The Darkest Assassin: A Lords of the Underworld Novella Kindle Edition

4.5-5 starsThis was a great story. It was a enemies-to-lovers story and very well done. Fox and Bjorn are both likeable characters and it was hard to see them on opposite sides and wonder how they manage to get their HEA in the end. And while they're figuring out their "relationship" there's a lot going on, most of it overlaps with the events in the next book, The Darkest King. Overall, this was pretty typical of the rest of the books in the series...characters that are very likable in a great story that's majorly engaging (I only stopped reading this to sleep and then I was right back to reading it). I'd definitely recommend the series but the books might be a bit confusing as standalones. :DNote - I listened to the audio version of this story and as normal, the narrator did a great job.

Readers who read Gena’s spin-off series of LOTU, Angels of Dark, will recognize the MMC, Bjorn, immediately in The Darkest Assassin. Here was one reader who was ecstatic to know Bjorn was getting his book, especially after Gena left us spiraling with what happened to him. I needed his book and was happy to know he was going to end up with someone like Fox.If you are new to the series, you could technically read this novella and not feel left out on what you missed from the other books in the series. It’s a good introduction, but I definitely recommend reading LOTU from the beginning and also reading the Angels of Dark series, where Bjorn is first introduced. Readers who have read the LOTU/AOD series get another additional book to the series, which is always a plus.The FMC, Fox, is possessed by the demon Distrust, and when the demon takes over, she doesn’t have control over what she does, and now the Sent Ones want her dead. Bjorn is tasked to unalive her, but instead, he holds her captive, and the more he gets to know her, the more he questions his assignment.I loved getting to know Bjorn finally through his POV because I had only known through other POVs from the Angels of Dark series. He’s been through a lot, especially with being forced into a marriage he didn’t want and not being able to get out of it. I was curious about how Fox was going to play into this, but I knew Gena was going to use her writing magic to make things happen so that Bjorn could have a HEA.I really liked Fox, and I didn’t doubt I wouldn’t because Gena always writes kickbutt and sassy heroines, and Fox was no different. She was perfect for Bjorn in every way because she wasn’t going to make it easy for him. She was making him question his duty of unaliving her the whole time while also fighting his attraction. Yes, this has the Enemies to Lovers storyline, and Gena knows how to write this trope so well.I give this novella five stars, and I’m so glad I finally made time to read it. If you haven’t read this series, you are missing out. Get to it!Story Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Steam/Spice: 🌶️🌶️Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of the LOTU series but can be read as a standalone for readers wanting an introduction to the series.Would I recommend this novella? Yes, definitely.Genre/SubGenre(s): Romance | Paranormal RomanceTrope(s)/Element(s): Fated Mates | Enemies to Lovers | I Was Sent to Unalive You | Angels | Demons

I'm excited that Fox is getting her chance to find her special someone, but I'm really really REALLY thrilled to see one of the terrible trio (not their real name!) getting the chance to find his happy place. I mean, Bjorn's been through A LOT (all three of the Downfall angels have), not the least of which is being life-bonded against his will to a shadow queen who's been merrily draining the life out of him.Basically, if anyone deserves a chance at a HEA, it's Bjorn and his boys. (Which has me crossing my fingers that Xerxes is on the list of Angels Who Need a Story.)So. Fox, BFF of Galen and current keeper of Distrust, is...not having a great day. While under the influence of her demon she miiiight have caused a little mayhem and killed a few angels. Which isn't good. Especially when Bjorn shows up to exact her punishment. The punishment being death.Except...Bjorn kind of likes the sassy Fox and, instead of killing her, he spirits her away to Downfall where a series of events start to unfold. Starting with Bjorn being summoned by his soul-sucking wife and ending with Thane and Xerxes exacting a little punishment on Fox when they misunderstand that she tried to save him after said soul-sucking. It's not pretty. And Bjorn is VERY NOT HAPPY about what was done.But, but but but things work out for the best and soon Fox and the big guy are cuddling up (literally) and teaming up (also literally) to have each others' backs. Sure, Bjorn is a little bone-headed at times and he doesn't always do the right thing, but he gets where he needs to be eventually. And Fox puts aside her hurt when she realizes that hanging onto it might separate her (permanently) from the guy who makes her heart go pitter-patter.The terrible trio (still not their real name), a whole lot of blood and guts, a deeply unhinged shadow queen, and two people who figure out their exactly what the other needs. *thumbs up*-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

Really though! Bjorn was sent to kill Fox. They're both assassins but kill for different reasons and they are willing to kill each other if they have to.I liked both of them but liked Fox more just because she said hilarious things.There were a few background stories going on that made me antsy to see what will happen but that is the good thing as about being behind on the series because I don't have to wait for the next book to come out. I only have to download it and that's what I'm going to do now.

But let me tell you it wasn’t easy. I preordered so this has been sitting on my Kindle like a temptress and it did not disappoint. I absolutely adored Fox. She was strong and brave but also kind and vulnerable. Bjorn, I mostly wanted to strangle but eventually decided he was perfect for my Fox. This is a novella set in the Lords of the Underworld series but you can read it as a stand-alone. There is lots of action and the only time I set the book down was after an especially steamy scene when I needed to stop and take a quick trip to pound town with my husband.

Absolutely loved Fox and Bjorn! I've been looking forward to Bjorn's book and it certainly didn't disappoint! I love reading a story where it gives both main characters prospective and the chemistry between these 2 was fantastic! Please keep these books coming

Fox's story got it all! The background story, the characters, the love development, the storyline, the twist. It's really worth every word! I love it and would re-read it every time!

Gena has a gift for making each character in her newest book become your favourite of the series. This book lived up to that. Fox is a badass and she knows it, shows it and isn’t afraid of it. Bjorn has definitely met his match in her! Although a novella this book still manages to make you feel like there was no detail left out and leads us right to where we want to go - to William’s story!

As always Gena Showalter doesn’t disappoint. Love this story and couldn’t recommend it enough

Gena is an amazing author. I think I have all of her books. And if I've missed one I guarantee I will own it. Her books are the perfect mix of humor with drama.