From the New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter, comes the next sizzling instalment in the Lords of the Underworld series. Fans of epic paranormal romances won’t want to miss this steamy read Praise for Gena Showalter “One of the premier authors of paranormal romance. Gena Showalter delivers an utterly spell-binding story “–Kresley Cole, #1 New York Times bestselling author … New York Times bestselling author
“Showalter…rocks me every time “–Sylvia Day, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Gena Showalter never fails to dazzle.”–Jeaniene Frost, New York Times bestselling author
Possessed by the demon of Misery, Cameo isn’t allowed to experience joy. If she dares, her memory is wiped clean. With no other recourse, she sneaks into a land more fantastical than any fairy tale, determined to find the one man with the key to her redemption.
Lazarus the Cruel and Unusual rules his kingdom with a single unwavering focus: to build his army and annihilate his enemies. Nothing distracts him–until Cameo. He is relentless in his quest to make her smile…and seduce her into his bed.
As dark forces conspire against them, threatening to destroy the fragile bond they’ve forged, the once-calm Lazarus grows crazed. Every heart-stopping kiss and wicked touch causes Cameo to teeter on the brink of happiness. But if she falls, she risks forgetting him forever…
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So in love with cameo and Lazarus book!!! I love cameo and I’m so glad she finally got her happy ending. Cameo is one of the best characters from the dark series,any hot bad ass chic that can hold her own in a group of totally alpha males has got to be awesome. Her and Lazarus have a chemistry that burns up the pages and leads them both down the path of a love of a lifetime!! Their is a lot going on in this book and I love it. So many memorable moments with the Lord’s and their ladies and let’s not forget the big battle going on between Hades and lucifer their can only be one winner and neither of these big and bads is going down without a fight. Next book up in this awesome series is The Darkest warrior,can’t wait!! Gena showalter’s darkest series is one of the best series and her characters are phenomenal !!
Another great book by Gena. Love that she went back to the Lords of the Underworld. Love this series
I’ve been a fan of the Lord of the Underworld series for years. And then I hit a wall. It was around book 7 when the book verged too close to the edge of horror for my tastes and then I just couldn’t bring myself to read more. When I was asked to review The Darkest Promise , I decided to go back and re-read the earlier books in the series and finally catch up on the ones I hadn’t read yet. See, I just couldn’t jump over 5 or so books to read this newest release because I knew I’d be missing something. And boy was I right. There are some overarcing themes in this series that means you just have to read them in order or you’ll be missing some important information. Sure, Ms Showalter does a little recapping, but it isn’t the same.
So, The Darkest Promise finally gives us the story of the only female “Lord”, Cameo, keeper of Misery. Throughout the series, much is made out of our how Misery affects Cameo and those around her. Very often, it’s mentioned how much the sound of her voice makes people want to weep or folks around her cringe… even the best of her friends aren’t immune. Then enter Lazarus, who doesn’t seem to be affected.
I enjoyed most of the interaction between these two. There were a few times I got tired of Lazarus’s alpha male overbearingness and Cameo can be a bit of a downer. But these two worked together, but no so much apart. Lazarus is on a revenge mission and believes he is running out of time. I admit that this wasn’t my favorite storyline. I much preferred when the story focused on the Lords continued search for Pandora’s box and the war between Hades and Lucifer. Both of those lines moved forward, but not as much as I’d would have liked.
Having read all the books in the series, back-to-back, I walked away from The Darkest Promise a little disappointed. I was left wanting more. I’m not sure if it was just the abrupt ending or the feeling of the continued storyline didn’t advance very far. I’m not sure how many more books are in this series, but I’m feeling that this series needs to wrap up soon. The stories are getting rather formulaic and in truth, it’s getting harder and harder to keep up with all the characters. So much time is spent each book catching up on all the couples and now there are some offspring thrown into the mix…
All in all, it wasn’t a bad book. But it most definitely does not stand alone. It could have used a little tightening up of the storylines as it seemed rather scattered and at the same time there was too much going on. In the end, I’ll mostly likely continue on with this series since I am curious as to how everything is going to turn out. I just hope that some new life is breathed into the series and some loose ends tied up sooner rather than later.
My review originally posted at Romancing the Book
4.5 stars
Why, why, why do I wait so long between LOTU books? They always give me all the feels, which I adore. And I was so looking forward to learning more about Lazarus. When we first met him in The Darkest Surrender, I didn’t like him at first. I know not everyone felt the same way, but I was intrigued by him by the end and couldn’t wait to see him again…hoping he’d get his own HEA. I was not disappointed in his story or the man himself.
Because of the nature of Cameo’s demon, she’s often on the periphery of the other stories. I’ve always felt bad for her, but never felt like I got to know her. The last few stories we’ve seen a bit more of her, yet still not enough for her to have stuck in my brain yet. I greatly enjoyed getting to know Cameo and learn more about what makes her tick in this story. She loves her band of brothers and sisters so deeply, so completely, above all else, above herself. Although that’s a hard concept for Lazarus to grasp, he understands that need in Cameo to protect them.
Listen, I could go on for pages about Lazarus. He is amazing! You may not feel that’s the case at first, but trust me on this. That man (monster?) is the real deal and proves himself worthy of Cameo, over and over. Their chemistry is phenomenal. But not only that, there are soft and sweet moments that make the stomach butterflies take flight. Lazarus is a true romantic, meaning he does the most romantic things without that being his intent. It’s just instinct for him when it comes to Cameo. And it made me swoon over and over.
When it comes to the overall story of the Lords, they are inching closer and closer to their goal. This particular story centers so much around Pandora’s box it’s a roller coaster. And while Cameo and Lazarus eventually get their HEA, there is still so much I’m sure from this story and Lazurus’ life that will come into play later.
As I’m sure you can tell here, I’m trying not to give anything away while still conveying the wonderful aspects of this tale. I’ve talked about the chemistry, the love, the butterflies. There is also a ton of humor, mostly stemming from Cameo. Who knew the keeper of Misery was so terribly funny.
This time I have the next book in the series already on deck. Which is good because I feel like I’ve waited quite long enough to find out what happened to Gilly, and the next story is hers.
“The Darkest Promise” is the 13:th instalment in Gena Showalter`s “Lords of the Underworld”-series and made me follow up on a magical,exciting and romantic journey through Lazarus Realm of Grimm and Fantica where the female warrior Cameo chooses to follow her happiness in the only man who have ever made her feel alive.So many emotions blew me away while reading this amazing book,it was filled with chemistry,longing,action,magic,friendships and the power of true love.I had been so excited to read about Lazarus and Cameo,and this book didn`t disappoint me at all.
Cameo possessed by the demon of Misery reminded me of Xena the warrior princess.What a kickass heroine!She was Kind but fierce. Caring but stubborn. Witty but morose. Protective but easily provoked. Compassionate but violent.All these traits made Lazarus fall in love with her.She was so strong for having enduring the emotional torture her demon put her on.Misery made Cameo remain in a constant state of mental, emotional and physical anguish and through her he was also able to harm others through her voice.
Lazarus the Cruel and Unusual is the ultimate Alpha-male that stole my heart already from his first appearance in “The Darkest Surrender”.I love that he had been interested in Cameo before she even saw him,and that her voice didn`t bother him at all.Lazarus is Beauty and strength wrapped in smoldering sensuality and sprinkled with ferocity.I couldn`t take my eyes away from him.I loved the way he craved,yearned and loved Cameo.He hated weakness,but was ready to let the crystals kill him just for temporary happiness with Cameo.He had rather have that then live without her and that broke my heart.Tears ran down my face with the sacrifices Lazarus and Cameo made for each other,but the ending was so worth it all and i am so happy for these two soulmates!
William is suffering and plans to steal Gilly from Puck,but there was something Hades mentioned to William in the bonus scene and i wanted to hug for the rightness in how Hades proved something William didn`t even realize.Ahh but he will soon.He is so afraid of his fated soulmate that are bound to kill him,and that makes me excited!Madox and Ashlyns children-the little demon twins Urban and Ever are so freaking cute and adorable!Love the way Urban crushes over Viola,gaahhh he sure proves to be a stunning future hero of the series!I am also intrigued by the fallen Sent One Brochan who wish vengeance against Viola for betraying his brother.Again,Thank you Gena Showalter for another unforgettable keeper,this one will stay in my heart forever!
(This review can also be found in Goodreads)
I am a big fan of this series, but The Darkest Promise isn’t as captivating as the other books. Sure it’s fun, and even though the characters are interesting, it seems to be lacking in certain areas.
Lazarus has found his mate, but has too much on his plate to be able to seek her out. As usual fate has other ideas.
Cameo is lumbered with a demon who causes her nothing but misery. To top it all, any good memories are oblilarated.
When Cameo and Lazarus meet again, she is unable to remember him. He tries his best to help her have good memories, but it’s easier said than done. He wants to make her his, but will misery allow her to have some happiness?
It’s a good paranormal romance which has some laugh out loud moments, and will keep the readers entertained. Not my favourite.
I have thoroughly enjoyed everything that she has written. I would recommend these stories to anyone who would listen. I can’t wait for the next one!
One of my favorite author’s. Love the series.
I always love Gena Showalter’s books. I’m am up late reading because her characters are just awsome.
I haven’t finished it yet. Having a hard time keeping who’s who straight. Seems like every page introduces someone/something new.
Outstanding! I just found my new series to devour!
We finally get Cameo’s story
Sometimes what we perceive as a weakness is actually our greatest strength
I own all the books in this series and I have long waited for Cameo’s story and I was not disappointed
Cameo, the keeper of Misery, has always been one of my more favored characters in this series. Being the bearer of Misery she is often, not with malicious intent mind you, left out or placed on the sidelines by the other Lords. Her very presence causes such intense sorrow in those around her.
Her life is one of solitude and loneliness –
Until her journey into the paring rod -She is missing memories of what happened during this time – but she has been told that he holds the key; to what she is not sure – She sets out to find him and fill in the missing memories
Enter Lazarus the Cruel and Unusual –
OMG so Floved the push and pull between these two – Lazarus is the personification of the “bad boy” – he is heartless and allows no room for weakness or error – that includes his obsession
Lazarus and Cameo both have solid reasons to fight the attraction between them – but when a decision made by one decimates the heart of the other we are left to question if they will ever find true love – Can an untried love dampened by Misery survive the trials the Fates have set out for them?
This was such a well written and magical journey – As always the characters are vivid and easily pop to life – The emotions are raw and untarnished – and the action is well – out of this world
This is better than a lot of the reviews i read. It did not advance the story as much as hoped, but it was interesting and consistent with the overall world. It is definitely not a standalone read.
Love the series. This is good, but the earlier books were better.
Cameo is host to Misery. She is one of the thirteen Gods and Goddesses who opened Pandora’s box and set the demons free. She never knows true happiness and her voice can make you cry like a baby. If she experiences joy, Misery wipes her memories. Lazarus the Cruel and Unusual is an immortal warrior, who has be looking for his μονομανία, his mate, even though she is his greatest strength and weakness. He knows it’s Cameo and she is in his realm looking for him. When he finds his mate or obsession, his body will turn to Crystal and harden and he’ll be trapped forever. This doesn’t stop him though because he wants Cameo with everything in him. Cameo is looking for the box to keep it from falling into enemies hands. If the box is opened, the demons will be put back in but the host body will die unless they figure out how to live after the demons leave. Cameo and Lazarus must fight evil and their own demons to have a happily ever after. This story is very interesting if you like stories about Gods and mythical creatures. It’s bloody and will keep you entertained the whole way through. You’ll really need a cold shower after this one.
This author has never written a less than captivating book
Love this series so Much!!
Lords of the Underground is one of my favorite series. I have yet to be disappointed. Gena Showalter is a storytelling genuis.
Great book, love this series, the characters, the story. Looking forward to the next book!
I thought it was slow moving, and drawn out in some parts.