We've almost reached the end of Authors for the Holidays but not quite yet!
We've got 3 more ladies for yall to meet!!
And today that's Gena Showalter who is just fabulous. She writes all kinds of Paranormal Romance from angels to immortal warriors and their demons to alien hunters. Dragons, vampires and even a bit of contemporary. And they're all really damn good with action, romance and steamy goodness. So, check out our review and the spotlight on the Lords of the Underworld series and head on down to the giveaway!
All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member -- a man trapp ed in a hell of his own.
Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments... and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction -- and a soul-shattering test of love...
Type: Paranormal Romance, Demons/Mythology/Immortal
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 5 out of 5
Oh damn. I have seriously been missing out on something fantastic here! I've had this one sitting at the house for over a year now and man do I regret not getting to it sooner. That cover is really flipping sexy and one of my all time favorites and the story to go along with it was just as delicious.
Alright so if you've been living under a rock like me and have managed to not pick up this series it's centered around Pandora's box and a group of immortal warriors possessed by the demons they unleashed on the world. Pain, Violence, Disease, Promiscuity, Death, Wrath, etc. So you've got lots of tortured hero goodness to dive into if you like that sort of thing <g>
There wasn't too much going on in the mystery/suspense department but I was actually okay with that. With The Darkest Night being an introduction to the series, aside from the yummy romance, there was just so much to learn about the different men and their pasts, how they lived, who they were up against, etc that I was thoroughly entertained and didn't feel like I was missing out on anything storywise.
Now, Maddox and Ashlyn. I just loved them. I can't resist a tortured hero and Maddox definitely falls into that category. His inner battles with his inner demon, and having to find a way to really live with himself, was fascinating and heart breaking and just nicely done.
And Ashlyn was a fabulous heroine. She's got a very interesting "gift" which was one of the things I really did wish had been explored and used a bit more in the book. I'm really hoping she'll pop up more in the series. One of my favorite things about her was that even though she's got a delicate innocence about her but she's also got serious balls which made for some damn good interactions between her and all these massive, broody, intimidating men suddenly in her life. I LOVED watching her shock and surprise the hell out of them.
And the two together. Mmmmm. I loved all of their interactions. From the not so sweet to the romantic to the make you shiver steamy.
"No more talk of women or curses."
"Well, now you've taken away most of our common ground." Her gaze lowered, fastening on his lips. She shivered. "I've traveled all over the world for the Institute, but I never dreamed I'd meet someone like you."
"Strong?"
A chuckle escaped her. "Yes."
"Handsome?"
"Of course."
"Sharp of wit and skilled with a sword?"
"Absolutely." Another chuckle. "But I mean a man...friend...guy. Oh, I don't know what to call you!"
He savored her amusement--and her earnest words. "Just call me yours. That is all I want to be."The love scenes were incredible and were the perfect mix of sweet and sensual and down right sexy which gotta say is my favorite type to read.
I really felt like I was devouring The Darkest Night as I was reading and doing so oh so greedily while soaking it all in. It was really one of the best "starts" to a series I've read and has me so excited about reading more from the series. The other Lords were fascinating in their demon possessed torment and I'm really curious to see how Showalter is going to work around each of their individual...difficulties.
Get Your Copy
Long ago, twelve immortals warriors – each more dangerously seductive than the last -- stole and opened Pandora’s box, unleashing the evil from within.
Now they carry that evil within themselves. Violence, Pain, Death, Disease, Disaster, Misery, Doubt, Promiscuity, Defeat, Lies, Secrets, and Wrath.
When a powerful enemy returns, they will travel the world in search of a sacred relic of the gods – one that threatens to destroy them all.
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of the White Rabbit Chronicles, Otherworld Assassins, Angels of the Dark, Lords of the Underworld, and several of other series. She has written over thirty novels and novellas. Her books have appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazine, and have been translated in multiple languages.
Gena and all her loveliness sent yall goodies!! I've got a SIGNED copy of Dark Taste of Rapture!
There may be a little swag too!
Leave a comment and fill out the Rafflecopter!
And don't forget to add your points into the Grand Prize Drawing over on the right ----->
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Great interview. Love her books. Thanks for doing the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteLove the covers. The book sounds like a very interesting read. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteAren't they yummy?
Deletethe covers are greats and i haven't started this series yet so it's a new discovery for me but i'm adding it to my list
ReplyDeletethank you a lot
They're really eye catching :) Hope you enjoy em Miki! I'll be digging into the rest of them real soon!
DeleteI'm addicted to the Lords of the Underworld series. It's one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteWoohoo!! Love hearing that!
DeleteIt's a great series! Each book is better then the last, or, at least it seems that way :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway and the review :*
Oooo yay I'm so glad to hear that. Can't wait to see what the next one holds!
DeleteLove this, =) i´m a big fan of Gena Showalter!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
//Linda
<3
DeleteSquee..I just love Gena. I have been reading her books, well, like forever. I was reading her since her first books and I think she is awesome. I so enjoy and collect her books ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for having her...
Lori
Oh wow that's awesome! So glad to hear that. I've got a lot of catching up to do but I can't wait!
DeleteGood luck!
I haven't read this series but I do like to read tortured hero goodness.
ReplyDeleteIt always makes for such a good read doesn't it?
Deleteloved book one in the series and tonight i will go out and buy the rest of them! love love gena!!! thanks for having her on today!
ReplyDeleteLOL no problem! I had to go get my hands on all of them too! Happy reading!
DeleteAnother 'new' author for me! Great review! Definitely got my attention.
ReplyDelete:) It's definitely worth checking out!
DeleteI love The Lord's of the Underworld. Gena is great!!
ReplyDeleteYay! Couldn't agree more!
DeleteI always love Ms Showalters covers!!! I have read a few of her novels, but not a whole series, and this looks like a great one to start with!
ReplyDeleteTortured hero's grab my heart. Thanks for the great review and giveaway! Hope I win. :)
Oh they grab mine too Pat! You just can't help but fall for them :) Hope you enjoy the books and goodluck with the giveaway!
DeleteI haven't read this series yet, but I love Gena's books!!!
ReplyDeleteAhhh so I'm not the only one! LOL Def one to check out in 2013!!
DeleteWell, you have some more books in this series to catch up with, and I think they all have those gorgeous covers.
ReplyDeleteI've got a good ways to go in the series and am so glad it's a big one!! Love when I don't have to wait ages for the next installment :)
DeleteI love everything that I've read by Gena, and I'm looking forward to checking out Dark Taste of Rapture.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year & thanks for the amazing giveaway!
elizabeth @ bookattict . com
Happy New Year to you too Elizabeth! Happy reading and good luck!
DeleteOh I love Gena's books! I discovered them through friend. Thanks for the awesome chance at a Signed copy!
ReplyDeleteYay! We seem to like a lot of the same ladies :) Good luck!
DeleteI agree-- I love this series! It has all the great stuff in a parnormal series, and the characters' psychological conflicts are really deep. My favorite is the Darkest Lie-- full of great surprises!
ReplyDeleteOoooo can't wait to get to that one Amber! I love a good twist!
DeleteI have not read her books yet. Will have to add this to my reading. Sounds really good. She has some awesome covers.
ReplyDeleteSue B
Hope you enjoy them Sue! She's got some really great ones to try :)
DeleteHappy Reading!
Great spotlight. This series sounds cool and I love the covers.
ReplyDeletemythic021@gmail.com
Thanks Vanessa! Aren't the covers amazing? They're some of my favorite PNR ones :)
Deleteheard GREAT things about your work
ReplyDeleteI HAVE Lords Underworld in my massive TBR pile
I had a sour incident - I need to get over it
best for 2013!
Hope you enjoy the series!
DeleteI remember reading Gena's books WAAAAY back when, but somehow I've lost track of her over the years. WOW am I sorry. I MUST READ THIS SERIES!
ReplyDeleteHeather
With so many authors and books to read it's amazing how fast time can get away from you before you get back to a series. I've got a couple like that too!
DeleteI love Gena's Alien Huntress series. I've only read the first 4 books and kick myself every time I realize I haven't gotten Seduce the Darkness yet. Devyn, King of the Targons, is one of my all time fav characters and I haven't read his book yet, something must really be wrong with me. The Lords of the Underworld series has also been on my TBR/wishlist for some time now. Thanks for the fun review. It's like a gentle reminder that I have to kick my butt in gear and start chunking away at my TBRs.
ReplyDeleteOooo I've only read the first in the Alien Huntress series. Than YOU for the reminder on that one! LOL I know I have book 2 here and really should read it soon!
DeleteHappy reading and good luck!
Anna
Gena's books are amazing great reads.. I have read the first 3 books in the series...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the great review of the book
Ahhh can't wait to catch up on the series :) Glad you enjoyed the first handful of them!
Deleteher covers are some of most favorite in the genre! but I haven't read any of them yet
ReplyDeleteMmmmhmmm!
DeleteLove Gena's books, and the book covers are fantastic, too!
ReplyDeleteThey're pretty drool-worthy!
DeleteI really need to go back and start over with some of the early books in this series. I remember being hooked from the first page when I started reading Darkest Night.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway opportunity.
Oh yeah it's one I'll definitely be re-reading some day :) Happy reading and re-reading!
DeleteGreat interview! I love her books...
ReplyDeleteI love Gena's books although i haven't read this particular book so yeah! Great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
Oooo you so need to! I think it's my favorite I've read from her now :)
DeleteI became a fan of Gena's because of her Lords of the Underworld series. They seem to get steamier and sexier with each book.
ReplyDeleteAdria
Breath of Life Reviews
Oh yay I LOVE hearing that. This one was pretty darn steamy. Can't wait to see how much more steamy they get!
DeleteI've been curious about this series, but haven't read any of it yet - I'll have to move it up in my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteIt had me curious for a while too. And once you actually start it you won't want to put it down.
DeleteOh my god.... oh. my .goddddd!!! how is it that you've just NOW started this series Anna?!?! :O These books are all amazing, I love Gena's work, and FYI... TORIN IS MINE!!!! >.< LOL Great review, I can't wait to see what you think of the rest of the books :D
ReplyDeleteLOL hey now look up above I'm SO not the only one ;) I'm so ready for 2013 to get here so I can dive into more of these on different challenges :)
DeleteI have a few of these books, but have not read them yet (I know, shocking). I have really got to get back into being able to read more each day (maybe I can find a way to not need sleep, lol). I have heard some really great things though about this series and author.
ReplyDeleteoh my word. If you find a way June you let me know b/c I would LOVE to get more reading in the day :)
Delete
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! I love Gena's books and LOTU are my fave.
Aw so glad you enjoy em too!
DeleteOne of my favorite author who I love and follow all of her current and past series. Gena is really amazing and I would love to win a signed copy of one of her books, especially in the AH series, since it is my favorite of all the series she writes. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYay love seeing so many fans in here! Good luck with the giveaway Sdylion!
DeleteI enjoy reading your books. Can't wait to read Dark Taste of Rapture.
ReplyDeleteI love Gena Showalter's books, especially the Lords of the Underworld. Such dark, tortured heroes, I love it!
ReplyDeleteOne of the best combos! She really does write them really, really well :)
DeleteLooks like I've been living under a rock too as I haven't read this series and it sounds like I've been missing out on something big! Great review for what sounds like a great series!
ReplyDeleteLOL I'm so glad I'm not the only one! It was a fabulous start and you know we're pretty damn lucky since we won't have to wait between book releases! Bonus for us!
DeleteI can't remember which cover I seen first, but I knew I had to read this series. I love those smexy covers. My rock must be somewhere in between yours and books4me. I haven't read any books by Gena yet. I'll send ya chocolate if ya let me win!
ReplyDeleteluvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com
LOL I do love chocolate! Would be too funny if Rafflecopter grabbed your name. Had that happen with another giveaway. The lady who was asking me if I'd picked a winner yet had her name pop up first. Couldn't believe it!
DeleteI really like Gina. She is such a good writer.
ReplyDeleteI love her books. I am working my way though this series now.
ReplyDeleteLove this series and have re-read (and re-read)...hot, humor, emotion-- fantastic!
ReplyDeleteHappy and healthy 2013!
ivegotmail8889(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great review! I'm a bit new to Gena, so thanks for sharing all the info!
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of Gena Showalter's YA books and look forward to reading some of her adult books like The Lords of the Underworld series. Thanks for the fabulous post and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteLove Gena Howalter books, i am very love The Lords of the Underworld series.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read her new books!!
I'm a big fans of Gena, love all her book, really hope can win her signed book, cool :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for interview Gena here, wow love all her books :)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Have to check out her books.
ReplyDeletethx u...i love gena showalter's books....:)
ReplyDeleteThis series looks awesome, will definitely be checking it out at Amazon!
ReplyDeletesusanmplatt AT hotmail DOT com
While I have all of Gena's books, I think my favorite series is still Atlantis. I just love that world.
ReplyDeleteAquarianDancer at gmail dot com
Love Gena, but don't have this series. Yes, I've been missing out! & the covers are wonderful, too.
ReplyDeleteGreat review asw well.
Thanks so much for the giveaway!! I've read pretty much all the LOTU books, and most of the time loved them! I think Aeron's was my fave (partly because of him and partly because Olivia was so sweet!).
ReplyDeleteLove this series! It is one that I collect and I have tried very hard to get an autographed one since to be completely honest, I didn't pay attention to who wrote what books until I read the first book of this series!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the BEST of the BEST!
Great review! EEEKK. I'm fairly new to G.Showalter as well. LOOOVED The Darkest Night. BUUUUT The Darkest Kiss is sooo much better. well, I just have a massive lady boner for Lucien lmbo. You're right on the dot with the heat factor. It wasn't that steamy, but it's okay. I too thought it was a great intro to the Lords and I'm glad I gave this series a chance :) Again, great review <3
ReplyDeleteAna♥
LOVE Gena! I'm not through all of her books but the ones I have read hooked me in so fast.
ReplyDelete