Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (Immortals After Dark)

Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night
by Kresley Cole
Release Date:  September 24, 2007
Publisher: Pocket Books
Book #3 in the Immortals After Dark series
Number of Pages:  386
Kindle
Source:  MCL
Paranormal Romance M/F
Rating:  NC-17
Read 10/12/20 to 10/14/20

Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed—until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.

Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It’s rumored that no one can tempt Bowen’s hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.

If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul—or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?

I’m going to begin by clearing up my own confusion. I noticed that some covers of this book say “Winter’s” and some say, simply, “Winter”. So, which is correct? I went to the author’s website and it’s listed with the possessive, therefore that’s what I’m using. (Although, to be truthful, I used the non-possessive in my First Lines Friday post.)

Anywho, this story was amazing. So many alpha males, most of who will make you swoon. Of course, the main alpha for this book is Bowen aka Bowe. He’s gruff and primitive and single-minded. He’s also loyal and broken and lonely.

“Doona bring me back to life only to destroy me once more.”

~ Bowen MacRieve

Almost two centuries ago Bowen tragically lost his mate, something he’s always blamed on himself. Ever since that day, he has been a shell of his former self. Moping around and pining for his lost love. Or, at least, who he thinks is his lost love. As I got to know Bowe, the more I realized his cousins were correct. Mariah was most likely not his mate…but is Mariketa?

Mariketa is a very young witch. Truly in her 20’s, not just looking that way. But she’s predestined for great things, even if she hasn’t yet learned to control her powers. In the last book, No Rest for the Wicked, we were introduced to the competition these two are involved in, the Hie. We also know that Mariketa did something to Bowe that has messed with his immortal abilities. When this story picks up, that is all explained. And the off the charts chemistry between these two is established.

There are many reasons this couple both feel they should not give into their chemistry. Of course, Bowe feels he has another mate that he has to be loyal to, even if she’s gone. Plus, to him, Mariketa is extremely young. As for Mariketa, she’s been left behind her whole life. First her dad, then her mom, even her first boyfriend. She’s not interested in playing second best to Bowe’s deceased mate, even if he thinks she’s perhaps his mate now. Can that be possible? Or did she accidently compel Bowe to have feelings for her?

Once Bowe starts treating Mari as his mate, we finally get to see his soft side. That man knows how to take care of a woman! He still has his alpha tendencies, but it’s hard to get annoyed with him when it’s all in the protection of Mari.

Bowen and Mariketa definitely have a lot to work out, but it’s a beautiful thing to watch them grow closer and closer. To see Bowe realize what true love is and how a mate should react to him is very touching. Mari has such a confident outer shell while she’s truly quite insecure…about her magic, her looks, even her personality. When Bowe isn’t putting his foot in his mouth, he starts building her confidence in ways she didn’t even know she needed.

I feel this series is getting better with each story. Granted, this was only the 3^rd in book, but still. I can’t wait to read more. As I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of alpha males in this story. I cannot wait to get to Rydstrom’s tale. That man (demon) was making me swoon and it wasn’t even his book!

5 stars