Tag Archives: Lords of the Underworld

The Darkest Destiny by Gena Showalter-Review tour

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The Darkest Destiny (Lords of the Underworld/ 1001 Dark Nights) by Gena Showalter-Review tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 7, 2021.

Forsaken. Deathless. A monster in every way. Mostly, Brochan is determined. He craves what fate promised him—the woman who will help him conquer a heavenly kingdom. He will stop at nothing to win her.

Viola, Keeper of the demon of Narcissism, lives for a single purpose—treating herself and her pet to the best life possible. But a crazed warrior is now appearing everywhere she ventures, ruining her fun…. tempting her beyond reason and keeping her at a razor-edge of desire.

Though legions of males have attempted to win her, all have failed. Somehow, this rampaging beast is tearing down her walls, one by one, claiming he owns her heart and her very destiny. To be with him, however, she must defeat the only force strong enough to destroy her—love.

••••••

REVIEW:It’s been a while since I’ve read this author (I tend only to read her lords of the underworld series) so I was excited to find out she’s written another short story in this series.

Viola has the demon Narcissism contained inside her body (many centuries ago a group of warriors were guarding Pandora’s box, they were foolish enough to open it, all the demons escaped! As punishment those guards were made to live with a demon inside of them, prisoners of the gods were also punished with the demons)

So your wondering if Viola is a warrior or an enemy of the Gods?! (Read the book and you’ll find out ?She is also the keeper of the Afterlife (you’ll find out how in the book) Viola cares for nothing except herself, (well that the definition of narcissism) until her pet fluffy enters her life. (She thinks of her pet as a child) She lives only to entertain and amuse herself and care for fluffy, by taking immortal souls.I wasn’t a big lover of this character when she was first introduced into the LOTU (lords of the underworld) but in this book my opinion changes.

Brochan doesn’t house a demon inside himself. But he certainly comes with enough of his own issues! The more I read of him, the more I felt sorry for him (and to be honest, most of the characters in this series have a pretty horrible life) he was an angel until he fell (due to Viola! And now he made it his mission to find answers, then take her head!

This pairing was just great. How they meet had me chuckling, which turned into amazement, which soon morphed into shock!

Although a short story, it packs a whole lot into it….Betrayal, laughter, suspense and a few steamy moments. I understand the character a lot more after reading her background, she’s still not one of my favourite characters, but I like her a whole lot more now. Brochan was a great character he had so much potential and excelled beyond even his own expectations.

It’s not necessary to read all the previous books in this series (15 books and a few novellas!) as this book will happily stand on its own.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie ?

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over fifty books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, and the White Rabbit Chronicles. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs. Visit her at GenaShowalter.com.

Connect with Gena:

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The Darkest Assassin by Gena Showalter-Review Tour

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The Darkest Assassin (Lords of the Underworld / 1001 Dark Nights) by Gena Showalter-Review Tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 10, 2019

Fox is a demon-possessed immortal with many talents.
Ability to open portals—check
Power to kill the most dangerous Sent Ones—check
Scare away any man who might want to date her—mate
Now, the keeper of Distrust has been marked for death, a winged assassin with rainbow-colored eyes tracking her every move, determined to avenge the males she accidentally decimated. If only she could control the desire to rip off his clothes…

Bjorn is a fierce warrior with many complications.
Tragic, torture-filled past—check
A wife he was forced to wed, who is draining his life force—check
Ever-intensifying desire for the enigmatic Fox—mate
Never has he hesitated to exterminate an evil being. Until now. The sharp-tongued female with a shockingly vulnerable heart tempts him in ways no one else ever has, threatening his iron control.

But, as Fate itself seems to conspire against the unlikely pair, both old and new enemies emerge. And Fox and Bjorn must fight to survive.

And learn to love

•••••••

REVIEW: I’ve read all the books in this series. Bijorn was in a spin off series (Angels of the Dark) and I’ve been wondering if he’d ever get a book.

Fox has been in a few books too. And I’ve never really taken to her, (she seemed very cold and standoffish) but once I read why she was that way, the story had me liking her more.

The story has us visiting Fox not long after she kills innocents (“sent ones” who are angels) she is then attacked by Bijorn (he’s been sent to dispense justice after she’d killed the “sent ones”) captured and taken to his home, there she is thrown into a dungeon, to await her fate.

Back story on Bijorn ….. he’s an angel, (what class?) he’s an assassin?
He was captured a while back and tortured alongside his best friends (Thane and Xerxes) it changed his character. No longer the happy man his friends knew, but years together the three men have an unbreakable bond. And it helped to keep Bijorn grounded. Oh and he was a “wife”!! But it’s not a happy marriage, it’s a very one sided and poisonous one!!

Backstory on Fox ….. adopted “daughter” to Galen the keeper of both false hope and jealousy, she “houses” the demon Distrust. The constant nagging in her head (the demon tells her she not worthy, to kill anyone first, that way they can’t kill her. To always be distrustful of others) orphaned are a very early age, Fox has had to survive the best way she can. She’s also a Gatekeeper (she can create portals) a rare and dying breed, so she keeps that bit of information to herself. A skilled warrior and assassin, every bit as lethal as her title “The Executioner”

It’s a short story, so we don’t have time for Fox and Bijorn to have a slow relationship.
The trust between these two is slow in coming, he wonders when she will try to kill him, she wonders when she can escape. Bijorn is also told by his superiors that Fox has to die for her crimes (which he’s finding harder and harder to do) But after several incidents a tentative alliance is formed. Both fight their attraction to one another, but realise that together they are stronger. But one mistaken moment, and they are back to square one.

The story gives us more info on William (his book is next and widely anticipated) and the fight between lucifer and the Lords of the Underworld. It seems to be coming to a climax, so I have to wonder if the series is coming to an end?

I have to say, I liked this book, I would have loved a longer story. Liked how we go to catch up with old characters (would have liked interaction with a few Lords)

Copy supplied for reivew

? reviewed by Julie B

Watch the Book Trailer: http://bit.ly/35g4nh3

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over fifty books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, and the White Rabbit Chronicles. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs. Visit her at GenaShowalter.com.

Connect with Gena:

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The Darkest Captive (Lords of the Underworld 14.5 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Gena Showalter-Review & Excerpt tour

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The Darkest Captive (Lords of the Underworld 14.5/ 1001 Dark Nights) by Gena Showalter-Review and Excerpt tour

THE DARKEST CAPTIVE
Lords of the Underworld 14.5 / 1001 Dark Nights
by Gena Showalter
Release Date: December 4, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 4, 2018

For centuries, Galen the Treacherous has been the most hated immortal in the Underworld. With good reason! This bad boy of bad boys has lied, stolen, cheated and killed with abandon. Possessed by the demons of Jealousy and False Hope, he has always lived for a single purpose: destroy everything.

Then he met her.

Former demon turned human femme fatale — Legion Honey — sought to kill Galen, but ended up parting with her virginity instead. Afraid of their sizzling connection, she ran away…and ended up trapped in hell, tortured and abused in the worst of ways. Now she’s free, and a shell of herself, afraid of her own shadow.

Galen’s hunger for Legion has only grown. Now the warrior with nothing to lose must help her rekindle the fire that once burned inside her. But as desires blaze white-hot, will Legion run again? Or will the unlikely pair succumb to love at long last?

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

••••••••

REVIEW: The Darkest Captive begins with love letters to Legion, aka Honey, from none other than Galen. He makes it very plain that he wants her more than he wants his next breath. When Legion reads the letters, she has to admit to herself that she’s intrigued, and if she’s being honest, the letters make her yearn for him more than she already had. What Legion doesn’t know is that a horde of demons has discovered where she is. To say she’s surprised when Galen bursts into her little cabin, injured and covered in blood, is a bit of an understatement. Galen tells her that the horde is right behind him and they have to leave now. Even though she’s torn, she puts her tentative trust in Galen and they escape………..and end up in Galen’s home. As Galen heals, Legion is left mostly alone. Once she figures out how to save him, she’s torn once again. Surely he’ll forgive her………… And, once she realizes that she does indeed love him and want to be with him, she walks into danger to not only free herself, but to eliminate a dangerous threat to Galen and the other Lords.

The Darkest Captive has been a long time coming. Legion’s story is one of torture and survival. Galen’s story is one of betrayal and redemption. My problem with this story is that I’m just not sure that the two sides fit together. Don’t get me wrong, I love that Legion is finally happy and free. I also love that Galen isn’t as bad as everyone thought. A few of the previous stores had hinted at that anyway, so I wasn’t surprised. His ‘love letters’ were so far over the top that I finally just skipped through them after the first one or two. The actual storyline was a good one, although I think more needed to be explained. Overall, The Darkest Captive was a good read, and one that needed to be told. It’s always a bonus when the Lords show up as they did, and I love the interaction between them and Galen. If you’re a LOTU fan, you’ll enjoy the read as well. Well done, Gena Showalter!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

 

He teed up Aeron’s number and texted: Just a head’s up. I’ve got my girl. She’s well thanks to me. Hades would have let her get jacked. You’re welcome.
Aeron’s response came in minutes: H told me you saved her. For that, you do have my thanks. But you’re going to have internal body bling if you don’t return her to me ASAP.
Galen: Give me a minute to find the fucks I give…
Galen: Still searching…
Galen: Sorry. Can’t find a single one.
Aeron: I love her, and I want what’s best for her, even if I must pay for her happiness w/ my life. Can you say the same?
Galen responded with a gif he’d made for situations like this. In it, he made a lewd hand gesture while the words “Look what I gave your mother last night” flashed in the center.
Then he typed: Listen, Dr. Usuc Atfilosofee. I didn’t see you braving H’s wards to help L escape that bloodthirsty army. (Drop mic.) (Pick mic back up.) She’s safe, ok. And I CAN say the same. I DID protect her with my life. So be a good daddy and let your daughter spread my wings. Over and out, mo-fo.
He returned the cell phone to the nightstand.
Legion gave a violent shake of her head and released another choking sound. “No. Please, no.”
He could imagine what images plagued her nightmares.
Uncaring about the flare of pain, he leaped off the bed to crouch in front of her chair. He lightly caressed her jaw, then lifted her hand to his face, holding her palm against his cheek. “I’m here, sugar.” His raw throat turned the words to smoke.
A few months ago, Galen had made a deal with Hades. Every time Galen completed a task for the underworld’s top dog, he earned a reward. All he’d wanted? The demons who’d hurt Legion. He’d tortured and killed every one of the bastards but Lucifer.
“No. Please, no. Don’t!” Eyes rolling behind her lids, Legion panted and groaned. Every few seconds, her fingers twitched, as if she tried to deflect a blow. “No!”
He ground his teeth. One day, one day soon, this beauty would rest in the comfort and security of his arms. Fear would lose its hold on her, and contentment would become her constant companion. I’ll make sure of it.
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he vowed. “Not now, not ever.”
She melted into the chair, a soft sigh leaving her. Pride suffused him. For once, he’d comforted rather than frightened her.


 

 

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over fifty books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, and the White Rabbit Chronicles. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs. Visit her at GenaShowalter.com.

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The Darkest Warrior (Lords of the Underworld #14) by Gena Showalter-Review Tour

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The Darkest Warrior (Lords of the Underworld #14) by Gena Showalter-Review Tour

THE DARKEST WARRIOR
Lords of the Underworld #14
by Gena Showalter
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 26, 2018

A searing Lords of the Underworld tale by New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter, featuring a beastly prince and the wife he will wage war to keep

He is ice…

Puck the Undefeated, host of the demon of Indifference, cannot experience emotion without punishment, so he allows himself to feel nothing. Until her. According to ancient prophecy, she is the key to avenging his past, saving his realm and ruling as king. All he must do? Steal her from the man she loves—and marry her.

She is fire…

Gillian Shaw has suffered many tragedies in her too-short life, but nothing could have prepared the fragile human for her transition into immortality. To survive, she must wed a horned monster who both intrigues and frightens her…and become the warrior queen she was born to be.

Together they burn.

As a rising sense of possession and obsession overtake Puck, so does insatiable lust. The more he learns about his clever, resourceful wife, the more he craves her. And the more time Gillian spends with her protective husband, the more she aches for him. But the prophecy also predicts an unhappily-ever-after. Can Puck defeat fate itself to keep the woman who brought his deadened heart back to life? Or will they succumb to destiny, losing each other…and everything they’ve been fighting for?

•••••••••••

REVIEW:

I love this series and I’ve read all the books, so I was so excited to finally get to read this.

So ……
background story …..

We have (14 books) and (4 novellas) and to be honest the series does need to be read in order (lots of original characters are in all the books)

Lords of the underworld ….. These were immortal guards sworn to protect a secret… Pandora’s Box.

But they were tricked into killing the keeper of the box and opening the lid ….. releasing evil demons (negative emotions and feelings) into the world. The gods were angry and made the guards into prisons to “house” the demons.

And to add further insult, the guards were “marked” with huge ragged butterflies on the bodies. The guards were then kicked out of Olympus and forced to live in the “mortal world”, for centuries they warred, and caused untold misery on the earth, until they got control of their “demons” …….

Each book deals with a warrior and his “demon” the eternal struggle they have to do “right” in the world……

Further in the series, we find out that too many demons were released, so others were used to “contain” the demons (Demi gods and prisoners of war)

The back story is to regain the pieces of the box, to put the box back together and to release the demons back into the box…..

simple !!!! Not by a long shot …..

we have double dealings, back stabbings (literally in some cases) and everyone wanting the box for its powers.

So ……..
Puck is a relatively new character to the series.
He is a prince and a warrior.
He is a warrior unlike any other, no mercy, no surrender.
He is the “keeper” of indifference, he has been unable to feel any type of emotion without extreme pain, so he taught himself not to feel any emotion.
He doesn’t like war …. but you start it, he will definitely finish it.
He also doesn’t bed the same female twice, he doesn’t want the prophecy to come true.

Gillian is a human female, brought into the series relatively early on.
She was abused as a child by her family, and the lords stepped in and brought her to their home, she has been loved and cared for ever since.

Gilly has had a crush on William (someone who may or may not house a demon) ?ever since he rescued her from her family, and she was determined to “marry him” when she grew up, that childish crush turned into love. And although William “loved” his Gilly, he was her protector, but somewhere along the line, his feelings changed (but William has a destiny all of his own)

We set the scene for Puck and Gilly a couple of books back (only snippets), Gilly becomes ill and will die unless “bonded” to an immortal. Why Puck ? Why not William ? (All is explained in the book)

So I was anxious to see when Gena would take us (the fans had really wanted William and Gilly to have a HEA)

Gilly hates Puck on sight, as far as she is concerned the sooner her “marriage” to this monster ends the better, she is determined to go ahead and still be with William.

Gilly knows all about “monsters” both human and demon, and she’s prepared to fight to get what she wants.

Puck on the other hand is surprised that he “feels” something for this female, he had to bond with her in order to get what he wants (his kingdom) but he intends to let her go, once he gets it.

So ….. we have two main characters they don’t really like each other (and we have a third on the outside, waiting to kill Puck and regain Gilly)

And that’s not even to say they get a HEA (the prophecy says that he gets an UHEA (unhappy ever after) !!!!

The book is very fast paced, meeting characters from previous books always makes me smile.
The twists and turns keep you guessing as to whom gets Gilly, and do we get closer to finding Pandora’s Box ? There are a few other plots along the way.

I personally didn’t want Gilly and William together……do I get my wish ? You’ll have to read the book and found out ?

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie ?

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over fifty books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, and the White Rabbit Chronicles. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs. Visit her at GenaShowalter.com.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

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The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter-Review and Pre Order Campaign

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The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter-Review and Pre Order Campaign

The Darkest Touch
Lords of the Underworld #11
by Gena Showalter
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance
Release Date: November 5, 2014

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2014

From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter comes the long-awaited story of Torin, the most dangerous Lord of the Underworld yet…

Fierce immortal warrior. Host to the demon of Disease. Torin’s every touch causes sickness and death—and a worldwide plague. Carnal pleasure is utterly forbidden, and though he has always overcome temptation with an iron will, his control is about to shatter.

She is Keeley Cael. The Red Queen. When the powerful beauty with shocking vulnerabilities escapes from a centuries-long imprisonment, the desire that simmers between her and Torin is scorching. His touch could mean the end for her, but resisting her is the hardest battle he’s ever fought—and the only battle he fears he can’t win.

REVIEW:

The Darkest Touch starts out with Torin trapped in a cell in another realm with Mary. As we learned in the last LoTU novel, Mary had struck some kind of deal with Cronus and had agreed to go to Torin periodically, in exchange for another prisoner’s freedom. The problem with that? Sweet Mary had no idea what a liar and manipulator Cronus was. And it cost her dearly. Torin was devastated that his demon, Disease, caused Mary’s demise. But, what Torin didn’t count on was a fellow prisoner’s reaction to the death. Enter Keeley, The Red Queen and one of the strongest and most powerful beings in any realm, ever. Unbeknownst to Torin, Mary was Keeley’s bff and had helped to sooth Keeley during her long incarceration. Once Mary was dead, The Red Queen swore vengeance on Torin. Only Torin was able to escape his cell, and Keeley wasn’t. At that same time anyway.

Once Keeley manages to escape her cell, she sets out to track down Torin so that she can exact her revenge. But, as things start playing out in their current realm, she starts to see that Torin really does grieve Mary’s loss and that maybe there is more to him than she initially thought. Add to that the creatures that are stalking the both of them and they decide pretty quickly that maybe they should rely on each other to make it through this realm and the next several that they have to cross to get home. Then, what do you know? They become attracted to each other! But, can Torin, the keeper of the demon of Disease, really put himself out there and risk sickening Keeley, even though she’s totally on board? Or, will he shut her out and never experience the one thing he’s always craved? Can she truly survive the darkest touch?

To say there was a lot going on in this book would be a gross understatement. It starts with Cameo and Viola still missing after being sucked into the Paring Rod. Cameo is actually stuck in a realm with Lazarus, whom a harpy killed in a previous book. William, the Ever Randy, is still mourning the loss of one of his “kids” and still as intense as ever with Gilly. Once word gets out that the Red Queen is “out and about”, all kinds of crazies come out of the woodworks. The Unspoken Ones show up. Hades…..Lucifer…….and, yes, even Galen…… Like I said, a lot going on. A lot of surprising things that are set in motion to play out over the next several books surprised me a little, but totally works.

I’ve been anxiously awaiting Torin’s book. Out of all of the warriors, he’s been my favorite. Never being allowed to touch anyone, being totally alone. Yes, he has his friends, but even they can’t touch him. No high fives, no bro hugs, nothing………………. So, I knew that his mate would have to be someone powerful. And, boy is she! She goes to bat for him like no other ever has. And what she endures will melt your heart. He never thought he’d find someone to love him like she does, but he got waaaay lucky with her! I think that they are perfect for each other. We also get to see all of the other Lords and their crazy, co-dependent mates. There’s even a girl’s night out with a certain minor goddess of Anarchy, a harpy or two and a few others. Even though it was a bit long (496 pages), I looooved the book and can’t wait for the next!! Well done Gena Showalter, very well done!!

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Copy supplied by the publisher

 

Excerpt beige

 

 

She appeared in front of him, displaying more tanned skin than she concealed, her hair falling around her face in lush, golden waves. Her eyes glittered with remnants of her anger. Her lips were slightly swollen and pinker than usual.
“Temper much?” she quipped.
His relief was palpable. She hadn’t forgotten him! But the relief was quickly replaced by concern. “Are you all right? Did someone hit you?”
She blinked with confusion. “No. Why?” “Your lips are swollen.”
She rubbed them, color heating her cheeks. “Someone didn’t hit me, but someone sure did hit on me.”
Hit on her. As in kissed her.
Already on edge, Torin. Utterly. Erupted.
He forgot everything he’d planned to do and say and got in Keeley’s face, snarling, “Who was it?”
Her eyes widened. “Hades. Why?”
“You dare ask why? You belong to me! We agreed. You do not kiss other men, Keeley. Ever. Have you for- gotten my rules?”
Her jaw dropped, and she gasped out a few unintelligible words as if she couldn’t quite figure out what to say to him.
He stood in place, breathing too quickly, too heavily, his throat and lungs burning. He reached for her, but as so many times before, fisted his hands and dropped them just before contact. This is crazy. I’m crazy. I have to leave.
“Are you…thinking about touching me?” she asked, her eyes widening again.
No, she had to leave. He could not be in public right now. “Go shopping. Buy yourself something pretty. My treat.” He basically tossed his credit card at her. He should be calm by the time she finished. “Come back in an hour. Maybe two. Actually, we’ll reconvene to- morrow.”
“You are,” she said. “You’re thinking… Even craving me. You don’t like the thought of another man’s hands on me, and you want to replace the memory with your hands.”
That. Yes. Hades would die, and Torin…Torin would touch this woman and never stop.
He gnashed his molars. “Last chance, Keeley. I sug- gest you take it and leave.” Soon. His control was almost completely shredded.
“No way. You’re the big bad warrior, yet I’ve had to come on to you time and time again. I’ve had to battle within myself—worth the price or not worth it. Well, it’s your turn.”
“There is no damn way you just suggested I haven’t done the same. I’ve battled.”
“When have you ever caved without prompting from me? You’ve resisted me so easily, always walking away. Sure, you’ve snarled while you’ve done the walking, but still you left me behind. So, tell me. When did you ever—”
“So easily?” he roared. Had she just said so easily? She had no clue about the intensity of his need—but he would teach her better.
Torin cupped her by the nape, yanked her close and smashed his mouth against hers. The kiss was a brutal assault meant to silence her, to dominate and possess. He held her still, making her take it, take everything. But the moment she softened against him, welcomed him inside her mouth, the darkness churning inside him switched gears. From the need to punish and master to the need to seduce and please.
This was Keeley. His princess. She deserved his best. He gentled the pressure, rolling his tongue inside her mouth, learning her all over again, tasting her. Summer berries and melted honey. So sweet. And mine. All mine. He framed her cheeks, angled her head and rolled his tongue just a little deeper. This time, she met him with
a roll of her own.
That was his undoing.


Q&A

-Do you find that you relate to any of your characters? Or are they inspired by someone else in your life?

I think there are bits and pieces of the people I love in all my characters—except the truly awful characters, of course.(Kind of felt like I had to add that last part orI’d run the risk of being mobbed. Because you know, everyone I love is super nice. Always.)

-What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing the series (or THE DARKEST TOUCH) in particular?

Because Torin is possessed by the demon of Disease, he is unable to touch a lover skin-to-skin without killing her and kicking off a worldwide plague. In a romance novel, the hero touching his heroine is maybe kinda sorta a wee bit imperative LOL. And I didn’t want to compromise and make Keeley the only woman in the world immune to the warrior’s demon. I saw a clear cut path to happily ever after for the pair and while it was fraught with turmoil and hardship, the light at the end never stopped shining.

The Darkest Touch Pre Order Banner

 

THE DARKEST TOUCH pre-order campaign

About :
If the publisher reaches 15,000 pre-order for The Darkest Touch before the November 25th release date, Gena Showalter will:

-Post a never before seen excerpt from The Darkest Touch
-select one winner for a Swarovksi Two-Tone Crystal Butterfly Pendant
Necklace
-select winners for 1 of 10 signed posters of the Darkest Touch cover,
just in time for Christmas.

(prize winners announced on her website for 10,000 goal already reached!)

To enter The Darkest Touch Pre-Order Campaign, visit

http://members.genashowalter.com/page/the-darkest-touch for details.

 Amazon * Kindle * Barnes * Nook * Book Depository with worldwide shipping * BAM * Indie Bound *Chapters.Indigo * Kobo * 

About The Author beige

Gena ShowalterGoodreads /Website /Twitter /Facebook

Gena Showalter is a 
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author whose books have appeared in
Cosmopolitan and 
Seventeen magazines, as well as Entertainment Weekly. Her novel
Red Handed has been optioned by Sony Television. Critics have called her books “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories,” while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise.” Her mix of humor,
danger and wickedly hot sex provides wildly sensual page-turners sure to enthrall.

 

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The Darkest Craving (Lords of the Underworld #10) by Gena Showalter-a review

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The Darkest Craving (Lords of the Underworld #10) by Gena Showalter-a review

the-darkest-craving

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Lords of the Underworld – Book 10

About the book: Released July 30, 2013

Having endured weeks of torture in the bowels of hell, Kane wants nothing to do with his beautiful rescuer, Josephina Aisling. The half-Fae female threatens to awaken the demon of Disaster inside him—a beast he’s determined to kill, no matter the price.

Josephina is hunted by a brutal enemy—her royal family—and Kane is her only source of protection. He’s also the only male to ever set her aflame, and even he succumbs to the heat. But as they navigate the treacherous world of the Fae, they are forced to make a choice: live apart…or die together.

Review:

I’m not quite sure where to begin with this review. To say I’ve been looking forward to Kane’s book would be a gross understatement. He’s been trapped in hell, literally, for quite a while. He endured horrible torture and was rescued, not by the Lords, but a half-human, half-Fae woman. Okay, she does have the power to absorb others’ powers, which makes her very powerful, if only for a brief time. And once she gets him out of hell, a couple of the Lords do show up and take him back to the fortress, only to have Kane obsess over the petite Josephina. His demon, Disaster, rebels when Kane thinks of Josephina as his, but that doesn’t quell his overwhelming feelings of finding her. Once he makes his decision (which is heartbreaking) to leave and find her, William decides to accompany him to aid in his quest.

There are a couple of factions in play. There is a Phoenix hunting Josephina (Tinker Bell or Tink as Kane has nicknamed her) and her Fae family. She has escaped the Fae realm with her own quest…..to die. And, Kane had promised to kill her when she rescued him in hell, but Kane didn’t count on developing feelings for her. Seems she is the one who has to take the punishment that her father, the king of the Fae, doles out to his other, “legitimate”, daughter when said daughter commits a punishable offense.

Once Kane, and William, find Tink and enter into the Fae realm, Kane discovers just how horrid she is treated there. The queen despises her due to the fact that she is the daughter of one of the king’s mistresses, who died a long time ago. Instead of having a life of luxury like her other siblings, Tink is a servant to the royal family and is shunned at every turn. That does not sit well with Kane. The Lords are revered in the Fae realm and Kane is treated like royalty. Once the king decides that Kane will marry Tink’s half sister, Kane manipulates the situation so that no more harm will come to Josephina and has her, basically, turned over to his care. Kane, at first, has every intention in marrying the king’s daughter, but soon decides that that will never happen. His growing feelings for Tink, and hers for him, have him scrambling for some sort of resolution. And, what a resolution it is.

I liked Darkest Craving. The rub with that? I usually LOVE Showalter’s books. I was so so happy that we got to see a lot of the other Lords and their mates in this book. And, William. He plays a big part in Kane’s story, as do his “kids”, Red, Black, Green and White. Loved the banter between he and Kane.

However, the banter between Kane and Josephina was almost juvenile. I don’t quite know how to describe it. It was just…..lacking. It did get better towards the end of the book, but I was so worn out by then, I was just ready for it to be over. Where I normally read a LOTU book in a night or two, it took me several to get through this one. There are subplots going on as well. Torin, keeper of Disease, and Cameo, keeper of Misery, have things going on throughout this book, and while I know that she did it to build up to her next book, it fell short for me. Literally left me scratching my head wondering what in the hell was going on. Showalter’s writing style has changed over the past year. Whereas I don’t read these books for the sex, the fact that they don’t consummate their relationship until page 316 didn’t work for me. You get used to an author’s writing and storytelling style, and when they veer off from that, it is a letdown. At least for me it is. Don’t get me wrong, there were some great scenes in this book and we get to see what’s going on with the others as well, which is always a plus in my book. But I just expected more from Kane after having been trapped in hell for so long.

All in all, it was a good book, but not great for me. It is a necessary read in the continuation of the storyline due to things that happen that can be a game changer for the others whom yet to have their story told. Showalter has a huge fan base, and I know that as some of you read this review, you’ll totally disagree with me. That’s the beauty of reviews, in my humble opinion. We all read the same thing and come away with something different. Unfortunately, I came away feeling slighted.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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The Darkest Craving by Gena Showalter-Blog Tour and Giveaway

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The Darkest Craving by Gena Showalter-Blog Tour and Giveaway

DARKEST CRAVING Tour Button

The Darkest Craving (Lords of the Underworld #10)
by Gena Showalter
Release Date: July 30, 2013

 The Darkest Craving

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Having endured weeks of torture in the bowels of hell, Kane wants nothing to do with his beautiful rescuer, Josephina Aisling. The half-Fae female threatens to awaken the demon of Disaster inside him—a beast he’s determined to kill, no matter the price.

Josephina is hunted by a brutal enemy—her royal family—and Kane is her only source of protection. He’s also the only male to ever set her aflame, and even he succumbs to the heat. But as they navigate the treacherous world of the Fae, they are forced to make a choice: live apart…or die together.

Lords of the Underworld Collage

Long ago, twelve immortals warriors – each more dangerously seductive than the last — stole and opened Pandora’s box, unleashing the evil from within. Now they carry that evil within themselves. Violence, Pain, Death, Disease, Disaster, Misery, Doubt, Promiscuity, Defeat, Lies, Secrets, and Wrath. When a powerful enemy returns, they will travel the world in search of a sacred relic of the gods – one that threatens to destroy them all.

Reading Order:
The Darkest Fire
The Darkest Night
The Darkest Kiss
The Darkest Pleasure
The Darkest Prison
The Darkest Whisper
Heart of Darkness (Anthology)
After Dark (Anthology)
The Darkest Passion
The Darkest Lie
The Darkest Secret
The Darkest Surrender
The Darkest Seduction
The Darkest Craving

About The Author Black and yellow

GenaShowalter2Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the White Rabbit Chronicles, Otherworld Assassins, Angels of the Dark, Lords of the Underworld, and several of other series.  She has written over thirty novels and novellas.  Her books have appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazine, and have been translated in multiple languages.  

Connect with Gena:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

 

Rafflecopter Giveaway Black andYellow

Gena is giving away the following prizes at the end of her tour:

GRAND PRIZE: $100.00 gift card to Amazon

RUNNERS-UP: Two (2) runners-up will receive a paperback of THE DARKEST CRAVING

OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway.  If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter.

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Lords of the Underworld by Gena Showalter – a Synopsis

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Lords of the Underworld by Gena Showalter – a Synopsis

The Darkest Night – Book #1 – Released May 3, 2008
His powers — Inhuman…
His passion — Beyond immortal

All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she’ll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member — a man trapped in a hell of his own.

Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments . . . and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction — and a soul-shattering test of love . . .
Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive — and unimaginably powerful.

 

The Darkest Kiss – Book #2 – Released November 1, 2007
She has tempted many men…but never found her equal. Until now.

Though she has lived for centuries, Anya, goddess of anarchy, has never known pleasure. Until Lucien, the incarnation of death–a warrior eternally doomed to take souls to the hereafter. He draws her like no other. And Anya will risk anything to have him.

But when the merciless Lord of the Underworld is ordered by the gods to claim Anya herself, their uncontrollable attraction becomes an anguished pursuit. Now they must defeat the unconquerable forces that control them, before their thirst for one another demands a sacrifice of love beyond imagining…

 

The Darkest Pleasure – Book #3 – Released April 1, 2008

Reyes is a man possessed. Bound by the demon of pain, he is forbidden to know pleasure. Yet he craves a mortal woman, Danika Ford, more than breath and will do anything to claim her–even defy the gods. Danika is on the run. For months she’s eluded the Lords of the Underworld, immortal warriors who won’t rest until she and her family have been destroyed. But her dreams are haunted by Reyes, the warrior whose searing touch she can’t forget. Yet a future together could mean death to all they both hold dear….

 

The Darkest Whisper – Book #4 – Released August 18, 2009
He is the keeper of Doubt and his entire world’s about to be rocked.

Bound by the demon of doubt, Sabin unintentionally destroys even the most confident of lovers. So the immortal warrior spends his time on the battlefield instead of the bedroom, victory his only concern…until he meets Gwendolyn the Timid. One taste of the beautiful redhead, and he craves more.

Gwen, an immortal herself, always thought she’d fall for a kind human who wouldn’t rouse her darker side. But when Sabin frees her from prison, battling their enemies for the claim to Pandora’s box turns out to be nothing compared to the battle Sabin and Gwen will wage against love…

 

 The Darkest Passion – Book #5 – Released May 21, 2010

For weeks, the immortal warrior Aeron has sensed an invisible female presence. An angel-demon-assassin has been sent to kill him. Or has she? Olivia claims she fell from the heavens, giving up immortality because she couldn’t bear to harm him. But trusting – and falling for – Olivia will endanger them all. So how has this mortal with the huge blue eyes already unleashed Aeron’s darkest passion?

With an enemy hot on his trail and his faithful demon companion determined to remove Olivia from his life, Aeron is trapped between duty and consuming desire. Worse still, a new executioner has been sent to do the job Olivia wouldn’t…

 

The Darkest Lie – Book #6 – Released June 29, 2010

In this riveting new installment of New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series, Gideon, keeper of the Demon of Lies, fights to uncover the truth….

Forced to his knees in agony whenever he speaks the truth, Gideon can recognize any lie—until he captures Scarlet, a demon-possessed immortal who claims to be his long-lost wife. He doesn’t remember the beautiful female, much less wedding — or bedding — her. But he wants to . . . almost as much as he wants her.

But Scarlet is keeper of Nightmares, too dangerous to roam free, and a future with her could mean ultimate ruin. Especially as Gideon’s enemies draw closer . . . and the truth threatens to destroy all he’s come to love . . .

 

The Darkest Secret – Book #7 – Released March 29, 2011

In this sexy new installment of Showalter’s bestselling Lords of the Underworld series, the haunted Amun meets a woman who tempts him like no other…

Keeper of the demon of Secrets, Amun can manipulate the darkest thoughts of anyone nearby. But when the immortal warrior is chained and isolated to protect those he loves, death is his only hope of release—until he meets Haidee, a fellow prisoner whose beauty and hidden vulnerability draw him into a reckless test of his loyalty.

Haidee is a demon-assassin, raised to despise Amun’s kind. Yet how can she hate the man whose touch sets her aflame? But to save him, she must give herself body and soul…and face the wrath of a powerful adversary sworn to destroy her

 

The Darkest Surrender – Book #8 – Released September 27, 2010

Possessed by the demon of Defeat, Strider cannot lose a challenge without suffering unimaginable pain. For him, nothing stands in the way of victory. Until Kaia, an enchanting Harpy, tempts him to the razor’s edge of surrender.Known among her people as The Disappointment, Kaia must bring home the gold in the Harpy Games or die. Strider is a distraction she can’t afford because he has an agenda of his own-steal first prize, an ancient godly artifact, before the winner can be named. But as the competition heats up, only one prize will matter-the love neither had thought possible…

 

The Darkest Seduction – Book #9 – Released February 28, 2010

Possessed by the demon of Promiscuity, immortal warrior Paris is irresistibly seductive—but his potent allure comes at a terrible price. Every night he must bed someone new, or weaken and die. And the woman he craves above all others is the one woman he’d thought was forever beyond his reach…until now.

Newly possessed by the demon of Wrath, Sienna Blackstone is racked by a ruthless need to punish those around her. Yet in Paris’s arms, the vulnerable beauty finds soul-searing passion and incredible peace. Until a blood feud between ancient enemies heats up.

Will the battle against gods, angels and creatures of the night bind them eternally—or tear them apart.

Synopsis by Vickie

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