Reyes is one of the Lords of the Underworld who opened Pandora's Box, and he became the Lord of Pain. In order to feel any kind of pleasure he must feel pain, so Reyes continually over the years has had to hurt himself. When the Lord of the Underworld are commanded to kill Danika and her family that they kidnapped months ago, Reyes helped Danika and her family escape and now they are on the run. For there is one Lord Aeron, who is unable to stop searching for the women. So Reyes has put him in chains and captivity as Aeron's request so that he wouldn't kill them. Danika having been on the run for months, not seeing her family since they split for one another's safety. When she is found out by a couple of hunters she defends herself and ends up accidently killing one of them not realizing how much she is actually able to do. Through the months she has dreamed of Reyes, thinking of him constantly. She can't seem to forget the touches that set fire to her skin. She is then found by some other hunters that kidnap her thinking that she is the way in to getting hold of the Lords of the Underworld. Reyes when he hears of what has happened, he and the other Lords that aren't out to kill her, goes to help rescue her. They bring her to their fortress, where Danika wants answers to where her family is and if they are still alive. All the while, a sensual connection strengthens between Danika and Reyes with kisses and touches and a desire that only grows stronger the longer they are together. Despite all the danger surrounding them both, their love will conquer!


I truly have loved this book, it had such a great sense of love and passion and danger that is perfect with the style of the story and way that the author writes. The love scenes alone were wonderful, and seemed to really connect with the reader. This is the first that I have read of the Lord of the Underworld Series, and I am impressed. I just started getting into Gena Stowalter and I am so glad that I did. She is one of my favorite Paranormal Authors. I simply loved everything about this book, and I have no complaints, and I will have to give it the highest blossom, since it was better than I thought that it would be.

Olivia was sent as a angel, to keep tabs on Aeron, who holds the demon of Wrath. Then she is sent to kill Aeron, because he keeps a demon from Hell with him, so the council has decided that he must die. But Olivia wants Aeron for her own, so she falls from being a angel, so that she doesn't have to do the deed. So at first when she seeks his help, he resists, even though she is the one tempting thing that has come into his life. However his demond, Wrath, is calmed by Olivia, and only wants her more and more. But things are about to get a bit more dicey with a new executioner on the hunt for Aeron's head, and Olivia is the only one that can protect him from death, but Aeron and Olivia will learn the true power and strength that comes from loving and sacrificing for that one person whom means more than anything to you.The Darkest Passion is the seventh in the Lords of the Underworld series. I found The Darkest Passion to be a emotionally riveting story, that struck deep. Its about Aeron(whom we all love) and I was so thrilled to get a chance to read The Darkest Passion, it definitely didn't disappoint. It was filled with everything that I would expect in a novel such as this from Gena Showalter, full of a magical world, with passion, romance and a spice of danger that will make your heart beat just a bit faster than normal. This author has such great passion and imagination that she portrays her in wonderfully written stories, which travels through the reader, and creates such a compelling world, that only draws you in even more, the more that you read from Showalter.

For a reading challenge on Goodreads, I was to read Darkfever. Now for a few years I have hesitated in reading this series, despite all the high reviews, because I had read her highlander series and I knew that this Fae series is quite opposite from it, and I was right. I obtained Darkfever through Audible, and this is the first time I had such a difficult time staying with a story, now I know that it isn't just the format. I was expected a romance based novel, and Darkfever isn't really like that in any form. After reading her highlander series, I was expecting a similar tone, but Darkfever totally blew me away in the difference it is from anything else I have read from her. I didn't get fully into it until the last third of the story. I kept with it for one, that it was for a reading challenge and I try as much as possible to stick with a story, and that there is a reason this series is so popular. I would categorize this as just paranormal fiction, there isn't much romance until the very end. After reading Darkfever, I understand where the author is going with it, and I understand better now why she has written it in the way she has, but it was so different from what I even imagined. I don't know if I am the only one that struggled in any form with this one, but I did and even though I enjoyed it quite a bit by the very end, it took a little over five hours of listening before I starting feeling engaged with the story. I am rating this higher than I normally would because the writing is stellar just its form is far different than I expected and I think that's why I struggled so much with it.

Darkfever is a story that introduces a world of dark and dangerous creatures that surround millions of people they just can't see the danger to them. I definitely wouldn't want this world to ever be real. I did love the suspense aspect to the story. There is quite a bit of a high intensity level for the story and I did like that. However I was expecting a high romance level, and it is very low. I am hoping that in the next books in the series, the romance level will be raised more. Despite by negative opinion on this story, there were some aspects I really liked. I loved seeing two totally opposite men involved in Mac's life. The characters are very realistic and vividly written, so you can't help but be drawn toward them. It did take a while to adjust to the narrator, but after a little while, I started to enjoy her inflections in the narrative.

Overall a tale that brings the reader into a world packed full of intense danger and fantasy, a story to get the blood thumping and one that will leave you aching in anticipation for the next installment.

Sabin, is bound by the Demon of Doubt, who is always there whispering to him and everyone else around him doubts about themselves, so Sabin, refuses to let anyone get real close to him especially any women, then he ends up rescuing Gwendolyn, the Timid, a Harpy, although very different from her kind. Gwen, also a immortal, and a harpy, has always tried to hide that part of herself, because when her harpy is free she does unimaginable things, where everyone that surrounds her is dead. After being captured for a year, she is afraid to contact her sisters, whom are harpies but have always been there to protect her, but afraid they will despise her for past mistakes, not realizing how strong their sisterly bond truly is. Then she gets rescued by Sabin, and taken back to his sanctuary and home with his brethren who are just as cursed with demons as he is, and finds a deep and abiding love in Sabin, and that despite everything going on around them, love can conquer all, even the whisperings of doubt!
The Darkest Whisper is the fourth in the Lord of the Underworld series, and this is Sabin's story, who holds the Demon of Doubt. Although this series isn't my favorite of this author, its such a exciting and intriguing one, and I have truly loved reading this series so far, its been a intense ride that for sure, and The Darkest Whisper is one of my favorites of the series. Although Maddox's story is at the highest top of favorites, Sabin is probably next in line. I loved every aspect of this story from the exciting plot, to the adventure, to the heated passion, and the tender love that grows between Sabin and Gwen. I found these two to be such a perfect match for one another, and they compliment each other so well. With Gwen able to distinguish the difference between her own thoughts and doubt, and the fact that when her harpy comes out, Doubt hides, since Doubt is afraid of Harpies. And how Sabin is the only one that can calm her harpy when she is out, which no one has been able to do that Gwen remembers. I have found the each book in the series so far is different yet special as they are so unique from one another! A true romance that will have you eager for more and more from this author.

The story begins with seeing Finn fighting some bad demons, and we see a certain bond he has with one of his closest friends and protector. We see the fun bantering and quick-witted humor between these two and the level of friendship they have. Then when Lyra enters Finn’s life again, he has no clue that he has a 17-year-old daughter. He doesn’t suspect a thing, but Lyra gets a bit devious and changes the age of her daughter so he doesn’t suspect. Now this is a “secret baby” themed trope, but the circumstances makes it seem endearing and you get captivated instantly. What I enjoyed was seeing how these ex lovers were able to connect almost instantly, even after all the time that has passed for them. The supporting characters were so fun, and a plus we get on possessive dragon shifter that comes into the mix (his book is next…SO THRILLED because he sure was delicious) We see some engaging members of Finn’s pack, and boy did Lyra stand her ground with them and win their loyalty, which is pretty fantastic considering that vampires and shifters are mortal enemies. Toward the last half of the book, we get an insight into Vega and what she is dealing with. We see how insane Lyra’s brother really is, crazed with power and being the leader of the clan, and how he promotes fear to get his people to do what he wants them to do. Vega is just like her parents though, strong and stands on her own. What we see happen in this story especially toward the latter half of the story, was a tear jerker, just broke me up inside, seeing Finn and Lyra be honest with each other, and finding their daughter together. So many great moments in this story that made it an astounding read for me (despite its shorter length, only 200 pages), but it didn’t feel that short. The plot is well-balanced, the characters written in a way where we see their strengths and weakness and how they face opposition, the romance short and sweet, but definitely strong in emotion and engaging till the end. What I most enjoyed was how the style of this author’s writing captivated me from the beginning, she draws you into the story in such a way that you can’t put it down, she creates a scene at the beginning which is exciting and full of action and then pumps you with emotion that you have to keep reading more, a intense page turner.

When challenge coins have been exchanged, Rafferty is now determined to be the one to destroy Magnus, once and for all. But when he meets Melissa Smith he is intrigued, but very suspicious of her. When he first meets her he catches her stealing, so he doubts her. But then when he realizes that she is his firestorm, he knows he must protect her. But then he starts to realize that his firestorm is far different than any other, because its where the 'Darkfire' is introduced. One which is prophesied to change everything. Even though Rafferty is unsure of Melissa, he also can't resist the passion that rises between them.... Darkfire Kiss is the sixth installment of the series, and even though it was a enjoyable one, it would probably be my least favorite of the series. I just was never fully able to really get into the story very well, at least not until the end. So I was a bit disappointed since I have been looking forward to Rafferty's story ever since I started reading the series. It didn't flow very smoothly, not like her other books, and I didn't enjoy it as much as the others. Overall though it was a comfortable read that one could relax with, and even I was a bit disappointed, I still enjoyed it, just not as much as the others that I have read so far. I am hoping the the next in the series I will enjoy more.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary

Gavin Whitridge, is the Duke of Baynton and expectations are high for him to marry and he can't just marry anyone especially the penniless playwright Sarah Pettijohn. She is the last woman that anyone would expect that Gavin would set his eyes on. Gavin knows that he can never marry Sarah, his mother and aunt already have a woman in mind. He knows he needs an heir however there is something different about Sarah that draws him. And when Sarah finds herself in trouble, Gavin proposes she become his mistress and he will support her and her dreams of seeing her play become a reality. Sarah finds herself agreeing to a bargain she never though she would agree to but becoming Gavin's mistress isn't what she expected. He makes no demands on her that she isn't willing to make. Gavin desires a woman that he can be himself with, someone that is safe and makes him feel like he is at home with. Gavin however is forced to make a difficult choice duty or love...or will he realize he can have both?

Plot and Story Line

What a story and Cathy Maxwell closes this series out with a bang with A Date At The Altar. I was highly impressed with this book, and I got it in audio format and I listened to it in TWO DAYS!!! I never listen to a audiobook that quickly, but after a couple of hours and I just wanted more and more and couldn't put it down. This story starts out with Sarah putting herself in a position to dance as the "siren" so she can have her play. And is shocked to see the infamous Gavin, Duke of Baynton at her show of all place. She is horrified, but when he saves her from a mob of men trying to get her she sees something more in him. Gavin has searched for the right wife for so long, and even though he wants a love match like his two brothers, he doesn't know if he will find it. Gavin and Sarah aren't the type of couple you could see together to be honest. They are so different from each other, however once they are together they just fit so perfectly well. I really enjoyed what I saw in this one. And we are also introduced into some surprises as well. This story does have its dramatic moments, and even though it seemed a bit unrealistic...it was so uniquely written that you have no real issue with it. I loved seeing the conflict that this pair is faced with and certain truths that they learn about themselves and about each other. There is a pivotal moment toward the end of the book, that brought tears to my eyes. A  moment where Gavin and the hero (of the first book, the novella) and it made me fall in love with this series even more. It changes the whole tone to the story and is worth every moment until then to see how Gavin changes in certain ways. I loved the character growth and seeing one fight for LOVE over the threat of scandal. A love story you don't want to miss out on.

Children mean nothing to me if I can't have you. You are the one I choose. I was meant to love you Sarah.

The Narration

Sarah Jane Wells is simply brilliant and she did this series so well but especially Gavin's book is my favorite of her work. Her voice and the way she dispalys different tones of feelings of the story and character kept me captivated. She has such a pretty British accent, and I love the way she reflects that in the work she does. She is a must listen to if you like historical romances  on audio.

The Cover

What a gorgeous cover...I just love her dress and the playful smirk. Sets a playful tone

Overall View

A Date At The Altar is a lively and dramatic romance that keeps the reader engaged, anxious and highly eager to see this couple get their HEA. A FUN ROMANTIC GEM!!

Books N Tunes Pick #2: Your Hands Are Cold

I was hearing this song in my head as I was listening to this book especially some of the later scenes of the book.

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