Review: Last Kiss Goodnight

by Gena Showalter
Rating: 3/5

The Sweetest Temptation . . . Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding. The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems—she’s his. The Ultimate Price . . . Vika endures the captives’ taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can’t free them. Only, Solo is different— he protects her. But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him . . . and he’ll be put to a killer test

This is the first book in the Otherworld Assassins series. A spin-off of the awesome Alien Huntress series. Unlike some spinoffs this one starts with all new characters and starts a new storyline. Which is good but still leaves the question, “When will we get Dallas’ book?”

I don’t know. But I do know that Solomon is adorable. He’s a huge scary assassin even before he morphs into an unstoppable rage alien. But he’s suffered sooo much and he’s a genuinely good guy. Vika on the other hand has a horrid and abusive father and only consolation is her attempts to keep the Otherworlders in the circus alive. They make great foils for each other.

Gena Showalter is Christian, she makes this information available on her website, so the only reason I mention this is that for the first time her belief has become overt. I’m talking about X and Dr E. Two invisible aliens who act exactly like a tiny angel and devil on the shoulder. While I liked the idea that X was a companion all Allorians have, it got almost uncomfortable how heavy the metaphor of trust in the good side and you’ll succeed got. Now I actually have to say this is the only time I’ve felt that Showalter’s beliefs have interfered with the story – I’m mean she best known for the Lords of the Underworld series, which about demons and angels. But this aspect of Solo and Vika’s story made me feel preached at just a bit.

Now Jesic, Vika’s father and ringmaster was a brilliant villian. Evil with out being a caricature, relatable but not sympathetic. His desires corrupted him into a shell of the man he used to be. And he’s quite scary.

We also get some great appearances by Alien Huntress characters, notably Kitten who’s abduction started the plot and Dallas who rides in as the Calvary at the end. It’s not Showalter’s best work, but it’s still very enjoyable with a touching love story.

Currently Listening: Lost – Michael Bublé