I loved this book. It was just a random cover that intrigued me and I picked it up and wound up with a new author to follow.

I was completely taken in by Kreasley Cole's story. It involves all types of mythical creatures interacting with each other. And we're talking werewolves, vampires, Valkyries, EVERYONE. Her series is focused on a family of brothers, vampires mostly, falling in love with women who are largely half Valkyrie half something else. I really enjoy it.

The second story, Gena Showalter's, was ok but not enough for me to run out and start buying her series. It was actually quite forgettable for me. Literally. I writing this now I can't remember anything about the characters or plot.

So if you've been hemming and hawing over either author, pick this one up so you can finally decide.

4.5 Stars. I'm not usually a huge fan of anthologies since the stories are usually skimpy and short, but when I heard that Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter were publishing a book together I squealed with glee like a kid at Christmas. The anthology includes the long overdue story of the last Vampire Wroth brother, Murdoch, and the Valkyrie Daniela the Ice Queen and continues with a story from Showalter's Alien Huntress series. As a huge Kresley Cole fan I was completely satisfied with her contributions to "Deep Kiss of Winter." Somehow, Cole manages to fit in all the action and romance in her regular novels in half the pages. Those familiar with the IAD series will definitely not disappointed with Cole's contribution. The story of Dani and Murdoch was enough for me to pay the HC price. As far as the Showalter piece, I wasn't overly thrilled with it, but I still really liked it for what it was. I'm not familiar with her Alien Huntress series (LOTU all the way!), but I will definitely be checking it out. However, the reason the book didn't get 5 stars is that the stories didn't really mesh well, no fault to Kresley Cole though. Showalter's injection of Christmas in her novella didn't fit the story and seemed forced. Also, Showalter has a reference to IAD in there that is just odd and unnecessary. However, "Deep of Kiss Winter" is still worth the buy for fans. The book definitely changed my mind about anthologies! I also give each novella 4 on the "PL" scale. The whole icicle thing was VERY interesing lol.

I enjoy reading Kresley Cole's "Immortals After Dark" series, and really, finally hearing the mysterious story of Murdoch Wroth and Daniella the Ice Queen was worthy of the series. That it also incorporated elements of previous books was enjoyable as well.

My problem there-in was with Gena Showalters other half of the book. "Tempt me Eternally" didn't fit enough with Cole's books and really she isn't as good of a writer. It was diassapointing because the book is obviously at this point a hardcover, which doesn't make it worth the retail price. The story of Aleaha and the golden alien guy didn't catch my interest, and the vague reference to Cole's books and "Nixie's World" seemed unnecessary.

I have heard good things about Showalter's books and am definitely interested in trying out some her other series, I just don't think the futuristic world that she creates fits well with the Immortals After Dark and that they should remain separated and enjoyed for their own reasons, not grouped together in the same books advertising their "Christmas" appeal - which doesn't really exist.

The reason I bought this book was for Cole's story which was worth it, but I do recommend that you wait until it comes out into paperback because of the hefty price tag that comes with hardcovers. If you are, however, big Showalter and Cole fans combined it should be worth it for you to add this book to your paranormal romance collection as it contains signature conflict, angst, and struggle that goes with their characters trying to love - and leave - each other.