Even In Darkness

Between #3

by Cyndi Tefft

I thought it was over, that all our troubles were behind us. We had a fairytale castle wedding surrounded by family and friends. Aiden wore a dress kilt, looking so handsome it made my heart squeeze, and I floated on air in a white version of the ball gown he’d cast for me in Versailles. Flower girl, ring bearer, Scottish ceilidh afterward—check, check, and check. It was perfect. We were supposed to live happily ever after. But that was before I walked in to find another woman in his bed, a demon with blood red eyes who’d disguised herself as me in order to get what she wanted a child from a heaven transporter. And it was in that moment—watching my entire world crumble to the ground—that I knew. This was not over. Not by a long shot.

Genres: Paranormal Romance

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2013

About the author

Cyndi Tefft lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest where the weather is overcast and rainy, much like the Highlands of Scotland. So she was right at home when she got the chance to visit Eilean Donan Castle.

A self-proclaimed Scot freak, she loved every bit about the trip to Scotland: the people, the kilts, the accents, the fish & chips, the haggis...well okay, not the haggis.

Reviews

[CasPerfitz~SLiTsReaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a short spoiler-free review and sharing at least two of favourite quotes at the end...

Like the blurb says, I thought it was over too, that they finally have their happily ever after…. but the Hell Transporter is back, disguising herself as Lindsey and had sex with a drunk Aiden to get what she came for from the start, a child from Aiden. Thus, creating more trouble for Aiden and Lindsey.

In this series, their love and faith is again being tested. Specially Lindsey’s.

What I love about Ms. Tefft’s writing is that it’ll capture your attention from start to finish and warms your heart with such awe-inspiring, emotional, fast paced, and spiritual story with brilliant world building.

This is a story with substance... To mention a few : It shows as to what length Lindsey would go to save Aiden. In sickness and in health, till death us do part? It also proves how strong their faith in God… And that evil never wins specially when embraced with so much love and kindness...

A new villain, Aegan, is introduced… although I could not hate him though.

This is written in multi POV. And it ended with a surprise and a hint of, I’m guessing, more to come?!.

Here are at least two of my favourite quotes in this series :

❤️❤️❤️

I would rather die again with this man than live a thousand lives with another. – Lindsey



“You’re so much more than beautiful. Your spirit is joy, and fire, and strength. When I look at ye, I don’t just see your lovely body, your sparkling green eyes, and your wild, unruly hair.” He wrapped one curl around his finger and let it spring free. “When I look at ye, I see…home.” – Aiden

❤️❤️❤️

[Cyndi Tefft]

I've never commented on my own books, but I will say this: It will be *really* hard to post a review on Even In Darkness without spoilers, but if you do, please post SPOILER ALERT at the beginning. I know you will (because you're awesome that way), but I just have to ask so everyone can enjoy the book. Thanks for reading and reviewing! <3

Cyndi

[Sherlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted on Mermaid With A Book.

I cannot describe the sheer awesomeness of this book.

The third book in the Between series, Even In Darkness throws Lindsey and Aiden into a mess larger than they've ever encountered before. Frankly, it's so hard to write this review without spoilers, but I'll give it my best shot.

You see a badass Lindsey in this book and her spunk is completely admirable. Tefft just throws the evilest stuff at Lindsey and she still survives it all. Thrown into a new world and left with almost nothing, it's heartbreaking to see Lindsey so desperate and lost - yet she manages to muster up her courage and do her best regardless of the situation she's in. Her limits are tested, the stakes are high and she has to make a choice - the right choice, or all will be lost. Lindsey's voice is more prominent than ever in this story which was a major factor in keeping me completely immersed into this adventure on the high seas, with pirates and all.

The romance delivered is Tefft's usual dose of awesomesauce. Even In Darkness is a true test of Lindsey and Aiden's love (and here I thought Hell Transporter was hard enough for them). Then Tefft flings a mega-twist that blows your mind even more than that twist in Between does and I literally spent a good five to ten minutes flipping the pages back and forth to try making sense of it all. When I finally did, I sat back in my chair and thought, Cyndi, you're a genius.

The ending is totally worthy of the story, and also gives us a peek into what the next adventure might be for Lindsey and Aiden in the fourth book. I so can't wait for it to be out. This is one of the most original series I've ever read and I just wish everyone in the world could experience its awesomeness. I'm proud to be one of Aiden's Angels.

[Molly Ringle · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Advance review**

This was a great installment, a fast-paced, smoothly-told adventure. Even with pirates! Yay! (I mean, who doesn't like pirates?) Tefft has found a way to re-envision and test the love between Aiden and Lindsey in a way that'll satisfy romance fans, while all the action will keep you turning pages to see how they'll get out of each new piece of danger.

The romance and its complications are exciting and intriguing--I definitely understood Lindsey's ambivalence and attraction in the bizarre situation she's thrown into. And there were several surprising twists and developments that made me think "Aha!" (and/or "Uh-oh!").

Plus we get a new twist at the end, setting up for the next book--but we're still left satisfied about this volume. I'm impressed with this series and urge those fond of Highlanders (or Outlanders) to check it out if you haven't yet.

[Claire Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's my second time read ing Even In Darkness and have to say I liked it more than the first time I read it and got into the story and characters more. I totally felt sad for Lindsey that she had to go through what she did but glad it worked out well and I really didn't like Eagan for tricking not only Lindsey but also Aiden but glad it was all sorted out in the end and what a cliffhanger too can't wait to read Sacrifice Of Greatest Price again

[Linz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even In Darkness is the long-awaited third installment of the Between series. Cyndi Tefft announced the night before it's release date that SmashWords had published it early. So of course I hopped on over and grabbed it, even though I was being a devoted fan and rereading Between (for the fourth time) and Hell Transporter (second time). I just adore these books - the characters are just so special to me. One thing I LOVE about the series is that at the end of the the first two books, we really didn't know where Tefft would take us next. Aiden and Lindsey had just gone through so much heartache and turmoil that if the books had left off on a huge cliffhanger, I'd have probably died. Or hurt someone. It would not have been pretty! There was a threat looming over our beloved couple, but what that would entail was still unknown. Some may disagree, but I love the mystery and suspense of that.

'Liked' is a very gross understatement of my feels for this book.

And that's how Even In Darkness begins… While Aiden and Lindsey haven't forgotten the ominous events prior, they are reveling in the perfectness of their wedding - feeling ALL THE FEELS, smiling, dancing…and then WAM! Horrible things start to happen, and they are quite literally thrown over a cliff and pitched into a crazy new adventure.

I was completely enthralled by this story. I don't know if I can properly explain just how much. I read at every chance I got, no matter how short. I stayed up way too late, read while nursing my 8 month old daughter, when she napped, while cooking dinner… I had this book on three (3) devices. I couldn't get enough! My heart was pounding in overdrive as Tefft transported me (ha! see what I did there?) into the story along with Aiden and Lindsey as they fought for their love, and their lives. I have SO much love for Aiden MacRae, it's not even funny. He is undeniably loyal, devoted and kind (among other things. Trying to keep it clean, here!). But it's Lindsey who really takes center stage in this book. She has no other choice than to take matters into her own hands to save the ones she loves. Even though I was completely freaking out at every plot twist (and there are MANY!), Lindsey pulled herself together and handled it the best way she knew how. It made me so proud of her. I won't give anything away, but remember what I said about the first two books not ending in a cliffhanger, and how much I loved that? WELL FORGET IT! There are two huge revelations toward the conclusion of the story. Each one being intense and mind-blowing in their own right, together they literally made my head spin.

I still might hurt someone. I definitely screamed 'WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME?!" once I had a few seconds to catch my breath. Its been a few days and I'm still trying to process it all. I can't wait to read it again! If you are a fan of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, you will absolutely enjoy this series. Cyndi Tefft's writing style and skill to create new worlds and make them come alive have evolved into something so magical and captivating. Her talent just shines, and in my opinion, this is the best book yet! Even In Darkness is absolutely on my Top Reads of 2013 list

[Vicki Trask · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story picks up basically where Book #2 left off with the (second) wedding of Lindsey and Aiden and immediately Cyndi throws a wrench in their happily ever after. From there it’s nothing but edge of your seat drama and action with just enough romantic angst to remind you that this is not your ordinary love story.

One of the coolest new features in this upgraded model is the use of three (not two, not four) different first person points of view. It efficiently gets the story across without being confusing (except for maybe that gun battle at the end but that might have just been me). Seeing the world through Aiden’s eyes just made me love him more, no question. The sweet naivety, the feral lust he has for his wife; get your fans out, girls. It’s still primarily in Lindsey’s point of view which means there’s a lot of introspection in the middle while Aiden and Eagan are off screen – or passed out – which only increased the Tudor-style drama for these poor, sea-ridden characters.

Most of this tale is set on the high-seas of an 18th century English ship(s) where the monstrous captain with his hidden agenda could give Aiden a run for him money in the swoon department. For all his crazy, twisted faults I really liked Eagan in both of his forms. He’s this spine-crawling creep with his morally ambiguous, sexually frustrated, seemingly bipolar personality. It’s like the ultimate bad boy…don’t judge me.

The world that these characters are living in is dark and gritty and seems set up just to help them fail and in a way that’s true. The readers are trapped with them on this dangerous ship and we turn to these characters that we’ve fallen in love with to get us through. And they never let us down. Cyndi has created a world so twisted and dark that we yearn for the light – this love that is so impossibly true that that it transcends death over again. It’s the things fantasies are made of.

Cyndi has always been very good at putting these characters in crazy, dramatic situations and making the audience question everything they’re reading. You don’t know what’s real or true or maybe she’s just telling you what you want to hear but no matter what, you are completely sucked in. Every time I pick up one of her books I fall more and more in love with her words and her characters. Especially Lindsey. She is a fiery role model trapped in a world that constantly needs her to be the strength that gets them through; and she does. She falls in love and she fights for that love and she can never be considered weak for having that love. She’s had to grow up fast and she faces down every challenge. It’s no wonder Aiden fell for her.

I was thoroughly engaged from page one and I’m still waiting for my heart to stop racing at yet another cliffhanger that we have to anxiously wait for in the fourth and final chapter of Lindsey and Aiden’s adventure coming…eventually.

After all this time, I’m still falling in love with this love story.

[I'd So Rather Be Reading {Nat} · Rating 5 out of 5]

have really enjoyed the Between series, starting with Between and then followed by Hell Transporter. I love this series for the sweetly romantic love story, the subtle faith element, and the surprises Tefft throws into the plot.

The first book, Between, was purely a love story. Book two, Hell Transporter, had more going on, but was still all about the relationship between Lindsey and Aiden.

Even in Darkness took the story in a new direction. I was surprised at where Tefft went with the series, and I really enjoyed the shift in the plot. That's not to say that I didn't miss the pure love-story feel of the first two books, because I did, but I enjoyed the fact that there was more intrigue in this installment.

The hell transporter from book two is back again, and shatters Lindsey's world when she finds Aiden and the hell transporter in bed together. In Aiden's defense, the hell transporter is disguised to look exactly like Lindsey. Aiden has no idea that it's not Lindsey until Lindsey appears at the door and discovers them together. What transpires after that shocking revelation brings Aiden and Lindsey back in time (time travel, yay!) and that's where the story really takes off.

There was a little bit of mystery to Even in Darkness, which made the book really intense. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop. I could not believe the plot twists at the end, and now I'm on pins and needles waiting to read book four (which is also the final book in the series). One last thought: for a Christian fiction novel, there is quite a bit of romance in this series. I like that! I like that there is a faith element to the books but also that the love scenes are not skimmed over. In fact, they are very moving and tastefully done. Aiden is the perfect hero: kind, loving, handsome, and romantic. It's hard not to fall in love with him, right along with Lindsey.

I really enjoy Cyndi Tefft's writing and can't wait to read more from her!

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got the book yesterday and finished today. I couldn't put it down. Loved the fast-paced action and yes...the twists....I won't spoil it. I was surprised though, and did cry through much of the book. Thanks Cyndi for another great book....and yes, I want the next book...now!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, I'm done. I can't tell you what I think, now, can I? The book isn't even published, yet. But, I can tell you that Lindsay and Aiden are mentioned in the book.

[Carrie Secor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyndi Tefft strikes again. And when I say "strikes", I mean "delivers a completely gripping, charming, and romantic novel that leaves readers demanding a sequel." <-- That. She does that again.

Even in Darkness begins where Hell Transporter left off--that is, right after Lindsey and Aiden's fairytale wedding. But of course this couple is too unique and important to be left alone for long. Soon enough the two of them are tossed into another reality, one where Aiden survives the battle at Eilean Donan and Lindsey is there with him. Now the two of them are tested to see if their love, and they themselves, can survive in war-ridden Scotland.

Where Between gave us corsets, dancing, and romance, Even in Darkness dabbles in treason, injury, and lust (although Lindsey does have a minor disagreement with a corset). We witness Lindsey and Aiden's relationship in an entirely alternate realm, one where "up [is] down, black [is] white, right [is] wrong, and good [is] evil". And we cheered them on, as individuals and as a couple, even when they made surprising choices.

One of the things I truly love about the series is the way Cyndi Tefft seamlessly transitions the reader from eighteenth-century Scotland to modern day and back again. It's not every day you can find an author who can take us across so many different settings effectively (with the same characters, no less,) and to me that is one of the marks of a truly gifted writer.

So, yes, Cyndi Tefft has struck again, and I for one can't wait until the next installment to see where she takes us next.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a confession. When this book was released, I didn't run out and buy it right away. Instead, I waited to receive my autographed copy in the mail. Autographed books are treasures -- I'm funny that way. When it came in the mail, I decided I wouldn't start it right away; I wanted to wait because I knew I would love it, and I hate when a good book ends. I think I lasted three days. I started Even in Darkness on Saturday, while waiting for laundry to dry, and finished it on Sunday, while watching my dog play in the park. It is an incredible read. I won't post any spoilers here, but these are characters that I am officially in love with. The only negative I can offer is that now I have to wait for the fourth book to be released ...

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyndi hits a home run on this one! This book was so good; definitely my favorite of the series so far! It made me laugh, cry, scream...a roller coaster of emotion that I absolutely enjoyed to the end. I loved everything about it: the drama, the pain, the confusion, the twist...oh gosh, that twist...it hints at it, and if you know anything about these books/characters, you can almost guess at it and I loved that! This author is sweetness with a side of evil, and it totally shows in this book! Very well written, great characters (especially the new ones) and the plot is just phenomenal. I can't sing this book's praises enough. I will be in agony waiting for the last book to come out!

[Jamie Canosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all three books in the Between series and let me tell you, you DO NOT want to miss this one. The first two books were fantastic, but this one takes it somewhere entirely new. Epic amounts of adventure and romance, and so many questions that I didn't even know who I was rooting for half the time. Passion and excitement radiated from every page. Beautifully written, this high-seas adventure will have you falling even more in love with Tefft's amazing characters and eating up every word until the very end.

[Jennifer Reaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

With sequels sometimes they just don't compare to the original, but with this book that's not the case! From start to finish I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't stop reading and remembered why I fell in love with the series to begin with. Aiden and Lindsay are the ultimate couple and true soul mates....sometimes love isn't easy, but when it's meant to be love can conquer anything ;). I was so surprised with the reveals in the story and can't wait till book 4!!

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite of the series so far!!

My reaction at having finish was something like this http://instagram.com/p/XnNyjJtVFg/

Full review to come once I can articulate words!

[Sarah Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GREAT!

[Shani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not stop reading it! Phenomenal!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

.Its always nice to revisit old friends. Even in Darkness started a little slow but had a great story once it got going. Now we just have to wait for tge continuation.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyndi has me dying to know what happens next with this installment!

[Jacinda Buchmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great continuation to a wonderful series. This book was full of surprises, twists, and turns. I loved the ending and can't wait for the next book in the series.