Audio Review ~ Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night ~ Kresley Cole

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night by Kresley Cole
Immortals After Dark #4
Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
Release Date: June 5, 2012 by Simon and Schuster Audio
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Audible credit
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Her breathless kiss haunts him...
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.

His slow, hot touch is irresistible...
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.

No deed is too wicked for her seduction...
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?

This series just keeps getting better and Robert Petkoff's narration plays a huge role in my enjoyment! He's amazing - keeping all the voices separate and distinct as well as keeping the pace perfect - he's at the top of the list of my favorite narrators.

I was thrilled right off the bat when I started Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night not only because it's Bowen's story but also because it went back to The High - the Lore's version of The Amazing Race - which was the setting for the previous book. Here, rather than seeing only the repercussions, we got to see what actually went down between Bowen and Mari during The High and afterwards.

The intensity and suspense Cole created with the race to return Mari as well as solving a few mysteries - like is Mari really Bowen's mate? - was superb. I went right along thinking one thing and was shocked to find out the truth and to see the layers/levels of deceit that had convoluted Bowen's long life as well as Mari's much shorter one. I also appreciated the importance placed on words - you must be paying attention to every word - especially when Nyx is the speaker. ;)

Being witness to Bowen shaking off the rust on his charm and wooing skills was entertaining. Mari was not easily swayed with words along though watching her fight her attraction to Bowen was fun. But hearing the hurt in her voice when he let her down was heartbreaking.

I think this couple fought hardest for one another - in the series so far - and the payoff was worth it. They each battled insecurity, prejudices, and outside elements like magic. They fought hard and bravely though.

Bowen and Mari might be my favorite couple so far. But I've enjoyed them all. And I really like how Cole seems to be delivering an underlying message about prejudice. I'm extremely eager to get to listening to the next in the IAD series. It's Conrad Wroth's story. :D