This book was absolutely hilarious. I giggled so many times while reading that my husband started giving me odd looks. The funniest parts usually revolved around Ava and Noelle and involved them sniping at each other. They were the type of best friends that seemed like blood enemies to the casual observer. Poor McKell made the mistake of trying to insert himself into that situation, not realizing that just because they can criticize each other doesn’t mean that they’ll let anyone else do it too.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book. Ava was a complete unknown and the thought of McKell still being hung up on Bride made me nervous. I was pleased to see that Ava and McKell fit together nicely. He has some issues to work through—like being convinced of his superiority to humans—but he’s a nice match for Ava. How can he not be perfect for her when he’s cocky enough to wear a trophy necklace of all the fingers he’s taken?
We get to see a continuation of the Schon storyline and further details on the queen. I’m really curious to see if the author is actually going to pair Dallas with her because the thought of that kind of grosses me out. Many prior characters pop up here, but because this one revolved more around AIR their presence makes sense and feels natural to the storyline. We also got a nice look at the newest AIR recruits and some exciting hints about Noelle and Hector’s future together. I’m really anxious for their book and the opportunity to learn more about Hector. I’m nervous about what Dallas’s vision will mean for their relationship development, though, and wish I had the book to find out now.
I found Ava’s irritation about being short hilarious. As a fellow short person, I can certainly empathize with her irritation. Her temper and her desire to avoid feelings and mushy scenes made her fun to read about. She fit well with McKell who was impossibly arrogant and possessive. He thought he was the baddest guy on the block and was decidedly not thrilled to be taken down by two agents-in-training. I loved watching the big, bad McKell slowly fall in love.
The action is fast and the characters are over the top, but that is where this author shines. Ava and McKell have loads of sexual tension and easily bounce between sweet and sparring. It seems like their relationship works well with both attitudes. Plus all that sniping just cranks up the heat. 
I really enjoyed this read and think that if you’re a fan of the humor in Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series, especially the valkyries, then you’ll enjoy this one too.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was how the end unfolded. I thought the development with McKell’s family member seemed pretty convenient and random. It cast a pall on the ending but not enough to impact my grade too much. I’m still really excited to read Noelle’s book. If it’s anything like this one, it’s going to be a riot.
Favorite Quote:
“Want me to stay and read you a bedtime story?” Devyn asked. “Or I can share the painkillers I took from that nurse. You know, the one who has your flowers.” He reached in his pocket and withdrew a handful of white pills.
“I thought you said you gave her the flowers because she looked sad.”
“She did look sad. After she realized someone had stolen all her drugs.”
Rating: A-
Ecstasy in Darkness by Gena Showalter
October 26th 2010 by Simon & Schuster
Paranormal Romance
Series list
GoodReads Reviews
Tempting Teaser
About Catherine
Great review, Catherine! That cover is *clears throat* hard to ignore. This series wasn’t even on my radar. Is it a good one that should be read in order, or are there certain hits that can be read by themselves?
The next cover in the series is even better. Go look at it! *fans self*
I’d say this series should be read in order from the third book on. An overreaching story arc starts in book three and has continued through each one. Luckily, I liked them all from that point on, so you shouldn’t be stuck with any duds.
So skip #1 and 2?
And re: covers … ummm, have you seen the one for The Darkest Surrender? (Actually I might have seen it in your FV covers post). Can you say S-E-X-Y?!
*fans self with both hands*
You can read them if you want. I started at three and backtracked to one and two but didn’t enjoy them much. *shrug* It wouldn’t hurt to read them, though.
Yes, I’ve seen that cover.
Is that a series you follow?
No, I saw it from someone else – and immediately fell in love.
I’ve had my eye on this author since I started reading PNR, but haven’t read anything by her yet.
And thanks for the recommendation; I will go read the summaries and see whether #1 or 2 interest me at all.
This series came to my attention because of this cover. Hehehe, Devyn cracks me up. It’s always a good thing when him and Dallas are in the same scene.
Devyn is always so funny. You’re right, when they’re together it’s even better!
I just finished this book myself. Really enjoyed Ava, and of course, McKell. He was a total hottie. “Dibs.”