The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld, Book 3) by Gena Showalter (2008)

A very good story and I am still enjoying the series. The only caution I would have about this book is that it deals with some highly disturbing images in which Reyes does violence to himself in order to sate his demon, Pain. If this is not something you can stomach, I'd caution skipping this book. ( )

A very good story and I am still enjoying the series. The only caution I would have about this book is that it deals with some highly disturbing images in which Reyes does violence to himself in order to sate his demon, Pain. If this is not something you can stomach, I'd caution skipping this book. ( )

Summary: 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 meandeath to all they both hold dear.

Wow, I just finished this and I am still in awe of how this book ended, it was amazing. The beginning was mind numbingly slow...unfortunately, and a ton of catch-up. The middle picked up a bit, built up some steam, well a ton of steam really, I love these two characters together. The ending, was amazing, I didn't see it coming at all...and it was expertly written. Most of the sad plot points were cleared up, except the one belonging to Paris, I am glad he chose his friend over his enemy women. I am also curious to see what will happen with Aeron and his little demon...and the fact that its a girl, is even crazier. Overall, after you get through the first few chapters, it gets pretty good. I like Reyes, but he does wallow a lot...and that got a bit boring. We also have a new enemy...we will have to see where that goes.

For information or for ordering visit Gena Showalter's webpage.

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There's nothing like reading a book and being captivated by a tortured hero. There's just something that lures us to these mysterious souls who think of themselves more demon than angel. Reyes is a wonderful character that makes you wonder if men like him actually exist -- without the demon part. I find The Darkest Pleasure a more enjoyable read because the pain Reyes feels is immense and all kinds of conflicts get bigger. (Did that sound right?) I also find the other two Lords of the Underworld books before this have been written to lead up to this story. Reyes goes out of his way for Danika while she is trying to figure out which groups of people she should trust and what to do to save her family. She tries hard to be a strong person for Reyes and for her family that is in hiding and on the run.

Reyes and Danika don't actually meet in person until chapter five, but that didn't bother me. The story stuck with me long after I had finished reading it and I think this is reason enough to say The Darkest Pleasure is better than the previous two (three if you count the prequel 'short story' entitled The Darkest Fire that can only be downloaded). Why did it stick with me? Because Paris, the Keeper of Promiscuity, makes an incredible sacrifice. Yes, there's blood involved, but that's not it. I almost cried. Gosh, this guy deserves a happy ending but I'm not hearing it, not yet. Maybe in another book...

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