Review: The Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter

 The Darkest Pleasure

by Gena Showalter

(Lords of the Underworld # 3)

Paranormal Romance

The Darkest Pleasure is the third book in the Lords of the Underworld series and it just might be my favourite one! Reyes, Keeper of the demon Pain, has suffered immensely because of his need to constantly cut himself. He hates that his demon finds pleasure from slicing a blade through sinew and bone. Where others would be shocked and disgusted to witness such a thing, Pain finds bliss. From the very beginning, I was very intrigued with Reyes because of his demon and the fact that he isn’t the friendliest of the Lords. What can I say? I love a tortured hero.

On the other hand, the heroine, Danika Ford has become one of my favourite women in this series. Danika possesses a quiet strength. Though she may think herself as helpless and scared, she has proven her courage and strength in many ways. I loved the fact that she still cares deeply about her family. Typically, once a romance begins, all other storylines are placed in the background where the focus is on building up the relationship. But in this case, the relationship between Danika and Reyes grows stronger because of Danika’s ability to love. Her ties never sever from her family even though they are kept apart. And her link to Reyes doesn’t waver either.

We find out that Danika is the All-Seeing Eye, one of the artifacts that the Lords and the Hunters have been desperately seeking. Dani has the ability to see into the depths of hell and witness the gods in heaven. With this unique talent, she has become a very valuable possession that others would kill to obtain. But somehow Reyes realized how valuable Danika was even before he knew of her ability. One of my favourite parts of the book is when Danika finds the art studio that Reyes had set up for her. It was such a kind and considerate gift that shows how much he cared for her.

Naturally, I was expecting some BDSM because Reyes reacts to pleasure and pain in equal measures. But I think Showalter managed to keep things interesting without going down that route. Because Reyes fears that Danika will fall into bloodlust as his previous lovers had, he keeps himself distanced from her in an attempt to prevent her corruption. However, they both find a way to enjoy each other without the hurt. But if Reyes needs to relieve himself, he should get a hold of the Brotherhood and ask Vishious to teach him a thing or two. Or call UGH (1-800-SHADE) to borrow some gags and flogs.

I just want to mention how happy I am that Paris chose Aeron. It was such a selfless thing to do and shows just how much the Lords care for each other. I hope he gets his HEA soon because he deserves to be happy.

Also, Aeron suffers a lot in this one too. Despite his demon clamouring around in his head, Aeron found the will power to stop himself from rendering the killing blow on Danika’s grandmother.

I can’t say how much I enjoyed this book. It’s one of my favourites of the series and I can’t recommend it enough!