Dark Touch

by Lara Slass

When he’s an immortal demon-slayer with OCD and a panty obsession…

Bender didn’t used to be a creep, but Aria keeps bringing it out of him. She doesn’t trust him, but that won’t stop him from protecting her from the men that keep hurting her.

Aria has some serious trust issues after a lifetime of being used and abused, and Bender wasn’t doing himself any favors. A possible psychopath with a twisted panty fascination, she both feared him and craved him.

When the demons turn their attention to her, she realizes Bender has been keeping a huge secret from her. One that could cost her soul…and her heart.

Genres: Fantasy

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2025

About the author

Lara Slass started her writing journey as an avid reader. Obsessed with mythology, fantasy, and romance, she combined her passions into the Dark Lord’s novels. Deeply inspired by Norse, Celtic, and Greek Mythology, there are more books to come in the series including more from your favorite characters, meeting new characters, and diving deeper into the Darkness.

Reviews

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a surprisingly good read! while Aria's choices had me cussing her out, it still flowed nice. the banter between all characters was so good and the relationships so well laid out.

I don't remember why I had this saved on a list, but I'm glad I found it. sometimes I chaos add things from reels and lists and have some regrets but not this one.

[Carinkla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original, but kind of weird story about severely damaged people with quite a few idiosyncrasies who find love with each other. 


At first I hadI had some problems relating to the main characters, not because they were damaged, but because they had those weird habits and tastes. But they definitely grew on me, and them being what and how they are, certainly benefits the story of them ending up together. 


The story that is woven around them is also a kind of setting and premise I have never encountered before and very intriguing. 


This is the first book in the series and I am curious to know how the story (and some already very  subtly  suggested romances) will develop 

[Big Annie Malon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, gripping, and totally addictive!
This book hooks you from the first page with a fierce, soul-trading demon hunter and a mysterious woman at the center of a deadly prophecy. Bender and Aria’s connection is raw and intense, set against a backdrop of hellish battles and ancient evil. Fast-paced, emotional, and full of twists perfect for fans of supernatural thrillers with heart.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story line and the characters in this book, it was very well written with strong likable characters. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I had a hard time putting it down, the only negative for me was the excessive amount of sex scenes which I felt could’ve been cut down some as I felt it distracted from the story line.

[Brita Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bender’s an immortal demon-slayer with OCD and a panty obsession…

Bender didn’t used to be a creep, but Aria keeps bringing it out of him. She doesn’t trust him, but that won’t stop him from protecting her from the men that keep hurting her.

Aria has some serious trust issues after a lifetime of being used and abused, and Bender wasn’t doing himself any favors. A possible psychopath with a twisted panty fascination, she both feared him and craved him.

When the demons turn their attention to her, she realizes Bender has been keeping a huge secret from her. One that could cost her soul…and her heart.

Tropes: Dark Romance, Paranormal, Witches, Demons, Magic, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Angels, Fantasy, Immortals, Creep, Trust, Protective MMC, Trust Issues, Abuse, Psychopath MMC, P*nty Fascination MMC,

Dark Touch is the 1st book in A Dark Lord Series by Lara Slass.

This was the first book by Lara Slass that I have read and I have to say that this book is a must read for any dark romance, paranormal lover. This is a dark, heart racing, and it’s got all the spice you could possibly want.

I simply loved Bender and Aria. Their romance, their love story, their connection is so swoon-worthy and it’s as HOT as h*ll. Lara did such an amazing job developing the characters, giving them interesting character arcs, and interesting personalities along with stunning histories. Both Bender and Aria are quick witted and just so much fun. I can honestly say that I had such a hard time putting this book down once I got started reading it.

Lara has a hard job ahead of her in writing the next book in this series after this book. But despite that I can’t wait for the rest of this series and the stories that Lara has to tell.

If you haven’t already put this book on your own TBR then you really need to get this on your TBR or just pick it up and read it ASAP. This is such a fun, romantic, compelling read that I just can’t recommend it enough.

[Vidisha Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Touch absolutely hooked me from the very beginning. The concept alone—warriors who sold their souls and now hunt demons to earn them back—is so original and gripping. The mythology woven throughout the story adds incredible depth, blending biblical elements with dark fantasy in a way that feels bold and immersive.

Bender quickly became one of my favorite characters. He’s sarcastic, intense, and carries centuries of bitterness, but underneath all of that is someone still holding onto the smallest thread of hope. His internal conflict makes him feel layered and real rather than just another brooding supernatural hero. I also loved how the story balances brutal, high-stakes demon hunting with emotional tension and vulnerability.

The chemistry and slow-building connections in this book add another compelling layer without taking away from the action. The pacing kept me turning pages, and I genuinely didn’t want to put it down.

Overall, Dark Touch delivers on atmosphere, character depth, and thrilling plot. If you love dark paranormal romance with strong mythology and morally complex heroes, this is definitely one to pick up. I’m already looking forward to the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Makayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so original. I wasn’t sure what I had gotten myself into as I was reading lol. Bender the panty demon lol 😈 and Aria that has no chief her life is in danger. Bender has been protecting her and she has a serious love/hate relationship with him. Both are damaged, but they just work. This was intense and oh so spicy. Once I got further into this, I couldn’t put it down. This was wild and I loved it.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars - Engaging dark story that drew me in from the beginning to the end. Our characters Bender a demon hunter who protects Aria and Aria who unknowingly is involved in a prophecy where her live is in danger were likable with chemistry and flaws that kept me invested in their romantic adventures. The story line was interesting in this copy I'd received and volunteer to read and review.

[Dawn Corleone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have rounded this up to 5 from a 4.5. Excellent story, please watch for triggers though as some of it can be pretty dark. Great mix of spice and plot, really enjoyed reading it. The slight reduction from a full 5 star is because it could do with another round of editing, particularly towards the end of the story. Will definitely read future books from this author!

[Scotliteboost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, gripping, and full of heart this story pulls you in from the start. Bender is a tortured, badass antihero, and Aria brings a powerful emotional depth. A thrilling blend of action, supernatural lore, and unexpected connection. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Ladnamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was spicy, dark and full of tension. It had me hooked until the end. Looks like there will be a second book and I can't wait for that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought the premise of this book sounded interesting but I couldn’t get past the language and crudeness just for the sake of being crude. I didn’t make it even a quarter of the way through, definitely wasn’t for me.

[Rachel Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prime example of the spicy books I really enjoy. Great plot, well-written, relatable characters (both MCs had the grit and strength to get over their past trauma, no whiny blah blah blah), and yummy spicy!

[Lei Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read!! It is dark, heart racing, and spicy as all get out. I loved Bender and Aria. Their love story is swoon-worthy and HOT AF. The characters are so well written, quick witted and fun. I had a hard time putting this down. it's going to be hard to top Aria and Bender's story, but I can't wait for the rest of this series.