:::SPECIAL BLOG EVENT::: The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter Pre-Order Campaign‏

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR GENA SHOWALTER UNLEASHES THE MOST ANTICIPATED LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD TALE YET

THE DARKEST TOUCH

 

Now, from USA TODAY bestselling author Gena Showalter, comes

THE DARKEST TOUCH

(Harlequin HQN, November 2014, $7.99 U.S./$8.99 CAN. ISBN-13 978-0-373-77891-1), the eagerly awaited story of Torin—host to the demon of Disease—the most dangerous and wretched of all the Lords of the Underworld, a legendary group of powerful and seductive warriors doomed to a cursed eternal existence.

Synopsis

As keeper of the demon of Disease, Torin carries a weight heavier than any of his ill-fated brethren. Knowing that his merest touch has the potential to kill untold innocents by infecting any creature with whom he comes in contact, Torin is forever destined to live a solitary existence, denied that which he craves most—love and companionship—as he struggles constantly to resist the deadly, lustful urges of his demon within. 

Keeley Cael, better known as the infamous Red Queen, has a serious grudge against Torin. As one of the most dangerous beings in existence, with the power to kill armies in a snap, Keeley gains her strength by forming mystical bonds with people she cares about, like her friend Mari. But when Mari is unintentionally killed by physical contact with Torin, Keeley vows to get vengeance by hunting down the deadly demon-host and destroying him.

After Keeley finds Torin, however, she too is inadvertently stricken by his diseased touch. But then Keeley is stunned to discover that Torin is not the bloodthirsty killer she imagined, but a caring and noble protector who nurses her through her affliction. Even more surprising is the new invisible bond with Torin she suddenly feels through her irresistible attraction to him.

Torin, likewise, is taken aback by the rampant desire he has for the Red Queen, a desire that has somehow quenched all his other deadly lusts. But Torin knows there is no happy ending here; Keeley is still an infected carrier and any further contact with him could prove fatal to her.

When Keeley reveals to Torin knowledge of his origin, however, and of the existence of an object with the power to heal her and free him and his brethren of their plight, this accursed Lord of the Underworld finally allows himself to feel something he has not known in an eternity…hope.

 

Excerpt

She appeared in front of him, displaying more tanned skin than she concealed, her hair falling around her face in lush, golden waves. Her eyes glittered with remnants of her anger. Her lips were slightly swollen and pinker than usual.

“Temper much?” she quipped.

His relief was palpable. She hadn’t forgotten him! But the relief was quickly replaced by concern. “Are you all right? Did someone hit you?”

She blinked with confusion. “No. Why?”

“Your lips are swollen.”

She rubbed them, color heating her cheeks. “Someone didn’t hit me, but someone sure did hit on me.”

Hit on her. As in kissed her.

Already on edge, Torin. Utterly. Erupted.

He forgot everything he’d planned to do and say and got in Keeley’s face, snarling, “Who was it?”

Her eyes widened. “Hades. Why?”

“You dare ask why? You belong to me! We agreed.

You do not kiss other men, Keeley. Ever. Have you forgotten my rules?”

Her jaw dropped, and she gasped out a few unintelligible words as if she couldn’t quite figure out what to say to him.

He stood in place, breathing too quickly, too heavily, his throat and lungs burning. He reached for her, but as so many times before, fisted his hands and dropped them just before contact. This is crazy. I’m crazy. I have to leave.

“Are you…thinking about touching me?” she asked, her eyes widening again.

No, she had to leave. He could not be in public right now. “Go shopping. Buy yourself something pretty. My treat.” He basically tossed his credit card at her. He should be calm by the time she finished. “Come back in an hour. Maybe two. Actually, we’ll reconvene tomorrow.”

“You are,” she said. “You’re thinking… Even craving me. You don’t like the thought of another man’s hands on me, and you want to replace the memory with your hands.”

That. Yes. Hades would die, and Torin…Torin would touch this woman and never stop.

He gnashed his molars. “Last chance, Keeley. I suggest you take it and leave.” Soon. His control was almost completely shredded.

“No way. You’re the big bad warrior, yet I’ve had to come on to you time and time again. I’ve had to battle within myself—worth the price or not worth it. Well, it’s your turn.”

“There is no damn way you just suggested I haven’t done the same. I’ve battled.”

“When have you ever caved without prompting from me? You’ve resisted me so easily, always walking away.

Sure, you’ve snarled while you’ve done the walking, but still you left me behind. So, tell me. When did you ever—”

“So easily?” he roared. Had she just said so easily? She had no clue about the intensity of his need—but he would teach her better.

Torin cupped her by the nape, yanked her close and smashed his mouth against hers. The kiss was a brutal assault meant to silence her, to dominate and possess. He held her still, making her take it, take everything. But the moment she softened against him, welcomed him inside her mouth, the darkness churning inside him switched gears. From the need to punish and master to the need to seduce and please.

This was Keeley. His princess. She deserved his best.

He gentled the pressure, rolling his tongue inside her mouth, learning her all over again, tasting her. Summer berries and melted honey. So sweet. And mine. All mine. He framed her cheeks, angled her head and rolled his tongue just a little deeper. This time, she met him with a roll of her own.

That was his undoing.

 

 ~My Review~

!!!Infinity Stars!!!

Tou Tou Tou Tou Tou Tou Touch Me, I wanna be dirrrrty. Remember that song? Yes? Good, because it is probably want you will be singing in your head to Torin while you read this book. Oh yes you will, trust me.

So in the latest installment of the, oh so fantastically wonderful series, Lords of the Underworld (LOTU) we finally get Torin's story! Why finally? Well because I have been literally dying for this book, DYING.

Torin has always been one of my most favorite Lords. Plagued with being the keeper of the demon Disease, he has always been isolated and hidden in the shadows of all the other Lords. Desperate for the things he can't have, the ability to touch, to fight and to love.

For those who have not read previous LOTU books, one you must be crazy and two you really need to read them. But let me give you a quick background. The Lords were once mighty warriors created by Zeus, these same warriors were responsible for opening Pandora's box allowing evil and darkness to enter the world. As punishment Zeus cursed each warrior to be the keeper of a demon they released from the box. Torin ended up with Disease ensuring that if he ever touched another, skin to skin, he would sicken them and possible kick start a deathly plague.

Throughout this series each Lord has a tale, one of love, trust and redemption and Torin's tale is no different. Each book progresses through a larger plotline, a very very good one dealing with the goal of recovering Pandora's box and trapping the evil that was once held within. Each book also focuses on a Lord meeting their soul mate. One that satiates their desires, challenges their way of life and changes their hearts. These matches are usually tough, self-sufficient, stunning, and compassionate individuals. EXCEPT for Torin's leading lady who is all of these things minus the compassion, but you will absolutely love her for it and she totally makes up for it with her ferocity.

The Red Queen Keeley is the most kick-a$$ heroine/villian/heroine you will meet and she is perfect for Torin in every way. She is stubborn, determined, powerful and always gets what she wants, and she wants Torin. The relationship between them in this book is like a rollercoaster you can't and don't want to get off.  She gets Torin to reveal sides of him we never got to see in previous books and it is deliciously sexy, dark, dangerous and beautifully compelling. Torin is by far the most complex emotionally of the Lords, he is tormented not just by his Demon but by his loneliness and guilt. Constantly battling his own wants, desires and thoughts Torin will make your heart not only break but yearn for him. For all of you avid LOTU fans, don’t worry as we get some goodies about some of the other characters as well to include Cameo, Lazarus, Galen, and Will(LOVE WILL).  We see more of the major story progress and even more secrets revealed some that will have the wheels in your brain churning.

As with all of Showalter's books, The Darkest Touch fuses together this amazing blend of humor, thrilling action, creative storylines, witty banter, undeniable hotness, and the the truest love. You will laugh, cry, get weak in the knees, cry some more from laughing even harder, and get all hot and bothered. You will experience every emotion reading Torin's story and come out  with a desire for more.  I enjoyed every minute of this book and the continuation of the Lords story. I cannot express how fond I am of the characters that Showalter creates; they are complex, magical, dangerous, beautiful and wondrous. They will weave their way into your heart and continuously thrill you with their stories. The Lord’s series is like every paranormal lover’s wet dream. There is a magnificent and imaginative storyline infused with mythology, religion and urban legend. You will meet a whole host of characters and creatures from biblical figures to Vampires to Greek gods and fairies. I can't wait to read the next chapter in the Lords of the Underworld Series. Thank you Gena Showalter for giving us yet another Lord to fall hopelessly and madly in love with!

 

Pre-Order Links

 E-book -- Kindle | Nook | BAM | Kobo

Paperback -- Amazon | Barnes | Book Depository |

 BAM | Indie Bound | Chapters Indigo

About Gena Showalter

 

Gena Showalter is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose books have appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazines, as well as Entertainment Weekly. Her novel Red Handed has been optioned by Sony Television. Critics have called her books “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories,” while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise.” Her mix of humor, danger and wickedly hot sex provides wildly sensual page-turners sure to enthrall.  Official Website  * FACEBOOK * TWITTER

The Darkest Touch Pre-Order Campaign

About the Campaign

If we reach 10,000 pre-orders for The Darkest Touch before the November 25th release date, Gena Showalter will:

• Post a never before seen sexy video showcasing the model of Torin’s cover in live action shots!
• Chance to win a $100 gift e-card from the bookseller of your choice.
• Gena will share chapter one of The Darkest Touch before the release date!
• Chance of winning 1 of 10 signed copies of the backlist book of your choice, just in time for Christmas.

At the end of the campaign, all entrants will receive a never before published Lords of the Underworld scene. 

To enter The Darkest Touch Pre-Order Campaign, please send an email to Gena's assistant Marie at inquiry@genashowalter.com with the order number found on your purchase receipt. OpenWorld-wide.

As soon as the first milestone is reached, Gena will also post a new milestone offering new prizes (and so on and so forth)! Future prizes will include a never before seen excerpt from The Darkest Touch, 1 of 20 signed posters of the book's cover, an e-reader of choice, a video conference with Gena to discuss the books and series, and signed books.