Review: Seduce the Darkness by Gena Showalter

Seduce the Darkness (Alien Huntress, 4) by Gena Showalter

Paranormal Romance

Pocket Star (June 30, 2009)

416 pages

ISBN: 978-1416531647

Synopsis from Amazon:

The war between otherworlders and humans changed Earth beyond recognition. It also saved Bride McKells's life. Before, the gorgeous vampire was a target for every fanatic with a stake and a crucifix. Now, she's free to roam the streets -- and desperate to find others of her kind. One man claims to have the answers she seeks. Devyn, King of the Targons, is a warrior and a womanizer, and he makes no secret of how much he wants Bride -- and how dangerous he could be to her in every way.


An avid collector of women, Devyn easily seduces human and otherworlder alike. Until now. Not only does Bride resist him, but she leaves Devyn feeling something entirely new...a bone-deep need bordering on obsession. Her blood is the key to curing a vicious alien disease, but helping Bride uncover her origins will compel her to choose between electrifying passion and a destiny that could tear her from Devyn's side forever.

I think I've found my new go-to author for whenever I'm in the mood for a great, fun, and sexy story! As far as romances go, it has none of that typical, melodramatic feel. It's cheeky, over-the-top, and heavy on the sexy - in all of the best ways. Gena's sense of humor is great and it definitely adds something special to the interactions of the hero, Devyn, and heroine, Bride.

At the beginning, Devyn is a whore of a man with an oversize ego and sense of entitlement when it comes to women and sex. However, his charm does much to overshadow his jerk-ish tendencies and is what, ultimately, won over the heroine and me. Rest assured though, Bride fought him tooth-and-nail along the way; making sure that he knew just how big his head was. Gradually, Devyn's emotional detachment and Bride's wariness fall away as they begin to learn more about each other and themselves. This learning process is what opens their eyes to a lot of things, including the value of a relationship with each other.

For readers unfamiliar with Showalter's work (like I was prior to picking this one up), I can't stress enough how enjoyable my first experience with her was. While this is an installment in the Alien Huntress series, it does well as a stand-alone novel. I never felt lost during the story even though there was clearly plenty of background info that stemmed from previous books.

If you tend to take your books too seriously, then stay away. If you like a bit of irreverence and loads of hot, sexy goodness, run to the bookstore.

Grade: A-

Visit Gena's website and blog

Read an excerpt of Seduce the Darkness

For an extra entry in the Seduce the Darkness giveaway comment here on the review and don't forget to mention the contest. You can also comment on the interview with Gena for an additional entry. Hurry! The contest ends at 11:59 pm tonight.

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