The Darkest Kiss is a love story between two immortals in modern times. Anya is the (minor) goddess of Anarchy, who loves lollipops, flirting and causing trouble which can sometimes end up in countries going to war. She is on the run from the other gods using her power of teleportation to wander about the earth. She soon becomes obsessed with Lucien, an ancient warrior who is cursed by the Lord of the Underworld. He basically is a grim reaper forced to usher souls to the other side. If he refuses, he actually falls under pain, all as penance for opening a portal of demons onto the world. Needless to say, he’s quite broody and is covered in scars all over his body. Anya finds his scars irresistible and soon teleports into his lair to flirt with him. The big old dolt rather believe she’s there to cause trouble than fall for her charms. His instincts may be right because soon the gods order him to kill her. As a warrior, his whole purpose is to follow orders, but he struggles to obey. Anya slyly bargains for her life by telling him she can help him and his immortal gang find some lost artifacts they’ve been scouring the earth for. These treasure could break the curse on him and the other warriors. He’s not sure that he can trust her, but Lucien has been wandering this earth for a long, long time. If there’s even a chance, this mischievous woman is telling the truth, he has to take it.
They make an uneasy arrangement with him still vowing to kill her once this all finishes. Anya takes this as a sign he’s warming up to her. She continues to do her seduction routine even as they are on mission. In truth, her laviscious demeanour is a all an act and possibly a result of centuries of pent up sexual frustration. She fears giving herself to any man as she too has a curse, which will surface if she falls in love. I’m sure you can see where this is going. The more they try to resist each other, the more they are drawn together. Soon the god of Death hears of Lucien’s betrayal and chases after them. Anya and Lucien must find a way to fight the gods if they want to stay alive.
Another month, another romance novel with a shirtless man with abs of steel. I really did enjoy the plot of this book, but Anya’s overtly cheesy seduction routine became rather grating. Once I learned more of her back story that she thrives on chaos, I began to like her. I also enjoyed meeting the other warriors like the warrior of lust, all who are cursed to fall to their base nature lest they become weak. Not sure if I’d read another, but the ending of this book was satisfying enough.
Read other #cbr6 reviews on my blog.