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Gena Showalter
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The Darkest Torment: A spellbinding paranormal romance novel (Lords of the Underworld Book 12) Kindle Edition

by Gena Showalter (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,067 ratings
Editors' pick Best Romance
See all formats and editions
New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with her most explosive Lords of the Underworld tale to date, about a fierce warrior on the brink of sanity who will stop at nothing to claim the exquisite human with the power to soothe the beast inside him…

Driven to his death by the demon of Distrust, Baden spent centuries in purgatory. Now he's back, but at what cost? Bound to the king of the underworld, an even darker force, he's unable to withstand the touch of another...and he's quickly devolving into a heartless assassin with an uncontrollable temper. Things only get worse when a mission goes awry and he finds himself saddled with a bride—just not his own.

Famed dog trainer Katarina Joelle is forced to marry a monster to protect her loved ones. When she's taken hostage by the ruthless, beautiful Baden immediately after the ceremony, she's plunged into a war between two evils—with a protector more dangerous than the monsters he hunts. They are meant to be enemies, but neither can resist the passion burning between them…and all too soon the biggest threat is to her heart.

But as Baden slips deeper into the abyss, she'll have to teach him to love…or lose him forever.
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  1. Book 12 of 15
    Lords of the Underworld
  2. Print length
    544 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    HQN Books
  6. Publication date
    May 31, 2016
  7. File size
    2314 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
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  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Showalter's signature blend of sizzling attraction, breathtaking worlds, and lethal stakes rocks me every time!"
-Sylvia Day, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"With compelling stories and memorable characters, Gena Showalter never fails to dazzle."
-Jeaniene Frost, New York Times bestselling author

"[O]ne of the premier authors of paranormal romance. Gena Showalter delivers an utterly spellbinding story!"
-Kresley Cole, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Showalter makes romance sizzle on every page!"
-Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author

"The Showalter name on a book means guaranteed entertainment."
-RT Book Reviews

"Gena Showalter is a romantic genius."
-San Francisco Book Review

"Showalter writes fun, sexy characters you fall in love with!"
-Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author

About the Author

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over fifty novels in multiple series. She writes paranormal romance, contemporary romance, fantasy, and young-adult novels.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B016HND9JC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HQN Books; Original edition (May 31, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 31, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2314 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 544 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,067 ratings

About the author

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Gena Showalter

Gena Showalter

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Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of multiple series in paranormal, contemporary, romantasy, cozy mystery, and young adult romance.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
2,067 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

L.
5.0 out of 5 stars Breathlessly Epic!
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2017
Verified Purchase
First off let me just say... WOW! I am so, so happy about this book! Although truth be known I'm a huge fan of all things Gena Showalter and this book doesn't disappoint! So many authors ruin a great Alpha by said “Alpha" being mentally and at times physically abusive and I hate reading books like that. But Gena Showalter is able to weave a beautiful tale involving demon possessed Alpha warrior's that cherish their women! I can say 100% that this is a fabulous book that I could and will 're read over and over again and would definitely recommend to family and friends. I can't wait for the next one! I could read this series for the rest of my life and never grow bored... 18+up due to adult situations.
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FranJessca @ A Book Lovin Mama's Blog
5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5-stars: 'The Darkest Torment' by Gena Showalter
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2024
Verified Purchase
Here’s one reader who was skeptical before diving into The Darkest Torment because I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Baden. I was one reader who was anxious to read Cameo or William’s book, but after finishing this book, I understood why Gena wrote Baden’s story. He deserved HEA, like all the other Lords, especially spending centuries in purgatory. He was getting a chance at a new life, and all thanks to the King of the Underworld, Hades, but at a price. Baden was bound to Hades and forced to do his bidding as an assassin and help with the upcoming war with Lucifer.

The FMC, Katarina, was a fierce heroine who was put in a tough spot and had to make difficult decisions in order to protect who she loved, which in this case was the dogs she trained. She ends up meeting Baden when he crashes her wedding with the guy she’s being forced to marry, and then Baden decides to hold her hostage to get what he wants from her husband. Katarina is all about protecting her dogs, and she’s not all about being with Baden, especially when the two end up starting to have feelings for one another.

Baden definitely met his match with Katarina, and she was the perfect match to deal with his hot-tempered attitude because she could tame him with her dog-training skills. He had no idea she was doing it, which is what made it comical, and I loved how Gena incorporated that into the storyline. The story definitely reminded me of Beauty and the Beast, which had always been one of my favorite movies, but Gena went through her own twists and turns. Let me not forget to mention that Gena brought the steam when it came to Baden and Katarina. It just takes a bit to get there since Baden is adamant about not being touched and other reasons.

This story definitely gives you a peek at what’s to come since Lucifer is now the threat, and the Lords are taking Hade’s side since Baden is one of his assassins. I loved getting to learn more about Hades, but I wasn’t fond of the things he made Baden do for him, especially when he was pitting Baden and Pandora against each other.

I was not expecting the twists and turns in this book, especially when it came to Willaim’s character. I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read this book, and I have faith that Gena did what she did in this book for a reason.

I was actually surprised I enjoyed Baden’s book, and since reading it, I will never doubt Gena again. This was another book in the series that was hard to put down, and I couldn’t stop giggling with not only the banter of the MCs but the other Lords and their loved ones. I loved the quotes from different characters in the stories before each chapter. I loved having all the LOTU characters together and Baden back with them. They really care for him.

I give this book five stars and can’t wait to read Cameo’s book next, especially since it’s brand new to me, and I have never read it.

Story Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5

Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of the LOTU series and I recommend reading in order.

Would I recommend this book/series? Yes. This is one series I will always recommend to Paranormal Romance readers and fans of the Fated Mates Trope with Greek Mythology twists.

Genre/SubGenre(s): Romance | Paranormal Romance

Trope(s)/Element(s): Fated Mates | Beauty & the Beast | Enemies to Lovers | Hate to Love | Opposite’s Attract | Alpha Hero | Tortured Hero | Kickbutt Heroine | Dog Trainer Heroine | Angels | Demons
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Katie Babs
4.0 out of 5 stars Wild Paranormal Romance Ride with Tortured Hero and Dog Loving Heroine (B+ Grade)
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2016
Verified Purchase
The Darkest Torment (Lords of the Underworld #12) by Gena Showalter is a wild ride that doesn’t just emphasizes the hero and heroine, but this ever growing world, and multitude of characters Gena has created. Fans of this series will like Baden, a trademark Showalter hero. He’s tortured, angry, full of mistrust and very alpha. It takes a while for him to warm up to his friends because of the abuse he has endured from Hades, the ruler of the Underworld, who is at war to keep control. He controls Baden by promising him salvation, which Baden doesn’t believe. But there’s a glimmer of hope he can survive and become his own man, and lose the demon of Distrust inside of him. His salvation comes in the form of Katarina.

Katarina is a human who adores dogs. She trains them, and other abused dogs. She’s being blackmailed into marrying a nasty dude who got her brother addicted to drugs. Her soon-to-be-husband kidnapped her two dogs and threatened to kill them if she didn’t marry him. Why he wants her for his wife, she has no clue because she’s nothing spectacular. During her wedding ceremony, Baden and a few of his Underworld Lord Scooby Gang stop the wedding. Hades wants a coin Kat’s husband owns. Baden plans to get it, but ends up taking Katarina to force her husband to give up the coin. Baden assumes Kat is a money grubbing hussy obsessed with power and the allure of bad men who hurt people.

Kat thinks Baden is a jerk, but then when she figures out he’s not human, and neither is her nasty husband, things begin to change for her. Baden finds out the reason why Kat had to marry, and that she’s really very kind and gentle, especially when it comes to animals. He even lets her take in two stray puppies who follow them wherever they go. Now he wants to protect her, and installs her in the fortress along with his brother in arms and their wives. Baden also starts to lust for Kat very very badly. She does also, but since he’s so tortured, he refuses her, or her touches and kisses. Eventually he weakens, and you can assume what happens next between these two.

The Darkest Torment is chock full of torment all around, and not just from Baden. Fans of William, and the just turned eighteen Gilly will shake their fist at Gena because she creates a major roadblock in stopping any or all courtship or romantic relationship between the two. It’s no longer about Gilly’s age or her human status, including William’s man-ho ways that cause them such angst. There is a new man on the scene who claims Gilly in a way that is inventive, and yet hair pulling. We know William and Gilly will be together in the future eventually, but it will take much longer now. Gilly still has to mature and age in order for her and William to get their HEA. Right now these two are not ready to walk down the aisle together because there is a little bit of the ick factor, mainly because Gilly is still a teenager even though she just turned eighteen, which is considered legal. William is Hades’s son and embodies every vice imaginable. But when it comes to Gilly, he shows the goodness he has inside because he’s so enamored of her. I look forward to more with these two, and the new man in Gilly’s life who gave William a big smack down in his plans for Gilly.

Cameo also has her moments here, especially her search for happiness, and the one man who may heal her. I have a feeling her book may be next. Also many past characters show up, some of which who have yet to get their HEAs. The plot is fast paced, the dialogue crisp and entertaining, including some moments of humor. The sex here between Baden and Kat is hotter than hot. That doesn’t disappoint, especially when Baden realizes Kat is THE ONE for him. He falls for her first, and hard. There’s also a big twist regarding Kat and her dog whispering ways that comes as a pleasant surprise.

The Darkest Torment is part of one of the few paranormal romance series I can’t get enough of. As soon as I finish reading, I want the next book ASAP.

Katiebabs
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Top reviews from other countries

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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Another fantastic read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 17, 2023
Verified Purchase
Another great story and so many puppies! What's not to love!! Brilliant characters, plenty of pace, and a world that just keeps getting richer with every turn of the page.
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Ly
5.0 out of 5 stars Anyone who have read the Lords of the Underworld series will no doubt love this story of Baden
Reviewed in Canada on January 12, 2017
Verified Purchase
I haven't started reading this yet, but will be soon. Amazon is pressuring me to write a review. So..
Anyone who have read the Lords of the Underworld series will no doubt love this story of Baden, whom was already dead from the beginning.
Seems like he's making a comeback after all and this is what I love about Gena Showalter. She never forgets about any of her heroes.
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Gabriella Andrade
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Reviewed in Brazil on July 2, 2016
Verified Purchase
Just loved this book. Baden became one of my favorite Lords. Just waiting for the next book. Gena is always amazing.
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paulinestrikes
3.0 out of 5 stars Super histoire mais romance peu convaincante!
Reviewed in France on July 18, 2016
Verified Purchase
Quand je vous dis que THE DARKEST TORMENT était très attendu, je comptais littéralement les jours jusqu'à sa sortie. Maintenant que vous me connaissez un peu, vous savez que Showalter est l'une de mes auteurs préférés. Elle est la première que j'ai découverte dans l'univers de la romance paranormale et la qualité de la saga LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD est sans équivoque l'une des meilleures du genre.

Ainsi, j'étais impatiente de découvrir l'histoire de Baden. J'aurais préféré que Showalter sorte l'histoire de William mais elle fait durer le plaisir...et disons que le chemin est parfois plus excitant que la destination. Donc, je vais devoir faire preuve de patience pour laisser au maître l'occasion de nous en mettre plein les yeux.

Nous démarrons sur les chapeaux de roue avec Baden. Depuis son retour dans le monde des vivants, l'homme sage et gentil qu'il était jadis est aujourd'hui en colère, incontrôlable, renfermé sur lui-même et ne supporte pas qu'on le touche. William décide de lui venir en aide tout en gérant de son côté une Gillie malade et son père Hadès qui se prépare à une guerre contre Lucifer. Baden, sous le contrôle d'Hadès, est lui-même soumis à une série de missions en tout genre visant à aider la cause du roi des enfers et vaincre Lucifer devenu ennemi n°1.

Baden et Pandora sont en compétition. Celui qui remplit le plus de missions restera en vie à la fin. Or, Baden est vite distrait par la jeune Katarina Joelle. Mariée contre sa volonté à un ennemi de Baden, il ne faut pas longtemps à la jeune prisonnière pour s'imposer et se faire une place dans le cœur de notre héro.

J'ai aimé l'intrigue et j'ai apprécié Baden que l'auteur compare de multiples fois à Jamie Fraser (réf. Outlander / Sam Heugan) qui est - je dois l'avouer - une excellente référence physique pour notre personnage principal. Il est un peu primaire dans sa manière de penser et d'agir vis à vis de Katarina. Moi, Tarzan. Toi, Jane. Moi, fort. Toi, faible. Mais n'oublions pas que nous avons à faire avec un vrai guerrier macho peu habitué à faire des courbettes. Je peux faire avec la personnalité de Baden. Je suis habituée au trop-plein de testostérone des personnages de la saga.

Là où j'ai eu du mal, c'est avec Katarina. Je n'aime pas du tout son personnage. Dès le début, j'ai visualisé Rochelle Aytes (qui joue April dans la série US "Mistresses") pour jouer Katarina et j'ai vite regretté car je me suis souvenue que je déteste son jeu d'actrice. Bref, quand j'ai imaginé Sam Heugan et Rochelle Aytes en couple, je me suis ensuite dit qu'ils n'allaient pas du tout ensemble. A partir de là, j'étais persuadée que mon subconscient cherchait à saboter le couple Baden / Katarina avec des comparaisons physiques sans importance. La vérité, c'est que j'ai associé une actrice moyenne à Katarina parce que je cherchais la beauté dans un personnage dont la personnalité est un peu moche.

Certes, Katarina est une excellente dresseuse de chiens. Mais est-il réellement nécessaire de passer son temps à comparer Baden à un animal? A chercher la meilleure manière de le dresser "comme un chien" pour l'apprivoiser? Pour lui apprendre le respect?!!! Ou l'égalité des sexes?!!!! Imaginez que vous êtes une femme qui se marie contre sa volonté parce qu'elle veut protéger ces deux chiens adorés (non non vous ne rêvez pas...) que Baden enlève à son nouveau mari psychopathe. D'un côté, vous êtes terrifiée des implications...pour vos valeureux toutous. D'un autre côté, vous êtes soulagée parce que vous échappez à une nuit de noces qui s'annonce un peu glauque. Il est facile d'imaginer une femme qui ne sait pas sur quel pied danser, qui a peur, qui est en colère. Baden trouve quand même le moyen d'être très arrangeant et clair sur ses intentions. Dans ce genre de scénario, vous essayez d'amadouer votre ravisseur et de jouer le jeu tant qu'il ne vous touche pas.

Et bien non... Katarina cherche par tous les moyens à s'échapper (alors qu'elle sera - à sa connaissance - libérer après 24h), à cacher les raisons (un peu faibles quand même) pour lesquelles elle épouse un taré, à apprendre la vie à Baden qui - dans l'absolu - ne lui doit rien...et ce, sans compter sur leur romance naissante qui est davantage basée sur les hormones de deux gens frustrés attirés l'un par l'autre que par de vraies preuves d'amour ou des conversations profondes. Autant l'intrigue est géniale, les missions de Baden sont satisfaisantes, les apparitions de Gillie, William et Cameo particulièrement intéressantes et utiles, le reste - à savoir Katarina et sa romance avec Baden - n'a selon moi pas le même niveau. De toute la saga, c'est elle que j'apprécie le moins et leur histoire d'amour que je trouve la moins convaincante. Note finale : 3,5/5.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars soo brilliant and badalicious
Reviewed in Australia on May 25, 2016
Verified Purchase
Brilliantly brings us back into the underworld fold quickly, it allows us to catch up with all our beloved lords and ladies! it tells us a snit bit about William we all need William's story-hurry.
wonderful detail explaining Katarina and Bradens
" Love Story" Brilliant Brilliant
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