Chelsea S. (PengQueen) reviewed A Deep Kiss of Winter: Untouchable / Tempt Me Eternally on + 114 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
First off, I'm not a big fan of anthologies. They usually mean I end up spending money on a book I will only read 150 pages of because I only care about one of the authors or because that story fits into a series somewhere and I'm a consummate completest. This one was even more annoying because it came out in hardcover. I sucked it up and bought it any way because Kresley Cole is one of my favorite authors, and the Immortals After Dark series is addictive. So I'm reviewing specifically her story, Untouchable. I may eventually go back and read Gena Showalters (I am a fan of some of her work) but for now I just focused on Daniela and Murdoch.
Second point: I realize full well that this was intended as a winter holiday/Christmas book, but I read it in July. Oops. Actually, while the theme is ice and Christmas is briefly mentioned, it's not very Christmasy. I found the cold theme oddly refreshing.
Now, to the story: Basically, Daniella is a valkyrie but she was born to and Icere mother. The Icere are people of the cold, their bodies are cold, and warmth of any kind is deadly to them. For Danii that means contact with and non-Icere beings burns painfully, and getting overheated is a constant concern. When it's discovered that she is Murdoch's Bride (his fated mate), their inability to touch physically presents a huge problem.
The characters were surprisingly well rounded, considering that their developement had to take place in only 250 pages. Without the usual action/adventure sequences typical of the series, Cole focuses almost entirely on their core problem as a couple. I liked that. Danii's desperation to be loved and feel physical affection is heartbreaking. Murdoch, meanwhile, was somewhat of a rake when human--commiting to one woman, let alone one he cannot touch, is frustrating and life altering for him. I liked them as a couple. They certainly aren't my favorite of the series, but I wouldn't expect them to be.
I would like to say that Kresley Cole is one of the most endlessly creative authors I've encountered. The settings--like the cabin in Siberia that's magically iced over--take you to another world. The sex scenes are inventive. The characters are unique and interesting. Even the secondary characters are well rounded and likeable (Nix being my standing favorite).
Now the negatives: The overlapping timelines drive me crazy. If you've read the series up to this point, you know what I'm talking about. I usually don't file them under "negative" because while they are confusing, they're also a lot of fun. But in this case, in such a short novel, trying to shove in those context clues so that we as readers will know what part of the story arch we're in...I think it was a miss calculation on Cole's part. It felt like she had to work to make the story fit, and so I had to work to make it ok in my own head. Just a bit of a stretch.
I also kind of thought that the final solution to Danii and Murdoch's problem was SO OBVIOUS. No, I won't spoil it because maybe it isn't that immediately obvious to all readers. I just thought it was a bit lazy, and when it came to that point I said "Umm, duh?" and was left feeling a bit disapointed.
Overall, it's a good story. Worth the purchase of a full priced hardcover? Not really. But worth a read if you can get it otherwise.
Second point: I realize full well that this was intended as a winter holiday/Christmas book, but I read it in July. Oops. Actually, while the theme is ice and Christmas is briefly mentioned, it's not very Christmasy. I found the cold theme oddly refreshing.
Now, to the story: Basically, Daniella is a valkyrie but she was born to and Icere mother. The Icere are people of the cold, their bodies are cold, and warmth of any kind is deadly to them. For Danii that means contact with and non-Icere beings burns painfully, and getting overheated is a constant concern. When it's discovered that she is Murdoch's Bride (his fated mate), their inability to touch physically presents a huge problem.
The characters were surprisingly well rounded, considering that their developement had to take place in only 250 pages. Without the usual action/adventure sequences typical of the series, Cole focuses almost entirely on their core problem as a couple. I liked that. Danii's desperation to be loved and feel physical affection is heartbreaking. Murdoch, meanwhile, was somewhat of a rake when human--commiting to one woman, let alone one he cannot touch, is frustrating and life altering for him. I liked them as a couple. They certainly aren't my favorite of the series, but I wouldn't expect them to be.
I would like to say that Kresley Cole is one of the most endlessly creative authors I've encountered. The settings--like the cabin in Siberia that's magically iced over--take you to another world. The sex scenes are inventive. The characters are unique and interesting. Even the secondary characters are well rounded and likeable (Nix being my standing favorite).
Now the negatives: The overlapping timelines drive me crazy. If you've read the series up to this point, you know what I'm talking about. I usually don't file them under "negative" because while they are confusing, they're also a lot of fun. But in this case, in such a short novel, trying to shove in those context clues so that we as readers will know what part of the story arch we're in...I think it was a miss calculation on Cole's part. It felt like she had to work to make the story fit, and so I had to work to make it ok in my own head. Just a bit of a stretch.
I also kind of thought that the final solution to Danii and Murdoch's problem was SO OBVIOUS. No, I won't spoil it because maybe it isn't that immediately obvious to all readers. I just thought it was a bit lazy, and when it came to that point I said "Umm, duh?" and was left feeling a bit disapointed.
Overall, it's a good story. Worth the purchase of a full priced hardcover? Not really. But worth a read if you can get it otherwise.
Terri T. (eskmom) -
Helpful Score: 3
I have to start off by saying that I only read the Kresley Cole novella. I love Showalter but hadn't read any of her alien huntress series and decided not to spoil any of it for myself, in case I do decide to read that series.
Regarding the Cole novel. It reads like a typical novella: lots of jumping around and not much story BUT! Take heed, it IS typical, excellent writing by Ms. Cole. It actually takes you thru the storyline of several of her books, as the central charcters are the 4 Wroth brothers. It also answers the questions to where Dani disappeared to in one of the books, I think Conrads book. (I read too many books to keep them all straight off the top of my head.)
It is definitely worth reading and will certainly entertain. It isn't her strongest work, but that is a given with this type of novel, but I think it is important to have the storylines in this book for the series. I would read the entire series up to this book before attempting to read this story. There are many characters interacting that you will need to have a knowledge base for. I actually enjoyed having some of the questions from other stories answered by this book. Very fun.
Enjoy!
Regarding the Cole novel. It reads like a typical novella: lots of jumping around and not much story BUT! Take heed, it IS typical, excellent writing by Ms. Cole. It actually takes you thru the storyline of several of her books, as the central charcters are the 4 Wroth brothers. It also answers the questions to where Dani disappeared to in one of the books, I think Conrads book. (I read too many books to keep them all straight off the top of my head.)
It is definitely worth reading and will certainly entertain. It isn't her strongest work, but that is a given with this type of novel, but I think it is important to have the storylines in this book for the series. I would read the entire series up to this book before attempting to read this story. There are many characters interacting that you will need to have a knowledge base for. I actually enjoyed having some of the questions from other stories answered by this book. Very fun.
Enjoy!
Elizabeth A. (liz-a-43) reviewed A Deep Kiss of Winter: Untouchable / Tempt Me Eternally on + 27 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoyed the story by Kresley Cole. It meshed will with the other Immortals after Dark stories. As a shorter story, it was a little less compelling--I think there just aren't enough pages for as much character development and story line twists. It also provided some fun glimpses of past characters & what is going on in their lives.
I did not care for the story by Gena Showalter. I thought it was very superficial and the "tie it all up at the end" ending did nothing for me. A little more character development and a little less time spent on their intimate relationship would have been welcome. This story would get two stars.
I did not care for the story by Gena Showalter. I thought it was very superficial and the "tie it all up at the end" ending did nothing for me. A little more character development and a little less time spent on their intimate relationship would have been welcome. This story would get two stars.
Willy W. reviewed A Deep Kiss of Winter: Untouchable / Tempt Me Eternally on + 503 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Untouchable - the short-ish story by Kresly Cole is a terrific installment to the Immortals After Dark series. Although Deep Kiss of Winter is an "anthology" (two novellas by different authors) - Cole's contribution is easily as long as many shorter books. Over 250 pages of IAD sexiness and sensuality.
I've read all the 11 books in the series so far, this one read out of order. I keep expecting to lose interest in the series but Cole keeps bringing something new to the game. A fantastic read.
I've read all the 11 books in the series so far, this one read out of order. I keep expecting to lose interest in the series but Cole keeps bringing something new to the game. A fantastic read.
Yvonne L. reviewed A Deep Kiss of Winter: Untouchable / Tempt Me Eternally on + 929 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I originally gave this book a lower rating because I felt really overwhelmed with Cole's story (At that time, I haven't read Cole before). Now that I've read a few of the books of the series I found it quite enjoyable. It's a little slower than the other books because they aren't exactly any baddies to defeat. Definitely do not read this without reading at least a few of the books before hand or you will be utterly lost. That or the story will fell choppy and disconnected to you. It was a fun story and I like that Murdoch the manwhore was such a raving idiot when it comes to Danii.
As for Showalter's story, it was a little rushed but I've been waiting to read about these characters. I think the series novels are much better than this short story, so don't let this story keep you from trying the other ones. I did like the story though but I thought I would have liked more.
I just want to comment about the risque cover though. How did they get away with the clever (eh...) lighting?
As for Showalter's story, it was a little rushed but I've been waiting to read about these characters. I think the series novels are much better than this short story, so don't let this story keep you from trying the other ones. I did like the story though but I thought I would have liked more.
I just want to comment about the risque cover though. How did they get away with the clever (eh...) lighting?
Riki (kitchenvampire) -
Helpful Score: 1
Good combination of stories. I liked both authors before reading this book and wasn't disappointed with the content. Neither story had the depth to stand up as full novels so I feel that the short story anthology was a good choice for the publisher. If you are new to either series, it might be best to read previous full novels before these stories just to simply understand some of the elements better.
Vici G. (XnO) reviewed A Deep Kiss of Winter: Untouchable / Tempt Me Eternally on + 85 more book reviews
A can't miss it read in the Kresley Cole series!
This is Murdoch Wroth and Daniela the Ice Maiden's love story...
Daniela, the Ice Maiden Valkyrie is part ice-fey... and can never feel the touch of another unless they too are ice-fey. She becomes Murdoch Wroth, the vampire's bride. He can't claim her because his touch burns her... however, they do find interesting ways to get intimate :) Love the ending... fascinating way to fix the problem!!
A good read! I love this series!
This is Murdoch Wroth and Daniela the Ice Maiden's love story...
Daniela, the Ice Maiden Valkyrie is part ice-fey... and can never feel the touch of another unless they too are ice-fey. She becomes Murdoch Wroth, the vampire's bride. He can't claim her because his touch burns her... however, they do find interesting ways to get intimate :) Love the ending... fascinating way to fix the problem!!
A good read! I love this series!
Kresley Cole's "Untouchable": Murdoch Wroth and Ice Queen Daniela's story was a wonderful and well written tale. Also, it is good to see that the Wroth brothers are now all together with their Brides. As always Ms. Cole spins great dialog with intriguing characters. I liked the way she developed this story within the background of finding the other brothers.
Gena Showalter "Tempt Me Eternally": This one on the other hand seemed forced. Aleaha Love is colorful and feisty, but come on: What she did to Breean to get away from him? I'm sure that could have been written a different way.
Gena Showalter "Tempt Me Eternally": This one on the other hand seemed forced. Aleaha Love is colorful and feisty, but come on: What she did to Breean to get away from him? I'm sure that could have been written a different way.
Shannon (bookjunkie5781) reviewed A Deep Kiss of Winter: Untouchable / Tempt Me Eternally on + 35 more book reviews
Untouchable - Kresley Cole- 4 Stars - This is the story of the 4th Wroth brother Murdoch and his Ice Fey/Valkyrie Daniela. I was surprised to see that this book covered the time period from when Nikolai met Myst to when Conrad found Nèomi and beyond. Stubborn immortal pride ruled once again in this book. Sometimes I wish the characters would get over themselves a bit faster but I wouldn't be on the edge of my seat with anticipation if they did. That just proves that authors know best sometimes *smile* I enjoyed this story very much. Daniela and Murdoch are great characters though Nix continues to be my favorite. I am excited to see how this series continues to unfold.
Rachel A. (flybug) reviewed A Deep Kiss of Winter: Untouchable / Tempt Me Eternally on + 21 more book reviews
I really enjoyed both stories. I just can't get enough of Kresley Cole or Gena Showalter!
Kresley added onto her Immortals After Dark series, with a lot of storyline crossovers. As with her other IAD books, this was a great addition to my library.
Gena's story was a part of her Alien Huntress series. Again, I loved the story, although the ending felt slightly rushed.
Both stories are well worth reading, and I'll be keeping my copy for myself!
Kresley added onto her Immortals After Dark series, with a lot of storyline crossovers. As with her other IAD books, this was a great addition to my library.
Gena's story was a part of her Alien Huntress series. Again, I loved the story, although the ending felt slightly rushed.
Both stories are well worth reading, and I'll be keeping my copy for myself!
Melissa F. (mitabird) reviewed A Deep Kiss of Winter: Untouchable / Tempt Me Eternally on + 188 more book reviews
Untouchable by Kresley Cole - 3.5 stars
This wasn't a bad story, but Murdoch's stubbornness almost ruined it for me. It was explained why he resisted being bound to Danii, but he wasn't even willing to really try. He'd make some limp effort and if things got too tough or didn't go exactly his way, he easily gave up. Danii, on the other hand, put herself out there again and again, only to be continually rejected by Murdoch. I really wanted to knock some sense into him and when he finally realized what he was doing, I thought Danii should have given him the boot. She was too good for him.
This wasn't a bad story, but Murdoch's stubbornness almost ruined it for me. It was explained why he resisted being bound to Danii, but he wasn't even willing to really try. He'd make some limp effort and if things got too tough or didn't go exactly his way, he easily gave up. Danii, on the other hand, put herself out there again and again, only to be continually rejected by Murdoch. I really wanted to knock some sense into him and when he finally realized what he was doing, I thought Danii should have given him the boot. She was too good for him.
Lenna W. (bratz54) -
Kresley Cole's story is dang good, It fits right into the series. Its also a great stand alone story.
Lizz D. (ladyd2206) -
Untouchable
Daniela the Ice Maiden is part Icere, and part Valkyrie. Since she is part ice fae, she cannot touch another (unless they're an ice fae as well), without excruciating pain. Murdoch Wroth is an Estonian Warlord who was once a massive rake. After saving Daniela from assassins, Murdoch learns that Danii is his Bride. But since they can never touch, will their frustration be enough to drive them apart?
Untouchable is a story of utter frustration and sexual desire. It actually takes place a lot earlier than the last few IAD books, and once again with a Wroth brother. It's a novella in the book Deep Kiss of Winter. Even though it's a novella, it's still 300 pages, and well worth the read.
The sexual tension between Danii and Murdoch all but lights the pages on fire, and the sex scenes between the two are scorching. Kresley Cole has, as always, delivered a steamy, passionate couple who make your hearts melt from their pasts, and their possible futures. If you're an IAD fan, be sure to pick this one up, and if you've never read any of the books in the series, be sure to do so, since you're missing out!
Daniela the Ice Maiden is part Icere, and part Valkyrie. Since she is part ice fae, she cannot touch another (unless they're an ice fae as well), without excruciating pain. Murdoch Wroth is an Estonian Warlord who was once a massive rake. After saving Daniela from assassins, Murdoch learns that Danii is his Bride. But since they can never touch, will their frustration be enough to drive them apart?
Untouchable is a story of utter frustration and sexual desire. It actually takes place a lot earlier than the last few IAD books, and once again with a Wroth brother. It's a novella in the book Deep Kiss of Winter. Even though it's a novella, it's still 300 pages, and well worth the read.
The sexual tension between Danii and Murdoch all but lights the pages on fire, and the sex scenes between the two are scorching. Kresley Cole has, as always, delivered a steamy, passionate couple who make your hearts melt from their pasts, and their possible futures. If you're an IAD fan, be sure to pick this one up, and if you've never read any of the books in the series, be sure to do so, since you're missing out!
Kathryn P. (ladysarina) reviewed A Deep Kiss of Winter: Untouchable / Tempt Me Eternally on + 38 more book reviews
Perfect. Wonderful. Romantic. Murdoch Wroth and Daniela is a small story told in a large way. To not be able to touch and being immortal would be horrible. I loved the beginning of their story and how they made "it" work. And the four brothers finally together with their fated brides made it even more perfect as a holiday story. Good job Ms. Cole.. as always a devoted fan.
Anne (booklover6) -
Cole's story was good. I thought it was strange, the way it ran concurrently with the books about the other Wroth brothers. Very well done.
Decided not to read the Showalter story at this time, since I haven't started the series, and don't want to be put off by a short story that may or may not be very well done. I'll read it another time--like when the paperback comes out!
Decided not to read the Showalter story at this time, since I haven't started the series, and don't want to be put off by a short story that may or may not be very well done. I'll read it another time--like when the paperback comes out!
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
Untouchables by Kresley Cole
The Ice Maiden, Daniela, cannot be touched by anyone except the Icere or both people are seriously burned. So how exactly is the vampire (Murdoch Wroth) to have her? hmmmm Time for a little ingenuity! I really liked Daniela and Murdoch's story. It had all the requisite romance elements - soul mates, turmoil, angst, enemies, impossible obstacles and personal conflicts. I'm so glad I got back into this series as I've truly missed these warriors and their valkyries.
Tempt Me Eternally by Gena Showalter
Alien Breean Nu ports to Earth and the AIR, including Aleaha Love are waiting to annihilate them. Aleaha has a cool special power, she is able to take on the form of anyone she wishes. It is instant attraction for Aleaha and Breean though Aleaha fights it because he is the enemy. This is a very erotic romance with more virtual than real sex. I liked the pairing of Aleaha and Breean. He is thoroughly alpha and she is definitely not beta! I really like Gena Showaters writing and this erotic alien series is wonderful.
The Ice Maiden, Daniela, cannot be touched by anyone except the Icere or both people are seriously burned. So how exactly is the vampire (Murdoch Wroth) to have her? hmmmm Time for a little ingenuity! I really liked Daniela and Murdoch's story. It had all the requisite romance elements - soul mates, turmoil, angst, enemies, impossible obstacles and personal conflicts. I'm so glad I got back into this series as I've truly missed these warriors and their valkyries.
Tempt Me Eternally by Gena Showalter
Alien Breean Nu ports to Earth and the AIR, including Aleaha Love are waiting to annihilate them. Aleaha has a cool special power, she is able to take on the form of anyone she wishes. It is instant attraction for Aleaha and Breean though Aleaha fights it because he is the enemy. This is a very erotic romance with more virtual than real sex. I liked the pairing of Aleaha and Breean. He is thoroughly alpha and she is definitely not beta! I really like Gena Showaters writing and this erotic alien series is wonderful.
Stacy W. (whatstacy) -
***Untouchable: Murdoch is the last of the 4 Wroth brothers to become "blooded". This story follows along in a timeline that parallels the entire series. It starts from when Nicholai finds Myst and ends with Conrad finding Neomi and finally Murdoch marrying Danii. It is a nice Christmas story focusing on one of the Wroth brothers finding his way to his Bride. I enjoyed this story, it was almost like a Hallmark Christmas story except all the players are "otherworldly". If you haven't read this series from the beginning, you may not understand the events in the brothers lives, so start at the beginning. It is a series you will enjoy.
***Tempt me Eternally: If the AIR components of this story is a series, i have not read it and i don't think i will. It didn't intrigue me in any way. This is a love story turned into an extra long sex scene. I liked the main characters, but I didn't see enough of the back story to understand what was really going on. It was mildly cute, i liked that Aleaha was able to become herself and no longer hide and Breean found a new home. But i wanted more from the story. Not a keepsake book for me. I prefer the Lords of the Underworld series.
www.texasreader-stacy.blogspot.com
***Tempt me Eternally: If the AIR components of this story is a series, i have not read it and i don't think i will. It didn't intrigue me in any way. This is a love story turned into an extra long sex scene. I liked the main characters, but I didn't see enough of the back story to understand what was really going on. It was mildly cute, i liked that Aleaha was able to become herself and no longer hide and Breean found a new home. But i wanted more from the story. Not a keepsake book for me. I prefer the Lords of the Underworld series.
www.texasreader-stacy.blogspot.com
Jennifer N. (jennyfurr) reviewed A Deep Kiss of Winter: Untouchable / Tempt Me Eternally on + 2 more book reviews
Loved it!
Wendy H. (donkeycheese) -
In Untouchable, we get an Immortals after Dark story by renowned author Kresley Cole. I love this series with the vampires and the Valkyrie. This story is about Murdoch, the womanizing vampire soldier and Daniella, the Ice Queen who is also half Valkyrie.
Daniella can't be touched or she will burn. If she gets too hot, she will shatter like glass. She yearns for a man and to make her fantasies reality, but she can find no way.
Murdoch never wanted to have a Bride, but he finds himself blooded to Daniella when he is trying to rescue her from a band of men out to kill her. Now, he must have her or go crazy, but he cannot. To touch would burn her. The two want to be together, but they must come up with a way or the desire may kill them both.
Best-selling author Gena Showalter spins us another wonderful and sensuous tale in her Alien Huntress series. Aleaha doesn't know if she is human or alien. She can take the form of any being by a touch. Wanted for theft and murder, she keeps her own identity hidden and takes the form of Macy, a cop who works for AIR, Alien Investigation Removal). But her identity is at risk to be revealed when a mission goes awry.
Breean, a golden skinned commander, wants Aleaha for his own and he will remove any obstacle in his way. He sees her double face and wants Aleaha, not Macy. But Breean has time; he's captured Aleaha and her comrades and is holding them until AIR and his band can come to an agreement. But he has no plans to let Aleaha go, and she really doesn't want him to. But she may have to bring him harm if he doesn't release her fellow workers soon.
Two stories that sizzle and burn. Paranormal romance, fantastic action, and sensual and steaming romance by two best-selling authors! A decadent treat!
Daniella can't be touched or she will burn. If she gets too hot, she will shatter like glass. She yearns for a man and to make her fantasies reality, but she can find no way.
Murdoch never wanted to have a Bride, but he finds himself blooded to Daniella when he is trying to rescue her from a band of men out to kill her. Now, he must have her or go crazy, but he cannot. To touch would burn her. The two want to be together, but they must come up with a way or the desire may kill them both.
Best-selling author Gena Showalter spins us another wonderful and sensuous tale in her Alien Huntress series. Aleaha doesn't know if she is human or alien. She can take the form of any being by a touch. Wanted for theft and murder, she keeps her own identity hidden and takes the form of Macy, a cop who works for AIR, Alien Investigation Removal). But her identity is at risk to be revealed when a mission goes awry.
Breean, a golden skinned commander, wants Aleaha for his own and he will remove any obstacle in his way. He sees her double face and wants Aleaha, not Macy. But Breean has time; he's captured Aleaha and her comrades and is holding them until AIR and his band can come to an agreement. But he has no plans to let Aleaha go, and she really doesn't want him to. But she may have to bring him harm if he doesn't release her fellow workers soon.
Two stories that sizzle and burn. Paranormal romance, fantastic action, and sensual and steaming romance by two best-selling authors! A decadent treat!
