Book Review: Darkest Passion by Gena Showalter

Darkest Passion by Gena Showalter is the fifth installment of the Lords of the Underworld series. This novel offers readers the love interest of Aeron, keeper of the demon Wrath. He has been watched by an invisible presence for weeks, finally we met the source. Olivia is an angel that was charged with the task of killing Aeron to punish him for a misdeed he was unaware of making. Instead, Olivia has become obsessed with him and falls rather than cause him harm. Life is complicated further with enemies nearby, interfering gods and Aeron's possessive adopted daughter that just happens to be a demon that just happens to want a different kind of relationship. I will refrain from giving my typical do not start the series here speech, because although certain aspects of the war waging during the series is dependant on reading in order the novel can still be thoroughly enjoyed on its own.

I enjoyed the progression of the larger plot line in Darkest Passion. I thought that the character development of the individual Lords that we have not seen enough of previously is coming together nicely. I did think that Olivia was a character that made me laugh and bothered me at the same time. Aeron knew nothing about her other than her stalking him, yet they seemed to fall in love too easily. I still enjoyed the book, but thought there could have been more development between them besides Aeron's inner battle of whether it would be wrong to sleep with a fallen angel. In Darkest Passion there are many subplots and hints at what is to come, which is both intriguing and frustrating. I love getting the hints at what might be coming, but then I want the next book now so I can see where Showalter will be taking us next.

I recommend this book for fans of paranormal romance, brooding tortured heroes and Gena Showalter. I do not recommend this book for those wanting to see if this is a series they would enjoy, it is a good book but simply not the best of the bunch. For those thinking of starting this series I suggest starting with the short story collection Into the Dark.