Review: ‘The Darkest Touch’ by Gena Showalter
The Darkest Touch
by Gena ShowalterSeries: Lords of the Underworld #11
Published by Harlequin HQN on November 25, 2014
SubGenres: Paranormal Romance
Format: AudioBook, Paperback
Pages: 489
Narrator: Max Bellmore
Length: 12 Hours And 51 Minutes
Source: Purchased
Audience: 18+/Adult
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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.
Fifteen years ago, I fell under the spell of the LOTU series thanks to a friend suggesting this series to me, and I’ll always be thankful to her for suggesting it. It’s definitely become one of my favorite series to revisit, which is why I’m doing a reread of it now (2024).
Torin is the Lord possessed with the demon disease, which means he’ll never be able to feel the touch of a woman due to the possibility of them becoming sick and dying or becoming a carrier and spreading the illness. Out of all the Lords, he deserves to find his HEA, especially when he’s been craving one after witnessing all the others receiving theirs.
The storyline from the previous book in the LOTU series continues in The Darkest Touch on what happened with Torin. Torin ends up meeting the FMC, Keeley, because of what he has done to her friend, which he was upset about in the first place. Keeley is not going to make it easy for Torin after what he did, but eventually, these will not be able to stay away from one another.
Torin was one MMC I was worried would never get a HEA, but thankfully, Gena worked her magic in his book and found a way for Torin to be with someone, especially someone like Keeley, who pushed him constantly. This book was not only action-packed and adventurous but full of humor, which is definitely something I expect with the Lords.
I knew the second I was introduced to Keeley Cael that I would adore her because she reminded me of Anya (Lucien’s mate), and I’ve always loved Anya and her feisty personality. I loved it when these two interacted because Anya was not going to let Keeley rain her parade. Keeley was one kick-butt heroine who knew how to handle tough situations, and she knew how to put Torin through the wringer.
Be prepared for some funny moments between Torin and Keeley because these two banter constantly. Torin will still be a worry wart about what will happen if he goes through with being with Keeley due to disease, but eventually, things happen, and it gets spicy between the two characters. Torin is the one Lord who has never been with anyone, so it’s going to be extra special for him, and Keeley guides him through it and brings out the lion in him.
This was another installment where Gena gave us glimpses of what is happening with other characters, Cameo, Baden, etc. Secrets will be let out of the bag in this book, and we will finally learn who took the Pandora’s box, and it’s someone the Lords know well. There is another antagonist now that Cronus is gone, and this person is not only a threat to the Lords but to others, too.
Story Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Steam/Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️.5
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of the LOTU series and I recommend reading in order.
Would I recommend this book/series? Yes. If you haven’t read this series and are a fan of paranormal romance, I definitely recommend reading this series in order. It’s a series full of action, romance, darkness, and humor that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Genre/SubGenre: Romance | Paranormal Romance
Trope(s)/Element(s): Fated Mates | Kickbutt Heroine | Virgin Hero | Tortured Hero
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About Gena Showalter
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of nearly 100 novels. Most stories fall under the genre of romance, be they paranormal, fantasy, contemporary, or young adult. She’s also co-authored a (delightfully quirky) cozy mystery series as well as a nonfiction guide about how to write a book in a year.
Gena is a dedicated mother, grandmother, and fur-mom. A woman under construction, whose life took a few unexpected turns the past few years. But she’s learned a lot and firmly believes her best days are ahead of her, not behind her. Chances are good she’s writing her next novel and already in love with the hero.
My obsession with reading started over 30+ years ago when I went to my first Scholastic Book Fair and found R.L. Stine's Fear Street series. Later, I came across Anne Rice's novels at my public library when I was fourteen when my obsession with vampires started. I was the girl who preferred to be a vampire over a princess any day. My husband says I would leave him a heartbeat for a vampire that looked like Spike or Angel (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) or Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries. (It's true, though, and he's accepted it.)
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