I’ve been super busy with the release of Spider’s Bite, but I have managed to read a few books here and there. Finished Deep Kiss of Winter by Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter. This book features almost full-length novels from both Cole and Showalter.

Cole’s story is called Untouchable and is set in her Immortals After Dark world that features vampires, Valkyries, and more. In this one, vampire Murdoch Wroth saves half-Valkyrie, half-Icere (think Ice fey) Daniela from assassins and finds himself strangely drawn to her — even though the slightest touch of his skin on hers brings her unbearable pain. But Murdoch and Daniela are determined to find a way to be together no matter what …

I’ve enjoyed all the other books in Cole’s series, and this one was no exception. I like the fact that Murdoch and Daniela’s relationship evolves over the course of several months, and that it’s not always smooth sailing. I also like that Cole references so many other characters/events from the previous books. However, you might wonder what’s going on in places if you haven’t read all the other books in the series.

Showalter’s story is called Tempt Me Eternally and is set in her Alien Huntress world. Aleaha Love doesn’t think that she’s an alien, but she can change shape to become anyone that she wants to be, including Breean, a gold-skinned alien who’s journeyed to earth in search of a new home for his people. Sparks fly when these two meet, especially after Breean captures Aleaha and refuses to let her go …

I have to say that I didn’t like Showalter’s story as much as I did Cole’s. Part of it was the fact that Showalter’s tale is focused on aliens — and I’m just not a big sci-fi fan. Give me fantasy stories any day. I also haven’t read any of her other books set in this world, which I think also took away from my enjoyment of the story. But if you like sexy aliens, you might want to check this one out.

I’m going split decision on this one. Thumbs up to another solid entry in Cole’s Immortals After Dark series. Thumbs down to Showalter’s story (because aliens just aren’t my thing). Overall, though, you get two stories here in one hardcover book, and what’s not to like about that?

Up next: Alaskan Renegade by Kate Bridges.

Books in my TBR pile: About 20.