The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld)

I like to read series, were where are multipul caracters. The men are big, strong and powerful. There are good and bad in them, but they aim to control the bad whif the good. Very appeeling love story.

I really tried not to think of it in terms of BDB but it is all the same. The same exact concept. A group of men cursed somehow and they happen to find their life-mates that tame their inner demons. I've even read the novels after this, they are so formulaic and written in the same format. Very disappointing and mediocre.

One thing that I noted about the heroines in these series is that they have to give up their freedom in order to be happy with their partners, which is a pretty sad and condescending message to send. I was very disheartened how the strong female lead devolved by the end of the novel. She ended up giving up her free through both the curse and her father's gift. Really disappointing.

What heinous crime did poor, sexy Lucien commit to get saddled with this chick? Anya is annoying in the extreme and completely unconvincing as an ancient goddess. Some readers may enjoy her lollypop-sucking, name-calling, shoplifting, slang-talking ways, but I don't.

I have to agree that Gena is now 2 for 2 with the Lords of the Underworld. I love this book!!! What great characters!! I also love all the teasing that goes on about the books that are to come. I cant wait for Reyes, and Paris' books!!! HURRY HURRY!!

LOVED IT!!! Just LOVED IT. The first book in the series was really good so i expected alot of this book. I have to say it delievered far more then I expected. Right from the first chapters at the night club I knew this book was great. I read it in one sitting. The female lead in this book was the best part. Anya was funny, smart, strong, and independent. Her quit wit was a pleasure to read. While i love all three of the Lords of the Underworld series so far this is the best by a mile.

The Lord of Death Lucien has been told by the King God Cornus to kill the goddess of anarchy Anya or he will destroy his friends and weaken his powers. Anya has been secretly following Lucien because she thinks he hot and really wants to be with him. Lucien however knows she has been stalking him. The problem with the story is Anya acts and talks like a 8 year old with a smart mouth; sucking and licking on a strawberry and cream lollipop. Anya does not have any qualities of a Goddess. She knows Lucien is going to kill her her, has even attacked her numerous times and she thinks this is hot and sexy and she just wants to be with him. PLEASE I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO SCREAM!!!!! THE MORE HE ATTACKED AND TRIED TO KILL HER THE MORE SHE WANTED TO BE INTIMATE. I COULDN'T BELIEVE SOMETHING SO STUPID IT WAS RIDICULOUS!!!! The reason Lucien has been demanded to kill her is because she possess a key that Cornus wants and in the end he gets it, so why bother !!!! of course during the back forth the H/H fall in love and get their almost HEA!!!! VERY BAD ENDING TO A VERY BORING BOOK!!!!

This is one of only a few books that I have not been able to finish in my life. I usually finish a book and then make the decision on if it was a good or bad read. However, this book was such a turn-off from the get go that I had to quit. The "heroine" was supposed to be a goddess but used terms such as BFF and silly sounding sentences to talk... yikes. I don't know if it was meant to be funny but it wasn't. I was also extremely disappointed in the story - found it ridiculous. When I read a book I want to have either love, hate, or some emotion other then repulsion. I realize that the author has many fans - just not me.

Summary from Goodreads:

"Though she has lived for centuries, Anya, goddess of Anarchy, has never known pleasure. Until Lucien, the incarnation of death--a warrior eternally doomed to take souls to the hereafter. He draws her like no other. And Anya will risk anything to have him.

But when the merciless Lord of the Underworld is ordered by the gods to claim Anya herself, their uncontrollable attraction becomes an anguished pursuit. Now they must defeat the unconquerable forces that control them, before their thirst for one another demands a sacrifice of love beyond imagining..."

My Thoughts:

These books! I just can't seem to get enough of these books and these fallen warriors! After finishing The Darkest Night I was super pumped to read this one and I wasn't disappointed. Basically when I go to read book three I need to make sure that I have nothing planned because I am completely useless while reading these. I spent an entire Saturday afternoon curled up in a chair finishing this book- it was completely worth it! This book was just as readable as the first book and just as hard to put down. I find myself so completely sucked into these books from the very beginning page. The author is just that good!

What I loved about this second book is that we are learning more about the world that these warriors used to be a part of. A world filled with gods and goddesses and artifacts with magical properties. It is all so unique and interesting and fun to read about. Plus, it is all very dark and intriguing as well which is something that I am just a sucker for in world building. Anya and Lucien's relationship was just as hot as I had hoped that it would be which makes it all the more fun to read about. With this book, Anya has a curse that really affected her ability to have a relationship with a man (I don't want to say more and spoil it so I will leave it at that). This curse was something that Lucien and Anya were forced to deal with but I really loved the way that it was handled. I also enjoyed that we learned more about some of the other warriors and the demons that they are dealing with. The bonus scenes in this book were when we got to see Ashlyn and Maddox a bit more although the focus wasn't on them at all. I just loved their happy ever after so it was great to see it continue on in this book. My only complaint with this book was the ending. After all that build up for the first 3/4ths of the book I felt like the ending didn't quite live up to my expectations. It just wasn't as intense as I expected it to be. It was good and I wasn't upset with it by any means but it just felt a bit flat in comparison to the rest of the book. If that is my only complaint though....well, I can live with that!

Overall, I have become a huge fan of this series thanks to these two books. I am so eager to continue on with this series and get my hands on book three. I'm thinking though that I will need books three and four nearby though so I can continue on this paranormal romance binge. These books are so steamy and such page turners. I can't emphasize that enough! I am loving my time in this world and am so very excited to continue on. Highly recommended to romance and paranormal romance fans!

Bottom Line: Another great read that left me pining for more! I love this series!

Disclosure: I received both of these books thanks to the publisher as part of a TLC Book Tour.

3.5-4 stars

This was a pretty good story. I liked Anya and Lucien was good although there were times I wanted to kick him.

Anya is the Greek goddess of Anarchy. She was born under unfortunate circumstances, to a mother that was way to loose in her affections and a father that was unknown and not around. Anya was cursed when she didn't even deserve it and the curse makes relationships....difficult. Anya ended up in possession of an item that Cronos, the King of the Titans wants desperately and will use any method to get.

Lucien is an immortal that was part of group of warriors that were responsible for opening Pandora's box. Lucien was bonded with the demon of death and he has to escort certain souls to heaven or hell. Lucien loved a woman centuries ago but lost her. He scarred his face in his grief over her and so women turn away from him because of those scars.

Anya got involved with the Lords of the Underworld in the previous book when she helped out Ashlyn and Maddox in their struggles to get together. Anya became interested in Lucien and found that she had trouble staying away from him, using her cloaking power to stalk him while he remained unaware. Unbeknownst to her, Lucien has realized someone has been watching him and is just biding his time while trying to figure out who it is. Unfortunately, just as they start to actually talk, things get messed up by Cronos. The Titans have taken the heavens over from the Greek gods and so Cronos has the power to order the LoTU to do his bidding, which he does,, commanding Lucien to kill Anya. Lucien doesn't want to kill anyone that doesn't deserve it and so he tries to refuse but Cronos threatens to hurt the other LoTU if Lucien doesn't do as commanded.

Anya is actually pretty cool about Lucien being on a mission to kill her. She's very good at fighting and taking care of herself so she can hold her own against Lucien. The problem is that she can't stay away from him so even when she manages to lose him when he pursues her to attempt to kill her, she doesn't end op staying away for too long. I liked that even though Anya couldn't stay away, she still stayed strong. Lucien is confused about her interest in him because he doesn't think any woman could possibly accept him scars and all. He pretty much accepts Cronos' order without even trying to find an alternative (which I found very annoying) and kept trying to kill her off and on though a good chunk of the story. Thankfully, their mutual attraction makes it difficult for Lucien to keep trying to kill Anya and (eventually) they start plotting how to get around Cronos. Things don't go exactly as planned but Anya and Lucien do end up together in the end and starting their HEA.

This was a pretty enjoyable story. I liked Anya as the heroine...she did good at being a strong heroine even while being so obsessed with the hero that she can't stay away from him. I liked Lucien overall but his insistence in the beginning of killing Anya without even trying other options made me want to slap him a number of times. That was my only real complaint though and the story itself was well written and stayed interesting. I'd recommend this story. :)

* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a really good job.

This is my second time reading this story and, like the first time, it’s not one of my favorites and I had to force my way through it. While I really the characters of Lucien and Anya (even though she can be bitchy and not in a good way), I think the plot is a little boring and the pacing slow. There’s just too much globe-trotting and talking about unimportant things, not enough action, and the H/h are constantly lying and insulting one another. Lucien is covered in self-inflicted scars so he doesn’t think any woman will want him, so when Anya does want him, he doesn’t believe her and thinks she’s easy. The gorgeous and playful Anya suffers from a sex curse—she’s a virgin—but she acts easy so I understand why Lucien thinks this. Both characters have major insecurity issues and they don’t trust each other, but they argued more often than they made peace. It became frustrating after a while.
To me, the best parts of the book is when we read about the side characters, especially the bloodlust and pain Aeron suffers and how Paris meets his intended, Sienna. We’re also introduced to William for the first time and he’s one of my favorite characters in the series. Anyway, I cared more about these shorter storylines than the main plot.
Overall, it’s a good book with good characters, but the story is way too slow and hard to get through. The use of passive voice slows it down even more.
3 Stars

Disclaimer – I bought this book for my own enjoyment. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

I was disappointed in this novel after how great The Darkest Night was. I really disliked Anya who was about as sincere and brainy as a soap bubble. Just her speech was so irritating! She once says of herself that she talks like a sorority girl and it's completely true. She is just the living embodiment of a tease--that should be her demon, Tease. The whole book is this fever pitch of them mad with passion for each other but unable to do the deed. It gets really boring frankly. The book is about 95% Lucien and Anya with only little flashes of the other Lords, unlike the first book where we get to see cool glimpses of them working together and showcasing the aspects of their demons. This is just like one long lap dance. True there are the interesting conundrums of Anya's curse and why Cronus has sent Lucien to kill her/take her soul, but to me it was really agonizing to drag my way to the end to see how it all turned out.

It is very frustrating when you want to read a book so badly but have to keep pushing it back because you need to read some other books (that you've made a compromise to read) first. Well finally I was able to read this one after months of pushing it to the back burner.

What can I say! When I first read this series I was looking to start a new series and was given Lords of the Underworld as a challenge read and couldn't wait to read more. This series takes place in a world where gods are at war with titans and that immortals in between have to do their dirty work or pay the consequences while been hunted for the demons that possess them.

This stories are full of action, adventure, romance and sacrifices made in the name of love. What I liked about this story is that it kept me guessing. I kept thinking that Lucien was going to find a way to break Anya's curse. Then I kept thinking that Ms Showalter was going to let Anya keep the key somehow. I also kept thinking that somehow Lucien was going to convince Anya of his love and that with time she was going to remember. But guess what? Yup that's not what happened.

I was surprised at every turn with the clever ways Ms Showalter kept spinning the story and how she was able to make it all work. I just can wait to see what else is in store for this poor demon-warriors, I mead Aeron? Paris? This woman is crazy!!

This Anya was such an irritating and frustrating character. First half of the book, she totally panting over Lucien in a way that just irked me. No self-respect at all. This is my 2nd book from this author and although I was willing to give this a try because the plot is interesting, I find her characters quite difficult to connect with. Lucien was mean and then turned sappy. I did not feel romance in this story at all. I might try the newer books in this series later, otherwise, will move on. Don't want to read Reyes' story now when there are similar heroine complaints about Danika, too. Is this a trend with this author? I understand flawed and broken characters but there must be a way to make the lead characters relatable at least if not lovable?

Funny, witty and an amazing sexy romance. This is no doubt the odd couple. She is gorgeous, rather immature and hides a heart of gold under a very tough exterior. This alpha male is disfigured inside and out. His transformation however is so skin deep that despite his hideous appearance, he is a beloved romantic protagonist that most women would love as a partner. I really appreciated that although initially portrayed as superficial, the heroine was anything but!. She fell for a lonely, broken and physically unattractive guy. Very rare to see this type of relationship portrayed where a reader would find them sexy. But they were!. Their chemistry transcended it all. Just goes to show that even while living in a very nacrcissistic culture where external beauty is prized beyond virtue, this author thought to flip it and reinforced that inner beauty is everlasting. I loved the heroine's sense of humor. Modern genre in her speach made her relatable and extremly naughty in a vixen mischevious way. Hope we see future off spring from these two. The kids would be unstoppable and honery in a funny way. They made a great couple.

Lucien is Death - literally. He collects and delivers souls to their final destinations. He is scared, fierce, a man of few words, intelligent and merciless. He will do anything to protect his fellow Lords of the Underword.
Anay, goddess of Anarchy, after spending centuries locked in a prison for the dangerously powerful, she has escaped. After traveling a bit causing trouble, she stumbles upon a pack of warriors renowned for mischief and finds Lucien. At first, she plays it safe and watches him from afar, then raises the stakes. She decides to go after him with the intention of becoming his lover.
Their meeting is filled with lust and angst. But everything is thrown out of alignment when the gods demand that Lucien capture Anya and use whatever means necessary to gain access to a gift (a key) her father had given her.
Lucien is one of the best alpha characters I've read in awhile and Anya is his perfect match. I really enjoyed these two. Their banter was easy and their attraction believable. Their development as individuals and a couple was pronounced. I was thrilled when they overcame their obstacles and finally had an HEA.
This will be a book I'll read again!

Mythology, demonology, and sheer paranormal fantasy all combine here for a very enjoyable whole. The world in which she sets her tale is well developed and very easy to picture. The plot itself was simultaneously straightforward and complex. As a reader I could guess the general gist of how the story would progress but yet I hadn’t unravelled it all until a few pages before the end.

The intricately crafted characters that Showalter introduces to her readers are a pleasure to get to know. Lucian and Anya make a striking pair. The battles of wits and wills throughout the novel were quite entertaining. I love the way that Lucien speaks, as if even through his antiquated speech patterns he’s pushing people away. The hunters also had me intrigued. In general they are a mass of stereotypical fanatics, but every once in a while someone says or does something that really makes you question the mob mentality that they seem to hold.

As a whole this was an intriguing read. It was a great addition to the series and a unique read for those who enjoy the genre.

Not at great as the first but side pretty good. A bunch of woe is me on both Lucian and Anya's parts but this book shows us how stubborn men really are in the whole relationship part comes their way. Lucian/Death has met his match with the Goddess Anya of Anarchy, they are so much alike with their stubbornness. Anya has a curse and a secret that she keeps hidden from Lucian and almost everyone expect her best friend William a fellow Greek immortal she was in prison with. Lucian fights his feelings for Anya through out his story but his demon wants her from the start. These two will go on a journey to find Pandora's box but also on the run from Cronus to get what Anya was given by her father Tartarus. We get to check up on Danika but Aeron has escaped his cell and found his target but Reyes was there to stop Danika from getting killed for now. Also Paris got caught by a female that he needs to regain her strength but turns out pain old Sierra will be his undoing by catching him for the hunters and making his demon want her more than one time (his demon curse might be broken).

Reviewed at Another Look Book Reviews

I don't think I am connecting with this series. However, The Darkest Kiss was better than the first two books I read. The Darkest Kiss is one of the books where practically everyone on my Goodreads friends list has rated it a 5 and I am scratching my head wondering what I am missing.

I admit that the story got better and better as I got further into the book. I also think that the writing in The Darkest Kiss was way better than the first two books.

Anya was not my cup of tea for a heroine. She was constantly rejected by Lucien but she kept going back for more. Even though Lucien was very attracted to her, he did not outwardly share his feelings toward Anya at all. Yet, through insults and rejection she kept coming back for more and more and couldn't seem to keep away from him. Urgh! That drove me crazy. She was like a love starved teenie bopper and not a thousands year old Goddess. Also adding my eye rolling moments was that she tried to dress sexier and sexier to get his attention. I do not like my heroines to be so desperate and sinking to lower levels to gain attention. I know that Anya liked to dress sexy to begin with but to blatantly bend over in front of him while wearing a thong and a mini shirt or to show up at an archaeological dig wearing a maid uniform was too much for me. It all just screamed for way to much for attention and desperation for my liking.

Lucien was a pretty good character and he didn't hold too much of a pity party on his behalf. I felt it was way over the top that he scarred himself because the woman he loved died. That seemed like some pretty deep emotions going on there. So it really bothered me that throughout the story there were constant references to "never feeling that way before" or "never loved like that before". I kept thinking to myself that the dude scarred himself and set him on fire on a daily basis so that certainly he must have felt that way for his first love. I think it was the exaggerations and the over the top descriptions that bothered me. Here is an example of what I dislike:
"Her nipples were so hard they were probably as sharp as her knives" Really? Nipples so hard they were sharp?

I'm also confused on when exactly Lucien is called to collect souls as the demon, Death. Thousands of people die everyday (every second) but for some reason he only has to escort a handful of people to heaven & hell. I don't get it. There was a slight explanation provided but it still seemed like a reach for me.

The storyline is now moving forward with a treasure hunt and enough tidbits are included in The Darkest Kiss about the other Lords to hold my interest but I don't think for too much longer. The Kindle Lords bundle that I purchased runs out after the next book so I guess I'll judge better after the next book if I keep going. I only hope that I start to connect more with the series. I love the whole Greek Mythos and meanie Gods so I am curious and want to continue.

Teasers: strawberry lollipops, Arctic treasure hunt, hidden paradise, curse incentive to remain a virgin

Wow, this was infinitely better than the first book and I enjoyed that one regardless. The first one was world-creating and this one took it much, much further. I'm absolutely loving all the Greek Mythology intertwined in these stories.

This one centred around Lucien, keeper of Death, and Anya (his lobster!), Goddess of Anarchy. We first met Anya in The Darkest Night during her role in freeing Maddox from his death curse and Lucien, of course, is the scarred, odd eyed Immortal Warrior - leader of the Budapest Warriors.

Anya is deeply attracted to Lucien, Lucien can't understand why but is commanded by Cronus, King of the Titans, to kill Anya for secrets she holds dear. At first Lucien is going to carry out that command but, slowly, he begins to fall in love with Anya and finds he cannot.

Their story will take you 'flashing' all over the world in their pursuit for the one thing that can stop Cronus from insisting Lucien carries out his task.

In the meantime, the newly reunited Greek and Budapest Warriors are searching for Pandora's Box or clues that may lead them there. Aeron is still crazed with his desire to kill Danika and her family, Reyes feels deeply for Danika and won't allow him and Paris is still shagging his way through eternity although that will lead for some dire consequences here and I actually felt sorry for him by the end of the story. We even get a little glimpse of Maddox and Ashlynn enjoying their HEA with some joyous news.

I've read a lot of reviews that compare these stories to J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood but, while there are similarities, this is a whole new complex world and deserves to stand up there as one of the most popular urban fantasy series.

I enjoyed this book in the series more so than the first; Anya, the goddess of Anarchy reminds me of an annoying but fiercely loyal younger sister; she would needle and pick with you until you're ready to string her up by her toes (sidenote: what is with Anya not wanting to look at her feet?), but she will fight to the death if need be.

So she's all hot and bothered for Lucien, the keeper of the demon of Death. Lucien is all ginormous and stoic and scarred, but that just turns her on more. Of course Anya herself has been cursed, by the scorned wife of her father. Not to mention she's being hunted by Cronus, the d-bag king of the gods. Meanwhile, the LOTU are on the hunt to find 4 artifacts as well as Pandora's box.

This installment had plenty of action, but the last 5 chapters had too many different side stories going on: Paris and Sienna's story (and we have to wait until book 9 for their story?); Aeron, Reyes and Danika; and William (who is a vampire with his own circumstances).

The ending felt rushed; instead of cluttering up the book with the side stories, more attention could have been devoted to the results of the whole All-Key possession. Overall a good story, but there was room for improvement with the ending.

The Darkest Kiss is a real beauty and the beast tale. There's Lucien, the keeper of Death--scarred and tormented--and Anya, the goddess of anarchy--gorgeous and strong--who loves him. She sees past his scars and is able to love Lucien, as well as his demon. And Lucien is able to find comfort and happiness with Anya.

Lucien's demon is Death. He's tasked with escorting the souls of the dead to their final resting place, whether that's Heaven or Hell. This is an emotionally stressful job because he sees what Heaven and Hell are like, and he's left yearning for the peace Heaven offers but knows he'll never have. And because Lucien can see a soul's last few moments of life, the knowledge he's left with becomes a burden he doesn't want. Lucien has a very intimate view of life and death; he's even had to escort the soul of the woman he had loved, and that has left its mark on him. To make sure that no other woman could ever love him again, he scarred his own face and burned part of his body to keep them away. But when he finally meets Anya, the goddess of anarchy, in person, he meets the one woman who sees his scars as beautiful and can see past them to the man he is underneath.

When I read the first book in the Lords of the Underworld series, The Darkest Night, Lucien was one of two warriors that really intrigued me. He's the scarred leader of the warriors and the incarnation of Death, so he was shrouded in mystery and I was dying to know more about him. We also meet Anya toward the end of The Darkest Night, but she was just the disembodied voice of a goddess and we only got a glimpse of her when she appeared to Ashlyn. So she was just as much of a mystery as Lucien. But we get the full scoop on them in The Darkest Kiss. And apparently the kiss of death is irresistible.

In The Darkest Kiss, we learn that Lucien is just a man scarred, literally and figuratively, by his past. By lost love, his job of escorting souls, and just wants peace and happiness for himself and his friends. Anya want to be able to find a man that she can finally trust to love and give all of herself to. She wants people to see that she is important and not minor in any way. Both want acceptance, peace, happiness, and love--and they find all of that in each other.

The search for Pandora's Box is in full swing, and they find out that they need four artifacts, guarded by Hydra, to locate the box--the All-Seeing Eye, the Cloak of Invisibility, the Cage of Compulsion, and the Paring Rod. The four artifacts are spread out all over the world and can be found somewhere in these four locations: South Africa, the Arctic, the States, and Egypt. While all of this is going on, Lucien is ordered by Cronus to kill Anya, Paris finds and loses a woman who stirs him like no other, and Aeron escapes the dungeon leaving death in his wake.

With Aeron's escape in The Darkest Kiss, Reyes and Danika's story is set up further for The Darkest Pleasure. And Paris and Sienna's story is also set up and introduced when he was captured by Hunters in this book. The Lords of the Underworld series just keep getting more exciting with each new addition.

This is book #2 in the Lords of the Underworld series. I know about everyone's fears of sequels being weaker than the first book. FYI- not weaker!

Darkest Kiss is about Lucien, Keeper of Death, and Anya, Goddess of Chaos. The Titan gods have returned to overthrow the Greeks and in the process have begun ordering the Lords to do horrible things. Aeron, Lord of Wrath, was ordered to kill four human women and the longer he does not comply he gives more control over to his demon. Now Lucien, who is a scarred being both on the inside and outside has been ordered to kill Anya. Anya is the first female in a thousand years to show interest in him and he, in her, but unless Lucien complies with the order, he has been promised that his friends would suffer for it. Beyond this, the Lords are still trying to avoid the hunters while they search for Pandora's box to destroy it.

Lucien is the acknowledged leader of the lords who is dedicated to duty and finding peace in between bouts of escorting souls to heaven, hell, or hades. He is disfigured and the last of the lords that any female should be interested in. Imagine his surprise when a beautiful female claims that she cannot get enough of him. He is suspicious and knows that she carries secrets even while he fights his attraction for her. He tries to follow Chronos' command to deal out her death, but finds that he cannot quite deliver the death blow. As his feelings grow so do the stakes in the game, now not only will his friends suffer, but so will he and Anya personally. Lucien is a courageous, loyal hero with the heart that is both strong and tender. How will he see his way through this dilemma?

Anya comes across as a shallow live-for-self goddess who leaves trouble in her wake. At first, I was not particularly impressed with her as a heroine, but then as more is revealed about her, I grew more sympathetic and sorry for her plight. She has done the best she could with the hand she was dealt just as the demon carrying lords. She does not have a demon in her, but she has an unearned curse and a gift that was turning into a curse. Anya has stood unwarranted criticism her whole life because of who her mother is. Now, she finds herself drawn to Lucien, but he cannot see past her reputation and his suspicions. Then when she would not give up her gift, Chronos ordered Lucien to kill her. She begins playing a dangerous cat and mouse game with Lucien to stay alive, to stay near him, but also to help him with his quest for the box.

The other lords are present and there are continuing side stories for Aeron, Reyes and Paris. The villainous hunters are back in force. The one you love to hate though is Chronos.

The plot has its twists and you wonder just how the main characters will work through their dilemma. The growing romance is beautiful all the more because it seems to be one of those doomed love affairs. It is also hot and spicy at times.

Overall, it was a good read and possibly even better than the first book.

Lucien is the Warrior of Death and Lord of the Underworld. Charged with taking souls to heaven or hell upon their death, Lucien has no choice but to do as he is has been commanded to do. His demon is Death and Lucien despairs of ever being free. His sin? He was the leader of the warriors charged with protecting the dimOuniak and instead of protecting it, he opened it and unleashed hordes of demons throughout the world. Death is his punishment and his life. Until Anya. Anya makes him smile. She makes him laugh. But most of all she makes him yearn in ways he had long ago forgotten. These yearnings make the task he has been given that much harder. It seems the leader of the gods wants Anya dead and Lucien is to be her destroyer.

Anya, the Goddess of Anarchy, has set her sights on Lucien, the Warrior of Death. Doing everything in her power to make him notice her, she just wants to feel his skin and touch him in ways that she shouldn't be thinking. As the Goddess of Anarchy, she must allow herself some mischief in order to survive and in doing so, she tries her best to make Lucien laugh. While she wants Lucien with every breath in her immortal body, she knows they can never consummate their relationship because her curse is such that in doing so, Anya would be forever in love with Lucien, even if he does not love her back.

When the man she has come to love and cherish tells her he has come to claim her for Death, Anya is not having any part of it, even if her desire stays strong. Pursuing each other across the world, forces beyond their control threaten them and when it is too late to turn back, they despair at ever being together.

I knew I would love The Darkest Kiss because in the first installment, The Darkest Night, Lucien was such a tortured soul having to deal with Maddox's curse. I respected Lucien for his loyalty and compassion for his friends and ached when he had to lead souls to their final resting place. In The Darkest Kiss, my love and affection for Lucien became unconditional because he was given a task he didn't want to do and while he knew that his friends would suffer should he fail, his task was horrible and he was so sorrowful at not having a choice. I agonized when he agonized and I cried more than once. Anya's characterization was playful and teasingly childish at times. However, she loved with a woman's heart and more than once I despaired of her being loved like she deserved.

Dark passion, raw emotions, and hauntingly beautiful love scenes were in the pages of The Darkest Kiss. Some questions were answered, some were not. I was given a tease of the next installment, The Darkest Pleasure, which just whetted my appetite for more of these wonderful Lords of the Underworld. Consider The Darkest Kiss Joyfully Recommended! It should be read more than once!

Talia
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Rating: 4.5 stars

Typically, women would find the keeper of Promiscuity as the most attractive of them all. As the keeper of Death, Lucien accepted that, understood that his scars would repel women. He was satisfied with his life of leading the Lords without any distractions.

He wasn't expecting a particular minor goddess, a sexy little outspoken creature, to take an interest in him. Was this a game? What was wrong with her for being attracted to a creature such as he?

Just as this idea of getting to know Anya--minor goddess of Anarchy--floats into his mind, he is commanded to execute her. What will he do now?

Lucien's insecurity re-broke my heart, despite me knowing the outcome of this tale. His character was such a respectable one, admirable in so many ways. Despite being the keeper of Death, Lucien had a cool hold on his temper, never once letting it flare. He is, in my eyes, the most levelheaded of them all.

Anya is--just like Ashlyn was for Maddox--the perfect match for Lucien. She is such a fun, strong, kick-ass feminine lead. I will even go so far as to say that she is one of my top favorite ladies in this series because she brings such lightheartedness into the scenes she's in.

Once again Gena has written an amazing book to continue in her Lords series. Each new set of characters introduced in these books all differ in so many fun and interesting ways. The best part? When I first read The Darkest Kiss, I still had no idea which direction Gena would take in this series. Even now, 5 books in, I still don't know what will happen.

This book threw me for a loop because I was expecting Paranormal Romance and got more an an erotica novel instead. It's definitely rated R, which is not really a problem unless you aren't expecting it.

What I liked about the book:
I liked the paranormal elements of Greek Gods and Demons. I thought the concept and the storyline was creative. The basic concept is that the Goddess Anarchy falls for an immortal warrior named Lucien who is possessed with the demon of death. The king of the Gods has been searching for Anarchy for thousands of years because she possesses an All-Key that he wants. He can't kill her himself so he commands Death to kill her instead.

Death begins to fall for Anarchy also, and therefor cannot bring himself to kill her. Anarchy is unable to give up the All-Key because she will lose her powers and memory if she lets it go. The king isn't getting anything he wants, so he begins to manipulate the two by threatening the other's life. They decide to search for important artifacts in an attempt to have a bargaining chip to use with the King to save their lives.

What I did not like about the book:
Anarchy (also known as Anya) talks like a teenage spoiled brat. There is nothing at all attractive about her whiny nasty attitude. I know women who talk and act like this, and it always makes me ashamed to see it. It was really tough to read it because I was feeling almost embarassed for her character. Thankfully she comes out of it a little bit toward the end of the book. This woman is really powerful and intelligent. I wish that the author would have written her dialog to match her strength.

Also, way too much of the book was focused on sex. The characters thought about it, obsessed about it, talked about it, fought about it, and then thought and obsessed about it some more. I'm all for a steamy romance - but for crying out loud, you can't overdo it to the point that the sex scenes become boring to read. Seriously, sometimes a little less is more. I would have liked to read a little more about why these characters were falling in love rather than only reading about their lust.

In spite of only giving this book an "OK" rating, I do intend to read the next one in the series. One of the subplots in this book was a budding relationship between Paris (the demon of promiscuity) and a human woman. His story was left as a cliffhanger, and I'm interested in his story enough to want to read what happens next for him.

I recommend this book for people who are fans of erotica, primarily paranormal/fantasy erotica. If you are looking for more of a straight up romance, this one might not be for you.

I read the first book in the series (The Darkest Night) and really liked the story. I was surprised that I felt the same way with this book. Normally when you read a series especially romance novels, the first one is always the best and then they loose their appeal. However this book could hold it's own against the first. You could even read it without having read the first one and you would still be clued in on everything. Now there are some references to the first book but it isn't anything too major. Right from the get go you are caught up to speed on the back story of the lords of the underworld but not in the way that most books do, where you are skipping pages thinking "where is the story, I already know this!".

The story starts off with Anya seeking out Lucien at a club and wanting to dance with him. I felt bad for him when he thought that she was just trying to "tease the ugliest man" there, because of his scars, and the fact that all of the other lords thought the same thing. When really she had been following him for a while at that point and had grown really interested in him. After their encounter at the club, Lucien is instructed by the gods to kill Anya or his friends will suffer, so he sets off to kill her. The majority of the book is a game of cat and mouse, of him chasing her, they spar a little bit and then she disappears... literally. Anya and Lucien can "flash", which means that they can disappear and reappear in another location of their choosing. I should also mention that this book does have some parts on Paris (keeper of promiscuity) and Reyes (keeper of pain). Since after all, the books have to twine together somehow. So I cannot wait to read what happens there. It's a good thing that the third book just so happens to tell the story of Reyes.

All in all I really enjoyed the book and was glad to see that it was just as good as the first, which is a good thing since I bought the entire series.

This story had me on the edge of my seat with anticipation. Talk about sexual tension and hang wringing by me.

Lucien is the leader of the LotU warriors. He is the warrior known as Death, he collects the souls and escorts to to heaven or hell.
If you remember at the end of Book 1, Anya, the goddess of anarchy, provided the warriors some aid in exchange for a boon to be requested at a later date. Well Anya found something that she wants--Lucien. For some reason, she is a tad obsessed with the scared, silent hero. Lucien on the other hand, just can't believe a woman wants anything to do with him. His appearance alone sends women running in the opposite direction. So why does Anya act like she wants him? What's her end game?

Boy, I give it Anya. She was persistent and she hung in there because Lucien shot her down EVERY time. It was like watching Karate kid doing wax on, wax off. Every time she went left, he blocked. Anya went right, he blocked. He was not going to let her get in...except when she got in, she really got underneath his skin.

This one was a really good flip because it's usually our heros stalking their females. Anya did all the chasing here and it was rewarding when they gave into their desires. It was worth the agony. yeaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

Perhaps I spoke too soon regarding this series? I was surprised to see that this book had higher ratings than the first book? What gives, folks? I was really unimpressed with this one. My ratings ranged from 1 to 3 stars in the book, never anything higher than that. Yes, I know I said I liked a touch of ridiculousness, but the keyword was a touch of ridiculous! Not absurd.... which is exactly what I got throughout the book.

Lucien was not a bad hero. I did not like that he was weak or losing for most of the book. He is a warrior. An elite warrior. Not just some tough dude who can fight. In some scenes enemies are quickly disposed of and in others it's a battle. Come on now. Maybe I got used to Violence but Lucien seemed a little rusty. I liked his first reaction to Anya (not her behavior) and he said something about how she smelled like strawberries and cream. Totally reminded me of in BDB when one of the brothers (Wrath?) was like, "I can smell your fear boy!". OK, totally unrelated but I loved it!

In reading other reviews, I noticed that a lot of people loved Anya. I wasn't one of those people. I did like her some times but for the most part she annoyed me and other times she had me rolling my eyes at her. Grow up! I wanted to scream that at her. I settled for muttering it to myself and making a poorly spelled note in my kindle. Other times I wanted to talk to her about self respect. A few hundred (thousand) years has passed girl! I think it's safe enough to drop the act and just be you. I have problems with characters that seem like they try too hard and she definitely tried too hard.

And what happened to the rest of the warriors? I think I missed that from the first book. In this one everyone seemed so separate, I felt like there was a disconnect, and that there was no bond between them. It seemed like all the main warriors in this book were left hanging or forgotten. Well guess what, I didn't forget! Mostly the book focused on Anya and Lucien pining and saying the exact opposite of what the felt. I really wanted to scream "Oh for goodness sakes!" (It's true). But after a while it did grow on me and I thought it was cute. Then it annoyed me again.

Something I forgot to mention in my review of the first book was the butterfly tattoo. When I was reading the book and they first described the butterfly tattoo, I admit that my mental picture was awful. I kept thinking of a HUGE version of what you'd find on some girls back or her ankle. And that it was turquoise for some reason. I kept thinking that that was not hot. Butterfly tattoos on men? Uh, no! But then I actually looked at the cover and saw that they were TRIBAL butterfly (still, a butterfly?) that actually looked really nice. And if anyone could pull off a butterfly tattoo, it'd be these guys.

Remember earlier how I mentioned that this book was absurd? Well, it was. How ridiculous is it for someone to be DYING from a gunshot wound to the stomach, numerous contusions, bruises, and cuts AND burns so bad that most of your skin is charred black - and you find the time to "you know what"? WHAT?!?! Absurd and maybe they enjoyed it, but I sure didn't. I was kinda grossed out. E[...] And don't get me started on some of the fight scenes (all of a sudden you're this brave fighter now?), dialog, and again fight scenes (rolling into people like bowling balls??). Ugh!

Even though I was sorely disappointed in this one, I am still reading the next book in the series. I have no self control and no alternatives right now. I have to know what will happen. And seriously, some of the other warriors are just so interesting.

Lastly, your cover lies because the guy on the cover looks NOTHING like Lucien was described in the book. Ummmm, not a single scar is on that dude! Lies!

Lucien & Anya are our central couple in this second book of the Lords series, which begins with The Darkest Night (Hqn). Book 2 sees this universe expanded and become even more engrossing. Ms. Showalter's trademark intensity is in full showing and again, I could not put this book down. I do recommend reading this after book 1, but it isn't entirely necessary. This is a very passionate paranormal romance.

On the series itself- HIGHLY recommended. These are not a books to try to read in a waiting room unless you want your doctor to wait for you- because you will not want to put it down. It will make your pulse jump, your breath fast and deep and you will not want any interruptions.

The romance between our keeper of Death and our little goddess of chaos is full of humor and fun- though no less passionate. It was just thrilling to watch Anya dance around Lucien and to see our grim leader crack and bend to passion. This is a story of turning weakness into strength and continues the theme of a true partnership developing out of passion.

As I read, it becomes clear that these books are only going to get better as we go on with more characters and an ever escalating plot. Fantastic read!

For a comparison I suggest:
- Lara Adrian's Kiss of Midnight (The Midnight Breed, Book 1)
- J.R. Ward's Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1)
And perhaps...
- Jacquelyn Frank's Jacob (The Nightwalkers, Book 1)
- Alexis Morgan's Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Book 1)
- Alyssa Day's Atlantis Rising (Warriors of Poseidon, Book 1)
though this series ranks as one of the best of the bunch.

As much as I loved, The Darkest Night, I think I may just love this one a bit more. Why? Because I'm a sucker for a tortured hero, that's why. And Lucien fits the bill in a big way. He is one of the Lords of the Underworld, immortal warriors cursed to each hold a demon's soul inside his body. Lucien's demon is Death itself. He's lived a long, lonely existence. He fell in love once, hundreds of years ago, but was forced to ferry his woman's soul to the Otherworld. It was just too much for him to take. He cut, burned and scarred himself... to turn women away... so he would never again know the pain love can bring.

Then, along comes Anya. She is the minor goddess of Anarchy. And she's got it bad for Lucien. She practically throws herself at him, but he can't believe she could really want him because of his appearance. The sexual tension was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. Anya has a curse of her own to carry --she can't have sex. But that doesn't stop this book from being RED HOT SEXY. Lucien spends the book fighting his very real attraction to Anya, while trying to reconcile his feelings with an order from the Titan king Cronus to kill her. This --as the couple works together, trying to recover lost artifacts that will lead them to Pandora's Box.

There were only two things I didn't love about this books. One: I hate it when Anya calls Lucien "Flowers." And two: it's sometimes hard to believe that even Anya would keep coming back as many times as Lucien rejects her. It helps, as a reader, to know he doesn't mean it. But he slaps her down so many times, it's a miracle she didn't give up on him. Anya is a fantastic heroine: smart, capable, confident, and beautiful.

If you like Paranormal Romance, you must read this series. It is fantastic. 5 stars.

After reading The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld, Book 1), I knew I wanted to continue reading Gena Showalter's Darkest Night Series.
The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld, Book 2) takes right off where The Darkest Night left off. In the Lords of the Underworld series, a group of immortal men live have been cursed to house demons for eternity. They opened Pandora's Box and now have to live with demons inside themselves. In The Darkest Kiss, Lucien, is the Keeper of Death.

As soon as Anya, goddess of Anarchy, finds the Lords of the Underworld, she falls in love with Lucien. She keeps herself hidden, and basically begins to stalk Lucien, following his every move. When she makes herself known to him, Lucien is weary of her. Hunters are always on the lookout for the immortals, wanting to kill them, especially the Lords of the Underworld. But once Lucien realizes Anya is not a hunter, he still wonders why she wants him. He is badly scarred and all the brothers consider him to be 'the ugly one'. But Anya won't give up that easy, she knows she wants Lucien and sets out to seduce him.

Lucien has been ordered by the gods to kill Anya, but he can't bring himself to do it. As the Lords of the Underworld travel distant locations in search of an ancient relic, Anya and Lucien pair up. Anya does everything she can to seduce him.

I enjoyed The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld, Book 2) . Lucien and Anya are great characters and the chemistry between the two is hot. I liked that Anya is a strong woman, she doesn't take 'no' for an answer and can take care of herself. Lucien is a great hero.

This is a fun series. I'll be reading book three. If you like paranormal romance, Alpha males and a fun and sexy plot, you may want to give this series a try. The love scenes were done really well.

The one thing I didn't like about this book was that towards the end, there was too much involved. The plot kept jumping from Anya and Lucien to a few of the other Lords. I felt like that made the book longer than it needed to be. But all in all, this was an enjoyable read

I was going to review these individually, but I thought I would go through all four in the series pretty quickly and do one big glowing review. That seemed to be true upon reading the first two books, but things slowed down for me reading book 3 (The Darkest Pleasure).

The series starts off well .... your typical tortured warrior who finds a women he seemingly can't have. All the books are based around a group of Lords, warriors who were once in good with the Gods. They did something they shouldn't have and were expelled from the Gods' good graces and punished by being forced to harbor evil demons. Each warrior hosts an evil demon such as Violence, Disease, Distrust, Death, Wrath, etc. These demons provide the stumbling blocks in the warriors relationships with their fated women.

On top of the romance there is suspenseful plot built around the premise of a group of "Hunters" who think the world would be a better place without the existence of these demons, therefore without the existence of the Lords. Hunters will do anything necessary to get their hands on the Lords of the Underworld and the series develops into a war between the two.

I really enjoyed book 1 and book 2. The warriors were strong and sexy, yet vulnerable. The women were relatable and likable. I rooted for Ashlyn in The Darkest Night to find her own feet and stand on them. I cheered as Anya from The Darkest Kiss kicked Lucien's ass and took names while doing it. Their stories grabbed me and pulled me in so that I had to finish them.

I wish I could say the same positive things for book 3 and 4. Something about the last two books fell flat for me. I found myself more interested in the subplot of the war than I was in the state of the relationships. The characters seemed to be too typical and predictable. I don't want to spoil anything so I won't go into detail but I found the ending to The Darkest Pleasure unrealistic. It didn't work within the previous context given to the Gods and their actions. Book 4, The Darkest Whisper, was a disappointment to me. I was slightly more interested in the relationships, but the subplot of the war was almost entirely missing from this story. There was almost no development or progress in the fight and again I found the ending unrealistic for the characters.

I will keep reading the series because I find the series idea and subplots interesting, but I hope the next book is an improvement.

This is the 2nd book in the Gena Showalter's Lord of the Underworld series and is Lucien's story...
Lucien is the keeper of Death, one of the demons released as a consequence of the warriors opening Pandora's Box centuries ago.
The demons who were trapped in Pandora's Box are now bound to each of the former warriors for the Greek gods.
Lucien is truly a tortured, disfigured soul... he's now forced to accompany souls in their journey after death to the hereafter, either heaven or hell.

Not to spoil things... Lucien's mate is Anna, goddess of anarchy, who has her own curse to deal with from no fault of her own.
She was cursed as a child because her mother had an illicit relationship with Tartarus.
Lucien's and Anya's story will have you staying up late to read. :-)))

I've always enjoyed stories of the greek gods.
This book, indeed this series so far has been rich with action, history, greek mythology, exotic locales, anguish, passion, sex.
I actually started book 3 last night within minutes of finishing The Darkest Kiss... it's the story of Reyes, the keeper of Pain:-)))

Book Two of this Trilogy almost could have garnered 5 stars from me, but I was still disappointed with a few minor details. Granted, Darkest Kiss was much better than Darkest Night. However, I still found myself losing interest about halfway through, but came back around toward the end.

Okay, so the book started GREAT!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the initial scene of attraction between Lucien and Anya. Great tension and believable heat between them. It was a great setup for their foretold romance.

However, I got VERY irritated with Anya ALWAYS doing the chasing. I guess I like my romance to be grounded in reality in some way, and in reality you don't see guys getting all hot and charged over someone who is ALWAYS there, ALWAYS around, and OBSESSED with them. Men generally find that dependent neediness too draining. It stinks of leachiness, and I just wanted Anya to go away and let Lucien miss her for a while and then just HAVE to find her, unable to endure another moment until he knew where she was. The author started one scene with what I thought was that premise in mind, and I was all "Oh, goody! Anya's playing hard to get and Lucien can't stand it!" And then the very next sentence divulged that Anya's strawberry scent had arrived. Sheez! Come on, let the man do a little chasing! Let the woman at least show a little restraint - you know, a little pride for cryin' out loud!

Anyhow, I digress.

Despite the obsessed-Anya theme and a few occurrences of what felt was forced plot adjustments to get the story to its ultimate goal, I enjoyed this book. Lucien's character was well-written, and I like Anya's little quirks (not that obsessive dependence, though - have I made myself perfectly clear on that?). Showalter did a good job keeping the characters true to themselves all the way through to the end of this book, unlike in the first one, where I thought Ashlyn was 4 characters in 1. I also enjoyed the side stories that began to emerge. Those got my appetite whetted for Book Three and what I imagine will be books 4-6.

I'm now on to book three, about halfway through, and so far so good. Perhaps Darkest Pleasure will finally garner a 5-star rating from me for this series, although book two was pretty good! Just not quite a 5...maybe a 4 1/2, but not a 5.

After reading DARKEST NIGHT, I had really high expectation for Lucien's story. Give me a flawed and tortured hero and you pretty much have my attention. Thus, I have already psyched myself up for another fantastic read thinking it would be a similar experience to Kenyon's Dance with the Devil (Dark-Hunter, Book 4) or Ward's Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3). Wrong! This proved to be a decent read, but I couldn't get past the heroine's antics.

Those readers that have read the first book in the series know the legend of Pandora's Box and how a group of Greek warriors were cursed by Zeus to house the evil spirits it contained. Lucien is one of these cursed warriors. Possessed by the spirit of Death, he has experienced what the depth of his curse entails. Long ago, he fell in love with a mortal and when he refused to take her soul after she succumbed to a disease, he watched her slowly wither away, her body rotting, begging for relief. Lucien vowed to never let anyone near him. He carved himself with a poisoned blade to remind himself that man and demon are forever bonded, and that he could never falter from his job ever again. Then enter Anya, the goddess of Anarchy who leaves a trail of chaos and destruction wherever she goes. Did I mention that she has an itch that needs scratching?

Where do I start with Anya? She is certainly full of contradictions, but not in an endearing way. I can't really get into the full details without spoiling the nature of Anya's curse, but suffice it to say that it's difficult to empathize with someone who relentlessly plays with fire when she's well aware of the danger. One moment she is lamenting her curse, then the next she is throwing herself all over Lucien. Judging by the general reviews, I know this puts me in the minority but I can't relate to a lollypop-sucking, pinkie-waving goddess who can't have a conversation with a warrior without calling him `sweet cakes' or `flowers'. Poor Lucien! He is such a great hero and deserved so much more; he deserved to have the happily-ever-after that Zsadist and Zarek found; the kind of heroine that made you sigh at the end and feel joyful for them.

But despite my complaint about the heroine, all wasn't lost for DARKEST KISS served its entertainment value. The side characters continue to be interesting, some of them becoming more so now that we are learning more about them. I can't wait to read the next book.

In the prequel The Darkest Fire (a novella about the relationship between Geryon - the Guardian of Hell and Kadence - the goddess of Oppression) the story of how/why the dimOuniak (aka Pandora's Box) was created unfolds.

In the 1st book in the series, The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld, Book 1), (Maddox and Ashlyn Darrow story) it is discovered that warriors stole the dimOuniak from Pandora and released the demon from within. Then the box went missing, so as punishment the King of Gods decided that the each warrior would house a demon inside himself. This is the birth of the Lords of the Underworld. Maddox houses the demon of Violence and he was given a curse, a death curse - for Killing Pandora. Ashlyn has a gift, or curse, she can hear every conversation that has ever taken place in a location (Past, Present, and/or in any language).

Now in this book, The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld, Book 2), we discover the relationship between Lucien and Anya. Lucien, the Keeper of Death, is the leader of the Budapest warriors that live in a fortress high on a hill. He was given the demon of Death because he is the one who opened the box unleashing the demon into the world. Anya, the Goddess of Anarchy - killed Aias, the Captain of the Immortal Guard. The punishment she received was that the gods decided she would be a sex slave, comfort the captain's army - however she was rescued by her father. This book also introduces Cronus, the new king of the gods, and he commands Lucien to kill her. He threatens Lucien with the black Scythe of Death by holding it to Reyes', the keeper of Pain, neck.

The story of Aeron and his command to kill Danika Ford, her sister, her mother, and her grandmother is continued in this book. At the end on The Darkest Kiss Aeron was locked in the dungeon when his bloodlust reached an uncontrollable level. Reyes is determined to now allow his friend to kill Danika and her family (1) because he is attracted to her (2) he wants to save his friends sanity.

In this book the warriors are in search of Pandora's Box. They learn they need to find 4 ancient artifacts that belonged to Cronus - after his imprisonment Zeus hid them. They are (1) the All Seeing eye, (Cloak of Invisibility, (3) Case of Compulsion, and (4) Paring Rod.

Can they overcome his demon, her curse, hunters, or will they kill each other? The story tugs you along, I was unable to see a decent outcome. I was unable to figure out the ending and that is rare. This is the best of the series so far. I only hope the series can continue at this momentum. This book way exceeded my expectations. This is not my normal genre, but I have expanded my reading arena. Even if you are not into god/goddess stories - give this one a try. I do suggest you read them in order. You don't have to read The Darkest Fire, since it is not about the Lords of the Underworld.

~~ An excerpt from The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld, Book 3) - Reyes, keeper of the demon of pain is found at the end of this book ~~
The other book in the series...
The Darkest Whisper (Lords of the Underworld) - Sabin, keeper of the demon of Doubt - coming in August 2009. '

Gena Showalter continues to make her unique mark in paranormal romance with THE DARKEST KISS, Book #2 in her Lords Of The Underworld series for HQN (June 2008). In Budapest, Lucien, the leader of a group of immortal warriors who have all been possessed by a different demon lord for opening Pandora's Box centuries ago, humors his men with one last night on the town at a local nightclub before they go in search for the missing Pandora's Box. As the keeper of Death, Lucien has eschewed softer emotions, so that he can effectively do his duty -- escort souls to heaven. . . or hell. Anya is the Goddess of Anarchy and cannot help but create chaos where ever she goes, never taking herself seriously. So why the beautiful, mischievous Anya is attracted to the dark, scarred Lucien with the unusual colored eyes (one brown/one blue) is puzzling even to her. Anya flirts outrageously with Lucien and first convinces him to dance with her and then kiss her. Lucien is totally wary of the sexy Anya, who could have any man she wants, and thinks she must be Bait sent by human Hunters, who want to capture all the warriors to trap their demons back inside the box. When Cronus, the King of the Titans, arrives and catches them together, he orders Lucien to kill Anya or all the Lords will suffer. However, Anya, who possesses a special All-Key that Cronus wants, manages to escape since she has the ability to flash herself anywhere just like Lucien does. Little does Lucien know, Anya is also cursed and is not as wild as she seems. Lucien and Anya combine forces by flashing themselves all over the world to seek four ancient artifacts: the All-seeing Eye, the Cloak of Invisibility, The Cage of Compulsion and the Paring Rod that will assist them in finding Pandora's Box and destroying it before Hunters can use it against them. Through terrifically witty verbal repartee they are constantly battling their attraction for each other but soon give in to burning passion. As a bonus to this fantastic primary romance, there is also the brilliant set up for two other Lords love stories: Reyes, Keeper of Pain (THE DARKEST PLEASURE/June 2008) and Paris, Keeper of Promiscuity (11/09). THE DARKEST KISS really showcases all of Gena Showalter's wonderful writing talents (endearing, dark, quirky, hot, touching and sexy) into an absolutely phenomenal complex paranormal tale!

So I'll get right down to the SPOILERS.

First -- it was a good book, not a great one, but a good one. I loved the first in this series (Maddox and Ashlyn), this second one was frustrating. I did enjoy the heroine (Anya); she was sassy, cunning, and funny. Lucian (hero) was so so...he has scars all over his face and body, the writer describes them as being huge, ugly, and pitted - that's kind of hard to swallow. Anya meanwhile is describe as a blonde bomb shell with unmatchable beauty. Lucien is the keeper of the demon Death, and Anya is the minor-goddess of Chaos.

The story is extremely involved, and if you have not read the first this one it may be hard to follow. Here is why -- Lucien is commanded to murder Anya by Coronus (the king of the Titians), Cronus wants a key that Anya holds in her soul which can open any lock or door (he wants the key because he has locked Zeus up and wants to make sure it stays that way), whomever kills Anya for the keys looses all there power there for Coronus needs Lucien to do it, the only other option is for the key to be given willingly by Anya, Anya can't give the key up or she loses most of her power, Lucien doesn't want to kill Anya because he is in love with her, Anya doesn't want to be killed by Lucien for the obvious reason but also because she is in love with him, Lucien thinks she is just playing with his heart in order to buy time, Anya thinks he is just fooling with her in order to get the key. On top of all that Anya has a curse (she can't have sex with a man with out being bonded to him for all eternity) --- what does this all equal up to...some serous sexual tension that last almost the entire book. They finally get down to business, confess their undying love, and she not only gives her virginity to Lucien, but gives the key willing to Coronus thus bonding herself to Lucien for eternity and losing majority of her power.

So that's not all - there is a sub story. The Lords of the Underworld are looking for several artifacts that could lead them to Pandora's box before the Hunters find it. The Hunters want the box so that they can suck the demons out of each Lord and rid the world of evil; that would mean though that the Lords would all die (they are unable to live with out the demons). So the Lords in the Hunters are in a race to find the box. Paris who is processed by the demon Promiscuity, becomes desperate for a female while in Greece and falls into a trap set by the Hunters. He is lured by a average looking women into a alley where she drugs him and then cages him for experiments. Days later and many experiments later he is too week to escape (his demon drains his energy with out sex), they bring the average looking women into his cell, they do the deed so to speak and he then has enough power to break his chains and make a run for it. He grabs the girl and in the midst of the escape she is shot and killed - I love Paris's character, I wish he had his own book, but the writer try's to get the reader to believe that Paris has somehow fallen for this semi attractive Hunter and when she dies he's none too happy.

So that's it in a nut shell :-) I preferred the first book as I said before and the 3rd one is pretty good two...even though this 2nd installment was a little too overwhelming on the plot it was a good read and a haft to if you read the others. I'm looking forward to the 4th installment.

Lucien has been bound to the demon of Death ever since he loosed the demons of Pandora's Box and was so punished by the Greek gods. He feels responsible to the other guardsmen he led into being similarly cursed. They all used to be ruled by their demons but have, over the centuries, gained some control over them. However, they are still harried by human Hunters who regard them as totally evil and demonic. They are on the trail of Pandora's Box, in hopes that it will once again keep the demons locked away and will free them from their curse.

Anya is the minor goddess of Anarchy and she's obsessed by Lucien. She doesn't want to have sex with him or to fall in love with him, even though she pursues him wearing lacy underwear and wants to feel his hands all over her... This isn't the only weird contradiction with these characters, who are undoubtedly messed up. Anya has her own curse and her issues with her mother who had her own problems, plus being goddess of Anarchy, which makes her want to cause chaos and upheaval and destruction.

When Lucien is ordered to kill Anya, or risk his friends suffering, he feels he has to do it. So if you like very crazy relationships like this, sort of a weird take on Mr. and Mrs. Smith admiring each other's massive weaponry between the deep kisses, this may be your kind of book. I found Anya contrary and weirdly motivated, very trashy (even though Lucien thought her beautiful and angelic--but then you know what he was thinking with!), sucking on lollipops and acting like a hurt child, and having fun by chaining Lucien up or otherwise humiliating him.

Not that Lucien can't use some light fun in his life (huh!), but that just shows how bizarre their relationship is, that she might actually be good for him!

The other events, involving other characters, were interesting, as was the search for the artifacts that might help find Pandora's Box. I didn't greatly dislike Anya's character--just found her annoying, inconsistent, and trashy--which made me question Lucien's taste, but there did seem to be chemistry, so who can fight that?

It wasn't a horrible book. I finished it. It was OK.

It was with caution and trepidation that I picked up this book on the recommendation of a fellow paranormal reader. My recent forays in paranormal genre has ran the gamut of exhilaration upon discovering the excellent first book of a series, then watch with utter disappointment as the series plummeted into a morass of weak plotlines and characters with each successive book. It is with relief and pleasure that I can say I loved the Darkest Kiss.

Ms. Showalter is a fascinating storyteller and has weaved a plausible spin on characters and stories from Greek mythology. The author did an outstanding job of building a strong, mythical plot as well as seamlessly weaving in a fun, passionate, and strong romance between the main characters.

In order to engage in a story, I must connect to the H/H and the story must be plausible, tight, and believable. The scarred, sexy, and complex hero, Lucien, had my heart from the start and what worthy heroine he received in the eccentric, irreverent, and aggressive goddess of anarchy, Anya. I just loved Anya; she was both relentless and hilarious in her pursuit of the baffled and serious warrior. Although Anya appeared at times a mite flighty and incorrigible (she introduced to a friend Lucien as "Lucy") she could kick some serious butt and could take care of herself.

I had fun reading the Darkest Kiss. Anya and Lucien were great characters with smoking hot chemistry. I will definitely run out to buy the first book in this series. The Darkest Night, as well the next books in the series: The Darkest Pleasure and The Darkest Whisper. It looks like I am onto a remarkable find with the Lords of the Underworld.

Lucien has been bound to the demon of Death ever since he loosed the demons of Pandora's Box and was so punished by the Greek gods. He feels responsible to the other guardsmen he led into being similarly cursed. They all used to be ruled by their demons but have, over the centuries, gained some control over them. However, they are still harried by human Hunters who regard them as totally evil and demonic. They are on the trail of Pandora's Box, in hopes that it will once again keep the demons locked away and will free them from their curse.

Anya is the minor goddess of Anarchy and she's obsessed by Lucien. She doesn't want to have sex with him or to fall in love with him, even though she pursues him wearing lacy underwear and wants to feel his hands all over her... This isn't the only weird contradiction with these characters, who are undoubtedly messed up. Anya has her own curse and her issues with her mother who had her own problems, plus being goddess of Anarchy, which makes her want to cause chaos and upheaval and destruction.

When Lucien is ordered to kill Anya, or risk his friends suffering, he feels he has to do it. So if you like very crazy relationships like this, sort of a weird take on Mr. and Mrs. Smith admiring each other's massive weaponry between the deep kisses, this may be your kind of book. I found Anya contrary and weirdly motivated, very trashy (even though Lucien thought her beautiful and angelic--but then you know what he was thinking with!), sucking on lollipops and acting like a hurt child, and having fun by chaining Lucien up or otherwise humiliating him.

Not that Lucien can't use some light fun in his life (huh!), but that just shows how bizarre their relationship is, that she might actually be good for him!

The other events, involving other characters, were interesting, as was the search for the artifacts that might help find Pandora's Box. I didn't greatly dislike Anya's character--just found her annoying, inconsistent, and trashy--which made me question Lucien's taste, but there did seem to be chemistry, so who can fight that?

It wasn't a horrible book. I finished it. It was OK.

It was with caution and trepidation that I picked up this book on the recommendation of a fellow paranormal reader. My recent forays in paranormal genre has ran the gamut of exhilaration upon discovering the excellent first book of a series, then watch with utter disappointment as the series plummeted into a morass of weak plotlines and characters with each successive book. It is with relief and pleasure that I can say I loved the Darkest Kiss.

Ms. Showalter is a fascinating storyteller and has weaved a plausible spin on characters and stories from Greek mythology. The author did an outstanding job of building a strong, mythical plot as well as seamlessly weaving in a fun, passionate, and strong romance between the main characters.

In order to engage in a story, I must connect to the H/H and the story must be plausible, tight, and believable. The scarred, sexy, and complex hero, Lucien, had my heart from the start and what worthy heroine he received in the eccentric, irreverent, and aggressive goddess of anarchy, Anya. I just loved Anya; she was both relentless and hilarious in her pursuit of the baffled and serious warrior. Although Anya appeared at times a mite flighty and incorrigible (she introduced to a friend Lucien as "Lucy") she could kick some serious butt and could take care of herself.

I had fun reading the Darkest Kiss. Anya and Lucien were great characters with smoking hot chemistry. I will definitely run out to buy the first book in this series. The Darkest Night, as well the next books in the series: The Darkest Pleasure and The Darkest Whisper. It looks like I am onto a remarkable find with the Lords of the Underworld.

Anya, the goddess who helped Maddox and Ashlyn in DARKEST NIGHT, has returned to Budapest with one goal on her mind...getting a piece of Lucien, an immortal warrior and the keeper of death. He draws her like no other, she finds his scarrs extremely sexy and will do anything to have him. Even though a curse keeps her from the ulimate pleasure she will take what she can get. Lucien is wary, why would this beautiful goddess choose him, a scarred warrior, when she could have her choice of any man on the planet. Determined it is some sort of trick he denies her and his own need. But when Cronus, the king of the titans and current ruler, orders him to kill Anya for a treasure she holds, his will and his wants collide and he finds he does not want to resist Anya so he tries to find a way to keep her and defy Cronus without heeping more destruction and pain on his warrior brothers. So together they journey to find ancient relics in hopes they can tempt Cronus into abandoning his attempt to destroy what they may have, if that does not work will Anya be able to give up the treasure Cronus wants for the warrior she needs?

***Ahhh, a scarred warrior and a feisty goddess. Excellent read, exciting story, great characterization and a highly erotic tale...it does not get much better than this. Critics are correct in comparing Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter, they are truly captivating writers that leave the readers wanting more. Even though I was a little unimpressed with DARKEST NIGHT Gena has completely captivated me with Lucien's tale of passion, lust and need and I cannot wait to read DARKEST PLEASURE, which is on my nightstand right now (I am sure Reyes story will be just as good), and I certainly cannot wait for Torrin's tale (knowing he can't touch a human skin to skin without starting a plague I am sure its going to be a completely enchanting read). I recommend this book, but I do suggest you ready the series in order.

Kudos, Gena...you are certainly on my to buy list.

The second installation of Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld Series was much better than the first of the series (in my humble opinion). It could have to do with the fact that the characters were a tad more believable or it could have been the fact that all the backstory setup was already accomplished.

I had a problem with Violence (Maddox) becoming anwhere reasonably tempered in the first book but found Death (Lucien) to be spot-on what I was expecting. Lucien is cold, shut-off from emotion and others in an effort to keep his own demon perfectly under his iron control.

And then there's Anya, minor goddess of Anarchy and a more perfect foil for Lucien's staidness couldn't be found. She is snarky and silly and goes after what she wants without regard to anyone. In their first meeting she tempts him in front of his brothers to lose control and almost suceeds. She lies and thieves to keep her more violent side at bay and just can't seem to get enough of Lucien.

It really does work out perfectly since as a goddess Anya is immortal like the rest of the Lords of the Underworld and Anya is perfectly capable of defending herself against Death. Cronus, the king of the Titans, has set a task to Lucien; to kill Anya or else he will make the other Lords suffer. Initially Lucien tries to take Anya out but his attempts are half-hearted at best. Little by little they learn about each other and why the Titans are toying with them.

Anya is the daughter of Lawlessness and Tartarus. Tartarus' wife is Justice and when she found out about Anya, Justice cursed her so that Anya would never be able to complete the sex act. Penetration would bind her to the man for forever, even if he were to love another. To further complicate matters Anya carries within her the All-Key which allows her to escape from any prison and guarantees her freedom. The person that kills her to take the All-Key becomes powerless himself (something that Cronus didn't exactly tell Lucien) and if Anya were to freely give up the All-Key she would lose all memory of her life while she had the All-Key. This renders both Lucien and Anya helpless to save each other on more than one occasion. To up the ante (again) the Lords of the Underworld must search out Pandora's box before the Hunters find it and to find it they must find four powerful objects first.

This book is action packed and easy to read. Lucien and Anya are a much better couple than Maddox and Ashlyn were in the first book and there is so much else going on that even if you don't like them as characters there is backup and the third book is poised to start with Reyes and Danika. I can't wait to see how THAT turns out...

Lucien is so hot, I mean on the cover they even have his eyes just like they are described in the book! I wish more people would do that ya know make the people on the cover like how they are descirbed in the book, Anyways back to the book, Lucien has the misfortune of having the demon of Death inside him, so he is the one who escorts souls to the hereafter. Our heroine well I just really liked her I mean she knew right off the bat that she wanted Lucien and man did she go after him! I really like the beginning scene in the bar, yeah it was pretty steamy lol! Okay now for a brief summary, the powerful Olympians have fallen and guess who have taken over residence on Olympus...The Titans of course! Okay so basically Anya our heroine is running from Cronos becasue she has something that he wants, and who does she keep running too? Lucien of course.

I really liked this one the story kept me intrested and I am really looking forward to Pain's story which is coming out in July. Although I have to admit that I am a bit nervy about picking that one up I mean from the past two books here we have seen his heroine and him interact and well try as I might I just do not like her all that much, hopefully it will change when I actually read the book, I hope so anyway. You are probably thinking what don't you like about her right? well I guess I like for my heroine's to like the guy first off or not hate them at first sight. I mean we know that she desires him but she also can't stand him in the next breath and romances like that usually always get tossed at least for me.

The Darkest Kiss is about the warrior Lucien, keeper of the demon Death. Lucien is the protective warrior of all the warriors. He is the most controlled and calmed, but this is all shot to hell when he meets Anya, Goddess of Anarchy. Anya has a curse placed upon her too like Lucien, she will be bond to the man she gives herself to forever. This curse was placed upon her by Themis, wife of Tartus, Anya's father; who thought to punish her for her father's betrayal with her mother. Anya despite being a virgin is pretty rumbuctious and promiscous.

Cronus wants Lucien to kill Anya. Anya holds the All-Key, a key given to her by her father. This key allows the owner to escape from any prison, this is how Anya escaped Tartus the prison named after her father. Lucien doesnt want to kill Anya because he starts to have deep feelings for her. Together they go on a quest to find the four artifacts that will lead to Pandora's box.

Aeron, keeper of Wrath has gone mad with bloodlust, he escapes his prison and goes after the four innocents he was ordered to kill by the gods. Reyes is on the hunt after him.

I really liked The Darkest Kiss, but I liked the Darkest Night better because of Ashlyn,I could relate with her more. I also liked that she was modest and Caring. Anya is a bit more blunt and wild. I got annoyed with her sometimes, I really liked Lucien though, it was nice that he was a warrior with flaws. The too perfect man isn't dreamy or hot.I can't wait to start the last one in Showalter's trilogy, The Darkest Pleasure.

You'll enjoy The Darkest Kiss, it was a fast adventerous read :)

I enjoyed this one more than the first!

I loved how Showalter wrote Anya's character. As the greek goddess of anarchy, Anya truly acted like a greek goddess; from the stomping of a foot when she didn't get her way, to pitching a fit if called a `minor' goddess, to the way she changes her mind and is constantly after what she wants, the portrayal of a Greek Goddess hit just the right spot.

And Lucien... no matter how much he tried to push Anya away, she still got under his skin. Didn't help with his demon, Death, wanted Anya just as much. He hated having to rip souls from their bodies to deliver them where they were to go, whether Heaven or Hell, but was resigned to the task. Having Anya with him made the job easier.

I thought the banter/fighting between the two really added character to the story. I always did like a good fight between the hero/heroine. Makes the story more interesting for me. And, no matter how selfish Anya is/was, she did the ultimate thing - giving up her one true treasure to save the warrior she loved. And Lucien, with one heck of a brain, saved her in return.

Actions scenes were great, the fighting almost a constant now that the Hunters are clearly on their trail at every minute, there's no stopping now. Erotic scenes make the reader hot under the collar and wanting more. Most of the warriors have reunited, working towards one goal: stopping the Hunters and their Leader in finding Pandora's Box. If that box falls into the wrongs hands, the demons would be ripped from the warriors' bodies, and without the demons, the warriors die. Desperate times are calling for desperate measures, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.

"Cronus had chosen her executioner well. She couldn't stay away from him, didn't want him to stay from her, and might even let him try again to kill her, just for another kiss. Might be fun..."

Packed full of action and emotion, this installment of the Lords doesn't disappoint! Lucien, the Demon of Death, was one of the most feared but also respected Lords of the Underworld. Amidst the war with the Hunters, they are now battling the Titan King Cronus who is after the four ancient relics that will make him unstoppable. Anya "Goddess of Anarchy" is an obstacle in the way of the plans Cronus has prepared so he has charged Lucien with killing her under false pretenses. Lucien doesn't realize Anya holds the "key" that may help them find the relics and crush Cronus once and for all. He also isn't prepared for the tidal wave of emotions she brings out of him and his Demon.

This is a good book along the lines of demon adult romance. Good mindless read when it comes to the story of Death and Anya. They hate each other, love each other but hate that they love it....etc. etc. There are also two side stories in here about Aeron and Paris. I liked Paris' story and I am hoping something happens were Aeron will forgive himself for the things he does.

Anywho....this isn't one of the books in the series I will read again, but definitely an important read for the back story. Each book is about one demon (ala BDB and Dark Hunters) and also like those type of books there is a back story that is going on where they have Greek gods and Titans etc. etc. This book is important to read to get that back story.

One thing I don't like about this book: everything is done with a roar. He hit the stone wall with a roar, he climaxed with a roar, with a roar he killed the hunters...roar roar roar. I was pretty sick of roars after all that.

If you are reading this series, read this book, it is necessary. I still liked the first book a lot better!

The book was ok but the beginning chapters were hard to get through. It took me several days to begin reading in earnest. I liked the relationship between the 2 main characters. However, there were a lot of side stories that started about halfway through the book that had little bearing on the main storyline. I'm sure they were meant to set the stage for future books but they were not introduced properly. And it wasn't just one extra story; there were at least 3. Very off putting. Also, the ending was unsatisfying. Again, the ending seemed intended to set the tone for a future storyline. I will probably read another book in the series but I won't rush out to buy it.

3.5 stars

4.5 stars
A bite size review:

The Darkest Kiss features my favorite heroine of the series, Anya, Goddess of Anarchy. She’s hilariously brash, über sexy, and so in love with Lucien (it’s even more entertaining that she doesn’t realize it) it’s funny. And poor Lucien is so suspicious and confused over her attraction to him, he can’t think straight. To say the man has body issues is an understatement. Not only are they entertaining to read about, but the love scenes are hot as hell! I recommend any and all romance readers pick this book up. You won’t be disappointed . . . and you’ll spend a lot of time laughing your ass off! :P

~ One Curvy Blogger
onecurvyblogger.com

Gena Showalter is two for two with her Lords of the Underworld series and I can't wait to get my hands on Book 3. Like the first in the series, Book 2, Lucien's story, pulls you in from page 1, where you find out the Goddess of Anarchy, Anya, has been watching Lucien in the month since book 1 left off. She can't stop thinking about the scarred warrior and finds herself drawn to him, even though he appears not to want her.
But of course, Lucien does want her. He's haunted by her beauty and her scent, but believes she's trying to manipulate him. He can't believe any woman, especially such a gorgeous one, would want him. No other has since his face was scarred.
When Lucien is handed an order from a powerful god to kill Anya, he wants to resist, but knows his friends will suffer if he does. And Anya has no intentions of making her death easy for him.
Lucien is a deliciously dark and tortured hero. It's easy to understand why Anya can't stay away, even knowing he plans to kill her. As for Anya, she tends to talk like a sorority girl, but there's no doubt she's smart, resourceful and has a wit sharp as the blades she hides under her skimpy outfits.
I hope to see this series continue for a long time.

Book two of this series amazingly just as satisfying as the other four I've read. Now to book three playing catch up has never been to fulfilling. Even though I originally started on book five and each book can be read individually I'd recommend reading them in order all the stories are connected and are definitely more enjoyable knowing the characters background. ??

If you know anything about me at all then you'll easily know that Anya is mah biotch! I absolutely adored her from the very first visit and the role she was to play in the LOTU world. Nothing could have made me happier than to see she got her own book and that it was second within the series....YASSSSSSSSSS, HAWT DAYUMM YASSSSSSS!! That goddess is my kinda kickass, sassy female!

Long ago a band of immortal warriors stole and unleashed the evil within Pandora's box. In the melee, the box was lost. As their punishment for the deed, the gods forced each warrior to 'contain' one of the demons within themselves. So the Lords of the Underworld were born. The warrior who opened the box (Lucien, former Captain of the Guard) was 'gifted' with the demon of Death forever escorting souls to heaven or hell whenever the call came.

At present, some of these possessed immortals live a sheltered life high on a hill in Budapest. They struggle daily with their demons eventually succumbing to the demons desires. As well as warding off attacks by the radical humans called Hunters who want to see them and their demons dead.

The most serious and somber of the warriors is about to be the victim of a little mischief. For the minor goddess of Anarchy has her sights set on the sexy scarred warrior called Death. Lucien can't believe that any woman would be interested in him due to his harrowing looks, let alone a beautiful goddess. But Anya is. She's a stunning immortal who brings light into his dark soul and entrances his demon. Too bad he's been ordered to kill her.............

Woo Hoo! Another scarred hero book! I just love those! Lucien (Death) really didn't see the train called Anarchy coming until it plowed right into him. I thought Anya was hilarious. She flipped him upside down and inside out, teasing poor serious Lucien and keeping him totally off balance. I didn't know which way their fighting was going to go -would he actually try to kill her or kiss her (don't think you know what the answer is cause you don't!). They just made a great couple. I loved their bantering. I think Anya called Lucien *Flower's* (well he does smell like roses cause he's death ya know!) just to mess with his head and get him to lighten up -cause Death really needs to take a chill pill every once in a while. Anya is Anarchy after all, so she might make you crazy but thats the point. So that didn't bother me all. Lucien needs this kind of chaos or his soul will succumb completely to the dark demon inside. And for my favorite part -there's tons of sexual tension. Showalter didn't skimp on their love scenes either (more woo hoo!).

Along with the romance there were some major plot developments in DK as well. The Lords are still searching for Pandora's box, racing against the Hunter's to find it first. They gather new information which leads them on treasure hunts in separate parts of the world. Showalter also explains some more Greek myths/legends.

I thought that The Darkest Kiss was even better than its prequel The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld, Book 1). And it can be read as a stand alone since Showalter gives plenty of background information on the Lords.

Next up is The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld, Book 3)which is Reyes (possessed by the demon of Pain) book. And then perhaps? Paris's book in Nov 09' -Ack! Over a year!

AND GENA HAS COME BACK HARDCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh help me!

OMG...you know how some series take one or two books before the author really gets in the flow and then starts killing it?

DING DING DING DING!!!! *pointing madly* Right here. Right effing here! This book was Gena coming back swinging harder than ever.

OH DEATH HOW I AM PRAYING FOR THEE!!!!

Ok, enough with the caps. But seriously. Lucien and Anya's story was too freaking amazing. It had action, passion, angst, humor, sexiness to a level that nearly had the Death I pray for coming for me...

Too much. Too good. I have the hugest smile on my face after reading this book.

And Gena definitely has a fan for life now.

Reyes (Pain) awaits me next. *Gets the daggers ready* And I'm ready. Whatever he needs. It's his. *Runs*

What a combustible pair: the impulsive, beautiful goddess and her scarred, thoughtful warrior-demon. That makes for some explosive, sexy, funny, emotional scenes! An expertly told story about trust, finding love, friendship, personal growth and so much more.
Max Bellmore narrates the audiobook and it's simply brilliant.

Loved, loved, loved this book. I bought it because I enjoyed the first installment of the Lords of the Underworld, but this second book blew my mind.
I actually liked the heroine, Anya, usually the flakey type would annoy me, but she was funny, strong, resourceful and interesting. Not one dimensional at all. I like the little nicknames she gave to Lucien and the little statements she makes like one minute they could be deep in conversation and she would say, "So you want to make out?" Flakey,perhaps, but I think it was more of a defense mechanism. She reminded me of the Aphrodite character from Xena and Hercules television series.
Lucien was a great character and a true warrior in all sense of the word. I thought from the first book he would be the least interesting of the Lords, but I was proven wrong. The love scenes were scorching hot. I can't wait for Reyes and Paris' stories.
My only qualm is with Paris' potential love interest, Sienna. The whole she is plain and flat chested did not appeal to how I would envision Paris falling for. I guess that is the point.

Lucien was the immortal captain of the guard on Mt. Olympus until he jealously opened Pandora's box and became possessed by the demon of Death. Thousands of years later, scarred on the inside and out he attracts the attention of Anya, Goddess of Anarchy...and Cronus Godking of the Titans.

Anya, determined to live life her way or the highway, gets what she wants. And what she wants is Death, man and demon she can't resist his scarred body and heart. And the fact that Cronus sets him the task of killing her just revs her engine more. She is Anarchy after all.

The two travel the world and explore the ruins of two lost temples of the Gods as they rise from the see. Together they fight Hunters, a Hydra, and each others personal demons - when their not fighting each other in a delectable way. Lucien is a to die for hero- pardon the pun! Anya has oodles of spunk. Aeron the Wrathful demon in the castle basement breaks free and Promiscuity is changed for eternity. A completely delightful read!

This is the second book in the Lords of the Underworld series. In The Darkest Kiss we get to see inside Lucien. He is the incarnate of death and he is in charge of taking souls to hell. He doesn't do all the souls, but does his fair share. He hates the job, but that's what he has to do. It's his punishment for helping release bad souls from Pandora's box. When Anya, goddess of Anarchy and Lucien come together sparks fly. There is definitely a reaction between the two and it burns up the pages. When Anya is destined for hell will Lucien save her or will he complete his job and deliver her to fiery depths of hell. Will these two find that their greatest pleasure is with each other on earth?

I loved the first book in this series and was really looking forward to The Darkest Kiss and so forth. Quite often in series the first book turns out to be the best and slowly the series dies out. This is not the case with The Lords of the Underworld. I was enthralled by the second book and now can't wait to get my hands on the next one. Gena just gets better and better while staying hot as hell. Her heroes are tortured souls who need special women who can make them all feel oh so good. I'm so captivated by all the characters of this series and I'm looking forward to reading all their stories.

© Night Owl Romance 2008

I wanted to love this book. I really did. As the second in a series where the first didn't impress me I was hoping it was just a fluke. But once again I just didn't quite fall in love with the Lords of the Underworld.

The Darkest Kiss is Lucien, Keeper of Death's, story. When we left off with The Darkest Night, Anya, the mysterious goddess, had told the Lords of two temples rising from the sea. These temples might hold the answers to where Pandora's box, the prison from which their demons came, is hiding. Naturally, both the Lords and the Hunters want to find the box. If the Hunters find it, they can use it to suck the demons from the Lords, putting them back in the box killing the Lords. And there is no way that's going to happen if the Lords have anything to say about it.

Lucien's demon isn't remotely so vocal as Maddox's has been. Death barely stirs other than to collect souls, Lucien is very in control as he sets off to search the temples. Then Anya, a pixie-esque demi-goddess who smells like strawberries, thrusts her way into his world and won't give him a moment's peace. She dresses like a tart and she talks like she's been around the block and changed the tires a few times. She's tough but cute and she wants Lucien for some reason. They fuss and they fight and they share some kisses and then we find out she can never "go all the way" with a guy (sorry if that's too spoilery for anyone) because she's been cursed to be eternally bound to the first one to have her. To make matters worse she's pissed off Cronus, the new king of the gods, so he commands the Keeper of Death to kill her and bring him Anya's body. Lucien struggles with this because he likes Anya enough not to kill her, but with his fellow Lords in danger of Cronus' wrath he can't let her live. What can be done to thwart Cronus and save Anya?

It's not that this story was bad. It wasn't. And I adore Gena, she's a sweety when she visits the pararnormal romance forums here! I think this series just isn't for me. It's very similar to other series out there and it has potential to be great, I love the premise and I think the Lords are all interesting figures (Gideon, Keeper of Lies!!!). Where I get stalled up is in the lack of chemistry I feel between the Lords and their potential mates. So far the only one that I felt an interest in was the subplot relating to Paris in this book. The attempt to bring in some subplot to this one was it's redeeming grace for me, so I'm gonna keep readng the series. It's just not a personal favorite. I have one more tiny beef with this book I have to mention though... beautiful cover... but no scars! Lucien is supposed to have lots of visible scars, and as a woman who totally appreciates scars I was a bit dissapointed at the smooth chested cover. Keep up the good work Gena!

Why read: Reading the series.

What impressed me: Anya makes a good match for Lucien. She has her how power that makes their relationship make more sense. I loved how Lucien couldn't believe she was interested in him - that she must have an evil ulterior motive. It showed a lot of the inner goings on of Lucien's mind.

What disappointed me: Anya's very convenient inability to to be intimate with Lucien was a huge annoyance. Yes, it dragged the story out, but it never created tension - just annoyance. I didn't really like that her reluctance to take that final step was due to an outside force rather than her own messed up psyche.

Recommended: Yes. This is a great addition to the Lords of the Underworld series.

Continue series: Definitely

I came back to change my rating. I first gave it 3 stars. I had to deleted my review because it would not let me change it in the edit section. Anyway, let me tell you why I gave it 3 stars then why I changed it to 4.

I so loved the first book with Maddox and Ashlyn and when I started this book I immediately started to dislike the heroine. Anya was a constant tease, enjoyed lying and stealing, had an over confident attitude and could be really sassy at times. Half way through the book I was hating her and thought the book would end with me very disappointed. At about page 199, I jumped the gun and wrote my first review railing Anya and giving it a 3 star rating.

Well, that was rather foolish of me. Now that I have finished the book, I can say that the last half of the book changed my opinion. I admit I did not enjoy the first 200 pages but after that, the plot got thicker and more exciting. Anya was finally able to open up to Lucien. Lucien showed more emotion towards her which seemed to settle down some of Anya's not so good behaviors that so bugged me. I liked when her friend William enters the story. They're relationship was fun to read. Especially with Lucien been all protective of her. It made me laugh a little. After that I was hooked.

So for those of you who start to read the story and find yourself not liking Anya, I say be patient and don't give up. Remember her character is a minor goddess and goddess characters tend to have a bit of an attitude. You never know by the end of the book, you may find that she has finally grown on you and will admit to liking her. I do now.

PS the back stories with Paris and Reyes fuel to the book. Adding excitement and anticipation for the next books. Can't wait for book 3.

I thought this book was both funny, erotic, intense and suspenseful. While I did enjoy this sequel immensley I still liked the first book better. Lucien, the hero, has the demon of Death as his demon-curse. Forcing him to drop whatever it is he is doing at the moment to go and collect souls and escort them to their after-life residing places. His heroine Anya, the Goddess of Anarchy was witty, funny, smart, vulnerable at times and strong; all the things you love about a heroine. Their cat and mouse game with each other and a vengefule king of Gods is very entertaining and enjoyable. My only peeve was this sequel should have been about Reyes (keeper of the demon Pain) and Danika (anoth name I loved). They are the pair that I was breathlessly awaiting further info on, not Lucien.
Anywayz, this book was entertaining and had a great HEA; it also took care of my "jonez" of the paranormal.

THE DARKEST KISS is book 2 in the exciting and original Lords Of The Underworld series and it's absolutely fantastic. Gena Sholwalter has outdone herself here, further developing previous characters and sub-plots she has also created my new favourite couple in Lucian and Anya. Their story is filled with raw emotion, tons of sexual tension and non-stop adventure. There are also several other immortals stories taking place at the same time which instead of distracting from only added to the tension in a very JR Ward kind of way. I never knew what was going to happen next and will absolutely be doing a re-read it as well as continuing on with this amazing series.

Lucian, as one of the Lords Of The Underworld is the warrior bonded with the demon of death. As such he is responsible for removing the souls of the dead and transporting them to either heaven or hell. (Surprise, most don't want to go) Of his fellow immortals he is the most in control but also the most serious and sombre. Having distanced himself long ago he has no choice but to do what the gods command of him.

This book starts out with a sexual bang as Lucian meets the Goddess of Anarchy in a nightclub. Anya doesn't mince words or actions in the fact that she wants Lucian and no other will do. He doesn't understand what a modelesque looking goddess could possibly see in him because he's not much to look at these days, having permanently disfigured himself to make sure no woman ever looked his way again. Anya however is a wicked girl and finds the scars sexy, wanting to run her tongue over them. After their first meeting Lucian is unable to keep the teasing, sexy spitfire out of his thoughts. She was able to make him smile and even laugh for the first time in hundreds of years and that kiss... It's a damn shame that the leader of the Titans has just ordered him to kill her with the added incentive that if he fails his fellow immortals will suffer the consequences.

So the chase begins, with Lucian trying desperately not to feel anything for Anya and her enjoying the fact that he's been ordered to kill her because it only makes the game of seducing him that much more fun. The duo `flash' (dematerialize) to exotic locations trading barbed words and having the occasional swordfight along the way all as part of their amazing foreplay. Ultimately they join forces which only complicates things further because Anya never mentioned her own curse, that of being unable to consummate a relationship.

I couldn't put this book down and found Anya to be hilarious, a sort of a female version of Bones from Jeanine Frosts Night Huntress series. It was refreshing to get a heroine who is not helpless, insecure and whiney but instead cheeky, aggressive and confident who never apologises for who she is. Lucian in turn is an alpha male but not in the typical chest beating way he's thoughtful, compassionate, loyal and self sacrificing. Yeah I loved these two and highly recommend this series.

So maybe I like my leading ladies a bit softer........I just didn't care for Anya. She was just too crass, needy, tough, and abrasive for my tastes. It is only this that makes me rate this a 3 star. If this type of girl is your type of girl...this book is a strong 5 star!

Lucien is really to die for. I much preferred his character to Anya's. He is the tortured type (which I love!). He resists his attraction to Anya for much of the first half of the book (usually unsuccessfully) and the battle between "is he going to kill her of make love to her" is fun to read.

If only I had liked Anya. The book explains why she is the way she is, but I never really felt a connection with her, which is necessary for me as a reader. Good luck with this one.....it's a great series, wonderful writing, and I will definitely stand in line to get my hands on the next one!

Lucien is a great character, and I couldn't wait to find out more about him, which is why I eagerly awaited getting this book. Anya, however, is childish and annoying. I skipped over her inner monologue sections because of it. I love the background story with the artifact hunt and the gods, and I can't wait to read the next book. Again, I'll say that I wish these books weren't romance at all because I love reading about the gods and the different characters and the demons that inhabit them. However, the romance is steamy and enjoyable. Three stars due to Anya being intolerable, but a great series. In my opinion both of the books in the series so far are better than the first (and only) book I've read in the Black Dagger Brotherhood. If you liked the first Lords of the Underworld, you should like this, take Anya with a grain of salt, it's worth it!

What can I say except as always Showalter delivers a great read. Love the Lords of the Underworld Series, just when I think their can't be anything new she finds it. I really did think with references to Nix from Coles books that there paths would actually cross somehow- you two are great writers two of my very favorite it would be great if you could do a book together the immortals after dark and the lords would be a very cool blend. Anyway great book if I say more there will be spoilers so on that note Thanks and keep up the great work.

I actually liked this book better than the first. But unfortunately, it was another miss. This book really "dragged" in a MAJOR way. We went through pages and pages of Anya chasing Lucien...and Lucien running. And then we went through sections of Anya revealing small tidbits about why Cronus wanted her. First it was a key, and then it was the all knowing key and so forth and so on. It really made for a really boring read. Unfortunately. It took me WEEKS to finish this story. But I persevered and finally finished.

There are so many unknowns in this series. I find it a little irritating that there was no explanation about Maddox and Ashlyn's child. Would it be human or ummm...other? Does anyone care? And their relationship is also a big question mark. Maddox is immortal while Ashlyn is human. Was this NEVER a topic of conversation?

It just drives me nuts that this author just doesn't cover her bases. It's like the author expects you to take everything at face value. I didn't like this book. I'm not liking this series. I bought all three at one time, so I'll start the third one next.

But if it doesn't improve...well, I'll just bite my nails and wait for the next Brockmann, Ward, Howard or Feehan installment.

There are close to 90 reviews for this book already, so my review will be brief. I really enjoyed this book. I personally favor dark urban fantasy. However, this dark paranormal romance fantasy was really able to capture my attention and keep me completely entertained; I was still even captivated and interested during some of the more predictable parts. I pretty much read this book in one day and just couldn't put it down. The storyline for Lucien, Lord of Death and Anya, the Goddess Anarchy was hot, dangerous and exciting, with plenty of action and suspense. Anya is strong, smart, funny and tough. Lucian's character is noble and has a heart of gold. As I wrote for my review of the previous book in this series The Darkest Night, I'm on the fence about recommending this to fellow dark urban fantasy readers, because this book requires tremendous amounts of patience to sift through all the emotional sections. However, if you have a large enough capacity of patience, you will not be disappointed. The plot is wild and dark, and didn't have excessive amounts of sex scenes. I look forward to reading the next book in the series The Darkest Pleasure.
I also recommend:
Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 2)
Desire Unchained: A Demonica Novel (The Demonica Series)
Blood Magic: A Novel
They Call Me Death
In the Blood: Book Two of the Maker's Song

When I first read Showalter's Darkest Night, I really enjoyed this new take on paranormal romance. I've mostly been reading vampire romances so... I quite enjoy Greek mythology so I welcomed a story involving old myths with new. And to add hot romances to them, well... makes for a great Girl's Night IN. So I didn't hesitate buying Darkest Kiss, but what I didn't expect was a saucy leading lady paired w/ an unlikely withdrawn man. A combo that turned into a heated page turner for me! I try going in without expectations so books like these can give me awesome surprises. I can't wait to read more about these Men & their follies, the Lords of the Underworld. Bring em on...

What can I say an awesome continuation in the series. This is about Lucien, his curse is death and he has to kill Anya the women he wants. She is totally obsessed with him, and the sexual tension between the two is really good. There is not a lot to say that others haven't but I think I still liked the first one better, but I would not of missed this one for the world. This is a really great series and I read a lot of books, so its exciting when you get a new series that your really excited about. Cant wait for Pain and Danaka. This is a must read but I would read the first one in the series to keep everyone straight. Ms. Showalter has nailed the tortured hero to a T.

In the Budapest stronghold where the Lords of the Underworld warriors reside Lucien regrets he opened Pandora's Box allowing the demons to escape. The Gods punished him millennia ago by placing the demon Death inside him. The warriors search for the box to keep it safe; praying they will be able to return the demons inside it.

He and his friends host a party when Anya Goddess of Anarchy crashes it. Anya has been invisibly stalking Lucien while eluding Cronus the Lord Titan who demands she hand over her treasure; heeding her father's advice, she refuses. Now she obsesses over Lucien. He recognizes her odor as that of the person stalking him. He wants her, but knows his facial scars makes him too ugly for a pretty woman like Anya is. Anya kisses Lucien and tells him she wants his penis. Lucien rejects her again, which hurts her.

Cronus arrives as Anya flees. He orders Lucien to kill Anya or his pals will suffer. Warrior Reyes tells Lucien that Anya is cursed by Themis, but not sure how or why. Lucien traces Anya and tells her Cronus ordered him to kill her. Lucien says he will obey. He catches her and they kiss leaving both confused and fleeing each other. Later Anya tells Lucien that Cronus wants the box to place the Greek Gods and demons inside it. Though he wants her, he tells her to leave as no woman will ever desire him; but she wants him although she knows Themis' curse means any man who takes her owns her forever.

Although a stand alone, some threads continue from the previous Lords of the Underworlds tale (see THE DARKEST NIGHT) so it behooves the audience to read that entry first. This excellent romantic fantasy enables readers to believe the fantasy species and the hunters are genuine and the paranormal earth real. Filled with plenty of action, the pairing of the lead couple makes the tale; still the other Lords of the Underworlds warriors have distinct personalities and with a "traitor" enhance the plot.

Harriet Klausner

I absolutely loved both this book and the first! I've never read a book where when I finish I just read it over again! And it was great the second time too! The characters are dark but loving..with great passionate sex scenes. Anya and Lucien incessent panting for each other was fantastic! Taking the most controlled Lord and hooking him up with the irreverent minor goddess of anarchy was brilliant! I very much am hoping we will get Aeron's story...talk about a tortured hero! Of course I agree with what someone else wrote...I wish Lucien's scars had been shown on the cover art but the artist deserves kudos because those eyes are fantastic! Anxiously awaiting more in this line!

This second installment is another great read. I loved Anya! No pushover. She is wicked funny, smart, courageous, and dangerous all wrapped up in one. I only took a star away because even though they get their HEA, I personally didn't like Coronus winning anything at all, it was like two steps forward and one step back. Keep hoping the Lord's can fight the Gods on more even ground, but not yet apparently :( on to the next one, so far I'm hooked.

Just when a few of my favorite paranormal authors were starting to grow a little stale along comes Gena Showalter and Lords of the Underworld. Gena's Lords and their stories have charmed and captivated me. Since I enjoyed Darkest Night very much I was expecting to like Darkest Kiss. I just didn't expect to like it quite this much. I truly couldn't put this book down and found myself smiling and laughing out loud while fretting over this facinating couple! It was a great story and I am now hooked. I cannot wait for the next in this series, and I'm delighted that its due out next month!

I've noticed several people compare the LORDS series to Ward's Dark Brotherhood, and sometimes unfavorably, but I have to say that I think these books are not like Ward's at all. Though Ward's series is written very well technically, I really find much of them distasteful. I really am not into a hero who will willingly carve into himself to prove his love, etc. Gena's heroes are not sado-masochists. They are compelling heroes, fighting to control the demons within, and finding women that help make them more human. Don't read or not read these books because someone says they are similar to another series out there. Many books share surface similarities - paranormal men, possessed by dark powers, fiesty heroines, etc. Gena's series is fresh, with each book having a distinct flare based on the particular Lord it focuses on. And the chemisty between the H/H is HOT!

I like this series! The story is well written, the character flesh out and likeable. Anya is a the Goddess of Anarchy, Lucien is the keeper of the demon death. He's very serious and staid and she is in a word crazy. I liked the interaction between the leads it was entertaining and completely different from any I've ever read. Basically Anya is causing problems for the newly installed Gods and Lucian has been charged with killing Anya. Good read, full of will he or won't he and how will he get out of it without suffering the consquences of defying the Gods.

After reading the first installment, I couldn't wait for the second. Well... although I enjoyed sexy Lucien, Anya grated the nerves. I liked her spunk and buck-the-system attitude (she is anarchy after all), but the haughtiness was a bit overdone. Not to mention the dragging sexual tension and their repetitive thoughts. The book really plateaued in the middle, and by the time I hit the two-thirds mark, the side plots were the only thing that kept me reading. Paris/Sienna and Reyes/Danika. (BTW The Darkest Pleasure was a treat--Danika and Reyes delivered up 4 stars in my book). Don't get me wrong, Anya is a strong female heroine; just the kind you want to backhand, like say a snooty sorority girl. And if I ever hear "Cronie Wonie" again it will be too soon. Of course, while reading The Darkest Pleasure I had to read "Panie." Ugh!

Great new series. I'm glad I started reading them. Both characters literally kick a**. I loved the tough as nails attitude and I didn't think it was too over the top since both characters had misgivings internally. I'm really looking forward to the next one. My only disappointment was the side story with Paris. I thought he found his mate, too, but there was a difinite twist with him. I strongly recommend this one, but I suggest you read them in order since Showalter inserts side stories with the characters that apparently develop in future novels.

After reading the first book in this series, I had to run out and by the second one. I was not disappointed and I liked it just as much as the first one. I loved the character of Anya and thought she was hilarious. However I think I liked the character of Maddox from the first book than Lucien from this one. I like how the books mostly concentrate on the main characters and their relationship. There are interesting secondary stories as well. The loves scenes are hot,hot,hot!!! I've already marked July 1st on my calendar for when the 3rd book comes out.

Sigh. I went ahead and read this one after the first one was so disappointing. The story is about Lucien, the immortal warrior who contains the demon Death. He sounds like a totally hot dude in the series, but then he gets saddled with a brain-damaged Valley Girl who is immortal and constantly sucks on lollipops. Ummmmm, yeah, right. If Ashlynn in the first book became known as Wimpstick in my head, this one became "Wanna-Be-Acheron's-Demon-Pet-Siri-From-Sherrilynn-Kenyon's-Series" (aka, Siri the Second). After the usual, expected back and forth moments in their relationship, they get together and everyone is happy--at least as happy as you can get trapped with a woman who's about ten years old on a mental level. Another point that bugged me--Lucien's supposed to be all scarred & scary looking but the guy on the cover looks like he never got a paper cut in his life. Too uneven for me. I read number three in this series of what will probably end up being ten books (do the math, 10 immortal warriors = ten books). Sigh.

I found the first book of the series The Darkest Night to be just so so. This one is a little better but still not a great book. I did actually care for the characters this time. I feel like I got to know them and I cared what happened to them. While I liked Lucien, Anya was whiny and annoying. I guess disliking a character is better than having no feelings at all.

The beginning third and ending third of the book were enjoyable but the middle was repetitious, the same conversions and inner turmoil over and over in different locations.

I am a huge fan of Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series. So when I read they were good friends and she suggested her fans to read Gena Showalter, I was right on board. However, her books do not impress me. I feel Showalter has some great ideas but her books are a bit boring. I read the first book in the series and wasn't that impressed but I thought I'd give her a second chance. I had a hard time finishing this book. What irritated me the most is the nickname for Lucien, "Flowers". We are suppose to be reading about hot alpha male warriors but instead the author is castrating them by emasculating them with butterfly tattoos and nicknames like "Flowers". I also don't ever feel connected to any of her characters. A big disappointment. I don't think I will be reading her books for a while. Maybe in a few years she'll develop into a better author.

I liked Lucien and Anya in book 2 of the series. I looked forward to Lucien's story since I wanted to know more about him in Maddox's book. I liked the pacing and tone of this book. Anya is one of my favorite heroines. As a goddess I felt as if she should have more strength and powers than Lucien. I was glad that they didn't make her weak and she was a strong character to match Lucien. I look forward to reading the next book. Good job!

The Lords of the Underworld Series:

The Darkest Night

The Darkest Kiss

The Darkest Pleasure

I like Showalter's heroes. Barring the fact that they are a close copy of J.R. Ward's "Brothers", they are interesting men. Showalter could do a lot with this series. The first book was good, not great. This, the second book, was a better core story but unfortunately I found it impossible to take seriously. The same ideas repeated themselves over and over again for around 250 pages. He was ordered to kill her, but couldn't bear to harm her. She followed him around like a love sick puppy, knowing he planned to kill her. All they had to do was breathe the same air for the two of them to be instantly aroused. They'd each do and say things to intentionally hurt each other's feelings, then leave the scene with the same thought: "This is for the best." It went in circles, never progressing.

Worse, the heroine was a split- personalty nightmare. One minute, she is strapping on weapons with relish. She can't wait to jump into the battle. She finds the hero's lethal demon irresistibly sexy. She'll fight any man or beast who threatens her. (I would have loved this heroine character if she had stayed with this personality.) Sadly, she would go from warrior woman to 12- year- old airhead in a matter of seconds. She walked around sucking on lollipops, calling the hero (a warrior possessed by a death demon) nicknames like "Sweetcakes", "Flowers", and other nauseating things that would emasculate any man. When leaving a scene, she made her "goodbye" by giving cutsie "pinky waves". Worst of all, she would say things like (after finding matching jackets for them to wear) "Oh score! We'll be twinkies!" Yes, she was saying that to the demon warrior, and not sarcastically. She was genuinely excited about having matching jackets. I have a headache from rolling my eyes so much. The hero character was hot, but I eventually couldn't like him because he was into a woman who was half child. None of it worked for me.

There were a couple of side stories happening for two of the hero's friends in the midst of this book. They actually became more interesting to me than the main couple. Still, I haven't decided if I'm going to continue with this series. I'm afraid I'll end up disappointed again.

If you want to read the series, here are the links to the first and third books:

The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld, Book 1)

The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld, Book 3)

If you'd like to try other paranormal romance series, I highly recommend these long- running series:

Black Dagger Brotherhood Series (First two in the series, to get you started):

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1)

Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 2)

Psy/Changeling Series (First two):

Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changelings, Book 1)

Visions of Heat (Psy-Changelings, Book 2)

Immortals After Dark Series (First two):

A Hunger Like No Other (The Immortals After Dark Series, Book 1)

No Rest for the Wicked (The Immortals After Dark, Book 2)

Gena Showalter is two for two in her Lords of the Underworld series. The latest book, The Darkest Kiss, features Lucien and Anya---an almost perfect pairing. Lucien is bonded to the demon Death and Anya is the goddess of Anarchy, and boy, when these two get together the pages go up in smoke!! Both are fierce warriors and both have secrets that make them vulnerable, and while trying to figure out how to find Pandora's Box, must come to terms with their feelings for each other.

This book is wonderful. I truly felt for both Lucien and Anya, for what they have to go through and well, I will not tell you any more than that. What I will tell you is that several of the other Lords have a good portion of the book, it doesn't detract from the story at all. Rather enhances it actually. No spoilers here, but an honest recommendation to purchase the book and enjoy it intensely. Have a good read.

Firstly, I love this series to death! The Lords of the Underworld series is amazing and I've fallen in love with all of the characters.

Now, the Darkest Kiss my least favorite of the three because:

1) Sounds horrid and shallow of me to say this, but the main character, Lucien, Keeper of Death, is supposed to be an ugly warrior, with scars covering his face and body. This put me off from the get-go. I found myself flipping back to the book cover while reading, trying to convince myself that he actually looked like that. =[

2) I thought there wasn't enough intimacy between the two main characters and I didn't like that the goddess pursued him the whole time and kind of made him look weak compared to her. She was the ballsy one.

Besides those two things, the book was a good and I would read it again for sure. 3 or 4 chapters of the book are about Paris (I don't want to give anything away), which was something I didn't see in the other two books. So, the book wasn't strictly about Lucien and a sassy goddess; it skipped around to the other warriors and their "intimacies" a lot.

I would recommend this book, especially to women that like a dominant female, rather than a male.

I'm pretty sure I'm beating a dead horse here, but like many of the other reviews, I didn't particularly care for the heroine of this book. And it practically ruined this book for me. The heroine, Anya, was in layman terms annoying. It was bad enough her personality was rather crass, she had to make her even more nails on a chalk board annoying with lollypops and pinkie waves.

WTH?

Considering Lucien is a brooding hero and uber hot in a deformed kind of way, I just didn't buy it that he could be attracted to her. Ms. Showalter's writing is superb and her stories are a joy to read, but this one just didn't do it for me.

this is the first book i bought in the series no knowing it was one and i feel in love with all the aspects of it. me and my sister have been buying the books in order now and we're addicted.its my favorite book and series. i tell my friends and family about it. i really hope it becomes a movie soon or show! that would be amazing.i think show would be better because they could do it like on showtime or hbo and include the juicy details of the books. i would watch it and tell everyone i know. theyre making 50 shades of gray into a book o why not the lords of the underworld? as i read it its like a movie in my head already why not let my eyes enjoy it? :( . well thank you very much gena showalter.

It wasn't as good as the first book, but it was definitely an entertaining read. Anya sure has sass! Complete opposite of Lucien! If you're going to read these books, try and read them close together!

I really tried hard to like this story of Anya and Lucian. I have to say I did make it three fourths of the way through and found myself wishing Anya would have duct tape put over her mouth!! This is one of the most annoying characters I have ever read in a romance novel and I have read a lot of books! I could not finish...I really tried!! I enjoyed the first Lords of the Underworld book much better. Anya's character was just to much with her smart mouth talking most of the time! Do not recommend this book unless you like being really annoyed!!

THIS BY FAR WAS MY FAVORITE...I LAUGHED AT ANYA..GODDESS OF ANARCHY ALWAYS TESTING THE PATIENCE OF DEATH! I ACTUALLY FINISHED IT IN ONE DAY AND WAS UPSET BECAUSE I DIDNT WANT IT TO END..LOL
ALTHOUGH LUCIEN WAS SCARED THAT DIDN'T TURN THE BEATIFUL GODDESS ANYA AWAY..LUCIEN ON THE OTHER HAND DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO MAKE OF ANYA.. HE THOUGHT SHE PITIED HIM AND THEN FINALLY HE REALIZED SHE WAS ACTUALLY ATTRACTED TO HIM AND THEY BOTH FELL IN LOVE.
YESSSSSS...THIS WAS WAS A WONDERFUL READ!

After reading the first in the series, I picked this one up as well. I love that Lucien...Demon of Death is paired with the gorgeous Goddess of Anarchy Anya. To me they make a great pair, and she is so funny with her commentary. The blending was just right in this book. Another win for the author :)

Great improvement over the first book. Parts of the story did slow down too much, and parts felt redundant... But I have high hopes for Showalter's writing and storytelling to keep improving.

That said, I'm not as excited about Reyes and Danika's book. Seems like it could easily be Maddox and Ashlyn 2.0.

In the begining I was not sure about this author, but a long weekend awaited me and I was like: Who cares!!! and bought the four books released until now for the Lords of the Underwold (including the mini book).

This was the best purchase ever. I finished the four books in THREE days. I was a possesed woman, I couldn't put them down.

The books are well paced and all the books of the Lords are winners... But I have to say I loved the Darkest Kiss more, just because our little heroine was a Goddess prepare for battle with some comments that will make you die laughing.

You must read this series, you wont regret it... Just have an open mind this is fiction after all.

I disliked this author - and had to force myself to buy the first one. I was so pleased with it - I went out the next day and bought book 2 and 3 at full price! So far I feel like it was a waste. I should have used a coupon or bought at Target. This book is technically good, but I skipped through the last 50 pages just to get find out. Lucian is no where near the baddie you thinnk and Anya is just plain annoying between the lollipop, the sex attempts etc.

******
****Spoiler**** If you're cursed and you can't have sex - why do you try to seduce someone else into your madness.
*******
I think this was a decent read, and I'll struggle through the third book, but it won't go on my keeper shelf.

This book is what really got me hooked on the series. Sizzlingly sexy, absolutely hilarious, action packed, great plot that keeps thickening (hehe), & of course ANYA! She makes this book. I adore her character: her confidence, her sass, her wickedness. How could poor Lucien NOT be driven crazy by her?

I found this to be an incredibly boring and non-believable (even for sci-fi/paranormal) read. Interesting concept but bad delivery. Anarchy is literally throwing herself at the guy for most of the book and when not doing that is throwing tantrums. The supposed villain pops in a grand total of 3 times. The rest of the book is a fruitless quest for items to solve their immediate problems of survival. If they did get Pandora's box, they still couldn't destroy it; they would still have to live with the demons' possession and they still have absolutely no way of killing the new head of gods. So all in all bad plot and even worse romance.

The last thing I need right now in my life is a hot romance novel (when I can't do anything about what it stirs up) but OMG...this book is great. I have to now read every single book in the series just to see if she keeps up the tempo. I may have to take a cold shower after each chapter though...

I love this series WTG Gena I'm in love with all the Lords. Please send Paris my way. This is the second series of three and I have to tell you I am estatic that the Lords are here with there demons. Lucien although appears ugly is sexy as any GOD in person. Wish "flowers" was my birthday present.

I did like the book, just not as much as the first. The fact that Anarchy was so...desperate just didn't work for me. I mean, why would a Goddess be needy and clingy? And I get that Flowers(a.k.a. Lucien) was standoffish but he was down right hateful! I know he wanted to keep his distance but I just saw him as more of gentleman.However, despite all that, it was a good book. But I do hope the third is better.

This was the first book of the series I read and I read it because the cover sucked me in, once I got to know the story line and what was going on it lead me to read all the LOTU books. This one still remains my favorite. I love that these two people are so opposite that they actually complete eachother. Lucien is so put together and by the book while Anya is a free bird. Throughout the story you know they will be together and you just can't wait till then because you know it will be hot and meant to be.

Great couple and story, if you like interfering gods and pretty hot love scenes. Anya was portrayed like a typical silly, immature goddess (just read those old Greek legends where the gods behave like 5 year olds and throw tantrums when they don't get what they want), which perfectly fit here. Still she was spunky and sacrificed a lot in order to save Lucien. A great read!

I have read all three books and have enjoyed books 1 and 3. Book 2, however, was a huge disappointment. Luciens love interest, Anya, is an extremely aggravating character. I found myself wanting her to disappear throughout the entire novel. She does nothing but whine, complain (with the tone of a teenage valley girl BTW), and act extremely jealous and spiteful if she doesn't get her way. In other words, she acts like a spoiled rotten/malicious child. I skipped mostly all of the parts with her in it and read to the end to find out what happened to Lucien and the other warriors. If you want to read book 3, I would just skip this one (or just the parts with Anya).

I haven't completely finished this book yet, but I read the first book in this series and it wasn't bad. So far this one is holding up. However, I thought this book series would be more "explicit". Not what I was expecting, rather tame. But the story isn't that bad, I've enjoyed reading them. I would recommend this series to anyone looking for a book to fill their time. This is a series easy to put down and come back to, it's not material you have to get overly involved in.

Lucien'c character is fantastic and though a bit fanciful, is an excellent concept, but his opposite- Anya, is a bit of a stretch. he falls for the Goddess of Anarchy/Chaos and she does not invoke the chaotic nature one would assume. Though the sexual energy is good, its not as intense b/c he is constantly reisiting her. It concludes well and leads nicely into the third book. It was nice to find out a bit more about Maddox and Holly.

I have never written a review before but I had to for this book. It is amazing! I have read Gena Showalter before and enjoyed her but this book is the best I've read. It is exciting and so, so sexy! Lucien is just delicious. The Darkest Kiss is a well written and thoroughly enjoyable read - I had difficulty putting it down. I highly recommend it!!!!

I thought it was a great sequel to the 1st book and has me looking forward to the next book. Just what I want from a book.....especially a series. The 3rd book will be a much anticipated pre-order so I can get satisfied as soon as possible.

I have never written a review before but I had to for this book. It is amazing! I have read Gena Showalter before and enjoyed her but this book is the best I've read. It is exciting and so, so sexy! Lucien is just delicious. The Darkest Kiss is a well written and thoroughly enjoyable read - I had difficulty putting it down. I highly recommend it!!!!

I thought it was a great sequel to the 1st book and has me looking forward to the next book. Just what I want from a book.....especially a series. The 3rd book will be a much anticipated pre-order so I can get satisfied as soon as possible.

I was entertained with this book but things seemed complicated i don't know if it was the writing or what. Things were definately hot and heavy with Luicen and Anya. Maybe i just didn't like Anya that much. I still look forward to Reyes story.

After reading The Darkest Night I ran out and got a copy of the Darkest Kiss. The first half of the book was great and then it seemed as if the story didn't know where to go and the rest of the pages were just written to fill out the book. I'm going to start the 3rd today.

Let me start off by saying, 'Lords of the Underworld' books 1 and 3 were awesome. However, this book was just painful. Anya is the most annoying/obnoxious character ever! All she does is throw fits, whine, and talk like a 14 year old girl from the valley... She's like an otherworld Paris Hilton. The only reason I was able to get through the book was because I wanted to find out what happened to Lucien. Read this one if you feel you must, but you don't need it to understand the third book in the series.

This book is great. It has all the romantic stuff that any reader would like but there is also adventure. I would suggest this series to any fan of the light and the dark, demons and angels, gods, and other magical things.

I have never wrote a review of ANYTHING in my life, but this has compelled me to do so! I read the first book and really enjoyed it. This book starts off slow and never really gains pace. The heroine is extremely annoying I found myself ignoring her lines in the book because it ruined the whole book. The other main character really has no depth either, as well as their relationship. Very disappointing.