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The same ole, same ole. Maybe just a little bit worse. The Darkest Pleasure fails in a lot of ways, not least of which is the romance itself. Unlike the previous two books, this book really highlights the way that the characters aren't falling in love because they really like who the other person is, but only really because they are "destined" for each other. That in itself isn't a problem, but the way that the characters don't learn enough about each other to really support the connection dilutes the intensity of the emotional connection. The relationship between, in this case, Reyes and Danika ends up feeling very, very forced. As if Showalter is shoe horning them into a relationship. And in retrospect some of the pairings start to make less sense.
spoiler alert
Showalter tries to make Danika's position as the All-Seeing Eye make sense against Reyes possession by the demon Pain, but it still doesn't really work. Why would it? Why would them having sex necessitate Pain being teleported to some unknown location? How does that even really work because doesn't the separation of man and demon necessitate the destruction of both? It doesn't make sense!!! Neither does Pain's sudden attachment to Danika. No basis in anything except Showalter wants it to happen.
Unfortunately, I was really disappointed with The Darkest Pleasure, although as with the previous books, it's the peripheral developments that are of the greatest interest. The revelation that Hope is a demon and that the leader of the Hunter's is the warrior Galen who is possessed by Hope. The inclusion Legion is way interesting and I'm curious to see how she will play out in the coming story, especially Aeron's book. The developments between Cameo and Torin are also of great interest, although, I really hope that it isn't a lazy way to pair off the two lords with the most isolating demons. I like Torin too much for him to be given away sideways.
Overall, this just book just wasn't as much fun, although Reyes and his demon had so much potential for angst, Showalter really downplays it. There are also some issues with execution. There's a lot of roaring and yelling and shouting and slightly less punching of walls. The men are big and hot and beautiful. There's little to no real tension because we KNOW how this is going to all end and it's happily ever after. I think Paris's decision to choose Aeron is the first time we get a potentially negative action that may severely impact events and people. Cause so far? Everything has been hunky dory by novel close.
spoiler alert
Showalter tries to make Danika's position as the All-Seeing Eye make sense against Reyes possession by the demon Pain, but it still doesn't really work. Why would it? Why would them having sex necessitate Pain being teleported to some unknown location? How does that even really work because doesn't the separation of man and demon necessitate the destruction of both? It doesn't make sense!!! Neither does Pain's sudden attachment to Danika. No basis in anything except Showalter wants it to happen.
Unfortunately, I was really disappointed with The Darkest Pleasure, although as with the previous books, it's the peripheral developments that are of the greatest interest. The revelation that Hope is a demon and that the leader of the Hunter's is the warrior Galen who is possessed by Hope. The inclusion Legion is way interesting and I'm curious to see how she will play out in the coming story, especially Aeron's book. The developments between Cameo and Torin are also of great interest, although, I really hope that it isn't a lazy way to pair off the two lords with the most isolating demons. I like Torin too much for him to be given away sideways.
Overall, this just book just wasn't as much fun, although Reyes and his demon had so much potential for angst, Showalter really downplays it. There are also some issues with execution. There's a lot of roaring and yelling and shouting and slightly less punching of walls. The men are big and hot and beautiful. There's little to no real tension because we KNOW how this is going to all end and it's happily ever after. I think Paris's decision to choose Aeron is the first time we get a potentially negative action that may severely impact events and people. Cause so far? Everything has been hunky dory by novel close.
