Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter Review

Goodreads Synopsys:  Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless--and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions at any cost...until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.


Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation--or her ultimate damnation?


Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter is the first in the Angels of the Dark series.  Zacharel first appears in Gena's Lords of the Underworld series.  The cold, unfeeling angel just posed too much of a challenge and I was just dying to read his story and see what it would take to break him down.


Zacharel is forced to lead an army of men who are all at risk of losing their wings.  The problem is, when they screw up, Zacharel pays the price.  He basically just takes what is dished out and doesn't have any kind of connection with his men.  He holds onto the wall he has built and has refused to care about anything or anyone.   Then he finds Annabelle who chips away at his carefully built wall.  I'm really glad that this is a spin-off and that we met Zacharel before.  It really helped to build his character and you have other experiences that show just how cold he is.  Of course I was also happy to have the appearance of some of the Lords.  Love me some Lords of the Underworld!  This book does work nicely as a standalone too, so that early introduction to Zacharel is not absolutely necessary.


Annabelle is a great character.  I'm surprised she's not a complete wreck after everything she's been through and all on her own too.  She's tough, has to be after fighting the demons for 4 years and putting up with the lifestyle found in an institution.


Oh, and I have to say.  I love clouds.  I want one.  They are better than mansions.


I loved this start to the Angels of the Dark series.  The whole process of the Winged Wonder's transformation was awesome and the ending was a big surprise.  Most of the time I can guess at the bad guys, but this one truly surprised me.  If you haven't picked this up already, I recommend it!  A big 5 stars from me!