Sweet Ruin

Publisher's Summary

An immortal assassin is caught between desire and duty in this sizzling new novel from Kresley Cole's number-one New York Times best-selling Immortals After Dark series.

A foundling raised in a world of humans

Growing up, orphaned Josephine didn't know who or what she was - just that she was "bad", an outcast with strange powers. Protecting her baby brother, Thaddeus, became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo's transition from angry girl...to would-be superhero...to enchanting villain.

A lethally sensual enforcer on a mission

Whether by bow or in bed, archer Rune the Baneblood never fails to eliminate his target. In his sights: the oldest living Valkyrie. Yet before he can strike, he encounters a vampiric creature whose beauty mesmerizes him. With one bite, she pierces him with aching pleasure, stealing his forbidden blood - and jeopardizing the secrets of his brethren.

A boundless passion that will lead to sweet ruin...

Could this exquisite female be a spy sent by the very Valkyrie he hunts? Rune knows he must not trust Josephine, yet he's unable to turn her away. When Jo betrays the identity of the one man she will die to protect, she and Rune become locked in a treacherous battle of wills that pits ultimate loyalty against unbridled lust.

©2015 Kresley Cole (P)2015 Simon & Schuster

EXCEEDED EXPECTATION!

I didn't even read the book description before purchasing this book because Kresley Cole's IAD books are just that good. Sweet Ruin totally delivers!

Jo and Rune might be two of my favorite characters of the IAD; both were cocky and just full of themselves--it was delightful and heartwarming as they fell hard for each other. And of course, Robert Petkoff outdid himself with his narration, I absolutely loved loved loved him as Rune!!!! This book hit every mark for me; funny, super hot ear melting sex, and just an overall interesting storyline that kept me listening for hours.

What I've loved the most about this series is that there are no limits to what can occur in the lore world and Kresley Cole does a superb job of creating intriguing circumstances and characters that keep you on the edge. This story is a winner, hands down, and I cannot wait until the next book is released. Bravo once again KC!

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

Mixed feelings

SWEET RUIN clashed with the other installments in this series; it had a different writing style, and given how far along the IMMORTALS AFTER DARK plot arc is, I thought that it was a little late for Kresley Cole to be rolling out two new characters. Josephine is Thaddeus’ sister, and there was a strong connection to the Valkyries, but other than that this was mostly a transition novel.

I liked Jo. She fit the IAD female lead profile perfectly, and therein was the problem. Other than having a different name, and being a vampire crossed with a not-yet-seen supe type, I found that her voice was extremely similar to many of those that came before her. On the flip side, Rune was a shameless man-whore, and bats for Team Morior which made reading his POV compelling because it muddied the good/evil waters.

This was one of the more sexually supercharged titles thus far which significantly changed the tone of the story, and I personally don’t stray into the erotica side of Paranormal Romance, so I wasn’t thrilled about that. Nix had her usual moment in the sun, although it was significantly larger (YAY!), and set some fascinating wheels in motion. Ooh, and I think Cole dropped a hint about the soothsayer’s HEA.

Audiobook listeners have been blessed with samples of Robert Petkoff’s Texan accent ever since Thad showed up; however this was the first time that we got to enjoy the full extent of it via an MC. The narrator also did a sensational job with Rune, and adroitly adjusted to the author’s format change. If previous installments left you blushing, wait until you hear his latest performance!

I had mixed feelings about SWEET RUIN, but still, I regret nothing! ~3.5 Stars

18 of 20 people found this review helpful

Awesome

As usual, an excellent read. And, of course, I want more. Can't wait to see what happens next.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Love! Love! Love Kresley Cole's Stories!!!

Sweet Ruin was awesome addition to the IAD series!!!

I've read all the other IAD stories in paperback and did not realize what I was missing!! Robert Petkoff performance was amazing; really tempted to go back and purchase all the stories in audio just to hear his voice. :-)

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

If I could give it 6 stars I would.

Kresley Cole is a hands down all around knockout writer.
I've never been on the edge of my seat for a 10+ hour book before, but this edition had me unable to press the pause button. Its funny, edgy, heartbreaking, and explicit. It shows what happens when an immortal falls through the cracks, and it shows what our favorite characters can look like seen from the outside.

Robert Petkoff is a saint, and he does pretty well maintaining characters in such a long book. (14 hours! booyah!)

If you've listened to any of Cole's other work, you are in for a major treat. If you're new to the IAD series, its going to be a lot to process, but I'd still recommend it. I loved this book.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

The Best!

The best series, author and narrator out there for paranormal romance. The IAD series never disappoints and this one is no exception. Love it!!! I would give it 10 stars if I could.

11 of 14 people found this review helpful

More!!!

I never want to leave this world that Kresley Cole has created. I can't believe I finished the book so quickly it was brilliant as usual. Robert Petkoff is amazing! I need more Kresley, forever.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

one little complaint...

My only very small complaint is the wait time between books...
There are very few series that keep me totally entertained and this is definitely the best of them. Kresley's sense of humor and Petkoff's delivery makes this series a real winner. Every story is different and completely original and Sweet Ruin was no exception. LOVE LOVE LOVE

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

OMG! I needed this book!

I ate up every word written. Sure have missed Kresley Cole and Immortals After Dark. Robert Petkoff is perfect as usual. He made the book come to life. The humor is over the top. Would I recommend this book, only after you have read or listened to the other 15 books in the series. Makes this book even better. You could listen to the book without listening to the others but it's so much better if you know the characters. This is still the best series out there. Get the book!

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

what can Kresley Cole not write!!!!!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes Yes Yes.......Kresley Cole

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nix, Joe, Ruin and the nymphs. To ask why means you have to get to know the immortals and Kresley Cole

Which character – as performed by Robert Petkoff – was your favorite?

Ruin, Sweet Sweet Ruin

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Sweet Ruin come and let him Ruin you too.

Any additional comments?

Get and read and enjoy already.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Wow!

As an avid fan of Kresley Cole I can say without a doubt one of her best books. This book introduces a lot of new characters, which in an establish series could have been a bad move, however it adds just the right amount of spice to the already fantastic series and a well defined universe. She keeps you on the edge of your seat right up to the last sentence. Fans will no doubt be satisfied with the fast pace and explosive face off between the past All-stars and the new badass players. The series newbies will fall in love with the new characters with fresh eyes untainted by past book relationships. Well worth the credit a hundred times over. Happy Accession everybody!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Awesome

I know a lot of IAD fans were annoyed that this book featured two new characters, but I loved it. I could listen to a thousand different books set in this world so the more new characters the merrier.
The hero, Rune, was your typical flawed alpha, and the heroine, Jo, was badass. I loved them. Add Nix to the mix and it was just brilliant. Nix is my favourite character, so the more she's in the books the better.

As always Robert Petkoff outdid himself. He's the only narrator I've come across that actually lives the story. If he narrated everything on Audible i'd be one very happy girl. He is simply amazing.