 8 decades, she remained in Elancourt as a ghostly prisoner, never able to leave her property.

In her loneliness, Néomi prays for new tenants to move into her home. Her quiet and mundane existence comes to a startling end when three men bring their mad brother into Elancourt. Dragging his chains across her marble floors, punching holes into her walls, this madman is not welcome... until Néomi learns that Conrad can see and speak to her. For the first time in 80 years, Néomi is not isolated.

Over the following weeks, Conrad and Néomi become precious to one another. They cannot touch, but they can communicate. Secrets of their pasts are shared, but neither holds any hope for a happy future. Néomi dreads the day when Conrad will leave her home. Conrad begins to make plans for finding a sorcerer who can give Néomi a corporeal body. Although there is no way to prove it while she has no physical shell, Conrad is becoming convinced that his little ballerina is actually his destined Bride. As the two fall in love, they can only express their desire through words of fantasy mating. Some how, once his enemies are no longer a threat, Conrad is going to find a way to make those spoken fantasies reality. Knowing that a vampire's Bride is his enemy's best weapon, Conrad must first slay his would be assassins. To avoid sinking back into madness, he must do it without taking their blood.


I struggled a bit between giving this book 4 or 5 stars. My one complaint is the fact that most of the story took place in Elancourt. I missed Cole's usual exciting adventures. I found myself waiting and waiting for the couple to break out of the home and travel together a bit. There were only a few times when the story left Elancourt, and none of them were with Conrad and Néomi leaving together. Still, the intense love story won me over. All told, the score would be 4.5 stars. Definitely not to be missed!


Want to read the whole series? (Believe me, you do!) Here are the links:

Playing Easy to Get (Anthology that includes the first IAD story... Nikolai's story!)

A Hunger Like No Other (The Immortals After Dark Series, Book 1) (The best of the series so far, and one of my personal all- time favorite romance novels!)

No Rest for the Wicked (The Immortals After Dark, Book 2)

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (The Immortals After Dark, Book 3)

Dark Needs at Night's Edge (The Immortals After Dark Series, Book 4)

Dark Desires After Dusk (The Immortals After Dark, Book 5)


Can't get enough Kresley? Here is her latest historical romance series:


The MacCarrick Brothers Series:

If You Dare (The MacCarrick Brothers, Book 1)

If You Desire (The MacCarrick Brothers, Book 2)

If You Deceive (The MacCarrick Brothers, Book 3)

Eighty years ago Neomi Laress lost her life just as she was gaining popularity as a prima ballerina. The night she was showcasing her beautiful home and riding on the coattails of a stunning performance, a spurned lover stabbed and killed Neomi as well as himself. Because of this, Neomi's ghost has been stuck in her now crumbling mansion. Able to see but not been seen. Able to hear but not be heard. Able to feel but not be felt. It is a lonely existence for this once vibrant woman and Neomi lives for when people move into her home. The night four vampires invade her property is a night she won't forget anytime soon especially since one of them has red eyes and blood lust raging throughout his body.

Conrad Wroth has just about lost his sanity. His red eyes attest to the fact that blood lust has hit him and his rage is endless. He hears the thoughts and yearnings of his victims and can't escape their memories. He lives for the night so that he can go back out and hunt again. Whiskey dulls his senses enough that he almost appears normal but he knows differently. If he can only find the two men responsible for his vampiric existence, then he can kill them and himself before someone or something else does. Conrad realizes that it's funny how wishes come true because he has just been trapped by his brothers and taken to an abandoned mansion in chains. They want him to be free of his rage and bloodlust. He just wants to be free to claim their heads. In his darkest hour of captivity, however, Conrad sees a sparkling light. Knowing he has definitely lost his mind, he lies in wait hoping to see another such phenomena. His patience prevails and that is when he sees her in all her spiritual and transparent glory.

Neomi sees the imprisoned vampire and longs to ease his pain. When he looks at her and seems to see her, the joy she feels knows no bounds. Finally, someone to talk to during the lonely days and nights. Someone to laugh with. Someone to love. But Neomi is a ghost and ghosts can't love. Or can they? What happens when Neomi enlists the aid of a witch in an effort to be with the man she loves?

Talk about enticing and completely spell binding. From the get-go Dark Needs at Night's Edge took me on a roller coater of emotions from the scene of Neomi's mortal demise to Conrad's enslavement by his brothers who he counts as his enemies. Conrad knows he is losing his sanity and he knows that it is only a matter of time until someone is able to end his miserable life. But in his darkest and bleakest moment, he is given, virtually, a ray of hope in the form of Neomi Laress. Realizing how they feel about each other was agonizing in the fact that Neomi was not corporeal and there was no help for her. While she loves Conrad, she knows that they can never be a couple as he wishes. Time is of the essence in the bargain she made with the witch and Neomi and Conrad make the most of it. Sensual, satisfying, and downright beautiful love scenes brought forth their emotions for each other and I had no doubts that they loved the love of a lifetime.

Kresley Cole has taken paranormal romance to a new level with Dark Needs at Night's Edge. Her ability to weave a timeless love story with hilarious witches and Valkries thrown in for good measure who never fail to make me laugh out loud at their antics and cry with their anguish. Once the smokes clears, the characters come alive in their own way and the end is phenomenal. I forcefully and loudly Joyfully Recommend Dark Needs at Night's Edge. It is not to be missed.


Talia
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

When one of the characters is a ghost, its really hard to have the hands on romance that most expect. Yes we have plenty of the looks, longing and feeling, but once they finally can touch, then the books over. It is fun to build up to the romance, but in this case it was the whole book of building, then end. It was definitely different from the others so far, that is why it got 3 stars, but overall, I could not read this book again and be just fine, while all the others, I want to read again right now!

Kresley Cole delivers another amazing story yet again. As usual, we get Ms. Cole's trademark quick start.

Fallen vampire Conrad Wroth our hero, is actually an anti-hero. Conrad is both intense and angry about being a blooded vampire. Without his consent his vampire brothers, Nikolai, Sebastian and Murdoch, want to rehabilitate Conrad from his rage state, something that has never been done before. The trio entrap him at Elancourt, a crumbling New Orleans mansion. What they don't know is that Elancourt is inhabited by a sweet, beautiful ghost named Neomi that only Conrad can see. So begins a beautiful romance that runs the gamut from humor to poignancy. Conrad can't believe that this little ghost can be his bride. Even being a ghost, Neomi is an amazingly "fleshed" out character who so wants to be corporeal. Which sets the stage for Mariketa (she and Nix are worth the price of the book alone!) the witch to try and make Neomi mortal.

Demons want to separate Conrad's gorgeous head from his gorgeous immortal body so he has his hands full keeping both himself and Neomi safe.

Lucky for those of us who are already fans of Kresley Cole's amazing Immortals After Dark series that we revisit some of the Lore characters we love: Mariketa and Bowen (Wicked Deeds On A Winter's Night), Nikolai and Myst (anthology Playing Easy to Get), Sebastian and Kaderin (No Rest for the Wicked). And don't forget Lachlain and Emma (A Hunger Like No Other).

If you're new to the series, you are in for a treat! And don't forget Ms. Cole's unforgettable historical series, If You Desire, If You Deceive and If You Dare.

Look it was better then most paranormal romances, but then again if it wasn't Kresley Cole I may have not even bothered to finish it which says something.

Conrad is a fallen vampire who has a dreadful blood lust. Naomi is a dead x-dancer whom was killed in her home by a stalker x-boyfriend back in the 20's.

Conrad is a Roth brother and if you have read the other books you would know that all the Wroths are vampires. This brother though is not near as sweet or as good as the others. He is beyond help it seems and crazed. Because of his mental state his brothers kidnap him and bring him to the run down home that Naomi was killed in and is haunting.

For some unknown reason Conrad can see her where as every one else can not. They have a few hot moments and spend the rest of time talking about their feelings and so on while he is held captive until he "recovers" from his blood lust.

Naomi is as I mentioned dead so they can't actually touch, that's where the witch "Mariketa" comes into play. She is married to Bowen a werewolf from a prior book in the series (a great one too) anyways she turns Naomi into flesh and blood for a price, yet with a catch. Naomi will not live long - she has a week or so maybe.

Conrad and she enjoy what time they have before she dies. When she dies for good (it seems) Conrad is out of his mind with grief and begs Mariketa to bring Naomi back to life which she does again, but this time Naomi is immortal. She is a Phantom, she can become whole or spirit with little effort. That's the jest of it.

Now there is some play between the Wroth brothers and their crazy vampire brother. You know "we are trying to help you, why won't you let us help you" kind of stuff.

Not a real page turner, no real wow factor, and the erotica between the two main characters is so-so. If you read the other books you need to read this one, but then again if you don't I really don't think you will miss that much.

I love Kresley Cole and couldn't wait for this book to come out. I was pretty disappointed. It seemed very slow. I loved Neomi but I really wasn't too crazy about Conrad. Maybe I just like Lykaes better that tortured vamps? Sadly her next book Dark Desires After Dusk was just as meh. I could take it or leave it. To many books are being written, I wish Kresley would slow down and take her time. Her next one is out Jan of 2009, lets hope it's better. Kiss of a Demon King.