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Darkness #2
Darkness Before Dawn
Is love ever enough?
Faced with obstacles she could have never imagined, Blake is brought to darkness and back by forces in her past she never knew existed.
Desperate to stay connected to the only thing he loves, Cole is forced to revisit his past and align himself with the people who knew about Blake’s disappearance.
Separation has forced both Blake and Cole to learn how to live under the worst circumstances, each of them alone in their own hell.
When they reunite, can they be the same two people they were before darkness swept upon them?
Told in separate points of view, Darkness Before Dawn is the continuation of Blake and Cole’s fight to make it to the light.
Faced with obstacles she could have never imagined, Blake is brought to darkness and back by forces in her past she never knew existed.
Desperate to stay connected to the only thing he loves, Cole is forced to revisit his past and align himself with the people who knew about Blake’s disappearance.
Separation has forced both Blake and Cole to learn how to live under the worst circumstances, each of them alone in their own hell.
When they reunite, can they be the same two people they were before darkness swept upon them?
Told in separate points of view, Darkness Before Dawn is the continuation of Blake and Cole’s fight to make it to the light.
361 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2013
250 people are currently reading
7549 people want to read
About the author
Claire Contreras
48 books17.7k followersClaire Contreras is a New York Times Best Selling Author. Her books range from romantic suspense to contemporary romance and are currently translated into over fifteen languages. When she's not writing, she's usually lost in a book or hanging out with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 910 reviews
July 13, 2013
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
“I’ve loved you for half a lifetime, and I’ll love you for many more beyond this one…”
Darkness Before Dawn in numbers: 3 packets of cigarettes, 3 chocolates (I swear ,2 tissue boxes and tea…a lot of tea!)
I don’t know from where I have to start.So many thoughts and emotions!
The first book left us with a cliffhanger. And the second one is coming to blow our minds!!
All the questions you might have from the first book, are going to find an answer in the second one.Specially for Blake’s family.At some parts,to be honest,it’s kind of confusing.So many names and characters,but very soon everything became clear.
At this book, we are meeting a new character,Dean.This guy is fantastic!!So much charming and kind, that you are in a tricky dilemma between him and Cole.Frankly reminded me the feeling I had while I was reading the Twilling and its sequels, while I was between Jacob and Edward. But even Jacob was so fucking nice, at the end you are always in love with Edward!!
Concerning Cole, this character is literary Mr. Super. The best guy from all the books I ever read – and I read a lot, believe me. He is so charming! So sweet!
My heart just melted when he felt the pain and the lost of Blake and was alone. He loves Blake so much, that he could do anything and everything for her. He is the best ever!!
The end of the book is a really happy end. The best that you can expect! When you finish the book, you have a HUGE smile!!
Darkness Before Dawn is amazing and I didn’t get tired at all. I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Claire Contreras. Thank you Claire for giving me the opportunity to read your book before its publication! I really appreciate this!
My Cole and Blake
For more reviews you can check mine and Kristinas's blog. :D
my link text
“I’ve loved you for half a lifetime, and I’ll love you for many more beyond this one…”
Darkness Before Dawn in numbers: 3 packets of cigarettes, 3 chocolates (I swear ,2 tissue boxes and tea…a lot of tea!)
I don’t know from where I have to start.So many thoughts and emotions!
The first book left us with a cliffhanger. And the second one is coming to blow our minds!!
All the questions you might have from the first book, are going to find an answer in the second one.Specially for Blake’s family.At some parts,to be honest,it’s kind of confusing.So many names and characters,but very soon everything became clear.
At this book, we are meeting a new character,Dean.This guy is fantastic!!So much charming and kind, that you are in a tricky dilemma between him and Cole.Frankly reminded me the feeling I had while I was reading the Twilling and its sequels, while I was between Jacob and Edward. But even Jacob was so fucking nice, at the end you are always in love with Edward!!
Concerning Cole, this character is literary Mr. Super. The best guy from all the books I ever read – and I read a lot, believe me. He is so charming! So sweet!
My heart just melted when he felt the pain and the lost of Blake and was alone. He loves Blake so much, that he could do anything and everything for her. He is the best ever!!
The end of the book is a really happy end. The best that you can expect! When you finish the book, you have a HUGE smile!!
Darkness Before Dawn is amazing and I didn’t get tired at all. I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Claire Contreras. Thank you Claire for giving me the opportunity to read your book before its publication! I really appreciate this!
My Cole and Blake
For more reviews you can check mine and Kristinas's blog. :D
my link text
June 5, 2013
"I loved you then, I love you now, I'll love you always. You've always been it for me, Blake."
This review is spoiler-free but you absolutely must read book #1 "There is No Light in Darkness" first.
This book is a direct continuation of that story and after the huge cliffhanger at the end of the first book, I was just absolutely desperate for more!! I needed to know what happened!
Just like with the first book, I inhaled this one in one sitting. The next thing I knew I looked out the window and the sun was coming up!
In this book the plot thickens, answers are found and family loyalties are chosen. Book #1 was equal parts mystery and romance. The mystery kept me guessing and the romance kept me swooning. But I found this book to be more focused on the mystery than the romance. Now, don't get me wrong, Cole and Blake are still both heavily featured in this book and there's both swoon and steam but I guess I felt that their relationship development took a bit of a back seat in light of all the developments happening on the mystery side of things.
I did miss the relationship focus, but I also understood the need to delve into the mystery. Blake needed answers, Cole needed answers, heck I needed answers! And this was the point where the secrets began to unravel - the answers to WHY everything had happened. But I found myself getting a little lost at times. There were a LOT of interconnected characters to keep track of and I really mean a lot. My head was spinning in circles and sometimes I found myself getting a little tangled in the story line. But it did feel good that Cole seemed to also be a little overwhelmed by it:
"Can someone get a pen and paper and start drawing out the family trees and everyone's connection to everyone else?!"
It just genuinely was a complicated situation.
This book is told in alternating POVs between Cole and Blake. Given the ending of the last book this made a lot of sense and I felt it added more depth to the story by allowing us to see more of what was going on. I also really enjoyed getting inside Cole's head and seeing how he saw things:
"Some of my friends that haven't been around us have given me shit... because they don't understand our relationship. They say it's not normal, not healthy, and I get that, but we can't change our past. We're just two broken people in love trying to heal each other and despite everything, we don't want to be with anybody else... When it comes to Blake, nobody else matters."
Seriously that man was devoted. Utterly, head over heels in LOVE with his girl. You never doubted it, you always felt it, he took every opportunity to show it, and I just find it seriously heart-melting reading about guys like Cole who will literally go to any lengths to protect the ones they love.
I found there to be a lot less angst than in the first book. This one didn't really make my heart race in the same way and, like I said, was very focused on finding answers to the mystery. There were still some heart-stopping moments though, an awesome showdown and reveals I didn't see coming. The romance was there and Cole was swoony as ever (seriously, is that man perfect or what?) but I'd say the focus of this book shifted more towards piecing everything together and deciding how to move on.
Oh, and this is pretty cool -- there is a little almost-cameo from a certain book hero from another book that I know several of you are in love with. I thought it was a cool touch to connect those two stories like that.
I loved the message this book had about family. How blood is not the most important connection. Family is an earned place. Family are the people who matter to you the most no matter who they may biologically be. A father, a brother, a mother, a sister... these are not only determined by blood.
"You're not just involved with the person that makes your world make sense. You live for that person. You breathe for that person."
I liked this book (in comparison to the first one which I loved), but it kept my interest throughout and I desperately wanted to find out the answers to what was behind everything, it just didn't quite affect me as strongly in an emotional way. There were parts that were confusing as I was reading (but I guess that's to be expected in a mystery) and a few time jumps that disconnected me just a little bit but I liked that we finally got the answers to everything and it did all make sense in the end.
It was really wonderful to see Cole and Blake find their happiness, answers and peace of mind in the end. I loved the ending and where it left the characters. There was a lot of sweetness in the last scene and I finished the book with a smile on my face and a happy feeling in my heart. After everything they'd been though, those two had really earned their happily-ever-after.
I would have wished for an epilogue but I’ve been told the author is writing one (I hear it is LONG!) and will be releasing it very soon for anyone who wants a glimpse into Cole and Blake’s future. Personally, I can’t wait!!
This series was a wonderful read and refreshingly different from any previous book I’d read. I’d certainly recommend checking them out!
I'm definitely a new fan of Claire Contreras and will be looking forward to more books from her in the future!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
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April 20, 2015
5 Phenomenal Stars!!!
Claire Contreras has managed to do what has seemed to be impossible lately. She gave me a 5 star book, a favorite of mine, and she wrote a sequel that was BETTER than the first! Yes, I loved the first book, but I think this one was even better!
For those who haven’t read There is No Light in Darkness because of the wicked cliffhanger, you have no excuse now. Book 2 is out so get on it! Both of these books will pull you in from the first page. I could not put this one down. I should have known better than to start it later in the evening, because I read until the wee hours of the morning to finish it. Yes- I read it in one sitting. It was THAT GOOD! Once again, the perfect combination of suspense, romance, mystery, angst, drama- it’s just beautiful, emotional, fun, intense, sexy and all around wonderful. There are no words to really describe how much I love these books! Now I will quit gushing- for now- and start my review!
If you haven’t read book 1- there will be some obvious story line spoilers, just an fyi!
Blake has been taken. She doesn’t know how long she’s been gone. A week, two, three? She is miserable. Her captures haven’t hurt her... much. She doesn't’ know how she will get away, or if she will be able to get away at all.
Cole is a mess without Blake. Seriously a mess. He can’t function without her. He is doing everything in his power to try to find her. Even if that means meeting people and talking to people he doesn’t want to deal with.
Thankfully, there is someone on the inside who is willing to risk it to help. Dean. I had mixed feelings about Dean at first, but he ultimately won me over. We also meet Connor, who is related to Mark, who is Blake’s Uncle... yes, it can get very confusing if you aren’t paying attention... I have to agree with Cole on this one-
After a pretty big snafu, Blake gets away. But her struggles are still there. Cole is so relieved to have her back.
Blake is struggling a bit to be back in the real world.
After all Blake and Cole have been through, things still aren’t easy for them.
There are even MORE family secrets, lies, its just crazy! CRAZY! I was shocked over and over again! I’m not going into detail about anymore of the story... I don’t want to spoil- just READ IT!
Now this is the part of the review I get to swoon over Cole. What can I say about Cole. There is one word that comes to mind when I think of him. Perfection. Cole is the best kind of guy. He loves Blake with all that he has. He is a pillar of strength for her, he gives her love and security she has never had before. Plus- he is a straight up hottie. Can’t forget to mention that ;D... Just look at the things he says and you will see why I love him so!
Now don’t get me wrong- Cole will always be my number 1 guy- but I found myself seriously crushing on Dean too! He was so sweet and charming, just couldn’t help but love him- especially towards the end! I also really loved Connor, and Aubry of course!
This always reminds me of Blake and Cole and their ‘true’ family (Aubry, Greg, Becky, etc)
This story is powerful. As you can tell, the sequel did not disappoint! All the unanswered questions from book one became known, and there is NO cliffhanger at the end of this book. What would make me really happy- spin off books for the other characters in this series. I would love and Aubry/Aimee book, a Dean book, a Becky/Greg book or a Connor book. I love these characters so much- I don’t want their stories to end! Claire is an amazingly talented author and I will read ANYTHING she writes! Just wanna throw that out there :D
The ending was just amazing, I can’t wait to read the epilogue! I wish I could give this one more than 5 stars!
Read it and LOVE it!!! ♥ ♥ ♥
Claire Contreras has managed to do what has seemed to be impossible lately. She gave me a 5 star book, a favorite of mine, and she wrote a sequel that was BETTER than the first! Yes, I loved the first book, but I think this one was even better!
For those who haven’t read There is No Light in Darkness because of the wicked cliffhanger, you have no excuse now. Book 2 is out so get on it! Both of these books will pull you in from the first page. I could not put this one down. I should have known better than to start it later in the evening, because I read until the wee hours of the morning to finish it. Yes- I read it in one sitting. It was THAT GOOD! Once again, the perfect combination of suspense, romance, mystery, angst, drama- it’s just beautiful, emotional, fun, intense, sexy and all around wonderful. There are no words to really describe how much I love these books! Now I will quit gushing- for now- and start my review!
If you haven’t read book 1- there will be some obvious story line spoilers, just an fyi!
Blake has been taken. She doesn’t know how long she’s been gone. A week, two, three? She is miserable. Her captures haven’t hurt her... much. She doesn't’ know how she will get away, or if she will be able to get away at all.
Cole is a mess without Blake. Seriously a mess. He can’t function without her. He is doing everything in his power to try to find her. Even if that means meeting people and talking to people he doesn’t want to deal with.
Thankfully, there is someone on the inside who is willing to risk it to help. Dean. I had mixed feelings about Dean at first, but he ultimately won me over. We also meet Connor, who is related to Mark, who is Blake’s Uncle... yes, it can get very confusing if you aren’t paying attention... I have to agree with Cole on this one-
‘Can someone get a pen and paper and start drawing out the family tree’s and everyone’s connection to everyone else?’
After a pretty big snafu, Blake gets away. But her struggles are still there. Cole is so relieved to have her back.
‘I have you now and neither one of us is going anywhere. I loved you then, I love you now, and I’ll love you always. You’ve always been it for me, Blake.’
Blake is struggling a bit to be back in the real world.
‘I don’t know Cole. I don’t know anything anymore.’
‘You know me.’
‘And thats all I need to know.’
After all Blake and Cole have been through, things still aren’t easy for them.
We’re just two broken people in love trying to heal each other, and despite everything, we don’t want to be with anybody else.
There are even MORE family secrets, lies, its just crazy! CRAZY! I was shocked over and over again! I’m not going into detail about anymore of the story... I don’t want to spoil- just READ IT!
Now this is the part of the review I get to swoon over Cole. What can I say about Cole. There is one word that comes to mind when I think of him. Perfection. Cole is the best kind of guy. He loves Blake with all that he has. He is a pillar of strength for her, he gives her love and security she has never had before. Plus- he is a straight up hottie. Can’t forget to mention that ;D... Just look at the things he says and you will see why I love him so!
‘My soul belongs to you, Blake. I go where you go. I can’t live without you- I don’t want to live without you. If you die tomorrow, I die with you.’
I know there will never be anyone else because she’s it for me, always has been.
I’ve loved you for half a lifetime, and I’ll love you for many more beyond this one. I love you to the moon and back. Forever.
Now don’t get me wrong- Cole will always be my number 1 guy- but I found myself seriously crushing on Dean too! He was so sweet and charming, just couldn’t help but love him- especially towards the end! I also really loved Connor, and Aubry of course!
This always reminds me of Blake and Cole and their ‘true’ family (Aubry, Greg, Becky, etc)
This story is powerful. As you can tell, the sequel did not disappoint! All the unanswered questions from book one became known, and there is NO cliffhanger at the end of this book. What would make me really happy- spin off books for the other characters in this series. I would love and Aubry/Aimee book, a Dean book, a Becky/Greg book or a Connor book. I love these characters so much- I don’t want their stories to end! Claire is an amazingly talented author and I will read ANYTHING she writes! Just wanna throw that out there :D
The ending was just amazing, I can’t wait to read the epilogue! I wish I could give this one more than 5 stars!
Read it and LOVE it!!! ♥ ♥ ♥
July 22, 2013
4+ The Darkest Hour & Hope for Light Stars
My eyes begin to shut heavily—once, twice, then a third time. I open them one last time as I try to search for light, but I know I’ll never find it, because there is no light in darkness.
The fragile happiness, that Blake was desperately holding on, crumbled when darkness consumed her again. At the end of the first book the mysterious threat caught up on her and the people that ripped her world apart when she was just a child, have her again. Terrorized, alone and in grave danger she will claw her way out, praying that Cole will find her, finding alliances in the least expected places and finally learning the shocking truth about her past. Will she manage to set herself free from both her self-inflicted and actual prison?
Cole is a broken shell of a man. His Blake, his heart and soul was taken from him. He was unable to protect her and now he is unable to get her back. He will also have to face his past. Utterly devastated he will fight heaven and hell and meet the Devil himself to get her back, to hold her again in his arms and lay the world on her feet.
My soul belongs to you, Blake. I go where you go. I can't live without you—I don't want to live without you. If you die tomorrow, I die with you.
Told in dual POVs this highly emotional and engaging book continues Blake and Cole's story. Two kids that loved too much but faced with harsh reality almost broke them apart. Mystery, heartbreak and so many emotions will fill your heart and keep you engrossed.
Now, I freaking adored Cole... If not for certain Blake induced incidents I would have given a 5 star rating to this book too. Cole is absolutely delicious, freaking drool-worthy, nuclear hazard for all lady bits and female hearts. Strong, determined, protective, romantic... TOP 5 Book Boyfriend material. He made my soul sing.
"I have you now and neither of us is going anywhere. I loved you then, I love you now, and I'll love you always. You've always been it for me, Blake."
Blake is a broken woman, hold together by sheer stubbornness and determination. She faced too much shit, but really her constant doubt, and pushing Cole away really frustrated me. This was the part that the book dragged a little bit but it was saved by some unexpected and really pleasantly surprising additions to the book cast. But Blake... you came this close girl...
A highly recommended read about the past that defines us, deep-rooted fears and tormenting nightmares, the healing power of love and finding the guts to face the truth. Thank you Claire Contreras for an amazing series!
My eyes begin to shut heavily—once, twice, then a third time. I open them one last time as I try to search for light, but I know I’ll never find it, because there is no light in darkness.
The fragile happiness, that Blake was desperately holding on, crumbled when darkness consumed her again. At the end of the first book the mysterious threat caught up on her and the people that ripped her world apart when she was just a child, have her again. Terrorized, alone and in grave danger she will claw her way out, praying that Cole will find her, finding alliances in the least expected places and finally learning the shocking truth about her past. Will she manage to set herself free from both her self-inflicted and actual prison?
Cole is a broken shell of a man. His Blake, his heart and soul was taken from him. He was unable to protect her and now he is unable to get her back. He will also have to face his past. Utterly devastated he will fight heaven and hell and meet the Devil himself to get her back, to hold her again in his arms and lay the world on her feet.
My soul belongs to you, Blake. I go where you go. I can't live without you—I don't want to live without you. If you die tomorrow, I die with you.
Told in dual POVs this highly emotional and engaging book continues Blake and Cole's story. Two kids that loved too much but faced with harsh reality almost broke them apart. Mystery, heartbreak and so many emotions will fill your heart and keep you engrossed.
Now, I freaking adored Cole... If not for certain Blake induced incidents I would have given a 5 star rating to this book too. Cole is absolutely delicious, freaking drool-worthy, nuclear hazard for all lady bits and female hearts. Strong, determined, protective, romantic... TOP 5 Book Boyfriend material. He made my soul sing.
"I have you now and neither of us is going anywhere. I loved you then, I love you now, and I'll love you always. You've always been it for me, Blake."
Blake is a broken woman, hold together by sheer stubbornness and determination. She faced too much shit, but really her constant doubt, and pushing Cole away really frustrated me. This was the part that the book dragged a little bit but it was saved by some unexpected and really pleasantly surprising additions to the book cast. But Blake... you came this close girl...
A highly recommended read about the past that defines us, deep-rooted fears and tormenting nightmares, the healing power of love and finding the guts to face the truth. Thank you Claire Contreras for an amazing series!
July 29, 2016
COLE
Ok lets see those green eyes again ......holy hotness...❤.COLE❤
So after surviving from the holy-mother-of-all-cliffhangers in book 1 "There is no Light in Darkness"
this book picks up right after. The pace was very fast and I was consumed. Biting my finger nails and reading like I was on crack....I needed answers. I could not at some points figure out who was who, and what the hell was going on!!! Good guy? Bad Guy? What the......? HELP
BLAKE
THIS POOR GIRL...she went through A LOT....Luckily for her she was the love of Cole's life. It was sweet and genuine his love and devotion to her. From a young age they had been each others rock. I really loved that. So she has been kidnapped and her experience was brutal. The only light in that situation was Dean....and I had my feelers out for Dean very early and the jury came back with : ME LIKE. Don't even ask me how they are related or connected. Its a very convoluted family tree. Dean has a plan for Blake's escape...some drama happens and then...she is returned rightfully to Cole. This is where i was looking around wondering what the hell was going on. I'm expecting creepy evil bad guy to jump out at me....but no....these characters were having an easy peasy sunshine and lollipops couple of chapters. I get it....I get that we needed to heal but it definitely made me go ...hmmmmm......
But all in all...I loved the story. The characters, the big mystery and finally finally....ANSWERS cause for a while there my head was spinning!! The steam was great....I definitely was convinced of their chemistry. Cole was just ridiculously perfect. Getting his point of view was incredible!
"Blake is everything to me. She's not somebody I'm involved with, she is my reason, my everything"
"I'm nothing without you. I can't. Live without you. I was empty without you"
"She knows she has my heart forever"
"I'm not going anywhere, EVER. But you need to stop pushing me away. Your pain is mine, let me carry it with you, for you-I don't care as long as you're with me. I thought we covered this last night and a hundred times before? I want to be with you FOREVER"
I highlighted the whole last chapter basically. It was a gorgeous happily ever after!! My stomach and heart were doing somersaults! I was complete and so happy !!!!
5 huge stars !!!!COME ON LADIES, LET COLE SHIELD YOU FROM THE LIGHT, THE DARK, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN❤❤❤❤
Beautiful Renee ❤❤❤thank you for keeping me company while reading this and trying to get some damn answers !!!
May 27, 2013
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Wow!!! Holy moly ladies talk about suspenseful!! The Darkness Series has it all; suspense, romance, and mystery all thrown together to create one epic series!
I have been on pins & needles waiting for Darkness Before Dawn to be released since finishing There Is No Light in Darkness which leaves on a MAJOR cliff hanger… like a major, BIG, GIGANTIC cliff hanger! I do need to make this clear to readers; you MUST READ There is No Light in Darkness BEFORE reading Darkness Before Dawn. You will be totally confused and lost if you don’t. Also, I recommend being familiar (re-reading) with the story before reading the second book. There are a ton of characters and a few plots going on at the same time that will be confusing if you had read the first book awhile ago before starting the second book.
DBD starts off right where TINLID ends. This time around, the book is all about the plot and less about Cole & Blake’s relationship. There is a ton of mystery and suspense for readers that will keep you guessing throughout the book. I did not know who to trust and was double thinking everyone, including characters from the first book I loved.
I did however miss the relationship focus point that was in TINLID, I just really love Blake & Cole and their unique relationship. They are still the main characters in the book but the story focuses more on their family and back story then the romance aspect.
In Darkness Before Dawn you are introduced to Dean. He totally won me over, though I was never sure if I could trust him. I kept waiting for a bomb to drop with his character but he was winning me over. In the first book I declared I needed to order an “I LOVE COLE MURPHY” shirt, now I need to order an “I <3 DEAN” shirt because he is freaking amazing too. Even though I couldn’t 100% trust as I was reading, I still wanted him to have an HEA too. I don’t know how Claire Contereas does it but her book boys are freakin’ amaze-balls.
“Blake, your past is my past, your present is my present, and your future is my future. I bear the weight of everything that happens in your life. How can you not see that?!” - Cole
Like Seriously?!?! Can he not be any more perfect?!
The book is written in both Cole & Blake’s POV which I love. Cole is still in the top running for Book Boyfriend of the Year for 2013. He is seriously the most amazing, caring guy in the world and after you read this series I don’t think there is a single female alive that can disagree with me. What he does for Blake is just amazing, truly amazing & thoughtful.
My only minor complaint would be all the characters in the book. At times I was really confused and had to stop and think about whom that person was and how they are related to who and what their part was. It was seriously like playing six degrees of separation. This is why I recommend re-reading TINLID again before reading Darkness Before Dawn, it will help a lot. With that said, all the characters were important to the story and I just had to think a little more then I normally do while reading.
The ending was PERFECT! I was so happy and loved the scene. There is no epilogue in the book but from what I hear the author is writing one now to share. But do not worry because the ending is perfect just as it is and you will feel closure, I just know like me you want to know every little detail of their HEA and that is why an epilogue would be nice to read as well for Blake & Cole. I just adore them!
I give Darkness Before Dawn 4 Stars
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
Wow!!! Holy moly ladies talk about suspenseful!! The Darkness Series has it all; suspense, romance, and mystery all thrown together to create one epic series!
I have been on pins & needles waiting for Darkness Before Dawn to be released since finishing There Is No Light in Darkness which leaves on a MAJOR cliff hanger… like a major, BIG, GIGANTIC cliff hanger! I do need to make this clear to readers; you MUST READ There is No Light in Darkness BEFORE reading Darkness Before Dawn. You will be totally confused and lost if you don’t. Also, I recommend being familiar (re-reading) with the story before reading the second book. There are a ton of characters and a few plots going on at the same time that will be confusing if you had read the first book awhile ago before starting the second book.
DBD starts off right where TINLID ends. This time around, the book is all about the plot and less about Cole & Blake’s relationship. There is a ton of mystery and suspense for readers that will keep you guessing throughout the book. I did not know who to trust and was double thinking everyone, including characters from the first book I loved.
I did however miss the relationship focus point that was in TINLID, I just really love Blake & Cole and their unique relationship. They are still the main characters in the book but the story focuses more on their family and back story then the romance aspect.
In Darkness Before Dawn you are introduced to Dean. He totally won me over, though I was never sure if I could trust him. I kept waiting for a bomb to drop with his character but he was winning me over. In the first book I declared I needed to order an “I LOVE COLE MURPHY” shirt, now I need to order an “I <3 DEAN” shirt because he is freaking amazing too. Even though I couldn’t 100% trust as I was reading, I still wanted him to have an HEA too. I don’t know how Claire Contereas does it but her book boys are freakin’ amaze-balls.
“Blake, your past is my past, your present is my present, and your future is my future. I bear the weight of everything that happens in your life. How can you not see that?!” - Cole
Like Seriously?!?! Can he not be any more perfect?!
The book is written in both Cole & Blake’s POV which I love. Cole is still in the top running for Book Boyfriend of the Year for 2013. He is seriously the most amazing, caring guy in the world and after you read this series I don’t think there is a single female alive that can disagree with me. What he does for Blake is just amazing, truly amazing & thoughtful.
My only minor complaint would be all the characters in the book. At times I was really confused and had to stop and think about whom that person was and how they are related to who and what their part was. It was seriously like playing six degrees of separation. This is why I recommend re-reading TINLID again before reading Darkness Before Dawn, it will help a lot. With that said, all the characters were important to the story and I just had to think a little more then I normally do while reading.
The ending was PERFECT! I was so happy and loved the scene. There is no epilogue in the book but from what I hear the author is writing one now to share. But do not worry because the ending is perfect just as it is and you will feel closure, I just know like me you want to know every little detail of their HEA and that is why an epilogue would be nice to read as well for Blake & Cole. I just adore them!
I give Darkness Before Dawn 4 Stars
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
June 5, 2013
Claire Contreras sure can write!! She brought us one hell of a story in There is No Light in Darkness. I absolutely loved the first book – total 5 stars for me it was the heart pounding tale of Blake Brennan and Cole Murphy who grew up not knowing who the heck they are, who is after Blake and of course the whys to it all.
The love story portion of this sequel was absolutely FANTASTIC ! I cried for them to get there through all the obstacles they faced and rejoiced in their ending. Blake and Cole were so likable and so lovable I could read about their day to day lives without all the conspiracy and mystery…that’s how well Claire wrote these two characters!
Cole Murphy can cook me pancakes anyday!! Blake and Cole were not only sexy and steamy they could be funny and so heartwarming they have a forever kind of love.
”Are you going to let me fuck you or are you just going to do it all on your own, standing from there?” he asks, making me smile.”
"I loved you then, I love you now, I'll love you always. You've always been it for me, Blake."
"Some of my friends that haven't been around us have given me shit... because they don't understand our relationship. They say it's not normal, not healthy, and I get that, but we can't change our past. We're just two broken people in love trying to heal each other and despite everything, we don't want to be with anybody else... When it comes to Blake, nobody else matters."
Onto the answers…they didn’t work for me. I’m sure I’m in the minority on this but when the rounds of answers came I was like….
Were the explanations confusing…somewhat but they really didn’t make any sense in the “mob world”.
Here’s my thing, if I’m off please write me because maybe I misinterpreted the big twists.
This quote pretty much summed up my overall response to the book…
‘I don’t know Cole. I don’t know anything anymore.’
‘You know me.’
‘And thats all I need to know.’~Blake
They belong together and whether or not the answers made sense I loved them to pieces!
Overall, this book was once again a page turner and I really liked the new character Dean as well. He was very interesting and I would love to read more about him!!! Hint Hint
The love story portion of this sequel was absolutely FANTASTIC ! I cried for them to get there through all the obstacles they faced and rejoiced in their ending. Blake and Cole were so likable and so lovable I could read about their day to day lives without all the conspiracy and mystery…that’s how well Claire wrote these two characters!
Cole Murphy can cook me pancakes anyday!! Blake and Cole were not only sexy and steamy they could be funny and so heartwarming they have a forever kind of love.
”Are you going to let me fuck you or are you just going to do it all on your own, standing from there?” he asks, making me smile.”
"I loved you then, I love you now, I'll love you always. You've always been it for me, Blake."
"Some of my friends that haven't been around us have given me shit... because they don't understand our relationship. They say it's not normal, not healthy, and I get that, but we can't change our past. We're just two broken people in love trying to heal each other and despite everything, we don't want to be with anybody else... When it comes to Blake, nobody else matters."
Onto the answers…they didn’t work for me. I’m sure I’m in the minority on this but when the rounds of answers came I was like….
Were the explanations confusing…somewhat but they really didn’t make any sense in the “mob world”.
Here’s my thing, if I’m off please write me because maybe I misinterpreted the big twists.
This quote pretty much summed up my overall response to the book…
‘I don’t know Cole. I don’t know anything anymore.’
‘You know me.’
‘And thats all I need to know.’~Blake
They belong together and whether or not the answers made sense I loved them to pieces!
Overall, this book was once again a page turner and I really liked the new character Dean as well. He was very interesting and I would love to read more about him!!! Hint Hint
September 30, 2015
Only one word: PERFECTION!!!!!!
This series deserves all the stars that I give up!
I am in love with the series.
A series not to be missed.
Happy reading
D
January 13, 2021
2 kitaba genel bişi diyim; son derece duygusal bi kitap ama şöyle bişi var.
Cole'ü hep kızın yanında durduğu için aziz ilan edeceksiniz ama bi yandan da sünepe diye gömeceksiniz.
Brennan'a da kıyamayacaksınız ama gıcık da olacaksınız ama haklı da bulacaksınız.
çünkü bu ikisin arasında olan buruk hüzünlü sürtüşme Cole yüzünden gibi gözükecek ama değil ama öyle çünkü Brennan yüzünden ama değil ama öyle.
İlk kitap daha duygu kıvamlı olsa da ikincide aptallıklar silsilesi kitabın boyunu aştığı için daha düşük vermiştim öyle hatırlıyorum. aptallık dediğim ilişkileri değil, gelişmekte olacak olayların öncesinde yapılan aptallıklar ve bu aptallıklarla gelişmiş olan olayların aptallığı.
*Firdevs Yöreoğlu tonlaması "aptallar"
xoxoxo
iko
June 2, 2013
A lovely book 2. I had a little trouble in the beginning with all the connections but it made sense in the end and was just a wonderful story. I can't wait for the epilogue although I don't understand why it wasn't included at the end of this book? X
October 30, 2013
WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR BOOK #1!
Fantastic book with a bit of everything! But talk about brain fry!
5 stars for Blake and Cole!
"I loved you then, I love you now, and I'll love you always. You've always been it for me, Blake."
This book is mad. Totally mad. I'll admit I got a little lost at some points. The cast is extensive, to say the least. There are soooo many surrounding characters that play a part in the unfolding of this mystery and I was just like 'Wait, so he is he? And who is he related to? And how does he know him...?'
But I found if I just kept reading, I could work out who was related to who and how and what role they had to play. I think I got it. Lol. I think. At least, it all seemed to make sense by the end.
The mystery side of this book is absolutely mind blowing. Be prepared to really get put through the wringer. The plot is so intricate that it will have you on your toes and second guessing yourself until the very end. Don't worry, you will think you've totally lost the plot and missed vital information... you haven't, as in book #1, Claire Contreras drip feeds the reader information and the mystery slowly unravels.
This book picks up right where There is No Light in Darkness leaves off and is told from alternate point of views, flicking back and forth between Cole and Blake. I really enjoyed that as I felt we got to really feel each of their struggles. Cole really goes through hell, mentally, in this book and I my heart broke for him. In book #1, we only get Blake's POV, but I really felt that Cole had a story to tell too and the author allowed him to do just that in this book.
"Blake, your past is my past, your present is my present, and your future is my future. I bear the weight of everything that happens in your life. How can you not see that?"
After writing my last review, I read a few notes on this book to see what to expect and I read that a fee readers thought that there was less romance in this book. I disagree. I felt that there was much more development between Cole and Blake in this book. I loved how the romance and mystery ran parallel with this book.
We're just two broken people in love trying to heal each other, and despite everything, we don't want to be with anybody else.
It's what I was looking for in book #1 and found slightly lacking. In Darkness Before Dawn the author uses the trauma and the drama that the characters go through outside of their relationship to illustrate and build upon their connection and their love for one another.
"Thank you, Cole for teaching me what love feels like. And most of all thank you for never giving up on me even when I was ready to give up on myself."
There are times when they struggle to put their demons aside and That is how to write a book that is as much a thriller as it is a romance. I find it frustrating when one part gets diluted in favour of the other and I found Claire's execution very satisfying and quite emotive.
"Do you think love conquers all?" I ask quietly.
"I hope so. If it doesn't, we're all doomed."
Cole is an amazing book boyfriend! He is so completely head-over-heels in love with Blake and that never wavers. He is her rock and adores her more than life itself. This is a man who would do anything for the safety and happiness of his woman, and there is nothing more swoonworthy than that! He is out of his mind with worry when Blake is kidnapped after the end of book #1 and he would lay his life on the line to get her home safe.
"That's all I am, Aim. A ghost of myself. I don't even know who I am without her."
I love that their relationship has developed over such a long period of time, they've been through everything together and their bond is steadfast.
"Blake, I feel like I've spent an eternity declaring my love for you and maybe I have. Hell, I'm sure I've been doing that for centuries. And as difficult as you can be, as stubborn as you are, and as big of a pain in my ass as you are, I wouldn't want to spend any of my time in any lifetime chasing after anybody else. You're it for me. You always have been and always will be."
Dean irritated the living hell out of me. But I kind of loved him too. Which just pissed me off even more. I wanted to scream 'Urgh, nooo, go AWAY!' at my Kindle on various occasions. That little sub plot really wound me up. I'll say no more... you'll have to find out who Dean is, and why he pissed me off, for yourself!
Also, I really felt that I wanted to cast three other really important characters in this book... the rest of Blake and Cole's family! There is huge focus on the importance of family in this book, but ironically, the family that support Blake the most and that give her the love and strength she needs, are her adopted family, not her biological family. So I felt that I wanted to cast these characters, as I really fell in love with them and the whole family unit, throughout this series.
All thoughts of who may or may not be my family vanish when I look into his green eyes, because he's my family. My home.
The ending of this book is the perfect ending to Blake and Cole's story. No two people should ever have to go through the things that they have been put through in their lives and as a reader, I was rooting hard for their happy-ever-after! And they got the perfect epilogue. The love you feel between these two gives you the warm and fuzzies.
"I love you for loving me, and I love you for allowing me to love you. I love you to the moon and back. Forever."
P.S. This book would make an amazing film!!!
Darkness Before Dawn Statistics
• Steam Rating (out of 5): ♥♥♥♥
• Ending: HEA
• Length: 361 pages
• Narrative: Alternate POV, between male and female protagonists. First person.
• Series: ✓
• Reading Order:
Book #1 - There is No Light in Darkness (Darkness, #1)
Book #2 - Darkness Before Dawn (Darkness, #2)
Book #3 - Darkness Series Epilogue (Darkness, #2.5)
• Can this be read as a standalone? No
• Themes:
Death
Crime
Mystery
Kidnap
• WARNING. This book includes...
Sexual content. Violence. Death. Crime.
• Writing: Great
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June 5, 2013
Read from June 01 to 02, 2013
The book was Published May 31st 2013 (first published May 30th 2013)
There is No Light in Darkness (Darkness, #1)
Review
Darkness Before Dawn (Darkness, # 2) By: Claire Contreras
Genres:Contemporary Romance/Suspense
5 STAR
I was so very happy when i read the first book There is No Light in Darkness i was VERY impressed with EVERYTHING, those characters!! i haven't stopped thinking about them for days. I fell in love with all of them- cole to be exact- the story was very original, it was defiantly a great read for me, and after ending it with a cliffhanger, i was SO blessed to have the second book, so i started reading it right after the first one. I love when i read this kind of books, they are new, original, and unforgettable! i keep thinking about those characters, and all of the twists that happened in this book, and wow!
Just like the first book review, i won't be giving spoilers because it will really spoil the book for you, half of the fun in reading it, is the jaw dropping secrets reveal.
When i read that this book is going to come with Cole's POV ...
The most thing that i loved about this book, is -again, the relationship between Blake and Cole. Their love for each other is outstanding, and very admiring.
Reading how much he loved her made me tear, he truly loves her, he's always there for her, and he is willing to do what ever it takes to make her happy.
I am in love with a lot of male characters, but Cole is very different, i literary fell in love with him the moment he was presented in the novel.
I love also all the new characters in the book, Connor who is Blake's cousin. And Dean- the guy who helped kidnapping her <<< a GREAT character.
This book had a lot of variety, it was hot, sexy, romantic, scary, drama, mystery, surprises, death, family, and friendship.
At this point i was debating to cry or to swoon. I ended up doing both.
My cast:
I highly recommend this series for everyone 18+
The book was Published May 31st 2013 (first published May 30th 2013)
There is No Light in Darkness (Darkness, #1)
Review
Darkness Before Dawn (Darkness, # 2) By: Claire Contreras
Genres:Contemporary Romance/Suspense
5 STAR
I was so very happy when i read the first book There is No Light in Darkness i was VERY impressed with EVERYTHING, those characters!! i haven't stopped thinking about them for days. I fell in love with all of them- cole to be exact- the story was very original, it was defiantly a great read for me, and after ending it with a cliffhanger, i was SO blessed to have the second book, so i started reading it right after the first one. I love when i read this kind of books, they are new, original, and unforgettable! i keep thinking about those characters, and all of the twists that happened in this book, and wow!
Just like the first book review, i won't be giving spoilers because it will really spoil the book for you, half of the fun in reading it, is the jaw dropping secrets reveal.
When i read that this book is going to come with Cole's POV ...
The most thing that i loved about this book, is -again, the relationship between Blake and Cole. Their love for each other is outstanding, and very admiring.
"Blake is everything to me. She' s not somebody I'm involved with, she is my reason, my everything"
Reading how much he loved her made me tear, he truly loves her, he's always there for her, and he is willing to do what ever it takes to make her happy.
I am in love with a lot of male characters, but Cole is very different, i literary fell in love with him the moment he was presented in the novel.
I love also all the new characters in the book, Connor who is Blake's cousin. And Dean- the guy who helped kidnapping her <<< a GREAT character.
This book had a lot of variety, it was hot, sexy, romantic, scary, drama, mystery, surprises, death, family, and friendship.
"I've loved you for half a lifetime, and I'll love you for many more beyond this one."
"Blake,I feel like I've spent an eternity declaring my love for you and maybe I have.Hell, I'm sure I've been doing that for centuries.And as difficult as you can be, as stubborn as you are, and as big of a pain in my ass as you are,I wouldn't want to spend any of my time in any lifetime chasing after anybody else. You're it for me. You always have been and always will be. I can' t picture myself loving anybody but you,there's nobody else for me. You are the most fierce, selfless, caring,compassionate, and loving human being I know .And I wanted to do this—build this house, throw
this party—for you. So that we can replace the not-so-great memories you have with new ones,not-so-great memories you have with new ones, better ones, happier ones. I want to spend the rest of my life making happy memories with you. You' re the love of my life, my best friend, my soul mate, my partner in crime. Blake Brennan, will you do me the incredible honor of adding wife to that list?"
At this point i was debating to cry or to swoon. I ended up doing both.
My cast:
Blake
Cole
"I loved you then, i love you now, and i'll love you always. you're always been it for me Blake."
I highly recommend this series for everyone 18+
June 4, 2013
Actual rating 1.5 Stars
The first book was good, but this second novel made me want to gouge my eyes out. Let's play the Darkness drinking game, shall we! Every time Blake cries, let's have a drink. Every time Cole's heart "shatters" let's toss one back. Oh, don't forget about the hearts pounding in chests or the water pooling in eyes. Now you're super smashed!
I got to the point about 60% in to this book and decided that Blake sucks! She is one of those girls who manipulates others by choice actions that she knows will cause a gigantic scene. She isn't broken; she's selfish.
My next complaint is the romance in this installment. This is the most superficial relationship ever. Even though we are told that Blake is everything to Cole, I don't get why. Why is she everything, because when it's Cole's POV all he talks about are rambling generalities and her ass. This does not constitute a deep and unabiding love. Sorry. No amount of hot sex is going to make me overlook the shallow relationship we have in the second book.
Finally, without spoiling the book, how mysterious is this mystery? By the 75% I was fairly certain Shaggy and Scooby were going to make an appearance.
Okay. I'm done.
The first book was good, but this second novel made me want to gouge my eyes out. Let's play the Darkness drinking game, shall we! Every time Blake cries, let's have a drink. Every time Cole's heart "shatters" let's toss one back. Oh, don't forget about the hearts pounding in chests or the water pooling in eyes. Now you're super smashed!
I got to the point about 60% in to this book and decided that Blake sucks! She is one of those girls who manipulates others by choice actions that she knows will cause a gigantic scene. She isn't broken; she's selfish.
My next complaint is the romance in this installment. This is the most superficial relationship ever. Even though we are told that Blake is everything to Cole, I don't get why. Why is she everything, because when it's Cole's POV all he talks about are rambling generalities and her ass. This does not constitute a deep and unabiding love. Sorry. No amount of hot sex is going to make me overlook the shallow relationship we have in the second book.
Finally, without spoiling the book, how mysterious is this mystery? By the 75% I was fairly certain Shaggy and Scooby were going to make an appearance.
Okay. I'm done.
November 10, 2024
I have one word: INCREDI-FUCKING-BLE
This series managed to fuck me up in the best way possible in the span of 24 hours! Holy shizz. I'm crying uncontrollably WHILE laughing right now which perfectly shows what this series did to my poor fragile soul. #GOODBYESANITY
This series managed to fuck me up in the best way possible in the span of 24 hours! Holy shizz. I'm crying uncontrollably WHILE laughing right now which perfectly shows what this series did to my poor fragile soul. #GOODBYESANITY
July 11, 2020
Excellent series, definitely kept me hooked and invested. Super cute and likeable characters. Fantastic audiobooks as well. Love the hero, and Dean!!!!
June 6, 2013
I am Soooo glad I waited for this book before I started this series, there was noo way I could do with that cliffy!
Cole and Blake...
This book is brilliantly written.. Feel like Inspector Clueso trying to solve this!
Do Not Read This If You Have Not Read There is no light in Darkness
Blake is with her kidnappers and although they don't hurt her she slowly uncovers pieces of her past that she always wanted to know...
The only thing that keeps her sane and makes her want to fight is Cole...
Cole is a mess.. Searching for weeks for Blake- not knowing what happened, he is forced to face his past- he will do it... Only for her.. because he is nothing without her...
"I was not involved with Blake. You are not just involved with the person that causes your world to make sense. You live for that person. You breathe for that person. So no, involved , is not the word I would use to describe my relationship with Blake."
She makes friends with someone on the inside who befriends her and ultimately helps her escape... Dean becomes a friend...
This book is as confusing as fuck with all the different people and the way they tied together.
"can someone get a pen and paper and start drawing out the family trees and everyone's connection to everyone else?"
Blake finally gets to escape and is finally back with Cole!
They go through terrible loss, pain and so many things in between but together they can get through
Cole is so dreamy and he loves Blake with his SOUL!!!
"Some of my friends that haven't been around us have given me shit over this because they don't understand our relationship. They say it's not normal, not healthy, and I get it, but we can't change our past. We're just two broken people in love trying to heal each other, and despite everything, we don't want to be with anybody else."
Sometimes the past doesn't matter because if doesn't change anything, it's the future that counts..
July 29, 2017
aww, that ending literally had me smiling like a total goof at my screen while sitting by my self. Loved. It. <3
xxx
xxx
June 8, 2013
Ok....So I loved the first book.....I spent the first half of this book trying to figure out what the hell was going on though...Who are all these people? Did I miss out on something? I was so confused...
That being said I still looooooooovvvvve Cole and still overall enjoyed this one :)
That being said I still looooooooovvvvve Cole and still overall enjoyed this one :)
August 12, 2015
Not sure how I never rated or reviewed these. Even two years later this book still is with me. Cole Murphy is one of my all time top book boyfriends. I love romantic suspense and Claire is a master at it.
July 8, 2013
So, it's one of those books which everybody loves except me!!!
IDK, I expected more connection, more mystery, more depth......safe to say, not like the first book.
IDK, I expected more connection, more mystery, more depth......safe to say, not like the first book.
June 5, 2013
Darkness Before Dawn – Claire Contreras
4.5 stars!!
This is the sequel to There is No Light In Darkness so you must have read that book first!! Once you have read that you will know that it ended on a MASSIVE cliffhanger and I was ready to do some serious damage to Claire Contreras for leaving it like that…but I recovered….just!!!! and soaked it all up until I got my grubby mitts on Darkness Before Dawn and I was not disappointed. My only reason for dropping that half a star was during this book I was confused, very confused…I needed a family tree or something as everyone just seemed to know or be related to everyone and my poor brain just couldn’t compute :-( .
I cannot really say too much about the story or plot as it would just give too much away, but it does pick up where TINLID finished. I loved that we got Cole’s point of view in this book, this book is told in alternating POV’s with Blake. I didn’t think it was possible but I fell in love with the characters even more in this book. Blake is as ballsy as they come and even though she was going through something so bad she never lost her mojo..she is so strong and feisty and she really needed it in this book. There are a LOT of things revealed in this book that would send most to an early grave but with the love and support from all her friends and especially Cole she got through it.
Cole Cole Cole, he was just totally adorable, he was perfect, romantic, protective, devoted, passionate….I could go on and on…but there was no doubt that he was head over heads totally in too deep in love with Blake and it just oozed off the page and the feeling was totally mutual. Their relationship was beautiful, just beautiful.
There were a lot of new characters in this book and I had a real soft spot for Dean, I knew there was more to him than met the eye and when the time came he was there for Blake. He was very misunderstood but his heart is definitely in the right place.
A few of my favourite quotes:-
“My soul belongs to you, Blake. I go where you go. I can’t live without you. – I don’t want to live without you. If you die tomorrow, I die with you. I don’t know how many times or how many ways I’m going to have to say that to you for it to stick, but if I have to say it every single day for the rest of my life, I will.”
“You can’t be serious” he mutters, shaking his head “Blake, your past is my past, your present is my present and your future is my future. I bear the weight of everything that happens in your life. How can you not see that?”
And one for a laugh “No way! You’re interviewing Jack Carter?” I squeal, fully turning in my seat to face him . “Like THE Jack Carter? Like Jack Effin Carter?”
A lot of the loose ends were tied up from the first book in this instalment and there were a few curve balls thrown in there just to spice it up…there were a lot of O M Geeeeees and really???? and I can’t believe that…there were a few, I need to take a breath and digest…there was lots of sappy lovey dovey face pulling, laughter, tears all the perfect ingredients for a fab read which this totally was.
I loved it, really loved it…just wish I had that family tree as I am sure I missed some deets!!
Brilliant!!
www.theromancecover.com
4.5 stars!!
This is the sequel to There is No Light In Darkness so you must have read that book first!! Once you have read that you will know that it ended on a MASSIVE cliffhanger and I was ready to do some serious damage to Claire Contreras for leaving it like that…but I recovered….just!!!! and soaked it all up until I got my grubby mitts on Darkness Before Dawn and I was not disappointed. My only reason for dropping that half a star was during this book I was confused, very confused…I needed a family tree or something as everyone just seemed to know or be related to everyone and my poor brain just couldn’t compute :-( .
I cannot really say too much about the story or plot as it would just give too much away, but it does pick up where TINLID finished. I loved that we got Cole’s point of view in this book, this book is told in alternating POV’s with Blake. I didn’t think it was possible but I fell in love with the characters even more in this book. Blake is as ballsy as they come and even though she was going through something so bad she never lost her mojo..she is so strong and feisty and she really needed it in this book. There are a LOT of things revealed in this book that would send most to an early grave but with the love and support from all her friends and especially Cole she got through it.
Cole Cole Cole, he was just totally adorable, he was perfect, romantic, protective, devoted, passionate….I could go on and on…but there was no doubt that he was head over heads totally in too deep in love with Blake and it just oozed off the page and the feeling was totally mutual. Their relationship was beautiful, just beautiful.
There were a lot of new characters in this book and I had a real soft spot for Dean, I knew there was more to him than met the eye and when the time came he was there for Blake. He was very misunderstood but his heart is definitely in the right place.
A few of my favourite quotes:-
“My soul belongs to you, Blake. I go where you go. I can’t live without you. – I don’t want to live without you. If you die tomorrow, I die with you. I don’t know how many times or how many ways I’m going to have to say that to you for it to stick, but if I have to say it every single day for the rest of my life, I will.”
“You can’t be serious” he mutters, shaking his head “Blake, your past is my past, your present is my present and your future is my future. I bear the weight of everything that happens in your life. How can you not see that?”
And one for a laugh “No way! You’re interviewing Jack Carter?” I squeal, fully turning in my seat to face him . “Like THE Jack Carter? Like Jack Effin Carter?”
A lot of the loose ends were tied up from the first book in this instalment and there were a few curve balls thrown in there just to spice it up…there were a lot of O M Geeeeees and really???? and I can’t believe that…there were a few, I need to take a breath and digest…there was lots of sappy lovey dovey face pulling, laughter, tears all the perfect ingredients for a fab read which this totally was.
I loved it, really loved it…just wish I had that family tree as I am sure I missed some deets!!
Brilliant!!
www.theromancecover.com
November 9, 2019
What an epic conclusion to a book that started as a simple NA but delved into something big. Although I am slightly disappointed in the direction the second book went (the story became suddenly all about revenge and a crime novel. Too many things happened for it to be a reality).
Cole, oh sweet sweet Cole.
Though you showed a more human side while getting more frustrated, I started loving you more and more here. Everything you did, all the decisions you took, completely revolved around Blake. I loved how invested he was in her. In the first book I was slightly mad how he went around dating others while loving her but now I kinda was glad that bit was there so I can understand that the loving he got does go borderline obsession, LOL. Still I totally ate up all the sizzling and even sometimes cheesy scenes between Blake and Cole. Every time they were together my heart skipped a beat I think.
And Dean oh sweet Dean. I really wished we had even an inkling of a HEA for you too and the end (even though it was a sad scene) when he said Blake wasn't just anyone. My heart shattered for him, into million pieces, while still having this cheesy grin on my face.
I know it was literally wrong to think of Dean and Blake like that while totally shipping Cole and Blake but I wanted Dean have this sweet moment please.
The ending was just sweet. After all that angst we had a HEA for our dear couple. What I really loved about this ending was that the author didn't wrap everything up in a pretty ribbon and make everyone happy with each other. There are many issues left unsolved (many that can't be at such a speedy rate) and she managed to show us that how human the characters that we fell in love with are. The last bit where Blake asks Aubrey to do???
I was low-key expecting cuz that boy deserves it. For what he went through with Blake. He was her constant rock and his reply and reaction to it? He is the sweetes brother, friend, father, protector and best friend for Blake. I wished Maggie and Aunty Shelly could be there to see what amazing kids they brought up even though they didn't share a drop of blood between each other. Selfless women like that should not be just remembered but celebrated.
Lastly I would want to thank our dear author, Ms. Contreras. Thank you so much for bringing forth such a beautiful and soul endearing story. This series managed to touch me in a way many haven't. From the plot to the characters and to the marvelous flow of everything together, made me simply fall hard for this book. Everything managed to come near perfect for me and I would be surely recommending this book to any NA lovers who would love a healthy dose of angst, romance in their books.
Cole, oh sweet sweet Cole.
Though you showed a more human side while getting more frustrated, I started loving you more and more here. Everything you did, all the decisions you took, completely revolved around Blake. I loved how invested he was in her. In the first book I was slightly mad how he went around dating others while loving her but now I kinda was glad that bit was there so I can understand that the loving he got does go borderline obsession, LOL. Still I totally ate up all the sizzling and even sometimes cheesy scenes between Blake and Cole. Every time they were together my heart skipped a beat I think.
And Dean oh sweet Dean. I really wished we had even an inkling of a HEA for you too and the end (even though it was a sad scene) when he said Blake wasn't just anyone. My heart shattered for him, into million pieces, while still having this cheesy grin on my face.
I know it was literally wrong to think of Dean and Blake like that while totally shipping Cole and Blake but I wanted Dean have this sweet moment please.
The ending was just sweet. After all that angst we had a HEA for our dear couple. What I really loved about this ending was that the author didn't wrap everything up in a pretty ribbon and make everyone happy with each other. There are many issues left unsolved (many that can't be at such a speedy rate) and she managed to show us that how human the characters that we fell in love with are. The last bit where Blake asks Aubrey to do???
I was low-key expecting cuz that boy deserves it. For what he went through with Blake. He was her constant rock and his reply and reaction to it? He is the sweetes brother, friend, father, protector and best friend for Blake. I wished Maggie and Aunty Shelly could be there to see what amazing kids they brought up even though they didn't share a drop of blood between each other. Selfless women like that should not be just remembered but celebrated.
Lastly I would want to thank our dear author, Ms. Contreras. Thank you so much for bringing forth such a beautiful and soul endearing story. This series managed to touch me in a way many haven't. From the plot to the characters and to the marvelous flow of everything together, made me simply fall hard for this book. Everything managed to come near perfect for me and I would be surely recommending this book to any NA lovers who would love a healthy dose of angst, romance in their books.
May 31, 2013
Wow!!!!!!
This is one of those books that you turn the first page and pray that it's going to live up to the first one and by the time you get to the end of chapter 1 you just know its going to hit the ball right out of the park.
I loved this book and adored Cole and Blake. There were times I had to read a line twice just to make sure I had the right person connected in the right way but the story was brilliant and I even cried a few happy tears.
I can't wait to read the epilogue.
This is one of those books that you turn the first page and pray that it's going to live up to the first one and by the time you get to the end of chapter 1 you just know its going to hit the ball right out of the park.
I loved this book and adored Cole and Blake. There were times I had to read a line twice just to make sure I had the right person connected in the right way but the story was brilliant and I even cried a few happy tears.
I can't wait to read the epilogue.
Want to read
May 1, 2013OH HOLY HELL! I did not see this cover!!!! OMG, Claire....I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait for more Cole! More Cole! More Cole! More Cole! Woot woot! *front flips* *does backflips* *fist pumping* *raise the roof*
WAHOOOOOO!
WAHOOOOOO!
August 18, 2015
Before you read this book, which is not a stand-alone, you must read the first book. See my review for There is No Light in Darkness here.
Darkness Before Dawn is the second and final installment in the Darkness series and it starts exactly where There is No light in Darkness ended—with the mother of all cliffhangers. It’s an understatement to say I was desperate to get my hands on Darkness Before Dawn. I wanted answers! Needless to say, I devoured the book once it was in my possession. Dark, sexy, intense, emotional, mysterious, and one heck of a romance, all make up this a highly suspenseful new adult story. It’s told in alternating POV’s between Blake and Cole.
When the story opens up, Blake Brennan has been kidnapped and she has no idea why. She doesn’t know the men who’ve taken her. She doesn’t know how long she’s been gone. She’s been left in the dark… alone, scared, and physically in bad shape. She’s desperate to see Cole and her family of friends. When Dean comes along, a man who she befriends even though he is one of the bad guys, her desperation and hopelessness starts to dissipate some. Dean becomes her protector from the men who hold her captive. Dean is the only person Blake can trust, where trust is hard to come by in the situation she’s in. Who is Dean? That’s another mystery and one of many plot twists to the story.
In the meantime, Cole Murphy is desperate to find Blake. He’s falling apart without her. He is using every resource he has to find her and ends up having to turn to someone in his life for help. Someone that he’s been estranged from for many years due to certain circumstances. And that’s when Cole is pulled out of the dark and finds out who is behind the kidnapping and why.
From this point on, the plot thickens. There are many twists and turns and shocking truths revealed. A lot of players are introduced in the game. At times, I found it difficult to keep up with who was who and found myself wanting to create a list of characters so I could keep up. Not only that, but there was a lot of information given at the beginning of the story and the info just kept on coming. I wish some of the information was spread out over both books. But, even with my frustrations, the suspense and mystery was interesting and exciting enough to keep me on the edge of my seat.
“My soul belongs to you, Blake. I go where you go. I can’t live without you, I don’t want to live without you. If you die tomorrow, I die with you. I don’t know how many times or how many ways I’m going to have to say that you for it to stick, but if I have to say it every single day for the rest of my life, I will.”
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again… I have a mad crush on Cole. He’s such an amazing hero in this story. He really loves Blake and would do anything, anything for her. This book doesn’t center around Cole and Blake’s relationship like it did in the first book. Blake and Cole spend a good portion of the story apart. The mystery and family are the main focus of this book. But, when Blake and Cole are brought together, they continue with their intense relationship. A relationship that's a whirlwind of lust, love, and drama. These two may be crazy in love, but they struggle to find a happy medium in the aftermath of Blake’s kidnapping. And Blake makes some irrational decisions that were absolutely frustrating. They eventually work through their relationship issues, which boiled down to the fact that they love each other so immensely, they could never be without one another ever again. With everything they’ve been through on this long and emotional journey, they finally receive the happy ending they truly deserved.
Darkness Before Dawn is a satisfying ending to Blake and Cole’s story. While I did like this book, I loved the first book more. This is mostly because of the many characters I had to keep up with and the information overload. The ending made me very happy to see Blake and Cole finally get peace and closure with their past and present. They can finally look forward to a secure future together. There is no epilogue but, have no worries, the author is writing one. If I was to have one request from the author, please give Dean his own book. I fell hard for the mysterious bad boy.
Rating: C+
Heat: Hot
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review
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June 3, 2013
Darkness Before Dawn starts with Blake still in captivity, and Cole going absolutely insane with grief trying to find answers that may lead him to her. Several new characters are added and new elements come into play as we learn the who, what, and whys of Blake's current kidnapping, as well as the ones of her and Cole when they were kids.
It's not too long before Blake and Cole are reunited, but, unfortunately, it's not all rainbows and butterflies. They are forced to deal with huge issues that stem from the kidnapping. It's obvious that they're still madly in love with each other, and that there is no more perfect pairing than Blake and Cole, but with all they have been through, you have to ask, Is Love Enough?
*****
It's no secret that I am a huge fan girl of Claire Contreras, Blake, and Cole. TINLID was one of my favorites of the year, so I had high expectations for Darkness Before Dawn. I'd been dying to get my hands on this book for months, and once I finally did, I could not put it down. And I don't know what it is about Claire Contreras, but she writes such amazing stories that are so frickin' hard to review because any words I right cannot give them justice.
I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion for Blake and Cole's story. Ms. Contreras does an amazing job creating a emotional roller coaster ride that keeps you guessing until the very end. I kept thinking I knew what was about to happen, and each time I found myself twisting and turning as we got more answers to the situations that led them here. When reading this book, if you think you know what's about to happen, you'll probably be wrong. And I love that. Darkness Before Dawn keeps you so on your toes that you'll feel like a ballerina by the end of it.
And Cole Murphy. It's hard to describe the fucking gorgeous, heart fluttering, panty-dropping man who's stolen hearts all around the literary world. If you can believe it, Cole is even more swoon-worthy in DBD than he was in TINLID. I know what you're thinking, how is that even possible?. I didn't think that it was possible to fall even more in love with him, but fall harder I did. His patience, understanding, and the pure love for Blake radiates off of the pages and settles in your heart in such a way that you'll never forget him.
My soul belongs to you, Blake. I go where you go. I can't live without you, I don't want to live without you. If you die tomorrow, I die with you. I don't know how many times or how many ways I'm going to have to say that to you for it to stick, but if I have to say it every single day for the rest of my life, I will.
Blake. Can this girl catch a break already? She's pulled in so many directions and put through so many trials, much more than any one person could handle. As shown in TINLID, Blake is very strong woman, but in Darkness Before Dawn, she's been broken, and you can't help but feel her pain right along with her. This is where I have to give Ms. Contreras the ultimate of props. Some of Blake's actions in DBD could be frustrating for readers, but it's written in such a way that the reader, while wanting to shake her, can still empathize and understand the reasons behind her issues.
Can someone get a pen and paper and start drawing out the family tree’s and everyone’s connection to everyone else?
Overall, I LOVED this book. From the plot, to the secondary characters, and with the amazing conclusion, this was a story that kept me engaged from the very first page. When you read this, lock yourself away in a room where there are no distractions. The complex plot as the mysteries unravel are deserving of your full attention, and you won't be disappointed in the end. But feel free to read slowly. It's bittersweet to close the book not only on Blake Brennan and Cole Murphy, but it's also hard to say goodbye to whole gang, Aubry, Becky, Greg, and Aimee.
Oh, a word of advice. Keep the tissues nearby. You're going to need them.
It's not too long before Blake and Cole are reunited, but, unfortunately, it's not all rainbows and butterflies. They are forced to deal with huge issues that stem from the kidnapping. It's obvious that they're still madly in love with each other, and that there is no more perfect pairing than Blake and Cole, but with all they have been through, you have to ask, Is Love Enough?
*****
It's no secret that I am a huge fan girl of Claire Contreras, Blake, and Cole. TINLID was one of my favorites of the year, so I had high expectations for Darkness Before Dawn. I'd been dying to get my hands on this book for months, and once I finally did, I could not put it down. And I don't know what it is about Claire Contreras, but she writes such amazing stories that are so frickin' hard to review because any words I right cannot give them justice.
I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion for Blake and Cole's story. Ms. Contreras does an amazing job creating a emotional roller coaster ride that keeps you guessing until the very end. I kept thinking I knew what was about to happen, and each time I found myself twisting and turning as we got more answers to the situations that led them here. When reading this book, if you think you know what's about to happen, you'll probably be wrong. And I love that. Darkness Before Dawn keeps you so on your toes that you'll feel like a ballerina by the end of it.
And Cole Murphy. It's hard to describe the fucking gorgeous, heart fluttering, panty-dropping man who's stolen hearts all around the literary world. If you can believe it, Cole is even more swoon-worthy in DBD than he was in TINLID. I know what you're thinking, how is that even possible?. I didn't think that it was possible to fall even more in love with him, but fall harder I did. His patience, understanding, and the pure love for Blake radiates off of the pages and settles in your heart in such a way that you'll never forget him.
My soul belongs to you, Blake. I go where you go. I can't live without you, I don't want to live without you. If you die tomorrow, I die with you. I don't know how many times or how many ways I'm going to have to say that to you for it to stick, but if I have to say it every single day for the rest of my life, I will.
Blake. Can this girl catch a break already? She's pulled in so many directions and put through so many trials, much more than any one person could handle. As shown in TINLID, Blake is very strong woman, but in Darkness Before Dawn, she's been broken, and you can't help but feel her pain right along with her. This is where I have to give Ms. Contreras the ultimate of props. Some of Blake's actions in DBD could be frustrating for readers, but it's written in such a way that the reader, while wanting to shake her, can still empathize and understand the reasons behind her issues.
Can someone get a pen and paper and start drawing out the family tree’s and everyone’s connection to everyone else?
Overall, I LOVED this book. From the plot, to the secondary characters, and with the amazing conclusion, this was a story that kept me engaged from the very first page. When you read this, lock yourself away in a room where there are no distractions. The complex plot as the mysteries unravel are deserving of your full attention, and you won't be disappointed in the end. But feel free to read slowly. It's bittersweet to close the book not only on Blake Brennan and Cole Murphy, but it's also hard to say goodbye to whole gang, Aubry, Becky, Greg, and Aimee.
Oh, a word of advice. Keep the tissues nearby. You're going to need them.
June 6, 2013
Overall the series as a whole gets 4 stars!
This particular book gets 3.5 Stars!
Cole and his sexy ass gets
!!!
I really loved the first book in this series. We got introduced to all of the characters--and there was a lot of them--and a little bit of the mystery surrounding Blake and Cole's background. It ended on a HUGE cliffhanger and I was dying for the next book....
However, the next book rolled around and because there were so many characters and so much mystery surrounding their background nothing made sense.
The first 30% of the book....
Huh?!?!
It was too much....I had no clue what was going on. Nothing made sense. I was lost. Honestly Cole said it best...
"Can someone get a pen and paper and start drawing out the family tree’s and everyone’s connection to everyone else?"
Once Blake was "rescued" and Cole was back in the picture I was happy. The next 50% or so of the story was about Cole and Blake and them trying to overcome everything that happened to Blake...I honestly just love Cole. Blake was EVERYTHING to him and he was so great throughout everything.
"I have you now and neither one of us is going anywhere. I loved you then, I love you now, and I’ll love you always. You’ve always been it for me, Blake.
I was kind of afraid this book would be more mystery than romance but there was plenty of romance (and HOT sex) between Cole and Blake....
BUT, if I'm being completely honest....I just don't get the point of the whole kidnapping and all of the mystery surrounding Blake and Cole's past. I don't really feel like anything was really resolved--even in the last 20% And so much just didn't add up.
For me, there was just too much going and too many characters. This one just didn't work for me.
Cole--you were HOT and I LOVED you. The end.
This particular book gets 3.5 Stars!
Cole and his sexy ass gets
!!!I really loved the first book in this series. We got introduced to all of the characters--and there was a lot of them--and a little bit of the mystery surrounding Blake and Cole's background. It ended on a HUGE cliffhanger and I was dying for the next book....
However, the next book rolled around and because there were so many characters and so much mystery surrounding their background nothing made sense.
The first 30% of the book....
Huh?!?!
It was too much....I had no clue what was going on. Nothing made sense. I was lost. Honestly Cole said it best...
"Can someone get a pen and paper and start drawing out the family tree’s and everyone’s connection to everyone else?"
Once Blake was "rescued" and Cole was back in the picture I was happy. The next 50% or so of the story was about Cole and Blake and them trying to overcome everything that happened to Blake...I honestly just love Cole. Blake was EVERYTHING to him and he was so great throughout everything.
"I have you now and neither one of us is going anywhere. I loved you then, I love you now, and I’ll love you always. You’ve always been it for me, Blake.
I was kind of afraid this book would be more mystery than romance but there was plenty of romance (and HOT sex) between Cole and Blake....
BUT, if I'm being completely honest....I just don't get the point of the whole kidnapping and all of the mystery surrounding Blake and Cole's past. I don't really feel like anything was really resolved--even in the last 20% And so much just didn't add up.
For me, there was just too much going and too many characters. This one just didn't work for me.
Cole--you were HOT and I LOVED you. The end.
June 4, 2013
Absolutley Awsome!
Each and every chapter has you capitivated with anticipation waiting to uncover the answers, that just keep coming through! Loved the way the chapters are POV between Blake, reflecting on what is happening to her and showing us her feelings and then we also get to feel the devastion and anguish Cole is going through during Blake's disapperance and through out the story line.
Cole, remains the Hot sexy devoted boyfriend, "I love you to the moon and back. Forever" anytime he uses this phrase, it just makes you melt!!
You do need to pay close attention to the insane and mad characters involved in Blakes and Coles family tree, as this leads to uncover the truth relating to Blake's past.
So looking forward to the Epilogue, shame it was not part of this series but will still be worth the wait.
Each and every chapter has you capitivated with anticipation waiting to uncover the answers, that just keep coming through! Loved the way the chapters are POV between Blake, reflecting on what is happening to her and showing us her feelings and then we also get to feel the devastion and anguish Cole is going through during Blake's disapperance and through out the story line.
Cole, remains the Hot sexy devoted boyfriend, "I love you to the moon and back. Forever" anytime he uses this phrase, it just makes you melt!!
You do need to pay close attention to the insane and mad characters involved in Blakes and Coles family tree, as this leads to uncover the truth relating to Blake's past.
So looking forward to the Epilogue, shame it was not part of this series but will still be worth the wait.
June 9, 2013
Oh I absolutely loved the story of Cole and Blake, my heart swelled with the love these two people had in this second part of the story, I love a bit of angst and other than when Cole wasn't in a relationship with Blake there was none of that, and I have to say I'm really glad because both had such a tormented past I don't think I could have taken it. I want me a bit of Cole, Claire Contreras just created the most adorable man ever, swoon!
I must admit I had abit of a hard time following all of the characters but as someone else mentioned in there review, when I read it again ( and I definitely will) I guess I will figure it out.
For once I was sensible enough to wait for both books to come out before reading and also the epilogue which was Devine, I'm still swooning over Cole and blakes story, thank you Claire it was a delight to read.
I must admit I had abit of a hard time following all of the characters but as someone else mentioned in there review, when I read it again ( and I definitely will) I guess I will figure it out.
For once I was sensible enough to wait for both books to come out before reading and also the epilogue which was Devine, I'm still swooning over Cole and blakes story, thank you Claire it was a delight to read.
May 31, 2013
Fantastic! Loved revisiting Cole and Blake and the many many, although confusing, family and mob members. Well done Claire, you didn't disappoint!
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