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After Dark #2

Sekrety po zmierzchu

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Naszą miłość wiąże władza…

Miłość do Dominica zupełnie mnie odmieniła. Wyrzekłam się samej siebie, oddałam swe serce Dominicowi i zaufałam mu, jednak on mnie zawiódł... Zapędził się poza granice tego, co mogłam znieść, zabrał mnie tam, gdzie nie chciałam się znaleźć. Zrozpaczony tym, co zrobił, ukrył swoje najmroczniejsze pragnienia w głębi swej duszy.

Próbując go nakłonić, aby pozwolił mi na rozwikłanie swoich sekretów, podejmuję ogromne ryzyko, ale nie mogę odrzucić tej szansy. Nawet jeżeli to oznacza koniec naszego związku…

328 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2012

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2872 people want to read

About the author

Sadie Matthews

21 books563 followers

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5 stars
2,048 (35%)
4 stars
2,070 (35%)
3 stars
1,273 (21%)
2 stars
338 (5%)
1 star
110 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
Profile Image for ~ Becs ~.
672 reviews2,164 followers
November 27, 2012
This was such a bittersweet read for me. It’s taut, compelling, a little uncomfortable and you seriously just never know what is coming next. For a book that’s touted as a FSoG style romance, it’s definitely a departure on the angsty side. The characters are all very flawed, everything is suspect, everyone is duplicitous and nothing is what it seems.

We continue the story of Beth and Dominic but, this time, more characters are introduced that will have a big impact on the central romance and the story broadens its horizons significantly. The first book was a fairly insular tale, focusing almost exclusively on Beth & Dominic’s relationship but with the introduction of Russian billionaire, Andrei Dubrovski and his treacherous lady friend Anna, the whole dynamic begins to shift.

It’s a fairly uncomfortable read and the big question at the centre of the story is what on earth really did happen in those catacombs? I find I trust no one and don’t believe what they say and Beth shouldn’t either.

Dominic is, I guess, meant to be our hero but he’s keeping secrets, he’s not being honest and he’s neglectful of Beth at times when she needs him most. As a dom, I find him very unconvincing. He doesn’t read Beth well and twice has taken it so far she has had to safe word out. There’s a darkness that seems to overtake him when he scenes with her and he loses his better judgement, almost consumed by his dominion over her. He then has to punish himself and is a strong believer in mortification of the flesh.

Dominic Stone
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Beth was, at least for me, a stronger character in this book than the first – she’s barely recognisable from the sad, heartbroken young girl we first saw taking that taxi to Mayfair. She’s grown up very fast, is determined she knows what she wants and that is Dominic and is not afraid to stand up for herself when the going gets tough. I’m not convinced that she’s truly submissive – sure, she is getting off on their play but, at times, she feels objectified and I don’t think that she’s a bone-deep submissive despite her very instinctive physical reaction to Andrei that she can’t help despite the roaring of her conscience.

Beth

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Andrei – I really don’t know what to make of him. At times I thought he was a player, at others I thought he was the most honest person in the book. I feel sure that we’re going to get to know him a whole lot better in the next book and I’m not sure if Beth isn’t better off with him than Dominic.

Anna – she sure needs a real good bitchslap. She’s very beautiful but, if you look close, you’ll find it’s an optical illusion and the beauty soon disappears and you see what’s underneath. She’s a manipulative, controlling, self-centred liar and I can’t wait for her to eventually get her most richly deserved comeuppance.

This series definitely offers something a little different from the wealth of intense, contemporary romances out there with characters much more deeply flawed than the norm and a twisting story that constantly surprises. It’s well written and every scene comes vividly to life with the descriptive narrative. It’s definitely captured my interest and I’m very much looking forward to reading more. I want to believe that Beth and Dominic will find their HEA but I’m not convinced that’s even remotely possible after the events of this book.

4 squirmy uncomfortable stars

For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
Profile Image for Natasha.
121 reviews
November 11, 2012
I did not expect this for the second book and the synopsis does not give any indication what the story is about. I thought I was going to read a lot more about Dominic & Beth and how they overcome Dominic's loss of control and spend some more time in their boudoir. Not quite...

Instead an erotic/BDSM novel like Fire in the Dark, Secrets After Dark is more of a romantic suspense/mystery.

The story:
Beth hasn’t heard from Dominic for weeks after he left on a business trip to Russia. Her boss asks her to come along on a business trip to Croatia to go verify the authenticity of a piece of art that one of his clients, Andrei Dubrovski. Andrei is an art collector, Russian tyrant and also happens to be Dominic's boss. Even though Beth is warned about Andrei, she is eager to go on the trip with the hope that she will find out something about Dominic.

Beth is ecstatic when she sees Dominic and they declare their love for each other at a secret rendezvous. The happiness is short lasted for Beth when Dominic explains that they have to keep the relationship a secret and he begs her to wait for him to finish his current business engagement.

Back in London, Beth can’t pass on an opportunity to work directly for Andrei even though she knows that she’s walking into the lion’s den. During the contract, Andrei tempts her to become more involved. Beth runs into Dominic at a party that she attends with Andrei. Something happens to her at this party just before she blacks out and for the rest of the book she tries to solve the mystery. She doesn't ask anybody that was involved directly, because she’s scared that the truth may endanger her relationship with Dominic.

What really happened that night? Will Beth fall for Andrei and his advances on her? Will Beth & Dominic’s relationship remain a secret, or will somebody in the Dubrovksi company find out about them? Will Beth & Dominic be able to trust each other when thing gets complicated and other parties get involved?

Only some of these questions are answered… sort of… ;) The book ends in a hectic cliff hanger. I loved the direction that Secrets After Dark took and I’m anxiously waiting for the next book!
Profile Image for Carolina L. .
145 reviews
September 5, 2013
I'm still... trying to put everything together...

And all I can think... again... is...

why gif photo: why reaction tumblr_inline_mjyx0mZ3JJ1qz4rgp.gif

Oh Lord...

crying gif photo: Crying Crying.gif




Profile Image for Monica Miller.
Author 2 books36 followers
April 1, 2018
Man, why?

The book started fairly okay, I read the first one over a year or two ago so I didn't remember much except the fact that I thought it was way better than Fifty Shades of Grey because Dominic wasn't a psychopath like Christian Grey.

This book started okay, with Beth waiting for Dominic for weeks without having an answer from him, but she was sure he will contact her.

Insert Dominic's boss, Russian rich man Andrei Dubrovski who ends up, obviously, interested in Beth, and a potential adversary for Beth, gorgeous Anna, who is actually involved with Andrei, and then you get the recipe for disaster. Especially because obviously in every romance book there has to be a "bitch" that cannot keep her hands off the main character's man. Ugh. I hate this. Let's try to pin women against each other less.

Laura, Beth's best friend, couldn't have been more spineless or seem less than a friend. She was way too perfect on paper, saying things that only look good on paper, because real life friends don't talk like that. They usually tell you the truth in a more real-like way and they seemed more like acquaintances than best friends.

Overall I thought there were too many details in this book, considering it's a trilogy and a lot could have been spared.

Profile Image for D.C..
Author 17 books233 followers
May 15, 2013
Nope! Didn't like it. Way to much over writing. When your in the middle of dialogue and then there are several pages of blah blah blah and then the next bit of dialogue and you have to flip back to figure out what the hell is going on in the conversation, there is way to much overwriting going on. This happened several times throughout theis story. But I think my biggest issue was this whole book was based around Beth's drug induced state. We spend the entire book trying to figure out inf it was really Dominic or her Russian employer. Okay seriously? How can you not tell it was someone different. The look different, smell different, sound different, feel different. Even in the state she was in she would have noticed something. He spoke to her for Christ sakes. You're telling me you can be in the correct state of mind to have a conversation but can't tell the person is Russian or English not to mention all the other stuff I just mentioned. Yup not buying it. If this book wasn't on my ipad, I would have chunked it at the wall before I even hit the half way mark. God and there is still the third one to read. And as much as I have disliked the series, some thing is compelling me to finish it. Damn me at my control issue tendency.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kate.
228 reviews68 followers
January 25, 2013
This book was totally different than the first book. I am still wondering how Beth seemed to grow a backbone so quickly.
In this book, Dominic goes missing for weeks and weeks. We never really find out what he was doing, other than "working".
Then, you have the whole mystery. What happened in the caves?
Andrei adds a level of intrigue. The billionaire Russian that wants Beth for himself.
The sex in this one was...meh. Again Dominic takes things too far and starts the cycle of self-loathing.

The book could have been 20% shorter. Too much flowery over-visualization. I don't need to know about all the paintings in Andrei's house. It doesn't add to the story. And Beth's constant over-thinking? I would hate to live in her mind! It's like a constant swirl of drama!

Yes, I will read the next one...but I am hoping it's edited down.
Profile Image for Maxine.
24 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2013
i enjoyed this book so much more than the first had so much going on that kept me turning the pages it takes such a dramatic turn almost into a mystery than a love/romance that kept me guessing and a little fustrated at the same time.
the characters are well writen beth fustrated me a little by not saying or asking what she should and i really didnt like anna or Andrei from the start but together it made a great story line with lots of twists along the way.

I do think it was a lot more darker than the first and its defo not for the light harted and Dominic well yes he does take hee to new extrem levels but the fact she uses the face work twice showed he has less self contol than he thinks also think as his roll as master that he would be a but more controlling or keppjng an eye on her more when hes not around didnt like that he kept lossing touch however this made it even more of a page turner to figure out what he was doing.
any way was a good read and look fowrd to finding out the mystery the suspence is killing me x
Profile Image for Lesley Brown.
13 reviews
January 23, 2013
Ok. This so didn't go how I presumed it would. Yes, book two redeemed itself from the disaster that was book one. BUT . . . I'm still very much out of love with Beth! I did think at about half way through this one that she was growing on me, but no. She's naive, immature, annoying, judgemental, has an irritating tendency to let her imagination run away with herself and create conversations in her head leading to pessimistic outcomes. She has a lot of growing up to do to be a suitable partner for Dominic, in my opinion.
I wasn't expecting the end to turn out as it did and it just goes to show how Beth can get herself into a dodgy situation with someone like Dubrovski and allow Anna to manipulate her so. I sound like I'm being awfully hard on her and perhaps I am . . . Can't wait for book three - Promises After Dark! Hurry up Feb 2013!
Profile Image for Shanai.
50 reviews
February 20, 2013
Loved this book! It was a good sequel.. Way better than the 1st. Beth seems to grow up and get a backbone!
This book takes you on a different adventure from the 1st book, Beth travels to exotic places with her current job and finally finds Dominic! I thought that throughout the book we didn't see enough of Dominic, it was focusing more on Beth and her troubles. But that's made up with cliffhangers and suspense.. I felt like I was sitting on the edge of my seat for most of the book but it was worth it with an ending like that! However the ending still leaves you on a MASSIVE cliffhanger which leads me towards a question..
WHERE IS BOOK 3? Honestly this is torture! I just want to find out what happens next! But I guess I'll have to wait and see!
Profile Image for Yolanda.
1,343 reviews5 followers
December 2, 2012
I really have no words for this book. Is Beth really this naive because she blew me the whole book. I really dont know what were suppose to feel about this book or what we were suppose to get from it. There was a lot of mess mixed together and no one telling the truth or for that matter asking anything. Beth goes through the whole story wondering what happen instead of asking people. I could tell thats what happen to Dominics back he has real issues that he doesnt know how to solve now he is really messed up. It wouldnt surprise me if in book 3 Beth is happy as a clam with Anderi and we have to listen to her POV about what has she done for a whole book. smh i just dont know what to say.
Profile Image for Raquel.
1,332 reviews41 followers
August 25, 2017
Dominc perdeu o controlo com Beth e tem que travar com o seu interior para ser merecedor de Beth. Entretanto Beth deixa entrar na sua vida Andrei um homem rico e muito poderoso, mas será que ele é o tal ou será o Dominic. De uma coisa Beth está certa, a sua vida nunca mais será a mesma sem o Dominic. É um livro envolvente, ficamos ansiosas para saber se Beth retorna para Dominic. Romance erótico, que nos vicia até à última página.

http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...
Profile Image for Kayleigh Lewis.
434 reviews14 followers
November 9, 2012
What a shame!! I was so excited for this book, since I loved the first, but ... Such a let down! It was like the book was rushed. Fill up pages with useless sex info, like the author had nothing better to write. The ending was so abrupt aswell it was like .. "oh, right, ok then." I'm so gutted because I thought it was going to be so much better. Why replace important storylines with sex? Not really different sex either! There was no bond with any characters either. It all felt too rushed!!
Profile Image for Carri-anne Branham.
1 review8 followers
November 25, 2012
the first book in this series held a lot of promises i really enjoyed it however this book i think is a let down im not really sure where the story was going and i found myself very confused from start to finish it didnt really flow with the first book so all in all i was very disappointed i kept reading just to see if i got any answers but sadly i didnt hopefully she can bring it back with the final book because i really enjoy the characters especially since im from norfolk lol!!!
1 review
November 8, 2012
I downloaded this morning and have just finished it! loved it but not as much as the first one and it left you at a really annoying part just when you thought it was starting... am hoping there is going to be a number three!!
Profile Image for Sharon Pointon.
303 reviews15 followers
November 12, 2012
another great read but need to get the 3rd book now and hoping there is a happy ending to the love story
Profile Image for Deb.
591 reviews22 followers
November 21, 2012
Um, yum.

I like this better than the first book, to be honest. The writing draws you in and the characters are interesting.

Profile Image for Beverley Hollowed.
Author 14 books268 followers
December 22, 2012
Liked this book a little more then the first...got me tied in knots at times...but I seriously couldn't put it down...looking forward to the third part x
Profile Image for  ✰  Charlie  ✰ Chisholm.
1,984 reviews22 followers
February 27, 2016
I enjoyed the first book but this one I feel was better who the hell do I believe my head all over the place. can't wait to start book 3
Profile Image for Christine.
537 reviews37 followers
February 25, 2013
Loved it. Re-read ready for 28th book 3. Hoping for a good one.
Profile Image for Lena Marie.
14 reviews
May 11, 2024
"Secrets After Dark" by Sadie Matthews is the second installment in the captivating romance trilogy following the tumultuous lives of Beth and Dominic. Set against the backdrop of wealth, power, and intrigue, this novel delves into the complexities of love, betrayal, and redemption.

In the second story, Beth finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and deceit as she accompanies Andrei, a mysterious and enigmatic businessman, to Russia. Meanwhile, Dominic grapples with the consequences of his actions and the lingering feelings he harbors for Beth. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, Beth and Dominic must confront their pasts and navigate the treacherous path to forgiveness and reconciliation.


- Plot: The novel unfolds with a gripping storyline filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
- Characters: Beth and Dominic are compelling protagonists whose emotional journeys resonate with readers, while secondary characters add depth and complexity to the narrative.
- Romance: The chemistry between Beth and Dominic remains palpable, driving the emotional core of the story and leaving readers rooting for their reunion.
- Writing Style: Sadie Matthews' prose is evocative and engaging, immersing readers in the opulent world of high society and intrigue.
- Overall Impression: "Secrets After Dark" offers a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and drama, making it a worthy addition to the genre.


While "Secrets After Dark" delivers on many fronts, it falls short in tying up loose ends from the first installment, leaving some plotlines unresolved and leaving readers longing for closure. Additionally, the novel's reliance on cliffhangers and unresolved conflicts may frustrate readers seeking a more conclusive narrative. Situations from "Fire After Dark" that weren't addressed in "Secrets After Dark" further contribute to the sense of unfinished business.


As a reader, I found "Secrets After Dark" to be an engaging and entertaining read, albeit with some shortcomings. While the novel excels in its portrayal of complex characters and gripping storytelling, its failure to provide closure on certain plot points detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, the knowledge that there is another book after "Secrets After Dark," which I have chosen not to read, adds to the sense of dissatisfaction with the unresolved storyline. However, fans of the series may still find enjoyment in the book's dramatic twists and turns.


While "Secrets After Dark" offers plenty of intrigue and romance, it would benefit from a more cohesive and conclusive storyline that ties up loose ends from previous installments. Additionally, the reliance on unresolved conflicts may alienate some readers seeking a more satisfying resolution.


In conclusion, "Secrets After Dark" by Sadie Matthews is a compelling and captivating romance novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. However, its failure to address lingering plot points from previous installments, as well as the anticipation of another book, may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied. Despite its shortcomings, the novel offers plenty of drama, suspense, and romance to keep readers engaged until the very end.
Profile Image for Bookeando_ando.
725 reviews36 followers
January 4, 2020
2.4/5

Solo sigo leyendo esta trilogía porque me costó mucho conseguirla en físico y porque tenía como objetivo antes de terminar el año avanzar con las trilogías que tenía abiertas, hasta el momento leerlos no han sido un suplicio, pero no me gusta nada la historia, ni como se desarrolla y mucho menos la protagonista.

Este es la segunda parte de la trilogía Después de la oscuridad, sigue la misma línea de narración que el anterior, con un ritmo narrativo rápido y fluido, pero sumamente repetitivo y aburrido, con un buen equilibrio entre el diálogo y la descripción, pero sin tener un contenido interesante, picoso y atractivo que te haga seguir leyendo la historia por gusto y no porque no te gusta dejar a medias un libro. Tenemos la adición de dos nuevos personajes que realmente uno de ellos le inyecta un cambio necesario al romance aburrido entre Beth y Dominic.

No me gusta para nada esta pareja desde el libro uno, no hay esa química o intensidad que se espera en los libros eróticos y con el tema de dominante-sumisa, no logro encontrar esa dinámica que tienen. En este segundo libro fue la misma relación aburrida entre ellos, se sigue conociendo muy superficialmente a Dominic lo cual se me hace un poco ilógico cuando es una parte fundamental en la historia y la autora no explotó al personaje como debería, me hubiera gustado que fuera añadido a la narrativa por dos cosas para conocerlo más y para que le de un giro diferente a la historia.

No me gustan los triángulos amorosos, pero en este libro y por primera vez quiero que la protagonista termine con el otro que viene siendo su nuevo jefe, el cual es uno de los dos nuevos personajes, la relación que lleva con Beth se me hace mucho más entretenida, intensa y emocionante que con Dominic, y son las partes que más disfruté del libro sin duda alguna.

La trama no avanzó nada entre los protagonistas, le dio un giro un poco más fresco y cautivante, pero nada que me emocionara al máximo para querer terminar de inmediato la trilogía, tienen sus escenas eróticas las cuales a mí me aburrieron muchísimo, todas son lo mismo en el libro, y no son algo esencial o que intensifique su relación. El final no fue algo sorprendente, si tiene un poco de drama, pero nada excesivo y lo más probable es que no lo disfruté mucho porque ya quería terminar el libro.

¿Lo recomiendo? Si están pensando en leerlo porque lo recomiendan a toda fan de la trilogía de 50 sombras entonces te vas a llevar una gran decepción porque no es nada parecido ni en historia y mucho menos en personajes. Ahora es una historia de amor que se desarrolla muy lento, llena de secretos y miedos, con sus escenas eróticas que no dejan mucho a la imaginación, un poco de drama y un posible triángulo amoroso que hace tambalear una relación ya de por sí débil.
Profile Image for Rasha.
279 reviews10 followers
January 28, 2022
50 shades is naive. This is naive and worse. Even in 50 shades the are these moments, where the hero disappears, there's a crush. There is a fight. There's love. There are families. They talk. They get to know each other. Communicate. Build the story. Build the character. Here? Nada.

This series though? It's all about sex. And let me tell you, the way it's written, I had to skip those scenes in the first volume and it did not get better even in the other two ones.

I guess it's in the third book, that she discovers he has sisters because she accidentally meets them? This sucks. So monumentally. How can this big love be about big feelings, true and only one... yet you do not even try to discover your better half? Like, ask about your family?! Let alone, "do you have any siblings Dominic"? But then again... he's disappearing on her all the time, so no surprise there is limited time for personal questions. When your lover is ghosting you all the time.. you must feel so cherished and loved.

ITS JUST BAD.... and if you wonder - as I wondered - will it get better? No. Just worse.
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