Meet Me In The Dark

Bad Heroes #3

by Jo Brenner

Obsession tied them together. She won’t let anything tear them apart.

For Micah, Luke, and Conor, there are no limits to what they’ll do to win Kara’s heart. Lie, cheat, steal…and kill. But just when it seems like they’ve succeeded, an old enemy strikes. The ex-Navy SEALs will do anything to keep Kara safe—including surrendering to the predator intent on destroying them.

But Kara refuses to lose them. After years of them protecting her, it’s time to return the favor. And if it involves payback against their enemy, well, she’s not the woman she used to be. Running was easy when she had nothing to lose. But now? Forged into someone stronger, she's no longer afraid of her own power. Kara’s determined to fight—for her men, for their family, and for herself.

Even if it means the fight of her life.

Meet Me In The Dark is the third and final book in the Bad Heroes series, and ends with an HEA. The heroine never has to choose between the heroes for her HEA, and the heroes choose her and each other. Please check the author’s website, jobrenner dot com, for content notes.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Why Choose, Romance, Contemporary, BDSM, M M F

318 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2024

Reviews

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 2 out of 5]

⤅ One word: meh.

I should have felt a much stronger connection to the heroes and heroine I've followed for two books now, but I just felt meh about them and I really didn't expect that. I couldn't even summon up my usual irritation about Kara. Reading this book just felt, to quote the inimitable Sabine from Kiss of a Demon King, like listening to a weather report for a town I don't live in. Considering Kara and her men are going through life-and-death peril over here, I should have been feeling something.

I think it's partly because the plot has become utterly stupid. Book 1 was great, because it was (mostly) a tightly plotted, self-contained arc fuelled by emotion rather than action. When the series transitions to becoming fuelled by action, it immediately falls apart. The villain is a caricature, his motivations asinine, the protagonists' responses unconvincing. In fact, all the bad guys are so cartoonishly evil you have to be amused rather than reacting with the appropriate horror.

Brenner is still a good technical writer, and the epilogue I skipped ahead to read was cute. But I'm glad this series is over.

[Wicked Fox ✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy has been a WILD ride! Kara, Micah, Luke, and Connor deserve this HEA so much 🥺 Meet Me in the Dark was especially brutal in terms of the darkness. It was so hard to put this book down because I needed to know what happens next!

Also the character development the characters went through? So freaking satisfying 🤌 I'm glad they all (mostly Conor 😆) pulled their heads out of their asses after everything.

Meet Me in the Dark was absolutely worth the wait. I highly recommend you to check out the first book in the trilogy, You Can Follow Me! Please sure to check out the CWs before diving in 💜

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe this series is over!! I have been hooked by every single book, and the third one was the perfect ending. There was so much so suspense and tension but it really payed off. Seeing these characters grow has been incredible and I’m so glad they got their HEA!!

[Krystal Skye H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally..the end!

It was a good story with lots of sexy times. Even when they didn't need to happen, like while they were all awaiting their deaths or in urgent scenarios, like after they parachuted in. Like, it's NOT THE TIME.

I didn't really understand WHY the professor had so much power? And why he was able to do the things he did. Like just because he KNEW rich people? Lol, I didn't enjoy him as a villain, more of a little annoying weasel.

This last book had lots of repetitive conversations about letting her go and how it was what she needed to go back to her old life. But then her saying, "You didn't ask me!" A million times over. Legit right up until the end. It was on repeat.

While the other books mentioned or included SA and Grape, this book really goes into those topics, so trigger warnings for days. It goes down the path of what you would do in order to save a loved ones life. However, I have read much darker stories, so it wasn't terribly difficult to get through as I kept expecting worse to happen, not saying what happens isn't bad but its stopped just before or just after it takes place. It's a "just in time" kind of scenario.

I did enjoy this series and overall give it 3 stars. I mostly gave it that rating for its repetitive dialog/conversations. It's very similar to other books I've read and doesn't stand out amongst them. I wish we got more of a linear story about how they all met and how they were watching her. This book, book 3, is where they finally get into that, and in my opinion, it's too late. I'm definitely a fan of linear 'start at the beginning' storytelling, rather than the time hops and the recalling' of certain events.

[Meigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic and fitting conclusion to the BAD HEROES trilogy, I love that this series has come full circle. We start out with a woman who’s power has been stripped, we move on to where the boys have had their power taken by Kara, and now with this third book, Kara is showing the boys and their enemies just how much power she truly holds. Kara has taken on the role of protector and she will stop at nothing to ensure her boys stay safe.

Like the previous books in this series, MEET ME IN THE DARK was a tense ride from start to finish. The action and adventure start right at the beginning and doesn’t let up until almost the very end. I love that the group has finally worked out the kinks in their relationship, and they can move on and finally just be a happy little harem. Their journeys, both as a group and as individuals, was the highlight of the series for me and I’m so glad that each character has grown and changed and finally found what makes them happy.

I won’t give any more details away in fear of spoilers, but suffice it to say that this was my favorite in the series. It’s an emotional thrill ride from start to finish, and definitely delivered a fitting ending for Kara and crew. 4.5 stars. Definitely pick this series up if you like:

⁣⁣⁣➽ Reverse harem/why choose
⁣⁣⁣➽ Morally gray characters
⁣⁣⁣➽ Hot bi boys
⁣⁣⁣➽ Dark romance
⁣⁣⁣➽ Strong fmc
⁣⁣⁣➽ Action and adventure
⁣⁣⁣➽ Spice and steam aplenty

*Many thanks to the author for gifting a digital copy for review!

[Danni Neeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

🪂ARC BOOK REVIEW🪂

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

🪂Why Choose
🪂HEA
🪂3rd in Trilogy-Must read 1st 2 books in Bad Heroes Series first.
🪂Dark Romance
🚨🚨Multiple Trigger Warnings🚨🚨 Please check prior to reading. This is the darkest one yet.

Please don't continue reading if you haven't read books 1&2. Spoilers below!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow! I don't even know where to begin. What an amazing start to my reading new year.

I am so happy to finally have gotten the chance to read their HEA but I am also so sad it is over. The growth of all the main characters, the forgiveness, the love and the completion of the journey in this series is absolutely beautiful. I am going to miss these guys. I feel like it has been an honor to take this journey with them all.

Kara is an absolutely bad-ass villainess! The strength, bravery, unconditional love and "I'll mess your poo up over my men attitude" is inspiring. The things she has had to endure and is willing to endure are mind blowing. I am so proud of her and the woman she has become in this series. 👏👏👏

Where do I start with the sexy, protective, controlling seal trio.......I was amazed at the growth these men had in this book as well. The growth within themselves and the revelation of what they all had to do to truly be happy together. The gut wrenching trauma they had to endure made my heart break for them and Kara. Their willingness to do whatever it takes to protect each other, even if it means sacrificing themselves. It all just made me love them even more.

I love how this book allowed them to all grow closer together even though it had to come at a cost.

I loved that Kara got to handle the professor and that he got what he deserved.

I loved the dining room scene, it gave me all the feels. 🥵🥵🥵

Goodbye Kara, Conor, Micah and Luke. I am so glad you finally get to live out your HEA. 🥰🥰🥰

Thank you Jo for writing this amazing series and allowing me to be on your ARC team.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Me In The Dark ( Bad Heroes Book 3 ) Tropes 🖤Dark Romance 💜Romantic Suspense 🖤Why Choose . Well I really was just taken on the ride of my life and completely blown away in all the best ways . I seriously did not think it was possible for Jo Brenner’s ( Bad Heroes series to possibly get any better then it already was but I was so so wrong . I really could not have asked for a perfect conclusion. Kara , Micah , Luke and Connor . I have to say it’s been quite some time since I read a book and found myself as captives as I was by there four characters. So beautifully written, so unique , so complex and extremely multi layered . The intrigue , the suspense, the twists and turns, the secrets , the revelations, the tragedy, the heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, the love , the passion, the drama , the family and friendships , the non stop action. I literally felt like I was on the wildest ride at the amusement park . Utterly speechless one minute, screaming in frustration the next , glued to the edge of my seat , sobbing like a baby and rooting so freaking hard . I went through it all and so much more . Meet Me In The Dark was truly fantastic, a must read that is guaranteed to keep you up well into the early morning hours .

[Alicia S · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a finale

🪢 Meet Me In The Dark 🪢 (Book 3 in the Bad Heroes series) by Jo Brenner

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:

🪢 Meet me in the DARK…you got the dark part right. WOWZA. This was a heavy, emotionally draining perfect 🌶️ ride. This book makes you work for it - no joke. But Jo does tell you this in the beginning - you just don’t wanna believe it is true 🤣

🪢 By far my most frustrating but happiest ride I’ve taken with Jo. Kara, these men, they all take you on such a ride you truly don’t think you’re gonna make it until the very end. But this ride is one that is so worth it - if you’re patient - or impatient like me and just devour every word as if it will disappear if you don’t.

🪢 Watching every single character come into their own - to realize their full potential of who they are as individuals and who they are together as one seamless unit.

🪢 I know that I read every Jo book from newest to this series which was the first - but truly it was so worth it. I just want more and more and more. So I shall wait patiently. But give this series, this author, and these characters a chance! It will be so worth it!

🪢 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 🪢

🪢 Navy SEALs
🪢 Why Choose
🪢 K!dnapping
🪢 K!nks Galooorreeeee
🪢 🌶️ AF

📖

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, the conclusion to the Bad Heroes series was nothing short of a roller coaster. Kara and her guys have a long road ahead of them, and Jo did an amazing job with giving them the ending they deserve.

We jump right back in where book 2 ripped out our hearts, and Kara is not good with the plan the guys formulate. But it’s what is necessary, especially if they can all get out alive. I don’t think I’ve loathed a character as much as I have Christopher. And the way he was ended, it made me smile and cackle. Even with everything going on, we see the relationships between the four of them develop beautifully, and it fit the storyline. Sometimes when the world building, plot, and storyline, plus the action, steamy bits, and all of that things can get muddled. But Jo did an amazing job keeping things in order where everything just fit into place like a puzzle piece.

If you’re looking for a different story, with character development in time with world building, stalker, alpha males, and a FMC that grows into her b@dassery. This is the series, and it’ll be complete as of 1/11!

Can’t wait to see what Jo writes next!

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just... disappointing. I was hoping things would pick up and we would also get some more information, but it just didn't. Honestly, it just got boring while they were held captive because they were having the same conversation over and over again. Plus, throughout the entire series they always were having sex, even when it wasn't really warranted and just felt forced.

When they were meeting with Victor, I don't see how they didn't know what he was going to ask for. First, they were in a sex club, plus, they were warned about his requests, as well. OK, maybe to the characters is wasn't expected, but to the readers, I 100% predicted it, so sit wasn't a shock at all.

I am upset, though, that we didn't get any really explanation about why Chris was doing what he did. He was obsessed, sure, but what were the reasons behind holding them for so long? Why did he have to wait to kill them? If it was to get in their heads, it really didn't work much. It just felt awkward to me.

I am glad that this series is over. I would not read it again, and I doubt I would recommend it to others.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

First up, trigger and content warnings, they are present, and I suggest you are reading them if you might think you can't handle everything this book will throw at you. It's a lot and mental health needs to come first.

Happily Ever After, it's a fun concept, it's got happy, right? Well sometimes those HEA's are fought for..... hard. This is one of those stories. No handing over prisoners with smiles, no just saving the day and that's it. Nope, this one is going to be a process. One that will take you places you didn't know it would. You'll read/see things you never wanted to, or maybe you did.

Kara, Micah, Luke, and Conor get their HEA, I promise. It's just going to take the whole book basically, and they are going to FIGHT hard and long for it. Wounds will be mended, after more are opened up. I loved every moment of this book, and cackled at Kara's way of justice and girl has got guts!

There is a set up for an upcoming book about a family member of our polycule, so that's exciting.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Me in the Dark by Jo Brenner brings a satisfying conclusion to the Bad Heroes series. While the pacing may have slowed down slightly in the middle, the emotional depth and character development more than make up for it.

The series' signature blend of dark themes, intense emotions, and explicit content is fully present in this final installment. The trauma experienced by the characters adds a layer of vulnerability and complexity to their relationships. Watching them navigate these challenges together is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

This book also introduces some very dark themes that I found wonderful as a reader but may be too much for others, please check the authors trigger warning before reading.

Meet Me in the Dark is a powerful and emotional conclusion to a captivating series. It's a must-read for fans of dark romance and those who appreciate complex characters and intense relationships.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
🖤Why Choose
🖤Romantic Suspense
🖤Ex Navy Seals
🖤Stalker

Meet Me In The Dark is the third and final book of the Bad Heros series and can’t be read as a standalone but. This book starts off where the last book left off and the action and suspense doesn’t quit! I was on the edge of my seat with much of this book. I really enjoyed seeing these four characters grow individually and together as a group. This series has been an emotional roller coaster for me but I’m so happy to see Kara, Luke, Connor and Micah get their happily ever after! I can’t wait to see what this author brings us next!

[frenchy_reads_all · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the third and final book in the Bad Heroes Trilogy and Jo saved the best for last!! This book took me on a trip y’all! So much emotion and drama! It was crazy! Conor, Micah, Luke and Kara had to go through so much to get to their HEA! Christopher and Kara’s uncle her extremely bad four letter words!! But they also had to fight their whole inner dynamics (which hopefully you know since you’ve read book 1 & 2 already)!!! This was a phenomenal finish to the series. An outstanding series altogether and if you love your romance on the dark side, you should definitely be reading this whole series right now!!!

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, Jo. No. This one was just unpleasant. The third book in a trilogy is meant to be our payoff. Our reward. Instead you give us hundreds of pages of literal torture. So much torture. Not literary torture. Ghastly, gory torture. The romantic leads spend very little time together. What sex scenes there are, you wonder why they’re having sex at that moment, just, why? They’re all mixed in with a lot of broken bones and pain and awfulness or people being held hostage or otherwise, I’m not kidding, Kara is touching the dick of more than one man who is not
Conor, Marcus or Luke. Just no. This book was not sexy.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 men and a lady 😜

The bad heroes series was a juicy surprise.
I’m not one for M/M but these ex SEALs have huge appetites and one woman just isn’t enough. They all fall for the same girl and she’s found herself 3 dangerous and hungry men. Each one messed up.

I’ve never read anything from Jo Brenner before and I’m a sucker for a story that’s as well written as this. I’m eager to see what else Jo Brenner has up their sleeve.

It’s an action packed, hot, delicious and full of adventure. Entertaining throughout and fixes that guilty pleasure for any of you thrill seekers. Highly recommend.

[Amber Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic (and well anticipated) conclusion to this series! Kara is here to help rescue her boys. After two books of push and pull between them, I was happy to see her finally accept her place beside them. This book is so layered between the four MCs and all of their different circumstances. The secrets and reveals had me on the edge of my seat and I was practically sobbing by the time they finally got their (spicy) HEA. This one did get even more gory, so beware, but this dark romance is well worth the read.

Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha Pfeffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt like a very fitting end for this series!! Being able to see the character development throughout all three books and it coming full circle was so fulfilling! Being able to see how much Kara changes and her becoming more like “herself” was exactly what I wanted to see.

I will say towards the middle of the book there were some scenes that felt repetitive and unnecessary. It was more like filler to make the story longer, and didn’t really add to anything. After that, the story picked up! This is the only reason I wouldn’t be able to give this book five stars.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best of the Series

It started well. With pace and purpose. Like this book was going places then it just died. SPOILER ALERT:
The section when they were all captured was far too long and tedious. I started skipping pages as monologue craziness took hold again. I don’t feel like I missed out anything. It really let the book down. It was heading towards a four star.

I hope this author doesn’t plan on writing a trilogy again. I’ve enjoyed her books before but this series was not up to par. Won’t read another trilogy by her I’m afraid.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series took a minute to finish, and I think the reason I wasn’t feeling it so much was how drawn out it was. It most definitely could have only been two books if you just took out the repetitive inner monologues and you wouldn’t have lost anything. You also have to just look past the absurdity of the situations they managed to get themselves into (and out of) and just see it as an entertaining story stuffed with allllll the smut!! 😆🤷🏻‍♀️

With that said, there was a lot I did love. Like the way Connor called her his “insert perfect adjective to fit the situation” girl! Like pretty girl, brave girl, feisty girl, hurt girl… really all of them made me melt! 🫠

Her relationships with each of the guys separately and together were all so unique and what they all needed 🩷

[Savannah Lee Sailors · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet Me in the Dark by Jo Brenner. 4⭐️.

YES!!!! a happy ending for Kara , Conor, Luke & Micah !!! although there was A LOT of action in this last book , i kind of found it to be a little
boring and repetitive. do not get me wrong. i’m glad i finished this series and it most definitely gets a 4 out of 5 ⭐️. i don’t know i just felt like there was something missing. Chris’ death was my FAVORITE part of the book. he got what he deserved and the foursome finally got back to their cabin and are together as a family!

[Kayla P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Bad Heroes trilogy, so by now you know that Jo Brenner is an excellent storyteller and these books are fantastic! As you know this story follows Connor, Luke, and Micah (former Navy SEALS) and Kara, our average girl turn “villainess”. This book picks up immediately after the cliffhanger in book 2 and it gets DARK. These books have a way of sucking you in and putting you through all the emotions. This adventure is not one to miss!!

[Wendy Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Me In The Dark is the third, finale book in the Bad Heroes Series by Jo Brenner. This picks up right where book two left us. There is so much action going on in this book. TW to watch out for. There is a HEA for Kara and her guys. There is so much love between Kara and her guys. I was happy Christopher met his maker. He needed to be un alived! Looking forward to seeing whats next from Jo Brenner.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in the Bad Heroes series, and it was a great ending! You need to read the first two before reading this one. This is a dark, why-choose romance with three sexy, controlling, and possessive men. I was so glad to see Kara, Micah, Conor, and Luke get their HEA! This is a great series, but be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in. I definitely recommend this series!

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It takes Kara, Conor, Luke, and Micah through the ringer to get their HEA, but they eventually get it.

This book picks up where book 2 ended, so we get the resolution to that cliffhanger. The emotional turmoil that all four of them go through strengthens their relationships.

If you enjoyed the first 2 books, I think you'll enjoy the ending that Kara, Conor, Luke, and Micah get.

[Adrianna Lamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet Me In The Dark is the third and final book in the Bad Heroes series. The story was amazing, and the character development was phenomenal!! I continue to be hooked by Jo Brenner's writing and how the worlds she creates. I love that the series was a why choose (MMMF) with ex-navy SEALs and the woman they are taken with. Be prepared for this series to full of turbulent emotions between Kara, Micah, Connor, and Luke. The development of their journey to the end of their story had a grip or vise on me because I just had to keep reading to find out. This book had all my feelings coming out, and I loved every second of it. Highly recommend this series.

[Jody Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe this series would have been better as a duology? The third one was more dark than romance, mostly people getting tortured and intimate scenes inserted in disconcerting spots (Like, my dudes, you are on a mission and evading enemy, tuck it away). Heroine did a lot of dithering when it seemed like her mind had been made up since beginning of book to stay with Heroes. IDK, it's good to try a genre once dark romance is very Not For Me I think.

[Hawks Cloud · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved addored the first two books so i was sad when this book completely led me down.
Things felt drawn out and everything kept repeating itself.
Listen i love Character growth but having it shoved in my face and constantly repeated almost every two pages just made this book felt like a chore to read.
Some scenes were also extremely hard ro swallow and im a dark romance reader by trait.
All in all im happy this foursome got their happy ending, just sad it was dragged out.

[ListenWithNic · Rating 2 out of 5]

That’s gonna be a no from me, I should have stopped after Book 1 but apparently I’m a glutton for punishment. Honestly this series barely has a plot, it’s just fu*kng every other page. Now I love me some sexy scenes but this was excessive, it almost read like an erotica. Most of the scenes were also terribly awkward and you’re left wondering why they’re doing it at that specific time 🤷🏻‍♀️ & don’t get me started on that epilogue which was just more fu*king, unrealistic fu*king if I might add 🙄

[Jenn Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire series had me in a chokehold. The emotional ups and downs, it was a roller coaster the entire time and I absolutely loved it! I was biting my nails the entire time I was reading this book. It could’ve gone so many different ways, but Jo brenner is a mastermind and she absolutely nailed it!