The Darkest Touch
by Gena Showalter
Release Date: November 25, 2014
Publisher: HQN Books
Book #11 in the Lords of the Underworld series
Number of Pages: 384
Kindle Edition
Source: MCL
Paranormal Romance M/F
Rating: XXX
Read 2/12/20 to 2/14/20
Fierce immortal warrior. Host to the demon of Disease. Torin’s every touch causes sickness and death—and a worldwide plague. Carnal pleasure is utterly forbidden, and though he has always overcome temptation with an iron will, his control is about to shatter.
She is Keeley Cael. The Red Queen. When the powerful beauty with shocking vulnerabilities escapes from a centuries-long imprisonment, the desire that simmers between her and Torin is scorching. His touch could mean the end for her, but resisting her is the hardest battle he’s ever fought—and the only battle he fears he can’t win.
You guys, I haven’t read a Lords of the Underworld book since September! That’s 5 months! Unacceptable. One of my reading resolutions for this year (2020) is to not overextend myself on my reading commitments, and this is a prime example as to why I wanted to make that resolution. I’ve greatly enjoyed many, if not most, of the books I’ve read in the last several months. But I’ve been missing my old favorites, like the Lords. It was great to get back to them. Especially with Torin’s story since I’ve always had a soft spot for him.
It is truly magnificent to see Torin outside of his bedroom. Better yet, outside of the fortress. While I appreciate his skill with computers and electronics, and his expertise in these areas has helped the Lords in so many ways over the years, Torin has always been left behind. Who knew the guy could still fight so fiercely all these years later? And just like Keeley, it was my pleasure to watch him work in that way.
Keeley kept me a bit confused through the first half of this story. She reminded me of Anya (The Darkest Kiss) quite a bit (no surprise they don’t like each other at first) with her attitude and false bravado. Yet, she wasn’t as spunky and fun as Anya. There are things we learn about Keeley as the story progresses that helped me to understand the sometimes-flighty forgetfulness she seems to have.
Just like Keeley, I was getting quite annoyed with Torin’s push/pull of her and their possible relationship. Of course, I could totally get where Torin was coming from; but he wasn’t doing either of them any favors with his constant change in plans when it came to the two of them together. The amazing chemistry the two have is, I’m sure, the main reason Torin couldn’t stick to his guns.
I love that Keeley never rejects him for the reasons others in Torin’s life have rejected him throughout the years. Her reasons aren’t often great, but she has a pretty low self-esteem no matter that her attitude seems to say the opposite. So, in retrospect, it’s understandable when she doesn’t always make the best choices in their relationship. She doesn’t trust anyone to actually care about her for who she is rather than what she can do.
One thing that has bugged me in the last few stories is the way the other Lords react to the new mate, so to speak. Each time they treat the new woman with so much suspicion and scorn, even though they had been through the same thing and had to somewhat threaten the family in order to get them to accept the new person. It’s a bit annoying. Especially when it comes from the Lord that just recently found his life partner, so it should all still be fresh.
Of course, I still loved revisiting one of my favorite series. These characters just make me happy. I cannot wait so long to continue this series. There’s still so much to read about them all.
All In Good Time 