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The sizzling second book in New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter’s Otherworld Assassin paranormal romance series.

He is every woman’s fantasy…

Corbin Blue is a man of many talents. One of the most powerful otherworlders ever born, he is wealthy, a professional football star, and a legend in the bedroom. But only a select few know he is also a black ops agent…and there is no better killer. When he and his crew are attacked and separated, he’s forced to turn to his boss’s daughter for help—a woman with even more secrets than Blue.

She becomes his only obsession…

Evangaline Black has always been wary, guarded. No man has ever breeched her walls. Until Blue. He has never been denied something he wants, and now, he’s decided he wants her. As he sweeps her into his double life of seduction, intrigue, and danger, he helps her see beyond the darkness of her own past. But as an enemy closes in, Blue will have to let Evie go to keep her safe—even though he'd rather die than live without her…

387 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

162 people are currently reading
4283 people want to read

About the author

Gena Showalter

262 books27.8k followers
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,410 reviews495 followers
January 29, 2021
Black and Blue by Gena Showalter
Otherworld Assassins series book 2. Best read as part of the series or at least familiar with her world building.
I’m mixed on this one. Lots of gruesome images on torture and killing which makes it very dark. At the same time lots of snark and funny quips which I enjoy.
Lots of sexual tension and hot sex bordering on the erotic side for the volume and consistency.
A typical Gena Showalter story.
Profile Image for Anna's Herding Cats.
1,274 reviews319 followers
October 21, 2013
Heh. So, Black and Blue. I loved this one. It's got some nice heat, has some awesome gut churning action and a nice dose of cheesy goodness. The characters are fun and really grow on you and holy crap some of the things Black and Blue get up to--in and out of the bedroom--had me squirming.

Corbin Blue and Evangeline Black are both linked to each other because of their involvement with a black ops team her father runs and the two... Lordy they push each others buttons in the worst way. I mean, they totally despise each other. Kinda. Maybe. So when a turn of events--his team being attacked-- lands them in a tricky situation of having to trust and depend on each other in order to find and save the people that mean the most to them you know things are going to get...interesting.
"Sometimes that power builds up and requires an outlet."

She thought for a moment. "Kind of like the world's worst temper tantrum with deadly results?"

He nearly choked on his tongue. She wasn't afraid of him, and clearly she never would be. "Yes."

"What kind of outlet?" she asked.

"A physical fight." He paused, watching her expression for the minutest change. "Sex."

No horror. Only interest.

The interest nearly slayed him.

"In that case..." she said. She punched him once, twice, three times. "Better?"

Each of the blows knocked his head to the side. Blood trickled into his mouth, and sharp stings registered.

Amusement doused the hottest threads of the rage--but not his sexual hunger. He spit out the blood, his desire for her even worse. "Amendment. I have to do the beating."

"Oh. Well, my bad. I'm going to decline on that one."

So, when you first meet Corbin Blue... dude is a douche and I was so prepared not to like his ass. But--brownie points for the guy--he totally knows he's a douche. And amazingly over the book he grew on me like you wouldn't believe. I loved seeing him grow and change as a man and seeing how he really felt about his job as a black ops agent and the assholery moves with women that resulted from it. He turned out to be a really nice surprise and, yeah, totally had me going girly swoony over him like all the women that cross his path.

And Eve was a treat and a really bad ass heroine. She's got attitude, is wicked smart and a bit blood thirsty. And I just loved her and all her fierceness.

I really liked these two together. They're both a bit, hrm, emotionally stunted? And it was kinda sweet seeing them both dealing with their emotions, their attraction to each other and just dealing with being in a relationship at all since really neither of them have ever seriously gone there. Things get nicely heated up between the sheets and there are some pretty make you bust out laughing moments as they go about uncovering the culprit behind the attacks on Blue and his team and found out that there's a fine line between someone driving you crazy and being crazy in love. ::snort:: If you like human/otherworlder pairings and action/danger mixed with your romance give this one a go.

Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup
Profile Image for Marsha.
3,053 reviews58 followers
October 8, 2014
I anxiously awaited the release of "Black and Blue" by Gena Showalter; unfortunately, it was a long, tedious read for me because I just did not like the characters nor was I emotionally invested in the story.

Corbin Blue has the very public persona as a sexually charged, womanizing, top athlete. What the public does not know is that he us also a black ops agent who could kill you before you had a chance to say,"Hello." Since the time he was rescued from the poverty of being an orphan by Michael Black, he has sworn his allegiance to the man. So, when Michael and his other options team goes missing, Blue will stop at nothing to find them; even if it means working with Michael's arrogant and frosty daughter, Evangeline.

Evangeline Black left the opportunity business when her baby sister was killed. That does not mean she has lost her penchant for poisons and swift deaths. When he father goes missing she has no choice but to partner with Corbin Blue, manwhore. She never bargained for the attraction that will follow. She will have will have to keep her emotions in check if they are going to make it out of this alive.

Normally I could read as book of this size over several hours. Unfortunately, it took me several days to finish this read. I just was not invested and it didn't help that I did not like Evie or Corbin. They were both so arrogant and toxic, I could only handle them in short doses. Needless to say, I will not be going on to the other books in the series. Sorry Ms. Showalter, it just didn't work for me.
Profile Image for Lynsey A.
1,972 reviews
December 2, 2015
For those who think that Gena is turning more to books more religious? Read this book. My goodness it was violent! Goodness gracious! I think this may be the most violent book of hers I've read. Regardless, this was still a good read. It took a bit for me to warm up to Evie. Then she grows on you. As a side note: I've never really understood the whole "daddy issues" stories where the female sleeps around. Maybe because I've never had any. I have a great relationship with my dad and always have. I just don't get the whole, "if I sleep with enough men, my daddy will love me" theory. Done with side note. That isn't the reason I didn't care for her that much in the beginning. She just seemed awfully hard and hardly any softness to her. I want a little softness in my heroines. But she definitely improves.

An enjoyable book all around even with the violence. I am definitely looking forward to John's book. He suffered way more than any of the others. He most certainly deserves a HEA.
Profile Image for Carey Sabala.
370 reviews15 followers
October 14, 2013
Black and Blue is Gena Showalter's newest addition to her Otherworld Assassins series which is an off-shoot of her very original, Alien Huntress series. As someone who loved the Alien Huntress series, I was thrilled when she had announced her new spin off series but was less than thrilled with the first book that came out, Last Kiss Goodnight. As you may or may not know, I'm a huge fan of Gena's and when I was asked to do an early review of this newest edition, I have to be honest, I was a bit leery but of course, I'm not stupid and I said yes! I knew that this could go either way but I was hoping for the best and I'm so glad that I did! GENA FREAKIN' HIT IT OUT OF THE PARK!!!! She has returned to her roots and written a wonderful, adversaries turned buddy cop turned lovers turned true love, PNR book. We even get nods to the old Alien Huntress series with cameos by some of our old favorite friends like Dallas, woot woot!!!! Ok so before I get ahead of myself, I'll give you a little synopsis.

Blue is a total man-whore in the publics' eye. He's also a star football player but what the public doesn't know is that it is all a cover. He's a special ops (black ops) undercover agent and will do anything to get the job done, including lying, cheating, killing and yes, seducing. All while maintaining his playboy persona. Another thing the world doesn't know is that, while he loves the double life, he hates it as well. He longs for a normal life and belonging to a special woman who will love him for him and not the superstar playboy he's become but Blue is kind of trapped. He is duty bound to this life because the man he considers a father and mentor is also his boss, Michael Black.

While Michael Black has more money than God, his highest priority is his family, whether by blood or by heart. He rescued Blue when he was 5 and has had a hand in raising him. Michael considers Blue a son of sorts and has fashioned Blue into the perfect weapon with the playboy cover but the one thing Michael won't stand for is for Blue to use his playboy appeal on his daughter, Evie Black. Nope Blue is not to go anywhere near Evie but fate is a meddling brat and has her own designs for the pair whether Michael likes it or not.

In the blink of an eye, all of Michael's plans go up in smoke, literally! Michael, Blue and his gang get blown to smithereens. The men are scattered to the wind and Blue needs help. He decides to turn to the one woman who he knows can help and not blow his cover. Knowing Michael will be OK with it as long as he keeps his hands off her, he turns to Evie.

Evie Black is the pampered princess of Michael Black. She's young, wealthy and oh yeah she's freakin' smart. She holds numerous degrees in just about everything. She graduated at 13 and has never looked back. She's also trained as a special ops agent. She's too smart for her own good and unfortunately while out on an op, she got sloppy and someone got killed. Since then she has fallen back on her medical degree and become a doctor. She wants nothing to do with special ops and especially nothing to do with one super sexy, superstar, alien playboy named Blue.

So was that a good enough synopsis, LOL. I tried not to spoil too much. Yes the two would-be lovers get thrown together but what I didn't tell you is right from the get-go, these two throw sparks. They sling verbiage back and forth like a verbal tennis match. They banter and tease and it's absolutely adorable and it's completely hysterical! Oh, and OMG *waves hands frantically like a total loon* there's one scene at a strip club, oh no you don't, I'm not going to ruin it for you but can you say.....Jack Hammer......the male stripper, freakin', LOL!!! This is truly a wonderful book. I loved the chemistry between the two characters. I loved the pacing of the book. I loved the peeks at old characters in the world that we haven't seen in awhile. I loved the buddy cop antics of the two and *fans self* the heat coming off the pages singed my blankets.

If you want a great alien PNR with oodles of banter, antics and all together cuteness. You're gonna love this book!!! Go get it!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lupes82.
5 reviews
July 30, 2015
WARNING! this is what happens to your brain when you read Gena Showalter.

copied from my facebook #1 1.30pm:
*@%#&*^|%#&^%@*%!?})^$#<}@&|$% !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
started reading a new book at lunch and had to stop right in the middle of a seriously good part to come back to work. (*crying) why? why? i don't.... (*bangs head on table & cries some more) nobody understands

copied from my facebook #2 12.30am:
Book lover to mission control, come in mission control. Disaster averted. 'Mission lunchtime drama abatement' completed. Just finished reading 379p novel. 'Operation re-read' is set to commence at 1800 hr. Over.

i'm so excited for this book to release, i feel like Kristen Bell in her sloth video. :D
Profile Image for Esra.
418 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2013
and once again gena showalter did it with


I looove this series.

Gena showalter'ın yazdığı hiçbirşey ortalamanın altı olmuyor. Bir üst serisini(Alien Huntress ) okumadığım halde otherworld assasin serisini gerçekten çok sevdim. Blue ve evie black arasında nefretle başlayan bir aşk mevzubahis . blue çok güçlü bir uzaylı evie ise blue'nun insan patronu michael'in kızı. michael blue'ya daha en başında kızıyle çıkamayacağına dahi yasak koyuyor. kızım off limits diyor.:D gönül bu yasak falan dinlemez tabi :P birbiriyle sataşmalarını okumak ayrı bir zevk gerçekten. Evie'nin çok keskin bir dili var. Yerin dibine sokar çıkarır sözleriyle yani :D blue'nun da ondan geri kalan yanı yok. Birbirlerine taktıkları lakaplarda çok sevimli birkaçı şöyle :D
Blue'nun evie'ye taktığılakaplar - butter buns , sugar plum,baby bear,bunny boo,chuckles,sugar dumpling,buttercup, baby doll,dewberry,sunshine,boo-boo,baby boo-boo,snuggle doodle...
:D Evie'nin çantasındaki silah olarak kullanılacak objeler listeside bir o kadar komikti. Çeşit çeşit ruj biçimde laser silahları , rubik küpü şeklinde bombalar :D dahice hepsi.
Kitap gerçekten tam bir eğlencelik ama bir o kadar da aksiyon ve romantik . Hepsi başarılı bir denge içinde . Herkese okumasını tavsiye ederim bu seriyi.
http://allkillerbooks.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Julia's Book Haven.
822 reviews215 followers
October 28, 2013
I really loved this book. It was both funny and sweet. And I totally have a girl crush on Evie. Lol she is hilarious and had earned her spot on my favourite Gena Showalter characters. And Blue! He was a lot deeper then I was expecting and I really loved that. I loved then together, I think they perfectly fit. I really hope we get a book for John, poor guy :( hopefully soon you'll get your HEA!
Profile Image for FV Angela.
1,451 reviews137 followers
October 23, 2013
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-black-...

I have always been a huge Gena Showalter fan, I love her. Love. She writes amazing snarky, badass heroines and her heroes are all so damaged, snarly and sexy. But the last couple of books I’ve read of hers weren’t ones I wanted to add to my favorites list, they almost seemed kind of off. Like she was taking a new direction with her writing and the things I find most addictive about her voice were missing. In fact the first book in this series, Last Kiss Goodnight, was a slow read for me. I can honestly say when I picked up Black and Blue I was a little tentative, not sure what to expect. Well, there was no need to be worried, I gobbled up this book in a matter of hours. Completely engrossed with Corbin Blue and Evangeline Black.

Corbin Blue is a black ops agent who uses his charm and incredible good looks to work his way into women’s beds in order to get the information he wants. He’s a bit of a man-slut, or as Evangeline calls him, Sir Sexalot. (She has a lot of names for him and each one made me laugh) He will do what ever it takes to get the job done. His cover as an other world football player only lends to his appeal and helps out with the ladies.

Evangeline Black is the daughter of the leader of Corbin’s black ops team. She has something to prove. She’s determined to be the best agent she can be and prove to her father she can do anything that his beloved trio of alien agents can do and do it better. She is smart-assed, ridiculously intelligent and just as blood thirsty as any man. When she and Corbin meet for the first time on the night of her first assignment the sparks fly, but not the good kind. Evie and Corbin are like oil and water. They argue and fight and call each other names. She has no desire to work with the notoriously promiscuous agent and he wants nothing to do with the spoiled, stuck up daughter of the man who he thinks of as a father. Who cares how attracted they are to each other.

When Corbin and his fellow agents are caught in an explosion at Evie’s father house there is only one place Corbin feels safe. He wakes up to find himself almost healed and at the mercy of his nemesis. Evie has left the agency after a major tragedy and is now a surgeon working at a hospital her father owns, but when she finds out her father is missing she is balls to the walls ready to go out and find the men who did it. Corbin isn’t too sure he wants her along for the ride, but soon realizes it’s only with Evangeline’s help that he will find his friends and discover what happened.

To say I loved Corbin and Evie together would be an understatement. Their chemistry jumped off the page, I couldn’t get enough of their back and forth banter:


"Uh, what now? “Counteroffer. You go back to the hospital and let the big boy do all the heavy lifting. I’ll report in at least once a day. You’ll never have to wonder what’s going on.”

She shook her head, ponytail dancing. “My counter to your counter. Go screw yourself.”

“I have. It’s not actually half-bad.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Pig.”

“Prude.”


Seriously, their arguing and trying to one up each other was laugh out loud funny. They rate each other, give reviews on performances and basically try to get the better of each other in every situation. I almost didn’t want them to become all lovey-dovey because then the funny times would end.


"As he read over her notes, she moved to his side to make sure she hadn’t left anything out.

Security system, parts and repairs: $8,000

New window: $2,000

New sheets: $1,000

Water: $10,000

Time and mental anguish: $3,000,000

No. Nothing left out.

He eyed her with a strange mix of amusement and exasperation. “Do you accept orgasm? Because that’s my preferred method of payment?”


But these two do fall for each other as they are finding the bad guys. The sexy times come fast and furious and each is hotter the last. They still rib each other, only now their ribbing is mixed with some heartfelt sweet times. Evangeline is such a strong, smart woman and at no time did she change to be with her man. Corbin never asks her to and only seems to be more into her as she sets out to save the day.

I love this world that Gena Showalter has slowly built in the Alien Huntress series and continued on with this one. It’s richly detailed and I think even people who don’t normally like any kind of science fiction story, but who love a good urban fantasy or paranormal romance will enjoy. The action scenes are high intensity and it’s easy root for these characters as they fight and battle their way to overcoming the odds and defeating their enemies. This is the classic Gena Showalter storytelling that I fell in love with years ago. It’s fast paced, equal parts funny and sexy with an interesting plotline that advances the story arc and leaves the reader desperate to get their hands on the next book in the series. Definitely recommend. Final Grade- B+

Favorite Quote:

"He ran his hands over the perfect lobes of her ass. “Don’t think I didn’t notice the fact that you failed to protest the spanking.”

“Sure, you can spank me… if I can spank you.”

His own smile was slow. “Deal.”

She arched a brow. “Not going to try one of your famous bargains?”

“Why would I? I’m getting what I want.”

Profile Image for Laura.
Author 15 books613 followers
December 8, 2016
Review posted on Got Fiction?

First impression:
It's been a while since I've read past my bedtime. This book and series always keep me hooked.
And now...more coffee, because I'm so tired! (Worth it!)

Full review:

This is what I miss in Romance. Amazing world-building, fun and sexy characters, banter, action, love, romance, this book has it all! It’s been a while since I’ve wanted to do nothing but gush about a book, but maybe it’s time. And I’m sorry it’s taken me three years to review this book! I’m a terrible blogger!

Gena Showalter shows us why she’s the queen of Paranormal Romance with this book. The Otherworld Assassins series is a cross-over series from her Alien Huntress series. Many cameos from familiar faces and common plot threads keep them tied together. Yet at the same time, this book can work as a stand-alone novel (hooray!).

Evie Black and Corbin Blue are complete opposites, but they have one thing in common-her father Michael. Michael runs a super secret Black Ops type unit. He found Blue on the streets when he was four years old, and took him in, training him and treating him as a son. Blue is an Acadian (a type of alien in this set-in-the-near-future-world). Blue is one of the most famous football players out there, and at the same time, that’s his cover. He’s really an agent.

Evie is Michael’s daughter. Once she wanted to prove she could do anything Blue and his other agents could do, but something went really wrong. Now she’s a surgeon and doesn’t want to ever go back into the business. But Blue gets blown up in an explosion that takes out his 2 best friends and Michael.

Not knowing who he can trust, Blue figures Evie is his only hope. So as a charred lump of meat, Blue makes his way to her place, breaks in, and passes out.

Evie is able to stabilize Blue, and they decide to put their dislike of each other to the side so they can A) find Michael, B) find Blue’s friends John and Solo C) find who’s responsible and make them pay.

In the book before this one, Last Kiss Goodnight, we see what happened to Solo, but here we see what happened to John (It’s terrible. I hope to see his story one day). So Blue and Evie make it their mission to rescue John and to kill the guy responsible.

In typical Gena Showalter fashion, there are some truly steamy scenes, well-developed characters, and some over the top sass and snark. This series is fantastic. You definitely will enjoy it (Quick note: I don’t really enjoy futuristic/alien stuff, so for me to say this is really saying something!).

If you want a sexy read full of interesting characters, an intriguing plot, and lots of action, then this book is for you! Go forth and read it! Then come back here and tell me how awesome I am to rec it to you
Profile Image for Kelly at.
1,145 reviews13 followers
October 23, 2013
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 5


Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .

REVIEW:
You know you love a book when you stay up until 1:30 am reading after being up since 5:30 am and having to wake up at 6am the next day. Yes that is how much I loved Black and Blue. How can you not love this book.
Let’s start with the cover: Amazingly Gorgeous!!
The Hero: Tall+ tattooed + brooding + famous + football player + lady killer + violet eyes = YUMMY with an edge of if you mess with me I can kill you with a thought.
The Heroine: Dark + mysterious + fierce + determined + closed off + has a thing for poisons = a lady you don’t ever want to mess with and always hope is on your side.
In short this book was AWESOME!!!!

I really want to go on and on about this story. But I try not to do spoilers in my reviews. So let’s just say I loved Blue & Evie’s story. These two are so beyond perfect for each other it is not funny. This story will tug on so many of your heart strings. We learn so much about Blue and Evie. Blue & Evie are a great example of never judge a person without walking in their shoes. So loved this book. I am looking forward to the next book in this story. I don’t want to say excited because of what happens in this books but a serious case of anxiety has set in for John’s book.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Profile Image for Thomas Edmund.
1,085 reviews82 followers
October 25, 2013
One thing I can say about Black and Blue is consistency of tone. The novel is driven by sassy, hilarious and fun prose that keeps the book floating long after the shark has deflated and sunk.

The story centers on Evie (Black) and Blue two equally attractive super-secret agents linked together by Micheal (Black's father, Blue's boss.) I presume most will be reading this for the love-story, and in that respect Black and Blue does not disappoint. Huge swathes of page-time is devoted to the relationship, and while there are few surprises or genuine tension the journey is somewhat fun, and obviously written with some degree of genre specifics, rather than skillful writing in mind.

Those looking for a decent Otherworldly assassin story, or original sexual romp, may be disappointed. the sex is resoundingly repetitive and aside from a few scenes the action of the story is largely (in many ways - ha ha ha) in the bedroom.

If however, you're looking for an overdose of cutesy, cheesy, (not actually bad tho) humor and completely fantasy sex, this is the book for you. I hate to sound too critical of a book that knows its place and performs (ha ha ha again) well in its niche.
Profile Image for Amy.
444 reviews59 followers
March 5, 2014
Honestly, I wanted to like this book a lot. And I did, kinda but not as much as I wanted to.
I couldn't really feel the chemistry happen between Blue and Black in the beginning. They just seemed really annoying to me.
And Blue's incessent need to get Black out of his head was so annoying. It seemed like a plain old refrigerator reminded him of her and all he was trying to do in the first half of the book was to get her out of his head.
The world building.... There was none.
It seemed like Showalter just expected us to know what was going on and how the world was run. And since she didn't explain anything, all these random alien type creatures were popping up and she mentioned something about a New World Order. I was so lost in the sauce.
Usually in a series, the author gives you some backstory on what was going on but there really wasn't anything there.
The plot was not really engaging. It seemed like something she just tried to throw together. There was no twist and I seemed to be mixing up the villians in the book.
This book was a hot mess. And that is extremely disappointing for me since I love Gena Showalter...
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,917 reviews1,440 followers
May 10, 2021
Will there be other books in this series? Or is it better just to end it here? I like the world this book is from but as a spin off, it is kind of fluffy. I say this because I wasn't sure if I read this before because it wasn't that memorable. However, when I picked it up again, it all came back to me. So, was it really unmemorable? No, but it is forgettable.

The characters are pretty standard, nothing too impressive. What is most disturbing or memorable is the tortures that happen to both the good guys and the evil villains. We are talking nasty cruelty that makes a reader wonder about humanity... or lack there of. If another book were to be written in this series, I'd probably still read it because I like this author. It will be a quick read and guilty pleasure.
Profile Image for Melanie.
515 reviews154 followers
November 7, 2013
This one had everything I love about Gena Showalter books - a sexy, misunderstood hero, a sassy heroine, great banter and steamy hotness that sizzles off the pages. Needless to say, I'm uber-glad that GS has returned to her sexy-romance writing roots. Can't wait for John's book!
Profile Image for Romanticamente Fantasy.
7,976 reviews237 followers
April 18, 2018
Questa è la Showalter che conosco e amo! Dopo aver letto “Abisso di tenebra”, il primo libro della serie, avevo zero aspettative nei confronti di Black and Blue e invece mi sono ritrovata tra le mani un bel libro, scritto bene, pieno di ironia e sarcasmo, sensualità ed erotismo, grazie ai suoi protagonisti Blue ed Evie e una bella trama ricca di azione.
Blue è un alieno, un arcadiano, dotato di poteri veramente eccezionali. È un agente segreto, salvato durante la sua infanzia dalla strada e addestrato sin dalla più tenera età a essere un killer professionista. È il bello del gruppo, l’uomo al quale nessuna donna sa resistere, al quale si richiede di procurarsi informazioni vitali per le missioni, anche sfruttando questa sua particolare dote. Recita, come copertura, il ruolo del giocatore professionista di football, irrimediabile playboy, ma nella vita reale è uno tra i più spietati assassini.
Evie è umana, ed è la classica eccezione che conferma la regola, figlia di Michael, l’uomo che ha salvato Blue da ragazzino e che è diventato per lui come un padre. Evie è l’unica donna che possederebbe la volontà e le capacità di pugnalare Blue con un bel sorriso soddisfatto stampato sulle labbra. Dire che i due si odiano non rende l’idea, ma è la figlia di Michael, l’uomo che è scomparso dopo un’esplosione insieme ai più cari amici e compagni di Blue. Lui stesso è rimasto gravemente ferito nell’attentato ed Evie è l’unica persona alla quale può rivolgersi.
Evie e Blue insieme sono una coppia irresistibile, mi sono divertita tantissimo a leggere i loro battibecchi, al limite del velenoso a volte, soprattutto da parte della donna, ma insieme sono anche una coppia di agenti insuperabile. Blue grazie ai suoi poteri ed Evie grazie al suo addestramento nel combattimento corpo a corpo e alla sua capacità di creare armi letali. Ha il “dono” di saperle camuffare nei modi più fantasiosi: la sua borsa può sembrare quella di Mary Poppins, ma mai frugarla in sua assenza: un rossetto o un portacipria potrebbero non essere oggetti poi così innocui.
La storia è narrata con un ritmo incalzante, e col passare del tempo, mentre i due cercano di scoprire i retroscena legati all’esplosione e alla scomparsa di Michael, Solo e John, anche il loro rapporto cambia e l’attrazione che hanno sempre negato di provare l’uno per l’altra diventa incontrollabile. E qui si rivela finalmente chi è il vero Blue, si va oltre la facciata che è abituato a mostrare a tutti ed è veramente impossibile non adorarlo. Evie è uno dei personaggi femminili, di cui abbia letto, che mi è piaciuto di più. Imprevedibile, risoluta, intelligente, tosta e a sua volta spietata, quando lo si richiede.
È il vero gioiello di questo libro e per tenere il passo con uno come Blue, Ms. Showalter doveva proprio tirare fuori un bel coniglio dal suo cilindro. E ci è riuscita! Questo libro è quasi perfetto, forse nel finale i due “piccioncini” sono un po’ troppo dolci tra di loro, ma visti i fuochi d’artificio fatti prima e quello che hanno dovuto passare, direi che va bene così.
Il prossimo libro sarà su John, il componente del gruppo che è sempre stato il più introverso e misterioso, a causa di un’infanzia che lo ha segnato profondamente. Già prima del suo rapimento e delle torture alle quali è stato sottoposto durante di esso, la sua vita lo aveva portato a chiudersi nei confronti di tutto e tutti. Ma Blue, Solo e Michael lo hanno sempre amato. Non so cosa aspettarmi, credo che la componente emotiva giocherà un bel ruolo nella sua storia e spero, e incrocio le dita, che l’autrice faccia un altro capolavoro dei suoi. La storia di John lo meriterebbe proprio.
Profile Image for Crystal P.
734 reviews10 followers
August 16, 2020
I loved the previous and first book in the series, Last Kiss Goodnight. I devoured that book and when I finished I needed more so I dove into this book. While it was a continuation of the story, it was vastly different and I found myself a little disappointed. While there was still the fantasy element of the otherworlders, the actual world became very narrow and one-dimensional. While I liked the two main characters and appreciated their back stories, I felt like their story was one-dimensional and all about sex. It is a good book, but I hope another book in the series brings in a little more world-building and relaxes on the sexual obsession.
Profile Image for Melinda.
848 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2023
Seductive, ferocious and cheeky

I think what I liked most about this book was the hilarious names Corbin and Evie called each other throughout the story. It just added a bit of humor to a dire situation.

Evie and Corbin are looking for John, who has been abducted. No one knows if he's already been killed for his golden skin or if he is still alive.

The romance was spicy and spot on.

I'm now going to read Dallas's story. I read all of the Alien Huntress books but saved his story for after I read this story.
Profile Image for Kristen.
245 reviews11 followers
March 13, 2014
How funny, just last week I wrote a review about how much I missed the old Gena Showalter, and then last night I got to the first real juicy scene in the sequel to Last Kiss Goodnight, Black and Blue (#2 in the Otherworld Assassins series). And, it was a nice surprise. I am not sure that Black and Blue is still quite up to par (based on standards set by the first Lords of the Underworld books) but... it was a huge improvement over Last Kiss Goodnight. So, maybe I need to eat my words. At a minimum, I feel like I found Waldo! And I am stoked. I then realized that Showalter's website says she's not under contract for any more in this series and I admit to being disappointed.

First, the relationship between our two characters of Blue and Evie was great. Finally, someone I would call a strong woman. She's smart, sarcastic, and totally deadly. Yippeee! I loved seeing the contents of her purse. At first I didn't get the seemingly random objects and when we find out what that's all about, it was an awesome little treat.

I liked that while Blue was sort of a little damaged, he wasn't the typical male with the "oh no one can love me syndrome", instead it was all about his respect for Evie's father. And while she had her issues too, and was super insecure at times (mostly about her looks), she wasn't so super damaged that I was constantly reading the "nobody could ever love me" from her perspective either. And I liked that there was a ton of action. While the action seemed a little repetitive it was still fun to read. The problem with books like this and it's predecessor is that there are only so many times a reader can take seeing failed escape attempts, rescues where the rescuer ends up kidnapped, bad guys who get away for the sake of stretching the plot further than it should be stretched, and dialogue - in the characters head or out loud - where the same stuff is told to me over and over and over. Although that last point seems to be indicative of this genre, not just a failing of this book or author in particular.

I admit to being a little confused at times who was doing the speaking - and which point of view we were getting. Again, that too seems to be a failure of this genre (or should I said bad editors in this genre) since I would sometimes need to read a conversation from the start a few times to know who was saying what - new paragraphs don't always indicate the other person is now speaking and with the "he said" (or equivalent) sometimes it was tough.

There were little jewels throughout the book. References and jokes about the rubick's cube and the other stuff Evie carries in her purse were awesome. The sarcasm between the characters was amusing. And it was nice to see that things were occurring over time and that is how the relationship blossomed. It was also nice to see that Evie's dad didn't just do a complete 180 on how he felt about Blue and Evie so that felt a little more real too.

And, while I still am not sure the steaminess is 100% back, it was an enormous improvement over Last Kiss. It didn't feel gratuitous but natural and didn't leave me annoyed that what is a common key element of this genre was missing.

All things considered, Black and Blue was a much better book than the first in the series. And leaves me a little bummed that I may not be able to see how John recovers.
Profile Image for Deni.
810 reviews15 followers
August 13, 2016
Е, color me pleasantly surprised! Втората книга от поредицата на Джена Otherworld Assassin - Black and Blue е толкова голяма крачка напред, че дори минава в категорията овчарски скок. За да не изпадам отново в словестни прехласвания просто ще е кажа, че е бомба... в повече от един смисъл на думата :D
Като изключим обаче всеизвестната ми пристрастност към авторката.... книгата продължава да си е повече от добро четиво. Няма да давам спойлери за историята и нейното развитие. Това, което трябва да се знае само е, че диалога е конструиран добре, главните герои са изградени правдоподобно и цялата книга притежава едно ненатрапващо и ненатоварващо усещане, въпреки откровенно кръвожадните на моменти сцени в нея. Това което ми хареса най-много в нея? Като изключим страхотното чувство за хумор типично за Джена, много ми допадна откровенността на героите един към друг и към второспетенните герои в историята. Откровенност, която е така поднесена, че да не можеш да се разсърдиш или обидиш, защото намерението, което седи зад тази откровенност е повече от ясно. Няма нищо скрито-покрито, няма скромнечене, престореност, излишна драма. Главните херои са два силни характера, имащи своите проблеми, но осъзнаващи ги и борещи се срещу тях (винаги са ми били противни героини, които имат проблеми и през цялото време единственото, което правят е да се самосъжаляват и хленчат :X).
Но стига толкова с хубавото, дайте да почерним малко пейзажа с нещо кофти (малко е, но се намира). Какво не ми хареса? "Не ми хареса" е силно казано. По скоро са притеснения по отношение бъдещето на поредицата и бъдещите заглавия на авторката като цяло. Прави ми впечатление, че последните й книги като цяло си приличат подозрително много. Намерила си е удобно русло, което й върши работа и което явно се харесва. Не е лош хот в краткосрочен план, но в дългосрочен рискува да изгуби читателите. Малко ми липсва оригиналността и индивидуалността на отделните поредици, на отделните книги та дори и на отделните герои понякога.
Това настрана - по лично мнение фоновата история на поредицата куца. Доста е плитка, предвидима, безинтересна (не исках да ползвам тази дума, но не се сетих за по-подходяща :/ ). Не е достатъчно добър материал, за да направиш цяла поредица книги за нея. Единствения свързващ елемент от тук нататък ще е само факта, че всичките главни герои ще идват от една и съща тайна агенция за правителствени поръчкови убийства. Но ще се старая да поддържам съзнанието си отвовено и ще се опитам да подходя без предубеждени към следващата книга от поредицата (която по мои прогнози ще е за Joe No Last Name пича, когото в тази книга одраха жив... упс, спойлер :P ).
В заключение: като изключим малките черни облачета на хоризонта за поредицато, втория роман от нея е в пъти по-добър от първия и за това в съчетание с куп други работи (ако не помните какви точно върнете се в началото на резюмето) получава 4 звезди от моя милост ^_^
Грам не съжалявам, че си дадох парите за тази книга >.< :D !
Profile Image for Barbara Ann.
206 reviews42 followers
November 30, 2013
4.5 shining stars
Best-selling author Gena Showalter is known for her paranormal romances, and on one level I’m saddened that it has taken me this long to read her work. The Otherworld Assassin series is my first foray into one of Showalter’s creative worlds where paranormal beings coexist with humans, albeit not always peacefully. It looks like this series is a spinoff from her Alien Huntress series, but from my experience, it wasn’t necessary to have read any of the books from that series before starting this one. However, I do recommend reading the first book in the series, Last Kiss Goodnight which establishes the overall plot and vividly describes the mystery and danger that continues to unravel in Black and Blue.

I borrowed the first book in this new series, Last Kiss Goodnight, from my local library, and reading it really helped me understand the dynamics behind this fictitious world where alien beings, known as Otherworlders arrived on Earth over 100 years ago, leading to worldwide war between the various paranormal species and humans. Now, many Otherworlders have made Earth their new home and are, for the most part, accepted by the human race. Last Kiss Goodnight also introduces the heroes of the series, an elite group of Otherworlder black op agents who are essentially assassins for the new world government. Showalter does a lot of the world building in this first book and gives enough captivating details about the main characters’ personalities and backstories to pique my interest in following the series. Last Kiss Goodnight easily pulled me into this creative and sometimes dark and violent world full of fascinating, richly-developed characters.

Black and Blue is a great follow-up to Last Kiss Goodnight, and I actually liked this book more because of the dynamite relationship between Evie Black and Corbin Blue. They are so well-matched for each other despite the animosity that has existed between them for several years. The sexual tension between these two makes this a sizzling page-turner right from the beginning, and steamy sensuality exudes from practically every page. I will admit that at times it was almost a little too much for me but the witty, spirited, and sometimes outright hilarious banter between Evie and Corbin was absolutely irresistible.

The opening of the book backtracks and recreates the explosive scene that is the foundation for the storyline, except this time it is narrated based on Blue’s experience. This book moves the story along much further than I anticipated, and the mastermind and motivation behind the bombing is finally fully revealed. You can expect some intense and suspenseful scenes where both Evie and Blue find themselves in life-threatening situations, and it’s thrilling to follow the dramatic changes and emotional growth these two undergo by the end.

I received a copy of Black and Blue from the author for an honest review.

Profile Image for Aparajita Mukherjee.
150 reviews9 followers
November 25, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book. It's fun, adventurous, action-packed, and romantic.
Corbin Blue's powers are extraordinary and at times, unbelievable, making him almost invincible both ON the field as an awesome football player, and OFF the field as an amazing Black Ops agent working for the government, an agency headed by Michael, the man who saved, trained and mentored Blue.
Evangeline Black is no less, though she quit the agency headed by her father Michael after her little sister was murdered. She might not be as physically strong as Blue, but she definitely has a potent mind and is more than capable of taking care of at least three angry males at a given time. In fact, sometimes Evie is a greater threat than Blue himself; her so-called 'purse' is a weapon of destruction.
Both Black and Blue are beautiful, strong, successful agents in their own right. They are a team and they compliment each other, though they themselves might not have thought so when they first met. But years later, when Blue finds himself injured and his friends and mentor missing, Evie Black is the only person he can bring himself to trust. They meet again and Evie nurses Blue back to health. As they spend time together, they begin to understand each other and realize that their earlier assessment of one another could not be more wrong. Sparks fly, and their mutual attraction, dormant for so long, rise to the surface with a vengeance. But they have family and friends to find, killers to catch and trust to keep.

It is an interesting read. Their witty, teasing banter and calling each other deceptively sweet names are hilarious. The budding romance of Black and Blue is sizzling. Interspersed are some hints of cruel brutality. All in all, this book is a whole package.
Profile Image for Sofia.
704 reviews102 followers
October 27, 2013
“Work with Evangeline Black? I’d rather be slit open from navel to nose.”

—CORBIN BLUE

“Good thing I always carry a knife.”

—EVIE BLACK"


Another 5 stars for Gena Showlater.

After being severely injured, the only one Blue can trust is his sworn emeny, Evie Black. Evie has had enough experience to know that apart from being an excellent assassin, Blue is a ladies man. What she doesn't realize though is that being a "he-whore" isn't his choice but a requirement for his job...

Evie and Blue must work together if they want to find out who attacked Evie's father and Blue's partners. Problem is that they would much preferto kill themselves than work with each other!

This book was beyond my expectations!!!

Evie and Blue had so much chemistry. The sexual tension was oblivious in every page. Each scene was hotter than the previous. Evie and Black were such an amazing couple. They fit perfectly.

“Working with Evie Black combines my two favorite things. Starting my day with her . . . and ending my day with her.”

—CORBIN BLUE

“I guess I’m like fungus. I grow on you.”

—EVIE BLACK


I wish the book was longer though. It seemed to have finished so quickly even though I stayed up all night reading and loving it...

All in all, I highly recommend it and I can't wait to see more of them in the next installment (which I'm dying to read.... Hope it's John's story!!!).

First posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.gr/...
Profile Image for The Window Seat.
689 reviews71 followers
November 4, 2013
When I first read Showalter's Last Kiss Goodnight I loved the book, but I wasn't drawn into the world of the Otherworld Assassins. I think it was because that book took place on its own away from the group that was the Otherworld Assassins. This book brought it back to that and now I am officially hooked! :)

Corbin Blue is an Otherworlder with some pretty cool superpowers. Amongst them are the ability to heal, move objects, and super strength. Though officially he is a star football player in the otherworder football league, he is also a highly trained assassin for a black ops group. When his band of brothers is attacked and he is severely wounded, he turns to the daughter of the band's leader for help. Though Blue and Evangeline have had contact in the past, Blue knows that Evie is off his list of possible conquests by order of her father, Michael. And he can't really blame the guy because as Michael knows, part of Blue's cover is the role of manwhore. When a lady needs to be seduced, Blue is the one sent to do the job. He may not like his role in their organization, but he is good at it and he doesn't blame Michael for instituting the "hands off" rule. But that doesn't stop his attraction to Evie from growing.

For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/1...
Profile Image for Selin.
277 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2015
9 gün sürmüş okumam. Açıkçası Showalter'ın hayranıyımdır, hatta başlarında çok iddialı olarak lotu'nun bazı kitaplarından daha iyi olduğu gibi bir laf etmiştim ama şimdi bitince çok memnun kalmadım, bu kitap nasıl desem tam olarak ne bir aksiyon ne bir fantastik ne de bir aşk romanıydı hepsini bir arada vermek istemiş belki yazar ama beni hiç etkilemedi. Yani bir tür herşey olmaya çalışırken hiçbir şey olamama durumu vardı.
Bir de geçen kitapla aynı olaylardı yani pov gibi ama bir arada olmadığınız bir karakterin o anlarda yaşadıkları. Mesela açlık oyunlarının bu kitap tarzı pov u olsa atıyorum Gale in ağzından ya da annesinin ağzından olması gibi. Ancak sonuçta bildiğimiz şeyler olduğu için şaşırtmadı da...
Yalnızca ufak ayrıntıları ve atışmalı diyalogları sevdim. Keşke başka bir konu işlenseydi bu kitapta en azından ya da romans ı daha ağır işleseydi bilemedim.
Tek merak ettiğim John'un kitabı onu da yazar daha ne yazmış ne arka kapak yazısı paylaşmış ne de şu zaman çıkacak diye bir duyuru yapmış. Çıkar mı bilinmez ama umarım çıkar.
Gena okumaya devam ama sadece bu seri beni tatmin etmedi çok.
Profile Image for Akina.
559 reviews12 followers
July 28, 2022
The book started out well. Having already read the first book in the series I was itching to find out what happened to the rest of the agents. The action, mystery, and heat between the main characters was top notch. But by chapter 4 things were starting to wane. I didn't like the direction the 'romance" was taking. Later on the spy stuff got boring and I started re-reading the same paragraphs because my attention wandered.

All in all it wasn't a bad book but there were too many capture or kill situations. I felt like I was playing Call of Duty and I kept respawning in stupid locations. By the end of the book I was rooting for the bad guys because the good guys were so clueless. I mean, if you are smart enough to but a tracker on your lady love, what makes you think the enemy won't track their important people too? Especially if you drop a perfectly good, unused tracking device right into their hands?

As the final book in a 2 book series (what even is that?!!) there was much to be desired. That's just too bad because Last Kiss Goodnight was soooo much better.
Profile Image for Bookish Shannon.
514 reviews27 followers
October 21, 2013
One thing I dislike about Gena's books? They always leave me wanting more, but I can't have more because the book I need isn't released yet!

I couldn't wait to read Black and Blue after what happened in book one- Last Kiss Goodnight- and I devoured this one sitting and didn't get to sleep until 3:30am. Totally worth it.

I absolutely loved Corbin Blue. Tall, famous, secret agent, tattooed, sexy. Perfect combination. I mean, what else could you want from a guy? And Evie- I loved her personality. The last few books from Gena have had tamer, less crazy females, so I LOVED reading Evie.

Another thing I loved was how characters from Alien Huntress series were incorporated. I love reading characters pop up even after they've had their story and haven't been put on the back burner.

If John's book is next then for all the girls out there who love a tortured male, I think his book is up your street.

P.S How GORGEOUS is the cover?!
Profile Image for Julia.
2,517 reviews72 followers
did-not-finish
October 7, 2013
I'm about 25% done, and I'm really struggling with this book. I like John and Solo and Blue, I'm invested in their fates, but I don't have much interest in the romance. Blue and Evie have all sorts of misconceptions about each other, but still manage to rub their crotches together on frequent intervals, and I'm not at all curious about what arbitrary chain of events is going to lead Evie to rethink Blue or lead Blue to understand Evie's pain. Furthermore, the "otherworlders" powers seem completely... random. Blue is the heir to family's powers, which makes it seem like Q designed him in a MI5 basement somewhere. He can sense emotions and shoot out a beam that paralyzes people and burn away impurities and regenerate his skin and... ok, fine. Whatever happens, Blue will handle it. So I don't really need to worry about that, clearly.

In the end, the only thing I'm interested in is John's fate (as book one took care of Solo), and that's not enough to keep me flipping pages.
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,713 reviews1,125 followers
dnf-shelf
February 9, 2021
Originally published on my website: Addicted To Romance. Rated as a DNF.

I had high expectations for Black and Blue, especially after loving the first book. But unfortunately I had to put this book down. After 100 pages, and I wasn't into it, I decided to set it aside for now, and maybe at some time at a later date I will pick it up again. But with all the books on my schedule I need to read, I knew I couldn't keep trying to read this after three days. One of the problems I think was my issue with the heroine, Evangaline Black. From the beginning I knew I wouldn't connect with her character at all. She seems to have the personality that just clashed in the story, and I practically had to force myself to keep reading as much as I did. A part of me wanted to try reading further, but I felt like I would have felt this way through most of it. I do hope to eventually try reading it again, maybe I will enjoy it then.
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