THE DARKEST TOUCH has the same sense of urgency and passion that permeates other books by Gena Showalter. It's not long after first meeting that Torin and Keeley feel a strong attraction simmering between them. I like that a big turn on for them is when they recognize each other as a warrior. Keeley is exactly the kind of strong female character I enjoy seeing in paranormal romances. The sexual game of cat and mouse that they play with each other before reaching Torin's home base is delicious. The only real snag to their burgeoning romance is Torin's war within himself as he tries to decide which is better for Keeley -- to leave her alone or take a chance on love and damn the consequences. His reasoning for keeping her away makes sense, since he is toxic to just about everything, but it's still frustrating.

I liked that THE DARKEST TOUCH deviated a little from the other books by having the majority of the conflict be internal. There is some drama from a former flame of Keeley's, but most of it comes from the indecision over what direction to take their relationship. I like the super steamy scenes and relationship-centered story. The subplot involving Cameo is amazing and I can't wait for her book to come out. It was nice to check in with other favorite characters to see what they've been up to. I think Gena Showalter adds another, as well as nicer, dimension to Galen in THE DARKEST TOUCH.

THE DARKEST TOUCH by Gena Showalter is both an extremely erotic as well as emotionally powerful story. The action sequences are interesting without sacrificing the romance. Gena Showalter does a great job of spending time with fascinating supporting characters without distracting from the main characters and their love story. I look forward to more stories in this Lords of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter.