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meganmreads's review
5.0
The Darkest Touch was absolutely amazing and definitely my favorite in the series so far. I’ve been dying to get Torin’s story, as I think he’s my favorite Lord because he has such a personality. Also, I like to think about each Lord’s demon and figure out what kind of heroine will offset whatever their demon does to them. But Torin’s demon is worse than even Amun or Kane, so I was eager to see what Showalter would do with him. I don’t know what’s been up with Showalter giving us such awesome female leads, but I love it. I really liked Josephina in the last book, but I think Keeley wins as my favorite heroine. She’s fierce, powerful, stubborn, and awesome. I loved her character so much. She was a lot like Anya, but less annoying to me for whatever reason.
My absolute favorite thing about The Darkest Touch is that Keeley was not immune to Torin. I know… that makes no sense. But it just solidifies my love of the series for not taking easy routes and cutting corners and doing the expected. I couldn’t have been alone in thinking that there must have been some random immortal immune to Torin and that would be who he fell for. I should have known that the author would make him work a little harder than that. I could just hug her for giving me so much angst and conflict. The entire novel had my head pounding and my heart racing because there HAD to be some sort of solution and it was killing me seeing them come together after Torin lost his battle of wills only to have her sicken from his touch.
I loved the chemistry between Torin and Keeley and the way they offset each other. I love that, of all the Lords, Torin was the least caveman about things. I think Torin is probably the smartest Lord because he’s not all alpha male all of the time, so I already respect him, but I also loved that he found a girl who challenged him, included him, and made him just a tad caveman possessive about her. It was the perfect balance. I know a lot of people will dislike Keeley (but I’ve practically hated over half of the love interests, so it’s bound to happen) and I know that a lot of people thought Torin and Cameo (yuck) would end up together, but I found the entire relationship with Torin and Keeley to be refreshing.
The rest of the plot was interesting, especially what took place with Cameo on her search for Viola. I am hoping the author makes her a little more interesting, but if there’s a Cameo/Lazarus match up, I hope it isn’t from her POV. I haven’t even heard her voice and she makes me want to bang my head against a wall. But I like Lazarus a lot, so I’m intrigued.
I am intrigued by what is happening with Galen and his obsession with Legion and I’m hoping that he will somehow switch sides again. After getting a glimpse of his POV a few books ago, I have to admit I’m curious about him. What made him switch in the first place? Does he regret his alliance with Rhea? Also, I kind of loved the moment he and Torin had a nonviolent drink together at a bar. It was kind of awesome. I just want to see him hop over to the Lord’s side.
I love the Lords of the Underworld series. I highly recommend it. It blends mythology and other paranormal aspects with romance flawlessly. You can’t really skip books because critical things happen with the overall plots, making the books harder to mix up or forget about, which is my biggest problem with other long paranormal romance series. Even though the main characters are the same type of being, I feel like there is enough crazy mythological beings and conflicts that I’m constantly on my toes and nothing gets old. I can’t wait for more. I binge read so many of the books and I’m so sad I’m caught up with all of them and have to wait for more each year.
My absolute favorite thing about The Darkest Touch is that Keeley was not immune to Torin. I know… that makes no sense. But it just solidifies my love of the series for not taking easy routes and cutting corners and doing the expected. I couldn’t have been alone in thinking that there must have been some random immortal immune to Torin and that would be who he fell for. I should have known that the author would make him work a little harder than that. I could just hug her for giving me so much angst and conflict. The entire novel had my head pounding and my heart racing because there HAD to be some sort of solution and it was killing me seeing them come together after Torin lost his battle of wills only to have her sicken from his touch.
I loved the chemistry between Torin and Keeley and the way they offset each other. I love that, of all the Lords, Torin was the least caveman about things. I think Torin is probably the smartest Lord because he’s not all alpha male all of the time, so I already respect him, but I also loved that he found a girl who challenged him, included him, and made him just a tad caveman possessive about her. It was the perfect balance. I know a lot of people will dislike Keeley (but I’ve practically hated over half of the love interests, so it’s bound to happen) and I know that a lot of people thought Torin and Cameo (yuck) would end up together, but I found the entire relationship with Torin and Keeley to be refreshing.
The rest of the plot was interesting, especially what took place with Cameo on her search for Viola. I am hoping the author makes her a little more interesting, but if there’s a Cameo/Lazarus match up, I hope it isn’t from her POV. I haven’t even heard her voice and she makes me want to bang my head against a wall. But I like Lazarus a lot, so I’m intrigued.
I am intrigued by what is happening with Galen and his obsession with Legion and I’m hoping that he will somehow switch sides again. After getting a glimpse of his POV a few books ago, I have to admit I’m curious about him. What made him switch in the first place? Does he regret his alliance with Rhea? Also, I kind of loved the moment he and Torin had a nonviolent drink together at a bar. It was kind of awesome. I just want to see him hop over to the Lord’s side.
I love the Lords of the Underworld series. I highly recommend it. It blends mythology and other paranormal aspects with romance flawlessly. You can’t really skip books because critical things happen with the overall plots, making the books harder to mix up or forget about, which is my biggest problem with other long paranormal romance series. Even though the main characters are the same type of being, I feel like there is enough crazy mythological beings and conflicts that I’m constantly on my toes and nothing gets old. I can’t wait for more. I binge read so many of the books and I’m so sad I’m caught up with all of them and have to wait for more each year.
raven168's review
3.0
3.5 stars
I know so many were looking forward to Torin's book, but personally, Maddox is still my favorite lord. Even so, I quite enjoyed seeing more of Torin considering how little he makes appearances in the other books usually. He's definitely just as fierce as the others, and his sarcastic personality was a lot of fun. And while it's not really about him, I so loved the shirts that he would wear that others gave him. What I didn't like? How repetitive he was about how he felt about Keeley and what she met to him and blah blah blah. It was pretty damn sappy and combined with his begging of the time was kind of annoying. Some people might find it sweet, but I didn't.
Keeley was an interesting character. I'm not sure if there are actual myths about what she is or not, but she has the potential to be quite the ally. I both liked and disliked her though. It's cool how crazy powerful she is, and she usually seems like a decent girl who just wants to wants to be loved after being betrayed more than once. But when she says she desperately wants to be friends with Torin's friends, but then acts like a total bitch toward them? Annoying. She is so damn arrogant and I hated that part about her. And she needs to stop thinking that she's a damn queen. All her people are dead, and she is a queen to none so I really tired of all her talk about creating a kingdom and making everyone submit to her every whim and wish. Yeah, that's really the way to go about making friends.
We begin with Torin and Keeley in the same dungeon, and Torin desperately trying to save Mari's life after touching her. We all know how that's gonna go down. Mari was Keeley's one remaining link to her humanity and with her loss, Keeley vows revenge on Torin. Keeley's voice has drawn him from the start and when he finally remembers he has the all key inside him (huge duh moment there) and escapes, he can't wait to see what she looks like. With her threatening to kill his friends he decides to leave her there and escape alone. But being what she is, Keeley manages to not only free herself but pretty much destroy the dungeon. Not surprising is that Torin hadn't left and so begins their attacks. But it's not long before they end up together going for the exit and protecting the other. Slowly Keeley's anger toward Torin ebbs as she learns and realizes more about him. And Torin? Well he's just having a hard time keeping himself from touching her he wants her so bad. As it turns out, his willpower isn't strong enough compared to Keeley's attempts at seduction. More than once he makes skin to skin contact, and each time she gets sicker and sicker. But she also survives. Eventually they make it back to the fortress and everybody is beyond happy to have Torin home. Can't say the same for Keeley. At least not at first. Their relationship continues to be rocky at best because each time Torin makes her sick the guilt overwhelms him and he tries to push her away. But each time she manages to keep him. Until finally he holds firm and leaves. Only to be taken by Lucifer. See, Lucifer and Hades seem to be on the brink of war and neither are above using any means to get more power on their side. That doesn't go as planned but it does lead to Torin and Keeley finding out how to touch without her getting sick and being able to stay together.
With the addition of Keeley to the mix, we not only were able to rescue all those we needed to, but now the lords also have a lot more information about a lot of different things. Like why they were really punished with the demons. And it seems like they just might be getting closer to finding the box and what's inside of it that could free them all.
What was interesting and maybe kind of odd was how important to this story Hades was. And all because after he traded Keeley away for a barrel of whiskey, he realized how much he actually cared about her and he wanted her back. Plus with her agreement with him at the end, we'll probably see more of him in the future.
And William. Oh William, you don't get nearly enough page space sometimes. But what I really want to mention has to do with what he said about Axel. The sent one who has been trying to find him...
Oh, and it was kind of nuts what Anya did to Maddox and Ashlyn's kids...just saying...
I know so many were looking forward to Torin's book, but personally, Maddox is still my favorite lord. Even so, I quite enjoyed seeing more of Torin considering how little he makes appearances in the other books usually. He's definitely just as fierce as the others, and his sarcastic personality was a lot of fun. And while it's not really about him, I so loved the shirts that he would wear that others gave him. What I didn't like? How repetitive he was about how he felt about Keeley and what she met to him and blah blah blah. It was pretty damn sappy and combined with his begging of the time was kind of annoying. Some people might find it sweet, but I didn't.
Keeley was an interesting character. I'm not sure if there are actual myths about what she is or not, but she has the potential to be quite the ally. I both liked and disliked her though. It's cool how crazy powerful she is, and she usually seems like a decent girl who just wants to wants to be loved after being betrayed more than once. But when she says she desperately wants to be friends with Torin's friends, but then acts like a total bitch toward them? Annoying. She is so damn arrogant and I hated that part about her. And she needs to stop thinking that she's a damn queen. All her people are dead, and she is a queen to none so I really tired of all her talk about creating a kingdom and making everyone submit to her every whim and wish. Yeah, that's really the way to go about making friends.
We begin with Torin and Keeley in the same dungeon, and Torin desperately trying to save Mari's life after touching her. We all know how that's gonna go down. Mari was Keeley's one remaining link to her humanity and with her loss, Keeley vows revenge on Torin. Keeley's voice has drawn him from the start and when he finally remembers he has the all key inside him (huge duh moment there) and escapes, he can't wait to see what she looks like. With her threatening to kill his friends he decides to leave her there and escape alone. But being what she is, Keeley manages to not only free herself but pretty much destroy the dungeon. Not surprising is that Torin hadn't left and so begins their attacks. But it's not long before they end up together going for the exit and protecting the other. Slowly Keeley's anger toward Torin ebbs as she learns and realizes more about him. And Torin? Well he's just having a hard time keeping himself from touching her he wants her so bad. As it turns out, his willpower isn't strong enough compared to Keeley's attempts at seduction. More than once he makes skin to skin contact, and each time she gets sicker and sicker. But she also survives. Eventually they make it back to the fortress and everybody is beyond happy to have Torin home. Can't say the same for Keeley. At least not at first. Their relationship continues to be rocky at best because each time Torin makes her sick the guilt overwhelms him and he tries to push her away. But each time she manages to keep him. Until finally he holds firm and leaves. Only to be taken by Lucifer. See, Lucifer and Hades seem to be on the brink of war and neither are above using any means to get more power on their side. That doesn't go as planned but it does lead to Torin and Keeley finding out how to touch without her getting sick and being able to stay together.
With the addition of Keeley to the mix, we not only were able to rescue all those we needed to, but now the lords also have a lot more information about a lot of different things. Like why they were really punished with the demons. And it seems like they just might be getting closer to finding the box and what's inside of it that could free them all.
What was interesting and maybe kind of odd was how important to this story Hades was. And all because after he traded Keeley away for a barrel of whiskey, he realized how much he actually cared about her and he wanted her back. Plus with her agreement with him at the end, we'll probably see more of him in the future.
And William. Oh William, you don't get nearly enough page space sometimes. But what I really want to mention has to do with what he said about Axel. The sent one who has been trying to find him...
Spoiler
I mentioned this in my review for [b:Beauty Awakened|15727731|Beauty Awakened (Angels of the Dark, #2)|Gena Showalter|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1350307293s/15727731.jpg|21405631], that I think William might be his brother or something. And now William says he won't kill Axel because "he has his reasons". I need to know if I'm right!Oh, and it was kind of nuts what Anya did to Maddox and Ashlyn's kids...just saying...
lovehina154's review
3.0
The only reason I gave this book three stars is cause I got to hear how my fav couples are doing. Hadiee and Amun, Scarlet and Gideon, and Atlas and Nike!!!. And I like the fact that Anna was scared of the Red Queen. I just wished it was Kaia. I felt like The red queen was just another Kaia. I waited so long for this book only to be disappointed. No sure if I should look forward for Cmmeos book. Though Lazarous and is still alive and I'm happy about that.
I am still happy that Torin got his HEA even though shes a total bitch.
LOL at Anya putting the twins in the Complusion box and compleling them to grow up.
I am still happy that Torin got his HEA even though shes a total bitch.
LOL at Anya putting the twins in the Complusion box and compleling them to grow up.
bibliofiendlm's review
3.0
I love the series and that Torin finally got his book but his love interest, Keeley was just annoying.
ashrowe's review
5.0
The Darkest Touch ( Lords of the Underworld#11) by Gena Showalter I LOVED every minute of this book. I could not get enough of Torin and Keeley. Their back and forth banter was great. I laughed out loud enough to look like an insane person. The heat between these two HOT! HOT! HOT!! Plus, to finally have Torin’s story, which I have been waiting for ever so impatiently, was executed amazingly! There was never a dull moment, The action, drama , humor and sexiness.
Torin loved this character since he was introduced always the man left behind and can’t touch anyone without a barrier on his skin. This book though he gets to come out swinging! Loved warrior Torin instead of behind the scenes Torin. There was a few times I wished I could have smacked him, but he redeemed himself every time.
Keeley… One word AMAZINGNESS!! I FREAKING LOVE KEELEY! She’s hilarious and doesn’t take shit. She’s got some mega balls on her and I love that she’s crazy as hell. She also has such a huge heart and has suffered her fair share. All that she had to go through in her past and all that she had to go through for Torin made me adore her more. Defininetly one bad ass bitch and quickly became one of my top 5 favorite characters I’ve ever read.
Also, the side story was WONDERFUL. I’m now anxiously waiting for this to come together.
Action packed Kickassery! Lots of sexiness! Amazing story! Great cast of characters! Humorous banter! Never a dull moment. I shall be anxiously waiting for the next book in this series.
Torin loved this character since he was introduced always the man left behind and can’t touch anyone without a barrier on his skin. This book though he gets to come out swinging! Loved warrior Torin instead of behind the scenes Torin. There was a few times I wished I could have smacked him, but he redeemed himself every time.
Keeley… One word AMAZINGNESS!! I FREAKING LOVE KEELEY! She’s hilarious and doesn’t take shit. She’s got some mega balls on her and I love that she’s crazy as hell. She also has such a huge heart and has suffered her fair share. All that she had to go through in her past and all that she had to go through for Torin made me adore her more. Defininetly one bad ass bitch and quickly became one of my top 5 favorite characters I’ve ever read.
Also, the side story was WONDERFUL. I’m now anxiously waiting for this to come together.
Action packed Kickassery! Lots of sexiness! Amazing story! Great cast of characters! Humorous banter! Never a dull moment. I shall be anxiously waiting for the next book in this series.
booklovinmamas's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
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
padepaul's review
4.0
I really like this series. It's so unique and so vivid I would love to spend time in this world.