The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld, #3) in Dangerous Hero Addict Support Group

Nov 03, 2008 Danielle The Book Huntress rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal-romance, part-of-a-series, favorite-or-autobuy-author, owned-copy, enemies-to-lovers, brotherhood, psychic, tortured-hero, curse, greek-mythology

Although this series had a shaky start, I am really loving it. Heck, I'm a sucker for Greek mythology, so that helps. Throw in a tortured hero, and the battle's practically won. But, really, these are good stories, and I could tell that Gena Showalter is finding her groove. This series is much darker than her Atlantis series, and quite violent. But then, it's about Immortal, demon-possessed warriors. Comes with the territory. These books are also very steamy. Not too steamy, though.

Reyes was ve Although this series had a shaky start, I am really loving it. Heck, I'm a sucker for Greek mythology, so that helps. Throw in a tortured hero, and the battle's practically won. But, really, these are good stories, and I could tell that Gena Showalter is finding her groove. This series is much darker than her Atlantis series, and quite violent. But then, it's about Immortal, demon-possessed warriors. Comes with the territory. These books are also very steamy. Not too steamy, though.

Reyes was very tortured. I mean, what a curse! To have to hurt oneself to feel pleasure, or to maintain one's sanity. In a way, it was almost sickening for me, to see him carving himself with knives and hurting himself, relishing being horribly wounded by others. There was a bit of an ick factor there for me. Having said that, I was okay reading this story. I think that this was an iffy story, but the execution was well-done. I'm so not into that painful/pleasurable sex storyline, but I kept reading. I was glad that Ms. Showalter managed to keep most of that out of the sex scenes. Otherwise, oh, I would have been way out of comfort zones.

I loved how tender Reyes was with Danika, even when I didn't think she deserved his devotion. I tried really hard not to judge Danika, knowing that she was just being a human who was in a rough situation. But, I thought I would hate her forever when she started working with the Hunters. I was crying, "No. That's so wrong." In my mind, it was. The Lords didn't hurt her at all. They let her family go and protected her. Yes, Aeron was off his rocker, but it was clear that they were going to do their best to protect her and her family. So, I was on the edge of hating poor Danika. It was a see-saw with me. I was glad that Reyes was aware that she was considering betraying him. With his eyes open, I felt better about his willingness to show her such loving, selfless devotion. A girl can only be so lucky. In the end, I was okay with Danika, although I much prefer Anya and Ashlyn. Reyes loves her so much, I can't hate the girl, after all. And, I ended up liking the reveal when it came to what Danika truly was.

This series is building nicely. I am eager to read about the other Lords' stories. My heart goes out to poor Paris. I hope he is able to get a happy ending. It was great seeing Lucien and Anya, and Maddox and Ashlyn in their gushy lovey-dovey-ness. I loved all the smart alecky comments and sarcastic quips from the gang, as well. Anya makes me laugh, her and William. Lucien is sigh-worthy. I just love him. Gideon cracks me up with his lies! Sabin made me want to slap him in some scenes, and feel very sad for him in others. I hope she writes a story for poor Cameo. Maybe there will be a man who can love her despite the misery she inspires in those who hear her voice and see her face. The Hunters got on my ever-living nerves. Initially, I didn't like them as the main villains at all. But it turned out to be a solid source of intrigue, especially with the developments with a former Lord. I liked that Ms. Showalter took the Greek mythology and took it in a novel direction by focusing on the Titans.

Honestly, this would have been five stars, were it not for my intermittent dislike of Danika. Otherwise, it was an enthralling read that I found hard to put down. After this one, I'll take a break and read something else, so I don't run out of these books. But, I'm excited to continue this series. ...more

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Nov 20, 2008 Not Now...Mommy's Reading rated it it was ok

Shelves: paranormal-romance, lords-of-the-underworld-series

Not as good as the second book in the series but not a bad read either. I actually like the Lords of the Underworld much better than the Black Dagger Brotherhood and Dark Hunters...they seem more "real" to me...their characterization more believeable. And this book reveals more of their "human" side...the love they have for one another, their playfulness, their pain. Good times.

About the actual book: Reyes...sadly enough I just couldn't get into him. Sure he was h-o-t (dark eyes, dark hair, oli ...more

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Dec 03, 2009 Megan rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal-romance, demons-angels-immortals

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Book 3 of the Lords of the Underworld

This is the story of Reyes (keeper of the demon Pain) and his mortal woman, Danika Ford (who we met in the first book when Aeron [keeper of Wrath] was ordered by the Titans to kill her and her family). Well, we find Danika still on the run from Aeron. Reyes finally gives in and decides that he needs her. He is just a little too late as the Hunters have captured her. She is pressured to help the Hunters against the Lords. Reyes and crew do end up rescuing her Book 3 of the Lords of the Underworld

This is the story of Reyes (keeper of the demon Pain) and his mortal woman, Danika Ford (who we met in the first book when Aeron [keeper of Wrath] was ordered by the Titans to kill her and her family). Well, we find Danika still on the run from Aeron. Reyes finally gives in and decides that he needs her. He is just a little too late as the Hunters have captured her. She is pressured to help the Hunters against the Lords. Reyes and crew do end up rescuing her from the Hunters.
When Reyes and Danika are together they are hard pressed to hide their lust for each other, but they actually do this very well and only give in near the end of the book (and of course by that time it’s turned from lust to love). They also discover that Danika has some special abilities. She has nightmares which she ends up painting. They are things that she has seen in heaven and hell. Danika is the All-Seeing-Eye (a portal to heaven and hell, it seems), one of the four godly artifacts that help to point the way to Pandora ’s Box. They already have the Cage of Compulsion from The Darkest Kiss.

Paris begs Cronus to bring Sienna back to him (who was killed in The Darkest Kiss), which the god does, but he has yet to give her to Paris.

Cronus wants the Eye for himself. He takes Danika from Reyes. To get her back Reyes had to have Danika’s spirit transport him to her (in heaven) and fight Cronus. Neither kills each other but Cronus lets Reyes take Danika home and she promises to give Cronus all the information she can to help the god. Since she will only do this as long as she is with Reyes Cronus has to make her immortal. It looks like Danika might know where the next artifact is… it may be in Egypt.

It seems that Torin (Disease) and Cameo (Misery) might be starting up some kind of relationship/friendship. I am longing to read Torin’s story and hope one of the new books released in 2011 will be about him. I am loving these books (especially the heroes!) and I can’t wait to catch up with the series!
...more

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Nov 04, 2008 Wendy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: paranormal-scifi-romance, were-shifter-demon-faries-other, gena-showalter, pub-2008, borrowed, 2009-reads, part-of-a-series

I loved this book. I totally loved Reyes. I won't give any more away in case you want to read it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. ...more

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May 08, 2008 Jen rated it really liked it

Shelves: showalter

Best one of the series so far. Can't wait till the next. ...more

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May 05, 2008 Sayuri_x rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2008, paranormal, re-read, 2011, april-2011

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Jun 10, 2008 Auntee marked it as to-read

Shelves: paranormal-romance

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Jun 30, 2008 Sarah marked it as e-tbr

Shelves: short-list, romance-paranomal-fantasy

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Jul 01, 2008 Mahlet marked it as to-read

Shelves: pnr

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Jul 11, 2008 MelissaB rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal-romance, lords-of-the-underworld

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Oct 01, 2008 Ally rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2008, 5-stars

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Oct 27, 2008 Yz the Whyz rated it it was amazing

Shelves: gena-showalter, 2009-reads

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Oct 30, 2008 Holly rated it liked it

Shelves: gena-showalter

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Jan 16, 2009 Cindy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: keepers

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Feb 14, 2009 Jenny Rebecca rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance-novels, super-steamy, underworld-gods-etc

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Feb 28, 2009 Pet rated it really liked it

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Apr 08, 2009 Shannon rated it it was amazing

Shelves: paranormal-romance, gena-showalter, favorites

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May 17, 2009 Netanella marked it as to-read

Shelves: paranormal-romance

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Jun 22, 2009 Stephanie E rated it it was amazing

Shelves: angels-and-demons, own-copy, audio-read, kidnapped, part-of-series, bad-boys, gods-and-godesses, reunited-family, torchered-hero, good-narrations

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