SWEET RUIN is the latest entry in the long running and always excellent Immortals After Dark paranormal series by Kresley Cole. We have two relatively new characters to the series here, and a story that is taking the series in a bit of a different direction. Josephine is a new Immortal, only 25, aimlessly wandering around New Orleans while looking for a way to get her little brother Thad back. They have been separated for 14 years, since he was just a toddler, and he has been raised by foster parents. Half phantom, half vampire Jo has spent her time all these years learning and experimenting with her powers. Jo meets up with Rune, coming upon him sexing four nymphs, and it's lust at first sight. Sex is what Rune does/is. Sex and assassination. The demon and fae mixed Rune is also quite the tortured soul, due to his harrowing past.

Jo and Rune hook up (in more ways than one) to chase after the Valkyrie Nix; which is really just an excuse to get to know each other and adventure all over the world. Jo is after Nix because she is holding hostage her now 17 year old (and also Immortal) brother Thad; Rune because he's supposed to assassinate Nix for the shadowy group he works for. Jo won't give in to Rune sexually until he pledges his undying faithfulness to her and no more side nooky. She is, unfortunately for her, hooked on his blood. Rune wants to seduce Jo; and for her to not worry so much that he must have his freedom to wander aimlessly to seduce any and all other women. They talk about sex, bicker about sex, think about sex, and fight over sex; in alternating points of view. They wind up doing everything but the full Monty, however, for most of the book. (There's a reason). There is also a great deal of mild to medium angst and drama. The book is really a New Adult story thinly disguised as a Paranormal Romance.

SWEET RUIN is a fun read; light, breezy, sexy, and humorous. Amusingly enough, the 'Ruin' of the title is a play on the nickname Josephine gives to Rune by purposely mispronouncing his name. The last quarter of the book picks up the pace quite a bit for an exciting climax. SWEET RUIN does little to further the series arc (a tiny bit at the very end), except to spend a little book time shedding some light on Nix, who hasn't had her story yet. As always, any time spent with Kresley Cole's excellent Immortals After Dark series is reading time well spent.

Book Summary

An immortal assassin is caught between desire and duty in this sizzling new novel from Kresley Cole’s #1 New York Times bestselling Immortals After Dark series.

A foundling raised in a world of humans Growing up, orphaned Josephine didn’t know who or what she was—just that she was “bad,” an outcast with strange powers. Protecting her baby brother Thaddeus became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo’s transition from angry girl…to would-be superhero…to ruthless villain.

A lethally sensual enforcer on a mission Whether by bow or in bed, archer Rune the Baneblood never fails to eliminate his target. In his sights: the oldest living Valkyrie. Yet before he can strike, he encounters a vampiric creature whose beauty mesmerizes him. With one bite, she pierces him with aching pleasure, stealing his forbidden blood—and jeopardizing the secrets of his brethren.

A boundless passion that will lead to sweet ruin… Could this exquisite female be a spy sent by the very Valkyrie he hunts? Rune knows he must not trust Josephine, yet he’s unable to turn her away. When Jo betrays the identity of the one man she will die to protect, she and Rune become locked in a treacherous battle of wills that pits ultimate loyalty against unbridled lust.