After Dark

Author: Gena Showalter 

& Kait Ballenger 

Release Date: June 25, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin

ISBN: #978-0373778256

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Format(s): Paperback (# pgs), e-book

Book Source: Publisher/ Author

The Darkest Angel (Lords of the Underworld #4.5)

Winged warrior Lysander has been alive for centuries, and yet he's never known desire-until he meets Bianka. Spawned from the bloodline of his enemy, the beautiful but deadly Harpy is determined to lead the untouched Lysander into temptation. He may try to evade her attempts, but even the most iron-willed demon assassin can resist for only so long.... 

Shadow Hunter (Execution Underground #0.5)

Vampire hunter Damon Brock's first assignment with the Execution Underground is Rochester, New York, a city crawling with the undead. But he isn't the only hunter in town gunning for vamp blood. Tiffany Solow is fierce and ruthless when it comes to slaying the monsters that destroyed her family-and she works solo. But being alone is no longer so desirable when she meets the mysterious hunter who wants more than just her turf. As they work to massacre the local covens, the line between good and evil blurs when they are forced to decide between their lifelong beliefs... and their newfound hearts.

Note: The Darkest Angel was originally released as part of the Heart of Darkness Anthology, published by Harlequin in December 2009. I did not read the story at this time; however, I read and reviewed the book on GoodReads in January 2010, and this was my review:

The Darkest Angel by Gena Showalter 

This is a fabulous tale set in Gena's Lords of the Underworld series. The primary characters are Lysander, a heavenly angel, and Bianka, a wicked Harpy. We met Bianka in a previous novel. Their story is fun! The romance is wonderful, and the novella sets up some of the story line for the next novel. This is a must read for any Lord fans.

My Rating: 4 stars

Shadow Hunter by Kait Ballenger

The Execution Underground is an elite group of genetically enhance humans trained to track and kill all things supernatural. Upon acceptance into EU, each hunter is given a serum injection that gives longer life and increased strength and healing abilities. Damon is a hunter for EU, determined to kill the evil vampire Caius in revenge over the death of fellow hunter and best friend, Mark.

Tiffany Solow is working undercover as a (blood) Host for Caius. She is the baby sister of Mark, and like Damon, she is determined to destroy Caius for his roll in Mark’s death. She also blames Mark’s best friend, only known as “B” to her, for his death because B left Mark during battle to hunt down vampires. B (aka Damon) and Tiffany have a history as letter-writing friends who have fallen for one another, even though they’ve never met.

Shadow Hunter opens with a bang and the action rarely slows down. Although both Damon and Tiffany are focused on bringing down Caius, there is a big mystery concerning what appears to be new behavior from vampires. The story really picks up as the mystery becomes more involved and complex, creating an engrossing tale.

Damon and Tiffany experience immediate lust and a deep attraction for one another. The heat between the pair is smokin. However, I did get briefly annoyed that Damon kept reminding himself that Tiffany is Mark's little sister, and therefore, he should leave her alone. Luckily, his desire for Tiffany overrides his sense of honor for his friendship with Mark, and the pair give into their passion. Also, I was frustrated that Damon keeps the truth of his identity, and later what happened to Mark, from Tiffany.

One thing I enjoyed about Twilight Hunter is that this PNR is about humans falling in love, and all of the paranormals are bad guys. That doesn’t happen much any longer. It is a refreshing change of pace.

I do feel it necessary to warn readers, without spilling spoilers, that Twilight Hunter has a HUGE cliffhanger at the end of the book. The story didn't finish, and that is such a huge pet peeve of mine, especially since this is listed as a PNR (paranormal romance). The entire story was well-developed, especially for the shortened length; however, the ending felt like a nightmarish Urban Fantasy (UF).

Bottom line... Although there was a lot of information presented in the front end of the book, overall the story read smoothly, the romance was well-developed, and the action was exciting. The initial tension between Tiffany and Damon was fun to read. However, the book ended with too much unresolved for my liking, and I sincerely hope issues get wrapped up quickly.*

My Rating: 3 Stars

*I had the chance to correspond with the author about how this book ended, and I am happy to report that subsequent books in this series will have traditional paranormal romance HEA endings. She also told me that Damon and Tiffany will have a book in the future.

Liked it - recommend (B+)

Purchase Info:

After Dark: The Darkest Angel\Shadow Hunter

It's been a GREAT summer for reading!  Besides the titles that she's reviewed for That's What I'm Talking About, VampBard has read many other books. To cap off this summer of reading, she’s put together a summary of some of the titles she’s read, but didn’t review. VampBard has enjoyed most, awarding them high ratings and bestowing a quirky award or two. We hope you enjoy this end-of-summer treat! 

A Shiver at Twilight (Halloween-themed novella)

Erin Quinn.  October 26, 2011, Books We Love.

Wow!  This one definitely fed my Stephen King factor!  Psychological horror with some romance added in.  Pulls together my past reader and my present-day reader.  Perfect!

Award:  Best Horror/Ghost Story

Darker After Midnight (Midnight Breed 10)

Lara Adrian.  January 24, 2012, Dell.

I can't believe this is the end of the series!  Ms. Adrian did a really great job tying up loose ends.  I hope to see more of the Breed from her in the future...I'll miss them!

Award:  Best Series Ending EVER!

EDITED TO ADD (by Twimom): This ISN’T the end of the series! Edge of Dawn, the 11th MB book is set to release in January, 2013.

A Taste of Midnight (Midnight Breed 9.5)

Lara Adrian.  December 5, 2011, Dell.

I think that reading this novella increased my experience in reading the series-culmination, Darker after Midnight.  I think it's definitely a MUST READ, for fans of the Midnight Breed series.

The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld 9)

Gena Showalter.  February 28, 2012, HQN Books.

I adored Paris' book.  I thought that it was a great addition to Ms. Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series, one of my absolute favorites.

Award:  Best Title from Long-Standing Series 

Magic Mike starring Channing Tatum

This was the best movie to attend with one of your Girls that actually GET your penchant for smut & eyecandy!  I was lucky enough to attend with Twimom!  

Award:  Hottest (Chick) Flick of the Summer

Butterfly

Katherine Harvey. 1989, Guild.

I NEVER predicted the outcome of this story!  Great read for the lover of suspense and psychological thrillers.

Award:  Best Romantic Suspense

The Opportunist (Love Me With Lies #1)

Tarryn Fisher.  November 14, 2011, Self-Published.

This was a great story...especially from one of my first ventures into reading a self-published author.

A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy #1)

Deborah Harkness.  February 8, 2011, Viking.

What I loved the most about A Discovery of Witches is that Ms. Harkness wrote about something with which I was familiar.  Researching.  Her description, while not overboard, made me feel as though I was right there!

Award:  Best New-To-Me & Breakout

If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period 

Gennifer Choldenko.  September 1, 2007, Harcourt Books.

Great read for 8-12 year-olds.  Provides a unique and realistic perspective to get these kids asking the all-important 'Who am I?' question.

Award:  Best Young Adult in a LONG time!

All That Bleeds (Etherlin #1)

Kimberley Frost.  January 3, 2012, Berkley Sensation.

This initial book of Ms. Frost's Etherlin series integrates paranormal and mythology in a seamless manner, without hiding the paranormal from the human population.  Unique approach.  Superior execution.

Award:  Best Integration of Paranormal Elements

50 Shades of Grey

E.L. James.  May 26, 2011, Vintage.

Pop lit for Summer 2012.  I've read better 'mommy porn'.  Tugged at my Twilight heart-strings.

50 Shades Darker

E.L. James.  September 15, 2011, The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House

50 Shades Darker was my favorite book in the 50 Shades Trilogy.  I think it was my favorite because we learned the most about Christian, and saw his character evolve so much.

50 Shades Freed

E.L. James.  January 19, 2012, The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House

The ending of the 50 Shades Trilogy was definitely a let-down and felt like a cop-out.  I was definitely hoping for something more than sunshine, flowers, rainbows and unicorns.

Award:  Lamest Ending to a Series 

Wicked Nights

Author: Gena Showalter 

Release Date: June 26, 2012

Publisher: HQN

Angels of the Dark #1

ISBN: #978-0373776986

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Format(s): Paperback (416 pgs), e-book

Book Source: Publisher

Wicked Nights is the first book in Ms. Showalter’s new Angels of the Dark series - a spin off from her wickedly delightful Lords of the Underworld series. The new series follows a group of desperate and dangerous angels, each whose status with the heavenly plane is in serious jeopardy. This “Army of Disgrace” is lead by Zacharel - a cold and unfeeling warrior angel we met in the LotU books. Due to his lack of compassion for life, Zacharel has displeased his Deity and has been assigned to lead this band of misfits - sharing their fate as his own. A true “all for one and one for all” situation.

Wicked Nights opens with sweet Annabelle waking from a wonderful dream on her eighteenth birthday, only to feel her eyes burning (and changing color) and witness her parents’ murder by a demon. She spends four years locked away, being horribly mistreated by both the demon and human population. 

Zacharel’s army is charged with ridding the institution where Annabelle is locked up of the demons trying to break in. Curious to understand why the demons are there, he follows one to Annabelle. We learn that Annabelle is a high demon lord’s consort, and soon Zacharel cannot stop himself from wanting to help her.  

This book throws the reader right into the thick of things. The opening chapters are raw and not for the light-hearted. When it appears Zacharel leaves Annabelle to be abused by her human doctors, I thought I couldn’t take any more. But Zach comes through and my heart was safe. Note: Annabelle’s torture and molestation are written non-graphically, yet it is far more painful to imagine than reading specific details. 

Although Annabelle has been through hell and back, she is tough and will not rest until she kills the demon who caused her so much grief. She seems to still see the good in the world, and although she needs things to move at a slow pace, she continually moves forward with her feelings for Zacharel.  And Zach - he is so clueless when it comes to emotions, especially human ones. He realizes he desires Annabelle, but doesn’t know how to address his feelings. When the pair share their first kiss it was full of such joy and then such sadness. It started so delightfully-sending butterflies to my belly. But then Zacharel didn’t understand how to deal with the overwhelming sensations, and he went too far. My heart broke.  Luckily, the pair recognize their true feelings, and soon they continue to explore things each thought that they’d never experience. I felt their romance was sweet - not tainted by previous relationships, and although their world was in constant danger, they found time to just be.

There are several minor characters that make up Zacharel’s team. Ms. Showalter does a superb job introducing each and giving us just enough information to pique interest. We know enough about them to get a feel of how they will react within the storyline, but we are left with questions about their personal history. The characters are complex, each with issues that caused them to be on this "Army of Disgrace,” and I for one am looking forward to finding out more.

I really enjoyed Wicked Nights both in plot development and character creation. The world building was done at the perfect pace-giving the reader lots of information, but not cramming it into tight spaces. Whether or not the fact that I have read all of the LotU books leading up to this story helped me jump into the this world so easily, I cannot say. However, the development of characters and world was smooth. 

And for fans of LotU, we do get glimpses of some of the boys and their mates. The characters didn't overrun the story nor were they awkwardly placed. Their appearances served the storyline, and the world created in this book is still all its own. One does not need to have read LotU to enjoy this book. 

For fans of Meljean Brook's Guardian series, I think you will enjoy as well. I was constantly reminded of her amazing world while reading Wicked Nights. Not because they are identical (their mythologies are very different), but because both series have well-developed, exciting and interesting angel-demon storylines. 

Overall I really enjoyed this book. Meeting the "team" and learning just enough about each to keep me interested and wanting to know more was definitely a highlight.  I loved Zacharel's transformation as he went from cold, heartless warrior to a man capable of love and able to see goodness in and learn to respect others. 

All-in-all a fantastic start to a "newish" series that can be enjoyed by new Gena Showalter fans and longtime readers alike. The pace flows well, the action intense. The overall story arc is appealing, and I am looking forward to more. 

Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)

Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark #1)

The Darkest Seduction

Author: Gena Showalter 

Release Date: Feb. 28, 2012

Publisher: HQN

Lords of the Underworld #9

ISBN: #978-0373776573

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Format(s): Paperback (512 pgs), e-book

Book Source: Publisher 

Possessed by the demon of Promiscuity, immortal warrior Paris is irresistibly seductive—but his potent allure comes at a terrible price.  Every night he must bed someone new, or weaken and die.  And the woman he craves above all others is the one woman he’d thought was forever beyond his reach…until now.   

Newly possessed by the demon of Wrath, Sienna Blackstone is racked by a ruthless need to punish those around her. Yet, in Paris’s arms the vulnerable beauty finds soul-searing passion and incredible peace. Until a blood feud between ancient enemies heats up.

Will the battle against gods, angels and creatures of the night bind them eternally– or tear them apart?

My head is still spinning after reading this 500 plus page story. I, like many, have been waiting for Paris’s story for a very long time. We met his “HEA” back in the second Lords of the Underworld book, The Darkest Kiss. That was a long time ago and poor Paris has been to hell and back - searching for Sienna’s spirit, giving into and battling his ambrosia addition, fighting and killing anyone (especially Hunters) that got in his way. We’ve had book after book of the degradation of Paris, and now it’s finally his time.

The book picks up where The Darkest Surrender ends. Things have been building to this point, and I do not recommend newcomers to the series start here. There are a lot of plot points that come together. Paris is still hot on the trail of tracking down human spirit-turned keeper of the High Demon Lord, Wrath. She is a former Hunter and current prisoner of the Titan god king, Cronus. She is also the one woman that Paris’s demon, Promiscuity, was able to “get it up for” more than once. He is obsessed and this has lead to his near destruction.

The first half or so of this book is dedicated to detail and background - fitting the pieces in place for the rest of the tale. Paris isn't quite the same ruined man he has been of late. He's kicked his ambrosia addiction, and although he is still killing and is violent, he's focused on finding Sienna. His friends still support him which indicates he hasn't gone too far into the deep end. 

Sienna seems like a lost child. She still seems so innocent. But she'll put her own life on the line to protect those she cares about. She is trapped and nearly broken by Cronus, but when Paris arrives, her internal drive kicks into high gear. I really like Sienna.

The primary bad guys in this book are Cronus and Rhea, and they are ... interesting. Cronus is an ass of the nth degree. Rhea is equally evil. The scene in which Cronus kills someone Sienna loves is just wicked. They make for excellent villains, however Cronus begins to degrade over the course of the book, leaving him less sharp and witty. But in the end, long time readers are rewarded with a satisfactory conclusion to the current story-arc.

Did I mention that there is a lot going on in this book, other than Paris/Sienna and the battle with Cronus and Rhea? There are a few side stories, that in my opinion could have been cut to shorten the length of the book. This is my biggest issue with The Darkest Seduction -- there is just too much going on. 

Some side stories were fun, like new Lord Keeper/goddess, Viola and her pink-haired fallen angel suitor. She had her place in the story, so I didn’t mind the additional characters, although the battles between Paris and Pinky weren't all that necessary. But others, like the three mysterious Lord Keepers trapped with Sienna - really could have been cut and have them introduced in a later book.

We do get more about Kane, who was left in the Underworld in the last book. I’m not really sure what is up with Kane. He seems to be the only Lord who is actively tormented by his own demon. There is no self-preservation for Disaster (his Lord). It was hinted at in previous books that Kane may bring about the end of the world, but I’m not sure how I feel about mixing up his storyline into this book - it was too little and too vague - and in the end, unnecessary for this story to be told. 

We also had more about Legion, the demon minion-turned-human. She has a connection to our other bad guy - Galen (Keeper of Hope and ??). Again, things were tossed about and hinted at, but it was too much for this story. It may have been better to pick only a couple of the side stories and bulked them up than trying to tell the reader a little about everyone.

Finally, the warrior angel Zacharel plays a bigger part in this story than he has in the past. He is yet another elusive character. We really don’t know much about him, and it started to drive me a bit crazy. He and Paris would go head-to-head and I just didn’t feel the reasons behind the conflict. It was only after I finished reading the book did I find out that Ms. Showalter has a spinoff series planned for the warrior angel. I’m not a fan of introducing a character just to spin him off to another series (JR Ward... grrrrr), but in this case, it didn’t bother me quite as much.

The Darkest Seduction is a romance, and the love story at the heart of this book was perfect for me. Paris and Sienna are a quintessential match. Even the angels, who sought to keep them apart, agree that Paris and Sienna complement each other perfectly. I adore the time that they take to become friends and learn about each other. And the smex (per usual Showalter fashion) is smokin’! 

Finally, Ms. Showalter adds everything into this story that makes the LotU series one of my favorites. The humor is fantastic - even when things are down, the band of brothers and their mates are cracking jokes. The less obvious wit and the blatant jokes are equally welcome. There is plenty of intense action, which is violent at times. The camaraderie of the Lords is deeper than ever. They are connected in ways that run deeper than blood, so even if one makes a mistake, they are right there to help each other out.  And to top it off, there are deeply touching and emotional moments and events, reminiscent of the first few books in the series. The nuggets are there - you just have to wade through the excess to find them. And when you reach page 396, please enjoy Paris and Strider as much as I did (yes, it is what you think!)

In the end, yes, there were things that bugged me about this book. I have listed a few, and there were others. BUT the overall storyline and romance at the center of the book far outweigh my nit-picking criticisms. The current story arc ends, and we are left with a few surprising twists that change up the game and pave the way for more LotU books and the spinoff Angels of the Dark series. I enjoyed the ride with all the bumps and detours, and look forward to continuing the journey!

Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)

(for readers of the LotU series)

Purchase Info:

The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld #9)

Ms. Showalter kicks off her eight full-length Lords of the Underworld (LotU) book with a little history of harpy, Kaia. We’ve seen Kaia around - twin sister to Bianca (Lysander’s mate) and big sister of Gwen (Sabin’s mate). (For my LORDS primer post, click HERE). When she was only 14 years old and full of untested confidence, Kaia unknowingly released a prisoner who decimated a large percent of the Harpy population. He also happened to be the consort of a fellow harpy who to this date, waits to seek her revenge on Kaia.  Kaia was named “The Disappointment,” and while she never let it show, she was deeply hurt. Now Kaia and her sisters have the opportunity to prove their worth at the Harpy Games, a deadly “warrior Olympics” of sorts.

The first thing I want to say about The Darkest Surrender is WOO-HOO!! I am a huge fan of LotU, and felt the last two books have been mediocre. So it is with great pleasure for me to say GENA IS BACK! Surrender gets back to the basics, and showcases all that I adore about this great series. HUMOR, check. SEXY HERO, check. KICK-ASS HEROINE, check. FUN PLOT, check. LOTS OF ACTION & SMEX, check, check! Fans of this series will not be disappointed!

Kaia and Strider are perfect for each other! Both are egotistical and funny, each thinks that they are at the top of the food chain, and both have the skills to prove it. Right from the start, I was chuckling out loud at Kaia's wit and humor. She knows fun. She can dish out the sarcasm and put-downs, but take it as well. Ms. Showalter does a wonderful job with Kaia's character. One example of this is that Kaia's mind would constantly wander - even while making out with her hottie, Strider. Instead of jumping straight from her inner monologue back to present without an acknowledgement of passing time, Strider calls out Kaia on her lost train-of-thought.

Strider is equally entertaining. He refers to his demon, Defeat, as "dude," calls himself Stridey-Monster, and makes quips like "Don't forget Mission One. The Rod -- and not the one in your pants."  Together the two have amazing chemistry, and they are just plain fun.

The primary story of Kaia and the harpy games provides for moments of intense (and bloody) action. However, it also creates a platform for the reader to witness Kaia's true courage. She has been scarred by her past and abandoned by all of her kind. Although she has doubts, she manages to dust herself off when knocked down. She is feisty, but knows when to lie low - even if she chooses not to!

Tangled into the main plot line are hints and clues about the Hunters, the Gods and Goddesses and the never-ending battle that has consumed the Lords' lives. Ms. Showalter does a superb job of hiding little cookies to peak the reader's interest and come back for more. One side story involves the keeper of Promiscuity, Paris, and his continual quest to find the woman he believes is his one true match. We see a darker side of Paris and I so look forward to the next book - The Darkest Seduction, which is Paris' story. It is LONG overdue. We also find out some interesting tidbits about Kane, the keeper of Disaster, and extremely entertaining side-kick, William. I just hope Ms. Showalter doesn't make us wait long to find out what happens to these two.

Darkest Surrender is a fantastic addition to one of my favorite series. Ms. Showalter does a great job of weaving a tale without telling you the facts. Although a newcomer could enjoy this as a stand alone, I highly recommend you start at the beginning!

CLICK HERE for a link to my post on the Lords.