RATING: 4.5 "FINALLY IT'S PARIS' STORY" HEARTS!
This is, perhaps, the most highly anticipated story of the Lords of the Underworld, especially given the amount of time and angst invested into Paris’ story. It’s been a long time coming, and fortunately for fans, it does not dissatisfy. The Darkest Seduction is a crucial step-up from its predecessor in many ways – an excitement-fueled, sizzlingly seductive, darkly intense addition to Gena Showalter’s addictively readable paranormal LotU series.
Paris, Keeper of Promiscuity, is everything expected and a whole lot more. His is a character that instantly surges from the pages from the very first moment of his introduction in an exquisitely sexy style, keeping his demon sated while still reveling in the company of his fellow Lords, making him an instant favourite. Through the series development however, we see flashes of the encumbrance that is being the Lord of Sex – the heartaches, anguish, hate, and desirous feelings for more, all accompanied with the aftermath of extreme self-loathing, guilt and humiliation. In this, at long last, we get the unveiling of Paris, absorbing his every emotion, his every desire, his tenaciousness to keep his demon in check, and his willingness to find and save Sienna, along with him. Showalter has an uncanny ability to capture a man’s emotions and lust, and with Paris it is shown to the utmost discretion.
Although what starts out as an awful encounter taking root as animosity, Sienna is ultimately the best match for our beloved hero. Along with possessing the demon of Wrath, she possesses the very thing that Paris needs; forgiveness. Her ability to genuinely forgive Paris’ inability to remain faithful, instead understanding his predicament and constantly putting his wellbeing above all else, grants him amnesty, soothing his battered soul and giving him the feelings of true love Sex has deprived him of. Their relationship starts with distrust, but slowly builds into a strong bond. There is no jealousy (beyond the hot alpha male possessiveness!) of past or current actions between the two, and most remarkably there is no infidelity, Showalter exempting us the torture and misery, instead leaving two characters who from the minute they connect display nothing but love and complete faith for one another, however cruel the circumstances.
Along with being an exceptional gratification of a long awaited tale, The Darkest Seduction is also a pivotal point in regards to the Lords’ continuing battle with the Hunters and the search for Pandora’s box, beginning the chrysalis of a storyline that will immensely affect all the characters through its progression. The action-packed plot couples with Showalter’s weaving all the lives of the Lords’ together to make one cohesive story. The multiple POVs that were a bother in the prior book proved to be fitting in this, taking us deeper into the lives of Paris and Sienna, and also into many others, specially William and Kane. My only quibble is the sex scenes. Admittedly, Paris being the Keeper of Sex, I was expecting a little bit nice and a lot of naughty, but I found the sex scenes to be timid, at odds with his character, yet very suitable with the story and romance.
Overall, this installment is one not to be missed, bringing forth essential pieces to the proverbial plot puzzle, and reaffirming my crazed fandom for Gena Showalter’s work. A definite must read!
Posted: January 25, 2015