Pleasure Of A Dark Prince by Kresley Cole & My Love For Scottish Wolfies
9 Mar, 2010 in Kresley Cole, Paranormal Romance 42 Comments
Genre: Paranormal Romance (448 pages)
Series: Immortals After Dark #9
A DANGEROUS BEAUTY…
Lucia the Huntress: as mysterious as she is exquisite, she harbors secrets that threaten to destroy her — and those she loves.
AN UNCONTROLLABLE NEED…
Garreth MacRieve, Prince of the Lykae: the brutal Highland warrior who burns to finally claim this maddeningly sensual creature as his own.
THAT LEAD TO A PLEASURE SO WICKED….
From the shadows, Garreth has long watched over Lucia. Now, the only way to keep the proud huntress safe from harm is to convince her to accept him as her guardian. To do this, Garreth will ruthlessly exploit Lucia’s greatest weakness — her wanton desire for him.
It feels like we’ve all been waiting for Garreth and Lucia story’s since Hunger Like No Other (Lachlan & Emma). Well, at least I have. I was this close (pinches fingers) to becoming a stalker. I’m sure Kresely Cole is overjoyed with my exuberance, because let’s face it, isn’t stalking the most complimentary form of flattery? Or is that copying? I’m sure it says something in my parole papers. Just kidding, or not… Muwhahahaha. Ok, now I’m scaring myself and my cat.
Back to Garreth and Lucia. Folks, I’ve fallen hard for the brooding, delicious Scottish werewolves, or Scottie Wolves, as I fondly call them and Garreth is one more wolfy Scotsman I can add to my list. It’s not everyday that fictional characters with husky brogues beat out red wine and chocolate on my desert island survival list, but somehow they have.
We begin Pleassure of A Dark Prince with a bit of backtracking…all the way to Lachlan and Emma’s story . Cole does a magnificent job of reiterating the pertinent points without completely re-copying scenes we have read from previous books (cough Bad Moon Rising cough). My hat is off to her, she must have a steel trap for a memory and one amazing timeline cheat-sheet. We learn just how Garreth becomes smitten with the frosty Lucia and what better way to have two characters meet than at a battle of man muscles and testosterone. Otherwise known as a Rugby match.
We also learn a bit more about my favorite, character Regin, and how closely tied her past is with Lucia’s. And how Lucia’s gift for archery came at the price of her own sacrifice and free will. Left for broken and left for dead, a fifteen year old Regin carries Lucia to the Goddess and pleads with her to “fix” Lucia at any cost. The Goddess agrees to this bargain but Lucia must devote her life to becoming the greatest warrior/Archer to ever live. Oh, and she must remain pure. i.e. no funny business. Now, if that isn’t a deal with the devil I don’t know what is.
“I hope they’re in town. I want to face them!”Regin stood and brandished one of the two swords that she usually wore in sheaths crisscrossed her back. “I’ll lunch on their balls!”
That was Regin’s new threat : to lunch on enemies’ balls. “Reege, when you threaten males with that, I don’t think it has the result you intend. They think less Lunchables, more tea bag.” (Lucia)
What I liked:
Garreth’s awesome prowess on the Rugby field, and his first meeting with Lucia. I’ve even re-imagined the story with myself as the earnest towel-boy wiping the dripping sweat off their brows. I’m wearing peekaboo booty shorts, minus the cellulite, with a perky C-bust (no need to be greedy) and a cropped shirt that says “Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy”.
I also, thought Cole did a great job of making Lucia’s ‘born again’ approach to sex, realistic and fun, without sounding preachy or distracting from their relationship. Sometimes when authors have these insurmountable obstacles, they are so believable that when the character of interest finally overcomes them it seems impossible and too forced.
What I didn’t like
I found at some points I had a hard time connecting with Lucia. I’ve so enjoyed her previous femme fatals that I missed her other female’s character’s humorous side. I know not to expect each character to be the same, but Cole’s humor is so witty that I kept wanting Lucia to lighten-up a bit. Then again, not having sex for thousands of years would have made me a bit bitchtastic too.
Questions:
Usually Kresley Cole will have a excerpt to her newest IAD book, instead we are given a very interesting epilogue with hints for her next book. Who do we think is next? Carrow (kick ass friend of Mari from Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night), Regin, (finally… will we get a Berserker story), or Lothaire…god anyone else having a Karen Marie Moning flash back here? Hint Click Link If You Want to Know. Hint: Don’t Click Link If You Don’t Want to Know.
Was anyone else imagining Michael Sheen shouting… “We can be slaves, or we can be… LYCANS! Sorry, was that tacky?
What Cole character’s HEA (Happily Ever After) are you foaming at the mouth for?
KC: I really want the story of Sabine’s sister *mumbles* whatshername (from Kiss of a Demon King) and that scary winged dude that has been chasing after them. He kind of reminds me of one of the character’s from a Jaid Black book *trips down erotic memory lane*
K-Khan: I’m for Regin or Carrow’s story. Anyone who quotes the movie Aliens is worth reading about. Nuff’ said.
Rating
Favorite IAD Reads
Hunger Like No Other (Book 1) – Amazon
Wicked Deeds On A Winter’s Night (Book 3) – Amazon
Other Reviews
Kresley Cole’s Website | Purchase From Amazon
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- Smokinhotbooks Fav March/April-ish Reads
- Lover Unleashed by JR Ward aka V’s Story Part 2
- Review How to Flirt With A Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper
I love me some Scottish wolfies too *sigh* Great Review!
OMG! I can’t wait to read this! And I will this month…Pleasure of a Dark Prince will NOT languish on my TBR pile.
4 Smokin’ Smoothes not bad!
@Monica Gah, you should have seen me whenever Garreth spoke, I was like a 15 yro with a crush on the a Jonas Brother. Whenever he referred to Lucia as Lousha –>heart melted.
@Donna you will love it! I think it’s one of Cole’s better IAD books story wise. I liked Lucia I just didn’t lurf her as much as Regin or Mari.
“I’ve even re-imagined the story with myself as the earnest towel-boy… ”
I positively HOWLED laughing at this bit, K.C. you friggin kill me, girl!
ok, confession time *scuffs toe* ummm Ihaven’treadanykresleycolebooks
*cringes* don’t kill me
@Jaymzangel *points finger* blasphemer!!! I Kid. I don’t mean it. Kresley Cole is the author that got me really into paranormal romance. Have you read Gena Showalter? If so, similar sense of humor. I never say this but youcanreadbook1,3,5. But don’t tell anyone I told you it was okay to skip!
hehe, I’ll never tell. yes, I like Showalter. will def put these on my ‘to buy’ list.
p.s. you are an EVOL book pimp =P
ROFL…I so agree. I loved this book and Garreth is just “bluidy” hawt.
I so want Regin’s story- a bit berserker fun would be perfect!
Great review!
crap, crap crap…I forgot the Captcha Code and now blog swallowed comment whole!
2nd try: Can I be blunt here and say I don’t care which couple is up next as long as i get my next IAD fix…hhhmmm what does that say about my upcoming review of PoaDP; IAD gushing form the netherlands? LOL *demon horns are growing* I feel a wicked mood coming up
I always have a blast reading your reviews 
I’ve fallen hard for the brooding, delicious Scottish werewolves, or Scottie Wolves, as I fondly call them…
I first read; As I fondle them…I can so see you fondle the scottie Wolves and have an abfab time LOL
Scottish werewolves – Yes please…..
Love your thoughts on this – Everyone seems to love this one…
E.H>
I loved this one! Garreth is my new book boyfriend and I loved Loosha. hehe. Kresley Cole always rocks it for me.
I’m looking forward to a HEA for Nucking Futs Nix. She is my favorite Valkyrie of all time and one day….yes one day…she’ll meet and immortal (hopefully a Scottish Lykae because Kresley Coles Scottish Lykae make me shiver) and get her HEA.
I’m a Kresley Cole virgin… Still loved your thoughts on this book
@Leontine I sorry about the captcha but Akismet (spam comment) isn’t working properly so I have to use a captcha. I’m with you girl, I will devour any Kresley Cole book out there. I’m really excited about the next book.
@jaymzangel bwhahahahahah – For realsies, Showalter and Cole are pretty similar in writing style in regard to humor & sexiness. Cole and Showalter will do little quick mentions of the author’s work in their books, it’s fun to try and find ‘em.
@Fiction Vixen I like Nix, but for some reason I can’t picture with anyone, maybe some evil dude.
@EH
@Janna I always hate when I stumbler across a series another reader really loves and there are 9 books out already. I usually don’t recommend skipping but some of Cole’s books I like better than others, which I listed. Cole has an awesome sense of humor and she writes action and (let’s be honest) sexy scenes really well
Yeah, this one was good, but it wasn’t my fave ::sniff pout sniff:: I did enjoy it though and Garreth was a hottie. Grrr, baby. Very grrr.
I saw the cover for the next and the little blurb thing……sounds so yumtastic. I can’t wait.
Great review! ::smoochies::
KC–What? No love for Nix? You are KC The Cold Hearted, that is your Valkyrie name from now on.
arrgh!! dang captcha…third time
LMFAO!!! Girl! You are too funny! I about lost it at “Save A Horse Ride A Cowboy”. LOL!!
Great – no fantastic – review! Loved it! And I even feel inspired to jump back into this series. I’ve been dragging my feet ever since Kade’s book.
Hugs, VFG
You’re absolutely right about that, KC! Nine books are a lot to catch up with
But I can’t skip a writer with an awesome sense of humor and who writes sexy scenes really well, now can I? The technical #1 of the series, The Warlord Wants Forever, the prequel to The Hunger is already on my ereader. And I’ll keep your list in mind to make the catching up easier! Thanks, hon! 
@ Queen B. I totally agree, this isn’t my favorite out of all of her books, but I still liked it nonetheless. Something about those lykae highlanders get’s me every time.
@VFG. You won’t be disappointed with this one! Garreth is drool worthy. Someone’s being added to my night-time fantasy list. Crap…did I over-share again.
@ ERR-Janna I loved the Warlord Wants Forever…it is sizzalin’. You won’t be dissapointed!! KC and I swears!
Does anyone else have a little woman-crush on Ms. Cole??…. Or is it just me? ::birds chirping….silence:: Great, another awkward bomb. I just can’t help but be infatuated with her writing. Humor gets me ever time.
I too want Sabine’s story..with that guy that would fly overhead..I’m intrigued (although I can’t stand her sister)
Regin’s story would be nice too…looking forward to Carrow’s.
And I LOVED this book.
I need to read more of these books, I’ve only read the first book with Lachlan and Emma – I love the quote you used btw
#Hides under desk#, repeating my mantra…., I have all her books and read none…. and this series sound so good, must catch up, certainly after your review!
Bluidy!! Garreth had me the moment he appeared on the first page. Such a sweet and sexy hero. Another great hero from Kresley.
@K-Kahn: I figured the Warlord Wants Forever was a good one to start with, because it’s a rather short one compared to the other books. And it probably will make me want more, especially now you say it’s sizzling
And if you and KC both swear I won’t be disappointed… well… I better start reading it 
@Queen B Lucia didn’t do it for me compared to Reign or Mari. But I did enjoy the book overall. Carrow’s book is going to kick ass!
@Fiction Vixen I’m too afraid to put back on Akismet as my hosting server told me “that was the problem” maybe next week no more captcha…I like Nix as Nix but I dont’ know if I want to read a Nix love story. I know I’m weird.
@VFG If you thought Cade was charming you will love Garreth. Seriously, the accent combined with his sexy moves had me sighing with reading ecstasy
@Janna ::whispers:; you are so much stronger than me. I would have skipped to book 9. Psst Wardlord books is what started K-Khan and I into reading erotica. Jaid Black’s story kicks ass. She really makes me dig the whole bride auction, be my slave kind of deal.
@K-Khan *raises hand* yes total woman crush on Kresley Cole and Angelina Jolie… and our girlfriend Julie.
@Mandi why can’t I remember Sabine’s sister’s name…I feel like it starts with a L
@Heather I know you are more of a UF kinda girl but seriously Mari and Holly’s stories are my favorite. P.S. I still also want you to read a m/m book ::innocent smile::
@Marissa ::pinches bridge of noise:: do I need to twitter pressure you (again) to read Kresley Cole? Can you keep a secret? I lurve Cole more than JR. Ward.
@Katiebabs Garreth may be my 2nd favorite Alpha in teh IAD series. Cade & Bowen tie for first place. Yes I do actually create mental lists of my favorite IAD characters ::cheapish grin::
I know it will probably be the last book in the IAD series, but I can’t wait for the missing (fairy?) queen who continues to drown and die and her mate who she believes betrayed her. That story is going to be an intense one.
Ah, this got you two hooked to the erotic reads!
Is that Jaid Black story another one of her Sweden (or what was the under earth community called again) stories? The auction thing reminds me of that…
You don’t have to worry about cellulite… it doesn’t exist in cyberspace (as long as we have the air-brush tool). And Cole is better than JR? I may have to pick this series up!
I’m so glad to read so many positive reviews of this book- I’m always nervous with a series that I love that a volume will come out that just sucks on toast. IAD keeps getting better and better!
@Katiebabs oh right! Fury the Queen the last of her kind.
@Janna Yes, I think Jaid Black’s series is called Viking Warlord or something. So good. Apparently Vikings have moved underground and need to kidnap women to be their mates. Some of the girls are sold on the “bride auction”, it sounds weird but you’ll like it.
@Melissa Cole is more PNR funny, & sexy while JR Ward is more UF sexy, does that make sense?
@Emily I totally agree. Cole delivers on each and every book *murmurs* except Conrad’s which I think, should have been in an anthology.
Garreth had me hooked as soon as I read that rugby scene! That is the way to introduce a hot hero! Lucia was a pretty great heroine and all, but I admit I really read this book for Garreth. He has got to be the sweetest IAD hero so far. And again, he’s melt my pants off hot too.
I’m torn between wanting Nix or Sabine’s sister. I know Nix’s book is going to be epic but I’m really curious as to what happened to Sabine’s sister. There was a lot of build up and her guy sounds pretty interesting. I got it’s-going-to-be-super-intense book vibes from that couple.
I LOVE this book. This is first one since A Hunger Like No Other that has been completely rocking for me. I think Kresley Cole should stick with the Scottish werewolves.
@Ana I think I’m rooting for Sabine sister’s book, seems like it’ll be muy intensivo. Of course my heart also wants to read about Reign and Carrow.
@Penelope The Estonia/Russian accent isn’t as sexy as a Scottish accent. Cole’s Demons are my second favorite IAD lore characters. Yes, I have a hierarchy.
K.C. You are my Jaid Black lovin soul-mate. *fist bump*
Backtracking is good, I’m a few books behind….waiting for this one to come in though. I’ve got to catch up!
You’ve got an award over at my place
@Quenn B ::touches fist to Queen B’s:: Word. Jaid Black got me reading hot alien love. And Vikings musn’t forget to Vikings. Bummed that she doesn’t write anymore.
@Patti Award?! I love awards.
I looked it up, I’ve read one of Jaid Black’s Viking stories
It was Hunter’s Right, about Viking Nicholas and his crashed pilot Rhonda. I think it was one of my first not so contemporary romances and I didn’t know what to think of it, lol!
I have this book but I don’t want to start it until I’ve read at least the first couple of books from the IAD series, which are waiting for me along with a whole list of others…sigh…I very much enjoyed your re-imagery of yourself in the story with the booty shorts…you had me rolling in my cube earlier today when I read that.
I can’t wait to meet these new characters, I’m such a sucker for a series. Awesome review!
@Mar you are so strong. I’ve abandoned my husband, called in sick to start and finish a series
OMG I am so damn mad that I didn’t pick this up yet. I was trying to be all good because I have so many books on the shelf that I need to read first. After reading your review I just need to get it. I’ve read them all but this one. I don’t know why, but I had completely brain cramped on the fact that Garret was Scottish-how the hell did I forget that? I’m getting it TODAY…no more fricking waiting.
@Moonsanity you go girl! Garreth makes the book. He is so into Lucia that you can kind of forget that she is not one of the kick ass Valkyrie like Reign or Kadrian.
Let’s face it K.C. he’s SCOTTISH, as long as he talks to her in that accent he can do what he wants. BAHAHAHAHAHA I’m pretty sure he could read out of a phone book and I’d be all melty:)
@Moonsanity Scottish ‘nough said. You’ll just die when he pronounces Lucia name ::shivers::
nice article! I need to do something bout my backside…