A review by booklovinmamas
The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter

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