The Holy Terror

Wow. Just, wow. This book was absolutely perfect. Every time I get finished with a book in this series I ask myself why I didn't read it sooner. I think I want to spread them out and savor them because they're just so special. No Rest for the Wicked was exciting and different than any other paranormal romance I'd read before and then [b:Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night|435045|Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (Immortals After Dark, #4)|Kresley Cole|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51urIRHAXtL._SL75_.jpg|423977] came along and one-upped it.This story actually starts off in the middle of the last book's timeline. If you read the last book, then you'll definitely understand why. We find out in No Rest for the Wicked that Mariketa the Witch placed a spell on Bowen the Lykae that wouldn't allow him to heal. So at the end of the last book Bowen is missing half his face and a hand, and his body is riddled with wounds. Wicked Deeds starts off in the middle of the Hie and we learn why Mariketa cursed him. Bowen wanted to win the Hie so he could use the prize to go back in time and save the life of his mate. Mariketa entered the Hie to prove herself. Both characters end up suffering in unimaginable ways after the Hie is over and then are forced to endure each other's company.I can't really say much more without spoiling anything. The story is full of twists and turns and heartbreaking revelations. I love the sexual tension built up between Bowen and Mariketa, and the fact that they don't jump into bed with each right away. There's conflict there, and not unduly so, and their banter and relationship is believable. I liked that Mariketa was curvy and that she loved her curves! I don't know why but it seems like lately a lot of romances I read the girl has to feel insecure and think there's something wrong with her body; either her breasts are too small or her butt is too big or she's too short. Mariketa, for the most part, enjoyed what she was given and used it to her advantage, and I applaud her for it!Bowen's the tragic hero of the tale that you can't help feel sorry for, angered at, and enamored with, and I adored him for it.I love every character that Cole has created; the Valkyries are hilarious and courageous, the Lykae are hot and scruffy, the Vampires are the requisite dark and brooding, and the Witches are fierce but misunderstood. And now I'm intrigued with the demons - I can't wait to learn more about them. I feel like I could read this series forever, there are just so many different species and stories to be told that I can't see it ending. And the villains, man, are they villainous. And I don't think I've ever read a novel that's shelved in the romance section that creates such a clear image in my head with her descriptions, her fight and action scenes are especially well written. This series is so original and fascinating and I can't wait to read more. Any fan of paranormal romance should be a fan of Cole.